Jeremiah Chapter 7 -- Today's Word

In Jeremiah's Judah we see a prototype of who we are as a nation before God. They worshipped and preferred other gods, disrespected His word, and slaughtered their innocent children. So do we. They did not believe God would punish them, and were astonished when He did. We do not expect Him to punish us, either. He will, but we are still frighteningly incapable of reading the writing on the wall. In Jeremiah Chapter Seven we get an overview of what happened to Judah. Given that we follow in their footsteps, we should take a long, hard look at our ever-looming future. It is not just what the LORD had me preach at the pit this morning. It is what we need to hear, as well.

Thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Amen your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place." -- 7:3

The first thing God does is send His messenger to plead with the disobedient to repent and return to Him. He assures us that if we repent, we will be forgiven and blessed. But that little two letter "if" word is very powerful, because it literally means that we must change our ways to be forgiven. He requires that we act on our repentance.

Trust ye not in lying words, saying: "The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these. -- 7:4

They believed that God would not punish them, because the temple was still in their midst. We believe that God will not punish us, because the Lord is our sacrifice. God had left the temple because they were too disobedient. Christ is only our sacrifice if we choose to be His obedient followers.

"For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt; then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever." -- 7:5-7

God's remedy for their sin and ours is the same. We have to stop sinning. He never intended that we abide in sin. No, He intended that we be holy as He is holy. He will not be mocked (Gal 6:7, 8). He will not have a people who are His in name only.

"And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by My name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh." -- 7:13, 14

Shiloh is where the Lord's temple was first set up when the Israelites entered Canaan. It was utterly destroyed because the people there abandoned the truth of God's word. God uses it to point out that their security did not come from the temple. No, it came from Him, and He would only protect them as long as they were obediently His.

This is where we miss it as well. We tell ourselves that because Christ died for our sins, God will not punish us. What we forget is that He died that we might be freed from sin, not abide in sin. So we are in every bit as much danger as they were -- and the truth is He is speaking to us today, calling out to us to repent in the same way He did them.

"And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim." -- 7:15

God is no respecter of persons. He never has been. He loved Israel, but He cast Ephraim out completely. The disobedient will be cut off -- regardless of who they are.

Therefore, thus saith the LORD GOD, "Behold, MINE anger and MY fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground. And it shall burn, and shall not be quenched." -- 7:20

Like Judah we have a bad habit of thinking that we will somehow survive God's wrath. Precious few of them did. The vast majority did not. They were His chosen people, but they did not survive His wrath. I don't know who's more foolish because we have their example -- but they also knew what He was capable of.

But this thing commanded I them, saying, "Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people. And walk ye in all the way that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they harkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." -- 7:23, 24

Again, their problem was a lack of obedience. They hardened their hearts. He sent them messengers, but they would not listen. They would not turn, until all that remained was judgment.

But thou shalt say unto them, "This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction. Truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth." 7:28

They turned away from God so completely that they would not tolerate the truth. Are we not exactly the same? Surely there are few things more endangered in our society than the truth.

"Therefore, behold the days come," saith the LORD, "that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter. For they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place. And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away." -- 7:32, 33

Truly the people of Judah were slaughtered brutally, and their bodies were left to be eaten by the birds and beasts. This, too, is our destiny if we do not repent. It's sobering. It's horrifying, but it is what awaits us if we do not stop our sinful ways. God was long-suffering and patient with Judah. He has been so with us. But there was an end for them, and there will be an end for us.

Time is running out, folks. Like Judah we are about to find out first hand just how horrible God's wrath can be. It doesn't matter how loudly we proclaim ourselves "His people" if our actions prove us to be the devil's own.

Obnoxious and Offensive

by Betty Baker Bailey

I have been urging everyone to recognize the guilt we have before the Lord for failing to deal with the sins our nation now considers completely acceptable. Many see me as harsh, sometimes even too harsh to deal with. But here's the thing: God is the One we have to deal with. Where is the kindness in ignoring the sin that brings His wrath upon us? There is none. We can not escape Him. We can not over-power Him and He will not suffer our disrespect forever. There will come an accounting. Truly even now we are seeing that in our nation.

