Preparing for the Beast: Intro: Spiritual Readiness in the Age of Control

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Welcome to the Diary of a Black Woman podcast, where we pray bold prayers,

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walk in bold faith, and expect a bold God to show up.

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I'm your host, Connie Morris, and we open every episode with the same unshakable

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confidence Jabez had in 1 Chronicles 4.10.

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Lord, bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, let your hand be with me,

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keep me from evil, and keep me from causing pain. And the Bible says,

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God granted his request.

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So if you're here today, get ready, because we're praying big,

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believing big, and walking in everything God promised. Let's begin.

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Hello, family, and welcome back to the Diary of a Black Woman's Podcast.

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I'm your host, Connie Morris, and today we're stepping into a brand new series.

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It's titled Preparing for the Beast, Spiritual Readiness in the Age of Control.

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We just finished the No Kool-Aid series. It wasn't really a popular series,

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but I'm not here for the money.

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I'm here to get God's word out. And when we talk about preparing for the beast,

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we talk about the changes that we're seeing in the natural regarding our future.

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Some of it looks good, some of it looks bad, and we have to be prepared for what's coming.

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In the book of Revelations, it talks about bowing down to a beast.

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Who is that beast? What does that beast look like? We don't know.

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But so the beast system is on the horizon.

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And so if you go to the book of Revelations, I think chapter 13,

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17, in those verses, it talks about it.

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Even in the book of Daniel, it talks about it. Even as you read the Bible,

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it's all set up kind of through the Bible on what's coming as we travel through our time.

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We're now in 2026, and I want this series to be serious, but not to make you

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nervous, not to make you afraid.

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So I want you to take your breath, and I want you to understand that this is about awareness.

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It's about preparing your faith. Remember, faith is not going by what you seek,

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right? Faith is not moved by what we see.

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But God says that if we endure to the end. So there's an enduring part that

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we have to play in this game.

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And so I just want to prepare you for this series. It's a powerful, powerful series.

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I want you to take this time to look at things differently, not get caught up

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in the distractions of the news.

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And this is kind of a long introduction, only because I want you to know where my heart is.

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There was years, years, years ago, as a new Christian, the Lord told me to fast media. like media.

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Back in the day, the media was only a television, right? Media was watching

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your favorite show too much or watching these series.

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And the Lord just, it was a time where he said, I want you to fast media.

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You know, fast watching TV.

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And so for a year, I didn't have, I did it for a year. For a year,

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I didn't have a television in my home.

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And that set up kind of a readiness for my future because I'm not a TV watcher. I don't watch a lot of TV.

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I maybe watch a couple YouTube things on cooking or I love murder mysteries.

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I love investigation type stories, but it's not.

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Where I get my energy and where I get my information from.

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The Bible tells us to put on our belt of truth. Why did he tell us in Ephesians

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6.10 to put on your whole armor,

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your whole armor, so you can be ready to stand for whatever the evil has come your way.

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We have the one thing I love about the armor is that there's so many parts,

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right? We have our helmet of salvation.

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And in that helmet of salvation, we know that salvation means saved,

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that God's going to save you. He's going to provide for you that you won't be sick.

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So when we get that in our head that we are not going to, that we are protected, right?

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And we have to get that in our mind. We have to get our mind right.

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And if our mind is always focused on television, then guess what? We miss it.

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We miss it because God wants to talk to us. He talks to us through our heart,

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but it goes to our mind and we make moves with what that is, right?

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He has given us the shield of faith.

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Why? To quench the fiery darts of the enemy, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

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Breastplate of righteousness. We know that breastplate covers your heart and

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your very important organs, your life-giving organs, because out of the heart

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flows the issues of life.

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So if you've got some issues of life going on, put on your breastplate of righteousness

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and stand, therefore and stand.

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One thing that's happening in the last days is deception. Deception.

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So when you put on your belt of truth, you're protected.

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You're asking the Lord, I only want the truth. You got the helmet of salvation.

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I want discernment and I want the truth to discern what's false and what's true

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or what's true and almost true, right?

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Because they run it really close together. And then we put on our shoes,

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our gospel of peace shoes.

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We walk and we bring peace everywhere because as these days get darker,

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the children of God will be lighter.

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And so as we prepare for this beast system, and we're all waiting for the supernatural

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flow of Jesus to come and sweep us out of here,

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but he's not sweeping us out of here with spots and wrinkles,

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right? I did a series on that, The Bride of Christ.

