Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy hill.
Let all who live in the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand — a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness.
Joel 2:1-2 (NIV)
He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)
sound the alarm on my holy hill.
Let all who live in the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand — a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness.
Joel 2:1-2 (NIV)
He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)
JESU JUVA
Sometimes God speaks at unexpected times, and when he does, he sometimes says unexpected things.
This happened to me one winter evening in early August 2017. That night I saw a terrible sight, one that no person ever wants to see: I saw my father’s body laid out in a coffin. Nothing could have prepared me for that gut-wrenching moment. It was shattering.
Afterwards, I needed time alone to process my grief, so I took the dog and went out into the night for a walk. I ended up in a little park around the corner from my house and sat on a bench, shivering from the cold. Darkness surrounded me. I lifted my head towards the sky and prayed to my Heavenly Father, looking to him for comfort. I knew by faith that he cared, but instead of words of comfort at that precise moment, he spoke something else. It took me by surprise.
As I gazed towards the heavens, I could only see one patch of sky; the branches of tall gum trees hid the rest. Within that one patch of black sky, the Southern Cross twinkled brightly. No other stars were visible. This sight reminded me of what Paul the Apostle wrote in the book of Philippians:
‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.’ (Philippians 2:14-16).
It was as I pondered these words that God spoke strongly inside my heart. The essence of what he impressed upon me was this:
‘Stars shine the brightest when the night is darkest. The darkness in the world is growing darker, and that darkness will accelerate. Events in the world will happen far more quickly than anyone expects. It’s time for my children to shine like the stars against the terrible darkness. It’s time to get ready to run. Get ready to run! There’s work to do for my kingdom!
I realise how subjective this experience must sound, but the importance of this unexpected message so gripped me that the impact remains with me today. This experience drove me deeper into God’s Word, and I share it now, hoping it might impel others to seek God, read his Word and prepare for the days ahead.
More than five years have passed since that night, and chaos has erupted worldwide! I could never have anticipated the unfolding of all that has happened these past few years. How fast it has all happened. How quickly it is all still happening. Yet, it seems that so many in the Church remain unaware of the gravity of global events and have little interest in the soon return of Jesus Christ. Our bridegroom has been a long time in coming, and many have become drowsy and fallen asleep.
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
Jesus promised he would physically come back to this earth one day to rule and reign as king. When he comes, he will usher in the kingdom of God in all its glorious fullness. It will be both a dreadful and jubilant day. It will be dreadful for those who reject the Son of God, but for those who trust in Jesus Christ and belong to the Father, it will be a jubilant day like no other! When Jesus comes again, he will defeat the devil and all that is evil and will put right all that is wrong in the world.
How can we know that the close of this age is at hand and that the second coming of Jesus draws near?
Jesus told his disciples that nobody knows the day or the hour of his return, but he did describe signs that would be visible in the world. He likened these signs to birth pangs and said that when they appeared, the generation that witnessed all of them would know that the time was near (Matt 24:33). He indicated that the whole world would see and experience these events. In other words, these signs would be global.
Jesus warned that at the close of the age, there would be great deception, wars and rumours of war, pestilences, famines, persecution, and an increase in earthquakes and natural disasters. Our generation is the first to see ALL these trends beginning to converge on a global scale. Birth pangs grow more intense and more frequent as they progress, so we can expect these trends to intensify in the months and years ahead. In the manner of natural birth pangs, it is possible that the birth pangs in the world may ease off for short spaces of time. However, once they have begun, they will certainly return and continue with greater and greater force. It will be impossible to stop them.
The world’s system is also changing: a one-world government, one-world economy and one-world religion are all on the horizon. All of this has been predicted in the Bible. The global leaders seeking to implement the new world system have not been shy about announcing their plans. A terrifying and powerful beast is beginning to emerge out of the sea, one that will crush, devour and trample its victims (Dan 7, Rev 13). Can you see the ripples on the surface of the water?
It is overwhelming to focus on what is happening in the world, but ultimately God is sovereign, and he is in control. He is far stronger than the world rulers taking us down this path. In fact, we read in Scripture that God sits in heaven and laughs at them (Ps 2:1-6). In their arrogance, they have rejected the one true Living God. They are determined to make a name for themselves by doing whatever is right in their own eyes. God will allow them to have power in this world for a few short years, but the day will come when he defeats them.
