Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Mark of the Beast

A tattooed number, a computer chip under the skin, or something subtler? It’s one of the most misinterpreted prophecies in all of the Bible—yet it is vitally important to understand it.

The final battle between Satan and God is just ahead, and it is described in the book of Revelation.  This prophetic book points out that God has an emblem, a mark, that will identify His people. Satan also has an emblem, a mark, that will identify those who support him.

In the simplest of terms, those who decide to follow the false teachings of the Beast (Satan) will receive his mark. Those who follow Jesus and obey His truth receive His mark.  It is comparable to having your name recorded in the Book of Life. 

It is not literal.  Following Jesus is important and will be recognized. God will know those that are His. Belonging to Jesus or the Beast is not to be confused by having a number assigned to us by a government, whether a Social Security number which we all already have, or a DL number, or some other number assigned in the future.   Advancements in technologies, like bar codes periodically trigger "mark of the beast" concerns for those who take seriously the prophecy.    While I am not  worried by how the government chooses to identify me, I believe it certainly is a slippery slope.  I think we should be cautious about allowing that measure of control or surveillance into our lives. 

Each person must know God for themselves. If we don’t know God ourselves, we will not have the power to resist Satan’s temptations. It is only when we hide God’s Word in our heart that we will have the ability not to sin against God. We can not depend on others. No one else will be able to save us. Those who have chosen to obey God fully are those closely connected with God. When we do, we are His. He knows us.

“If anyone has an ear to hear, let him hear.” This is a clue from the Book of Revelation that what is to follow is very important. If we be led into captivity, we will go into captivity. It is important that we are to completely trust in the Lord. We must stand strong against Satan with patience and faith. How do we win the battle?   “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” We must not go against God and His instructions. That is how to overcome Satan.

Revelation is confusing and hard to understand. But, to me, it just tells us that the battle against Satan is real, and Satan seeks to steal you and to capture you. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” We must know the Bible so that we can tell truth from error. Keep God’s word in our heart.  Those with the mark of the Beast are those who have placed themselves in opposition to God.

Monday, February 18, 2019

How much does it cost?

This is probably the most common question we ask.  How much does it cost?  Can we afford it?  A free concert in the park, you say?  Oh yeah, I am in.  But $250 a ticket?  I don't know about that.

Steak or  hot dogs?  Sometimes we can't afford the steak. 

The bible says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

I can tell what you really care about by what you spend your money on.  To some people, the car they drive is important.  Or the shoes they wear, that is real important. Where the money goes shows where your heart is.

When the money is short or scarce, you are forced into choices.I read often of the elderly having to choose between food or medicine? Toys or school supplies?  Sometimes you do without so your kids have what they need.  Who among us hasn't had to make tough choices like this?

I have been dead broke, with no job and no income.  I have had low paying jobs where I had to be so careful with every dollar.  And I have had successful times where I had all the bills paid and extra to spare.  And through the course of all my experiences I have learned where my heart is.

I can do without expensive meals.  I can eat pretty cheap, when I have to.I need a place to sleep.  I don't want to be homeless.  I need a roof and a bed.  And somewhere safe, I don't want to be in danger. I need to get to work, so I just need something reliable to drive.And I want my family to be provided for.  I need enough to meet their basic needs and wants.

So that is where my heart is.  My family is my treasure, and that is where my money goes, to provide for them.  If I ever have any extra, it is only spent to make them feel special.  I want them all to feel as special and loved as they are to me.   I have been guilty of spending money I don't have.  But when I do it is for them.  

Beyond that, my treasure is in Heaven, and I want to please the Lord.  I want to help the needy.  I want to give to the poor.  I do that all the time.

I see people all the time who never stopped to ask, "what does it cost?"  I see parents who never bothered to ask what was the cost to their kids, as they worked excessive hours at their career. I see famous people who never worried about the cost of fame.  

The Bible says, "What shall a man be profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his soul."
We make the bed we lie in.  We have to live with our choices.  Let's be smart and and consider the question, How much does it cost?