In Prayer the Holy Spirit said, "One Nation Under God"

2 Samuel 23:2-7 The Message (MSG) David's Last Words

God’s Spirit spoke through me, his words took shape on my tongue.  The God of Israel spoke to me, Israel’s Rock-Mountain said, “Whoever governs fairly and well, who rules in the Fear-of-God, Is like first light at daybreak without a cloud in the sky, like green grass carpeting earth, glistening under fresh rain.”  And this is just how my regime has been, for God guaranteed his covenant with me, spelled it out plainly and kept every promised word—My entire salvation,  my every desire. But the devil’s henchmen are like thorns culled and piled as trash; Better not try to touch them; keep your distance with a rake or hoe. They’ll make a glorious bonfire!

Psalm 36:1-4 (MSG)  A David Psalm

The God-rebel tunes into sedition—all ears, eager to sin.  He has no regard for God, he stands insolent before him.  He has smooth-talked himself into believing that his evil will never be noticed. Words gutter from his mouth, dishwater dirty. Can’t remember when he did anything decent.  Every time he goes to bed, he fathers another evil plot. When he’s loose on the streets, nobody’s safe. He plays with fire and doesn’t care who gets burned. 

Isaiah 29:17-21 (MSG)  And then before you know it, and without you having anything to do with it, Wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens, and Mount Carmel reforested.  At that time the deaf will hear word-for-word what’s been written.  After a lifetime in the dark, the blind will see.  The castoffs of society will be laughing and dancing in God, the down-and-outs shouting praise to The Holy of Israel. For there’ll be no more gangs on the street. Cynical scoffers will be an extinct species. Those who never missed a chance to hurt or demean will never be heard of again: Gone the people who corrupted the courts, gone the people who cheated the poor, gone the people who victimized the innocent.

Psalm 24:1-2 (MSG) God claims Earth and everything in it, God claims World and all who live on it. He built it on Ocean foundations, laid it out on River girders.

Psalm 97:1 (MSG) God rules: there’s something to shout over!  On the double, mainlands and islands—celebrate! Psalm 96:1-3: Sing God a brand-new song!  Earth and everyone in it, sing!  Sing to God—worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all!  Psalm 99:1-3 The Message (MSG)  God rules. On your toes, everybody!  He rules from his angel throne—take notice!  God looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names.  Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!  Holy. Yes, holy.  

Psalm 110:1-3 (MSG)  A David Prayer

The word of God to my Lord:  “Sit alongside me here on my throne until I make your enemies a stool for your feet.”  You were forged a strong scepter by God of Zion; now rule, though surrounded by enemies! Your people will freely join you, resplendent in holy armor on the great day of your conquest, join you at the fresh break of day, join you with all the vigor of youth.

Isaiah 60:3-7 (MSG). People Returning for the Reunion “Get out of bed, Jerusalem!  Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness.  Look up! Look around!  Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see, young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah, Pouring in from the south from Sheba, loaded with gold and frankincense,  preaching the praises of God.  And yes, a great roundup of flocks from the nomads in Kedar and Nebaioth, Welcome gifts for worship at my altar as I bathe my glorious Temple in splendor. 

Psalm 128:3-4 (MSG)  Your wife will bear children as a vine bears grapes, your household lush as a vineyard, The children around your table as fresh and promising as young olive shoots.  Stand in awe of God’s Yes.  Oh, how he blesses the one who fears God!

Psalm 22:27-28 (MSG)   From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God.  Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him.  God has taken charge;  from now on he has the last word.

Proverbs 2:20-22 (MSG)  So—join the company of good men and women,   keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths.  It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here.  The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good.

Psalm 72:9-14 (MSG)  Foes will fall on their knees before God, his enemies lick the dust. Kings remote and legendary will pay homage, kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.  All kings will fall down and worship, and godless nations sign up to serve him, Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need, the destitute who have run out of luck.  He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out, he restores the wretched of the earth.  He frees them from tyranny and torture—when they bleed, he bleeds; when they die, he dies.

Isaiah 35:1-2  (MSG)  The Voiceless Break into Song
Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower—Like the crocus in spring, bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color.  Mountain glories of Lebanon—a gift.  Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon—gifts. God’s resplendent glory, fully on display.  God awesome, God majestic.

Psalm 118:21-25 (MSG)  Thank you for responding to me; you’ve truly become my salvation!  The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! This is God’s work.  We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!  This is the very day God acted—let’s celebrate and be festive!  Salvation now, God. Salvation now!  Oh yes, God—a free and full life! 

