The Watchman's Diary

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV).

Good guess Paul; wait, that would mean everything else that has been accurately prophesied were also just lucky guesses. I think not! Just look around, turn on the news — any news channel — open a book, a magazine, a news paper, watch a movie, and yes take a close look at the church even. Paul may have said that with a gentle tone at the time but his words scream at us today. We have seen steady but continuous implosions within countries around the world and here in the US. Biased undertones have been rising to the surface of tumultuous storms and the actions of many are counter to what flows from their lips. There is so much happening around the world that are either stealing away peoples hopes or threatening to do so. We are one shot away from civil unrest here at home; one fighter jet violation away from what could start a long war. World leaders are flexing their muscles and leaning on political rhetoric to either solve or prevent what will ultimately come to pass.

We have organizations that spend their days plotting to remove God from public squares, schools, and wherever they can extend their reach. If they had the choice, they would remove God from our homes.  World leaders are afraid to speak of faith in God and especially to mention the name of Jesus.  We seem to think that politics, military power, and our own efforts can resolve the issues we face.  Few realize the deep spiritual implications of what we are facing today and those who do are quickly censored or their message does not reach the masses.  We go to church wanting to hear how much of a “royal priesthood” we are while we live as villains against the word of God. Corruption is the name of the hour!

Didn’t someone warn us of these things? In the timeless words of the Psalmist, “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. (Psalm 2:1-4 ESV)

The more I see what is taking place the more I pay attention to my own thoughts and actions. It is easy to point the finger without realizing there are four pointing back at us. If we don’t look at ourselves first and pray for spiritual cleansing we are in danger of propagating the very things we speak out against. If I cannot see Christ in me then there is something seriously wrong because I am to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.  I readily acknowledge that I am a sinner, I have fallen short many times and need to continuously repent and seek God in prayer.  But glory to God through Jesus Christ for His redemptive blood, I don’t have to live in sin.

So as you read this, do not set your face against me but pray for me and I am happy to do the same for you. Pray also for our brothers and sister who face brutal persecution around the world and for those who face those not so subtle persecutions. We have a God who hears and responds to our prayers, seek Him while He may be found!

Blessings!