Many devout American Christians were in shock and awe from waking up the morning after election day to find out that the presidential election did not turn out how they had hoped. Even though I also had hoped for a more favorable outcome, I knew in reality how it would turn out. Our nation is under judgment! Read David Wilkerson’s ‘Urgent Message’ at
http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/urgent-message.html
I would like to re-post what I shared back on February 17, 2011 entitled ‘These Times’:
We are living in a time that is like no other time in history. We are at the time that the man of sin must be revealed before Jesus comes again. In order for the man of sin to be revealed, changes are taking place in America, and will continue to take place.
In times past, America was a strong unified nation that stood against evil in the world. But now, we as Christians must realize that certain things must come to pass here in America. They will be things that grieve our hearts, but as Luke 21:9 says, “Do not be terrified for these things must come to pass first.” We see America being weakened before our eyes and things are changing fast. As we pray righteous prayers for our nation and vote according to our consciences, things will not necessarily happen as we would like. Division and unrest will become rampant.
Why do these things have to come to pass? Let us not forget a principle from the very beginning of the bible. In Genesis 4:10 God said to Cain, “What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” Every drop of innocent blood that has been spilt on the ground must be paid for. God is the ultimate ‘Avenger of Blood’. The Tribulation period that lies ahead is referred to in Revelation 6:16 as the ‘Wrath of the Lamb’.
So how do we pray? Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).” Then in 2 Peter 3:11-12, Peter says, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” At the end of the bible in Revelation 22:20, John says, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
So how do we act? In Luke 21: 28 & 36, Jesus tells us, “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Our jobs as Christians, Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”
Now, brothers and sisters in Christ, do not let the newspaper headlines or what is happening in Washington DC or the world bring fear or anger into your hearts. Rather, let a smile come upon your face knowing that we will soon stand before the Lord Jesus! Let us heed the words of Jude verses 20-25, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
Our responsibility as Christians is to submit to the laws of the land and pay taxes. The only time we are not to submit to earthly authorities is when there is direct opposition to God’s laws. The following two portions of Scripture spell it out quite clear:
1. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. (Romans 13:1-7 NLT)
2. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:13-21 KJV)
In closing, Romans 13:11-12 reminds us, “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.”
Annointing 