1Timothy 2:1-3  (MSG)  Simple Faith and Plain Truth

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

Prayer for Our Nation:  I pray for the leader of my nation to come to the light.  I make supplication, prayer, intercession, and give thanks for all the people of my nation and for the leaders of my nation, that I might live a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  Let our leaders  be just, and let them rule by the fear of the Lord.  Let our leaders fall down before the Lord, and let my nations serve Him.  Let the poor and the needy people of my nation be delivered.  Let the Lord's dominion be established in my nation, and let His enemies lick the dust.  Turn our leaders' to fear You. Let the Lord rule over my nation, and let my nation be glad and rejoice.  Let my nation sing a new song, bless His name, and show forth His salvation from day to day.  Let the people of my nation tremble at the presence of the Lord. Let my nation make a joyful noise to the Lord, and let the people serve Him with gladness.  Let our leaders praise You, and let them hear the words of Your mouth.  Let my nation praise the Lord for His merciful kindness and truth. I pray my nation will show forth the praises of God.  I pray that my nation will be healed by the leaves from the tree of life.  I pray my nation will seek the Lord and enter into His rest.  I pray that the Glory of the Lord be revealed to my nation and that all the inhabitants will see it.  Let the Lord bring righteousness and judgment to my nation.  Let peace (shalom) come into my nation like a river.  Let the children of my nation be taught of the Lord.  Let the people of my nation come and worship the Lord, and let Your light shine upon those in the shadow of darkness.  Let the Holy Spirit be poured out in my nation, and  let our sons and daughters prophecy.  Open a door of utterance in my nation, that my people might hear Your Word in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I pray.  ~Scripture prayer included from "Prayers for Our Nation" by John Eckhart 

Tidbit:  Who added one nation under God?  In 1954, at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's urging, the Congress legislated that “under God” be added, making the pledge read: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

Holy Spirit Said R-U-B-I-N PORT

Around 6:10-20 am, on 08 AUG 2019, Holy Spirit woke me up saying "RUBIN PORT", then Holy Spirit emphasized the name R-U-B-I-N by visually spelling it out to me.

Reuben (ˈruːbɪn): After the Exodus out of Egypt, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land and divided the territory among the 12 tribes. The tribe of Reuben settled east of the Dead Sea in the same general area occupied by the tribe of Gad and played a secondary role in the history of the Jewish people. After the death of King Solomon (922 BC), the 10 northern tribes formed the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam I, that in 721 BC fell to Assyrian conquerors. In time these northern tribes lost their identity through assimilation with other peoples, and thus the tribe of Reuben became known in legend as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel.

Israeli Independence - The United Nations approved a plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish and Arab state in 1947, but the Arabs rejected it. In May 1948, Israel was officially declared an independent state with David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, as the prime minister.

ERETZ YISRAEL (Hebrew, meaning "land of Israel") Expression used to designate the land of Israel, as it was promised by God to the Jewish people, according to Biblical tradition. Geographically this territory corresponds to the Kingdom of Solomon, which extended from Dan, north of Tiberias, to Beersheba in the south.  After the creation of the State of Israel in May 1948, this notion of a "Greater Israel" became the central theme of the political program of Israeli nationalist extremist movements. To them, Eretz Yisrael stretches from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean.

Eretz or Aretz (Hebrew: ארץ) is Hebrew for "land" (with the definite article, Ha Aretz (Hebrew: הארץ "the land") In particular, it may refer to: HaAretz HaMuvtahat, the "Promised Land" Eretz Israel, the Land of Israel.

Israel will always be the Holy Land because it will always be the stage, set apart from all other places, where God saved the world.

What is so special about Eretz Yisrael - Many of the 613 mitzvot are connected with Eretz Yisrael, e.g. Tithes, the Shmittah [Sabbatical year when the land lies fallow], worshipping and sacrifices in the Temple etc. Eretz Yisrael has a special kedushah — holiness — so much so, that one who lives there may only leave for a very good reason, e.g. to marry a wife or to learn Torah. Many great Jews kissed the land upon entering.  It is a mitzvah to live in Eretz Yisrael. Those who live in the Diaspora should support the needy in Eretz Yisrael. Going to live in Israel is called going on Aliyah.  Chabad.org

We can worship God from anywhere, but you will never worship him in the same way after going to the Land of Promise. 

PORT - A place where ships may ride secure from storms; a sheltered inlet, bay, or cove; a harbor; a haven. Used also figuratively. "Port" in the sense of "gate" (of a city or building) is obsolete in modern English, and even in the King James Version is found only in Nehemiah 2:13 - And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.  (KJV WBS) 

Israel is the grand theater of God’s redemptive play.