Do not foolishly believe, as some do, that this is the work of man for the battle is spiritual. We had to be given over by the One who protected us for these things to come to be. Nor should you be comforted by the idea that it is the end times. For the "end times" began with the coming of Christ and may yet continue for another thousand years. Or do you not realize that the early church prepared for Christ’s immediate return? Yet, 2000 years have passed. No, dear brothers and sisters, I tell you the truth, we are in judgment. IF the Lord returns now, He will not be nearly so happy with us as many choose to believe.

For the sin of ignoring the slaughter innocents, we will see bloodshed and death. For the sin of treating Him as though He had no authority over us, we will find ourselves abandoned to those powers that wish evil upon us. For the sin of disrespecting the cross, we will suffer persecution for our faith.

Some like to place the blame for all these rebukes on our governmental leaders, but in truth it belongs with those who call Him Lord; because:

It was our job to stand against the slaughter. It was our job to insist His authority be maintained, and our job to uphold His laws as law.

Our founding fathers set the system up according to Biblical principles. Instead of holding to them, we have incrementally allowed them to be replaced by humanism, secularism, and socialism -- from a nation founded for freedom to worship the God of the Bible as one pleases, to one where the worship of any god except Him is acceptable. So concerned were we with offending others, that we offended Him. So comfortable were we with our wealth that we alienated Him.

So, do not rant, dear brothers and sisters, against the earthly powers that oppress us. They are in place for cause. Look around you. Do we not now see: fornication, adultery, the shedding of innocent blood, lying, stealing, homosexuality, etc. as accepted practices? Even those who call themselves “His” consider these things "inevitable" or "normal". Yet, for such sins Christ suffered and died.

The consequences of these sins are death to a society and its people. We do not show love to the homosexual by embracing his sin. No, we give him over to physical death and judgment -- the very real wrath of God. We do not elevate women by allowing them to kill their children. No, we sentence them to decades of remorse and regret, followed by judgment -- the very real wrath of God.

We act like we've either forgotten or never understood that God did not make laws because He could; but rather, for our own good. We should obey and teach them, because He is God. Failing to do so for that reason, we should then teach them because they are life, itself, to us and our children. As errant children, we have ignored and/or spurned them as though they mattered not.

Yes, people find me obnoxious, and offensive -- and some walk completely away from me, but some listen and turn. To those turning, I am seen as loving to the point of sacrifice, because I risk myself to reach them (far beyond what many know). To those who plug their ears, I am unacceptable and inexcusable. From the later come accusations of self-promotion. Yet, since I do not charge nor am I paid, their argument falls flat. No, my benefit lies purely in knowing that I am obedient, in believing that obedience to Him is imperative, and the hope that by my faithfulness some will be saved from the wrath to come.

Yes, I prefer to be considered offensive to being guilty before Him. If I did not love those caught in sin, I would be silent. They would still be punished, and I would avoid the aggravation of trying to save them. It is to great extent a thankless task. However, I would still find myself trying to explain to God, who knows all – including all He has shown me, how I could be so heartless as to not speak the warning I have been given. Man’s wrath versus God’s? I’ll take man every time. Although I love my brothers and sisters and would be at peace with them, I am nothing without Him. He is my everything. How can I not obey?

Through it all, brothers and sisters, I do know that what I am saying must be said. Truly, I do not sit around thinking of things to say nor do I do scan the Scriptures looking for things to pad my texts. No, I ask God. The things I take a hard stance on are the things He has shown me His offense at. Not only is He still speaking, He has plenty to say about His disappointment in those who have treated His generosity with such disdain.

We have embraced evil by indifference, by silence, and by allowing other gods to be given equal -- or higher positions -- than Him. If the reality of that does not give you pause, perhaps you don't know Him as well as you think you do. These are things the God of the Bible will not long tolerate. We think He will, because He has been patient with us, but His graciousness will come to an end.

Old Testament prophets were usually rejected by those they tried to reach. Both John the Baptist and the Lord were rejected by the religious leaders of the day. The Lord’s earthly mother and brothers came to put Him away, thinking He had lost His senses. The gospel is by its very nature foolishness to those who do not understand it, because it is spiritually discerned. The spiritual leaders of Christ’s day thought themselves so far above Him that they considered it insignificant to kill Him – though they knew who He was!

Therefore, do not put your hope in the leaders of this day. Far too many are more concerned with their own lives than His will. They promote themselves. They speak for themselves. They do not hear Him, because they do not honestly seek Him nor are they interested in His direction for they prefer their own. They are applauded and loved by the world, but they do not serve Him. No, like the priest of Yeshua’s day, they love their position more than Him.

