June 15, 2025

Returning to God

“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” Hosea 14:4

When one rejects and runs from God, our calling is to pray the Spirit of God after them to bring them back. A backslidden soul can find fellowship again with the Lord through the power and working of the Spirit upon their wayward life. We may encourage them, but only the Spirit can bring conviction and break a stubborn heart into returning to the awaiting love of God.

We can return to the Lord and find revival for our faith no matter how stale our spiritual condition has become. God welcomes us back with His love and will freely heal our waywardness and restore our relationship with Him.

Let’s pray today for those we know and love who are far from the God they once followed.

June 14, 2025

Dire Circumstances

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.” Hosea 6:1

Bad things do happen to good people, but it does not mean God is against those in dire circumstances. A parent who loves their child will discipline them when it’s necessary, because they want them to learn and grow from it, which usually can only happen by going through it. God may allow hurt or harm to befall you, but not without His intentions to shape your character for your own eternal good.

Our God is our Creator and Sovereign Lord, so when we are broken and in need of healing, why wouldn’t we want to go immediately to Him? Whatever our circumstances, the Lord knows what’s best for us in the outcome that He can arrange.

Let’s pray today that we may look toward the Lord for the eternal lesson in tough times.

June 13, 2025

Animals in Heaven

“In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety.” Hosea 2:18

Animals remind us of God’s characteristics of work, provision, companionship, and faithfulness. They are different from us in that they are instinctive in their behavior and without that identical free-will decision making ability that we possess. Sometimes even our pets can turn aggressive, but in heaven we will enjoy all animals, even tigers, lions, and bears, as companions without risk of harm.

In Heaven, there will be no fear among the animals for their safety from predators and even they will lie down without fear of attack. The mark of sin and its erosion of death upon every living creation will be happily absent in eternity.

Let’s pray today that we may be more receptive to pets and animals as God’s gifts to us.