While taking my early morning walk, the phrase— take words with you, kept resonating in my mind. I needed to go back and look at the verse again. Sure it would take extra time but what
better way of spending my morning to find fresh manna for the day?
I like the way the NIV started; Take words with you…but I chose the King James version because of the strange phrase – render calves of our lips.
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips—Hosea 2:14.
I had never seen the word calves used as a metaphor to describe the offering of our lips. Have you?
In my study I found the Hebrew word means Par– with the biblical use meaning young bull, steer, bullock. When I did the commentary study the correct meaning of the verse opened up.
“Literally Hosea 14:2 says; for we will offer the calves of our lips. Since bull calves were often brought for sacrifice, the translators felt justified in putting it…for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.
However, the more literal rendering shows just how plainly our words of praise, worship, confession, petition, or intercession can be a sacrifice before God.” Quote taken from www.DavidGusik.com.
My thoughts: Is not this the better sacrifice we can present before God? Can we make the decision to take the needed time to offer the Lord the first fruit of our lips…calves of our lips…to give Him our praise and worship, confession, petition and intercession?
I believe Mary understood it to be so when she chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. She must have taken his words into the day as she greeted others and shared the nuggets of truth he spoke.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind me of the importance of spending time with you each day so I will be able to take your words with me whereever I go.
Glenda Mills 
Wow!!! This is terrific; thanks!
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Thanks for being my cheerleader!
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Oh Glenda, you always bring inspiration to us. Thank you for sharing your manna.
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lela,
It’s a joy to share and I pray The Lord always gets the glory. Thank you for taking time to share your words of encouragement. God bless you!
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Love this Glenda. Love the hidden treasures of His Word. Always so good when we take the time mine for them–He is always so faithful to reveal such rich nuggets when we do!
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Cindy, And I love to find sisters like you who enjoy digging for those hidden treasures in God’ Word. God bless you today my sister and friend.
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Glenda, just precious insight…to KNOW that the sacrifice of our lips are HIS words that we take with us to be used for His glory. May it be a daily exercise….one that gives way to praise and worship for what our LORD is doing to further His Kingdom.
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Joyce,
I thank God for the special fellowship we enjoy as sisters in Christ. Like you I want the sacrifice of praise to be the daily exercise of my lips in giving praise and honor to our LORD and Savior. Hugs and blessings!
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