In light of the recent US Government decisions, many Christians in the United States are dismayed and wonder what is next. Could it be the trumpet?
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Or could there be one last revival (like what is taking place in many third world countries) in the United States (a land set aside by the Lord to be a beacon of light and spread the Gospel to the world like no other nation that ever existed) before the rapture trumpet?
“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2Peter 3:3-4,8-9)
As I pondered this question, “Trumpet or Outpouring?”, the Holy Spirit gave me a prophetic word of encouragement to share:
“Do not fear or be troubled. I am still on the throne and will always be in complete control. Not a sparrow lands without my knowledge. The hairs of your head are each numbered. I encourage you to make sure your lamps are filled with oil and your wicks are trimmed. Time as you know it is running out.”
Afterwards, I sought the Lord out in prayer. He brought me to the book of Jude:
1. He reminded me to love the sinner, but hate the sin—>“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.” (Jude 1:22-23)
2. He reminded me that as the world turns more and more evil, He will pour out on His seeking Saints more and more of what we need—>“May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.” (Jude 1:2)
3. He reminded me that He will keep my soul no matter how dark the world gets—>“They (the apostles) told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.” (Jude 1:18,20,22)
At the same moment I publicized this post, my wife texted me, unaware of how the Holy Spirit was speaking to me at the same time. I was on my lunch break at work while she was working in our garden at home. This is what she texted me:
“The Lord told me, or should I say reminded me, that no focus or valuable amounts of time should be wasted on all the news chatter. He said it is time to stop focusing on the world’s ways because Satan is unleashed full force and if we believe in the power of Jesus then we must stop hanging our heads but rather sing praises to keep our strength and light shining in this darkness that is trying to overcome us. He reminded me that His eye is on the sparrow.”
Throughout our 28 years of marriage, it is not a common everyday occurrence for the Lord to speak in an overwhelming manner to my wife. But when she does receive a message in this manner, I have learned to take it very seriously because the Lord has always confirmed what she was given, and in this case, what was given to both of us separately at the same point in time.
So my friends, no matter what the immediate days ahead bring, keep looking up and keep shining on!
Annointing 