Life on this planet will become difficult throughout that time. There will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now — and never to be equalled again (Matt 24:21). Jesus forewarned us so that we could prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally and emotionally for what is coming. He also spoke about what would come afterwards when he sets up the kingdom of God on earth. His return will usher in a golden age of peace. What a magnificent hope that is to hold onto!
When I was a child, I used to stare at the sky, imagining what it would be like to see Jesus burst forth through the clouds. As an adult, I find myself gazing towards the heavens often, knowing that his return draws closer with each passing day. One day, Jesus, our bridegroom, will finally appear, and when he does, the whole world will know. His arrival will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other (Luke 17:24). What a light show that will be! Then, the last trumpet will sound, and in the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised to life. All of God’s children will be changed. In an instant, we will be clothed with imperishable bodies that will never wear out, grow old, or become ill. My earthly father will be among them, and I will see him again.
Every knee will bow before the radiant king on that day. God has exalted him to the highest place and given him the name that is above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:9-11). The question is: will we choose to bow before him now in humble adoration, or will we be forced to bow before him then in judgement?
As God has been preparing my own heart, there are several important truths from Scripture that I believe God is speaking to all followers of Christ. These truths have always been foundational to the Christian faith. They are essential to believers who are already suffering in numerous countries around the world today. In the West, however, our existence has been comfortable and prosperous for decades, and this has lulled much of the Western Church to sleep.
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
Our bridegroom is coming, and we, the bride, the Church, must get ready. Jesus is coming for a holy and pure bride without spot or wrinkle.
If anyone is reading this and is not yet a Christian, then God also has a message for you:
He says: 'Now is the time of God’s favour; now is the day of salvation.' (1 Cor 6:3). Seek him while he still may be found. God is inviting you to know him. Repent of your sins towards Father God, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. For it is by grace you can be saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8).
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
At the end of 2020, I had a vivid dream, and I share it now because I believe it is an encouragement. In this dream, I was getting ready for a wedding. As I was preparing my clothes, the realisation dawned on me that it was no longer safe to remain in the house where I was staying. I knew that evil officials would arrive at any moment to capture me and take me away. There was no time to linger, so I fled from the house and left the city. I ran as far as possible and did not stop until I reached a dusty road deep in the Australian outback. With a panting chest, I paused and gazed at the red dirt and gum trees surrounding me. I was in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilisation. Surely, I would be safe here?
Even so, I remained nervous and continued to search for a hiding place, but while surveying the area, a portal opened in the air before me. With horror, I watched as giant robots appeared and stepped through. With militant precision, they marched down the road, intent on destruction and trampling everything in their wake. Their eyes saw everything, and when I realised there was no escape and nowhere to hide, terror flooded every fibre of my being.
All hope ebbed away as I stood on that dusty road, but my despair only lasted a moment. The Holy Spirit descended, and the presence of God enveloped me. His power imbued me with strength, and I knew that with God’s help, I could stand with boldness in the face of this frightening enemy. The Lord himself would be my hiding place. He then impressed upon me the words from Ecclesiastes: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.’
This dream reminded me that the changing of times and seasons within our world are held in God’s hands. The planet is on the threshold of change, and we have been warned beforehand how everything that can be shaken will be shaken (Heb 12:26-28). A global technocratic dictatorship is arising, and it seems unlikely that it can be stopped. It is noble to hold onto societal freedom for as long as we can, but a time will eventually arrive when there will be no escape from the control and surveillance that will invade the whole globe (this is what I believe the robots in my dream represent). Nobody knows for sure exactly when this will happen in all its fullness, but the birth pangs are beginning, and events are accelerating. Despite the ordeals coming upon this world, we need not be afraid. Jesus promised that he would be with us always, even until the end of the age.
The times of our individual lives are also in God’s hands. The fact that we are alive at this point in history means that we were born for such a time as this. I know how inadequate and weak I feel, and I often wonder why God would want to use me. But he likes to use weak vessels – if they are willing – for that is when the world will witness his power!
The Lord has told us all these things so that in him we may have peace. In this world, we will have trouble. But take heart! Jesus Christ has overcome the world.
Our bridegroom is at the door and will soon arrive.
