"How can I give you up, O Ephraim!" (v. 8)

Prayer: Dear Father, we cannot fool you or pretend to be something we’re not; you know us too well. Open our minds and our understanding to know you as best we can, and to grow in appreciation of your great mercy. Amen

"I’ve given him a chance three times now. Three times he let me down. I’m not going to be generous any more. I’ve had it. I don’t want to get burned again."

This was Douglas, a man usually willing to go the second mile. He was known for his good nature and his willingness to give a person a chance. In this case, however, he had gone far enough.

Douglas was a carpenter who had a small construction business. Against his better judgment, he hired a man called Sandy to work for him. Sandy was a good worker, but not always dependable…