Biblehub.com

History of Israel

He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of My Rock

While praying for family, Holy Spirit showed me a vision of water going into a rock and I knew they were safe in Him.  

II Samuel 22:2:  “And he said, The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;”

HEBREW WORD – THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK – SELA’  סלע

Sela’ is a cleft or an opening made a by a split in the mountain.  It was one of the safest places to hide in early times.  The word for fortress is matsud which has its origins in the word for a prey and one that is hunted or being chased.  The word eventually took on the idea of a fortress for the one being chased will seek a sela’ or a fortress.  So the Lord is a sela’ for the matsud that is the Lord is the fortress in the cleft of the rock for those being pursued or hunted.

Then finally God is the Deliverer.  The one being hunted or pursued not only finds God to be a fortress in the cleft of the rock or sela’ but He will also deliver you from those that are pursuing you.  The word deliverer is palat which is a word that is used for one who helps another person escape from a prison. God not only hides us in the cleft of the rock but when the danger is passed He will lead us out of that secure place into a place of safety.

Song of Solomon 2:14 [ (The Bridegroom) ] “O my dove, [here] in the clefts in the rock, In the sheltered and secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.”

PRAYER:  Father, you alone are my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer and my Shield. Jesus, You revealed the love of God to me and You are my peace. Your Word declares that my enemies will not triumphant over me. When my ways are pleasing to you, Lord, you make my enemies to be at peace with me. Lord, you are my Shepherd who prepares a table of abundance for me in the presence of my enemies, in the name of Jesus. Amen.   Deuteronomy 28:7; Psalm 18; Psalm 23:5; Proverbs 16:7  

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord

A wonderful Saviour to me

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

Where rivers of pleasure I see

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land

He hideth my life in the depths of his love

And covers me there with his hand

And covers me there with his hand

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord

He taketh my burden away

He holdelth me up and I shall not be moved

He giveth me strength as my day

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land

He hideth my life in the depths of his love

And covers me there with his hand

and covers me there with his hand

When clothed in His brightness 
Transported I rise
To meet Him in Clouds of the sky
His perfect salvation
His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land

He hideth my life in the depths of his love

And covers me there with his hand

And covers me there with his hand 

Guy Penrod--"He Hideth My Soul" from the CD "Hymns"

In a Dream I Met Warring Angels

In a dream, I saw shadows of men with army rifles moving back and forth as if searching for people in a war zone and knew I was in another country.  I did hear shots which put fear in me and I turned around to run and I saw three people dressed in white scrubs, who quickly told me to come with them.  They lead me away from the fighting.  As we were running I was trying to keep up with them, and had the thought "They are really fast!". They then turned quickly onto another block and I saw a big white vehicle and had the thought that it looked like a very extravagant ambulance-military vehicle, and the thought of it being a Presidential vehicle.  The men made it to the Van and then disappeared, along with the vehicle, and  I yelled out, "Hey, don't leave me!"  I stopped and was crying at first, and then I spoke with confidence, "Those were Angels, and they helped me!" and woke relieved that I was alright.  I wrote the details down and thought about how it was a very scary situation to be in.  Later that day, I was listening to the news and they were talking about happenings in Israel another country and it was not good.  As I listened, I thought of the dream, and  felt the need to intercede for our Country and President, knowing  it had been a warning dream so I prayed through the day.

Many people believe angels have played a significant role in keeping them safe during difficult situations. These stories and promises in the Word find a way into our hearts sparking faith and hope in God, who shows how much He cares by charging His angels to keep us safe.

Warring angels or princes' of heaven are to help the children of God in extreme, dangerous situations (2 Kings 6:18-19); such as the time Elisha stood on the side of a mountain with the Syrian army surrounding him. The King of Syria had ordered the demise of Elisha. 

We read about the mighty princes’ battle to bring Daniel’s answers to his three weeks of fasting and prayer (Daniel 10:11-15). These strong angels are organized into principalities and powers, sitting on thrones (Colossians 1:16; 2:18; Romans 8:38; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 3:22). They drive spirit horses (2 Kings 2:11-12) and guard gates (Revelation 21:12). 

Warring angels wage war in actual combat engagement (Revelation 12:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) with angels ruling the nations (Daniel 10:13-21; 12:1). The stronger angels will bind Satan after Armageddon (Revelation 20) and other angels are responsible for guarding the abyss (Revelation 20:1-3). 

There are angles who lift up and strengthen the saints during times of trial (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43). These are also the angels who are dispatched to lead sinners to gospel workers when the sinners’ hearts are ready (Acts 10:3).

