Today we are going to look at the topic of suffering and affliction. What does the Bible teach us about suffering? How can face difficult times with a biblical perspective that will sustain us, and give us the hope, courage, and peace we need to endure the struggles we inevitably face in a fallen world?

There in the scale of justice seats sacrifice at one end and at the ends seats obedience. Where would the scale tip in favour of? Obedience or sacrifice? Let’s explore this further in Hosea chapter 6

Have you ever had to say sorry to someone and you didn't mean  it and they can see that you don't mean it. You're just saying it because it is what is expected?

Looking at the time, age and season of the life of Daniel.

The act of blaming others and not taking responsibility is yet to resolve any problem. As we see in Hosea 4, Israel did not take responsibility and repent and gain the knowledge she needed from God but rather continued in her sin that passed onto the next generation. How does this impact you and I today?

Hosea purchased back his wife from the life of prostitution.  Rehabilitated her and reconciled her back to himself.

Hosea showed his wife forgiveness, forbearance. He had to let go of his right to be angry and to choose forgiveness

This is the same path Israel would follow to  be reconciled back to God. Israel had prostituted herself by worship and sacrificing to different idols.

Now she is even more shocked, confused, and afraid. Who is this person who found her out here? Who could she trust in such a setting? But she says, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” In spite of her fear, she is truthful.

Growing up I went to boarding school. In the boarding school, there is a term that we use called FFF. This means that a particular boy or girl is only your friend when you have plenty of provisions. Provisions as in extra snacks and things that we are allowed to bring into the school.) These FFF will no longer be your friends when your provisions have dwindled.

Hosea to marry a woman who is promiscuous who has the high likelihood of not remaining faithful to their marriage vows.

What is faithfulness? Who can you say is or was faithful?