Today's Readings: New Testament -
Mark 11:1-11
Revelation 3:1-13
Old Testament -
Job 28
Hosea 13-14
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Focus Verses: Hosea 14:1-2,9
1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. - - - 9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Insight:
Hosea's prophetic message ends with hope of renewal and restoration. There is hope for those who recognize that sinning is self-destructive. There is hope for those who ask God to for grace and forgiveness because they desire to be people who honor him. There is hope for those who turn away from their rebellious ways in order to walk in the righteous ways of the Lord.
Response and Action:
God is calling me to a life that is good and true. He wants to restore and renew me. He is ready and able to forgive and renew me. I must recognize sin for the self-destructive thing it is. I must humble myself and ask God for the forgiveness I need. I must look to his gracious provision for the strength and direction I need for living a righteous life that honors him.
O God, show me my need. Help me to recognize and turn away from sin. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, I ask you to lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 1:8-10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Resources:
Reflection & Confession
by Janet L. Johnson
