Thanks for the great article! I have so enjoyed and have been sharing with so many this past year just how close we are to the return of Jesus. Your book and sermon series on Tipping Point is absolutely amazing! I have felt that Covid has really been a launching pad to expedite and show us just how close we are to wrapping things up here on earth. However, It is really amazing to me how many young people (say in their 30's) that I talk with don't seem to really see just how close we are to the end. They seem to be conflicted. They love the Lord yet they still want to experience life like raising kids, ect . . . I keep sharing and encouraging them that what lies ahead for us in Heaven is going to be so much more amazing than we could ever imagine. They seem to have a harder time grasping it. Anyway, thanks again for the great articles and updates!
I am so liked minded here. I pray for my adult children as they struggle with letting go of the world. Even if they live to be as old as I, I pray their grip is loosened.
Thank you Pastor Jimmy....This is one of your BEST posts.... taking the strange story of Lot's wife and helping us understand why this was important to Jesus for us to grasp the message. I remember a Sunday school teacher using felt cut-out-pictures (remember those?) and showing us this big lump of salt as the dramatic ending to the Bible story. I guess it's always been confusing for me how that story related to me. Now I understand why God turned her into salt--pure preservation! As shocking as that story is, what a pure reminder for us to never stop looking up, obey His Word, honor God/others and hold everything loosely. What's strange, until I went through the pain of loss, I didn't understand how to hold loosely. God used my pain and taught me the valuable lesson that everything belongs to Him. I wake up everyday so grateful for life and His miracles and gifts all around me. I treasure this God adventure I'm on... reminded that the best is yet to come. I read all the comments too and praying for salvation for lost loved ones that hearts are softened.... and for unique opportunities to share the good news. "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Num 6:24-26
Great article, Jimmy, and praise God! FYI, my wife and I just ordered your book “The Four Laws of Love” from the XO Marriage website. We are excited to read it!
Great article! My husband and I have read your book Tipping Point about 5 times each, no joke! (we have a hard copy and we downloaded the audio book) We’ve really gotten a lot out of it and it makes us turn to our Bibles more. We have also purchased this book about 10 times to give to our friends and family and recently to our Thursday night small group leader. So our small group class has heard all about you, it makes for some great discussions, especially since our class is about Bible prophesy! I’m always talking about the rapture and Bible prophesy so my husband has given me the nickname of R.C. ................. rapture coordinator. 😂
Pastor Jimmy, I fear that I would be looking back for my unsaved adult children. Other that praying that the Lord change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, what can I do to help them? Thank you
Tipping Point light bulb moment #672: Lot’s wife lost it all because of sentimentality. It makes one wonder what about? Maybe she was caught up in the darkness of that place and was cherishing a sinful lifestyle in a sinful culture. Or maybe she just looked back in memory of something completely and totally benign. I’m leaning towards the former. But whatever it was, she valued that sentiment (and the experiences that created it) over her God, as if whatever it was could compare to Him.
My whole family had shut me out of there life because of my faith. They think that I have mental problems because I believe in the bible and the rapture. My two adult kids 35 and 31 won't come and visit me nor can I see my grandkids. My own 74 year old mom told me just last week that I was negative and needed psychological therapy.
I used to be real sad about it, but the bible says that in the last days that children will turn against parents and parents will turn against children. That is the reason I am able to go on. I have been a single mother most of my adult life and I do still have my 18 year old that is born again and stands by my side. I pray for my family daily. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lately, I've acutely felt the brunt of these dark days, and evil doers (particularly in politics and "high-society"). They're is almost a "righteous anger" that threatens to erupt, and one empathizes with the Psalmist and Habakkuk, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Nevertheless, I'm comforted by the words in Psalms 37, Psalms 73, Habakkuk and 2 Peter 2:9,
"...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority (for ex. the "resist" movement). They are presumptuous, self-willed..." II Peter 2:7-10
"The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw." Habakkuk 1:1
Planet Earth may look marvelous from a satellite, but for those who live on the dusty globe things tend to look rather grim. Increased turmoil, rising terrorism, mounting tragedies, unprecedented trauma, increasing pollution, deepening trials, and unparalleled tensions cast dark shadows over earthlings. The world looks more and more like some ominous black sphere with a very short fuse, a time bomb sizzling to explode.
It is little wonder that thinking people begin to ask questions. "Why is there so much oppression? Why all the injustice? Why do evil men prosper? Why do the righteous suffer? Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t God make things right? Why? Why? Why?"
These penetrating questions are hardly new. Centuries before Christ came to earth, an ancient prophet looked around at the violence and wickedness of the world and cried out to God, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong...? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). The prophet not only asked the mysterious whys that plague mankind; he also received answers to his questions. The answers given by God are carefully recorded in the book called Habakkuk.
