America Makes an Offering

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=168 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="129a11c3.png"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to the Heart4God Website!"><U><B><IMG SRC="4b55a500.png" border=0 width="90" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Writings of Joseph Herrin"><U><B>Writings by Date</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id212.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Writings of Joseph Herrin Organized "><U><B>Writings by Topic</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.heart4god.ws/Audio/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.heart4god.ws/Audio/index.htm"><U><B>Audio Files</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id690.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Videos"><U><B>Videos</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id323.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Writings of Others"><U><B>Other Authors</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id324.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id339.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Questions and Answers"><U><B>Q&A</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id328.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Heart4God Email List"><U><B>Heart4God E-mail List</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com"><U><B>Parables Blog</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id306.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="File Downloads"><U><B><IMG SRC="2b264140.png" border=0 width="100" height="20" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <B>America Makes an Offering</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="c2827160.png" border=0 width="807" height="22" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Joseph Herrin (10-7-01)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> I have been praying this weekend seeking to discern what message the Father would have me write about. There were many things that have been on my mind in recent weeks, but nothing seemed to come to the surface with any unction from the Spirit. Last night as I slept, suddenly some scriptures came to the forefront of my mind along with their application to the days we live in. I did not arise at the time, never really having awakened, but as I continued to rest these thoughts remained on my mind and were present until I did arise.</div> <bR> <div> One of the scriptures that came to my mind with such stark clarity was the following:</div> <bR> <div> John 14:6</div> <div> Yahshua said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”</div> <bR> <div> As this scripture came to me I was reminded of the prayer service which the President and many other people of prominence in America attended on the Friday after the tragic events of September 11. This prayer service was held in a great  cathedral in Washington D.C.. Among those present to offer their spiritual service at this prayer gathering were a Muslim Cleric, and the evangelist Billy Graham.</div> <bR> <div> Many in our nation have taken encouragement over this gathering and the return to prayer that has been evident among the nation’s leaders, as well as the citizens of the nation. Many were encouraged that the President has taken such a public stand in participating in a nationally televised prayer service. What was really revealed is the level of apostasy that has enveloped America. Every sincere saint should be appalled at what was revealed through this prayer service, but sadly few have demonstrated that they have eyes to see. The vision of the saints of America has grown dull as they have given themselves to the pursuit of the world and its pleasures, and they have neglected to pursue the heart of God.</div> <bR> <div> We have become a nation that judges things by external observation and human reasoning. We applaud religious posturing and the appearance of righteousness, but we fall far short of truly walking in a righteous manner before Yahweh God. We offer to Him some token acknowledgment of His presence in our lives, but we do not go so far as to actually present to Him that which He desires. The national prayer service in this great cathedral was a clear example of man offering to God a sacrifice which is detestable to Him. As the prophet Samuel declared to another national ruler, "Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”</div> <bR> <div> There was no obedience in the prayer service mentioned. There was no heeding the instructions of a holy God. Yahweh was not treated with the reverence and holiness He deserves. He was offered a substitute of man’s devising that was intended to be seen of man, and there was little regard for God’s appraisal of it. How tragic that a church, blinded by her own idols and the pursuit of the world could not recognize the ungodliness of this staged event. Rather than sinking to their knees in prayer at recognizing our apostate condition, millions were actually encouraged by this event and have taken heart. The heart of this people has grown dull and their discernment is totally absent. My prayer is that as you read the words here that you too will become appalled at the deception this nation walks in and join in the cry for repentance.