Instead, brothers and sisters, look to God. He -- who took the time to create you, provide for you, and sent His only Son that you might be saved – is still very intimately concerned for you. He is not silent. He did not leave us to the men and women of this world. No, He still seeks a personal relationship with you. He still wants to commune personally with you. If you ask Him . . . if you seek Him, as if looking for pure gold . . . as it is promised in the Scriptures, He will be found. Then you will know that these things I have said to you are from His heart. True to His nature, He does not want anyone to be lost. Therefore, He sends someone to tell those who will listen and those who will not, that it is He coming against them. He does this in order that those who will listen may repent; and that who will not, will have no excuse.

I lament losing some I love to the love of the lie. My heart breaks for them, but they had a choice. I did not make it for them. I have done all I know how to encourage them to choose wisely. If they can hate me for that effort, then I have to let them go – for the only other choice is to choose hell with them. (There are only two sides. We will choose God or we will choose to be without God, refusing to choose results in not choosing God. Behaving as though God does not effect change in one’s life is to not be changed by God; and so, not belong to God. Those are the rules. I didn’t make them; but rather, just report that they are true.)

To those brothers and sisters who know I am speaking according to God’s will, I encourage you to spread the word. We do not know that He will not have mercy on us if we truly repent; only that He will not, if we do not. Even David, though his sin was great, continued to plead for mercy until the child died. For while the child lived, there was still a chance. Let us, too, be faithful to seek repentance instead of acceptance. There is yet time for God to have mercy. It is His nature to give mercy where it is undeserved; but only where there is sincere repentance. Therefore I plead with you to urge repentance to all who will listen.

To those who have separated from me, but long to reconnect – I bear no ill will to anyone. Time is short. If you seek me desiring reconciliation without needing to control, we can be reconciled. Understand, if I let you control me, I will not be led of God. I am hard at work for the Lord, the Spirit urges me onward with conviction. So, I will not be muzzled by those who do not understand. It is enough that I understand and am convinced that it is God who speaks to me. Be assured I have not stopped caring for you; but rather, I have just given you over to the choices you’ve made. You, alone, can unmake them. You know who you are. You know where I am. Do not let a fear of being rejected keep you from seeking resolution.

I am encouraged evermore to stand fast on what I have been shown. I believe the time for repentance is very short. Please, dear brothers and sisters, repent before it is too late. Churchology does not save us. It can’t, because it is manmade. We suffered a supernatural death in Adam. We must be imparted a supernatural life through Christ. It is the only way.

God’s peace.

A Call to Repentence

Dear Reader, 

You should know that I got up this morning to post Scripture -- just Scripture. However, as is my habit, I asked the Lord for guidance. This piece is the direct result of that guidance. I pray you recognize the Spirit in it.

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But there were false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them -- bring swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) -- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.--- 2 Pet 2:1-9

Since we know all these things are true, we should also be able to realize that God will not ignore our disobedience, either. For God holds these things against us:

1.  We have forsaken our God for the love of money. Our wealth is far more important to us than His will -- for we have removed Him from every place except for the most private. He is not allowed in our schools. He is not allowed in our government. He is not allowed in our business. He is not allowed in our public lives. Our focus is on money. (Remember: Have no other god before Me.)

2.  By inaction, agreement, or participation we have supported the slaughter of innocents. Although it was our job to demand protection for them, we looked the other way, and our land is now completely awash in their blood. (This grieves Him mightily.)

3. Instead of reforming society with His word, we have allowed society to reform His word. We have regarded our "image" as more important than His word, considering it far more important to be perceived as kind than to actually be kind. (It is not kind to agree with someone headed for hell. No, kindness would try to rescue them. Yet, we appease them.)

4. We have disrespected the cross -- behaving as though He should overlook our sins as trivial. Though we know that our Lord suffered and died because of our sin – for He had committed no sin, we disrespect His sacrifice by expecting our ongoing sins to be tolerated. (This He is very angry about.)

5. We have confused organizational institutions with the true church. God is not Methodist, Baptist, etc. We support, submit, and absorb their teachings like they speak for God. Yet, most are far more interested in the "business of the gospel". Literally, the gospel is a business for them. (If you doubt that, you obviously do not realize that the decision to ignore the children came from the very top and it was a money issue. Offended pew warmers do not tithe and government officials threatened their tax exempt status.)

