“TAKE WITH YOU WORDS”
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).
sunday 15
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 S TUDY:
Ecclesiastes 8:4; Hebrews 13:5-6