Habakkuk wrote in a time of international crisis and national corruption. Babylonia had just emerged on the scene as a world power. This new world empire was stretching across the world. Soon the Babylonians would overtake Judah and carry its inhabitants away into captivity. On the eve of pending destruction, a period of uncertainty and fear, Habakkuk wrote his message.
The crisis internationally was serious. But of even greater concern was the national moral & Spiritual corruption. Great unrest stirred within Judah. Josiah had been a good king. When he died, Josiah’s son Jehoahaz rose to the throne. After only three months, the king of Egypt invaded Judah, deposed king Jehoahaz, and placed his brother Jehoiakim on the throne. Jehoiakim was evil, ungodly, and rebellious (2 Kings 23:36–24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5–8). Shortly after Jehoiakim ascended to power, Habakkuk wrote his lament over the decay, violence, greed, fighting, and perverted justice that surrounded him.
Is it any wonder that Habakkuk looked at all the corruption and asked, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong?… Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). Godly men and women continue to ask similar “whys” in a world of increasing international crises and internal corruption.
While the stage is set for a global holocaust, an unsuspecting home audience fiddles a happy tune. The nation’s moral fiber is being eaten away by a lassie fair aire playboy attitude that makes personal pleasure the supreme goal of life. Hedonism catches fire while homes crumble. Crime soars while the church sours. Drugs, divorce, and debauchery prevail and decency dies. Frivolity dances in the streets. Faith is buried. “In God We Trust” has become a meaningless slogan stamped on corroding coins.
In such a world of crisis and chaos, Habakkuk speaks with clarity. Habakkuk is a book that is as contemporary as todays headlines.
The prophet was perplexed. Wickedness and violence seemed to go unchecked. Would there be no end to the rising tide of sin? Habakkuk took his complaint to God. “Why don’t You do something?” God answered, “I am doing something - Judah will be punished by Babylon.” The prophet was even more perplexed... Habakkuk’s distress deepened to a profound dilemma. So he continued his conversation with God. “Why would You use those wretched Babylonian barbarians to judge Judah?” In Chapter two, the prophet’s complaints were then met with the Lord’s command, “Write down the revelation.” God’s declaration included a lengthy dirge, or taunt-song, of five woes on the evil Babylonians. Chapter three climaxes with a magnificent doxology of Praise.
The ever-present “Why?” is best answered by the everlasting “Who!” Though the outlook may elicit terror, the uplook elicits trust. The prophet’s complaints and fears were resolved in confidence and faith. This is the heart of the message of Habakkuk:
“The righteous will live by his faith” (2:4).
Habakkuk’s book begins with an interrogation of God but ends as an intercession to God. Worry is transformed into worship. Fear turns to faith. Terror becomes trust. Hang-ups are resolved with hope. Anguish melts into adoration. What begins with a question mark (?) ends in an exclamation point (!). The answer to Habakkuk’s “Why?” is “Who!” His confusion, “Why all the conflict?” is resolved with his comprehension of Who is in control: God! (Psalms 2; Psalms 46). (An Introduction to the book of Habakkuk by J. Ronald Blue.)
As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in the coming days, months, and years, may we remember these words, and cling to the Lord's faithful promises - they are sure.
Thank you for the much needed reminder! Pray for me, like Peter, I start focusing on the waves and lose sight of the One helping me walk on the water. As the His return is closer, I find that the spiritual warfare increases and hits closer to home all the time. Praying that we are all found with our lamps full, wicks trimmed, and ready for the Bridegroom's call.
I think about Lot’s wife a lot, especially as I look around and see what this Nation is becoming.... It seems like the older I get in the Lord, the more I hear Him say, “don’t touch that” whatever it might be, as though He is getting me more and more ready in my Heart, for my new Home. That refining process that He does.... He is a good good Father, showing me right from wrong. It has been a year now since I have been in Church. I am going back, in person, this week. I have picked an Amillennial Church. In my flesh I would say, “don’t touch that.” But in this case He is saying, “touch that.” I don’t particularly want too, but I will. It goes both ways. Thank-you Holy Spirit for giving the direction that we can safely follow. You lead, to touch or not to touch, and I follow. P.S. I have joined a ladies Bible Study at the Amillennial Church; they are doing Elijah by Priscilla Shirer where false Prophets really mess things up and Elijah is Raptured in the end.... You lead Lord. I follow. Lead me always according to Your will, that I may not turn back.
