Verses that inspire

 

Two passages to inspire us this week; one is from one of the "minor" prophets, Hosea, and the other from one called a "major" prophet - Ezekiel.

Take words with you
    and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
    “Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
    that we may offer the fruit of our lips." (Hosea 14:2)

And here is our passage in Ezekiel:

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:25-26)

What a precious promise from our Father God!

Along with the forgiveness of our sins, He promises to give us a new heart . . . . a heart filled with desire to please God. Yes, it's "a hard row to hoe," as my grandma used to say, to follow the Lord in righteousness. But we have a God Who promises to not just forgive our sins, but also to give us a heart that longs to be close to Him. That heart will be given a fresh start with the Holy Spirit every morning when we open our eyes and climb out of bed (some of us more slowly and carefully than others!).

Praise God that He gives us His cleansing, His forgiveness, and a heart that wants to stay close to Him!