UNWELCOME CHANGE

Long ago, one of God's faithful servants saw the crossroad ahead and showed us the only safe way through an immoral world. Joshua encouraged God's people to follow truth, avoid compromise, and shun their neighbors' earth-centered spirituality. His words clash with today's demand for unity, consensus and global values. But they fit our times:
"... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
The crossroad -- the way of the cross -- may be rocky and narrow, and it will never merge with the crowded superhighway nudging the masses toward a global village. But no other way leads to genuine love, peace, and lasting security. The destination is well worth the struggle:
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him ." 1 Corinthians 2:9

The 21st century ushered in an unprecented acceleration of efforts to bring about a one-world global society that shows little tolerance for the Christian world view. Even our own US President has stated on the world stage that America is NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN nation.

In the last 30 years we have witnessed
· The cultural shift from a Christian to a global paradigm
· The classroom shift from fact and logic to feeling and imagination.
· The growing acceptance of a code of ethics that bans biblical truth.
· How movies, television and schools promote a global spirituality.
· Why the “consensus process” turns young and old against absolute truth.
· Why many Christians are conforming to this transformational process.
In His word, God called for a watchman who would sound the trumpet to warn His people in times of danger:"Go...and speak with My words to them. For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language.... Tell them, 'Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.'...I have made you a watchman...therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me...” (Ezekiel 3:4-11, 17-21)
Today's transformation calls for many such men (and women) who will, on the strength of His promises, urge and encourage His Children today to receive His Promise that, when we trust and follow Him, He will lead us in His triumph -- no matter what challenges we face. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Remember what God told Joshua:
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
In 1998, Mikhail Gorbachev said, "President Clinton will be a success... if he can make America the creator of a new world order based on consensus."
But God's Word says,
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2

"GOD REIGNS OVER THE NATIONS!" (Psalms 47:8)
Throughout history He used good and bad rulers to discipline and bless His people -- always lovingly calling them back to Himself. Some recognized His hand of love, accepted His wise warnings and were blessed in His loving presence. Others were blind and deaf to His truths and sovereignty. The same is true today for human nature doesn't change much. If we focus on our wonderful King, not on the human agents, He will surely use everything that happens to keep us alert, teach us His Word, strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Himself.
An Old Testament king gave us a wonderful model prayer. When a "great multitude" of enemy troops threatened the freedom of God's people, Jehoshophat simply turned His eyes and heart to His faithful Lord and expressed his faith:
“O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? ... O, our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:6, 12)
God answered in a wonderful way! He always does, though usually the victory is less dramatic. How blessed we are to know Him at a time such as this!