In this episode of Call to Freedom, delve into the prophetic insights of Micah and the importance of ethical living. As Barbara shares her thoughts on social justice and political engagement, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of ancient prophecies in today’s world. Through historical context and present-day parallels, find inspiration in the mission to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Welcome to Call to Freedom with Barbara Carmack. This is Jimmy Lakey, and I’m delighted that you are joining us for this half hour. You can reach Call to Freedom at Box 370367, Denver, Colorado, 80237, or by going to the website at www.freedomstreet.org. If you want to leave a message or order a Word Power Daily Reading Bible Guide or a Freedom Street Express newsletter, you can call us toll free at 1-877-917-7256 and leave your name and address, including your zip code. If you want to talk to Barbara right now, she is expecting your call. You may call that same toll-free number, 1-877-917-7256 to speak to her. And now, let’s join Barbara in the studio.
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Welcome to Call to Freedom. Well, you know, ready or not, and if your throat has a little frog in it, you just got to go on. You can’t say, well, I need five minutes here. I need to go gargle. So bear with me as I’m getting this little frog out of my throat. I don’t know what happened, but it’s there. May the Lord remind you that he is for you. He’s for you. Oh, God is so for you. He loves you. And if God is for us, who can be against us? Nothing outside his will can stand against you. Nothing. You are covered by forgiveness and grace, loved, thought of constantly, and chosen to fulfill his divine purpose. Just think of the last four years. Think of the high prices going to the grocery store or the gas that you had to fill up your car. with the money that God had given you, and sometimes it just came squeaking to the end of the month, and you had two pennies to rub together, but you paid your bills, and you got through those four years, those impossible four years. As I looked on 2021, I thought, oh God, how are you going to get us through this? And he said, I will. I will. I’m holding you in my hand. You’re in my hand and I will keep you. Read Psalm 121. Oh, what a blessing it is for all of us who know that God is our keeper. And in the shade, he’s our keeper. In the sun, he’s our keeper. In the storm, he’s our keeper. In the wonderful weather, he’s our keeper. So remember that, friend. You are blessed to dispense, for in him you live and move and have your being. And I’m so glad that you joined me in these programs. I feel like you’re with me here in the studio, which is always a blessing. Our memory verse for this week is Psalm 33, 12 and 15. I’m going to read from the message. It’s verse 12. That’s your verse for this week. Psalm 33, verse 12. and in the message i’m going to start at the 12th verse and go to the 15th blessed is the country with god for god blessed are the people he has in his will from high in the skies god looks around he sees all adam’s brood yeah we’re all part of adam’s family from where he sits he overlooks all us earth dwellers he has shaped each person in in turn and now he watches everything we do From the Passion, Psalm 33, 12 through 17. His destiny plan for the earth stands sure. His forever plan remains in place and will never fail. Blessed and prosperous is that nation who has God as their Lord. They will be the people he has chosen for his own. Verse 13 through 15. The Lord looks over us from where he rules in heaven. Gazing into every heart from his lofty dwelling place, he observes all the peoples of the earth. The creator of our hearts considers and examines everything we do. Oh, we can’t hide anything. So don’t even try. Just have everything out in the open, my friend. Even if a king had the best equipped army, it would never be enough to save him. Even if the best warrior went to battle, he could not be saved simply by his strength alone. Human strength and the weapons of man are false hopes for victory. Remember that. Even though China looks like they have millions, and they do, millions in the army, it’s nothing to God. It is nothing to God at all. And if they’re anti-God, he’s going to see that they are defeated. They may seem mighty, but they will always disappoint. They will always disappoint. Praise God. Oh, and our lesson plan, trusting in God is our lesson plan for life. And as Tim Tebow says, it’s mission possible. And it may take a lifetime to truly trust God in every area of our lives. Our lesson plan is not to make a million or even paying off your house. Nope, that’s not your plan. Your lesson plan is trusting God. Trusting God in everything that you do every day. Yesterday, we looked at Daniel, who was opposed on every side, how God delivered him when no human being could. Remember, the king put the seal on the boulder that kept the lion’s den closed, and Daniel was in there with the lions, and they did not eat him. And then when they threw the guards in, and their families… They ate them. So we know that they are ferocious and vicious animals. But God closed their mouths. Praise the Lord. The book of Micah, one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament, and I don’t like to call them minor prophets because… They’re so jam-packed, full of anointing. It’s attributed to the prophet