Saturday, October 8th

Today's reading from the Chronological OT/NT Reading Plan is Hosea 5-8; Romans 15:1-13

Scripture

Hosea 5:4 Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the Lord.

Observation

Purposefully choosing to sin can only lead us away from God.

Application

My Life Application Bible says this....

Persistent sin hardens a person's heart, making it difficult to repent. Deliberately choosing to disobey God can sear the conscience; each sin makes the next one easier to commit. Don't allow sin to groove a hard path deep within you. Steer as far away from sinful practices as possible.

I read a story in one of Philip Yancy's books (I think it was What's So Amazing About Grace?) that illustrated the truth of this principle well. A man had gone for coffee with Yancy and confessed that he was seriously considering pursuing an affair. One of the reasons he had for giving in to sin was the belief that since God is a God of grace and forgiveness, he could go ahead and sin and ask forgiveness later and everything would be ok.

Yancy obviously counselled against this decision, explaining that when we deliberately choose to sin we purposefully harden our hearts toward God the Holy Spirit, we purposefully turn our back on God - and though we are guaranteed God's forgiveness if we truly repent, by deliberately turning away from God there is no guarantee that we will ever want to repent.

Consistently choosing even small sins, deadens our conscience and leads us farther away from God. Each choice for sin is a choice for Satan and against God - it's that simple.

Prayer

Dear God,

We ask for the Holy Spirit to have free reign in our hearts. Search out our sinful tendencies and reveal them to us that we might surrender them to you and choose Light instead of darkness, Truth instead of lies. Give us an ever increasing awareness of Your holiness and our own sinfulness. When we do stumble Lord, help us to be sensitive to Your Spirit's nudging and guide us back onto the path of righteousness, that we may be restored to right fellowship with You and that You may be glorified.

Amen.

Tomorrow's passage: Hosea 9-11, Romans 15:14-33