The following is submitted by Thomas James (StJames515@aol.com)

Judgement Or Mercy?
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Gloom And Doom:
One of the popular themes in "prophetic" ministries and their adherents today is that there are imminent, severe, and destructive Judgements coming and that we as the Body of Christ should prepare ourselves for a survival mode of existence. The popular supporting scripture used is Prov.22:3 which says that a prudent man sees danger coming and takes refuge or prepares himself. This is a wonderful verse that we would be wise to observe at all times, but I feel that with regard to the 'impending judgements', the verse is backed in to support the argument rather than being the 'now' word from the Holy Spirit. We preachers are notorious for getting a hot idea and then finding scriptures to verify that idea. It makes us look legitimate, and even spiritual. There are "prophetic" prognostication being circulated that contain different kinds of Judgements from God. One voice says that earthquakes will open up the Mississippi valley from Chicago southward, and that New Orleans will be under water....soon. Most everyone has heard that Los Angeles will collapse into the sea. The most popular "prophetic" theme of destruction concerns the year 2000 computer and chip problem, Y2K, which is a very real cause for concern, and has a fixed event horizon. The other expectations just hang out there in "someday."

Personal Perspectives:
I know that every prophet's word is shaded by the hurts, fears, personal experience and his current environment. You and I may want a more pure vessel to deliver the Word of the Lord, but I see the men of the Book working with the same limitations of humanity. (Read Jeremiah chapter one to see an example of what I mean here.) My word to you today is not shaded by hurt nor fear, but by what I see God working day by day into the lives of His people. He is forgiving them, restoring them, empowering them, and activating them. It is difficult for me to hear, or have much confidence in the gloom and doom when I see so much positive change and blessing flowing out of heaven. I am positive and optimistic, and, I hope, realistic rather than merely idealistic. Nothing good ever comes from presenting a pessimistic outlook to God. Difficult circumstances are always presented to Him with the hope of salvation and redemption. A 1940's song expressed it this way, "You got to latch on to the affirmative, eliminate the negative, accentuate the positive, and don't mess with Mr. In-between."

What If?
Let's assume for only a small moment that the prophets of doom are correct. Assume that the worst case will occur in the Y2K scenario. What then should be the response of the Church? I suggest the following Actions of Faith:

1. Let us set the month of July 1999 as a time of Prayer and Fasting by all the Churches in America asking God that His hand of Judgement on America be turned to bring healing, revival and Godliness. Surely if we repent and pray, this nation will be Blessed and not cursed. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a valid course of action today.

2. Give ourselves more completely into being a Body rather than "it's every man for himself." If we would decide to get in unity and harmony on a few major issues, the Body of Christ would be the world's great super power that God intends. Let us listen to God's leadership and find our place of function.

3. Expect the prophets to go into the heavenlies and not come back until they have a winning strategy from the Lord for the individual and the Church. If they do that, will we support them in intercession and spiritual warfare until the answers are obtained?

Conclusion:
Are we a people of faith and hope or are we lambs lead to the slaughter? The Bible says He has caused us always to triumph and to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. I say it is time to call on the Name of the Lord with a singular voice, with cries of repentance on the one hand, and with shouts of joy on the other. The Judgements of the Lord are great and terrible, but His love and mercy endure to a thousand generations.