TRUST GOD, EVIL PEOPLE ARE NOT GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING: HERE'S WHY>>>>>

HABAKKUK

“…GOD’S WORK IS CLEARLY SEEN….” Part 2

“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

"…I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved…" (Habakkuk 2:1 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

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God’s people can complain, or blame, or question God about all the injustices and unfairness around them, but it won’t stop his PERFECT and JUST PLAN. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

It will appear as if evil and evil people are getting away with their sins, or wicked behavior, or wrongdoing. “….God is leading you away from danger, …to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld. But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don’t let yourself be bribed into sin. Could all your wealth or all your mighty efforts keep you from distress? Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil…” (Job 36:16-21 NLT).

While God is WORKING, it can become tempting to lose sight of his sovereignty! “….Look, GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’ Instead, glorify HIS MIGHTY WORKS, singing songs of praise. Everyone has seen these things, though only from a distance. “Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted. He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. Who can understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven? See how he spreads the lightning around him and how it lights up the depths of the sea. By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance. He fills his hands with lightning bolts and hurls each at its target. The thunder announces his presence; the storm announces his indignant anger…” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…There is NONE HOLY as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… there is NONE GOOD but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

“….Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE…” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV).  “….Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS…” (Philippians 4:8 KJV).

God was letting Habakkuk KNOW the only ONE who would be able to help them STAND against the Chaldeans was HIM. “…If God (WHO IS “JUST”) is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

God would protect his righteous ONES who continued to live by faith. “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…He helps me (his people)…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer...[your god of justice]…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“...Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

“….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

 “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me (God, the Holy Spirit); I will recompense (make it JUST)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

Even though the Chaldean’s evil ways only SERVED them, God would, according to biblical history, turn it ALL around in order to benefit or SERVE HIS PEOPLE!

God had ALLOWED the Chaldeans to RISE for the good of his WAYWARD people. He didn’t want his people to perish, but to choose to REPENT, yet MANY of them continued to do what they wanted. “...I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord.  “I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I sent plagues among you as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camps, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord...” (Amos 4:6-11 NIV).

Like the word says, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME BY CHOICE], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“…. Again and again (over the years as witnessed in biblical history) he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him ....Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “...And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“...I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

"…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

God used the Chaldeans to EXPOSE the hearts of his people to themselves. Though they were NOT ‘as” evil, as the Chaldeans, some of them were PRACTICING the “same” evil behaviors.

Some of his WAYWARD people had become unrighteous judges, demonstrated injustice toward certain groups of people, lacked compassion for the disenfranchised, made excuses for sinful conduct, folded their arms refusing to help the needy, and mirrored many of the same evil vices of the Chaldeans.

They were SWEEP UP in the TRAP of the Chaldeans and made a HUGE contribution to the SINS and INIQUITIES that was bought upon their people and nation. Stiff-necked is the same as “stubborn.” Stubbornness is a product of an unrepentant MINDSET. “…my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU]… ARE NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “… And  …“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” (1 Peter 4:18 NLT).

An unrepentant MINDSET is an unchanged mind that refuses to follow God’s HOLY instruction, guidance, or corrections. “... But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good ....” (Romans 2:5-13 NLT).

God’s judgement would be the consequence. “... the Jews (or God’s people), who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.  For merely listening to the [HOLY] law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the [HOLY] law that makes us right in his sight...” (Romans 2:5-13 NLT).

 “…REPENT ye (change your mind) therefore, and BE CONVERTED (SAVED), that your sins may be blotted out (that you may be DELIVERED from you sins)…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

"…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

While the Chaldeans DID NOT change their minds, but grew worst, many of God’s people DID change their minds and REPENTED. “[God can]… be touched with the feeling of [his people’s]… infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “..[His people can]… come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…If [his people]… confess [their]… sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…There is …no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).

“…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “...Grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Amen” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “…my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

 “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). “...The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “… he remains faithful , for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “God is faithful...” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In the 21^st century WAYWARD Christians are “proclaiming” to be God’s people WHILE siding with the Chaldeans of their times. “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unrepentent), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

“…Bring forth therefore fruits (such as spiritual fruit) worthy of REPENTANCE (a true change of mind), and begin NOT to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none…” (Luke 3:8-11 KJV). “…REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV).

WAYWARD Christians are so caught upon in the WORLD they have forgotten about LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead souls. “…They …serve ….their OWN belly (self)…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).  “…thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30).

“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26 NLT).

“.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

During Habakkuk’s time God announced judgement upon the Chaldeans and all unrepentant Judeans for their WICKED and EVIL conduct. Some of God’s own people were displaying BAD FRUIT. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them…” (Matthew 7:16-20 KJV).