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Check it out. I forgot the title of it, but it was really about being a bride.

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What does a bride look like in Jesus' eyes, right? And so all these series that

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I do, they all accumulate into.

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Getting you ready for what's coming. Some of them are funny.

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Some are like, I think this is interesting, but you know, the word of God is

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true anyway, whether you ignore it or not. Am I right?

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So I want to just take that little commentary in the beginning and get you ready

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for what God has for you so that we all as Christians can endure to the end.

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And like I said before, the title of this series. It's called The Preparation

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for the Beast, Spiritual Readiness in the Age of Control. I kept this current.

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And so I want you to just pay attention, maybe listen to it twice.

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But remember, it's not to get you nervous, not to get you afraid.

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So I want you to take a deep, deep breath and exhale it out.

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And so we can be strong and we can be ready.

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Daniel even said that we will do exploits, exploits,

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that God can use us to do exploits as it gets darker, that we will be the light

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and that we as believers will be able to shine in that darkness,

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that we're not moved, we're not shaken,

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we're not nervous or fretful, but we're standing strong in the Lord.

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So I hope that these devotional series, the podcast is helping you grow into your spiritual walk.

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Helping you to stand strong in Jesus. So this might be a little bit deep because

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it's going to cover every area that you think of that cannot be touched.

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Because in the end, we win, but we have to endure.

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So I want to get started now. Once again, I'm your host, Connie Morris.

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And we're starting on our new series, Preparation for the Beast.

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Spiritual Readiness in the Age of Control. Okay, so have you noticed how much

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the world has shifted in just a few years?

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Remember, we just finished about 2020 to 2023, this thing called COVID-19.

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And it was all about control. Because as things start to clear up and as things start to become plain,

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as we began to, God began to expose different things, we realized that it was,

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it was a test, I believe it was a test run on how we are so quick to obey the

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systems and not the father of the world,

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the heavenly father who looks down upon us and watch.

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And so I keep taking these pauses because there's so much to say,

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but let me not interrupt the story and let's get going.

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This is the introduction, and then we have about nine episodes that's going

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to cover the different aspects of change and how to prepare for our end times.

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Okay, so let's go. So have you ever noticed how much the world has shifted in just a few years?

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Technology is moving at lightning speed. systems are becoming more connected,

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information is everywhere, and sometimes it can feel like life is getting more controlled,

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more watched, and more pressured than ever before.

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Well, the Bible actually told us there will be a time like this.

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Revelation 13 describes a future system that influences how people live by faith.

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Sell, think, and even worship. While we may not be at the final stage of that

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system, we can clearly see how the groundwork is forming in today's world.

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But here's the good news, and I don't want you to miss this.

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God already told us ahead of time, and God is still in control,

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and God always prepares his people before season changes.

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So in this series, we're not here to cause, I'm not here to cause you any panic.

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I'm here to get you prepared.

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And when I think about preparation, if you ever done any sports or had to write

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a thesis or even wrote a book, you know that all that preparation time is never wasted time.

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It's time that you, when you get to the event, you're ready.

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When you get to publish your book, you're ready.

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You're saving money and paying off bills, you ready. When you are prepared,

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you are more in a ready stance.

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You're not being reactive, right?

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Right now you are proactive. We

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are in the process of being proactive and preparing for our future, right?

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So we're going to talk about discernment, spiritual strength,

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endurance, and how to stay rooted in Christ.

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And at the same time, while this is going on in the world, while things are constantly evolving.

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This is about building your faith so you can stand ready.

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This is about keeping your eyes on Jesus. And this is about learning how to

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walk in peace, wisdom, and confidence, no matter what the world is doing.

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So I'm so glad that you're here. I thank you all for your support for this podcast.

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It started out about a year ago.

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I'm in my second year, and I'm only doing what the Lord has asked me to do.

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So I really, really appreciate your time to listen to the podcast.

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And if you want to, you can send me an email. Or if you don't,

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if you're just listening, if one person listens, that one person can save the world.

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That one person can be obedient to do what God has called them to do.

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So I want us to grow together. I want us to learn together.

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And I want us to stay ready together. So in a rapidly changing world,

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we are witnessing a convergence of global events.

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Technological advancements, and a societal shift that seems to mirror the warnings in Scripture.

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Revelation 13 speaks of a time when a powerful system will rise,

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marked by its control over individuals' inability to buy, sell,

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and function in society.

