Discerning the Signs of the Times

A Spiritual Journey with Jesus

Awakening to the Signs Around Us

Hey there, friends! It’s Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and I’m excited to share a cup of coffee with you today as we dive into a topic that’s been on my heart: discerning the spiritual signs of the times. In a world filled with noise and distraction, it’s more important than ever to tune into the prophetic whispers God places in our lives. Whether it’s a change in the sky or a shift in our culture, I believe Jesus calls us to pay attention, to seek His wisdom, and to live with a supernatural awareness of what’s happening around us.

A while back, I recorded a podcast episode on this very subject, and today, I want to expand on those thoughts, weaving in personal stories, Biblical truths, and a heartfelt call to grow closer to the Lord. Let’s walk this path together and uncover how we can discern the signs through a spiritual lens, always pointing back to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

The Main Message: Learning to See God’s Signs

Nature’s Testimony: Fish Scale Clouds and Beyond

One of the simplest ways I’ve learned to discern the signs of the times is by observing nature. Just a couple of days ago, I looked up and saw what I call “fish scale clouds”—those white, scaly formations that often predict rain within a few days. I learned this back in high school, and I’d say it’s accurate about four out of five times, often more reliable than modern weather apps! It’s a supernatural reminder that God has embedded signs in His creation for us to notice, if only we take the time to look.

When I point out these clouds to folks, some think I’m a bit crazy, especially when their phone app disagrees. But time and again, the rain comes, just as those clouds foretold. It’s a small but powerful lesson in trusting God’s natural indicators over man-made predictions, a theme that resonates deeply in my spiritual walk with Jesus.

Cultural and Societal Shifts: A Prophetic Warning

Beyond nature, there are bigger signs in our society that demand our prophetic attention. In my podcast, I talked about how we call ourselves a Christian nation, yet daily we see actions that defy God’s will—whether it’s the tragedy of abortion, the redefinition of marriage, or the lack of evangelism in our communities. These aren’t just political issues; they’re spiritual indicators of a nation drifting from the heart of Jesus.

I’ve seen how easy it is to place trust in man-made systems, like media polls or political leaders, only to be disappointed. Remember the election predictions about Hillary Clinton? The media swore she’d win, but I’ve learned not to trust those voices over the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must discern these cultural signs with a heart anchored in Biblical truth, not fleeting headlines.

Personal Reflections: Stories That Shape My Faith

Praying for Rain in West Texas

Growing up in West Texas, I saw firsthand how the land and the people cried out for rain. Praying for rain wasn’t just a request; it was a way of life. I remember farmers and families gathering in church, not just for worship, but to plead with God for provision. My grandfather would check the rain gauge, often shaking his head, saying, “We just need more.” Those moments taught me the power of desperate, spiritual dependence on God, a lesson I carry in my walk with Jesus today.

But I also recall a confusing time when farmers were paid not to farm. As a young boy, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could the same people who prayed so fervently for rain be paid to stop working the land? It felt like a blow to their prayer life, almost as if they were being paid not to pray. This experience deepened my understanding of how worldly systems can conflict with prophetic trust in God’s plan.

A Tornado and a Prayer: Witnessing Supernatural Power

Another moment that marked my journey was hearing a man’s story during the tornadoes near Memphis, Tennessee. He told me how his dog started acting strange minutes before the storm hit, a supernatural warning he didn’t heed at first. Then, just seconds before disaster, a government alert came through, but the sky looked clear. Suddenly, a half-mile-wide tornado bore down on him, and he dropped to his knees, crying out to God, “Lord, don’t take me now. I’m not finished.”

In those fleeting seconds, as he later shared with me, the tornado lifted over him and spared his life. Standing amidst the devastation—oak trees snapped like twigs, homes destroyed in just five seconds—I felt the raw power of God. Susan and I tried to help with cleanup, though our Team Jesus van got stuck in the mud. But that man’s prayer, born out of desperation, reminded me how God’s spiritual signs, even through nature’s fury, call us back to Jesus.

Biblical Teachings: Anchoring Our Discernment in Scripture

Matthew 16: Discerning the Signs with Jesus

In the Word, Jesus Himself teaches us about discerning the signs of the times. In Matthew 16:1-4 (KJV), we read: “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

Here, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for missing the spiritual and prophetic signs right in front of them. They could predict the weather, but their hearts were blind to God’s greater message. Friends, are we any different today? We must seek a supernatural connection with the Holy Spirit to truly understand the times we’re living in.

Trusting God Over Man: A Scriptural Warning

The Bible repeatedly warns us against placing our trust in man instead of God. In Psalm 118:8-9 (KJV), it’s written: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” And in Jeremiah 17:5 (KJV), the Lord declares: “Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”

These verses hit hard when I think about how often we look to politicians or media for solutions, ignoring the spiritual authority of Jesus. Our nation’s challenges won’t be solved by a vote every four years; they’ll be addressed when we humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and live out the Great Commission with prophetic boldness.

Step Into Spiritual Awareness

As I wrap up this reflection, my heart aches for us to wake up to the signs of the times. From fish scale clouds heralding rain to societal shifts signaling moral decay, God is speaking. He’s calling us to a deeper, more spiritual relationship with Jesus, to trust in His supernatural guidance over worldly noise, and to live with a prophetic urgency to share His love.

The love of many is waxing cold, as Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12 (KJV): “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” We see it in our fear to trust neighbors, in our locked doors, in a culture that desperately needs the hope of Christ. So, let’s not just observe the signs; let’s act on them. Let’s repent, humble ourselves, and take the Great Commission to the streets.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you noticed signs in your own life that point you back to Jesus? Drop a comment below—I read every one, and your input helps lift this message to others seeking a spiritual connection with the Lord. Also, if this post touched your heart, please share it with friends and family on social media. Together, we can spread the prophetic truth of God’s Word.