Isaiah 59:5

 Isaiah 59:5
They hatch vipers' eggs and weave the spider's web; He who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed a viper breaks out. 

Scriptures:

• Matthew 12:34

• Job 8:14

• Job 20:12-16

• James 1:14-15

• Romans 3:13

• Isaiah 14:29

• Romans 6:23

Commentary:

            This verse is a continuation of thought from verse 4. This verse gives a vivid illustration of "them" giving birth to vipers and weaving spider's webs. It gives a further warning to those on this path, stating that it will lead to death. Furthermore, it speaks of those who choose to try to eat a viper's egg; the result is that another viper will come out and continue on the path of destruction and death.

  To further support the illustration, I will explain scientifically what happens when vipers hatch their young. They incubate the viper eggs in the body, and the baby vipers hatch in or on their way out of the mother viper. They can incubate upwards of 25 or more at a time. 

  The baby vipers are just as independent as the mother. The mother viper is unattached, unlike mother bears to their cubs. The viper mothers are known to have baby vipers and will eat them if they choose to. There is no nurturing behavior of the mother toward the baby.

   If one were to come upon a viper and kill the mother, the vipers in the eggs within the mother are just as venomous and just as dangerous as the mother when she was alive. They are essentially unattached physically to the mother because the mother is just an incubator for them to grow. 

  Biblically, the viper represents pain, destruction, and death. To be bitten by the venom of a viper is usually a death sentence. 

   There is one instance in the Bible in which Paul is bitten by a viper on an island. Go see Acts 28:1-6 to see what happened to Paul while he was on the island of Malta. Notice the people of Malta and their reaction to Paul being bitten. The venom of a snake has negative and grave connotations both physically and spiritually. Looking physically and spiritually, only God knows how to save us from the viper's venomous poison. 

   Sin is represented in this illustration as the growth of a viper. In essence, once one is compromising with sin, it opens a can of worms, so to speak. This idiom is no joke; literally, more sin will come out in swarms from the original sin. 

  This is similar to when the mother viper is killed; she still has live baby vipers inside her, ready to hatch and wreak havoc in your life. Sin does this. Just as viper venom can kill you, so can sin. One sin can lead to many sins. 

 God speaks of this outcome in James 1:14-15. He says that those who engage in sin have their ultimate destination as death. The spider's web represents the plans that fall apart and are futile in their making. They are breakable and without strength. The person who makes these plans, or webs, will fail to accomplish the evil they plan in their hearts. Because it is futile and a spider's web is actually flimsy, as are the plans of the wicked. 

    To illustrate, a person goes along and has a thought. The desire or sinful thought is meted out in their thoughts, and then into actual plans that are carried out. This is when desire conceives the sin. Sin is full-grown when the person continues to practice the sinful behavior. That behavior will lead to more destructive behaviors and sinful practices (vipers breaking out), and eventually physical death. Spiritual death has already been applied because no one is righteous and we all fall short of the glory of God. 

    With this in mind, it is important to recognize that the person who has a sin that leads to death is demonstrated when a person has a physical death, then dies in their sins, which leads to spiritual death. This is the point of no return. That person not only destroyed the one life they had but ended up in eternal death in hell (Romans 6:23). They will experience things worse than what death itself can do. There is no hope for one who dies without Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus is truly our only hope to conquer sin and death. 

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

55“O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

      

In Isaiah 59, it seems there was no hope for the Israelites in their current condition. Maybe you see yourself this way? Maybe you see someone in your life neck deep in sin. Well, my friend, there is light at the end of this tunnel. If you leap forward in Isaiah 59, you will see our Messiah, Adonai Yeshua (Jesus our Lord), as the one who will save that nation from their sins. 

   I implore you to consider and believe that Jesus is able to conquer all of those vipers and get you back on firm ground. Yes, you may have made some mistakes in your walk with Him, or maybe you didn't know there was a Savior in these cases. 

  My friend, I was in the same boat. Making stupid mistakes and dealing with the consequences. That is what that venom does: it causes confusion, illness, and eventually death, if left unchecked. 

  As a believer who went prodigal, I can say that sin is continually coming after us, making one think there is no way out of the viper pit. 

Genesis 4:7

7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

    

   Without Jesus and His Holy Spirit to help us, there is no hope when sin comes knocking. However, there is light at the end of that tunnel, friend. Turn your eyes to Jesus and confess your sins. Confessing is just being in agreement with God about how your sin is not good for you and is very dangerous to you, both physically and spiritually. He is faithful and willing to forgive. 

