DISCOURAGEMENT

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9 NASB

It is human nature to grow discouraged at times. Our finite being does not have the perspective of an infinite God, a God who has a plan; a plan established before the foundation of the world. We humans are stuck in our own time-warp, one that reflects our desires and wishes, not necessarily God’s.

Floundering in the Bog

Even as Christians, we often are self-centered, ploughing and plunging around in a bog of dejection, miring ourselves in self-pity rather than moving forward toward the outstretched arms of the God who created us and delivered us to the other side of hopelessness. As we twist and turn toward how we want things to go, we sink deeper and soon feel more desperate and despairing.

The testing of our faith

But you say, I don’t want to be tested; I hate being in this bog of discouragement. Testing is painful, and, in the end, I might have to give up my desires in favor of God’s plan. Yet James tells us that the trials and testing of our faith produce endurance. Endurance implies I must stay in the bog for a while instead of instant gratification of my desires or a swift rescue.

While waiting for Him to rescue me

God gets our attention in trials and disappointment. Faith needs to be exercised to be strong enough to stand up to the world and its troubles. A strong faith in Him sets our feet on solid ground instead of the sinking sand of a world that is passing away. Abraham, when God ordered him to sacrifice the promised seed, his long-awaited son Isaac, did not despair or insist on his own way, but offered Isaac up knowing that an eternal and sovereign God could make everything right. Abraham is the father of faith.

Rewards

One of the first Bible verses I memorized after becoming a Christian was Philippians 1:6; the assurance that I was indeed saved, that He would continue to perfect me, and someday I would be released from the worldly bog and receive the crown of life. The perfecting part includes discouragement. The harvest that Paul spoke of in Galatians is my recognition that no bout of discouragement or despair can separate me from the love of Christ–not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, peril, or sword. Like Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego in the fiery furnace, I have One who will ultimately fulfill His plan, His way, while at the same time allowing me to emerge unscathed. So, when the mire of despair surrounds us and doubt plummets us, we know that we belong to the One who foreknew and called us to become conformed to the image of His Son, perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Love Your Neighbor

Relationships have suffered in the past few years. The isolation of the COVID epidemic and vastly differing political views have contributed to unprecedented divisions. Social media is a great way to keep in touch, but it has its downside. It allows us to express our opinion in a way that insulates us from real confrontations. We feel free to throw our thoughts and views like sowing seed. And, unless we are careful, we are sowing dissention, disagreement, and conflict…weeds that choke out relationships. Lifelong friendships have ended, families are split apart, and verbal confrontations have become the norm. Ridicule, sarcasm, and bitter words become weapons of destruction.

Humility: In the Dustbin of History

God told Micah His prophet, that what He requires from us is to do good; to do justice; love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him. He emphasized that a right relationship with Him…one that recognizes His sovereignty, omnipotence, and transcendence as compared to our human frailty is the foundation for relationships with others. Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We all have opinions and worldviews based upon our life experiences, but in today’s world it appears it is “my way or the highway.” We have lost the art of having discussions incorporated with humility. Rather, we plunge on, thinking we are right. We don’t listen; while the other is speaking, we are compiling our response rather than respecting the other person rather than accepting we might learn something.

We can be Friends even if we Disagree

In these times we are submerged in an eddy of information and opinion, causing us to either fight against the current or just go along. It doesn’t have to be those two extremes. Empathy for the other person requires us to try to put ourselves in their place; attempt to at least consider their point of view based upon who they are. That’s one way to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are so quick to criticize that often we miss the point. I am not saying that we should not stand up for truth; rather I am hoping that we can disagree with another person without severing the relationship. That’s where humility comes into play. It hurts when another person attacks you for your views. It is hard not to want to retaliate, but if we are going to restore our nation, we must put our egos aside and temper our responses. Jesus said that those who make peace are blessed. Why? Because only then can the world see we are truly His children.

WALLS

Ancient civilizations survived by building walls around their towns and villages. Watchtowers served the larger towns by warning of invaders, so the townspeople could run inside for safety behind closed massive gates. God commissioned Ezekiel, one of God’s greatest prophets, to be a “watchman” on the wall—to warn people of coming dangers. Sometimes the people listened; but often they ignored the warnings and listened to the lies of those telling them what they wanted to hear. Nevertheless, Ezekiel continued to sound the warning.

