It often happens when you least expect it. I guess that’s what gives it such an impact. In my case, it happened on the way to the feed store. In less than 30 seconds, I had to pull off onto the shoulder and pull myself together. That allowed me to make it to an empty parking lot in Birthright, TX. What happened? It was the instant God broke my heart.
When I drive alone, I often plug my smart phone into charge and listen to music that plays automatically. When the Christian singing group began, I smiled. This was the last CD I had shared with my little brother Paul before his accident. I remembered how the particular song they were singing was the last song he performed at the 5th Sunday-night Sing at his home church. Normally, happy memories accompany this song. I chuckle to myself at how we used to tell him he sounded like a sick cow. He would smile and keep on singing to his Lord. While my little brother, like me, wasn’t the most melodic voice in the choir, he sang with great emotion. He sang his love offerings to God.
While listening to the song, God mightily impressed upon me how He is once again pouring out His divine wrath on this depraved world. As tears welled up, the Holy Spirit brought the words of Romans 1:24-28 to the forefront of my mind. My heart broke as I felt the overwhelming power of the words I have given them over yet again ring out within me. As I sat in the cab of my truck and prayed through this, other scripture flooded over me. I sank further in despair as the words of Galatians 6:7-9 reminded me that man reaps what he sows.
I thought about the outright rejection of God that is so rampant in this world today. Listening to 30 seconds of any news report tells us of the carnage that is happening all around the world. Terrorism is once again on the rise. The threat of nuclear attacks in the Middle East is more real than ever before. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has gone unchallenged. The world has done virtually nothing, despite the promises to defend their sovereignty years ago by our government. Instead, the world seems satisfied to proclaim moral outrage while taking a not my dog, not my fight position of feigned concern. I wondered what would our world look like today had we allowed Germany to continue unchecked after their invasion of Poland in 1939.
Next, I lamented the moral decay of society. Abortion, soaring crime rates, violence on every corner, rampant drug use, no sanctity of life, and apostasy throughout the church all point to one thing. The so-called moral majority of Christianity has surrendered our position to the idols of this world. This world is more focused on climate change and globalism than we are on showing compassion and adhering to God’s moral standards. It seems America is more focused on dividing ourselves along political lines than we are at arresting the hyper-inflation and perhaps coming economic depression we are spending ourselves into. It seems America is more interested in being a good global citizen than a shining beacon of hope and light across the world.
We cannot expect God to continue to bless us when we continue to ignore and reject Him. Share on XWhat I realized is that as a Christian-American, I am that watchman on the wall. My heart broke when I recognized I have not sounded the alarm until today. As the words of Ezekiel 33:6 troubled my soul, God reminded me He has not yet sounded the trumpet. He may have His mighty sword of judgment lifted high, He may have ordered the trumpet raised, but until that day, He gives us His gift of salvation. Whether we need to seek salvation, found only through His Son Jesus Christ, or apply His healing balm of grace and forgiveness via 2 Chronicles 7:14, the opportunity remains.
Sometimes God needs to break our hearts to get our full attention. Share on XI ask that you spend a few minutes more of your time today to listen to the words of this song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu8hLSaQrpA). Then, pray and ask God how He might use you to reach your small part of this world for Him. Time is growing short my friends.
Are the happenings in our world today a remedial judgment of Christ? Has He given us over to ourselves because of our outright rejection of Him? Perhaps; but what I am certain of is that if we continue to be unrepentant, then God will continue to pour out His divine wrath upon man. I don’t want this message to be one of doom and gloom, but of opportunity and hope. Let us remember and heed the words of Romans 10:13 (NKJV), “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
God’s blessings,
You wrote, “I don’t want this message to be one of doom and gloom, but of opportunity and hope.” I remember a time when God broke my heart too. I was greived over family members and He spoke a verse to me from Eccelsiates 9:4, “Anyone who is among the lving has hope” While we have breath in our lungs, we have hope. God is able to help and save! Blessings, Brother. Thank you for your heart turned to God.
So very true Ms. Carla. We cannot give up, for our hope is in Him. Psalm 33:20-22 came to mind as I read your kind words ma’am. God’s blessings ma’am.
I am deeply troubled by what is happening in this world and in my own, small way, as God shows me I try and share truth and hope. My friend, this is a powerful and much needed message. Thank you.
