Son, before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet. You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Don’t be afraid of people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I have touched your mouth and said, “Look, I have put My words in your mouth!”
Son, has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged Me for worthless things by looking to others for help! They have turned their backs to Me! Their turning from Me should shame them, but they feel no shame. Soon they will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon Me and not to fear Me. No amount of soap or lye can make them clean before Me, for I still see the stain of their guilt. They have brought this upon themselves by rebelling against Me. When the times of trouble start they will cry out to Me, “Save us! We have done nothing wrong. Surely God isn’t angry with us!” But I will punish them severely because they claim they have not sinned. Remember, worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Son, prepare for action, and tell everyone everything I tell you to say. They will fight you by saying this is not from Me, but they will fail; for I am with you and I will take care of you. Tell those who teach My word to stop ignoring Me, and telling My people that everything will be fine the way it is. That’s right, I am watching everything they do and say. I will certainly carry out all my plans against those who ignore Me. I will pronounce judgment on My people for deserting Me. They think their government, or what they have made with their own hands, will save them. How foolish!
Remember that when there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. So tell My children to elect wise and just leaders who search for Me, and listen to Me, and they will bring stability into the nation. Those leaders who lead people along an evil path will only fall and suffer by their own evil doing. Your rich people think they are wise because they are rich, but a person with discernment, even though poor, can see right through them. When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. Greed causes fighting and disunity, but trusting Me leads to peace and prosperity. Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in My wisdom will be safe and sound.
Lord, because you have told us what is coming, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. Let us work toward complete holiness because we fear You. You are the one who encourages those who are discouraged. When times of testing come we must realize that in these times we will be filled with abundant joy and Your rich generosity, as long as we keep our hope in You.