November 02, 2015
""Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?"" (Amos 3:7-8)
God has nothing to gain by bringing judgment on people needlessly. He is not random in His actions or capricious in His judgments. When God brings judgment there is always a good reason. And the sign of God's real intent and of His mercy is this: there is always a warning—usually multiple warnings—before that judgment comes.
THE PROPHETS OF OLD
In days of its primary use, God sent prophets to warn, over and over again. They were the last step with God's people. If they did not heed the Prophets, then needed judgment came. This judgment was to bring His people to repentance so they could enjoy the manifold blessings of God, God would enjoy their companionship and worship, and the world would receive a testimony. What could be better?
THE HOLY SPIRIT'S CONVICTION
In our day, God still raises men with a prophetic voice to us. Godly leaders are moved by our gracious Father to understand the times and warn their flocks of impending judgment. We have the full counsel of the Word of God to help us see this and the strong convicting power of the Holy Spirit.
Reading through the Major and Minor Prophets in scripture right now is particularly applicable to our nation and the American church. It’s like reading the newspaper. If we will read them carefully, we will hear afresh God’s warnings for us. And we will also notice God’s amazing willingness to forgive and restore if His people will simply turn.
UNDERSTANDING GOD'S MOTIVATION
...is important or we will misinterpret His heart. When He warns us it is designed to help us come to that which is best for us. Like pain to the human body, it is a call to make an adjustment so further damage will not occur because of our waywardness.
Whether it was in the past or the future, and in whatever forms it arrives to us, the question is still the same:
Will we listen and return to Him?
And will we do it now?
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
February 12, 2025
Repentance helps us. Repentance heals us. Repentance restores us and refreshes us. And these are all the outcomes a loving Father desires for His children.