1 John 1:9 

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Be warned, if you think that you are without sin, you are a liar. 

1 John 1:10

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

  Confess your sins with fidelity. Make it a daily habit. God tells us to come to the throne of grace to get help. 

Hebrews 4:16

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

It is healthy to get a good washing. 

   For those who do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, I ask that you go to this link. 

Charity Gayle - Thank You Jesus for the Blood (Lyrics)

"Yet" - Hillside Recording & Abigail Faith ('the King will come' COVER)

Deuteronomy 31:8

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 30:5

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.

John 16:33

Take heart, beloved, Jesus has overcome the world!

Isaiah 12

12 And in that day you will say:

“O Lord, I will praise You;

Though You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.

2 Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He also has become my salvation.’ ”

3 Therefore with joy you will draw water

From the wells of salvation.

4 And in that day you will say:

“Praise the Lord, call upon His name;

Declare His deeds among the peoples,

Make mention that His name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord,

For He has done excellent things;

This is known in all the earth.

6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,

For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

Praise - Elevation Worship (cover) by Genavieve Linkowski

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

      

 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.

Isaiah 59:7

 Isaiah 59:7 
Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths.

(Their feet run to evil (bad); they are swift (to hurry, promptly, impulsively) to shed innocent (free, clean from, exempt) blood. Their thoughts (intention, plan, a contrivance) are sinful (strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol) thoughts; ruin (violence, havoc, devastation) and destruction (a breaking, fracture (v.), crushing, breach (v.), crash) lie in their wake (a thoroughfare, a viaduct, a staircase). 

Matthew 2:16 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.

Mark 7:21-22 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.

Romans 3:15-17 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.”

Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

Proverbs 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Worldly ways=Chaos

God's ways=Order

Choose God's ways=peace

Choosing the world's ways=death

Isaiah 59:6

 Isaiah 59:6 

Their webs will not be made into clothing, and they can't cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.

Scriptures:

• Job 8:14-15
• Genesis 3:7
• Proverbs 11:18
• Isaiah 5:7
• Isaiah 30:1
• Isaiah 57:12
• Isaiah 64:6
• Jeremiah 6:7
• Micah 2:1-2
• Revelation 3:18
• Romans 1:29-31
• Galatians 5:19-21
• Galatians 6:7-9

Commentary:

    The Jewish people were going through with their religious practices. They were sacrificing and fervent in performing the feasts and various religious functions expected by the Lord, but they did these works and then turned around to practice wickedness, with no fear of God in their hearts. That is not what God expected from them, nor is it what He expects from us in the church age. God looks for the heart, not the acts. According to 1 Samuel 16:7, God looks at the heart and not appearances. Appearances could, contextually, be the religious practices we perform to make us look righteous. Even though scripture says we are not 

Romans 3:9-12

9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”

   God sent His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, the Jewish Messiah, to provide eternal atonement for the sins of the world. Anyone willing to accept His Son as their Lord and Savior, knowing that we are not able to atone for our own sins through works or religion. Atonement means to do something right to make up for sin. Jesus did this alone. He died on the cross as a perfect human, but also as God. He rose from the dead three days later because He did accomplish His mission to atone for our sins. Now we get to rise from the dead too as God's adopted children in Christ Jesus. 

     This scripture boldly shows to me, and hopefully to you, that Jesus is our firm foundation. The work He did at the cross as our Savior and Lord takes care of our salvation. There is another scripture that comes to mind, 

Matthew 7:24-27

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

 The Jews at this time were trying to cover themselves with something that won't stand in the face of a holy God. That would be a house built on sand. Are you building your righteousness and goodness based on your good deeds? It is like making clothing from spider's webs or building a house on sinking sand. Your deeds bear witness to what is inside of you, and make you naked in your sins before a holy and righteous God. Jesus is the only holy One who can and is willing to take our place and wash us clean, if we put our trust in Him. He is ready, willing, and waiting for you and all the world to make that decision to choose the solid foundation of salvation. 