</div> <bR> <div> From the opening chapters of Genesis, and throughout scriptures we are shown examples of offerings that are pleasing to Yahweh and offerings that were repugnant to Him. The story of Cain and Able is our first clear example. Able brought a firstling of his flocks without blemish to offer to God. Cain brought of the fruit of the earth. God had regard for Able’s offering, but He did not regard Cain’s. When Cain realized that God had no regard for his offering he did not do as he should have by repenting and bringing forth an acceptable sacrifice. Offering an acceptable sacrifice was not in Cain’s heart. Cain had little regard for Yahweh’s desires. Cain wanted to do as he desired and he wanted his way to be blessed.</div> <bR> <div> We see that there was no repentance in Cain’s heart. Instead he went out and murdered his brother. Cain could not bear the fact that someone else actually had enough regard for God that they would bring an offering of obedience, instead of an offering of their own will. In the same way, many people continue in their wickedness today and they demand that God should bless them. They do not want to change their ways. They simply want the blessing. They do not want to examine their ways, they do not want their error exposed, they do not want to have to die to some area of self, they simply demand a blessing. </div> <bR> <div> Has this not been the response of America? Having suffered calamity she has failed to look to herself to see the shame of her nakedness. She has failed to ask God if there is a reason that the hedge of protection has been lowered. Instead she has put up hundreds of thousands of banners and signs saying, “God Bless America.” But God cannot bless America if she will not bring forth fruit that is acceptable unto Him. Like Cain, repentance and an offering of good fruit must come forth to obtain the blessing.</div> <bR> <div> Throughout the history of the nations of Israel and Judah, periods of idolatry and apostasy would arise. At times idols were even brought into the temple that was devoted to Yahweh, and detestable sacrifices to Baal and Ashtoreth and other false gods were offered right alongside of offerings to the One true God. Never did Yahweh ever honor the people when they were walking with such a divided heart.</div> <bR> <div> The people of Israel loved the temple of Solomon that was dedicated to Yahweh. Even in times of great idolatry they did not wholly abandon the temple. Instead, they did a worse thing. They filled the temple with idols and they performed their offerings to Baal right next to their offerings to Yahweh. There is no doubt that Yahweh was not pleased with this ungodly mixture. Time after time He gave them over to the hand of their enemies to punish them. The people did not discern the difference between the holy and the profane. How insulting for Yahweh to be worshiped beside a god of man’s own invention. How degrading to bring Yahweh down to the level of something that was no god at all.</div> <bR> <div> On one occasion Yahweh sent His prophet Elijah to confront the people concerning their double-minded condition. Elijah said, “How long will you halt between two opinions. If Yahweh is God, then serve Him. If Baal is god, then serve him.” The message was unmistakable. Yahweh would have no other gods before Him. There was only one true God.</div> <bR> <div> You may think, “How could the people of Israel and Judah have been so blind as to not know that Yahweh would not honor them if they brought idols into the temple? Certainly they must have been incredibly blinded.” Yet America has done the same thing, and she has done so even during the prayer service that occurred after the tragedies of 9-11.</div> <bR> <div> Consider that the first minister to come forth during this prayer service was not a minister of the church of Christ, but a minister of Islam. Islam is a religion that does not recognize Yahweh. Instead they recognize a god that is no god at all, whose name is Allah.</div> <bR> <div> Islam teaches that there is a way to god other than through Yahshua. Yahshua, in contrast said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” By all appearances this Muslim cleric looked like a good and decent man. He seemed very spiritual and very humble. I am sure that many of the prophets and priests of Baal appeared equally wise and spiritual. Did Yahweh honor the false priests of old because they seemed good and decent? Did Yahweh say, “Okay, you can share my temple and offer sacrifices next to those who worship Me?”</div> <bR> <div> What we saw played out during the national prayer service was a re-enactment of what occurred thousands of years ago when the priests of Baal stood shoulder to shoulder with the priests of Yahweh. It brought judgment then, and it will invite the judgment of God today. Tell me, if I am wrong, “What was different from this prayer service and what happened years ago in Israel? What difference is there in a prophet of Baal and a minister of Allah?”</div> <bR> <div> If a raiding force had come into Israel in the days of the kings and had brutally murdered thousands of citizens, and then threatened to do even more harm, what would have happened if the citizens of Israel had responded as our nation did? Suppose the King of Israel had called for a national prayer service in Jerusalem to be held in the Temple of Yahweh. Suppose the king called a true minister of Yahweh to be present and speak a few words, but he was advised that he should also have a minister of the false god of the nation that attacked him to stand and offer prayers in the Temple as well. I ask you, “Would God have honored the King?”