Isaiah 59:4

No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

Scriptures:

• Jeremiah 5:1-5, 
• Jeremiah 7:4, 
• Jeremiah 7:8, 
• Jeremiah 7:28, 
• Jeremiah 9:3-6, 
• Isaiah 5:7,
• Isaiah 30:12, 
• Isaiah 33:11,
• Isaiah 59:16, 
• Exodus 23:1-3, 
• Deuteronomy 16:19,  
• Psalm 4:2, 
• Psalm 7:14, 
• Psalm 12:2, 
• Psalm 14:1-3, 
• Psalm 53:1-3, 
• Psalm 58:1-2,   
• Job 15:35, 
• Micah 7:3, 
• Hosea 4:1-2, 
• Romans 3:10-18, 
• Ezekiel 9:1-11  
• Ezekiel 22:29-31,   
• Job 15:35, 

   I read in the word today, 2 Kings 17:1-18:12. In verse 9 it speaks about how the children of Israel secretly worshiped false gods and forsook God and what He told them not to do. Later, we read that they feared God, but they still worshipped and sought out idols and false Gods. How can one claim to know the One True God of the Universe, the Creator of all, and then expect that you can hide and commit harlotry with the Lord by worshiping or seeking help from a false God? It is not possible to do both. Matthew 6:24 explains this clearly.

  You either serve one or the other. Who do you choose to serve? To shed more light on this case, Revelation 3:15-16 speaks of people who put their feet on both sides of the fence. Apparently, the Israelites were playing both sides to cover their bases, but God is a jealous God and not willing to share His glory and worship with anyone, especially not an idol or idea that is man-made (Isaiah 42:8, Exodus 34:14).

   Well, when you dig into the related verses, it is clear that they speak the same truth in both the Old and New Testaments. You can't serve our God Yahweh and another little "g" god or idol. He is either the focus of your heart, or He isn't.

   It is interesting that in the justice system, judges and lawyers alike can be swayed from doing what is right before God to doing what they know is immoral. Maybe like the Israelites playing the harlot and hiding what they are really doing. It is entirely possible that those in our justice system, as well as anyone in authority, can forget that there is an Omniscient God watching every move they make, even if they can keep a secret.  The justice system can call false witnesses or listen to an obvious lie from a defendant or plaintiff and, despite the red flags choose to allow it to stand. God sees. Keep in mind that we will not have true justice in this world until Jesus is officially on the throne in Jerusalem, as stated in the Word (Matthew 25:31-46). 

  Regardless of the lack of justice in the world, God will still mete out justice at the end of it all, during the great white throne judgment (Romans 2:1-11, Ecclesiastes 3:16-17). Those who chose to worship money, things, people, etc. will then be forced to bow before the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and then given swift and perfect justice for their time on earth. If this is you, repentance is needed now, for your eternal life's sake. Friend, you WILL live forever. Shocking, but it is a fact. If you die, you will have two places you can go, but it is all dependent on your choice here on earth before death. You can either live in eternity in heaven or hell, with God surrounded by His love or alongside Satan and his minions in a fiery hell. 

What do you choose? 

   God says in His word that His goodness is given even to the wicked, to give them a chance for repentance. He, in essence, is wooing non-believers to repentance and salvation. 

Is this what you need as well? 

   God will go to all lengths to bring you into a right relationship with Him. He loves you, even though you don't love Him at this time. He is not willing that anyone should perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 says:

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

  This is why He gave His son, so we could live with Him, in His loving presence. Come take a look at this posting (here) and see what the word says about getting salvation. It is free; you just have to take time to read and search your heart. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, not by works we can do (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not a religion; it is a relationship. 

Do you need to be saved? 

Do you need to re-evaluate your relationship with God versus your relationship with the world?

Just Judgment is coming, and you only have this life to decide. Today is the day.

Going back to the scripture:

The last part of the verse, about giving birth to iniquity, reminds me of this verse: James 1:14-15. It is everyone's choice to choose to entertain the thoughts, words, and actions of sinful living. This includes how you handle causes that require justice, as well as any position of authority where you make a decision about someone's life, such as a child or an adult. 

     Parents and caretakers are making decisions daily on behalf of their loved ones, and being a righteous judge of the different circumstances in life matters to God. The desire to practice wickedness is a strong force to be reckoned with. Sin is conceived only when you allow it to manifest in your thought life. God calls us to run the race with fidelity and truth. Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Compromise is not acceptable to God. 

How do I practice righteous living and develop my relationship with God?

To avoid these issues and move towards more righteous behavior, seek God's kingdom first and foremost (Matthew 6:33). Pray and seek His face in every situation; this should be your foundational "go to" for all matters (Matthew 7:7-12). God is willing to help you make those tough decisions and make those judgment calls because He is the righteous judge and knows the heart of all matters (Psalm 7:11; Acts 17:31). Also, He loves you and does not want you to stay in your sinful condition. Jeremiah 17:9-10 explains this concept.  God wants us to be aware of our hearts' condition. We have hearts that can deceive us. God wants us to be aware of where we stand with Him at all times.  

  Hopefully, we seek Him to include God in all facets of our lives, including the friends and associates we align ourselves with. Not all people are for God, so stay in the word and learn who the wolves are and who the sheep are. The choice is yours.

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