In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken, and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his children continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He aims to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity, and peace.

While the situation may differ for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments when we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage may be struggling, our job may be on the line, or we may be concerned about our health; these things come at us, and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God, or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers? Of course, the even greater question is regarding our salvation. We stand before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, and we have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice... choose wisely.

Life Lesson: God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.

Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You, my life would fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit to share this Good News with others.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
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