July 4th, 2007
I was up all night, which truly is not unusual for the Lord has had me on the night watch for many years. He will have me study until dawn, only then releasing me to get some sleep. Today He wakened me at 2:32 P.M. and immediately, without pause or hesitation, sent me to the Book of Hosea (whose theme is "Redeeming Love"). Specifically and only Chapter 11, which discusses God's sorrow over his wayward people. HEAVY is His displeasure, yet sparing is His mercy toward us:
Hosea 11
1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, and the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6 And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
10 They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.
12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
He said, "I have LOVED My own...I have preserved them and rescued them, done everything a loving Father could possibly do. I have directed their paths, leading them as a nursemaid with cords, leading them with bands of My love. I have done everything that mercy could suggest and justice permit. Yet My people are intent on sin, on self, on idolatry, on the lusts of the flesh and the ways of the world. They are bent on backsliding from Me even while they call upon My name. Yea, shall the sword abide in their cities, consuming their branches, devouring them. My righteous justice DEMANDS thy punishment even as My mercy pleads for their lives. O My heart is weary with repenting from Mine anger. I AM God not man and respond to all things as God - righteous and just. TRULY My heart of love shall not permit Me to execute the fierceness of Mine anger yet justice demands recompense. Therefore they shall walk after Me - I shall roar like a lion and truly My children shall tremble when they hear Me. For I am the Holy One, righteous and true. They shall know that I AM God...they shall know that the time to decide is over. My faithful ones need not be afraid...the rest need to heed My voice and turn from their wickedness before the hour of My grace has past".
Spoken via His Messenger
July 4th, 2007 @ 2:32 P.M.