Angelic beings can appear in our dreams to give us God’s directions (Matthew 1:20-24).

Angels are discerning and wise, and they are swift travelers.  (Daniel 9:21; Rev. 14:8)

The angels are busy in the re-gathering of Jews to Israel. Thus, the angels also help in bringing about the fulfillment of biblical prophecy (Matthew 24:31).

Angels will accompany Christ back to earth during His second coming riding spirit horses (Matthew 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).

Angels are the silent witnesses to the confessions of men. (Luke 15:8-9).

God’s laws are given by the angels (Acts 7:53; Hebrew 2:2)

The tree of life is guarded by angels (Genesis 3:24).

Men’s revelations are given by the angels of God (2 Kings 1:15; Daniel 8:19; 9:21-23; 10:10-20).

They impart God’s will as they are obedient to Him (Acts 5:19-20; 10:1-6).

It is important to remember that the unseen army of our protection stands all around us: "Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" (2 Kings 6:16; Romans 8:31; Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6).  ~All About GOD

10 War Time Scriptures to Pray for the Nation and to Pray for Our Leaders

Let’s be in prayer for the leaders of our country; let’s join our hearts and offer up prayers for the nation and its leaders. We have weapons strong enough to destroy strongholds.   Armed with promises to trust God for, we CAN make a difference through the power of prayer!  

Lord, I come to You with this prayer for our land. You promise that when your people pray, humble themselves, and seek You, You will hear and answer. You even promise healing in the land.  Lord, our land needs healing and I believe it starts with me. I humble myself before You right here, right now. I’m seeking Your face. I ask You to grant me a repentant spirit so I may be an instrument that ushers in Your blessing for this nation. (II Chronicles 7:14)

Lord, we believe in Your sovereignty. We know You are the One who sets up rulers and kings. The buck stops with You. We pray for our leaders and future leaders…and those who elect them… to have wisdom, knowledge, and discernment, for these things come from You.
(Daniel 2:21)

Many of the things I hear coming out of the mouths of those in the media make me shudder, Lord. Fear of You is sorely lacking and I humble myself before You to beseech Your mercies on behalf of a people who don’t fear or acknowledge You. Forgive us, God! Strike a fear in the heart of Your people! Show us the seriousness of our sin and the holiness of Your majesty. Let us see and understand You as God… King… Sovereign One… Ruler of heaven and earth. And let us be wise!  (Proverbs 9:10)

Righteousness exalts a nation, Lord. Not flagrant personalities and foul speech. Not the boastful pride of man or “progressive” lifestyles or quick talking politicians who present themselves as the solution for the world.  Righteousness, Lord, righteousness is what we need. Oh Lord, let Your righteousness rain down on us and spring up from within every home and community in our land!  (Proverbs 14:34)

Lord, Your blessing has been upon this nation and I thank You for your kind mercies! But Your Word says the blessed nation is the one whose God is the Lord and our nation has turned from You.  God, on behalf of myself and my people, I confess our disregard of You. Bring Your people to repentance and let this nation once again be one who calls You “Lord.”
(Psalms 33:12)

Oh Lord, we need to see You as You truly are, not as what others say You are. Let Your people see You high and lifted up! Let us see You as holy. Let us understand Your nature, character, and sovereignty. Let us know Your word. Sweep across this land and reveal Yourself like never before. Let us know You, God!  (Isaiah 6:1)

God, call Your people to come out and be separate. All across this land, call  Your people to set aside worldly wisdom, pride and appearances, materialism, the need for approval, idolatry of all sorts. Lead us out and lead us up. We are a holy nation, a royal priesthood, set apart for worthy purposes. Stir in each and every heart to come out and be different!  
(II Corinthians 6:17)

Cause each of Your children to shine brightly in this dark land, Lord. Let each light take it’s place on a lampstand and draw others to You. May those without Christ see our good works and glorify You. We pray that many will come to know You and confess You as Lord. (Isaiah 60:1)

Lord, You promise that the gates of hell will not overcome Your church. You have a people and You have a plan that will not fail. No matter what, Your purposes will prevail. You are in Your church and indwell Your people. In this we take great hope. Strengthen Your people, Lord! Strengthen Your church in this country! Let us rise to the battle cry and faithfully stand firm! Stir up our passions and desires for purity, holiness, and intimacy with You. Let us walk in the unquenchable fire of Your Spirit.  (Matthew 16:18)

We pray for Your Kingdom to come, Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We know Your will is for righteousness, salvation, and truth. We pray for these things to define our lives, our marriages, our homes, our communities, and our nation. We ask for Your church to be vessels that usher in Your Kingdom and fulfill Your will. Grant us, Your servants, success as we seek to glorify Your name.  (Matthew 6:10)  

~Bits and Pieces of Study of Words and Dreams given to Deborah Webster Perry by the Holy Spirit.