    Jesus not only washes us with His blood to make us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18), but He also stands in our place before Father God to testify that we are His and have chosen Him as our Redeemer. We have liberty in Jesus Christ. We do not have to do anything to earn it; just believe that you know you are a sinner, accept Jesus as your Redeemer, as your Lord and Savior, and put your trust in Him. Believe that He rose from the dead because He did the works at the cross, not us. He did it in advance for us all, the whole world. If you have been putting your energy and time into works of the flesh, or even works to seem righteous. Stop and think: who is your firm foundation? Your works or Jesus. Meditate and pray to make your heart right about this if you need to. God is a gracious God, and a repentant heart is never turned away from our wonderful, gracious, and merciful God. Isaiah 66:2 speaks on this, as does Isaiah 57:14-21. 

   If your works are based on your love and devotion to God alone, then your heart is right before Him. Just make sure you remember that there is a fine line between works for salvation and works to serve and please our Heavenly Father. The heart matters in all respects. Your rewards in heaven are indeed put to the test of fire to see if your heart was right before Him when doing those righteous deeds. It is time for a heart check, family. For all of us. 

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

Isaiah 59:3

 Isaiah 59:3 

For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.

Expanded Form of Verse

(For your hands are stained (desecrated, soiled) with blood and your fingers with iniquity (guilt) (they hold onto the sin with a clenched fist); your lips have spoken lies (deception, falsehood, disappointment), and your tongue mutters (moans, growls, muse) injustice (unrighteousness)

Summary of Verse

 These people are practicing sin and iniquity, and they speak lies incessantly…but yet they claim to care about righteousness to the point of crying out, becoming angry, and irritable for justice to be served. Yet, as God points out, they are unjust and not walking in righteousness. He mentions in His word that they have their fists clenched onto their sins, not willing to let them go. They are, in essence, being stubborn about their sins, refusing to repent, but having no problem pointing out their own injustice. They are hypocrites.

Scriptures and Commentary

Explanation in color-coded fashion:

• verses will be in red, 
• my personal explanation, connections, and summaries will be in black
• the links will be in green

Isaiah 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

Isaiah 1:21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! 

• Gossip and lies about others, to destroy their reputations and character, is a form of murder. This includes mental/emotional/psychological attacks on others. 

Many verses on the topic of Gossip

1st set of verses about gossip

2nd set of verses about gossip

3rd set of verses about gossip

Isaiah 3:8 For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.

• Words and actions sinned against God and man 
• 1 John 3:18

Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: "Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts." 

• Revelation 19:11-16

Isaiah 9:15 The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. 

• A more intense understanding of this scripture can be seen in context.
• Isaiah 9:12-17

Isaiah 28:15 For you said, "We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol (hell). When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place."

• The people are lying to themselves and trying to tell themselves that they are going to avoid any judgement, though God made it very clear there would be, They choose to believe in lies, and that all will be well,  as if nothing will happen due to their behaviors.
• Hebrews 10:26-39
• Jeremiah 17:7-10
• Psalm 10, 141, 53, 19

Isaiah 30:9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD's instruction. 

• God made it very clear to the people to love Him and love our neighbor. He gave them the ten commandments, statutes, ordinances, and laws to help them stay aligned with Him, but they chose to forget God and His ways. Therefore, choosing to love their abundance and idols, rather than the One True and Living God who provides, protects, and loves them. 
• Deuteronomy 6, 7, 8
• Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 3

Isaiah 59:7 Doom has come to you, you who dwell in the land; The time has come, A day of trouble is near, And not of rejoicing in the mountains.'

• Ecclesiastes 3, 7, Matthew 5

Isaiah 59:13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Ezekiel 7:23 ‘Make a chain, For the land is filled with crimes of blood, And the city is full of violence.

Jeremiah 2:30 “In vain I have chastened your children; They received no correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion.

Jeremiah 2:34 Also on your skirts is found The blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, But plainly on all these things.

Hosea 4:2 By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed.

Isaiah 33:15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly (sincerity), He who despises the gain of oppressions (gain from extortion), Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes (whose hand never takes a bribe), Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed (against murderous plots), And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.

• Isaiah 57

Jeremiah 22:17

But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

Jeremiah 7:8

Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

Jeremiah 9:3-6

“And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, And they do not know Me,” says the Lord. 4 “Everyone take heed to his [a]neighbor, And do not trust any brother; For every brother will utterly supplant, And every neighbor will walk with slanderers. 5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity. 6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the Lord.

Ezekiel 13:8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Romans 3:10-18 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable (worthless); There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb (graves); With their tongues they have practiced deceit (fraud, lies)”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing (a prayer for evil for another) and bitterness (resentful).” 15 “Their feet are swift (eager) to shed blood; 16 Destruction (ruin) and misery (hardship, distress) are in their ways (path); 17 And the way of peace (prosperity) they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear (respect, reverence, alarm, terror) of God before their eyes.”

Galatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness (indecent behavior (sexually and outwardly), 20 idolatry (anything you put above God), sorcery (magic, pharmakea, enchantment), hatred( emnity, hostility, alienation, severe opposition), contentions (discord, strife, wrangling, quarreling), jealousies, outbursts of wrath (rage, passion), selfish ambitions (factions, rivalries), dissensions (divisions, standing apart, disunion), heresies (factions, beliefs in false doctrine and ways not of God), 21 envy (grudge, spite, akin to jealousy), murders, drunkenness (deep drinking, intoxication), revelries (carousing (deep pleasure with loud drinking with uncontrolled behaviors), reveling (take great pleasure) feasting (overeating)), and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Jeremiah 2:30 “In vain I have chastened your children; They received no correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion.

Jeremiah 2:34 Also on your skirts is found The blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, But plainly on all these things.

Hosea 4:2 By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed.

Psalm 51

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This is not completed, but is being published at this time. All commentary or additional scriptures will be added in the interim. God bless you and I hope and to God's glory if this blesses anyone in their studies and their understanding of our wonderful and powerful, loving Creator God, our El Elohim. You are loved more than you can every know by Him!

Isaiah 59: Verse 2

Isaiah 59:2

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear."

Bible Hub Hebrew word study breakdown: I rewrite it in a way to understand the meaning of the words in Hebrew to other synonyms...to assist in understanding.

But your iniquities (guilt) have built barriers (to be divided or separated) between you and your God, and your sins (offence, its penalty, offender) have hidden (hide, conceal) His face from you, so that He will not hear. 

Isaiah 1:15  

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

 Isaiah 50:1

This is what the LORD says: "Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

Isaiah 58:4 

You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high.

Lamentations 1:8 

Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns away.

Ezekiel 39:23 And the nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity, because they were unfaithful to Me. So I hid My face from them and delivered them into the hands of their enemies, so that they all fell by the sword.

Micah 3:4 Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.

Deuteronomy 31: 17-18 Then My anger shall be aroused against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide My face from them, and they shall be devoured. And many evils and troubles shall befall them, so that they will say in that day, ‘Have not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us?’ 18 And I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they have done, in that they have turned to other gods.

Deuteronomy 32: 19-20 “And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, Because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters.  And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith.

Isaiah 57:17 For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, And he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.

Joshua 7:11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.

Psalm 51 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

My Thoughts and Connections:

    Just think of the main verse in terms of a person who is literally building a wall between themselves and God, all the while yelling, crying, shouting at Him to save them from their situations. People tend to call out to God most often and with more gusto and frequency, believer in Jesus or not, when they are in a major valley or suffering in their lives. 

    Why is it only when we need God, we cry out to Him then?!? God wants a relationship with us as believers in Christ Jesus. Did you know?!?   

     

    When our thoughts, actions, and words are wreaking with wickedness, God will not listen to our prayers. Though you are covered in the blood of Jesus, being a believer in Jesus Christ, you will not have your prayers heard, nor sense His presence, until you get back into alignment with His ways and will. 

1 Peter 1 (read the whole thing), to be honest the whole book is great! Read it all I say! 💓

Solution:

Be humble

Have a contrite heart

Repent (Make a 180m degree turn from your sin...)

Rinse and repeat as necessary...

 Trust the grace of God to help you get up, and go forward. The Holy Spirit is doing the main work within you to help you get that stronghold or error in your thinking, words, and actions out of your life. You just have to have a willing heart and mind. A choice.

Ephesians 1-2 Great chapters to review what His grace means to us...because we are saved from our sins, through that grace, but by faith in that grace being sufficient. His blood and atonement being enough. You must believe. Faith is what makes us saved, not works. 

It is important to note, that Abraham was never saved by works, not by Tanakh, not by circumcision, not by anything...other than His faith (Genesis 15). He believed, it was accounted to him for righteousness. Not obeying commandments, not obeying rules and laws, not being perfect...just belief in God. He was given blessings because he believed, not because Abraham did anything...just believed in God, that He is. It took 25 years for him to even get to the point of having Isaac, but it took that long for him to be ready for that blessing. God gave him chances to learn about Him and how to walk in faith with Him. God doesn't thrust us into positions and blessings we can't handle, or we would indeed sin or turn away from God, due to our nature as humans in cursed flesh. (Check out this: Galatians 3)

      

      God does this with all of us, and if you don't get your blessings and prayers the ways we expect, remember...you aren't ready or it isn't His will. 

