“I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.
I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.
Let those who are wise understand these things.
Let those with discernment listen carefully” (Hosea 14:8-9 NIV).
God declares in Hosea, “I am…” for those who are heavy laden with sins. He declares hope to those desiring to release their sins, receive His forgiveness and offer up praises to Him. God not only declares that HE IS the God who answers your prayers and cares for you; He also affirms that He will heal you, love you, not be angry with you, refresh you, cause you to blossom like a lily and grow deep roots, make you as beautiful as an olive tree and fragrant like a cedar, and cause you to flourish!
What great promises we have, displaying His loving kindness and mercy to the lost, the backslider, and the hurting. Those who will choose to look to God for shelter and give Him praise as Lord of all receives the great power and joy of becoming eternally fruitful in life, as we stay connected to Him.
Here in Hosea, God’s love points us to the future coming of Jesus and forgiveness we receive through Him. The New Testament (NT) goes on to make approximately 122 references to who we are “In Him” or “In Whom.” As you personalize these statements from the NT, God provides us our own “I am” statements.
As He says “I am” and declares who He is to us, He opens our eyes to who we are. Now as children of God, made right with Him through Jesus, we can boldly declare “I am” all He has paid the price for me to be through faith in Him. As you read and meditate on the statements below, may you rejoice in your new identity in Christ and receive His love in abundance!
I am loved by God. (John 3:16)
I am delivered from the power of darkness through His Son. (Colossians 1:13)
I am able to love others with the love of God. (Colossians 3:14)
I am called with a holy calling, according to His purpose and grace through Christ. (2 Timothy 1:9)
I am healed by His stripes. (1 Peter 2:24)
I am increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)
I am giving thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I am sharing Jesus with others. (Romans 1:16)
I am complete in Him. (Colossians 2:10)
I am surrounded with His favor like a shield. (Psalm 5:12)
-Pastors Shaun & Amy
