God honors us when we confess our sins and faults to Him. One thing is sure — all of us have sinned, but thanks be unto God He will restore us. In today’s scripture lesson, we find that after repentance, there is promise of forgiveness and renewal. In Hosea 14:1, we find these words:

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down.”

In many ways, the people of Israel had been turning their backs on God, committing a number of sins. The prophet asked them to return to the Lord. He tells them that if they return to the Lord He will forgive them and grant them blessings. This promise does not apply just to the people of Israel, it applies to all of us who have turned our back on God. We don’t hear the term “backslider” much anymore, but we surely can go backward. God wants us to get up, turn around, and repent. In return, He will indeed give us that which only a loving God can give — forgiveness, love, grace, and mercy. These are blessings we all need. It is my prayer today that if we know someone who has wandered away from the Lord that we will appeal to them, just as the prophet did, to return to the Lord. I pray for any believer who has wandered from the Lord that they will make this day the day of their return. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!