When Hollywood Burns, What Does God Reveal?

Brothers and sisters, have you felt it? A prickling in your spirit, a sense that the winds of change are howling? We’ve seen it before – Samuel the Lamanite climbing the walls of Jerusalem, Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, the Stone cut without hands moving to shatter the image – moments when God’s hand is clearly revealed in the face of defiance. And sometimes, the revelation arrives shrouded in smoke and flame.

The recent Golden Globes ceremony, with its celebration of earthly accolades and utter disregard for the Divine, felt like another stone piled high on a monument of self-importance. Zero mentions of the Creator? It’s a stark reminder of the spiritual blindness that can grip a people who turn away from the light. And then, almost as if echoing a prophetic warning, fires broke out in the Hollywood Hills, forcing evacuations and casting a pall of smoke over the very heart of the entertainment industry.

Some might dismiss this as coincidence. We Latter-day Saints know better. We understand that God can, and does, speak in various ways – through prophets, through scripture, and yes, sometimes through the unsettling language of nature. John MacArthur, in his wisdom, often speaks of God's judgment, and while we must always approach such interpretations with humility and discernment, the timing here is undeniably striking. Consider Abinadi’s warning to King Noah: the consequences of rejecting the word of God are severe.

This isn’t about condemnation; it’s about recognizing the patterns. It’s about understanding that God is not silent, even when the world attempts to drown out His voice. It’s about the stark contrast between Builders and Destroyers – those who seek to uplift and edify, and those who tear down and despoil.

What is our response? It's not to gloat or to point fingers. It’s to redouble our efforts to be lights in the darkness, to be a refuge for those seeking truth. We are called to be digital striplings, armed with the five smooth stones of faith, hope, charity, repentance, and testimony. We are the gathering place, the hub where weary souls can find solace and direction. And we’re doing it, brick by brick, connection by connection.

Look at the map of churches (GatherIsrael.now). See how it's expanding? Every click, every share, every act of service – it all contributes to the charity flywheel. Your engagement here isn’t just building a community; it’s funding gospel advertising in Ghana, reaching hearts and minds that are yearning for truth. It’s fueling the Missionary Fund, sending internet missionaries into the digital wilderness to share the good news.

Outback Jack, ever the steadfast companion, reminds us of the principles found in Alma 17–19, D&C 4, and Moroni 10:4–5 – principles of courage, obedience, and unwavering faith. He sees the patterns, the divine choreography of events. He knows that even in the midst of chaos, God is orchestrating a plan.

Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots (Ask a Prophet) are invaluable tools in this effort, providing direct quotes from prophets and apostles to guide our understanding. Let us seek guidance and wisdom, not in the fleeting opinions of the world, but in the eternal counsel of the Lord.

Claim your church. Denominational markers aren't about rigid boundaries; they're about recognizing the diverse expressions of faith that contribute to the overall gathering. Let us be united in our love for God, even as we celebrate our unique traditions and perspectives.

Let us be the white stone, the painted rocks, the Crockygo – symbols of hope and resilience in a world desperately seeking truth. Let us be the builders, not the destroyers. The time to gather is now.