Micah himself. Now, there’s not a whole lot of information about Micah. He was a contemporary of other biblical figures such as Isaiah and Hosea, prophesying 800 years before Jesus was born. And we’re going to talk about one of the prophecies that he gave in Micah. He hailed from the town of Moresheth. And it’s located in southern kingdom of Judah, which shaped his perspectives on both local and national issues. His writings reflect a deep concern for social justice and the moral decay of society, making him a pivotal voice in the prophetic tradition. Now, some people say, oh, we shouldn’t get mixed up in politics. Well, it’s not politics. It’s our lifestyle of living in a republic. America is a republic for the people, by the people. And so we’ve got to be engaged in knowing what is happening in our country. And that’s why I am one who watches not only Fox News, I don’t watch it as much anymore, but Newsmax and some of these outlets which give us the truth because it’s so important that we know the truth. We know of social injustices and we know of the moral decay. And President Trump, as he’s going throughout the country, sees the moral decay and how the people are asking for help from him, especially Trump. For instance, Chicago, 51,000 illegal aliens are in Chicago. Can you imagine how that’s going to change the face of that town? Chicago used to be beautiful. John and I went for a piano conference when he was with Baldwin. And we just had a ball even going on the L line across Chicago, going to the aquarium, going along the seaside there. Oh, beautiful town. And going into the tallest building there, it was just wonderful. So that’s why we need to be really involved in the social injustices so that We can pray for the truth and God’s justice to take place. And so that’s why the majority of Americans knew that in order to achieve social justice, we must look to a man who’s willing to give his life to make America great again. And he truly was. You know, when he got hit in the ear with the bullet, he didn’t just sink down and have them carry him off the platform. Maybe I would have done that. I’m bleeding, I’m bleeding. No, he just pumped his fist and said, fight, fight, fight. And what a wonderful phrase that we used until he was elected president, 47th president of the United States. Praise God. So here’s Micah’s background. We’re going to see a little bit about him and the parallels that he had with what we are going through in our country right now. Micah’s prophecies emerged during a tumultuous time in Israel’s history, characterized by political instability and social injustice. The kingdom was divided with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Samaria was the capital of Israel, Jerusalem the capital of Judah, leading to varying degrees of corruption and idolatry. Boy, we’ve seen that. The burning of Minneapolis, Chicago… And Oregon, Portland, Seattle, Washington, these are gorgeous. It used to be that Portland was called the Rose City, City of Roses. And it was beautiful. When John and I went there to sing, it was absolutely beautiful. And sometimes when that… Evil takes over for a time. They’re going to bring really bad situations and conditions. But God is going to bring about a fair and wonderful result. And Micah’s message addressed all these things that we’re talking about. His unique background as a rural prophet allowed him to speak with authenticity about the struggles faced by ordinary people. setting him apart from the urban cities of Jerusalem and the elite. And we’ve seen this lack of representation in the rural areas, like in Colorado. A huge county is Weld County of Colorado, very conservative. So we’ve seen the lack of representation of the rural counties in just the state of Colorado, let alone all over the United States, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Idaho. And we’ve seen this lack because areas such as Denver have been ruled by left-wing politicians who seem to have their way in getting horrible legislation passed. Let’s pray for a new day in these blue states. I remind myself almost daily, Barbara, what does Colorado mean in Spanish? And I say, oh, Lord, it’s red. It’s red. Colorado means red state. I’m going to go for it. I am. So let’s pray for these blue states that the people of that state will be heard and they will hear them. The most quoted passages from Micah, and you probably have heard this over and over again, and it’s one of my favorite. It’s like God has shown you, oh, mortal, what is good. This is from Micah 6, verse 8. I think all of us should memorize this. God has shown you, oh mortal, that’s us, physical, what is good. What is good? He is a good God. Sometimes in my car I’m just going, oh God, you are so good. You’re a good God. You’re a wonderful God. So what does the Lord require of you? What does he require of us who believe in him? To seek justice, to love mercy. Oh, mercy surrounds us. And when we do something that is wrong or we commit a sin, that mercy takes over and God sees us as just people that are fallible and we’re going to fall. We are going to fall, but God picks us up, praise the Lord, to seek justice and love, mercy, and walk humbly with your God. This verse highlights Micah’s emphasis on ethical living as central to faith. Micah’s influence extends beyond his immediate historical context as his prophecies foretell the coming of the Messiah. His predictions regarding