During Isaiah’s day, some of his “own” people were calling evil, good and good, evil. “…Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!...” (Isaiah 5:20-21 KJV).

LIGHT and DARKNESS will “NEVER” dwell together. By trying to PROCLAIM they were God’s people while actively participating with the wicked and godless nations, as if they were one of the Devil’s people, were signs of an unrepentant heart. “…the one who practices sin is of the devil;...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB & Jude 1:24 KJV).

“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

When there is a BARRIER, made by sin, it separates the natural realm from the supernatural realm, and it creates an impenetrable chasm. “... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

 “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

 “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

There is NOTHING good about wickedness, evil, sin, iniquity, OR the people who are allies with those who practice this kind of lifestyle, upon earth!“…Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!...” (Isaiah 5:20-21 KJV).

The WAYWARD Judeans had REBELLED against the HOLY God, and their perspectives had obviously DARKENED based on their wicked and evil conduct.

Calling EVIL, good, was a SIGN of just how FAR AWAY from God they had become.

Though mankind tries to MEASURE one sin over another. In God’s HOLY eyes sin is sin. Sin is EVIL. INIQUITY  is the demonstration and expression of its corruption, depravity, darkness, etc.

Accepting or Calling ANY, no matter how big or small, EVIL behavior or conduct good is a MOCKERY of the holiness of God’s STANDARDS for himself and his people.

Apart from Jesus, God’s HOLY WORD, mankind’s VALUE system is TAINTED. Some of God’s WAYWARD people are promoting that HOLINESS is “intolerant” or “oppressive” right along with the WORLD and their carnal morality.

God’s TRUTH is only OFFENSIVE to those who OPENLY and PUBLICLY choose NOT to follow its HOLY standards. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

WAYWARD Judeans COULD NOT walk in DARKNESS and LIGHT at the same TIME. THEY ARE LYING! “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (compromising the truth), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

The WAYWARD Judeans COULD NOT do both. They had become BLINDED by their participation in EVIL and WICKEDNESS. “… In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them…” (2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV). “… If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get…” (2 Corinthians 4:4 MSG).

Whenever WAYWARD people, claiming to be God’s people, call their EVIL ways GOOD, it is a TELLTALE sign they have STRAYED away from God’s HOLY instructions! “…In the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away…” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV).

The WAYWARD Judeans had STRAYED far from God’s WORD. They couldn’t GIVE true spiritual enlightened to anyone, nor could they sustain a holy understanding without God’s revelation knowledge. “…Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” (Psalm 119:104-105 KJV).

The WAYWARD Judeans were FAR from God’s truth and were, openly, walking in their flesh or humanness. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be holy] …but I don’t [allow myself to depend upon God’s indwelling Spirit]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sinful nature]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be holy) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [unholiness]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit],.. [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The WAYWARD Judeans were like a FRUITLESS field.  “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

God’s people apart from depending upon the Holy Spirit, can do nothing. ^“…The God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in us (empowering) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“…Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), [HIS PEOPLE can] do nothing [spiritually relevant]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Without depending upon the Holy Spirit, God’s WAYWARD people became impure from self-effort that relies on sinful flesh. “… It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The sinful flesh profits NOTHING, especially NOTHING that glorifies God. The flesh, without God, is USELESS and UNPROFITABLE. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (the flesh) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."… if the salt has become tasteless … It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

If God’s people LOSE what makes them distinctive, which IS the  Holy Spirit, how will they be able to preserve themselves or others from the corruption of sin or depth of iniquity? “….Don't put your confidence in … people [or your OWN flesh]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without (the indwelling Holy Spirit of) FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

If the carnal WORLD can’t find God through his OWN people where else will they find it upon this earth? “…my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU]… ARE NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “… And  …“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” (1 Peter 4:18 NLT).

In the middle of a mess, where there is injustice and evil everywhere, God’s people choose to trust and believe, God, the Holy Spirit’s, is working.

God’s WORK is a spiritual reality. “…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  “… BY FAITH we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). However, “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

Habakkuk didn’t see it, but spiritual realties are “clearly seen.” Spiritual realities don’t rely on MERE human opinions, perspectives, or approval, but GOD’s sovereign truths. God, the Holy Spirit’s sovereign truths, through Jesus, are SPIRITUAL FACTS, and rely on FAITH. “…[Thus, God’s people]… LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV).

Some things can ONLY be seen through the eyes of the Spirit and NOT the eyes of the flesh. “…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

When God’s people can’t understand, God’s POWERFUL work and justice, by what they SEE in the flesh, they have to choose to TRUST and DEPEND upon what God’s WORD shows them in the SPIRIT. “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).