NOW is the time for the church and for our nation to get right with God—or to be buried beneath the consequences of denying God and mocking His truth.

From the time God called me to preach, I have carried a burden for others, but never have I felt such deep concern for the well being of our nation. God has kept me in prayer for the church, for America and for the world Jesus died to redeem. Please hear this loud and clear: NOW is the time for the church and our nation to get right with God or be buried beneath the consequences of denying God and mocking His truth.

In brokenness and compassion for his beloved nation, the prophet Jeremiah cried out, “Oh that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people. . .Lies and not truth prevail in the land. They proceed from evil to evil, but they do not know Me. . .They taught their tongue to speak lies. Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit. Through deceit they refuse to know God…With the mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor, but inwardly he sets an ambush for him.”

Later, in Lamentations, the prophet asks, “Is it nothing to you? Is anyone concerned that many people have been taken captive by the adversary, the deceiver?” Let me answer firmly, YES! I have taken it seriously and my heart breaks as I witness the same things Jeremiah referenced. I well remember about 30 years ago when Billy Graham (who has been such an example of humility, love and an inspiration to me since my teens) said to me in a conversation, “James, you remind me of Jeremiah because of your passion for Christ and your compassion for others. God has gifted you to inspire Christians to be witnesses for Christ and to care about others.” I do not know that I grasped the full meaning of what he was saying then, but I see it clearly today.

I weep over a church and believers who “just sing louder” in the face of devastation and deception; over a nation with such a warped view of God and truth that they persist in flying upside down and what they believe to be up continually proves to be down. I weep as I see God’s people “perish for lack of knowledge.” Our national leaders cannot think straight because far too often they have left God out of their discussions. I care too deeply to be silent or indifferent and, as Paul said, “I must warn people day and night with tears” while seeking to help those who are blind and dull of hearing to let God open their ears and eyes in order to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church and, yes, to the nation. I am asking God to give His people clear vision and direction.

Two years ago this month the Lord gave me a vision of standing with Jesus on the mountain overlooking Jerusalem as He was pleading for the people to come to the shelter of God as chicks to the safety of the hen’s wings. The Lord revealed this is His glorious invitation in the face of desolation and He is offering it to America at this moment.

The choice is ours – humility or humiliation. God is anxious to be the shelter, security, strong tower and Shepherd, leading us again to still water and green pastures. As the prophet Hosea promised, “Those who live in God’s shadow will again grow grain and will blossom. . .” God is anxious to bless those who trust Him and follow Him. It is time for the church to wake up and begin to weep over all who are defeated, deceived and living in darkness. Arise and shine with the glory of the Lord revealed in your life!

Betty and I will not stop speaking truth fearlessly, faithfully and pointing people to the light and life of a risen Lord. Pray for us, pray with us, and take a bold stand. Together we can overcome what the enemy has done and see God’s will fulfilled in our day. We are spending special time praying for all who face challenges in their relationships, finances, and health. God cares so deeply for the suffering and downtrodden and our nation is facing the very real possibility of being unable to continue assisting anyone in real need. Foolish decisions and empty promises are leading to devastating consequences.

Silent, comfortable, compromising, fearful Christians and ministers have allowed this nation to blatantly and blindly turn its back on God and march toward destruction. The destructive process has come from an enemy within! Without flinching, believers have allowed the murder of millions of babies in the wombs of their mothers and the importance of marriage and family desecrated. I cannot just watch while the church slumbers and the nation decays. I will not let the blessing of faith and freedom die on my watch.