Our heritage and our Constitution

The founding fathers and those who first arrived on America’s shores created documents that served as covenants with God as a witness. The Constitution’s preamble says that it was to ensure justice, domestic tranquility, provide for the commondefense; promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our children and grandchildren. It has stood for generations as our wall to protect us from despots and tyrants.

America’s wall has breaches

In ancient times, enemies would batter walls until they secured a breach; then they would pour in and overtake the city. Inspections by the townspeople were essential. Often when they discovered deteriorated parts of the wall, they filled them with weaker materials and whitewashed them to give the people the semblance of security. But…it was a false security. America’s walls are not as strong as they once were. We have, through neglect and believing those in power assuring us we are safe allowed the breaches to further erode. And to be honest, we as a people do not want to hear doom and gloom…and…we are reluctant to get to work and shore up the breaches with solid boulders of truth. We believe lies because it allows us to feel safe, and we do not want to do the work it takes to repair our broken-down walls. Our excuse is “I am only one person; what can I do? “The rocks are too heavy.” “People won’t like me if I go against the culture’s frauds, even though I know they are wrong.,” and “It’s too late to do anything.” “We the People” means all of us.

It is never too late

Fortunately, for now, the Constitution still stands as our wall. And, despite those who promote revised histories, and the disparagement of critics, there is still a remnant of people who know and understand we have a nation that God gave us. And…make no mistake…He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. He is waiting for us to wake up and return to Him, so He can heal our land. He is calling us to return to His paths and walk in them. (Is30:21).

How do we return?

Return to Him. The Bible records His voice and His character. He tells us He hears our prayers…in fact…He stores all our tears in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8) He shines like a beacon of Light to show us back to His ways. He protects us against the lies of evil. Psalm 23 tells us He prepares a table for us amid our enemies. He wins! And He is the Author of second beginnings.

Another chance

We must inspect our wall. Currently, those who hate this country have ignored our Constitution. Article IV Section 4 states the Federal government must protect us against invasion. And Amendment X which gives enumerated powers to the Federal government; the states keep all others, including elections. Familiarize yourself with this amazing document that is unique in history. Use the plumbline of God’s word against what you hear.

VOTE!

Pray for wisdom from God as to your choice of those who will uphold the law. Pray for our nation and pray our people begin to rebuild and repair our wall of protection from God and our Constitution.

OVERCOMING THE WORLD

“These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The word John used in this passage was thlipsis, which means to crush, press in upon, or squeeze. It describes being in a room with no doors in which the walls begin to move inward. Relentless pressure with no way out. Yet…Jesus said we could have peace. How? We need a door to escape, don’t we? Jesus told His disciples He was the door; if anyone entered through Him, they would be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. So, Jesus provides an escape to the relentless barrage of bad news, because He has overcome the world of sadness, despair, anger, frustration, fear, and strife.

The World is Temporal

When we hear of innocent children and teachers slain by a crazed teen-ager; when we go to the store and experience the ravages of inflation; when we see our nation abandon its promises; and when we see the rule of law terminally ill, we can still have hope. This world is temporary. Another kingdom awaits the children of God, an eternal one that will ultimately end death, tears and sorrow. As Christians we are heirs to that kingdom IF we hold fast and overcome, not in our strength, but in Jesus’ power.

Called to Be Salt and Light

We cannot just exist in this world, however. Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth…salt flavors and preserves. He also spoke of us as the light of the world. Light exposes imperfections and evil. However, it takes courage in a crooked and perverse generation to expose men’s evil deeds. Jesus did not intend for us to be taken out of a world of tribulation but gave us the power to resist the evil one…that is, the devil, who was a liar and murderer from the beginning. It is he who is planting his murderous lies in vulnerable people. Jesus assured His disciples and us if the Son sets us free, we shall be free indeed. The constricted room of tribulation does have a way out after all.

Escaping Tribulation

Whether our imprisonment is from general trials because of the sinful world, or afflictions God allows to come into our lives, or His chastisement for our own sins, we can escape if we come to the “door.” In Revelation 3:20, He assures us that He is standing at the door knocking, seeking entrance.

When tribulation comes, we must remember He is there, ready to give us power to resist in the time of tribulation, whether from an imperfect world, or because the enemy of our souls has lied to us and made us forget His eternal promises.