"Make an altar to the Lord and call it, Hephzibah, the Redeemed." "Do not forget!"

I received a letter from my daughter and I wanted to share it with you.   She wrote, I Woke up 3 or 4 a.m. when I heard a man's voice say (loud), "Hey, Miss Evans!"  I thought it was a guard so I listened again, nothing. (It was a man's voice, like the one that had spoke to me last year).  So, I laid there a minute and then I asked the Lord is that You?  There was no answer.  I got up and looked out the door window.  The female night guard was at the desk.  I then laid back down and said, "Yes, Lord?"  A minute or two later, Holy Spirit said, with a pause between each set of words:  " When you go out, take a bushel for yourself and a bushel for your children, put ashes on them, lay incense on top, then light it.  Do not forget!"  I got up to write this down after waiting a bit, in case there was more, and as I was up the Holy Spirit said, "There's more!"  The Holy Spirit spoke,  "Pray to the Lord your God for Mercy, and He will have Mercy on you, and Redeem you".  After another, longer pause,  "Make an altar to the Lord and call it, Hephzibah, the Redeemed."  "Do not forget!"  Whoa! Mom! That's the most I've ever heard Holy Spirit speak to me at once.  Oh, Mom!  Wow!  Wow, GOD! Wow!  Later that morning I received the letters you sent with the song with lyrics "When You Believe" and singing them & also singing them in the Hebrew Words, "In Your Love, You lead the People You redeemed"

Scripture and Meaning of Words the Holy Spirit Spoke:

Bushel
The parable of the lamp under a bushel, (also known as the lamp under a bowl), is one of the parables of Jesus.  It appears in Matthew 5:14–15, Mark 4:21–25 and Luke 8:16–18. In Matthew, the parable is a continuation of the discourse on salt and light.

The key idea of the parable is that "Light is to be revealed, not concealed." The light here has been interpreted as referring to Jesus, or to his message, or to the believer's response to that message.  The parable is the source of the English proverb "to hide one's light under a bushel", the use of the word "bushel", an obsolete word for bowl (now relegated to usage as a unit of measure), appearing in William Tyndale's translation of the New Testament: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it lighteth all them which are in the house."

Ashes

Among the ancient Hebrews and other Orientals, to sprinkle with or sit in ashes was a mark or token of grief, humiliation, or penitence. Ashes on the head was one of the ordinary signs of mourning for the dead, as when "Tamar put ashes on her head .... and went on crying" (2 Samuel 13:19 the King James Version), and of national humiliation, as when the children of Israel were assembled under Nehemiah "with fasting, and with sackcloth, and earth (ashes) upon them" (Nehemiah 9:1), and when the people of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes at the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:5,6; compare (Mark 3:47). The afflicted or penitent often sat in ashes (compare Job 2:8; 42:6) "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes"), or even wallowed in ashes, as Jeremiah exhorted sinning Israel to do: "O daughter of my people .... wallow thyself in ashes" (Jeremiah 6:26), or as Ezekiel in his lamentation for Tyre pictures her mariners as doing, crying bitterly and `casting up dust upon their heads' and `wallowing themselves in the ashes' (in their weeping for her whose head was lifted up and become corrupted because of her beauty), "in bitterness of soul with bitter mourning" (Ezekiel 27:30,31).

The Book of LAMENTATIONS 

As was their custom, the Jews used the first word of the book as its title, and it originally became known as ’ekah, “How!” This word was commonly used to mean something like “Alas!” Compare its use in 2:1; 4:1; and Isaiah 1:21. Some also referred to the book as qinot or “lamentations,” however, and this is how we arrived at the English title.  Laments were typically composed as poetry in the ancient world. Jeremiah had already written some (see Jer. 7:29; 9:10, 19), and so had other prophets. See Ezek. 19:1–14; Amos 5:1–3. But this book contains the longest and best known of such poems.

