Just plain sad! That is my feelings toward what is going on in the book of Hosea but also in our world today. Israel was bought back by God. He had mercy on them. He made them His people again after they had gone after other gods. He loved them deeply. For a while they returned but only for a while and then they left again to pursue their own desires and what they thought provided for them. Oh America is that not us. We know the truth of God’s word and how He loves us and yet we are like Israel, strong willed, weak of flesh, running toward emptiness. Return! That is the message of Hosea. Return to the One who truly loves you. He alone fills your empty places. Truth and rest are found in Him alone. Don’t turn to pleasures or liquor to fill your emptiness. No relationship or physical pleasure will do. It is only when you find deep forgiveness and contentment that you will have the peace you so long for. May we all pray for a return of His people to their God. May our prayers be that God’s people here in America will know the need they have to return to a pure relationship with God, not one tainted with our own traditions or religion but pure worship and sacrifice of ourselves to Him. On this our nations birthday weekend I pray for a return to our God.