Offering the Fruit of Our Lips: A Devotional

Hosea 14: 2 Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.“

When I see nature in all of its colorful glory, I praise the Lord for trees, colors, and the beauty that heals our souls and teaches us how to live. When I see the leaves falling in the Fall, I am reminded that the world didn’t just happen, but that a master Creator designed a wonderful world in which nature teaches us that we, too, need times to rest and be rejuvenated, just like the Japanese maple trees in the photograph.

So often, we only praise God for the big things like a house, car, jobs, and that’s fine, but let’s not forget to offer the fruit of our lips for the small blessings in nature around us that we often take for granted. One day, there may not be any more trees or flowers or natural habitats. So, take time to stop running here and there to appreciate the beautiful earth that the Lord has given us to enjoy and be inspired by.

Praise the Lord. Amen.