YOUR REAL NAME
Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"...And the Lord said to Hosea, Name your daughter Lo-ruhamah--'not loved'--for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them." Hosea 1:6 NLT

If you've never read the book of Hosea, I urge you to invest your time and energy into doing it. It's power-packed. It's convicting. It's grace-filled. It's one of my favorite book in the Bible!

There are several verses, I have jotted down eight just this morning, that cause me to pause and think about God's love for me.

But this one? This one about Hosea's daughter and her name--it hit me...

Maybe satan is attempting to tell you your name is Lo-ruhamah.

Maybe he is leading you to believe you are unloved or your sins are beyond the realm of God's mercy.

Maybe you are surrounded by people who feed into your insecurity and keep your chained to old habits.

Let me tell you, at this bright and early time of the day, Lo-ruhamah is not your name!

You are loved by God!

You are more than loved by God--you have been given an opportunity to be His own child through the saving blood of Jesus on the cross!

You have not and cannot step outside of His love, forgiveness and grace. Not a one of your sins are above or below what He is willing and able to forgive you of. No stronghold has enough strength to hold you when it has been given to God. Your past has not ruined your future unless it keeps you from falling at His feet.

You are loved deeply by the Lord God Almighty and anyone telling you otherwise is leading you astray.

Your name is not Lo-ruhamah!