Let me begin this post by saying that I love this country.  It may be true that one doesn’t fully appreciate his homeland until he’s left her—it’s certainly true in my case.  I am undeniably thankful for the safety, security and comfort of this nation. 

            Having said that, I am concerned about us.  I’m concerned about the American church, in particular.  I think we have been swamped by the deceitfulness of riches and the cares and affairs of this world—to use the words of Jesus.  So swamped, in fact, that the boat is sinking.  So deceived, in fact, that we don’t even know it.

            This is a song by David Wilcox, that describes what I think will happen to us in this wonderful country, the United States of America.  I’m sure that Mr. Wilcox in no way considers himself a prophet, but I think he is singing prophetically.  

Summer lasted a generation

A generation—then the winter wind.

The bounty harvest that seemed so endless—

It seemed so endless, ‘til it gave what it could give.

Prosperity will have its seasons.

And even when it’s here, it’s going by.

And when it’s gone, we pretend we know the reasons.        

All the roots grow deeper when it’s dry.

It looked so easy.  We changed the weather.

And we would turn this world ourselves—our world, so small.

But slower rhythms, still unheard of

Said that every blessed summer someday has to fall.

Prosperity will have its seasons.

And even when it’s here, it’s going by.

And when it’s gone, we pretend we know the reasons.        

All the roots grow deeper when it’s dry.

            Our Father will act in His mercy, to cause us to turn to Him.  All the roots will grow deeper when it becomes dry.