Yes ma’am. As I’ve often tried to impart, we must “Each One Reach One”. We can’t “boil the ocean”, but we can clean up and care for our little part of it ma’am. The task, bringing God’s message to the world, is too large for any one of us; we’re not the Christ. We can, however, bring His message to our part of it. If we the body of Christ would start acting like it again, and focus on what unites us and not what divides us as Christians, then I think our impact would be much greater than it has become. God’s blessings sweet friend.
I agree with Ann that your message here is a much needed one, J. D. If we are not already awakened, we need to be! So much evil in this world, and too few standing up against it. What must God think? I can only imagine that Jesus is weeping . . .
Blessings, my friend!
Amen Ms. Martha; and thank you so much for your encouraging words. We must become a nation of action and not merely one of “hand-wringing” and worrisome looks.
J.D., the one thing I am absolutely certain of is America is dependent upon the repentant Christian. Not all Christians, although all should be, and not all the society, but the Christians for they are the ones who are called by the Name of the Lord, Jesus the Christ. It’s the one pronounceable name of G-d we have.
The pilgrims demonstrated the need for repentance under God to establish the pattern for America. Presidential decrees notwithstanding, America does much better when we follow the advice in II Chronicles 7:14.
Right there with you, brother.
Amen Mr. Warren. It will be us Christians who stand before The Judgment Seat of Christ, before His final judgment. I do not want to be among those standing there wishing I had spoken up and spoken out. I do not want to be that watchman who failed to sound the alarm. Thank you so much for your historical perspective. Many have been deceived and have lost sight of what America was meant to be sir.
I agree with your message! We need to be in the fields harvesting souls. I pray that God will have mercy on America and the world.
Yes ma’am. The fields are indeed white and ready for harvest Ms. Edwina. Happy gathering precious friend.
Once again, my heart resonates with yours, my friend, and reels under the burden that comes with it. My Amen! this morning is deeply felt, but it is painful as well. I have said for some time that we who have claimed to be followers of Jesus and part of His Church must step up and own the responsibility for the lawlessness and moral depravity gripping our nation and the world. We are the ones God sent to confront evil, not the narcissistic politicians, not the social elites, not the obscenely wealthy Wall Street financial manipulators, not the TicToc influencers, and not the spotlight hungry religious entertainers. We are the ones He dispatched to take a message of hope to a world cursed with the devastation that sin always produces. As we have so often heard, and blatantly ignored, we are the Light-bearers and our mission field is wherever we are. Whether it’s a ranch, or a neighborhood, or an inner-city apartment, or a house on a two-lane road 10 miles from the closest store, we’ve been planted here to represent Jesus Christ. Everyone we meet, regardless of the color of their skin or the style of their clothing, or the accent in their speech or the kind of car they drive is either already one of His or someone who desperately needs to know Him. In these days when judgment seems to be pouring out all around us, I find myself calling out to God with Habakkuk’s words, “…in judgment, remember mercy.” Thank you, J.D., for having a heart so open to God and ready to hear what He has to say, even if that same heart has to be broken in the hearing.
Amen Mr. Ron. I sense that God is attempting to break many hearts of His children; to bring us back to Him. I fear too that time is quickly running out for a great many. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, wisdom, and godly love with us today my friend.
Can you explain why the U.S. or NATO can’t/won’t declare a “No Fly” zone in Ukraine to stop all the senseless bombing of innocent women and children, etc.
What a great question Ms. Linda. While I wish I knew for sure, I suspect that it’s all part of God’s plan. He is in control no matter how much Satan might think he is. A “hook in the jaw” if you will. Do I know where this Ukraine mess will end? No ma’am, but I know that God does. Do I know where all this ends? Absolutely I do. God’s word is clear my friend! Thank you for your great question and thoughts ma’am. Always appreciated.
A tough message, but much needed. We need to look and listen, to be aware of what is going on. Then we need to reflect and ask ourselves, “What can I do to make a difference? How can I spread love and peace in my corner of the world.” We can’t change others, but we can change ourselves.
Amen Ms. Katherine. Change must begin with us ma’am; such a truth! We can make a difference, but little impact will be felt if we spend our energies fighting amongst one another. As always, you make great points ma’am. God’s blessings.
A great message today. We need to bring GOD back into our government and schools, colleges, and all our lives. Our world with JESUS, is our prayers and hope. Blessings to you always.
