Can God Fix This

Can God Fix This? (Hosea 14:1-9) Sin Like a disease The source of our temptation unto sin is internal, born of the desires of our flesh (Matt. 15:19, Ro. 7: 14-20, Gal. 5:16-20, James 1:13-15) Related to faithlessness Repentance (Zeph. 3:5, Jer. 7:25, Acts 26:15-18) Repentance (metanoias): a change of mind, a turning in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit (the carrot) Renounce false gods Misplaced Trust Those who feel self-sufficient cease depending on God Those who rely on other people will be disappointed Humbly return to God with sorrow (Ps. 51:17, Acts 2:37-38, James 4:10) Distress sometimes leads to humility and prayer, which in turn invite God’s grace (2 Chron. 33:12-13, Deut. 4:30-31, Jer. 31:18-20, Hosea 5:15, Luke 15:14-24, Ps. 86:5) The true condition of sinful man As a helpless orphan, weak and in need But no one is beyond hope (2 Pe. 3:9b, Isa. 30:17-18) God took a murderer by the name of Moses, and turn him into a great national and spiritual leader. He took a liar and deceiver by the name of Jacob, and made him the cornerstone of a nation. He took an adulterer and murderer like David, and used him to write many of the Psalms to strengthen and encourage the people of God. Saul/Paul (Acts 9:10-19)

John Newton, Former Slave Ship Captain, became Abolitionist, wrote “Amazing Grace”. Manassah spent most of his 55 years doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped idols, attempted to communicate with the dead people through spiritual mediums and he sacrificed his own sons as human offerings to idols. Tradition tells us he had the prophet Isaiah sawn in half. But after he was humbled and turned to God, he spent the rest of his life attempting to lead his people back to God. Likewise we should use the grace shown us to the benefit of others (see also: Luke 22:31-32, Peter) Never stop praying for people, even up to the last instant (Luke 23:39-43, 1 Tim. 2:1-4) Persistence demonstrates faith. We must pray for others while we still can (Isa. 55:6) Acknowledge our sin (Take personal responsibility for it!) (1 John 1:19) Confess with words from the heart Acknowledge guilt Ask for forgiveness Commit to change God requires a whole-hearted commitment Praise Him God’s Response Repentance removes wrath/suspends judgement Draws near to us Forgives & Forgets (2 Chron. 7:14) To receive forgiveness requires faith (Mark 2:5)

Begins the purification, healing, restoration & renewal process in our lives (Ps. 51:2, Jer. 3:22, 33:8, John 3:5, Heb. 10:22, 1 Cor. 6:11, Titus 2:14, Isa. 1:18, 2 Cor. 5:17-6:2) You must put your heart in His Hands because it takes a changed heart to truly change behavior God blesses us anew Like the dew, fresh every morning (Lam. 3:22-23, Ps. 30:5, 86:15) Lily = beauty & fertility Cedars of Lebanon = a strong, stable, long term bond Shade = protection Grain = covenant blessing Wine = joy and gladness