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Unless you get the mark. We're going to talk about that in this series.

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While we may not see the full extent of the system, there are clear signs that

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it's taking shape before our eyes.

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The system of control described in Revelation is.

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Are not a mere futuristic imaginings. They are beginning to take form in ways

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that challenge our freedoms and test our faith.

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From digital surveillance and financial systems to social credit scores and more,

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we find ourselves in the midst of a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected

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and controlled by powers that operate outside of God's will.

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As believers, we are called to remain spiritually vigilant amid these growing challenges.

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Preparing for the beast is not about fear or paranoia, but about being equipped

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with the spiritual tools necessary to withstand the pressure and stand firm in our faith.

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It's about knowing God's word deeply, cultivating a heart of discernment,

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and walking in unwavering faith, knowing that God is our ultimate protector and provider.

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In this podcast, we will examine how the rise of the beast system described

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in Revelation relates to the world we live in today.

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We will also discuss practical ways to prepare spiritually, guard our hearts

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against deception, and stand in the victory that Christ has already secured for us.

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This is a call to rise above the noise of the world.

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To recognize the signs of the time, and to respond with boldness, faith, and endurance.

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Let us be ready, not in fear, but in our faith, as we continue to watch for

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the return of our Savior, who will ultimately overcome every system of control

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with His kingdom of justice,

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peace, and love.

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So as we look around the world today, it's impossible to ignore the growing

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shifts in society that point towards the future that we've read about in Scripture.

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Revelation 13 portrays a future time when the world will be under the control

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of a system led by the beast.

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And when we talk about the world in the book of Daniel, it says 10 nations.

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And as you know, in the world we have today, we have way more than 10 nations.

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So the beast won't take over the whole world. He never have and he would never will.

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But it's still control. And if you're one of those 10 nations,

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then guess what? Let's get ready.

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This system demands allegiance and compliance at the expense of faith and freedom.

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Although we are not yet fully expressing the system, the foundations are being laid undeniably.

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The rapid advancement in technology, surveillance, digital currency,

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and global policies all signal that the world is being prepared for something much bigger.

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This system will demand absolutely control over every aspect of our life.

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For believers, this raises a critical question. How do we prepare for such a time?

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To explore Revelation 13 in relation to today, we should approach the passage

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with a focus on both symbolism and practical application, connecting it to current events,

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technological advancements, and societal shifts.

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Revelation 13 outlines the rise of the beast and the system of control that

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will ultimately deceive and dominate the world.

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It's crucial to approach this with spiritual discernment while also considering

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how we as believers are called to navigate these times.

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So here are some key elements of Revelation 13. We're going to go through it verse by verse.

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And I'm going to pull out my Bible. So let me get it. Okay.

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All right. The beast of Revelation, Revelation 13 verses 13, 1 through 4.

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In this scripture, the beast rises from the sea, representing power,

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authority, and control. So the beast's head is wounded, but healed,

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leading to worship and admiration of the world.

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So Revelation 13, one through four, we see maybe a supernatural thing happens to the beast.

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It's wounded, but it's miraculously healed.

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And so we know what that means. Remember, the evil one doesn't have any new tricks. He's a copycat.

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And so we know that Jesus rose from the dead and he is alive today.

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So how does this relate to today?

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This could symbolize the systems and power in the world that appear strong and

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invincible, yet harbors weakness or flaws.

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The global powers such as political entities, corporations, or technological

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giants often portray themselves as solutions to humanity needs,

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gaining worship in the form of loyalty,

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trust, and dependency.

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One example that comes to mind is Amazon, right?

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And we have our iPhone, you know, so we have our phones, we have our shopping,

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our banking system, our easy. How many people carry cash these days?

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And so we be coming to gain, allowing this loyalty and trust and dependency

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on the systems, internet, right?

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And we put that same trust and reliability in God.

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So the growing influence of global corporations, tech companies,

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media conglomerates, and their control over information,

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data, resources, can be seen as a contemporary beast that people are becoming

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increasingly reliant on.

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This could be related to the rise of surveillance, capitalism,

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and a growing concern about privacy and the control of personal data by a few tech giants.

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As Christians, we must evaluate the system to which we are entrusting our faith,

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ensuring that our loyalty remains with Christ rather than the world's systems of power.

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Have you noticed, we talked about the interconnectivity of the world,

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how now you need your phone sometimes to get into your computer,

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your own computer at home.

