As we prepare for the coming of the King, we ought to examine our thoughts, our habits, and our choices.
This morning, in my devotions, I read Hosea 2:2-23. I encourage you to read it as well. You may be shocked, as God reveals His true feelings about love, faith, and obedience. We do not often hear such graphic words of condemnation, but it is God's heart revealed through His word.
After reading Hosea 2:2-23, consider your thoughts, habits, and choices. Are they pleasing to God?
Sometimes we misunderstand grace as permission. Grace is not permission. Grace is an undeserved gift. God extends His mercy and love to us, even when we have done nothing to deserve it. It is a gift, and though the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, grace is life changing.
None of us will ever be perfect this side of heaven, that is why we need Jesus. Nevertheless, we should not resign ourselves as victims of our own inability. We are God's children! We have been called by name. We have been forgiven, redeemed, and restored through faith in the blood of Jesus.
Every day we are being made new in the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We are not victims. In fact, the Bible says "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" (Romans 8:37)
Note that even in Hosea 2 at verse 14, God promises to bring His bride back and renew His love for her. This is amazing grace! God loves us, and His love restores us and makes us new!
So as we continue to prepare for the coming of the King, let us each examine our own thoughts, habits, and choices to see if there is something we ought to surrender to the grace of God. Let us do so in preparation for the coming of the King, as we journey together along the Way ...
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