News reports point to Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of the beloved evangelist Billy Graham, prophesying judgment, nuclear strikes, earthquakes and the like in America.
But what did she really say? Her comments are in an article in Decision magazine as follows in this excerpt:
“When you sin and you refuse to repent, God backs away,” says Anne Graham Lotz, whose book The Daniel Prayer encourages desperate, fervent prayer for personal and corporate revival. “You don’t repent and you continue to sin and you become defiant, and He backs away further until in the end, God just turns you over to yourself.
“That’s where America is today. Look at the end of Romans 1. He’s just backed away from us, turned us over to ourselves. As they say, ‘America, how’s that working for you?’”
Lotz told Decision Magazine it seems that God is trying to rouse humanity’s attention through the exhausting run of natural disasters, violence and even the natural phenomenon of the total solar eclipse last August that made a path across the entire continental United States—a phenomenon that some Jewish rabbis considered a divine warning to a secular nation.
Lotz says she believes severe judgment is coming and has partly begun. “And I’m talking about something like a nuclear strike, an earthquake that splits us in two, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack that devastates our electrical grid. Something major that would be a game-changer for America, because we are so defiant and rebellious and idolatrous and immoral, and we know better.”
Global tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances only add to the “birth pangs” that Jesus spoke of pertaining to the days before His return, she adds.
In late November, for example, Russia hosted the presidents of Iran and Turkey for talks over how to bring peace and political reforms to war-torn Syria; Iran and Russia have together backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad through a bloody civil war, while Turkey has backed Assad’s foes. Lotz says a Russia-Iran-Turkey alliance would fit with prophecies in Ezekiel 38 about Gog and Magog and a coming Mideast war.
Indeed, Matthew 24:7 speaks of a time when “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.”
Is Graham on target? Are we seeing the birth pangs? Will we see a great awakening or great judgment? How should the church respond?
You know me. I’m not in the doom and gloom camp. I’m believing for an awakening. Yes, God is a God of judgment but I believe we’re in a window of mercy and I am standing in the gap for our nation.
Jennifer LeClaire former editor of Charisma magazine, senior leader of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, founder of the Ignite Network and founder of the Awakening Blaze prayer movement. She is author of over 25 books. Find her online at jenniferleclaire.org or email her at [email protected].
Jennifer,
I love your comment “You know me. I’m not in the doom and gloom camp. I’m believing for an awakening.” I think there are many of our leaders who feel the same way but are reluctant to publicly say that. I understand their concern and why they keep their head low. The backlash that may come from the doom and gloomers may be overwhelming. They hold on to that fear based theology pretty tight and they feel very threaten by even the consideration of something different.
But I do feel the new 500 year reformation has begun. There are 3 major components of this first wave. First, there will be a reformation of our fear based, defeated, end times view. We are a victorious church that is ever expanding throughout the earth. Second, women will be raised up and reconciled as our equal partners in ministry. No longer relegated to just children and women’s ministry positions. Third, the church will get a renewed revelation of the Fathers love and their identity in Christ!
I hope that Charisma can begin to shake loose of it past of many many post that feed the fear and doom and gloom monster. I hope you and others on that team can help the church see that we have a very Optimistic future! We are the victorious church. I’m not saying that we won’t have troubles in our path. But they will not defeat us! Thank you!
I do believe an awakening/revival will come but I also believe that judgement will follow. Let us not be ignorant. God’s Word is very clear that the signs of the times that near the end is not bliss in a a meadow, but rather war, rumors of war, and deep pains as in birth pangs. This is not to be considered doom and gloom but rather the fulfillment of prophecy.
That’s so-called ‘doom and gloom’ camp is not in conflict with prosperity as taught in 3 John. I preach both.
Back to Dr. Graham’s Daughter sense about a coming judgment (not it is over) but a significant heavy it will come to aright the ship called America including part of His church to a repentance that comes from a God of both mercy an judgment.
That’s right, Jennifer. I’m not the doom n gloom type either. That said, if (the operative word IF) there was no consequence to sticking our heads in the sand and blocking out all warning-esque prophecies, why would we pray so earnestly for America? Did that work for Ninevah? No, they repented first, then God saved them. We prophesy Reformation and everything sunny for us because We Love God and He has a Jer. 29:11 destiny in store for us. But that still doesn’t displace a proper fear of the Lord. Rebellion against God reaps what it sows, and to say that “day” is behind us or “not a now Word” is to deny God’s judgment on oppression and vindication of the righteous, His very nature. The Lord said, “I am the Lord. I change not. Therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). And if anyone still thinks Old Testament warnings were canceled after the Messiah came, read what Jesus said in Mat. 24-25 and Paul said in II Thes. 2. Mercy triumphs over judgment only when we regard the world’s situation with humility and PRAY as Jesus taught us, and stay ALERT as multiple other New Testament verses tell us.