00:19:21.663 --> 00:19:26.743
You have to actually put the password in. it clicks, it needs you to tap something

00:19:26.743 --> 00:19:29.283
and it has this on your phone or your iPad.

00:19:29.923 --> 00:19:33.803
Why is that? How can we just can't log in our system without all that?

00:19:34.263 --> 00:19:36.463
Think about it. Let's continue.

00:19:36.983 --> 00:19:42.483
The beast from the earth. So we saw the beast from the sea and now the beast from the earth.

00:19:43.378 --> 00:19:48.638
A second beast rises from the earth, often thought to symbolize false prophets

00:19:48.638 --> 00:19:52.718
or those who promote the first beast agenda.

00:19:53.118 --> 00:19:59.218
It deceives the people into worshiping the first beast and it forces its control.

00:19:59.558 --> 00:20:04.418
And we know the story is found in, remember, it's a kind of a similarity to

00:20:04.418 --> 00:20:10.818
it is in Daniel, when Nebuchadnezzar built a nine foot golden altar of himself

00:20:10.818 --> 00:20:13.038
and he wanted people to bow down.

00:20:13.038 --> 00:20:18.658
He called everybody that had a little bit of power or working for him to bow down.

00:20:18.998 --> 00:20:23.018
But yet, Daniel and his friends did not bow down.

00:20:23.898 --> 00:20:28.638
And they were put into fiery furnace and they lived to tell the story.

00:20:28.978 --> 00:20:31.938
And after that, Nebuchadnezzar began to worship God.

00:20:32.138 --> 00:20:36.138
So understanding Daniel, and as I covered it in the No Kule,

00:20:36.358 --> 00:20:44.118
and how he was able to be resolved on what he would and would not do as he was in a foreign land.

00:20:44.338 --> 00:20:50.378
So we have to think about it where we are at, what we have resolved to do.

00:20:50.678 --> 00:20:55.098
Will we resolve to stand and not bow down to the beast?

00:20:55.298 --> 00:20:59.298
It's not something that you can make at that moment. It has to be something

00:20:59.298 --> 00:21:00.638
in your heart and preparation.

00:21:00.938 --> 00:21:06.558
Are you willing to die, be thrown in a fiery furnace and trusting that God will

00:21:06.558 --> 00:21:08.338
deliver you? He said he would.

00:21:08.618 --> 00:21:12.478
He said, I will deliver you from them all. So how does this relate to today?

00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:17.699
The second beast can represent propaganda, false ideologies,

00:21:17.719 --> 00:21:24.119
and deceptive influencers who drive the world towards conformity.

00:21:24.479 --> 00:21:26.059
Let's take a pause here.

00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:31.899
Influencers. Influencers. I don't have a favorite one, but I noticed that I

00:21:31.899 --> 00:21:35.619
watched something that was, I don't know if it was on YouTube or something,

00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:39.059
where it was showing how many influencers have died.

00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:43.219
It was some really interesting things to know.

00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:47.519
If they're not leading you towards Christ, they're being snatched out of here

00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.719
quicker than we can even blink our eyes.

00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:54.939
And we will feel sorry for them to feel sad. But what was their story?

00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:58.559
Because there's something that says that you can put all this front on,

00:21:58.739 --> 00:22:00.899
but yet your heart is far from God.

00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:06.679
And so when people are doing TikTok tricks, whatever they are,

00:22:06.959 --> 00:22:08.739
because you're watching TikTok.

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:11.039
What makes that okay, right? Right.

00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:19.079
Kids are dying because people, moms are letting them do my word is stupid stuff. Right.

00:22:19.639 --> 00:22:23.939
And so and then we conform. So we got these little bubbles of conformity.

00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:28.039
But God wants us to be separate from them, from it.

00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:35.319
I don't have I have, you know, I have Instagram and stuff, but it's for business.

00:22:35.939 --> 00:22:39.519
I'm not even on it. It's not even on my phone. I don't even know what's going

00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:42.879
on on it. I don't even post stuff on it. I just have it.

00:22:43.990 --> 00:22:48.890
And I'm probably going to delete those accounts shortly. So when we talk about

00:22:48.890 --> 00:22:52.470
conformity, you know, this can be seen, like I mentioned, in social media,

00:22:52.670 --> 00:22:54.530
where the narratives are shaped.

00:22:54.710 --> 00:22:59.710
People are influenced by influencers, celebrities, and even political figures

00:22:59.710 --> 00:23:02.610
to align with specific ideologies.