     If it was time and His will,  it would happen, because He is God. He knows your ups, downs, ins, and outs.  Psalm 139 Remember, there are more parts and pieces to this life, past, present, future...than your one prayer alone. Many moving and complicated parts. 

     Can you imagine Him ruining everyone else's blessings and the like, just because you want to be given what you want now? OY Vey! That would be scary, no?!?

         People who are not saved, do not have the desire to seek God's blessings with a humble and contrite heart, nor His presence , because they are not yet God's child. The conviction isn't there. But, there is this nagging condemnation they hear, which is their future if they continue not to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Just Saying. They will continue to feel nothing and be numb, or sense something overwhelmingly doomsday like (which explains why this world chooses medicines, alcohol, and other mind altering items to keep them from feeling that conviction from the Holy Spirit outside trying to get in). Isn't great that God always makes sure a person has the chance to come to Him...before it is too late (death). (John 3:16-12) Romans 3:10, 10:9-13, 6:1-23, 8:1-11 

    

     A true child of God will begin to become overwhelmed and in a disarray very soon after going prodigal in their lives, or when they begin to sin. A child of God that sins willfully should really consider if they are really God's child. We are all, as believers able to know what God says in His word and have such a conviction in our hearts, that the grief and the anxious feelings will overwhelm us.  

     God is telling the Israelites in this verse, Isaiah 59:2, that they are entrenched in their sins and God can't get near them. God is a holy and righteous God. He sent His son for a reason, so we could be cleansed of our sins, by the sacrifice Jesus did at the cross, and to give us eternal life, which was displayed at the resurrection of Jesus three days after His death at the cross. 

         Jesus's blood is the key to us being saved and seen as righteous by Daddy God. However, just because you are covered and atoned for, doesn't mean to continue in sins. It is one thing to struggle and wrestle with these, leaning on God's grace to help you stop walking in the ways of the world. (See Hebrews 6, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 12:1-2, James 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 2:1-18)

   However, it is another when a person speaks Christianese and says they are saved etc., but continues to walk and support the practices of sin in the lives of others. This is such a big deal with God, and to the honor of His name, that this person...if they are a child of God, will be dealt with in the ways that will lead them to repentance, or they will go home to Daddy God early...for God's namesake. Not the person's, because they were still unyielding to our Holy and Righteous God who expects all of His kids to be obedient and yielding to His Holy Spirit to do His work within us, to be purified and made holy in our living in this darkening world. (Check out this example of exhortation) God is longsuffering and patient with us all, considering our backsliding ways, but all it takes is a humbles and contrite heart. 

Humble and contrite heart:  concordance: dakah  shapal   

God speaks to us about not being angry with god when He disciplines us on our walk with Jesus and His Spirit: Hebrews 12 

What am I expected to do as a believer in Christ Jesus our Lord? Love God, Love our family of believers, Give Gospel, Build up our family in the ways of God our Father (Teach the fear of God and not of man)...

truth and love

2 Greatest Commandments that cover all the Laws of Moses and the Prophets:

1. Love God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. I believe we are to love with all our being, body and life included. Dying to ourselves is something Jesus speaks to us about being called by Him (1 Corinthians7:17-24, 10:12-13, Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20, Luke 14:33, John 12:24-26)  

2. Love your neighbor (Family of God and others) as yourself. Just read all of Book of 1 John

2 of the only expectations from the Great Commission to believers only in Christ Jesus our Lord and God: 

3. Give the gospel! We are called to bring in the harvest of those who were given the seeds of the gospel, but also to plant the seed of the gospel. Did you know there are waterers too???

Mark 16:15-18

15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will follow those who [d]believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

4, Build up (edify), the body of believers as disciples. We are to guide, unconditionally love, and support one another with our gifts, talents, resources, and the like (as God leads us through the Holy Spirit) to help one another get through this life, to live like Christ Jesus.  

Matthew 28:18-20

18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go [c]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

(John 21:17b-22)

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

20Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

22Jesus said to him, “If I [h]will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

This last verse is an important one, in John 21. God is saying to Peter and all of us, follow Him. Not man, but God. Don't look at your brother and say, "well...they have it good and I don't, why?" God knows what you need and He has a plan for you. Do not complain because it is hard and because you see your brother having a good time. What is their life and walk to yours? Nothing. You are the one that is being called to a purpose and God will guide you in that. Don't look to others and envy theirs. They have theirs. You have yours and it is perfect from the perfect Father of Lights. Jesus Christ our Lord and God and our Daddy Yahweh, our Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit is our best friend helping us on this journey, seek God while He may be found and you have breath to serve Him and love Him. He is faithful to help you on your purpose within His will.  