Can you hear his voice?
He says, 'Behold, I am coming quickly!'
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
As all these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!
This happened to me one winter evening in early August 2017. That night I saw a terrible sight, one that no person ever wants to see: I saw my father’s body laid out in a coffin. Nothing could have prepared me for that gut-wrenching moment. It was shattering.
Afterwards, I needed time alone to process my grief, so I took the dog and went out into the night for a walk. I ended up in a little park around the corner from my house and sat on a bench, shivering from the cold. Darkness surrounded me. I lifted my head towards the sky and prayed to my Heavenly Father, looking to him for comfort. I knew by faith that he cared, but instead of words of comfort at that precise moment, he spoke something else. It took me by surprise.
As I gazed towards the heavens, I could only see one patch of sky; the branches of tall gum trees hid the rest. Within that one patch of black sky, the Southern Cross twinkled brightly. No other stars were visible. This sight reminded me of what Paul the Apostle wrote in the book of Philippians:
‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.’ (Philippians 2:14-16).
It was as I pondered these words that God spoke strongly inside my heart. The essence of what he impressed upon me was this:
‘Stars shine the brightest when the night is darkest. The darkness in the world is growing darker, and that darkness will accelerate. Events in the world will happen far more quickly than anyone expects. It’s time for my children to shine like the stars against the terrible darkness. It’s time to get ready to run. Get ready to run! There’s work to do for my kingdom!
I realise how subjective this experience must sound, but the importance of this unexpected message so gripped me that the impact remains with me today. This experience drove me deeper into God’s Word, and I share it now, hoping it might impel others to seek God, read his Word and prepare for the days ahead.
More than five years have passed since that night, and chaos has erupted worldwide! I could never have anticipated the unfolding of all that has happened these past few years. How fast it has all happened. How quickly it is all still happening. Yet, it seems that so many in the Church remain unaware of the gravity of global events and have little interest in the soon return of Jesus Christ. Our bridegroom has been a long time in coming, and many have become drowsy and fallen asleep.
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
Jesus promised he would physically come back to this earth one day to rule and reign as king. When he comes, he will usher in the kingdom of God in all its glorious fullness. It will be both a dreadful and jubilant day. It will be dreadful for those who reject the Son of God, but for those who trust in Jesus Christ and belong to the Father, it will be a jubilant day like no other! When Jesus comes again, he will defeat the devil and all that is evil and will put right all that is wrong in the world.
How can we know that the close of this age is at hand and that the second coming of Jesus draws near?
Jesus told his disciples that nobody knows the day or the hour of his return, but he did describe signs that would be visible in the world. He likened these signs to birth pangs and said that when they appeared, the generation that witnessed all of them would know that the time was near (Matt 24:33). He indicated that the whole world would see and experience these events. In other words, these signs would be global.
Jesus warned that at the close of the age, there would be great deception, wars and rumours of war, pestilences, famines, persecution, and an increase in earthquakes and natural disasters. Our generation is the first to see ALL these trends beginning to converge on a global scale. Birth pangs grow more intense and more frequent as they progress, so we can expect these trends to intensify in the months and years ahead. In the manner of natural birth pangs, it is possible that the birth pangs in the world may ease off for short spaces of time. However, once they have begun, they will certainly return and continue with greater and greater force. It will be impossible to stop them.
The world’s system is also changing: a one-world government, one-world economy and one-world religion are all on the horizon. All of this has been predicted in the Bible. The global leaders seeking to implement the new world system have not been shy about announcing their plans. A terrifying and powerful beast is beginning to emerge out of the sea, one that will crush, devour and trample its victims (Dan 7, Rev 13). Can you see the ripples on the surface of the water?
It is overwhelming to focus on what is happening in the world, but ultimately God is sovereign, and he is in control. He is far stronger than the world rulers taking us down this path. In fact, we read in Scripture that God sits in heaven and laughs at them (Ps 2:1-6). In their arrogance, they have rejected the one true Living God. They are determined to make a name for themselves by doing whatever is right in their own eyes. God will allow them to have power in this world for a few short years, but the day will come when he defeats them.
Life on this planet will become difficult throughout that time. There will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now — and never to be equalled again (Matt 24:21). Jesus forewarned us so that we could prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally and emotionally for what is coming. He also spoke about what would come afterwards when he sets up the kingdom of God on earth. His return will usher in a golden age of peace. What a magnificent hope that is to hold onto!
