Hosea presented the case regarding the guilt of Ephraim with exacting words from God.  The people of Israel were absolutely guilty before a Righteous God.  His words condemned them totally. However, also offering a sliver of hope for their repentance.  After all, if the Ninevites could be saved, surely there was hope for God’s people.  Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, named as one of the 12 tribes of Israel.  Joshua was his descendent and thus the richest of the lands were owned by the tribe of Ephraim.  They had prospered tremendously in the land of Israel.  Yet, amid great prosperity, they became careless and complacent.   Ultimately, pride and arrogance lead to the division of the northern 10 tribes of Israel from the southern tribes.  God speaks out harshly against “Ephraim” as he admonishes the northern tribes of Israel. 

Hear the word of the Lord,You children of Israel,
For the Lord brings a charge^[a] against the inhabitants of the land:

“There is no truth or mercy
Or knowledge of God in the land.
² By swearing and lying,
Killing and stealing and committing adultery,
They break all restraint,
With bloodshed ^[b]upon bloodshed.
³ Therefore the land will mourn;
And everyone who dwells there will waste away
With the beasts of the field
And the birds of the air;
Even the fish of the sea will be taken away.  Hosea 4 (NKJV)

Sounds familiar?  “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.” 

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.  Hosea 4:6

Are we as a nation rejecting the knowledge of God?

Absolutely Guilty

⁷ “The more they increased,
The more they sinned against Me;
Iwill change  their glory into shame.
⁸ They eat up the sin of My people;
They set their  heart on their iniquity.
⁹ And it shall be: like people, like priest.
So I will punish them for their ways,
And reward them for their deeds.
¹⁰ For they shall eat, but not have enough;
They shall commit harlotry, but not increase;
Because they have ceased obeying the Lord.  Hosea 4

One of the saddest things we see on earth is the careless casting aside of God by humans particularly in their moments of greatest blessings.  It is as though during those seasons we forget that all we have is because of His grace alone and mercy toward us.  How quickly did the Israelite nation forget all of God’s mercies toward them. 

Yet God Pleads with Them through Hosea

 Come, and let us return to the Lord;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will ^[a]bind us up.
² After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight.
³ Let us know,
Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.
His going forth is established as the morning;
He will come to us like the rain,
Like the latter and former rain to the earth.

⁴ “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you?
O Judah, what shall I do to you?
For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud,
And like the early dew it goes away.
⁵ Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,
I have slain them by the words of My mouth;
And  your judgments are like light that goes forth.
⁶ For I desire mercyand not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings

                                              Hosea 6 (NET)

One can hearing the pleading of Hosea’s voice. After all Hosea understood the depth of God’s love for these who had cast His love aside like dirty rags to chase after other lovers.  Hosea had been deserted by the wife he loved. How often are we guilty of the same, casting aside God’s love while searching after other earthly pleasures?  Is our nation not guilty of the same acts of harlotry?

Absolutely Guilty with no shame

As they saw Assyria preparing to attack, what did the Israelite people do?   Did they look to God and lay down their idols?  No Repentance was far from their hearts, as they looked to Egypt for their rescue.  Ah, but how often do we want to return to whatever Egypt we were formerly enslaved to rather than to turn to God who loves us? 

¹¹ “Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without ^[e]sense—
They call to Egypt,
They go to Assyria.
¹² Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them;
I will bring them down like birds of the air;
I will chastise them
According to what their congregation has heard.

¹³ “Woe to them, for they have fled from Me!
Destruction to them,
Because they have transgressed against Me!
Though I redeemed them,
Yet they have spoken lies against Me.
¹⁴ They did not cry out to Me with their heart
When they wailed upon their beds.

“They ^[f]assemble together for grain and new wine,
^[g]They rebel against Me;
¹⁵ Though I disciplined and strengthened their arms,
Yet they devise evil against Me;
¹⁶ They return, but not ^[h]to the Most High;
They are like a treacherous bow.
Their princes shall fall by the sword
For the cursings of their tongue.
This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

Hosea 7 (NET)

THE WRITING ON THE WALL

Much as what happened to King Belshazzar of Babylon, one day all nations will come to the place of judgment.  It was over 300 years after Hosea and after Israel fell to Assyria. Assyria as well as Judah were then overtaken by the Babylonian Empire.  Step by step God’s mighty hand had marched forward in time.  He used a pagan empire to punish His people.  King Nebuchadnezzar came to believe also in the God of Israel, the one true God. 