It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God

(Lamentations 3:19-21) [ It’s a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God ] I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:  -MSG

(Lamentations 3:20–22) Jeremiah had almost given up hope (v. 20). Then he remembered something that restored his hope again (v. 21). This was the mercies of God (v. 22). Mercies (Hebrew hesed) can be translated “covenant love” or “steadfast love.” It is linked with compassion (Ps. 103:4), truth and faithfulness (Ex. 34:6), and goodness (Ps. 23:6). The ability to offer sacrifices was gone and everything seemed hopeless, but God’s hesed remained.  -MSG

Lamentations features six major themes, all linked with the concept of suffering:

1. Their Suffering Was the Result of Their Sin. This strong theme is acknowledged in each chapter (as in 1:5; 2:14; 3:42; 4:13; 5:16). By the time the poems were written, this was obviously fully accepted. Even the Babylonians acknowledged the fact (Jer. 40:3). They knew that their suffering had not come upon them by chance. It was due to the wrath of God provoked by their sin (2:1). He was dealing with their spiritual condition, and they were supposed to take it personally.

2. Their Suffering Was Seen as Coming from God Rather Than from Men. The Babylonians were no more than an instrument in His hands. The fact that He was the ultimate cause is brought out throughout the book. No less than forty-four verses refer to this fact—an average of 1 out of every 3.5 verses. A few examples are 1:13, 15; 2:1, 4; 3:1, 37, 38.

3. Their Suffering Could Direct Them Toward God. The prophet is constantly conscious of God, of His purposes, and of His dealings with His people. There is no indication here of suffering resulting in a total abandonment of God or an eradication of His principles from their minds.

4. Suffering, Tears, and Prayer Belong Together. They were encouraged to pour out their hearts to God, to weep before Him, and to tell Him all the details of their pain, grief, and frustration. Each chapter, except chapter 4, ends with a prayer. But then the whole of chapter 5 is a prayer, as though making up for this lack. The prayers are both detailed (2:20, 21; 5:1–10) and emotional (1:20, 21; 3:48–51). They contain the language of grief and repentance (1:20; 3:40–42), and are an indication that it is entirely appropriate to pray like this when the occasion demands it.

5. Prayer Should Always Look for Some Ray of Hope. It should never be completely given over to sorrow. After the detailed descriptions of suffering and sorrow in the first two and one-half chapters, a new understanding seems to surface in Lamentations 3:21–24. Here the poet speaks about hope, and about God’s mercies, compassion, and faithfulness. It was a realization that a manifestation of God’s discipline did not mean that His love had ceased. When the discipline had accomplished His purpose, the circumstances would change (3:31, 32). God may have been using Babylon, but that did not mean that they were His elect or that He favored their cruel methods (3:34–36). The future held a vindication of Israel over their enemies (3:58–66).

6. Their Responsibility Was to Submit to Their Sufferings Patiently. Their sorrow had to be accepted in patience, with the realization that it would end when God’s will had been accomplished (3:26–32).

This book has a great deal to say to us today:

1. The best way to survive grief is to express it. It needs to be shared with others and with God. There is a therapeutic value in working through each aspect of sorrow.

2. The destruction of Jerusalem and the lessons God taught His people were so significant that the Jews started reading this book at an annual service to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem. They did not want the painful experience to be forgotten. Defeats as well as victories need to be remembered. If the church would commemorate some of its failures, for which God has had to discipline it, these failures would be less likely to be repeated.

3. When Christians have received much blessing and enlightenment from God, and then turn their backs on Him, it is an extremely serious matter. Privileges do not protect us either from responsibility or from discipline. They increase our responsibility and our culpability, and deserve more serious discipline. This is particularly true of church leaders.

4. To what extent does God punish His people for their sins today? Christ’s death for us and His resurrection have certainly redeemed us. We do not bear retributive punishment for any sin we commit, since Christ has suffered in our place. We are living under a different covenant than did the Jews of 587 b.c. Even unbelievers are not normally punished for their sins until the next life (2 Pet. 2:4–10). But both believers and unbelievers sometimes have to suffer the consequences of past sins, such as drug addiction, drunkenness, and murder. And God often allows suffering in our lives to discipline us (Heb. 12:3–17). Through it we learn to obey Him and become stronger Christians (vv. 9, 12, 13).

5. Of course, not all suffering is the result of God’s discipline. Satan, too, can bring suffering on us (Job 2:7; Luke 13:16), but the suffering he brings is destructive rather than restorative.  This book shows how weak people are under the Law, and how unable they are to serve God in their own strength. This drives them to Christ (Rom. 8:3). Even in these poems, however, glimpses of Christ shine through. He is our hope (3:21, 24, 29). He is the manifestation of God’s mercy and compassion (3:22, 23, 32). He is our redemption and vindication (3:58, 59).  Divine grief over the sins of Israel (2:1–6) reminds us that the Holy Spirit was, and still is, often grieved by our behavior (Is. 63:10). Repentance is also an indication of the work of the Holy Spirit among God’s people (3:40–42; John 16:7–11).