00:23:02.970 --> 00:23:07.210
When God pulls back the curtain, remember the Wizard of Oz?

00:23:07.730 --> 00:23:10.730
Pull back the curtain, and you're thinking that this is true,

00:23:10.770 --> 00:23:13.690
and the curtain opens, and it's false.

00:23:14.250 --> 00:23:18.370
Where would you stand in your endurance with Christ? We see here in Revelations

00:23:18.370 --> 00:23:19.810
that there's two beasts.

00:23:19.930 --> 00:23:23.670
There's a beast from the sea and there's a beast from the earth.

00:23:23.930 --> 00:23:29.350
How does this work today? So today in media, social media influencers can promote agendas.

00:23:29.490 --> 00:23:34.430
And this is, I'm saying it so much so you can hear me, that align with worldly ideologies.

00:23:34.810 --> 00:23:41.310
And people often adopt these ideologies without recognizing their spiritual implication.

00:23:42.270 --> 00:23:47.110
The message of the beast is presented in a way that seemed harmless or beneficial,

00:23:47.110 --> 00:23:51.890
but ultimately lead to deception and spiritual harm.

00:23:52.270 --> 00:23:56.850
Another one of these beasts from the earth, we talk about false ideologies,

00:23:57.170 --> 00:23:59.890
is like the fraternities and sororities.

00:24:00.130 --> 00:24:04.430
They are not worshiping the true and living God.

00:24:04.610 --> 00:24:10.430
They actually have to do some chanting. I remember this lady was saying she

00:24:10.430 --> 00:24:14.210
was trying to get out of it but she is chanting some things in the dark she

00:24:14.210 --> 00:24:19.790
said what we chant for the crowd is different than what we chant in the dark

00:24:19.790 --> 00:24:24.390
behind the scenes and she came to realize that those chants were for.

00:24:25.266 --> 00:24:30.246
The enemy. And I'm just going to say for the sake of this podcast, the beast.

00:24:30.586 --> 00:24:34.406
So many times we're worshiping the beast without even realizing it.

00:24:34.626 --> 00:24:39.586
Based off propaganda, false ideologies, deceptive influencers,

00:24:40.286 --> 00:24:44.406
social media, the news, right? The news.

00:24:44.706 --> 00:24:49.146
The message of the beast is presented in a way that seems harmless or beneficial,

00:24:49.146 --> 00:24:53.586
but ultimately leads to deception and spiritual harm.

00:24:53.966 --> 00:25:01.006
We are called to be discerning, testing everything by God's word and not being

00:25:01.006 --> 00:25:04.186
swept up in the waves of popular opinion.

00:25:04.366 --> 00:25:09.106
As the world is flooded with information, we must anchor ourselves in the truth

00:25:09.106 --> 00:25:12.726
of scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

00:25:13.626 --> 00:25:19.086
The mark of the beast that's found in Revelations 13, 16 through 18.

00:25:19.546 --> 00:25:25.366
The beast forces everyone to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead.

00:25:25.786 --> 00:25:29.146
This mark symbolizes allegiance to the beast system.

00:25:29.826 --> 00:25:34.186
Without this mark, people cannot buy or sell.

00:25:34.466 --> 00:25:40.086
Do you see how this is growing? that we have a beast from the sea that represents

00:25:40.086 --> 00:25:43.326
kind of a false power and authority and control.

00:25:43.746 --> 00:25:49.726
And we see that as it controls our information. We then see how the beast of

00:25:49.726 --> 00:25:54.946
the earth is part of this propaganda, false ideologies and deceptiveness.

00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:59.879
And then now we see that once you get caught up in one and two,

00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:03.439
the mark of the beast, for those who are not paying attention,

00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:06.399
will think it's kind of a flow of how things go.

00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:11.079
The mark is widely interpreted as a symbol of economic control,

00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:14.539
loyalty, and conformity of a global system.

00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:19.979
While we are not at a literal mark being used today, we can see how society

00:26:19.979 --> 00:26:24.579
is moving towards a cashless society, digital currency,

00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:30.899
and identification system that could eventually lead to a system where participation

00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:39.479
in the economy requires absolute submission to a system that may not align with God's value.

00:26:39.479 --> 00:26:44.359
The examples of this is increasing push towards cashless society,

00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:51.239
digital ID systems, a biometric identification is a precursor to the kind of

00:26:51.239 --> 00:26:54.259
control described in the book of Revelation.

