#redeemed #identity by: Julie Wicker

Hosea 3:1 “The Lord said to me, go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other Gods and love the sacred raisin cakes”.

This is a beautiful story of Redemption and the beginning of Hosea’s Reconciliation with his wife. Hosea has been left by his wife Gomer to take care of their home and three children, so she can go live her life as a prostitute and give herself away to other men.

The crazy twist to the story, Hosea had the cliff notes. Previously in Hosea 1:2 the Lord speaks through Hosea and tells him to marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer & to have children with her. Can you imagine, going through the heartache of losing your wife and then God instructs Hosea to go buy her back. Not just take her back but go to the auction and buy his wife back.
The Joy for us, we have already been bought. We too have been to the Auction. It may be something as small as gossip or the little white lie. Thankfully Jesus blotted out those transgressions on the cross. We didn’t have to go through the scorning and humiliation. We didn’t have to stand naked with our sins exposed at an auction. Rather than a crown of thorns we have been crowned in beauty. From Isaiah 62:3 NLT; “The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see, a splendid crown in the hand of God”.
My favorite novel is “Redeeming Love” by: Francine Rivers”. When I first read this fictional novel based off real scripture back in 2012, it really changed my walk with God and my relationship with Christ Jesus.
I wanted to share a quote with you from one of my favorite authors who has helped me tremendously with my Identity;
“When my identity is tied to circumstances, I become extremely insecure because circumstances are unpredictable and ever-changer. We must tie our identities to our unchanging, unflinching, unyielding, undeniably good, and unquestionably loving God.”
– Lysa Terkheurst-

#prayer #Identity
Father,
Search us, God and Know our hearts. You know our thoughts, see if they are sinful and lead us to your cross Psa 139:23-24. You chose us, your sons and daughters before all creation to be holy and blameless in your sight. In your love we are adopted through your son Jesus Christ for your pleasure and your will Eph 1:4-5. We are engraved on the palms of your hands, we will always be in your sight Isa 49:16. You have put your seal of ownership on us & your spirit lives in us as your guarantee of what is to come 2 Cor 1:22. We are made to be victorious through you who loves us Ro 8:37. We are so thankful for your mercies are new every morning Lam 3:23. In the name of Jesus Amen

#worship Build My Life by: Housefires