Violence and Destruction?
O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!" For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jer 20:7-9 ESV)
Foul and sour spiritual winds are blowing across the Nation and world right now. I’m sorry; like Jeremiah, I always seem to be crying out “violence and destruction!” But there is a loving method to my prophetic madness…
From a burning desire to see the saints of God prosper and stay in position to extend the Kingdom, my goal is preparation, not pessimism.
It seems like just a little while ago I was ranting and raving about sodomite “marriage” becoming legal as a possibility. We blew right thought that to men in women’s bathrooms and 47 genders. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, there was a spiritual shift in 2008-2009, and we are primed for another one. Either way the next election goes, we are in for more unrest, terror, fading morals, and economic perils. The country has moved in the anti-Christ direction in all the major areas of life: politics, money, education, entertainment, social media, public discourse, “race” relations, respect for authority, and yes, even the ministry of the church. (Have you ever seen this many churches throw away biblical commands for cultural acceptance in your lifetime?)
So I’m simply saying, “Get prepared.”
What could you do between now and then…between now and let’s say January, to prepare your family and church to fight stronger principalities? The Western church, used to being the majority, is having to adjust to new realities, if not in appearance then certainly in spiritual actuality. Much of what we were has been judged, found wanting, and is being torn down and reformed.
If you remember, Jeremiah was actually trying trying to save lives. God gave him an unpopular message in order to spare as many as would hear it. God’s mind however was made up to punish His people and nothing could be done about it. Instead of hearing the prophet, the people preferred a message of comfort and ease. “It’s all going to be ok.” “Peace and prosperity!”
God sent their enemies upon them and they were carried away.
I make no claims to be prophet. I (like many others) am just reading the signs of the times. (Matt 16:3) So I’m simply saying, consider:
- What adjustments do you need to make in your spiritual life to increase your perseverance?
- Are you prepared and willing to share the Gospel of Jesus and personally make disciples?
- What financial changes do you need to make? Are you moving towards self-sufficiency? Are you ready to be generous to those in need?
- Do you really want the government teaching your children?
- Are you ready to protect your family if need be?
- Are you getting the whole counsel of God at your church, and are you being encouraged to both love hard and stand strong in holiness?
- Are your children aware of these sour winds? Have your taught them a biblical worldview?
I hope I’m wrong, but I think very difficult days are coming. There may be revival on the other side if the Lord tarries, but we’ll have to get through hard days first.
CCM