Thanks for the great article! I have so enjoyed and have been sharing with so many this past year just how close we are to the return of Jesus. Your book and sermon series on Tipping Point is absolutely amazing! I have felt that Covid has really been a launching pad to expedite and show us just how close we are to wrapping things up here on earth. However, It is really amazing to me how many young people (say in their 30's) that I talk with don't seem to really see just how close we are to the end. They seem to be conflicted. They love the Lord yet they still want to experience life like raising kids, ect . . . I keep sharing and encouraging them that what lies ahead for us in Heaven is going to be so much more amazing than we could ever imagine. They seem to have a harder time grasping it. Anyway, thanks again for the great articles and updates!
I am so liked minded here. I pray for my adult children as they struggle with letting go of the world. Even if they live to be as old as I, I pray their grip is loosened.
This brings even more relevance to the phrase, ‘Be a pepper’.
Thank you Pastor Jimmy....This is one of your BEST posts.... taking the strange story of Lot's wife and helping us understand why this was important to Jesus for us to grasp the message. I remember a Sunday school teacher using felt cut-out-pictures (remember those?) and showing us this big lump of salt as the dramatic ending to the Bible story. I guess it's always been confusing for me how that story related to me. Now I understand why God turned her into salt--pure preservation! As shocking as that story is, what a pure reminder for us to never stop looking up, obey His Word, honor God/others and hold everything loosely. What's strange, until I went through the pain of loss, I didn't understand how to hold loosely. God used my pain and taught me the valuable lesson that everything belongs to Him. I wake up everyday so grateful for life and His miracles and gifts all around me. I treasure this God adventure I'm on... reminded that the best is yet to come. I read all the comments too and praying for salvation for lost loved ones that hearts are softened.... and for unique opportunities to share the good news. "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Num 6:24-26
This may be a silly question, but she lost her life, but went to heaven, right?
Wow!
This article was ahhh-mazing!
Thank you for explaining the story of Lot's wife.
Great article, Jimmy, and praise God! FYI, my wife and I just ordered your book “The Four Laws of Love” from the XO Marriage website. We are excited to read it!
Great article! My husband and I have read your book Tipping Point about 5 times each, no joke! (we have a hard copy and we downloaded the audio book) We’ve really gotten a lot out of it and it makes us turn to our Bibles more. We have also purchased this book about 10 times to give to our friends and family and recently to our Thursday night small group leader. So our small group class has heard all about you, it makes for some great discussions, especially since our class is about Bible prophesy! I’m always talking about the rapture and Bible prophesy so my husband has given me the nickname of R.C. ................. rapture coordinator. 😂
I am ready but my family is not. My 24 yr.old daugther that grew up in church is not 🙏
Pastor Jimmy, I fear that I would be looking back for my unsaved adult children. Other that praying that the Lord change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, what can I do to help them? Thank you
Tipping Point light bulb moment #672: Lot’s wife lost it all because of sentimentality. It makes one wonder what about? Maybe she was caught up in the darkness of that place and was cherishing a sinful lifestyle in a sinful culture. Or maybe she just looked back in memory of something completely and totally benign. I’m leaning towards the former. But whatever it was, she valued that sentiment (and the experiences that created it) over her God, as if whatever it was could compare to Him.
Thank you Pastor Evans!
My whole family had shut me out of there life because of my faith. They think that I have mental problems because I believe in the bible and the rapture. My two adult kids 35 and 31 won't come and visit me nor can I see my grandkids. My own 74 year old mom told me just last week that I was negative and needed psychological therapy.
I used to be real sad about it, but the bible says that in the last days that children will turn against parents and parents will turn against children. That is the reason I am able to go on. I have been a single mother most of my adult life and I do still have my 18 year old that is born again and stands by my side. I pray for my family daily. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lately, I've acutely felt the brunt of these dark days, and evil doers (particularly in politics and "high-society"). They're is almost a "righteous anger" that threatens to erupt, and one empathizes with the Psalmist and Habakkuk, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Nevertheless, I'm comforted by the words in Psalms 37, Psalms 73, Habakkuk and 2 Peter 2:9,
"...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority (for ex. the "resist" movement). They are presumptuous, self-willed..." II Peter 2:7-10
"The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw." Habakkuk 1:1
Planet Earth may look marvelous from a satellite, but for those who live on the dusty globe things tend to look rather grim. Increased turmoil, rising terrorism, mounting tragedies, unprecedented trauma, increasing pollution, deepening trials, and unparalleled tensions cast dark shadows over earthlings. The world looks more and more like some ominous black sphere with a very short fuse, a time bomb sizzling to explode.
It is little wonder that thinking people begin to ask questions. "Why is there so much oppression? Why all the injustice? Why do evil men prosper? Why do the righteous suffer? Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t God make things right? Why? Why? Why?"
These penetrating questions are hardly new. Centuries before Christ came to earth, an ancient prophet looked around at the violence and wickedness of the world and cried out to God, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong...? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). The prophet not only asked the mysterious whys that plague mankind; he also received answers to his questions. The answers given by God are carefully recorded in the book called Habakkuk.
