Daily Bible Reading - August 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of Forgiveness and MercySampel

August 10 Introduction The LORD condemns Israel’s pagan worship practices and idolatry, and the people are to be punished for their sinfulness. Today’s reading concludes with a claim that the people will seek the LORD after they have suffered enough. Scripture Reading Hosea 5:4-15 Today’s Key Verse: Hosea 5:4a The evil that the people have done keeps them from returning to their God. Reflect In ancient times, offering burned sacrifices was a way to worship God and to restore or celebrate the relationship between the giver and God. Israel’s laws for sacrifice usually called for the sacrifice of cattle or sheep. Why has God refused to accept these sacrifices? Reread 5:15. What will it take for the people to be restored to God? Pray Lord God, there are times when I feel abandoned by or separated from you because of my sinfulness. Teach me to acknowledge my sinful ways and confess my sins to you so that I may be restored to a right relationship with you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling to acknowledge their sinfulness and return to the Lord. Tomorrow’s Reading Hosea 6:1—7:2: The people’s repentance is insincere.