Hephzibah - i.e. My delight is in her. (62:12)  And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken, redeemed Heb. "goel," Redemp. (Kinsman type).  ("Isaiah 59:20")  In Old Testament times, the Israelites understood the power behind a name. Whether there was actual spiritual blessing or power imparted through a God-given name, or whether the names given simply powerfully influenced the thoughts and beliefs of persons about themselves, the names of the Old Testament characters in many ways predicted or foreshadowed important characteristics or the roles that they would play. “Hephzibah” is found twice in the Old Testament, 2 Kings 21:1 and Isaiah 62:4. Translated from the original Hebrew, Hephzibah literally means, “My delight is in her.” In 2 Kings 21:1, Hephzibah is the name of King Hezekiah’s wife. The name Hephzibah or Hafzbah expresses a very clear idea. Since the same root hafz means "guarding" or "taking care of," all words from this root suggest the idea of "safeguarding," and therefore the name Hephzibah means not only someone who evokes delight, but also "one who is guarded," a "protected one."

Isaiah 62 The Message (MSG)
Look, Your Savior Comes!

62 1-5 Regarding Zion, I can’t keep my mouth shut,

    regarding Jerusalem, I can’t hold my tongue,

Until her righteousness blazes down like the sun

    and her salvation flames up like a torch.

Foreign countries will see your righteousness,

    and world leaders your glory.

You’ll get a brand-new name

    straight from the mouth of God.

You’ll be a stunning crown in the palm of God’s hand,

    a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God.

No more will anyone call you Rejected,

    and your country will no more be called Ruined.

You’ll be called Hephzibah (My Delight),

    and your land Beulah (Married),

Because God delights in you

    and your land will be like a wedding celebration.

For as a young man marries his virgin bride,

    so your builder marries you,

And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride,

    so your God is happy with you.

In Prayer for a Person the Holy Spirit said, "Reprobate"

What does it mean to have a reprobate mind?

The first use of the word reprobate is in Jeremiah 6:30: "Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them".

In this verse, the word reprobate is the word maas- which means to despise, to loathe or reject.  The comparison of people’s thinking/choices to silver refinement is here: When refining silver (and other metals) there is something called “dross” that is a by product of the purifying of the metal.  Dross is: waste, refuse, a waste product taken off molten metal during smelting, essentially metallic in character – it has little value. Dross is considered reprobate- because it is impure and of no value to the silversmith. This verse lays out an understanding of the perspective attributed to reprobate in the Old Testament.

In Jeremiah 6:30: ‘Reprobate silver shall men call them’- refers to the people who choose to not heed God’s word- and choose instead to walk their own way- the worlds way of thinking. The byproduct of this is impure, waste and of no value. In the Old Testament, walking with reprobate thinking caused the ultimate separation between men and God- that final separation was death- without hope of salvation. Spirit was only upon people- and it could be removed if they did not walk according to His word, His way.

The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests (Romans 1:18). The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is adokimos, which means literally “unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally).” 

REPROBATE—that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jer. 6:30; Heb. 6:8; Gr. adokimos, “rejected”). This word is also used with reference to persons cast away or rejected because they have failed to make use of opportunities offered them (1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 13:5–7)."

A reprobate mind is a mind that is given over to sinful passions and ungodly desires. It is another way of describing a person who is set on satisfying the flesh and not on the Spirit of God. It is a person who rejects God and does what is self-serving instead of what God desires. Therefore, someone who is reprobate is under the condemnation of God. Such a person does not attend church, does not care about the things of God, does not read the word, and does not pray. They are judged by God and are under condemnation, so they have no conviction of their sin or desire for God.

Romans 1:18-23 The Message (MSG) Ignoring God Leads to a Downward Spiral - But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.

Romans 1:28-32 The Message (MSG)  Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating. Look at them: mean-spirited, venomous, fork-tongued God-bashers. Bullies, swaggerers, insufferable windbags! They keep inventing new ways of wrecking lives. They ditch their parents when they get in the way. Stupid, slimy, cruel, cold-blooded. And it’s not as if they don’t know better. They know perfectly well they’re spitting in God’s face. And they don’t care—worse, they hand out prizes to those who do the worst things best!Romans 1:28, "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

At the end of a passage documenting human ungodliness (vv 18–27), Paul uses a wordplay to sum up his indictment. Since humanity tested and rejected (ou dokimázō, lit “not accept as proved” the knowledge of God, God gave them over to an adókimos mind, i.e., a way of thinking that, having been tested and found wanting, is rejected as base and worthless."