Yet, years after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, it would be time for Cyrus of Persia to return the remnant of true believers to Jerusalem.  Isaiah had foretold of this hundreds of years before it happened.   Therefore, one fateful night King Belshazzar, the co-regent of Babylon with his father Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire threw a party.  At that party King Belshazzar called for all the sacred golden cups stolen from the temple of God.  He poured wine in these to defile them when a hand wrote on the wall.

That hand wrote an ominous warning that time was up for the Babylonians and for their kingdom.  Just like that, they were absolutely guilty before a Righteous God.  These were the words of God spoken through Daniel that night.

Daniel 5: (NET)

¹⁸ O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. ¹⁹ And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed. And whomever he wished, he kept alive Also, whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.

²⁰ But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. ²¹ Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he ^[l]knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

²² “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. ²³ And you have ^[m]lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of ^[n]His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified. ²⁴ Then the ^[o]fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

The Words Written by the Hand of God

²⁵ “And this is the inscription that was written:

^[p]MENE, MENE, ^[q]TEKEL, ^[r]UPHARSIN.

²⁶ This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; ²⁷ TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; ²⁸ PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”^{[s] 29} Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

³⁰ That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. ³¹ And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.  You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting, Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians. 

Daniel was now an old man.  He had spent years praying for the remnant.  Cast aside by the younger King, he had too been forgotten.  Yet, God put him in the room to witness the takeover by the Persians, knowing this was the answer to prayer and God’s perfect orchestration of the salvation of the remnant. 

Could God say the same of our nation? Or even our world? Are we not absolutely guilty before a righteous God.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: Absolutely Guilty

Where are we as a nation?  Furthermore, where do you and I stand at the present.  If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, then we have nothing to fear.  Yes, I am absolutely guilty before a righteous God; however, clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ I am justified.  When He looks down from heaven, He sees the sacrifice of His Son.  Washed in the blood, I am clean forever.   The storms may rage, but He will hold us fast.  He will complete all that He has planned. 

So, what are we to do now?  WE are to be the beacons of light in this dark and troubled world.  How could I give Him less than all of me, (heart, mind, and soul) every moment of every day?  That is the least I can do and I can trust Him in the darkest hours because I can see His heart of love through it all.    

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How Much Are You Willing to Lose for The Amazing Love of God?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo by Permission of RoninRon Pencil Art

        Throughout the scripture, God sent prophets and His word to the people, pleading with them to turn to Him.  The amazing love of God reaches out to us, in our darkest hours in spite of our sins.  He sent His son to pay the price of our sin so that we might be saved.  The same amazing love of God has loved me even when I ran after other idols, just as the children on Israel had.  But how much am I willing to lose to cling tight to the amazing love of God.  What if He requires, I lay aside everything, that I might be His voice in the world?  That was the case of the prophets.  Each sacrificed everything.  Some more than others.

        God’s prophets each presented their message in various ways to try to reach the people.  Jeremiah was asked to walk away from his life and the woman he loved to preach God’s message to a people who would not listen.  Ezekiel’s wife died and he was not even given a chance to mourn, because his message was too great.  Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians where he was castrated.  Each one sacrificing so much to gain everything.  And why?  Because they understood and desired the Amazing Love of God.  They saw God in all His Glory as the greatest treasure to be desired and thereby they were willing to lose everything for the sake of speaking His truth to the people.      

         Each prophet spoke by different means.  Jonah through his own failures pointed to the people’s sin.  Amos, a shepherd spoke clearly against the sins of the people.  Meanwhile, Hosea spoke of God’s judgement to come, was also asked to live out an example before the people of God’s Amazing Love. 

Hosea 1: (NKJV)- The Amazing Love of God Displayed

1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.  ² When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea:

“Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry
And children of harlotry,
For the land has committed great ^[a]harlotry
By departing from the Lord.”

Nowhere are we told if Hosea knew she was a harlot when he married her.  Most likely not, rather it by the time he wrote this he knew.  Yet, God had sent him to marry Gomer and put in his heart to love her unconditionally.  God knew her heart and saw that her heart was like that of the people of Israel toward Him.  They chased after other loves, believing in them they would find the desires of their hearts fulfilled.  But the truth they failed to see. 

He Did as God Commanded

³ So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. ⁴ Then the Lord said to him:“Call his name Jezreel,
For in a little while
I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu,
And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.
⁵ It shall come to pass in that day
That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel”  (Hosea NKJV).

God clearly spoke of the judgement to come. 

