February 20, 2025

Israel's repentance and return to the Almighty living God were not to be found, and therefore, they would suffer the consequences of their actions or inactions. They were caught up in Baal and idol worship and never looked back at all the things God had done for them. However, it isn't just Israel who is guilty of rejecting God; as Christians, when we chase after the mighty dollar with no regard for the lives of others, we are as guilty as biblical Israel. When will we all learn that all our sustenance comes from God? Anything and everything you have comes from God; you have done nothing on your own. He presses you along, showing you the way, encouraging you to prosper for His and the Church's benefit. If we would only recognize His involvement in our lives and acknowledge Him for the morsels we get, He would continue to help usher us along. Pressing forward without accepting God and His favor leads to a dead end, and no good comes from it. Regardless of our iniquities, there is good news! Though we are wretched, God's heart is toward us and gave us His son, Jesus, as a propitiation for our sins. Jesus was sacrificed and victorious over death, and now, because he loves us, we no longer have to fear death because the blood of the Lamb overcame it, and our sins are forgiven. Praise God for His amazing love.

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. Hosea 13:14