Verse of the Day 11/14

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 10-12, Hebrews 11:17-40

Good morning,
Read the following quote::

"The bottom has dropped out of buying and selling. It will never be the same again.
But don't fantasize an upturn in the market.The country is bankrupt, and it's not going to get any better. "

Who do you suppose made this statement? An economist, a politician, perhaps a Republican pointing out the direction we are headed, or possibly a pastor of a "conservative" church?

In order that it not be so obvious, I dropped a couple of words, actually it should have read:

"The bottom has dropped out of buying and selling.
It will never be the same again.
But don't fantasize an upturn in the market.
The country is bankrupt because of its sins,
and it's not going to get any better. "

Does that give a better clue? It was written by the prophet Ezekiel in 7:9-10 in The Message, it was part of Thursday's read through the Bible plan.

For today's verse we'll go to Isaiah chapter one where the prophet is beginning his ministry. He calls the people of Jerusalem to Isa 1:18 "Come. Sit down. Let's argue this out", to decide who they will follow, God, or the world, "modern society" and it's values.

Today's verse follows:

Isa 1:19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword";
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. NKJV

We have recently "reasoned together" in this country. We could have voted for taking a stand for the right to life but made a choice based on perceived economic benefit, a "tax break" to 95% of Americans.

God is sovereign, if we are obedient, we know He'd provide.

Johm MacArthur comments, " The prophet offered his readers the same choice God gave Moses in Deut.28, a choice between a blessing and a curse. They may choose repentance and obedience and reap the benefits of the land, or refuse to do so and become victims of foreign oppressors. eat....be devoured To accentuate the opposite outcomes, the Lord used the same Hebrew word to depict both destinies. On one hand, they may eat the fruit of the land, on the other they may be eaten by conquering powers."
It need not be military powers, it could very well be economic powers, through dependency on foreign oil, foreign cars (if our auto industry collapses), or any number of ways.

What do we do? Take our post and stay. Take a stand for what we believe in, not be swayed to vote or side with economics, side with truth, compassion, mercy and true hope. Think about it. Think about our future.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Isa 1:12-27

12 "When you come to appear before Me,Who has required this from your hand,To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;Incense is an abomination to Me.The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feastsMy soul hates;They are a trouble to Me,I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands,I will hide My eyes from you;Even though you make many prayers,I will not hear.Your hands are full of blood.
16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good;Seek justice,Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow.
18 "Come now, and let us reason together,"Says the Lord,"Though your sins are like scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient,You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel,You shall be devoured by the sword";For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
The Degenerate City
21 How the faithful city has become a harlot!It was full of justice;Righteousness lodged in it,But now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross,Your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious,And companions of thieves;Everyone loves bribes,And follows after rewards.They do not defend the fatherless,Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord says,The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,"Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries,And take vengeance on My enemies. 25 I will turn My hand against you,And thoroughly purge away your dross,And take away all your alloy. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first,And your counselors as at the beginning.Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."

NKJV