Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines.

Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines.

Many people limit themselves with their own thoughts about their past, mistakes, and limitations. We’ve all done things that we shouldn't have done. God loves us no matter what. God can forgive anyone, but too many people cannot forgive themselves. Through the Bible, God uses flawed people to accomplish His will. Each of these people doubted themselves but allowed God to work through them to do perfect work. God uses these crooked sticks to draw straight lines.

Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense.

Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense.

Taking a look at the beatitudes in the present tense.

God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us.

God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us.

God has more for us than we even realize. We can have great church, worship, and moves of God, and there is still more God wants for us. The young man in our text was a good man. He had kept the law since his youth and had obtained great wealth. He was comfortable. We can be good people with great possessions and still lack the thing we need the most. It is not enough to be good. This young ruler was so close to the biggest opportunity of his life. He was speaking to Jesus and seeking more, but he was content with the goodness he already had, so he missed the greatness he wanted. To get the thing we need, we have to let go of the things we have. If we want what God has for us, we must set aside what we think is great and embrace the greatest that God has for us.

The story of Hosea is a sad one. God compelled him to marry a prostitute, resulting in a great deal of heartache and sadness in Josea to the point that he was ready to divorce her because he could not stand it anymore. Our text picks up in the middle of that lament, where Josea expresses another chance at the redemption of the relationship. Hosea’s story is, of course, a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Despite repeated heartbreak and despair, God wants to reconcile with his wayward people. God is willing to take a chance to offer us a way to start fresh because of His great love for us.