Indeed it is time to pursue holiness before God backs away and we live and operate in pretence!
We do serve a merciful and graceful God.However he is also a jealous God and one that brings judgement.Most are offended at this type of God.This world especially America has been shown much grace by God but continues to remove him from everything.I have always believed God will get the attention of the Church and those he intended to be! No it will not be the end as most may think, but allow certain things to take place that brings repentance.In Noah’s day those who stood outside the Ark with the mind set of total grace may have prayed for a second chance..Lot’s wife as well! Christ was crucified and died that we may have life more abundant,providing we follow his plan! God’s word is pretty clear for those who truly understand it and their spirit bears true witness to it.Spirit to spirit is very different than spirit to flesh! I PRAY God tarries until then!
I agree wholeheartedly with Jimmy’s comment!
Jimmy has in my opinion gone to the far end of optimism. 500 year reformation??? Really? All the prophetic signs for the Lord’s return then are a hoax and GOD is playing games with us. Besides that where in the Bible does this idea of a 500 year reformation come from?
One thing is certain. Things never go the way we imagine. But I do believe we as a Nation are far away from GOD and except for this period of politics under Trump we are on a slippery slope. GOD, righteousness and Trump are hated by the left….enough to boldly talk of killing him or wishing him dead. That has never happened before by the opposing political party.
America is deeply divided, just like GOOD and EVIL. I find far more evidence to support Anne Graham Lotz than a 500 year reformation. Doom and gloom….or reality? GOD will not always strive with man. He reaches a point where we are left to our sins and the results of sin…as Ann has stated. The Bible is full of these examples. The Church usually is MORE of a burning fire under hard times….not good times. Again Bible history. GOD brought Israel to her knees over and over…now it is America’s turn. The righteous…get caught in the same nets as the unrighteous. How we respond is what is important. Our response needs to be that of clinging to the LORD and leading others to do the same!
I totally agree with Bobi Sanders and Ann. America has list its way in many aspects. Trump is trying to make America strong again and regain its values, but he faces a lot of resistance because that disturb many who accepted compromis. Yes the righteous are caught in the same nets as the unrighteous. God seems to punish an America who is talking against His word in many instances. God will be fed up as He git fed up with Israel. It is time for A,erica to wake up and cling to God word, the onky true one.
Will we see a great awakening or great judgment? We will see both. The great judgment brings the great awakening. Isaiah 26:9 – With my soul have I desired Thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early; for when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Exactly! The judgment will precede revival. Too much doom and gloom leaves one feeling hopeless. Too much optimism leads one further into denial. Satan is constantly seeking to get us off balance and leave us either unprepared or utterly hopeless.
Well I believe we are living in both, days of judgement & days heading towards revival, when we are goin to see a move of GOD like never before, for those who choose to completely trust in JESUS and no other, will be blessed beyond their imagination
I do believe and agree with each person’s comment’s however I believe that Anne Graham Lotz prophetic words speaks not only for the Church but is most important for those who do not attend church or have any concept of spiritual happenings that are taking place in the world today and could be the only way many will ever know the importance of being spiritually ready when trouble and disaster comes.of getting ready which is the real main role roke and expectation and request that Jesus asked of His Churchr
The opposite view is not a doom and gloom monster, but a ‘Men of Issachar’ reading of where we’re at in the light of the Scriptures of the end times. Unlike Israel, the kingdom of God is not vested in nations but in the Church of Jesus Christ ( not a denomination of course) Jesus said my kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did not bring a national salvation to Israel and seemingly had only a few real disciples on the day of Pentecost. He is still ‘taking OUT a people for His Name’ and will continue and as nations of the world begin to reap what they have sown and are sowing, we pray that many outside of the Christ will come to see Him as the only ray of light and hope and sanity to be had. Greater darkness is falling on the world, because men love darkness rather than light, and because they will be caught in the strong delusion Paul speaks about in Romans. God is allowing sin to be shown for what is, He’s pushing the fence sitters off the fence, making the contrast between light and darkness to be plainly seen so men will have no excuse when He sends judgement. Once great nations have fallen to where Israel was in Jeremiah’s day. They have crossed the God drawn line, as at Babel and in Noah’s day. Jeremiah was the true prophet, but of course there will always be the false ones who tickle peoples ears, and cry peace when there is no peace. The light the church shines will be more obvious and attractive in the dark times and many will choose the light instead of the darkness. The truth and promise of John 1:4-13 still stands
Excellent analysis – you are truly a Man of Issachar! Thank you!