Habakkuk wrote in a time of international crisis and national corruption. Babylonia had just emerged on the scene as a world power. This new world empire was stretching across the world. Soon the Babylonians would overtake Judah and carry its inhabitants away into captivity. On the eve of pending destruction, a period of uncertainty and fear, Habakkuk wrote his message.
The crisis internationally was serious. But of even greater concern was the national moral & Spiritual corruption. Great unrest stirred within Judah. Josiah had been a good king. When he died, Josiah’s son Jehoahaz rose to the throne. After only three months, the king of Egypt invaded Judah, deposed king Jehoahaz, and placed his brother Jehoiakim on the throne. Jehoiakim was evil, ungodly, and rebellious (2 Kings 23:36–24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5–8). Shortly after Jehoiakim ascended to power, Habakkuk wrote his lament over the decay, violence, greed, fighting, and perverted justice that surrounded him.
Is it any wonder that Habakkuk looked at all the corruption and asked, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong?… Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). Godly men and women continue to ask similar “whys” in a world of increasing international crises and internal corruption.
While the stage is set for a global holocaust, an unsuspecting home audience fiddles a happy tune. The nation’s moral fiber is being eaten away by a lassie fair aire playboy attitude that makes personal pleasure the supreme goal of life. Hedonism catches fire while homes crumble. Crime soars while the church sours. Drugs, divorce, and debauchery prevail and decency dies. Frivolity dances in the streets. Faith is buried. “In God We Trust” has become a meaningless slogan stamped on corroding coins.
In such a world of crisis and chaos, Habakkuk speaks with clarity. Habakkuk is a book that is as contemporary as todays headlines.
The prophet was perplexed. Wickedness and violence seemed to go unchecked. Would there be no end to the rising tide of sin? Habakkuk took his complaint to God. “Why don’t You do something?” God answered, “I am doing something - Judah will be punished by Babylon.” The prophet was even more perplexed... Habakkuk’s distress deepened to a profound dilemma. So he continued his conversation with God. “Why would You use those wretched Babylonian barbarians to judge Judah?” In Chapter two, the prophet’s complaints were then met with the Lord’s command, “Write down the revelation.” God’s declaration included a lengthy dirge, or taunt-song, of five woes on the evil Babylonians. Chapter three climaxes with a magnificent doxology of Praise.
The ever-present “Why?” is best answered by the everlasting “Who!” Though the outlook may elicit terror, the uplook elicits trust. The prophet’s complaints and fears were resolved in confidence and faith. This is the heart of the message of Habakkuk:
“The righteous will live by his faith” (2:4).
Habakkuk’s book begins with an interrogation of God but ends as an intercession to God. Worry is transformed into worship. Fear turns to faith. Terror becomes trust. Hang-ups are resolved with hope. Anguish melts into adoration. What begins with a question mark (?) ends in an exclamation point (!). The answer to Habakkuk’s “Why?” is “Who!” His confusion, “Why all the conflict?” is resolved with his comprehension of Who is in control: God! (Psalms 2; Psalms 46). (An Introduction to the book of Habakkuk by J. Ronald Blue.)
As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in the coming days, months, and years, may we remember these words, and cling to the Lord's faithful promises - they are sure.
Praise God!
Amen 🙏!! Our Lord is coming and Heaven awaits! We be ready for the biggest wedding of all times!! Hallelujah!! Holy is the Lord God Almighty!!
Thank you for the much needed reminder! Pray for me, like Peter, I start focusing on the waves and lose sight of the One helping me walk on the water. As the His return is closer, I find that the spiritual warfare increases and hits closer to home all the time. Praying that we are all found with our lamps full, wicks trimmed, and ready for the Bridegroom's call.
I think about Lot’s wife a lot, especially as I look around and see what this Nation is becoming.... It seems like the older I get in the Lord, the more I hear Him say, “don’t touch that” whatever it might be, as though He is getting me more and more ready in my Heart, for my new Home. That refining process that He does.... He is a good good Father, showing me right from wrong. It has been a year now since I have been in Church. I am going back, in person, this week. I have picked an Amillennial Church. In my flesh I would say, “don’t touch that.” But in this case He is saying, “touch that.” I don’t particularly want too, but I will. It goes both ways. Thank-you Holy Spirit for giving the direction that we can safely follow. You lead, to touch or not to touch, and I follow. P.S. I have joined a ladies Bible Study at the Amillennial Church; they are doing Elijah by Priscilla Shirer where false Prophets really mess things up and Elijah is Raptured in the end.... You lead Lord. I follow. Lead me always according to Your will, that I may not turn back.