When I was a child, I used to stare at the sky, imagining what it would be like to see Jesus burst forth through the clouds. As an adult, I find myself gazing towards the heavens often, knowing that his return draws closer with each passing day. One day, Jesus, our bridegroom, will finally appear, and when he does, the whole world will know. His arrival will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other (Luke 17:24). What a light show that will be! Then, the last trumpet will sound, and in the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised to life. All of God’s children will be changed. In an instant, we will be clothed with imperishable bodies that will never wear out, grow old, or become ill. My earthly father will be among them, and I will see him again.
Every knee will bow before the radiant king on that day. God has exalted him to the highest place and given him the name that is above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:9-11). The question is: will we choose to bow before him now in humble adoration, or will we be forced to bow before him then in judgement?
As God has been preparing my own heart, there are several important truths from Scripture that I believe God is speaking to all followers of Christ. These truths have always been foundational to the Christian faith. They are essential to believers who are already suffering in numerous countries around the world today. In the West, however, our existence has been comfortable and prosperous for decades, and this has lulled much of the Western Church to sleep.
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
Our bridegroom is coming, and we, the bride, the Church, must get ready. Jesus is coming for a holy and pure bride without spot or wrinkle.
- It is time to PREPARE FOR SUFFERING AND PERSECUTION. The easy and comfortable days of Christianity are coming to an end in the West, and we must prepare ourselves for perilous days ahead. (Matt 24:22; Mark 13:20; 2 Tim 3:1).
- It is time to THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY ENTANGLES. God is calling each of us to kneel at his feet with humble hearts and to turn away from all wrongdoing in our lives. As we repent and turn to God, our sins will be washed away, and times of refreshing will come from the Lord. (Heb 12:1-2; Acts 3:19).
- It is time to RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US. Each of us has a particular call from God on our lives. As we fulfil our callings and are obedient to all that God asks us to do, we need to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. It will take much perseverance to keep going. (Heb 12:1-2, Phil 3:14).
- It is time to KEEP OUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH. Even if everyone else around us falls away and we lose everything dear to us in this world, we must set our minds like flint to follow Jesus and hold firmly to him. Never let go. (Heb 12:1-2; Heb 3:14, 4:14; Is 50:7).
- It is time to FIX GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS. A time may come when we find ourselves without our Bibles. While we have the opportunity, it is wise to immerse ourselves in the pages of Scripture. We need to read it, listen to it, memorise it and hide it in our hearts. God’s Word is truth, and knowledge of his truth is vital if we are not to be deceived. (Deut 11:18; Ps 119:11, 160: John 17:17).
- It is time to TRIM OUR LAMPS AND FILL THEM WITH OIL. If we are to endure and be overcomers, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will be our comforter, teacher and helper in the dark days ahead. He will illuminate God’s Word, so it becomes a lamp for each of our paths. Earnestly desire the Holy Spirit’s gifts, not to gratify ourselves but to empower and encourage Christ’s body, the Church. (Matt 25:1-13, Eph 5:18).
- It is time to FULFIL THE GREAT COMMISSION. The world is ripe for harvest, and we must work while we still have light. Night is soon coming when no one can work. Knowing that the return of Jesus draws near should motivate us to be obedient to his command: 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.' (Matt 28:19-20; John 9:4).
- It is time to PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD. The spiritual darkness in the world is increasing, and we must be on our guard. It is important to remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:1-17).
- It is time to WATCH AND PRAY. Watch for the signs predicted in the prophetic passages of the Bible. Look for them in the world, church, nature, and Israel. Jesus told us to be alert to what is happening around us, and he instructed us to pray that we would be able to stand before him when he returns. Talk to the Father through Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. If we pour out our hearts and cast our cares upon the Lord, he will sustain us. (Ps 55:2, 62:8, Luke 21:36, Eph 6:18-20).
- It is time to LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE. The world is a confusing babble of noise. Multitudes of voices brimming with their own self-importance are vying to be heard. So many speak foolishness, and there are those who speak with forked tongues. There is only one voice we can trust: the voice of our Lord. Jesus calls his sheep by name, and they will follow him because they know his voice. Listen to him as he speaks through his Word and through his Holy Spirit. His voice is never one of confusion. (John 10:3-4).