Even In Judgement the Amazing Love of God was shown

⁶ And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him:

“Call her name ^[b]Lo-Ruhamah,
For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel,
^[c]But I will utterly take them away.
⁷ Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah,
Will save them by the Lord their God,
And will not save them by bow,
Nor by sword or battle,
By horses or horsemen.”

It was too late for Israel; but mercy was still extended to the house of Judah.  The 10 tribes of Israel have only recently begun to return to the land after all these years.  Yet, Judah did return after the Babylonian exile.  Jesus was born from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of King David as foretold.  Yet, Hosea preached on the truth, even as his heart was about to be broken.  The amazing love of God sometimes breaks our hearts that we might understand the depth of His love for us. 

The Amazing Love of God Proclaims Mercy After Judgement

⁸ Now when she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. ⁹ Then God said:

“Call his name ^[d]Lo-Ammi,
For you are not My people,
And I will not be your God.

¹⁰ “Yet the number of the children of Israel
Shall be as the sand of the sea,
Which cannot be measured or numbered.
And it shall come to pass
In the place where it was said to them,
‘You are ^[e]not My people,’
There it shall be said to them,
‘You are sons of the living God.’
¹¹ Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel
Shall be gathered together,
And appoint for themselves one head;
And they shall come up out of the land,
For great will be the day of Jezreel!

One day they would return, that day is yet to come when God returns to reign in Jerusalem.  All this plays out in the life of Hosea. 

Hosea’s Wife Leaves

Gomer left to a life of prostitution, seeking gold and riches.  Hosea with broken heart raised his children.  All the people whispered and mocked him, as he continued to preach God’s words.  Knowing the law demanded her death, Hosea continued to love Gomer with a broken heart. 

This was a picture of the people of Israel and how they were harlots toward God.  His Amazing love for them pursued them; yet they rejected Him to seek after worldly goods. 

And after the judgement, there will be yet to come the mercy of God to Israel. 

Hosea 2:

¹⁴ “Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak ^[g]comfort to her.
¹⁵ I will give her her vineyards from there,
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;
She shall sing there,
As in the days of her youth,
As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

¹⁶ “And it shall be, in that day,”
Says the Lord,
“That you will call Me ^[h]‘My Husband,’
And no longer call Me ^[i]‘My Master,’

¹⁹ “I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me
In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy;
²⁰ I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the Lord.

²¹ “It shall come to pass in that day
That I will answer,” says the Lord;
“I will answer the heavens,
And they shall answer the earth.
²² The earth shall answer
With grain,
With new wine,
And with oil;
They shall answer ^[j]Jezreel.
²³ Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,
And I will have mercy on her who had ^[k]not obtained mercy;
Then I will say to those who were ^[l]not My people,
‘You are ^[m]My people!’
And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ ”

This will yet be the case.  Despite all the years, one day Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over the entire world including the Israeli nation.  And as an example of the Amazing Love of God, Hosea also went to rescue Gomer once she had lost everything and was being sold as a slave. Gomer was broken, enslaved, and deserving of death.  Hosea was sent to save his beloved.

Hosea 3

3 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover^[a] and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.”

² So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. ³ And I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days; you shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man—so, too, will I be toward you.”

⁴ For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. ⁵ Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days.

So, the question is:  What are you willing to lose to proclaim the Amazing Love of God to a world that is broken.   What if He asked you to live a life of suffering or sacrifice that one person might be saved?  Is there any suffering too great for the salvation of one soul? 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Knowing Jesus Could Return Today. Why Does My Life Look the Same

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

Life with all its uncertainties marches on before us, until it is no more.  Perhaps we do not think much about it.  Yet, all around us there are wars.  Spiritual wars and those created by humans.  Wars within our borders and outside.  You might say, not here in the USA.  But are there not?  When the FBI shows up with guns drawn on a father and his 11 children because he sang Christian songs at an abortion center or blocks of cities burn in the name of protest.  Am I to respond with anger or fear?  Jesus Christ as my Savior.  Therefore, knowing Jesus could return today, why does my life look the same as everyone else at times?  Why should I get angry when a car cuts me off?  Should I not be a little more patient with the grandkids? 

More importantly, who do I know or pass each day that does not know Jesus?  Did I reach out to them with love today?  Regardless of their response, what should mine be.