</div> <bR> <div> America has strayed from the pursuit of Yahweh to such an extent, and she has filled her land with such wickedness, that the governmental leaders of our nation, and the church leaders and saints of the nation cannot discern the difference between the holy and the profane. Having suffered the most egregious breach of security in our nation, and having suffered tremendous loss of life, and knowing that the prosperity and welfare of America is tottering, she should have repented and sought the face of God. Instead her leaders have responded with a token acknowledgment of God in a national prayer service where the first prayer was offered by a prophet of Baal.</div> <bR> <div> If the intent of the prayer service was to invoke the aid of the God of the Bible that America professes to trust in, did she do well by having a minister of Islam begin the service? Has America become so blind that she could possibly think that such an action would elicit the blessing of the God who said, “You shall have no other gods before Me?”</div> <bR> <div> Perhaps it is understandable that America has forgotten the first of the Ten Commandments, for she has removed them from the courthouses and public buildings of the nation. Perhaps those in attendance at the National Cathedral have forgotten these words:</div> <bR> <div> Exodus 20:3-5</div> <div> "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God..."</div> <bR> <div> The proponents of Islam worship and serve another god that stands in opposition to Yahweh, and America has brought a minister of Islam into the National Cathedral to pray to this false god on behalf of the nation. Our President, several former presidents, and many other dignitaries looked on and gave their consent as this false god was invoked and his blessing was asked. How Satan must have roared in triumph as he witnessed this debacle.</div> <bR> <div> Last night as I slept the verse was clearly painted in my mind, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” Islam denies this truth. Islam professes that Yahshua was a prophet, but they deny that He was the Son of God. How we have mixed the holy with the profane. The ministers of Yahweh are given the command to teach the people what is right.</div> <bR> <div> Ezekiel 44:23</div> <div> Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.</div> <bR> <div> The ministers of this nation have failed to do so. Many of them cannot make a distinction themselves. Their eyes have grown dim and their hearing is deficient. Multitudes saw no evil in having a priest of a false god begin the prayer service for our nation. Can the judgement of Yahweh be far from America?</div> <bR> <div> Many believe that judgment is an Old Testament concept, but it is in the New Testament that we read the following verses.</div> <bR> <div> I Peter 4:17-18</div> <div> 17     For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?</div> <div> 18     And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?</div> <div> (NAS)</div> <bR> <div> Over the last couple of generations America has been replacing the righteous teachings of the scriptures with a form of political correctness that serves as a substitute. The scriptures describe what has happened in America.</div> <bR> <div> Romans 1:25-32</div> <div> 25     For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.</div> <div> 26     For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,</div> <div> 27     and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.</div> <div> 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,</div> <div> 29     being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,</div> <div> 30     slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,</div> <div> 31     without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;</div> <div> 32     and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.</div> <div> (NAS)</div> <bR> <div> Can any deny that America is full of every form of wickedness mentioned here? America has not only become filled with these things, but she teaches that we are not to judge those who commit such acts. Tolerance is the greatest virtue of the nation. We are to tolerate homosexuality. We protect those who are sexually perverse through laws that insure that those who practice ungodliness cannot be excluded from any facet of society. Such ones are even allowed to marry and adopt children, and we call this evil good.</div> <bR> <div> No wonder the leaders of this nation saw fit to have a minister of Islam begin the prayer service in our nation’s Capitol. If we can tolerate all manner of wickedness then certainly Yahweh should be able to tolerate someone who is a minister of a false god. In fact, Yahweh should bless us for being so tolerant and open-minded. It would be petty of Him to find fault with us.</div> <bR> <div> Like Cain we have brought our offering to God and we are demanding that He accept it. All over America signs are flying saying “God Bless America”. America has prayed. Her leaders have prayed. We say, “Here is our offering, now bless us.” But Yahweh cannot bless an offering that does not discern the difference between the holy and the profane.</div> <bR> <div> The message Yahweh would bring forth right here is that it is not just sufficient to present an offering. I am hearing numbers of people speaking in glowing terms of the great outpouring of prayer that is coming forth. But the scriptures clearly reveal that there are acceptable offerings and those that are unacceptable. The fact that there are prayers does not mean that God is pleased. We must bring forth an offering that is worthy of Him. We must bring forth the fruit of repentance and return to righteousness. Then Yahweh will have regard for our offering.</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>