Tag Archives: America

POWERFUL WORDS FOR TROUBLED TIMES: TRUTH AND LIGHT

As I was praying for a particular situation a few weeks ago, the Lord spoke two words to me: Truth and Light. He told me to pray for those two things in that current circumstance. As I did, my understanding was opened to how those two words were indeed the answer.

Each of these words have a magnitude of power resident within themselves, but together they are dynamite! I soon began to pray for truth and light in every area of my life and my world.

When light is allowed to shine upon something, the cover of darkness is removed. It is then and only then that truth can be revealed. And what’s so great about truth? Well—the truth will set us free! Truth that is known, understood and acted upon will set men free from the lies of the enemy of God who dwells in darkness and desires that all of us dwell in darkness with him.

I recently challenged each of us to pray for ourselves that God would open our eyes, ears, mind and spirit to whatever we need to know that we currently do not know.  Remember—we don’t know what we don’t know, and we can’t see what we can’t see. Let that soak in.

In Jeremiah 33:3 the Lord tells His people to “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Truth and light come to us when we seek to know what God is doing behind the scenes—that which is not in clear sight or hearing.  

Truth and light are our only hope if this nation is to survive the current crisis. If truth and light do not prevail, our American way of life will be lost. It will be unrecoverable when it is declared that America is no longer a capitalist nation with individual freedoms of speech, religion, the right to bear arms, and a two-party democracy. If that happens, and it is totally possible, it will be because we the people did not seek for truth and light.

Once again, I ask us all to pray that God will open our eyes, our ears, our minds and our spirits to whatever we need to know that we currently do not know. Christians around the world are praying with us and for us! Surely we can pray for ourselves.

The Word of God is always the basis for truth, and Jesus Himself is the light of the world. Simply ask yourself what does God’s Word say and what would Jesus do?

Dear Ones, if God’s people seek for truth and light—God will give it!

Making Sense Out of the Nonsense

My husband and I were keeping our evening ritual of watching our favorite news channel when yet another story was reported that made no sense to me whatsoever. In my usual tone of controlled outrage coupled with staggering unbelief at the news story I had just heard I said, “That is crazy! What is wrong with people? Don’t they understand what they are doing?”

I expect that you make some of those same comments, wondering how seemingly normal, well-educated people can make the decisions they are making today. To be honest, it outright baffles me.

A few days later God dropped a word into my spirit—derision. I began my search and it didn’t take long to find the Scripture the Lord was pointing out to me.

Why do the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing?   The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.”  He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. ~ Psalm 2:1-4.

I grabbed my Hebrew dictionary and looked up the word derision. The root word “la′ag” means mock, laugh, or scorn. As I thought of these verses in light of our current lack of common sense, I couldn’t help but wonder if God is looking down and laughing at America! Are we a nation being held in derision?

I know we don’t like to think so. After all, our modern-day message of the gospel is that God sits in the heavens and just waits to pour out blessings and wealth on His people regardless of their behavior. Besides, we are still His specially favored nation. Aren’t we?

But let’s consider a few things happening today. Are not people in high places in our land setting themselves against God by determining that there are other gods that must be recognized? Does not our nation long to be free from the Laws and Commandments of God as spelled out in the Bible? Hasn’t this specially favored nation declared that it is no longer a Christian nation? Yet, when such announcements are made, we say little and do nothing. We have tolerated God’s commandments to be removed from our schools and now the public square because we are afraid of political correctness, losing elections, and a biased news media.

Could it be that God looks and laughs at our choices and says, “If America no longer wants to be a Christian nation, then so be it. Let’s see how that works out for them.”

I am afraid we are seeing how it works—not very well. It is not a pretty picture, to say the least. We can no longer make sound and reasonable decisions, we are up to our necks in debt, and we are not unified on any subject. Right is twisted and scorned, while wrong is praised and honored. Hatred seems to be the growing response towards those who break the law, riot, abuse and kill the innocent among us, but also for those who simply have different political views.

I believe it is totally possible that America is being held in derision. God could very well be mocking us for our senseless choices and our lack of courage to take a stand for righteousness; and collectively, we are now paying a high price.

I may not be right; but if I am, it sure helps make some sense out of all the non-sense. ~ Janie Kellogg

Small footprintKey Scripture: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. ~ Proverbs 14:34 (NIV)

When the Immediate becomes the Relevant

“The best way you can prepare is to prepare spiritually,” are the words God spoke to my heart in 2010—and every time since when I pray: “Lord, what must I do to prepare for the coming storm?”

I often assume that everyone is aware of the perilous times coming to America and the entire world, but maybe not. My Dad was an avid reader and news watcher, and I am regularly reminded of things he said would happen in America someday. I literally see those things happening now!

When I was a child, conversations about the last days terrified me; but today, not so much. I am not afraid now because I personally know the God who is in charge of this world, and I trust deeply in the powerful promises given His children.

I expect that some of you went out last week and bought supplies of water, rice and beans. Many of us will do what we can to provide for those we love, and we should—if it gives us any comfort whatsoever. But I believe that whatever we do to prepare in the physical, while it may bring some peace of mind, will never be enough. There is no way to fully prepare physically for that which is coming.

I say that not to alarm you, but to encourage you to give your attention to the most important thing that you can do: prepare spiritually. Do you know God’s promises? Do you know His voice? Could you rely on Him for survival?

Recently, while talking to my daughter-in-law about a situation, this phrase simply came out my mouth: the immediate has become the relevant. I believe the time will soon come in our lives and in our nation when the immediate will be so difficult that it will become more relevant than the future, or for that matter, anything else. We are perhaps even now on the brink of such a time.

For decades, Christians in America have lived the good life—and aren’t we thankful! God has blessed us with freedom, peace, and prosperity. Yet, as the Israelites were entering the Promised Land, God warned them not to forget the Lord their God when things were good. But they did forget, and we know that God’s judgment came because of it. Could that be where America is today?

Unfortunately, America has forgotten the Lord. We have elected leaders who do not know God or His ways, and as a result the laws of our land no longer reflect God’s holy commandments. It is inevitable that we will suffer from these bad choices. I fear it will soon be a crime to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as to speak out against sin of any kind.

So, instead of concerning ourselves with careers, investment plans, retirement, and what college our children will attend, the immediate has become the relevantthe need to survive in these last days upon the earth.

In case you do not know how current events relate to Bible prophecy, I encourage you to get informed. I have listed one great website below, and there are many others. Daily, we see or hear of events setting the stage for the return of our Lord. Jesus told His followers to be ready—aware, awake, and then sound the alarm for others. Whatever you do, don’t turn a deaf ear.

I like to think of my reaction to these challenging times in this way: I don’t want to cry or crater; I don’t want to shake in my boots or run for the mountains; I want to finish S-T-R-O-N-G!

And I want you to finish strong as well. God has told us how to remain safe, and in the coming weeks we will look closely at some of His powerful promises. Watch for the footprints—the verse below is incredible! ~ Janie Kellogg

Small footprintKey Scripture: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. Psalm 91:1 (Amplified Bible)

Small footprintKey Website: www.prophecyinthenews.com Prophecy in the News, hosted by Dr. Kevin Clarkson, airs on the Church Channel on Sunday afternoons. Check your guide for the correct time in your area.