Leviticus 5:1-13 – Sin

Read Leviticus 5:1-13

Why is it some preachers today don’t want to talk about sin? In our current culture, there is fear of offending or being “judgmental,” or simply wanting to be “welcoming.” To talk about sin is to point out behaviors people want to cling to rather than avoid. I’m sure Moses was experiencing similar struggles with his wayward crowd. The loving thing is to try to help people find their way out of sin.

Just as I was wondering what sins would necessitate the sin offering from our last reading, God reveals some of them in this passage. One common thread to these sins is recognition. “When you realize what you have done,” it says. Do you agree that sometimes we sin but don’t know we’re sinning? It’s because we don’t recognize that our actions or behaviors are driving a wedge between us and God. We aren’t familiar enough with what pleases and displeases God, only focused on pleasing our own selfish desires. Continue reading “Leviticus 5:1-13 – Sin”

Amos 9:11-15 – Restored!

Read Amos 9:11-15

two little girls hugging with joy

Is there something you’re struggling with right now that you pray God will restore for you? Maybe it’s a relationship, maybe it’s a bank account, maybe it’s to ignite your faith. Whatever it is for you, imagine that it has been accomplished. The restoration has taken place.

The hope we read about in today’s reading speaks of a restoration that was prophesied about and then actually happened. God’s promise to rebuild is meant to give the Israelites hope. Even though they have had a hard time believing they are in for some disciplinary destruction, at least they will have these words to rest upon when they find themselves stuck in exile, feeling abandoned and alone.

Continue reading “Amos 9:11-15 – Restored!”

Hosea 1-3 💙 A Picture of Forgiveness

forgiveness written in the sand

Today’s reading is longer than most. The story is a powerful example to bring to life the theme of “Salvation, Forgiveness, and New Life.” I encourage you to read the following text with that lens. What is God’s message to you today in terms of this theme?

Read Hosea 1-3

I am impressed with Hosea’s faithfulness in the first place. We don’t hear how he had to set his own feelings aside as he watched his wife get pregnant time after time. But the story Hosea’s life tells is very significant for the people of Israel.

Continue reading “Hosea 1-3 💙 A Picture of Forgiveness”
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