Hosea 14:1-3; Psalm 51:1-19
Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity…
that we may present the fruit of our lips” (Hosea 14:3, New American Standard Version).

Today, let us take words with us and seek the face of God in repentance and consecration in preparation for the New Year. Remember, true worship is impossible without repentance.

When we sin, God is willing to forgive us. But we must be humble and willing to pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9).  We must confess our sins and not assume that God understands. He made provision for our cleansing. We have to use it.

Prophet Hosea writes, “Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity… that we may present the fruit of our lips” (vs.3, New American Standard Version). In the spirit realm sacrifices are made through words and symbols. This is what the saints of old exemplified by repenting in ashes and dusts as they prayed (See Joel 2:1-5).

The next thing is to worship God for the cleansing power in the blood of Jesus Christ. We worship because we acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus over our lives and family.  Friend, when last did you come to the presence of the Father with repentant words and ask Him to forgive and cleanse you?

We need to pay attention to these things. God does not remember our sins after we have been forgiven. That is another reason for us to tell Him thank you and worship. See Isaiah 40:26. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray as you have been challenged.

Hymn: What can wash away my sins.

Further Reading: 1 Samuel 25.