6. We have lied to the world, saying that "God is love", while shrouding His holiness with darkness. God loves the obedient. He punishes the unrepentant. Those who know the truth are responsible for speaking it. Yet, many held their tongues.

7. We have rejected the call to repentance – preferring to blame all on the “end times”. Although we are near the return of Christ, using His coming to excuse our disobedience is inexcusable. Yet, it is what many have done. We should be on our knees, pleading for forgiveness. Instead, we assure ourselves that His coming will be a great blessing for us – who remain in disobedience. (It’s like a dog taking food from the table and then standing around expecting to be praised. He will come, but with a rod in His hand.)

Yes, I asked God before saying these things. Yes, I sought Him as I wrote. Truth is these are the very things He has been saying to me for years. No, God has not stopped speaking to us. (May He make this truth broadly apparent, even to those who have slandered Him so.) The devil does not call us to save the children. No, God is the One who cares for the children and in His call to me these things were revealed – starting with the fact that churches had their tax exempt status threatened regarding abortion. It was impossible for me to have known this. Yet, I did, because He told me. Believe or do not, either way, I have told you. Therefore, you are responsible before Him.

I call you to repentance, Brothers and Sisters. This day do not turn your face away from the need. Do not pretend you have no guilt. God does not lose battles. IF we had stood on His promises, IF we had been obedient, IF we had held to the truth, IF we had not submitted to the god of wealth; then we would not be the people looking at the destruction of their nation. Do you not know that the church of Laodicea suffered because they chose to be lukewarm? Indeed, we have chosen to be punished by rejecting the word God has given us.

““Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” – Rev 3:19-20

This day let us earnestly repent with great mourning. Let us recognize His word to us, and not reject it. Let us turn away from pursuing the wealth of the flesh for the wealth of His Spirit, praising Him even in our sorrow. Let us plead together for mercy, for there is a great difference between “meanness” and holiness.

Our God is not mean. He is not cruel or indifferent. No, our God is holy. Our sin offends Him deeply. He cannot ignore it. He cannot excuse it. We must be cleansed of it. He longs to gather us to Him in loving embrace, but we are covered in the “filth” of sin. We are not cleansed of it by claiming to be His, but only when we turn away from our sin and embrace His cleansing sovereignity over our entire existence.

Gather with me, Brother and Sisters, gather and repent. If we are sincere, He will be found faithful to forgive and restore us. Then the Lord’s return will be a blessing to us -- IF we repent.

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Father God, I lift up this word You have given us this morning. I plead with You to open eyes and hearts to its truth. I lay at Your feet the forthcoming harvest and ask that You glorify Yourself with the praise of all heaven and earth. Let it be known, Father, that it is You speaking through me, that I do not speak of my own desires – for Father, the people desire the truth, but they have been lied to. They do not know whom to believe. Have mercy, dear Father. Have mercy! Reveal the truth because of who You are. Do not let these lies stand! Lead us to repentance, dear Father. Do not leave us to our own devices, Father, for we are completely lost without You. Have mercy, Father. Have mercy! I ask all these things in Yeshua’s precious name, and thank You, Father, for hearing my pleas, amen and amen.

The True State of The Nation

Weep
by Betty Baker Bailey

Weep, for the children are dying;

More every passing day.

Weep, for the mothers are crying,

As in their hearts they pay.

Weep, for those who are trying

The children's lives to save.

Weep, for those denying

There is a life to save.

Weep, for those believing

They only need to pray.

Weep, for those deceiving

The innocent each day.

Weep, for ours is a nation

Whose time is passing by.

Weep, for those whose station

It is to fight and die.

Weep for the proud,

Who think they lead the way.

Weep, for the crowd

For they will surely pay.

Weep, with great sadness,

For the time is growing near.

Weep, allow no gladness,

Instead their cries do hear.

Weep with your heart.

Weep with your soul.

Weep and draw apart.

Weep and be of woe.

Weep, for we are guilty.

Weep, for we are weak.

Weep, for we are filthy.

Weep, for we do sleep.

Weep, for none are ready

For the coming day.

Weep, and be not steady.

The time has come to pay.