the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem have significant implications in Christian theology. Moresheth, the town where Micah grew up, was very agricultural, with implication that Micah might have been a farmer. It was totally destroyed, but is said to be six and a half miles from Bethlehem. So when he prophesied about Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, he had some idea about of what the village looked like. It’s like I’ve moved from Greeley. I was in Greeley for over 20 years growing up at Pierce. And so I knew Greeley really well. When people talk about Greeley, oh yeah, I know where that is. I know where the courthouse is. I know, yeah. And so we say, oh yeah, I know where that is. Well, I’m sure that Micah, when he heard about Bethlehem, yes, I’ve been through Bethlehem. I know where it is. Here’s Micah 5. 2 through 5, and here’s the prophecy about Jesus being born. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. That means you’re minute. You don’t really… rate with other cities in israel it’s like when you’re from a small town like i was from pierce colorado what’s pierce 365 people and so you’re feeling small but there’s no small in god’s eyes no small no small you’re not small you’re only a small village among all the people of judah yet our ruler of israel will come from you one whose origins are from the distant past off from the beginning of time and forever the people of israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth c israel was under roman rule when jesus was born they weren’t free They were under a Roman dictatorship. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. This took thousands of years from the time of Micah’s prophecy. Thousands of years for us to see Israel in 1948. Become an independent state. Praise the Lord. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength in the majesty of the name of the Lord, his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And this is yet to come. But there’s going to be a day when Jesus is ruling in Jerusalem. Oh, and his love. and truth that people around the world will come to worship him. Oh, what a day! And he will be the source of peace, Prince of Peace, Shalom. When the Assyrians invade our land and break through our defenses, we will appoint seven rulers to watch over them, eight princes to lead us, and that’s a completion. Seven is a perfect completion. He’s gonna have all of the armies that he needs to keep that state of Israel safe. And as you’re seeing Israel right now being surrounded by the enemy and they are fighting north and east and south and even into the Mediterranean, parts of the Mediterranean, we’re seeing how some countries are just wanting to squash Israel. Do you think they are going to do that? No, no. I want to read a little bit of Micah here in the seventh chapter. Great chapter. And he’s just telling us, aren’t you glad that they had journals then that they were writing how they felt? And some of the prophecies like the Bethlehem of Ephrathah. Here he’s saying how miserable I am. Haven’t you ever said that? I am so sick. I’m miserable. Oh, I can’t believe how bad I feel. Well, you know, as Darren said, feelings and symptoms are liars and God’s word is truth. And he goes on to say, Micah goes on to say, I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. Just think he’s done his harvest. He’s taken everything to market and he’s left with nothing. not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig can be found to satisfy my hunger the godly people have all disappeared not one honest person is left on the earth there are all murderers setting traps even for their own brothers Now, here he says, all people have all godly people have disappeared and all the people left on the earth are murderers. All, all, all. Boy, it would be a really good idea if you don’t use generalities to offset your faith walk with God. And I used to do that. All people in this area don’t believe in God. I’m the only one. I remember Elijah saying, God, I’m the only one on this earth. And God says, there’s 7,000 who have not bowed to Baal or Asherah. So we remember that and we don’t do all anymore. They aren’t all murderers. There are some who trust God. And Micah goes on to say both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil. Officials and judges alike. Boy, judges in this country have been unfair and evil alike. They demand bribes. And I’m sure there have been many bribes under the table. The people with influence get what they want. And together they scheme to twist justice. Wow. Wow, this sounds just like the last four years, folks. Even the best of them is like a briar, a briar bush full of those needles. The most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now, Lord. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion. Praise the Lord. Oh, and here he goes on to say, don’t trust anyone, not your best friend or even your wife. And for that, the son despises his father, the daughter defies her mother, the daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law. Now, Jesus quoted this verse in the New Testament. And he goes on to say in the seventh verse, But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Oh, I love this song. Yesterday we played one song by Chris Tomlin, which is My Chains Are Gone, I’ve Been Set Free. He’s an anointed composer. And right now we’re going to hear Unfailing Love.