I tend to agree with many of the modern day prophetic voices heard across America, namely that the wicked leadership and corrupt institutions will be judged. They state that the foul stench of the demonic and the humans complicit with them will be removed from authority in the very near future. Isaiah 26:9 states, in part, that when the earth experiences your (God’s) judgments, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Proverbs 29:2 states that when the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan. So you see it is not the general populace that will undergo judgment and wrath, rather wicked leadership and institutions.
I believe we have been given a time of reprieve…to repent and turn this nation back to God-it’s a short while and we best not squander it! But we also need to know that America has been judged for allowing God to be taken out of our schools and nation, abortion, homosexuality(LBGTXYZQ, etc), allowing godless Marxism to seep into our schools & culture, porn addiction, sex & human trafficking and pedophilia which is rampant! The only thing that can change hearts is by the personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we better get telling people, bringing people to the foot of the cross…time is short.
amen amen*renee* GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!
Yes , the planet Earth inhabited by Human Beings is too chaotic due to LOVE of MONEY by almost Everybody with Exemption for very Few Individuals ! They always think that MONEY is equivalent to POWER. which is exactly happening on this period of Time ! They do believe in God but the Problem is they are taking God for granted for their SELFISH DESIRES that instead of FOLLOWING GOD, they are USING HIM ! Please note that we are all SINNERS but we MUST KNOW HOW TO REPENT ! Thank you and GOD Bless! Cesar Herrera
I believe what the Bible says: Satan will be allowed to do his worst, but God will prevail. Read Bible End Times Prophecies for yourself to see this, such as a quality Bible study on the book of Revelation. The commentary I read from stated that the best way to read prophecies is by the plain, literal things it says, unless the text itself says otherwise.
For over two years now, I have been sharing / posting and feeling the exact same things deep within my own heart. My son, Emad, who lives with us today, grew up in the nation of Egypt as a Coptic Christian Believer. He knows about the suffering persecuted church firsthand. Even when he was a small boy walking home from school one day in his Christian Village he grew up in, he saw a man being crucified on an actual cross and hung up to die (not by the Christian Village but by Muslims) another man in this same conviction group was being beheaded. He shared to me that the Muslims do this purposely to put great ‘fear’ into the Christian Village of what they will do to the people in their village. The last two years I have posted this word continually: I Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? The last few weeks I have been posting about the Believers of God becoming prepared to suffer and be persecuted inside of America as written: This is what I posted yesterday:
WHEN PASSION AND SUFFERING CRASH TOGETHER:
PASSION – The English word has its roots in the Latin passio, which means, simply, “suffering.”
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
1 Peter 3:14
Hebrews 12 New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In America we ‘think’ we are INMUNED to the judgement of our God, that God will only spare us and never allow us in America to suffer. But this is very far from that truth.
When my husband and I were attending a prayer meeting one day at a church setting, I started sharing about becoming ‘prepared’ for God’s judgement on this earth and to learn God’s word about when we suffer and are actually persecuted so that we can endure to the end. I shared about ‘Do you know what our brothers and sisters in China are praying for us in America’. A sweet sister said ‘I would say they are praying that they become like us in America of being so blessed by God’… I said ‘No, not at all, they are praying that in America that we will learn to suffer, truly suffer for HIS NAME’s SAKE of JESUS, so that we understand the depth of this JOY in suffering with Christ to make us stronger in our God’…
It is not a shame to talk about and share about SUFFERING for the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST… This is when God’s Glory comes through.
As in the days of Noah – so it is in America. Noah built that ark and it took him over 125 years. 125 years the people in Noah’s day were warned, told, that God’s judgement was coming and to prepare themselves for that judgement. No one listened but continued to eat, drink, and be merry and lavish in their sins. Then one day a drop fell, and another, and another, and on that day of God’s Judgement only 8 people were saved from God’s Judgement after 125 years in being warned. And after all that time, only 8 people listened, obeyed, and truly followed God’s word… 8 people.
Regardless how it looks, America has not repented. Americas transgressions are much greater than Sodom, so how can we think we deserve not to be judged! Its likely that revival will happen in the midst of judgment. Both have begun & we need to be ready to reach the lost in the midst of intense judgment. That is why we are here for such a time as this!
I suspect this concern has been cyclically expressed since the 1960s. Has anyone checked?
Claims re Gog and Magog were rife in the 80s and fell over very suddenly when the Soviet Union calapsed. We have put Bible prophecy on crutches.
The ‘church’ has proved what it can do without the full five fold
ministry and who is content?
But although the Russian Bear has been hibernating (also a window of opportunity for the Gospel of Christ, and to rescue poor Jews back to their homeland), watch out as it awakens!!