“TAKE WITH YOU WORDS” – Pastor Chris
Sunday, July 15, 2018
O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2).
Notice the words of the prophet in our theme scripture: “Take with you words,” not bulls and goats. We’re to take the calves (bulls) of our lips; the sacrifices of our lips, which are better than the bulls (animals) offered as sacrifice. Remember, the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin (Hebrews 9:13-14).
Hebrews 13:15 says, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name”; then he explains what the fruit of our lips are: words! We’re to give thanks to His Name, rendering words. The expression “giving thanks” in the Greek is ‘homologeo.’ It means to make confessions; to say what God has said in harmony with Him. Two can’t walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3). Thus, God expects us to walk in agreement with Him.
When you declare that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, as Peter did in Acts 10:36, you’re making confession to His Name. When you say, “Lord, you’re holy and righteous; all things belong to you; thou art exalted above all; your hands have made all things”; that’s making confessions to His Name. Remember, what’s required is that you offer sacrifice of praise, giving thanks to His Name.
For example, you say: “Thank you for what you did for me; you’ve really given me the advantage; you’ve blessed me in all things”; you’re according Him credit for what He’s done for you; you’re thanking Him, and making confessions to His Name in a way that praises Him. Even now, render to the Lord the calves of your lips! Make confessions to His Name. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for making my life glorious; you’ve blessed me in all things, and have made me great. Your faithfulness is everlasting. Thank you for giving me the advantage in life, through the Holy Spirit who lives within me. Now I know I can never be disadvantaged, and will always win; blessed be your Name forever. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Ecclesiastes 8:4; Hebrews 13:5-6
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Acts 23:12-35 & Job 40-42
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Galatians 4:12-20 & Isaiah 35
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