The Book of Hosea can teach us a lot! by Mandy Greer

In the beginning of the Book of Hosea it talks about God telling Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman. Hosea marries Gomer and conceived three children. The children were all named by God. But she was not faithful to Hosea. It then goes on to talk about God speaking to his people and the promises that were given to Abraham. A new leader will bring Israel and Judah back together. In Chapter 2 it talked about the punishment and restoration that took place. God is the ultimate judge in life. In this chapter Hosea mentions that God will decide what to do about Israel. In this case, he wants his children to argue with their mother and that he wants Gomer to return to him. Gomer will pay for her sins. But God never stopped loving her.

This parable teaches us that God is always in control. We will be judged for our lives. But God loves us with a very special love. A love that we cannot understand. How wonderful is that? Even though we can stray away in life, God will always love us and be here for us. We need to repent of those sins and start fresh daily.

We are God's people! When we are born, we need God. But throughout life, we allow things to take the place of God. It can be things like social media, our family, work, TV, and any number of things. But what we need to realize is that we need to make time for God, every day! This is not a "when I feel like it" statement. This should be a blessing to us. Being able to have time with the ONE who created us and who has so graciously given us life, should be honored and respected. We should look forward to that time. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die for us. We may stray away but know that God is here and will never stop showing that love. We need to slow down in life and meet with him daily.

I pray for everyone reading this that you will allow your time with God to be special. I pray the Holy Spirit fills you and gives you peace and love in your life. You are so special and created for a purpose. You are God's child and are blessed. I pray we all can slow down in life and really take time to spend with our Heavenly Father and thank him for his love and blessings.

God bless each of you.