00:26:55.139 --> 00:27:00.699
Digital currencies and social credit scores could very well become tools of

00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:06.379
control where people's ability to participate in society is linked to their

00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:09.519
compliance with the prevailing system.

00:27:09.679 --> 00:27:14.979
As believers, we must understand that while the world may create systems to

00:27:14.979 --> 00:27:20.779
control us, we should never place our hope or security in the world's economy.

00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:26.799
Our true provision comes from the world. and we must remain faithful to him,

00:27:26.999 --> 00:27:32.719
even if we face challenges in engaging with society in the future.

00:27:32.939 --> 00:27:35.579
This is where the resolve sets in.

00:27:35.959 --> 00:27:40.199
When you start to see these things, it might be too late.

00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:45.539
And so you have to resolve early. You know how we do it every day.

00:27:45.699 --> 00:27:48.519
I'm going to resolve not to have.

00:27:49.383 --> 00:27:55.683
A boyfriend. I resolve to be celibate until I get married. Many of you are doing that.

00:27:56.283 --> 00:28:00.783
And it started yesterday. That started in your mind a long time ago.

00:28:01.143 --> 00:28:06.143
And so when you're out on a day and the temptation comes, you can easily say,

00:28:06.243 --> 00:28:12.003
no, I don't think so, because you've already resolved in your heart what you want.

00:28:12.143 --> 00:28:16.823
And if this guy or this girl is not for marriage, then this is not the one.

00:28:17.677 --> 00:28:22.357
Right. I think that's why God provides for us women that if you want to go on

00:28:22.357 --> 00:28:26.577
a date the worldly way, you get the man to pay for your date.

00:28:26.777 --> 00:28:30.937
And then all the things happen after the dinner date. You know, you see that a lot.

00:28:31.217 --> 00:28:36.077
But yet, as a single Christian woman, God makes sure that if you want to go

00:28:36.077 --> 00:28:39.937
out to a fancy meal that he has provided for you to do that.

00:28:40.097 --> 00:28:43.037
And you can sit in here with your pretty dress on or your suit,

00:28:43.197 --> 00:28:46.377
whatever you decide to wear and go enjoy that meal in peace.

00:28:46.377 --> 00:28:49.937
Not expecting anything in return,

00:28:50.257 --> 00:28:54.917
but praise to God at the end of it and during it and before it. Amen.

00:28:55.797 --> 00:28:58.977
The number four is the deception of the world.

00:28:59.257 --> 00:29:06.277
How can we as Christians not be fooled by what the world is doing?

00:29:06.517 --> 00:29:10.357
That's found in Revelations 13, 14 to 15.

00:29:10.537 --> 00:29:13.497
So if you get your book Bible out, I was going to read these scriptures,

00:29:13.677 --> 00:29:17.977
but this would be a long podcast, but I want you to look at where we're going with this.

00:29:18.457 --> 00:29:22.397
These are phases and let's go. The beast in the Revelations 13,

00:29:22.757 --> 00:29:26.917
it talks about how the beast deceives the people of the earth by performing

00:29:26.917 --> 00:29:31.757
great signs and wonders, even causing fire to come down from heaven.

00:29:32.137 --> 00:29:36.137
This deception causes people to worship the beast.

00:29:36.277 --> 00:29:42.197
So we see here that in order to really worship the beast, he's going to do some shows.

00:29:42.197 --> 00:29:47.757
And we know there's false wonders in the earth, but how would you know if you

00:29:47.757 --> 00:29:52.497
haven't been hanging out with the Lord with your truth belt on,

00:29:52.877 --> 00:29:53.997
finding out, is this true?

00:29:54.237 --> 00:29:56.737
Why worship when you say, Lord, is this true? No.

00:29:57.237 --> 00:30:01.837
And then boom, you're not doing it. The rise of media manipulation,

00:30:02.277 --> 00:30:09.457
entertainment that desensitizes us to sin and false miracles are monitored today

00:30:09.457 --> 00:30:11.757
in which the The world is being deceived.

00:30:12.915 --> 00:30:16.475
There's a play out or movie out. It's called Sinners.

00:30:17.195 --> 00:30:22.595
And, you know, I was on my LinkedIn and it was talking about how great this movie was.

00:30:22.695 --> 00:30:26.295
It's like, why would you go watch a movie titled Sinners?

