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I believe God has been giving me a prophetic word concerning our time.

As we moved into the second half of this year God began making me aware that there has been a shortage of significant, accurate revelations. Accordingly, I was reminded of Amos’ prophecy about a famine for the word.

This chapter of Amos begins with a vision and vision test (“what do you see?”)

Interestingly, we are in the year 2020, which has made for an oft-mentioned reference to 20/20 vision.

This chapter of Amos is a judgment against God’s people. Therefore, let me be clear…I fully see our times as an overlay of Amos 8. I believe God’s people are under judgment. America, the Christian nation, is under judgment. The church has embraced nationalism and wrongly married itself to politics. Thus, the judgment against America is also a judgment against the American church.

The first judgment in this chapter is on their songs. Mourning, death, and silence is prophesied.

Of note, America has been the hardest hit country this year by a so-called plague. More than 250,000 are dead. No live music, no music festivals, even the church has sometimes been asked not to sing.

The second part of judgment is specified to come on the palace. This is likely the Bethel temple of idolatry.

I think it’s no coincidence that the first half of this year God moved upon me to cry out against America (and the church) for its pride and political idolatry.

Then, I was shook as the President and his family were struck with the sickness. Next, the sickness infested his staff and many who are connected with the White House (palace).

Continuing on in this Amos chapter, a judgment is even released on their mourning…speaking of corpses and casting them forth in silence.

Likewise, this year and this plague have caused extra grief (grief on top of grief) because the sick haven’t been allowed to have visitors during their suffering, and funerals (grieving) have had to limit who /how many could attend, as well as limitations to physical touch in regards to consoling, comforting.

Another judgment is spoken because of the wealthy, unsympathetic abusers of the poor. Alas, the land will tremble and render grief.

And, as Tom Stolz pointed out to me, a corrupt materialistic lifestyle is seen in the people being judged in Amos 8.

I’m afraid this characteristic is also very-much true of America and the church. So…

is our land being judged?

Consider these concerning 2020:

1. Most named storms ever.

2. Most Tropical storms ever.

3. Most Hurricanes ever

4. Record Wildfires

5. Record flooding in MI

6. Record heat in Phoenix

7. Record # of natural disasters

Another judgment in this chapter speaks of days with shortened sun, and extended darkness. In Bible times, the sun represented working hours. It was a judgment on their work, economy, and business.

Meanwhile, this year America’s economy, businesses, and jobs have terribly suffered. Countless businesses have had to close down, no longer able to operate/work.

Lastly this Amos chapter speaks a judgment against idolatry, idolatry and worship of a golden calf was notorious in the mentioned regions of Samaria, Dan, Beersheba.

Hmm…

Anyway, I felt after this year’s election that my burden from crying out against idolatry was finally over and we could begin to move forward. Mind you, for four years, God has had me playing a song. I felt led one day to play this Johnny Cash song on my phone. And, as strange as it may sound, God has spoken to me over and over again to…play it again. Out of obedience, and as a prophetic act, I’ve been playing this foreboding American folk song. Recently I thought my task of playing the song was complete.

I was wrong about that. I have awakened (wide awake; alert) at 8am for seven days in a row. That’s an early (odd) time for me since I live on a night-shift schedule. Then, understanding hit me. Through the prophetic language of God repeating Himself, I realized He was trying to get my attention. He was simply, yet emphatically, urging me to read Amos 8 again.

And Yes, the song has started playing in my head…again.

Throughout this year, a sweeping force of judgment against pride and idolatry has blown back and forth through the land. Statues/idols, have been toppled, removed, destroyed. Likewise, influential real-life leaders in the church community and conservative right have fallen. Many associates connected to the President have been arrested:

1. Steve Bannon

2. Roger Stone

3. Michael Flynn

4. Paul Manafort

5. Rick Gates

6. Michael Cohen

7. George Papadopoulos

8. George Nader

God’s Gonna Cut You Down 🎼.

Concerning the idolatry and golden-calf-people: the last phrase of the Amos chapter says, “they will fall and not rise again.”

I’m praying in holy reverence concerning this. I deeply feel—and yes…prophesy— that God’s judgment on America is not finished. God’s judgment on the church is not complete.

Make America Great Again Read Amos 8 Again

Timely wisdom can be gleaned from recent teachings by Joe Rigney and Jonathan Boegl who have been trying to help the church to trust, embrace, and even joy in God’s judgments.

But, for those who harden their hearts, those who don’t find repentance, those who evade humility, those who double-down in their devotion to political idolatry…God is going to cut them down. Shame is coming. Great shame. I see a Cinderella comparison where many, especially the spirit-filled and charismatics, are going to run out of time being in lofty places with lofty people. As shame and conviction brings the Cinderella wanderers back to humility, the love-hungry Prince will come and save.