The apostle James instructed us in those times to submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. He holds the power; He will never leave or forsake us.

Christmas Joy: A Choice

“Joy to the world, the LORD has come!”

The Christmas season evokes a variety of emotions. Some are mourning a recent loss of a loved one and are dreading the idea of spending it without that person. Some allow fear to envelope them…fear of COVID, fear of inflation; fear of speaking out; and fear of being alone, not to mention wars and natural disasters. Fear is the opposite of faith; faith is belief in things hoped for and an assurance that God is in control, no matter the circumstances.

But, we say, things in the world are getting so bad. Yes, BUT it is our choice how the news and the evil that is going on affects us. Hope is God’s gift to us in the form of Christ…fully God and fully man. For years God had promised through His prophets there would be One who would redeem the world. Christmas is the fulfillment of that promise…the scarlet thread of redemption seen throughout the Old Testament. Jeremiah and Ezekiel promised that God would give the world a new heart and a new Spirit that would enable us to overcome the evil in the world and live righteously and justly.

Who among us does not long for righteousness, justice, truth…and peace? Through that tiny baby’s birth so long ago we can have it IF we choose. Isaiah prophesied He would be the Prince of Peace, the answer to a fallen world.

That baby, born so long ago in Bethlehem, prophesied by Micah, would be the sacrificial lamb that reunited God with His people. Bethlehem, close to Jerusalem, is where the lambs prepared for sacrifice in the temple were bred.raised and kept pure. It is no coincidence that Jesus was born there despite the evil ruler Herod the Great; despite the privation; and despite the unbelief of the people who said, “Could anything good come out of Bethlehem?” Bethlehem means “house of bread”. Did Jesus not call Himself the Bread of Life?

His birth, life, death, and resurrection completed the tapestry of salvation woven so long ago by God. The promised new heart and spirit came to rest upon believers on Pentecost. That Spirit that lives within us is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, patience, and self-control. That Spirit has conquered death, the power of evil and given us a choice once again.

In this Christmas season we have the power to choose love, joy, and peace because of that baby born so long ago. Choose joy! Chose to show love and kindness even to those who may not agree with your political views. A great light came into the world at Jesus’ birth. Now, be that light to others. Merry Christmas!

Check out my books: The Scarlet Thread: God’s Promises to the Patriarchs; The Scarlet Thread: God Prepares His People; and The Scarlet Thread: God Promises Restoration.

History Repeats Itself in Cycles

People make history. Survival, desires, hopes and dreams drive people no matter the historical era. In primitive societies the biggest need was survival in a harsh environment that gave no quarter. As humans progressed, other things drove their progress. Nations appeared.

Sophisticated and More Wise

Modern people think of themselves as more sophisticated and more wise, but oddly enough, throughout history the same things that have built, and later toppled civilizations, remain true in modern times. Alexander Tyler, a history professor at the University of Edinburgh, noticed civilizations went through cycles of 200 years. His “Cycle of History” describes what is happening in our nation today.

Abundance

God has blessed America with an abundance of tillable land, rivers, forests, minerals, material things and a solid foundation. The U.S. Constitution is unique; our founding fathers from the Pilgrims to settlers in other colonies pledged themselves to covenants made with God. God has blessed them and us because we have from our start been God-centered.

Selfishness

Unfortunately, abundance breeds selfishness. When more is not enough, humans start looking around for what they can take from others and demanding more.

Complacency

Once a nation has most of their needs met, complacency takes place. Today’s society wants convenience, instant gratification, and things that make us feel good about ourselves; expecting it will never change.  Having “material things” we want gives satisfaction and, can lead to thinking it will always be that way. A tendency appears to whine and complain. Entitlement becomes the norm.

Apathy

When a nation’s needs are satisfied, it can lapse into apathy. Instead of being grateful for blessings, people begin to criticize everything…nothing is enough, but not having enough doesn’t spur them to action. They accept no responsibility for their plight and blame everyone and everything else.

Dependence

Nations come to expect certain things. When they want more, compromise leads to loss of independence. They start looking to socialism or communism as an answer. Government must supply those things they now consider essential. Instead of looking to God, a socialist or communist government becomes the answer to their demands. Like wild horses lured into a corral by a continuous supply of feed by those who would entrap them, nations find themselves entrapped by a false sense of security and dependence on the supplier of their desires. Freedom dies in the process.