- It is time to ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP. As the days grow darker, we will need the support, love, prayers, encouragement and fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ. (1 Thes 5:11).
- It is time to SEEK FIRST GOD'S KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Do not worry about what we shall eat, drink or wear. Our heavenly Father knows that we need them. Seek first God’s kingdom, and he will take care of all our needs. (Matt 6:19-21, 28-34).
If anyone is reading this and is not yet a Christian, then God also has a message for you:
He says: 'Now is the time of God’s favour; now is the day of salvation.' (1 Cor 6:3). Seek him while he still may be found. God is inviting you to know him. Repent of your sins towards Father God, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. For it is by grace you can be saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8).
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
At the end of 2020, I had a vivid dream, and I share it now because I believe it is an encouragement. In this dream, I was getting ready for a wedding. As I was preparing my clothes, the realisation dawned on me that it was no longer safe to remain in the house where I was staying. I knew that evil officials would arrive at any moment to capture me and take me away. There was no time to linger, so I fled from the house and left the city. I ran as far as possible and did not stop until I reached a dusty road deep in the Australian outback. With a panting chest, I paused and gazed at the red dirt and gum trees surrounding me. I was in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilisation. Surely, I would be safe here?
Even so, I remained nervous and continued to search for a hiding place, but while surveying the area, a portal opened in the air before me. With horror, I watched as giant robots appeared and stepped through. With militant precision, they marched down the road, intent on destruction and trampling everything in their wake. Their eyes saw everything, and when I realised there was no escape and nowhere to hide, terror flooded every fibre of my being.
All hope ebbed away as I stood on that dusty road, but my despair only lasted a moment. The Holy Spirit descended, and the presence of God enveloped me. His power imbued me with strength, and I knew that with God’s help, I could stand with boldness in the face of this frightening enemy. The Lord himself would be my hiding place. He then impressed upon me the words from Ecclesiastes: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.’
This dream reminded me that the changing of times and seasons within our world are held in God’s hands. The planet is on the threshold of change, and we have been warned beforehand how everything that can be shaken will be shaken (Heb 12:26-28). A global technocratic dictatorship is arising, and it seems unlikely that it can be stopped. It is noble to hold onto societal freedom for as long as we can, but a time will eventually arrive when there will be no escape from the control and surveillance that will invade the whole globe (this is what I believe the robots in my dream represent). Nobody knows for sure exactly when this will happen in all its fullness, but the birth pangs are beginning, and events are accelerating. Despite the ordeals coming upon this world, we need not be afraid. Jesus promised that he would be with us always, even until the end of the age.
The times of our individual lives are also in God’s hands. The fact that we are alive at this point in history means that we were born for such a time as this. I know how inadequate and weak I feel, and I often wonder why God would want to use me. But he likes to use weak vessels – if they are willing – for that is when the world will witness his power!
The Lord has told us all these things so that in him we may have peace. In this world, we will have trouble. But take heart! Jesus Christ has overcome the world.
Our bridegroom is at the door and will soon arrive.
Can you hear his voice?
He says, 'Behold, I am coming quickly!'
This is a trumpet call to anyone willing to listen: IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
As all these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!
Afterword...
The Book of Revelation holds a promise for all who read it aloud. It is written:
'Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.' (Rev 1:3)
I believe that God is asking his people to appoint a time in their local areas to gather together and read the book of Revelation aloud in its entirety. God’s blessing will rest upon any church, small group or household who are obedient to his Word and take to heart what is written.
'Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.' (Rev 1:3)
I believe that God is asking his people to appoint a time in their local areas to gather together and read the book of Revelation aloud in its entirety. God’s blessing will rest upon any church, small group or household who are obedient to his Word and take to heart what is written.
Dear Father,
We long for the coming of your son, Jesus, and the coming of your kingdom. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and prepare us for the difficult times ahead.
Even so, come Lord Jesus come! Amen.
We long for the coming of your son, Jesus, and the coming of your kingdom. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and prepare us for the difficult times ahead.
Even so, come Lord Jesus come! Amen.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
© Sally Dixon Creations 2023
© Sally Dixon Creations 2023
RSS Feed