soaking

 Friday, July 28, 2023 (5:54 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! We get to come before You exactly as we are. Flawed. Imperfect. And full of love for You. Yes!

(6:24 a.m.)

Oh, our dear and loving God. You are so truly good. Turning to You. Choosing Your Word over my thoughts. Experiencing Your peace. What joy! Thank You Father.

Following one phrase [“full of love for God”] took me to one word. Infused. And then another. Soaked. Finally arriving at “soaking in God’s love.” And in Your presence.

So many verses call us to come to You. Thank You God. You provide our every rest.

Fearful thoughts can take us far from You. Thank You that Your Word always brings us Your Truth. Speaking to us about Your compassion. As well as the importance of having a relationship with You.

The book of Hosea shows Your never ending love for Your sinful people. Thank You that we have these records of unfaithfulness, discipline, impending doom. Followed by promises for love, grace, healing, restoration and blessing.

Always reaping what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8) we are reminded that our actions have consequences. Thank You Lord for knowing Your people so well. Thank You for talking with us today through Hosea’s words and actions.

Your love for Your people never wavers. Speaking to Hosea (2:14-15) about Your love for unfaithful Israel You promised, “But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.”

Mm. Your promises.

Following over to chapter 10, verse 12. Your words to Hosea. “I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.’”

Thank You Father that we have this opportunity to soak in Your love. To be immersed in it. Transformed by it.

Use us as You alone know is best. Loving as You would have us. With all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength. You. Others. Ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). As only Your Holy Spirit can empower us (Ephesians 3:16 [through verse 21]).

Mm. Thank You. Thank You. For this opportunity to soak in Your presence. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(418 words ~ 7:27 a.m.)