Bondage

As they look around their safe and secure, but restrictive environment, they come to realize no one is going to set them free. The socialist or communist government’s hand-outs trap them. Free services ensnare; with the other side of the governmental “gift” – regulations and restrictions. Placing desires before freedom, ensnared nations lose the will to fight.

Spiritual Awakening

At some point, some will remember the abundance God provided to a nation who obeyed His laws and put Him first. People will begin to search for a “common cause” to believe in other than the dreary tasteless fare the socialist or communistic government offers.

Courage

Some will decide to fight for their freedom, just as the Founding Fathers did so long ago. They will recognize their rebellion from God and battle for freedom at great cost to themselves. Courage replaces apathy and complacency.

Liberty

When sacrifice and courage restore liberty, prosperity follows, only to repeat the cycle again when abundance becomes expected.

An Example

Israel’s history is a good example of this cycle. As a nation set up by God, they acknowledged His blessings, and they thrived. However, at some point a generation arose that didn’t know God, and they did what they thought was right in their own eyes. God judged them and allowed their enemies to plunder them. When they came to their senses, God sent them a deliverer to rescue them. The book of Judges is a treatise on the cycle’s nations follow.

Humility

Most in the U.S. don’t see the error in forgetting God. They are unable to understand the difficulties we now face in relationship to our disobedience and forgetfulness of the One who is the Sustainer. It is only when God’s people humble themselves and pray; seek His face and turn away from their wicked ways that God will hear their prayers and will heal their land. Something to ponder.

THE WATCHMEN ON THE WALL

In ancient times, a wall with strong gates surrounded every city or town. Citizens installed watchtowers so the watchmen would see for great distances, observing the surroundings for enemies. Entrusted with the people’s well-being, the watchmen were committed to sound the warning of impending danger so people could flee to the security of the wall. If they were derelict in their duty, people would die or become captives to the intruders. Enemies with their own beliefs and customs would engulf the cities, changing everything.  

Today, we do not have physical walls, but our nation has a Constitution written with an allegiance to the God who had blessed them. They did not set up a democracy, where the strongest rule. They wisely established us as a constitutional republic with strict boundaries as to what government can do. Uniquely, they saw the watchmen as ordinary citizens charged with the task of calling the alarm when danger approaches. However, a constitutional republic requires informed citizens. We elect representatives to enact laws, etc., but we have the responsibility to hold them accountable to us, including the President and the executive branch.

Alarms should be sounding all over this nation today. We have an insidious enemy, much like the Trojan horse in ancient times. Our enemies are destroying us from within because we have not sounded the alarm. Some of these enemies come clothed in persuasive words, offers of aid, and words we love to hear, but they come with strings attached. They also promote division to achieve their goals.

Our Constitution is not a perfect wall, but it has protected Americans for over two hundred years. It is unique in that it was bound by principles of Christianity. Freedom, liberty, justice, and mercy for all. Lately those who have filtered into every institution, local and state governments, and even churches have offered solutions outside the wall that shields us from tyranny and loss of freedom.

As Christians, we are “watchmen on the wall”. Ezekiel says in 3:20, that if we succumb to losing our liberty for a hand-out; in other words, don’t stand for righteousness, justice, and mercy, we will cause our nation to fall. We will no longer be unique in history, but just another crumbling empire.

Hosea 4:6 says God’s people face destruction for lack of knowledge. Because they have refused to listen or to warn others, and forgotten His laws, He will forget our children. This sober warning is what should propel us all to be watchmen, caretakers of the blessings God has given us in this nation. Our children, grand-children and later generations need our help to survive. 

Blessings Beat Bad News

As an postscript to my recent post on the boarder rally and the disturbing things we heard and saw, I cannot let an unexpected blessing go to waste. In these times the news fills our senses with the evil deeds of others; of betrayal; hypocrisy and lies. It is easy to let them guide you into an “ain’t it awful” attitude.

Returning from the rally dusty, thirsty, and exhausted, we travelled through the dark Arizona countryside. We were in the middle of nowhere and if not, we could see it from there. Suddenly a streak appeared in our headlights. A giant pig/peccary known here as a javelina, darted across the road and we hit it with our right bumper. Speaking of blessings, if it had made contact on the driver’s side, we might have lost control. We kept going amidst the sound of something dragging and a few lights flashing on our dash. We limped into the tiny town of Hereford, Arizona and stopped at the first gas/convenience store and to assess the damage.

