Dear editor:
"We are a nation in decline because, in the words of Scripture, we have 'forgotten ... God' (Isaiah 17:10)." Those words were spoken by the Rev. Franklin Graham in the article, "A National Wake-Up Call. (Decision magazine, November 2013, Page 20).
Our nation has been in a steady decline spiritually for a long time, but has especially spiraled downward even more rapidly in the last six and a half years. America has also been going downward in a general decline in practically every other major area during this same time period. As a Christian, I truly don't believe that it is a coincidence that they are both declining at the same time.
I strongly believe that God is trying to get our attention! I believe God is speaking to us through all of these many troubles we are experiencing more and more, but unfortunately, too few people are listening!
In Christian church services, we have often sung the opening doxology: "Praise God from who all blessings flow." America needs to wake up and realize that God will not continue to bless us abundantly whenever we (as a nation) keep turning away from him and His ways! In addition, God will pour out His punishment or judgment upon us for turning away. In fact, I'm certain that it is already happening!
" ... America is now a nation in rapid departure from God, and the same warning signs of national judgment that appeared in the last days of ancient Israel are now reappearing on American soil. I am struck by the connection between the harbingers -- signs of forewarning -- and our national leaders" (Jonathon Cahn, senior pastor and author of "The Harbinger").
"It was Israel's leaders who set the nation's course, either to God and restoration, or away from God and destruction" (Decision magazine, J. Cahn, October 2013, Page 20).
Concerning our governing authorities, we learn in the Bible that God is the one who puts those leaders in place. " ... for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1).
A local pastor of a major church in Hot Springs said that when God puts a person in place as a government leader, that person is intended to be either for blessings or for curses upon a nation (read Deuteronomy 28 for more on blessings and curses). Which one do you think we've been experiencing in the last six and a half years under President Obama? Think real hard now!
I pointed out in another letter awhile back that I firmly believe that Barack Hussein Obama was sent upon America by God as an instrument of God's judgment!
Sometimes God gives a leader to a nation that it deserves. God told the prophet Samuel ... "it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me (God) as their true king" (1 Samuel 8:7).
God gave America a "king" that was a rather accurate reflection of our wicked, vile, corrupt and sinful culture. In other words, I believe it's as if God is saying, you didn't like Me, so here -- see how you like the devil!
Lloyd Hoffman
Hot Springs
Editorial on 05/20/2015