💓God Bless you and Shalom Shalom (perfect peace) You are loved more than you know and understand by our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. 💓

Isaiah 59 : Verse 1

        I am doing a piece by piece study in Isaiah 59. I am on verse one...it started today. 😅😋 So, I wanted to share some scriptures I was led to concerning this one verse. It is amazing, how I can get a many paged document to show so much scripture off of one verse alone. New Testament and Old. I love How God can take one verse and make such connections for the day, the hour, the week, the season...for every season. Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.

Bible Hub References for this scripture:

Numbers 11:23

The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass."

Isaiah 50:2

Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.

Isaiah 58:9

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,

Isaiah 65:24

Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Jeremiah 14:9

Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!

Jeremiah 32:17

"Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them."

   Concerning above, I find it pertinent that God already knows what we will say, before we say it. Go back to Daniel 4 with Nebuchadnezzar. The words were still in His mouth, and even after the warning...

Daniel 4:28-33

All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven [j]times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

    Now, look at the scriptures above, there is one that speaks and attests to this clearly in Isaiah:

Isaiah 65:24

Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

So, when we look at Psalm 139: Note here that God knows our thoughts before hand, He knows our movements before we move them, He knows our words, before we say them. 

Psalm 139: 1-7

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off.

You [a]comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

You have [b]hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

   With this in mind, take it to heart and mind, soul and spirit...What you think and dwell on, will eventually come out of your mouth or in your actions, which could lead to your discipline from our heavenly Father, and rightfully so...He is a good Daddy God. A wonderfully good God. Isn't it important to consider what you place in your eyes and ears?

      Isn't it important to guard your mind and hearts? They are but a moment from both angles from your mouth. The mind controls your body and your heart controls your mind.

     So...pay attention to whom you allow into your mind, what you allow into your mind, and how you tend to your mind and heart. This will lead to either folly or blessing. Your choice always.

 

Different Gears: 

       With a different perspective, consider this as well, you...as a believer in Jesus Christ are doing what you can to avoid the fleshly temptations...yes?!?

 Well, what do you do when you are caught off guard?

 Ephesians 6:10-20

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

   So, as you read this and consider...

 Guard your mind and heart through prayer and supplications.

    According to the words above, from Isaiah , Jeremiah, and Ezekiel...Also consider

James 4: 7-10 

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

     God is not far, and will listen if you reach out to Him... but remember what one verse says in those, He will help if you repent from your  fleshly ways.

Isaiah 58:9

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,

If you won't repent and humble yourself before our Almighty God:

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them."

      It may require you to throw away the idols of this life, distractions that decay your mind...and focus solely on God's will for your life...rather than on pleasures that do not last. Build the rewards in heaven...Pray for God to guard your mind...

2 Corinthians 10:5

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

…the obedience to Christ Jesus is simply this....obedience to His word, because He is the Word. Read the word...then...you will know.

Amen. Shalom and God bless all of you readers. 

Please visit my telegram page. I have announced that I am beginning to make bible study groups for online. You can email me from my profile to get more information, if you don't use telegram. I will post more details on my website when I am led to do so.

Here is the posting for your convenience on YouTube: Bible Study Announcement

Also, here is the telegram message I sent my subscribers and window shoppers on my channel: 

If someone is serious about getting into a deep bible study with me hosting and leading, teaching/facilitating...let me know what you think? I have a setup I have been seeking God concerning this, and I sense it is time. If anyone who sees this is interested in digging deep in the word and fellowship...let me know. I need at least 3 people. I will adjust as needed. If anyone is interesting the study aspect explained above in the pin, please write me at lesliehisbeloved@matthew44.org. It is my ministry email and I will take a list or even answer personal questions about this study. Shalom and God Bless. :)  The Bible study format will be explained when I get the proper amount of peeps who are seriously interested. :)

Also, if you genuinely need prayer, please email me or click on the contact link on the side of my blog page, and I will pray. Prayer is more powerful than any weapon in our spiritual arsenal we have. I am happy to pray God's will into your life. That is how we also do life together. Amen. 🙌