00:30:26.795 --> 00:30:29.155
What are you expecting to happen in that movie?

00:30:29.895 --> 00:30:34.275
Sin, right? And so this is that manipulation factor right there,

00:30:34.415 --> 00:30:39.975
you know, that we'll begin to watch the movie thinking sin is okay.

00:30:39.975 --> 00:30:47.255
So it desensitizes us. And so we are very prone to follow the fake, right?

00:30:47.455 --> 00:30:51.355
We live in an age where technology can be used to manipulate perception,

00:30:51.675 --> 00:30:58.295
whether it's through fake news, defakes, or controlled narrative on social media platforms.

00:30:58.635 --> 00:31:03.575
The use of artificial intelligence, we cover this, I will cover this in this

00:31:03.575 --> 00:31:08.355
series, in media to manipulate opinions, create false realities,

00:31:08.575 --> 00:31:13.175
and shape the public Public perception is a contemporary deception.

00:31:13.615 --> 00:31:20.035
Additionally, the rise of spiritual practices like manifestations and New Age

00:31:20.035 --> 00:31:27.375
beliefs are presented as enlightenment or empowering could be a leading way

00:31:27.375 --> 00:31:28.975
away from the true gospel.

00:31:28.975 --> 00:31:35.895
If we're looking for miracles and signs, then nothing wrong with that because Jesus does it.

00:31:35.995 --> 00:31:42.055
But if that's our only hope that we see it happen, we'll believe it, you're going to be...

00:31:43.928 --> 00:31:50.688
We as believers of the voices and are the voices and influences we allow in our lives.

00:31:50.888 --> 00:31:55.548
So we must be cautious of what we're listening to, what we're reading,

00:31:55.988 --> 00:31:59.908
what has our hearing, and that is how we are deceived.

00:32:00.388 --> 00:32:06.308
You know, like I shared earlier is that I cut out TV so I don't watch TV, right?

00:32:06.528 --> 00:32:09.648
And then when I start feeling like, is this true? I start to doubt it.

00:32:10.008 --> 00:32:14.748
I turn off something. This can't be true. Boom. go get in prayer and God will

00:32:14.748 --> 00:32:17.148
reveal to you what's true and what's false.

00:32:17.388 --> 00:32:22.028
So as believers, we must guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that we are not

00:32:22.028 --> 00:32:23.968
deceived by the world's empty promises.

00:32:24.468 --> 00:32:30.308
Scripture calls us to renew our mind, Romans 12, 2, standing firm in truth and

00:32:30.308 --> 00:32:33.588
not being swayed by deceitful ideas.

00:32:34.108 --> 00:32:39.328
And the final point is five. And it says the call for endurance,

00:32:39.328 --> 00:32:42.248
The call for endurance, Revelation 13.

00:32:42.848 --> 00:32:47.468
And it reads, if anyone is taken captive, this is, what scripture is this?

00:32:47.688 --> 00:32:52.268
If anyone is taken captive to captivity, they go.

00:32:52.448 --> 00:32:57.448
If anyone is killed with the sword, with the sword, they will be killed.

00:32:57.808 --> 00:33:03.008
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people.

00:33:03.528 --> 00:33:08.368
As the world moves towards greater control and influence, the call for believers

00:33:08.368 --> 00:33:10.668
is clear. patient endurance.

00:33:11.088 --> 00:33:17.108
While we may face increasing pressure to conform, we must stand firm in our

00:33:17.108 --> 00:33:23.048
faith, trusting that God is with us in every trial.

00:33:23.288 --> 00:33:29.548
As more Christians face persecution, social exclusion, and censorship for standing

00:33:29.548 --> 00:33:34.308
firm on biblical truth, we must prepare ourselves to endure in faith,

00:33:34.608 --> 00:33:38.948
knowing that Christ has already overcome the world.

00:33:38.948 --> 00:33:41.868
We are also called to endure faith.

00:33:42.614 --> 00:33:48.614
In faith, right? And then trusting that God is in control. That endure is powerful.

00:33:48.914 --> 00:33:53.334
And we see we have to protect our mind with the helmet of salvation.

00:33:53.334 --> 00:33:57.834
We have to protect our heart with the breastplate of righteousness, right?

00:33:58.174 --> 00:34:03.294
Protect the word with our sword and spear. We got to know if this is God by

00:34:03.294 --> 00:34:05.114
what is in the word of God.

00:34:05.614 --> 00:34:10.114
We want the truth with our bell print for truth. We also want to have our shield.