We drive a Ford Explorer, and at first glance, the upper bumper seemed okay. A kindly older gentleman (probably our age) was filling his tank and asked if we had a problem. He at once got a flashlight from his car and looked underneath (I will always carry a flashlight from now on). I expected to see gory remains of the javelina, but we discovered instead the sensor cable hanging from the front bumper, along with the radiator housing, and several other things. Then we noticed part of the bumper either was gone or leaning at a rakish angle. That accounted for the dragging sound we heard.

Soon two more young men came up and gave their assessment. They went into the convenience store and bought some rope and refused to accept reimbursement. Another gentleman with an unkempt beard looking like someone from the movie “Deliverance” arrived on the scene. He laid down with the rope and tried to tie up the hanging fragments with no luck.

A Cochise County Sheriff Deputy arrived next and surveyed the damage. He acknowledged that a full-grown Javelina is indeed a sturdy animal and the fact the countryside was teeming with them. He watched the man with the beard for a moment and went back to his car. He returned with zip ties used for restraining prisoners and that did the trick.

All these ordinary Americans were polite, caring, and ready to help a stranger. It warmed my heart and took away the fear and stress we would have to find a place to spend the night…and then what? When we offered to compensate the bearded man for all his trouble, he shook his head and said, “No, that would ruin my blessing.”

The mainstream media harangues us with distortions about all Americans being bad people coming from a bad history, but I now had proof their narrative is not the truth. I knew it before, but this was a good reminder. I hope someday I can pay that blessing forward to someone else in trouble.

We headed back to SaddleBrooke Ranch in a now-unairconditioned car. The javelina had wrecked the compressor/condenser too. I did not realize as we approached Tucson, that it could still be 95 degrees at 10:30 p.m.

The Bible teaches we are to praise God continuously no matter our circumstances. At times that is so hard to do. We find ourselves mired in the muck of anger, fear, bitterness, and foreboding; a prison of our own making. Before we realize it, our stress levels rise, and we lose our joy. Praising and thanking God is more for our sakes than His. As we recall His attributes; His omnipotence, sovereignty, justice, truth, and mercy, our spirits lift as if we are already in the heavenly realm. We were still able to drive the car; we were unhurt in our confrontation with the javelina, and we were going to make it home. Sometimes counting our blessings is all we can do.

The Invasion

The sun hung like a brass coin in the blue sky. The 100-degree heat enveloped us like a shroud. Clouds of dust rose as we walked to our destination—a border rally sponsored by FAIR. Then we saw it—miles and miles of iron fencing, a stark sentinel in a deceptively peaceful scene. The realization of what that much-debated wall meant hit all of us like a massive wave from the sea.

I stared at it a long time, trying to sort out my feelings—awe at its massiveness, understanding that the wall was a barrier, and a realization of what it means to be American. Lee Greenwood’s anthem “I’m proud to be an American” resounded through the surrounding mountains and in my heart. As I sang the words, I realized that my pride in being an American didn’t say it all. I am thankful to be an American! I am thankful for the founding fathers, though imperfect, who prepared a document, the Constitution, unique throughout world history. I am thankful for those who died protecting our borders in war. I am grateful to those who protect our sovereignty today. I am thankful for my freedom. All I could do was raise my eyes to the heavens and thank the One upon Whom this nation was founded. However, with that freedom comes a responsibility for us all. We cannot allow blatant encroachment of that precious Constitution to go on without speaking up.

Standing at the wall, looking across to another nation, whose border patrol was clearly in view, I understood why so many want to come to this country. Hearing the stories of the price these people pay the cartels to transport them, the rapes, the sex trafficking, the drugs, and who knows what else, struck both sympathy and fear into my heart.

The wall in this sector is complete. BUT the technology that should go with the wall is absent because our current president has shut it down. Speech after speech ranging from the former ICE director to Angel Family members who have lost loved ones to illegal immigrants or deadly drugs that come in with the tide of humanity being allowed to enter our country with immunity.

Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution says: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican form of government and shall protect each of them against invasion….” The Federal government has usurped state’s rights by allowing the pouring in of people who themselves have been manipulated by the cartels. They charge exorbitant fees and often coerce them to carry drugs on their person. The cartels use them as a distraction for their real money-maker—drugs. Unaccompanied children, and children who have no biological commonality with the “families” they are travelling with, are put at risk, pawns in a deadly game of drug and sex trafficking.

There has been an exponential increase in drugs entering this country since the Biden administration took over, particularly Fentanyl, a drug so deadly it only takes minute dosages to kill. China is the largest producer of Fentanyl.  Much of it comes through Mexico and the southern border. Often disguised as a Percocet tablet, it has the ability to kill. That on its own should be enough to close the border.  Yet, as there is an enormous increase of confiscated drugs throughout our nation, there seems to be no sense of urgency for our government to do their duty—protect our borders and Americans.  

Many sheriffs from all over the country attended, proving that this is not just a border state problem. These drugs and trafficked persons are sent throughout the country, forcing states to assimilate, feed, and supply medical service for them at taxpayer expense. A sheriff from Massachusetts said they have the largest illegal problem in the country, showing it is an American problem. All the sheriffs stood before us holding banners of faces, approximately 200 to a page, represented American lives lost at the hand of drunken illegal drivers, gangs, and drugs. The line of banners stretched as far as I could see. I thought of my own grandchildren who, while not prone to taking drugs, might be enticed to “try” a phony Percocet as an experiment. I thought of the sex slaves and laborers—the modern slavery—and I wept.

Freedom comes at a price—the very least Americans should do is to understand our republic, its laws, and Constitution. The “silent majority” cannot afford to stay silent anymore.

WATCHMEN ON THE WALL

Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, “we will not walk in it.” And I set watchmen over you; listen to the sound of the trumpets.” Jeremiah 6:16-17a

America needs a change in direction; she needs to return to the ancient paths. The watchmen over her have been calling out warnings, and the trumpets have sounded, but America refuses to listen. She pridefully assumes that she will go on forever and does not need God anymore or His hedge of protection. She seeks worldly solutions instead, depending upon her military, her prosperity, other nations, and her false gods to protect her rather than God. We may not worship virtual idols, but we as a nation have not only placed things before God, we have counted on everything else but God.

In ancient Israel, watchmen were to give the warning of invasion. The furthermost border towns had walls around them with a watchtower raised high above the walls. If the watchman saw an invading army, he was to blow his trumpet to alert the people. They then would make a huge bonfire that nearby cities could see, whose watchman would repeat the process until the warning reached Jerusalem.

The Hebrew word for watchman is tsaphah which means “to lean forward; to peer into the distance, to observe.” The ancient prophets, like Ezekiel, commissioned by God and cast in the role of foretelling the future, called for repentance, and encouraged people to follow the ancient paths—found in God’s Word. They were often rejected, and the people of Israel suffered from those civilizations who rose and fell, despite their huge armies and military prowess. Will America live forever?

The United States is at a crossroad. Our founding documents, all the way back to the earliest settlers, centered upon God and His protection—our ancient paths. Those men and women recognized the sovereignty of God, and, while not perfect, could still find their way back to their original covenants with God, and reap the benefit of His protection. He has remained true to His word and America has prospered and remained untouched until 9/11. In a sense, 9/11 was the cry of the watchman calling us back to God and His ancient paths. The sight of our elected officials standing on the Capitol steps singing “God Bless America” after the attack was heartening, but it did not take long for everything to return to paths chosen by men rather than God. America’s leaders’ words were right, but they did not penetrate the heart–except for a remnant.

The ancient prophets God sent to Israel functioned as watchmen in that they called the alarm, urged people to repent and turn back to God, and encouraged them with their foretelling of the future. Today we have God’s written Word and as Christians, the Holy Spirit living in us.

Do you hear the sound of invasion? If so, are you calling out the warning? Will America refuse to listen? God is waiting for Americans to repent from their wicked ways and return to Him. He is looking for those who do justice and seek the truth. His Word is truth. He is compassionate, but He is also just. We must return to the ancient paths to survive.

We live in times of great upheaval. Enemies in the form of ideologies, false assurances, idols, and self-centeredness whisper “Peace, Peace,” but do not shout the warning of judgment. Repentance, agreeing with God’s rules, brings His peace. We can find peace in no one else.