Contributor:
Joy Bollinger
Because of mankind’s rebellion against God, He forewarned us of things to come: “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying it’s power?” (2 Timothy 1:3-9)
[Satan], the god of this age, has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV). So, why are so many shocked by the direction our nation has taken? Why is God’s goodness measured by the evil we see? God is not the problem, for God is good (Psalm 135:3). Sin is the problem; it hardens hearts and rejects God and His Word.
God’s Word warned that a time would come when people would not accept sound teaching, but would have itching ears and be drawn to teachers who suited their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3). Today’s sinful passions are justified, and morality has been redefined. What was once called evil is now good, and what was good is now defined as evil. Who could have imagined 56 years ago, that the removal of prayer and Bibles from schools would send America into apostasy?
The only way to change the world is through prayer and fasting. Christians are the Church. Each follower of Christ has been called to be a prayerful bulwark against evil that brings about violence and the breakdown of a moral society. Sadly, prayer has been left to the clergy, with many Christians engaging in prayer only when a desperate need arises. However, God calls His people to pray without ceasing, each devoted to prayer, while being watchful and thankful and always praying for all the Lord’s people (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18).
In the Book of Revelation, the Lord addresses the people of God. His chastisement, encouragement, and warning is for the purpose of awakening us to repentance, prayer, and seeking Him with our whole heart:
THE DEAD CHURCH — I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 1-6 NIV).
THE FAITHFUL CHURCH — “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied My name. Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev. 3:8-13 NIV).
THE LUKEWARM CHURCH — “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:15-17) “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:19-20). “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev. 3:22 NKJV).
God is sending a strong message to the people of God. Repent of your lukewarmness towards Me! I am looking for disciples who, regardless of life’s challenges, will follow Me, pray to Me, learn of Me, fellowship with Me, embrace My will, trust Me, love Me, and be My voice. No longer can “Christians” be satisfied to live a minimal, Sunday only, Christian life as they pursue their own agenda and pleasures. “Know that I am gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love and good to all; I have compassion on all I have made” (Psalm 145:8-9). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
A “yoke” joins two oxen, so that they walk together harmoniously. It would be foolish to yoke a mule with an ox. Jesus cautioned us not to be unequally yoked with a non-believer, for one will pull against the other. In other words, we can’t be yoked with the Lord and with the world (2 Corinthians 6:14). When yoked with Christ in mind and spirit, where He goes, we go with Him; His thoughts become our thoughts.
God has not turned a blind eye to world events. He is waiting for His Church to arise from deadness and lukewarmness. If we want God’s involvement in our lives and world affairs, then we must invite Him with our prayers. He is waiting for His people to become the “faithful church” that obeys Him in lifting holy hands and voices in praise and prayer, as they call upon Him, for He said to call on Him in the day of distress and He will deliver us, and we will glorify Him (Psalm 50:15).
PRAYER:
LORD, You call us to humble ourselves, to pray, to seek Your face, and to turn from any sinful, immoral, wrongful ways. Only then will we hear from heaven, and You will forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14). I humbly repent of any lukewarmness or failure to daily pray with purpose and intent for the Church, this nation, our leaders, those in authority over us, my family and friends, and others that had been placed on my heart. Yoke me with You and Your purposes, so that I may be a part of the “Faithful Church” that accomplishes Your will on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, amen.
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