We do indeed Ms. Joyce. I firmly believe that it begins with us. Each individual Christian MUST have a personal relationship with their Savior Jesus Christ. Once that’s achieved, then we must let Him do His work of sanctification in us. Then, we are ready to be of service to His kingdom. Great thoughts ma’am.
Amen, amen and amen. We all need to hear this message again and again. We are failing as the church. I’m spending more time on my knees in repentance for myself, the church and our country. Thank you JD for sharing this tough message
Thank you Ms. Yvonne. I too am finding more need for prayer. For my nation and the world? Yes. Most of all for myself. I need to make sure I’m right and I’m prepared to defend my faith when I am called upon. Praying for those around the world facing persecution we in America cannot even fully imagine. God’s blessings ma’am.
My husband and I were talking about this topic the other night. I remembered that Solzhenitsyn quoted his grandfather who said, “These things have happened to us because we have forgotten God. May we remember before it’s too late.
Amen Ms. Nancy. It will soon be too late I fear. Let us not delay in doing good my sweet friend.
Thanks for being the watchman and sounding the alarm. I listened to the lyrics of the beautifully haunting tune you shared. I vow to do my part.
Of this, I am sure Ms. Candyce. One cannot read your blog posts, articles, etc. and not see your heart for God pouring forth. That song, “You Asked Him to Leave” came out in 2017 I believe. Seems almost prophetic in its accuracy when we look at today’s world doesn’t it? God’s blessing ma’am; and thank you for keeping the faith and being salt and light in your part of the world. Let us all endeavor to be the same.
Your words speak the truth. We must turn to Him now. This is a powerful message.
Thank you Ms. Melissa. It all starts with one ma’am. Let it begin with us. “Each one reach one!” God’s blessings gentle soul.
It seems recently in my 4th-6th grade Sunday School class, when I bring the lesson around to the Gospel at the end, I find myself telling them urgently, “Trust in Jesus and be saved. Do it. Don’t wait to long!”
Yes ma’am! I share that same “heart burden” with my AWANA kids in that age group. On the cusp of the age of accountability, I pray fervently each day that God help me to say or do something that leads them to His saving grace. While I pray for my little Sparks friends, it’s my T&T kids who are at greater risk as time draws nigh. I join you in your urgent quest my friend. God’s blessings. Know also you’ve been in my prayers and on my heart with health concerns too.
Bless you for sharing your heart. My heart breaks too as I see so much hate and division not just in America but all over the world. I just keep planting seeds and lifting up prayers!
Yes ma’am; I hear you Ms. Teresa. I watch very little television these days, but I remember a movie from the 80s (I think). Ghostbusters (one of the follow-ons) and the boys uncovered a river of hatred flowing beneath the city. It would respond to either good or bad stimuli (music in this case), and I sense we have that same flowing across the world in torrents. Let us speak and show God’s love so that we might turn the tide for even one more soul before it’s too late. God’s blessings gentle lady.
It is amazing to me that some people will play the God card when they want something like protection and blessings but refuse to submit to His sovereignty and deity which would require them to be accountable. I pray for Americans to open their eyes and realize what is happening in our country and use their voices in the next elections. We need leaders who will stand for godly values and come to the aid of those who are oppressed in the world.
Yes ma’am! I too see how many who claim to be part of the body of Christ are Christian In Name Only (CINO) and only feign religion when they think it will benefit them. It seems, sometimes, the church has drifted far away from the words of the old hymns and we need some of that “Old Time Religion” now more than ever. I wonder if we’re experiencing “The Great Falling Away” described in God’s word as we see the true body of Christ being winnowed down with increasing speed and fervor. God’s blessings ma’am; and keep spreading truth through your words and the life you live.
Yes, time is short. But we don’t measure time in the same way the good Lord does. I am praying this message reaches those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus or who are despondent over the condition of the world and wonder what lies on the other side. It’s Jesus. Always and forevermore, Jesus. Love your tender warrior heart, my rancher friend!
Thank you Ms. Mary. You are so right; we can’t think how God thinks and we can’t know what God knows. We can only believe on Him and His word that He is coming again for His dear children. Let us endeavor to be ready whenever that day comes. I pray it’s soon.