Knowing Jesus Transforms Me

Jesus after his resurrection spoke to Peter.  He told Peter that he too would be crucified.  Jesus told the apostles He would return.   At that Peter first asked about the others.  Would they be present when Christ returns?  But Jesus responded with, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.  (John 21:22 KJV) Previously Jesus spoke, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you ^[a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.  What things had He spoken?  He had just completed telling them that He was the Vine and they the branches.  His joy and love would perfect them in Him.  Without Him, I can do nothing.  But with Him I see the world through eyes of love, not hate and fear. 

Peter then with the power of the Spirit, no longer ran in fear and dismay.  Instead, he wrote instructions on how we are to live Knowing Jesus could return today.  Despite being beaten, jailed and persecuted, Peter marched on proclaiming the name of Jesus in word and humble servanthood.  Bold to speak the word.  Meek in our response to persecution. 

1 Peter 2:

1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, ² as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious

Point #1: Desire the milk of the word—It is the nourishment our hearts need.  Also it is our only offensive weapon.  We are to stand firm on its truth.  Preaching and proclaiming it as God’s unerring word of Truth.

Why Knowing Jesus brings life and Hope?

⁴ Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

⁷ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who ^[b]are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

⁸ and

“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

        Point #2    Knowing Jesus—is He precious to you?  More precious than any treasure?

How are we to Act Then when trials come?

¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ¹² having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

¹³ Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— ¹⁶ as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. ¹⁷ Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

¹⁸ Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. ¹⁹ For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

Knowing Jesus, we follow His example

²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

²² “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; ²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. ²⁵ For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

So, are we to remain silent? 

No, Knowing Jesus, we speak boldly of His being the only hope of Salvation.  Without Him, we are nothing.  But in Him, we have everything.  Knowing Jesus, the most unloving thing we can do is to keep silent and allow others to die in their sin and ignorance.  But we are to do so without malice and without anger.  We must speak boldly shining light into darkness and trust God to complete His work in us and through us to the world.

  ¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.   (Hebrews 4 NKJV)

Therefore, Knowing Jesus Could Return today, I must begin each day in His word and then go forth boldly to speak truth into the darkness, never worrying about the consequences to myself.  God will provide me with the strength, the hope and the joy needed to praise Him through whatever may come my way. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

PREVIOUS

Where Do We Find Hope Peace and Joy in A World of Chaos?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

If we listen to the news, we are certain to feel the weight of all that is going on in the world.  Whether it is the media seeking ratings by hyperbolic speech or whether the world is plunging forward toward World War III, we cannot help but notice the chaos.  Fear enters our hearts as we realize that we must at this point be hearing the warning signs that God is pleading with us to turn around and seek Him.  Because only in Him can we find hope peace and joy in a nation of chaos.  Yet, hope peace and joy are not what we see in the world around us today.  In the world there is chaos, fear, famine, and winter is coming.    

Many countries and people facing a cold winter with no fuel to heat their homes.  Some in Europe are asked to reduce their bathing and baking.  Companies are forced to reduce their employees and their hours of work.  Meanwhile, I noted today that the shelves in Walmart were many of them stripped bare.  Meat not available on many shelves.  And we wonder.  Is it too late?  Or has God forsaken us all!  Absolutely Not!  God throughout the ages has pursued each of us with His relentless love.  But He will not force anyone.  Is there time for one last revival before He declares the end of this the church age?

A Review of History—Hope Peace and Joy amid Worldwide Chaos

 If we look through history, God sent His prophets warning Israel from 931 BC until 722 BC before their captivity.  This was in spite of so many refused to listen.  Instead, they followed after sin.   And for Judah, He persisted in pursuing them with miracles, admonitions, warnings, famines, and every attempt to get their attention from 931 BC until 586 BC.  Nineveh one of the most evil gentile cities, he proclaimed their destruction would come.  Yet, they repented and followed Him.  Therefore, they lived another 150 years until the latter generations rejected Him before He sent their destruction. 

God never forgot His people, keeping promise to them.  From the time Adam sinned, God promised a Savior.  When all had turned their back on God, one family was preserved to carry forward God’s plan of redemption.  That was Noah.  Not because He was perfect; but He believed God.  That faith was counted to him for righteousness.  God chose Abraham to carry forward the promise of a Savior.  Then throughout the ages, God remained faithful, protecting the remnant of believers, while also reaching out to the whole world.  And now, can we see the warnings all around us?

A World of Chaos of Our Own Making

 Romans 1:^16 (NKJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like ^[h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

We watched throughout the ages; humanity chose to worship all forms of idols instead of God.  With great patience and enduring love, He has presented Himself to the world relentlessly.   But alas often to little avail.  Yet, in His wisdom, He knew that one cannot love were by choice.  Each of us are given that choice to believe Him, bow down to Him as Lord, or not.  When we do, we are given love, hope, peace, and joy abounding for eternity.  So, why do so many say no?