Paul describes two men named Jannes and Jambres as those who “resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8). Here the reprobation is regarding the resistance to the truth because of corrupt minds. In Titus, Paul also refers to those whose works are reprobate: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus1:16). Therefore, the reprobate mind is one that is corrupt and worthless.

2 Timothy 3:6-9 The Message (MSG) These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were rejects from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax.

Titus 1:10-16 The Message (MSG)  For there are a lot of rebels out there, full of loose, confusing, and deceiving talk. Those who were brought up religious and ought to know better are the worst. They’ve got to be shut up. They’re disrupting entire families with their teaching, and all for the sake of a fast buck. One of their own prophets said it best:

The Cretans are liars from the womb,
    barking dogs, lazy bellies.

He certainly spoke the truth. Get on them right away. Stop that diseased talk of Jewish make-believe and made-up rules so they can recover a robust faith. Everything is clean to the clean-minded; nothing is clean to dirty-minded unbelievers. They leave their dirty fingerprints on every thought and act. They say they know God, but their actions speak louder than their words. They’re real creeps, disobedient good-for-nothings."

The Greek word for reprobate occurs 8 times in the New Testament but is translated into the English using various words. But, this does not mean perfection. It means that Christians struggle against their sin, but they are not judged by God as to have a reprobate mind. 

As you can see, there is a variety of meanings in the English for what reprobation is. But generally, the word means to test and find lacking.  

2 Corinthians 13:5-9 The Message (MSG)  Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. I hope the test won’t show that we have failed. But if it comes to that, we’d rather the test showed our failure than yours. We’re rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn’t possibly do otherwise.

We don’t just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives.

Thanks to the life and sacrifice that Christ endured for us, we are now in the administration of Grace- meaning, that when we do wrong, and honestly acknowledge before God, our sins will be forgiven.  During this administration of Grace, we also have the ability to get permanently born again of God’s spirit. We have been given the gift of salvation by simply proclaiming Romans 10:9 & 10- and believing it in our heart. When that occurs- we have permanent seed of God... but with that seed, we need to learn to live according to his word – and all the truth’s therein.... otherwise, we still can have our minds and thinking turned aside to reprobate thinking. 

Romans 10:4-10 The Message (MSG)
4-10 The earlier revelation was intended simply to get us ready for the Messiah, who then puts everything right for those who trust him to do it. Moses wrote that anyone who insists on using the law code to live right before God soon discovers it’s not so easy—every detail of life regulated by fine print! But trusting God to shape the right living in us is a different story—no precarious climb up to heaven to recruit the Messiah, no dangerous descent into hell to rescue the Messiah. So what exactly was Moses saying?

The word that saves is right here
as near as the tongue in your mouth,
as close as the heart in your chest.

It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!” 

Hebrews 6:4-8 The Message (MSG)  Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit, once they’ve personally experienced the sheer goodness of God’s Word and the powers breaking in on us—if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can’t start over as if nothing happened. That’s impossible. Why, they’ve re-crucified Jesus! They’ve repudiated him in public! Parched ground that soaks up the rain and then produces an abundance of carrots and corn for its gardener gets God’s “Well done!” But if it produces weeds and thistles, it’s more likely to get cussed out. Fields like that are burned, not harvested.

2 Corinthians 5:16-20 The Message (MSG)  Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 The Message (MSG)  I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

John 14:25-27 The Message (MSG) Jesus said, “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

Resurrection Life

Would you want to go back to your old life? I would never want to go back to a life of depression and fear. I didn’t like myself and the guilt of sin was almost more than I could bear. I can’t count the times I turned over a new leaf only to have it wither and die. On the day I encountered Jesus I passed from death to life. When you receive Jesus, He will make you your true self—your child-of-God self (John 1:12 The Message). Depression gives way to happiness and joy; self-hatred gives way to the love of God and for God. You learn to [habitually] live and behave in newness of life; this is resurrection power at work in you to make your ordinary life extraordinary. Hold your head high; don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. (Colossians 3 The Message).

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. Your resurrection power is in me, and I am appointed and anointed by you to abound in eternal work for your Kingdom. My victory is assured as I walk uprightly before you. No good thing will you withhold from me! I am accomplishing great exploits for your kingdom, and the best is yet to come, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Scripture Reading
John 11:25
Psalm 84:11

1 Corinthians 15:58 Living Bible

Recommended Resource: A Godward Life by John Piper & Repairing the Reprobate Mind by Debbra Sweet

~Bits and Pieces of Reprobate-mind