J.D., I’ve grieved for our nation and the world. I felt like our nation entered Hospice. I pray for a great harvest before our Lord returns and for strength to be all He’s called me to be. Come Lord Jesus!
What a great perspective Ms. Debbie. A sad one, but true nonetheless. It seems “the death toll rings” and it aligns with so much of end times prophesy as we understand it. When the shining light that was America is snuffed out, there’ll be little opposition to the forces of evil. I think we are perilously close. God’s blessings ma’am, and thank you for that analogy.
You are so right. The news is heartbreaking. The implications of the realities we are living through boggle my mind. Watching the news even in small doses makes me sad, angry, confused, outraged, overwhelmed, disgusted, and then I leave the room. The book of Revelation is supposed to be encouraging – to give hope, but I want to skip to the last couple of chapters. In the meantime, Andre Crouch said it well: “Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there’s no other. Jesus is the way.”
Yes ma’am! Hope and encouragement is indeed found there, but so is God’s warning to us all to make sure we are on the right side of the rapture my friend. Praying God’s blessings for peace upon you.
A powerful post, J.D. with much to think and pray about. Thank God He is totally in control of all that happens!
I’m with you Ms. Kathy. We can’t understand all that is happening, and sometimes I can’t understand why we Christians are still here, but we MUST stand strong in our faith, believing upon His infallible, inerrant Word. Thank you so much for your encouraging reminder ma’am.
As I read your post, I couldn’t help but think of how loving and kind God is to burden his people to pray for the condition of this world and those in it who desperately need him. Thank you for being obedient and thank you for provoking us all to good works by sharing your experience.
Absolutely Ms. Terri. I am certain that I am not alone in sharing that burden my friend. Let us endeavor to keep working for His glory and His kingdom until the day ma’am. God’s blessings.
J.D., this is such an inspiring message. It’s so sad the state the world is in. I pray the Lord breaks my heart for the lost and blinded people walking in darkness. If the world needs anything right now, it’s Jesus.
So very true Ms. Karen. I think too, one of the ways the world can find Him is when we show His presence in our lives. The less we are like this world and the more we are like His world, the better He is shown. We each need to remind ourselves that as Christians, we are Ambassadors for Christ and this world is our field.
I feel your pain, J.D. I sometimes find myself identifying with my mother in that I just cannot give a lot of thought to the pain and torture from the evil this world has in it else my heart would stop beating. Tears flow feeling a twinge of the heartache that our Lord must feel to see His people do such pointless, horrible, and selfish things. I’ve never understood the simple truth of why people would not want the most joyful, satisfying, and peaceful thing they could ever have: salvation in Christ. And that it is forever. Forever! All I can say is, “Hurry, Lord Jesus, come soon.” But then the next words are, “One more. Maybe there’s one more.” Dear God, we are so desperate for you. and many don’t even know it. There are times I must focus on His goodness, His all-knowing nature knowing that HE WILL WIN IN THE END. Hallelujah! What a savior.
Oh, how I love that thought Ms. Karen. “One more Lord. Maybe there’s one more.” We can’t presume to know God’s appointed time or when He decides to bring Satan’s reign of terror and fear onto this world to an end. We can, however, encourage one another to continue striving to make a difference in the lives of others by showing them the difference God makes in ours. Well said ma’am. Thank you for your encouraging words today.
I love your heart, J. D. It’s time for every person to be sober-minded and turn to God in repentance. In ’08, I mourned my country’s loss and felt like I was at its funeral because I knew we were turning onto the path that leads to the Tribulation. But as I mourned for what we’re losing, I can also rejoice at what we’re about to gain: Meeting Jesus in the clouds at the Rapture. God is giving us a stronger anointing to endure these days and not be deceived by the lies of the world. Our job is to pack the ark of salvation because the time is short. Jesus is coming soon! Maranatha!
Yes ma’am; I remember having those same thoughts. In fact, I wrote a poem “The Night My Country Died”. Perhaps it was that watershed moment when many of us came to the realization that for God’s planned end to occur, these events needed to happen. It signaled (once again I think) the beginning of the end. Like you, I shout “Maranatha” to the heavens. Another reader suggested that maybe there’s “One More to reach”; and I loved this idea because it reminds us that even though we sense the end of days is approaching, we can’t stop sowing seeds of faith into this world. Our job is not complete. God’s blessings ma’am.