How Do We Know A Society Is Falling Under Judgement?

Well, as we noted above, they seek after many other gods.  Money, pleasure, selfish desires, the earth, the sun, the moon, idols made by hand, and the list goes on.  As the word says, “God gave them up to” means He stepped back and allowed them to pursue the desires they requested to without interfering.  So let us continue in Romans 1 to follow this plan. 

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the ^[j]men, leaving the natural use of the ^[k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, ^[sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ^31 ]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, ^]unforgiving, unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Resulting in What? Hope Peace and Joy? No!

Thus, the thrust toward humanistic philosophies believing humanity can rise to a better society on their own has now step by step led us to division, confusion, and despair.  As Ben Harnwell refers to them, our psychopathic overlords still push for a globalization agenda that is pushing us farther and farther into ultimate destruction.  Famine, wars, pandemics, and the complete destruction of enterprise.  “you will own nothing and be happy” is their motto.  For their plan to work there needs to be a smaller population—hence famines, pandemics, chemical castration of the children, abortions, fentanyl deaths, and creation of a violent criminal society all work together to eliminate whom they deem “unworthy”.  Meanwhile they are protected, fly about in their jets, and scam money from every side.  Ah, well I digress.  So, what now?

For all who know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we see everything playing out just as God foretold both in Old Testament Prophecy, New Testament Prophecy, and Revelations.  God is still on His throne in Heaven.  We may feel like Exiles in Foreign Habitancies; however, we have hope peace and Joy in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10 (NKJV)

⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness^[f] to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10 (NKJV)

Jesus speaking of the end Times:  Matthew 24 (NKJV)

³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

⁴ And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for ^[a]all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, ^[b]pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. ¹¹ Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. ¹² And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But he who endures to the end shall be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: We Have Hope peace and joy in Christ Jesus our Lord

As I watch the world around me, I mourn for all those who are lost.  I long for His return; but, if He tarry it is His awaiting one more soul to accept Him.  Things may get a lot worse.  Yet, I have seen a rising up around the world of those who are standing up for God, Family, and Virtue.  Will it be enough for one more revival?  We shall see.  Meanwhile, I live with hope, peace, and joy in Him.  Jesus Christ, my Lord, and Savior holds me in the palm of His hand.  Whatever may come, I rest all my hope in Him.  He has loved me with an unrelenting love. And I know I can trust Him whatever comes my way. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

PREVIOUS

Where is Our Hope When the World Seems So Dark?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)

When the World Seems So Dark

In the Dark of the Night
My heart filled with fright
Our one hope of light
Is Jesus


In a World filled with Lies
With Evil’s disguise
Truth is our prize
In Jesus


When you feel all alone
When Sadness has grown
Bow to the Throne
Of Jesus

For He is the light, the truth, and the way
The One who has died to save you today
Not only died, but rose from the grave
He has the power, the power to save

He is our  Hope when all hope is gone
From the darkest of night, He brings a new dawn
Look to Jesus, our Savior, the King of all Kings
	                                        All honor and Glory, for His joy He brings

So let us all rise His Praise to impart
For His Love we know will never depart
When the world seems so dark, we can’t see our way
His is the light to guide us each day

PREVIOUS

Where is our Hope and Joy? It is in Jesus Christ Our Lord.

The Lord Roars!  Let Righteousness Pour Down Like a Mighty River.  Then?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)

When the World Seems So Dark

In the Dark of the Night
My heart filled with fright
Our one hope of light
Is Jesus


In a World filled with Lies
With Evil’s disguise
Truth is our prize
In Jesus


When you feel all alone
When Sadness has grown
Bow to the Throne
Of Jesus

For He is the light, the truth, and the way
The One who has died to save you today
Not only died, but rose from the grave
He has the power, the power to save

He is our  Hope when all hope is gone
From the darkest of night, He brings a new dawn
Look to Jesus, our Savior, the King of all Kings
	                                        All honor and Glory, for His joy He brings

So let us all rise His Praise to impart
For His Love we know will never depart
When the world seems so dark, we can’t see our way
His is the light to guide us each day

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

PREVIOUS

Where is our Hope and Joy? It is in Jesus Christ Our Lord.

The Lord Roars!  Let Righteousness Pour Down Like a Mighty River.  Then?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com