Pressing On to Know Him More

Text: Hosea 6:1-6
Theme: True repentance includes acknowledging and desiring God.
Key verses: “Come, let us return to The Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us…” (v. 1a). “Let us acknowledge The Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth” (v. 3). “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings” (v. 6).
What God said to me: Son, this is where you belong, right here meeting with me in my presence and in my Word this morning. Stop and listen. Focus and meditate on what you just read. It strikes at the heart of what I want from my servants–including you. Start by coming to me. Return to what you once knew and did. Remember how sweet our fellowship once was with each other. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If you will open the door I will come in and eat with you and you with me. That is the intense and intimate fellowship I desire to have with all my children. Yet, so many leave me standing outside; they do not want my companionship. Choose today to press on to know me. Acknowledge me in all your ways, and I will direct your paths. I’m good at that. I know what you need and where you should go. I will make your paths straight and clear. Trust me. Pull in close to me. Draw near to me, and I will draw close to you. That is my promise. There is nothing you can do–no song you can sing, no blog you can write, no system you can devise–that will ever please me like following me with your whole heart and learning to be still and know that I am God–your God.
What I said to God: Holy and precious and majestic Lord, You are my Savior. You knew me before time began, and you demonstrated Your love toward me in that while I was yet a sinner, You died for me. Hallelujah! I praise You and thank You today for the gift of salvation and for the gift of intimate fellowship I have always enjoyed with You. Forgive me when I fail to meet with You, and I take for granted how awesome an opportunity You have granted to me to meet one-on-one with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I am so sorry for the time I’ve wasted on my agenda and my selfish desires. I choose You because You first chose me. I love You because You first loved me. Help me share Your love with someone who needs it today.