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God of grace and power. And everything you hold in your hand. Still you make time for me. I can’t understand. Thank you. How beautiful is your unfailing love. I can’t understand.
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Oh, praise God. Praise you, God of earth and sky. How beautiful is your unfailing love. Unfailing love. And you never change. God, you remain the holy one. And my unfailing love. unfailing love oh go around your home in your car today just singing of god’s unfailing love i hope you can say with me god you have my heart and i am yours forever you are my strength God of grace and power and everything you hold in your hand, everything he holds in his hand. Can you imagine? Sometimes you say, well, I hope it rains here. If it rains in Los Angeles, they’re going to have mudslides. So he’s got to think of everybody’s benefit. Is this going to be good for this part of the country or that part of the country? And what’s going to be good here in this part of the world and that part of the world? He’s got responsibility for everyone. Oh, and he still makes time for you. And he still makes time for me. Isn’t that wonderful? Oh, I love that song. And I’m going to go on with Micah 7, verse 12. Micah is writing about Israel and the cities will be rebuilt and your borders will be extended. We’re going to see in the future yet that Gaza is going to be Israel and West Bank are going to be Israel. In fact, the original Israel, which was Canaan, which Abraham had, gotten from god as a promise it went clear into iran that’s the borders of the original israel and up into lebanon so we’re going to see the borders extended just like micah says in the 11th verse People from many lands will come and honor you, from Assyria all the way to the towns of Egypt, from Egypt all the way to the Euphrates River, and from distant seas and mountains. Tourism in Israel is their greatest asset. Millions walked the paths that Jesus walked when he was on the earth. So we’re going to see many, many countries come to Israel, as we are seeing now. God, protect your people with your shepherd’s staff. Lead your flock, your special possession. Though they live alone in a thicket on the heights of Mount Carmel, let them graze in the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago. Yes, says the Lord, I will do mighty miracles for you like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt. All the nations of the world will stand amazed. what i will do for you they will be embarrassed at their feeble power they will cover their mouths in silent awe deaf to everything around them oh i’m telling you it’s going to be remarkable it’s going to be better than anything you can ever imagine that’s why i believe we’re going to have new bodies when we see all this And he’s got such compassion over each and every one of us. Remember that. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. And you have the mind of Christ today, my friend. You truly do. I want you to know that God is there for you. Anything. Tell him. Be honest with him. Father God, I’ve got this need or I’ve got this issue in my life and I’m just going to lay it out on the table and do that for yourself and for him. God loves you so much. God bless you and take joy and take care of yourself today. Bye.
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In this episode of Call to Freedom, delve into the prophetic insights of Micah and the importance of ethical living. As Barbara shares her thoughts on social justice and political engagement, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of ancient prophecies in today’s world. Through historical context and present-day parallels, find inspiration in the mission to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