God doesn’t stay angry forever.

2 Chronicles 7:14 contains principles found throughout Scripture showing us what God is looking for.

Humility

Repentance

Seeking His Face

Then…healing can begin

Revival comes to the humble, hungry, desperate, broken, contrite, repentant ones.

God’s judgment is helping us to get to that place where we re-discover our first love.

In 2019, I spent the whole year with the minor prophets. I read them. I re-read them. I made notes, underlined, and highlighted. I meditated and sat with their words for the entire year.

I have been asking people for the best message or sermon they’ve heard in 2020. And I keep getting blank answers in response.

So, its understandable that I’m being pulled back to that prophetic wellspring for right-now relevance.

Allow me to share with you what I believe the Word of God wishes to reveal:

“Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11

I believe we are living out a moment of famine. There are probably sparse amounts of real bread to be found. Likewise, so many are thirsty and needy for heavenly nourishment and refreshment.

I believe that so many of America’s prominent preachers have aligned themselves with politics. Accordingly, their messages have become earthly, intertwined with governmental bantering.

Our religious experience has meshed with 1. idolatry of a pompous god, and 2. nationalism. Worldly strategy has married a political party to a mostly white church.

Conservatism has replaced godliness.

Hence, these values are supposedly the evidence of true Christianity:

A.Thou shalt not commit abortion seems to be the greatest commanding

B. Thou shalt hate gays and sexually confused people. This is the message the world is hearing.

C. Thou shalt not be too caring or helpful to illegals, immigrants, or refugees. This too is what the world is clearly hearing from the actions and words of the church.

Instead of having fresh manna, we have mostly settled for a variety of political messages to choose from.

Option 1: Hail Trump

Option 2: Republicanism

Option 3: Rebellion

Option 4: Pro Life

Option 1 has been a best seller…literally. Some ministers have written books or made videos about Trump being God’s man for the job and time. Certain Ministers have weekly gushed with affection for Trump. There are Prophets who have likely made plenty of money by writing books about the wondrous Trump. There are Ministries that have devoted their focus to heralding the Trump Train movements. Some Preachers have found a fresh surge in popularity by defending and openly praying for Trump.

Another message that’s been easy for white evangelicals to rally around is Republicanism. It’s likely you know of someone that makes this seem like the most important spiritual thing you can do/be. I just watched a video where a minister placed great spiritual importance in being on the Republican side of things. He even suggested that believers prepare to take up arms, prophesying an impending civil war.

For others, Rebellion is the more trendy message. That’s not the title they give it, but…it is what it is. Even the church has justified rebellion against governmental recommendations or temporary mandates. People have been angry at HAVING TO wear masks. People have been upset at limits put on public gatherings, including church services. Many in the church have claimed to be suffering persecution and targeted attacks, seemingly not realizing that everyone else is suffering and hurting as well. Furthermore, Christians were furious over recommendations or (in a very few places) mandates, that singing be halted in in-person meetings for at least a week or two during the worst peaks of the pandemic. A few well-known leaders rebelled and opened their mega churches back up to limitless meetings. And, thousands of believers felt it was opportune to break city ordinances and join together in their city streets for massive worship rallies. A movement of church songs and open fearless concerts in the time of a pandemic where thousands would sometimes gather with no masks to sing loudly and proudly.

The other political message has been a mainstay since the late 70’s. The Pro Life message is still pertinent and valid. Unfortunately though, many use this message to bully other believers into joining a particular party or vote. To those who embrace this message, nothing else matters.

Sadly, many would-be champions have been spending their gifts and energies on a socio-political message. Nevertheless, these renderings certainly tickle the ears of a particular niche.

Yes, I’m finding a message from the words of Amos. I may expound on it later, but for now…chapter 8 of this minor prophet is a thunder we should notice.

Amos 8 is headlined with—“seeing.” Interestingly, 2020 is a year that is obviously headlined with seeing. Amos 8 speaks of the end. And 2020 has made a lot of people cognizant and talkative about the end. Amos 8 speaks much about a loss of songs. 2020 has certainly challenged and limited our songs. There have been no music festivals and no live concerts. Amos 8 mentions death being all-over and in every place. Meanwhile, 2020 has been a worldwide deadly pandemic. Amos 8 mentions shortened sun and extended darkness. Almost a direct interpretation, 2020 has seen business shut downs, and loss of jobs.

To ponder Amos 8 in 2020 is quite sobering. We are in an hour where we need to hear a word from Heaven. But where can we find it?

In such times, minor prophets often have genuine, legit, weighty messages. You might have to seek them out, though.

