Well, it stands to reason when you wake up at 4:00 AM, it must either be a burglar or maybe, just maybe, God might be calling.

I’ve always believed prayer is by far a lot better connection than a cell phone. So after listening for Shadow Spirit, that’s my dog, bark out a warning and it didn’t come, I was pretty sure all was safe… so I started praying, …having a conversation with God.

It’s amazing how loving He is. Sometimes His corrections can be hard, but most of the time, if you listen and obey, they are loving and always fulfilling. That being said, I feel strongly about this message. I believe it to be very important, as well as blunt and to the point.

Some will have problems with this … And then you may think… Wow! Another Christian nut case! Think what you may, but remember the old adage; “Don’t shoot the messenger”.

Laying in the dark, listening to the gentle breathing of my precious wife, I thanked Him for one of life’s greatest gifts; a helpmate with which to love and share my humble life. After praising Him and laying my petitions before Him, I became still and listened. Then He started in. I’ll try to be as precise and bold as possible.

To start, He took me back into the Old Testament, reminding me of His love and, yes, His wrath. He brought to mind the punishments He brought forth for sin and disobedience. Some were gentle corrections and other punishments were very decisive.

Many times I’ve been asked how a loving God can allow bad thing to happen? The keyword is “allow”. He gave us freedom of choice, and when we choose wrong, a price has to be paid… and that includes death as a punishment.

God certainly didn’t hide the fact that death was one of the penalties of sin. He killed millions, yes millions in the Scriptures. Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea; the whiners following Moses into the desert; Noah and the flood,;Sodom and Gomorrah.  These are just to name a few. Look at all the battles David fought. Look at the other armies God used to vanquish the evil that existed.  If that’s not enough for the point to be made, take look in Revelation.

Yes, He loves us, but He hates sin. When it’s so out of control, He somehow has to get our attention when we don’t obey. Take a look around. If your children were so blatantly disobedient what would you do? Let it keep happening? No punishment? Or maybe be politically correct…. Maybe just little time out … really? How’s that been working for you?

What am I saying?

Let’s see… Hmmm. Take a look at our country. In this day and age, we have to be politically correct or we just don’t fit in… Abortions… OK. Same-sex marriage …OK. Pornography and drug abuse are rampant. Smoking dope is legal now in some states. Some of our politicians are more like the Pharisees of old, rather than a servant of the people.

Of course, He’s probably not real happy with the church, either.

It’s become a business. Some of the people preaching are further from God than the drug dealers on the corner. A lot of them preach political correctness and are even condoning same-sex marriage. Some only preach a love and prosperity message; never the consequences of sin. Very seldom, if ever, do they preach a salvation message.

In truth, they’re afraid if you feel convicted, you won’t put your money in the plate when it’s passed, or worse yet, you’ll leave their church.

The church has become a rock and roll show. A place of entertainment; a social event instead of a place of worship. The pastors, in a lot of cases, are trying to be all things and believe they stand heads above the lowly laymen. They project an image of superiority instead a humbleness like a true servant of God.

That’s what a pastor is called to do ….  be a servant, a teacher of the word, a shepherd… that is, if he was even called at all! You see, God calls a person to be a pastor, not a board. Man doesn’t ordain someone, God does.  You don’t believe me? Look it up in Scripture… Unfortunately to some, it’s just a job…  a way to make a living.

Does that sound harsh? It should. Many pastors should be driving a truck instead of preaching a message written from their own mind  instead of from the anointed Word of God. I’m speaking, of course, of the ones that are politically correct. Being politically correct should be a BIG red flag to any true believer.

To be blunt, if you say you preach the Word of God, but you believe that abortion, homosexuality and  couples living together without marriage is OK, and do nothing to stand against any of these behaviors… shame on you. You certainly aren’t doing what Scriptures say. In reality you have two choices … Repent or resign.

God, not me or man, will deal with you or anyone else who believes that these most egregious sins are OK. It is very simple… you either believe the Word of God, all of it, or you can continue to be politically correct. You can’t be a little of both. Lukewarm won’t get you there. Again, you don’t believe me? Read it for yourself. (Revelation 3:16)

Is God making an eye-opening correction? Look around you … A lot of true believers believe so. The Bible is spot on with what’s happening in the world today. I truly believe God is trying to get our attention; a “wake up call”. Are you listening yet?

When 9/11 happened, people turned to God and flocked to churches, only to go back to their lifestyle a few months later when things died down. True repentance is a lifetime decision, not just a patch. I don’t believe a patch will fix it this time. We better take a closer look at what is happening and realize only one person steers the boat… Who’s steering yours? Are you adrift with worry, depression and anxiety?

There is a peace and joy beyond understanding, even in these stressful times (Philippians 4:7). Take the time to open your Bible and read the truth. If you don’t have a Bible, contact us and we’ll get one to you … no charge.

I believe God is trying one last time to get our attention. Have you opened up your Bible? Have you sought Him with all your heart?

It’s time to make a change; a real change. He never said it would be easy, but He’s right there to walk with you through it all; the good and the bad.

If this was a hard message… so be it. It’s the truth and it had to be said.

Never-the-less, God loves you and is waiting … if He didn’t, He wouldn’t have said it (Matthew 11:28)  He hasn’t given up on you or our country. Don’t let anyone tell you any different! (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

 

My prayer, Heavenly Father:

Your children cry out to You for mercy and ask forgiveness,

We ask for our loved ones who don’t know you to have a desire born in their heart to find You and to give their life over to You.

Oh Lord this world is hurting and needs You… Touch the souls and heal our land.

In your precious name … Jesus Christ, we pray.

AMEN

Remember, Sunday isn’t about the bunny, it’s about the cross!

Let’s talk! contact us, Dusty, Sandy or Bruce. Our phone number and emails are on previous messages and under the Contact heading.

KEEPING LOOKING UP!  We  love ya…

Check out the resources in the right-hand margin. There you will find various translations of the Bible, Bible Study topics, answers to questions and search forms. There is also a RESOURCES heading at the top of each page.