Such voices might be found in a * common local pastor. * director of a house of prayer * an Apostle doing virtual mtgs. * someone that’s unplugged

They probably aren’t on TV, they don’t pastor thousands, they aren’t building their brand, they don’t have a million followers, and you may have never heard of them.

They pray and they’re humble. It’s a beautiful, powerful thing. Such authenticity is lovely to come across.

Their message is no different than the message of Jesus. The teachings of Christ are revolutionary. You’ll know you’re hearing from a wild, radical, firebrand, minor prophet when they open their mouth…and you hear Jesus.

I have been involved in prophetic ministry for 30 years but I’m going to be honest…I didn’t see 2020 coming and I don’t know anyone who fully did.

I saw snippets, especially early on. I knew one thing for sure: God was going to give Trump an opportunity to repent of his pride.

I have sadly observed a continuation of heart- hardness from a man who has probably been surrounded by more prayer than any human in history. I’m no one’s judge and salvation is somewhat personal. Regardless, there has been no open repentance. There has been zero display of humility. America has been rattled, and I have believed that God is in a grace-filled chess match for the heart of Trump. Meanwhile, America has become a reflection of Trump’s soul. God keeps knocking, but it seems that Trump keeps hardening.

In observation, the church has primarily become a three-pronged institution.

1. Intercessor. The church has made an attempt to answer the commission of being a house of prayer. Apostles of prayer have raised up Houses of Prayer, and mobilized, organized prayer initiatives and events. Intercessors and prayer warriors have certainly been utilized by the Holy Spirit.
2. Idolatry. Sadly, many have been deceived, tricked, and confused concerning allegiances and alliances. Conspiracy theories have run amuck and Nationalism has been unofficially adopted as normal for ultra conservatives and many Christians. Some Christians act as if Republicanism is synonymous with Christianity. Unfortunately, many have misinterpreted the call to be intercessors for Trump and became cheerleaders and defenders instead.
3. Prophetic. There is a remnant that has embraced a prophetic mantle and voice. These have picked up their cross, denied self and stardom, preached holiness, warned of deception, and called out the sins of the church.

As an addendum, I believe most years of ministry for me have been stamped with one message/revelation that weighs heavier than all others. It’s usually a message I can’t shake and one that becomes a burden and assignment…something God directs me to keep speaking on. This year that assignment has come from a series of dreams that I had in the first 10 weeks of the year. I dreamt of black shoes, Bob Marley, and marrying my heart to my black sisters and brothers. God called me to walk with my family—the ones that were beautified with extra melanin. He told me to stand with them.

So, as I did everything I knew to do to answer this call, God allowed my heart to consistently feel weighted.

Furthermore, He has opened my eyes to a chosen generation that has filled a prayer bowl in Heaven with the synergy of tears that have been mixed together from many, many years.

Accordingly, God has given me a yearning for justice, a strong distaste for racism, and an awareness that the white church in America has failed and come down on the wrong side of civil liberty, love, and compassion for over 200 years.

God is now saying “ENOUGH!”

It’s not accident that statues have been coming down. Chop chop. a civilization and culture of hate is not on the same side as the heart of God. I’m not endorsing riots, looting, or violence. Nevertheless, in the midst of it all…God is working.

Guess what? The reckless love of God believes that black lives matter.

I appreciate you being on the journey with me, or for just reading this article This has been a summation of the words I’m seeing, hearing, and feeling. This is not prophetic foretelling. This is prophetic forth-telling. This, I submit to you, is what I am convinced is the word of the Lord. These are the words that I have been given a burden and voice for.

Also, Please note that I have a long track record of walking in relationship and submission. Likewise, I have always been a supporter of the local church.

The Scriptural groundwork for everything above comes from 2020’s prophetic journey (mine). Everything prophetic that I am trusted with is firstly and mostly judged by the Word of God. So, the brief list of texts comes from: 1. the Exodus story. 2. 1Cor 13. 3. Matthew 5-7. 4. Micah 6:8. 5. The life/message of John Baptist

My words and opinions are written or spoken by me. I don’t have someone to sign off on every post, video, or sermon that I share. However…

A. I subscribe to prophetic dialogue, discussions, and friendships. I occasionally ask peers or spiritual leaders to consult and consider what I think I’m receiving from the Lord.

B. I attend Growth Point Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Pastor Mario Radford

C. I have previously screened heavier prophetic words through Ray Hughes, and Kirk Bennett. I’m thankful to have connection and relationship with these ministries.

D. Other men and ministries I relate with and benefit from include Rob Hughes, Rick Fowler, Eric Gilbert, Billy Silverman, Ed Noonchester, Robbie Delph, Josh Allen, Jessie Acosta, Josh Tyree, A.T. Robinson, and Joy Jenkins