00:34:10.374 --> 00:34:15.234
We want to be able to put that shield up. That shield in the biblical time covers

00:34:15.234 --> 00:34:20.434
the top of your head and also almost to your heels. So it's a big shield.

00:34:20.814 --> 00:34:23.154
So sometimes you have your breastplate on, which protects them,

00:34:23.474 --> 00:34:25.754
but that shield is more protection.

00:34:26.114 --> 00:34:30.894
That's how you endure, staying fully dressed in God's armor.

00:34:31.094 --> 00:34:38.174
And so we have to remain faithful. We must remain faithful knowing that our reward is eternal.

00:34:38.514 --> 00:34:45.854
I'm going to sum this up for you. Revelation 13 offers both a sobering warning and a call to action.

00:34:46.114 --> 00:34:51.654
As believers in today's world, we must recognize the signs of the times and

00:34:51.654 --> 00:34:53.694
remain spiritually alert and faithful.

00:34:54.034 --> 00:34:58.774
The beast system may be emerging in ways we don't always recognize.

00:34:59.194 --> 00:35:04.634
Still, it is crucial to stay anchored in Christ, discerning truth from deception,

00:35:04.874 --> 00:35:09.214
and walking in the freedom that comes from being sealed by the Holy Spirit.

00:35:09.414 --> 00:35:15.074
In the next part of our exploration, we will discuss how to spiritually prepare

00:35:15.074 --> 00:35:16.654
for the challenges ahead,

00:35:16.934 --> 00:35:22.454
ensuring we do not fall prey to the false ideologies and systems of control

00:35:22.454 --> 00:35:27.354
around us, but standing firm in the unshakable kingdom of God.

00:35:27.354 --> 00:35:31.634
These episodes are going to be a little longer because there's so much to say.

00:35:32.424 --> 00:35:36.364
And with the call to action, I really, really want you to be prepared.

00:35:36.724 --> 00:35:41.384
We'll find out that the answers is not found in political or societal revolution,

00:35:41.724 --> 00:35:44.204
but in spiritual readiness.

00:35:44.904 --> 00:35:50.324
Revelation warns of a time when faith will be tested and believers will be asked

00:35:50.324 --> 00:35:54.884
to choose between allegiance to God or submission to the beast system.

00:35:55.204 --> 00:35:59.624
The preparation for this time is not just about external resistance.

00:35:59.624 --> 00:36:05.304
It begins with internal transformation, a heart that's anchored in faith,

00:36:05.604 --> 00:36:11.844
equipped with discernment, and committed to standing firm in Christ no matter what comes.

00:36:12.727 --> 00:36:17.527
In this podcast, we will examine the relevance of the emerging signs of the

00:36:17.527 --> 00:36:22.407
beast system in today's world and its implication for us as believers.

00:36:22.647 --> 00:36:27.207
We will explore practical ways to prepare spiritually and guide our hearts and

00:36:27.207 --> 00:36:32.707
strengthen our faith to withstand the pressures of a world that is rapidly becoming

00:36:32.707 --> 00:36:37.547
more controlled and hostile to the values of God's kingdom.

00:36:37.827 --> 00:36:43.287
This is not a call to fear, but to action. As we examine the rising tide of

00:36:43.287 --> 00:36:50.587
global change, we will also examine the timeless truths of God's word that empower us to stand strong,

00:36:51.087 --> 00:36:59.027
remain vigilant, and hold fast to the hope of Christ's ultimate return because he is coming back.

00:36:59.227 --> 00:37:04.427
And I want to be ready. We have to be able to discern because he's going to blow a trumpet.

00:37:04.707 --> 00:37:08.567
And if you are not spiritually discerned, you might miss the sound.

00:37:09.387 --> 00:37:13.867
So let us be spiritually ready, equipped with wisdom, discernment,

00:37:13.967 --> 00:37:20.467
and strength to endure, knowing that God is still in control and his victory is already secured.

00:37:20.827 --> 00:37:25.827
This is your host, Connie Morris, and I look forward to you joining me on this

00:37:25.827 --> 00:37:34.207
series as we prepare for the beast, spiritual readiness in the age of control.

00:37:34.387 --> 00:37:38.887
And I'll see you on the next episode. Thank you.

00:37:50.320 --> 00:37:55.560
This time with me today. To every woman listening who has ever felt hidden,

00:37:55.940 --> 00:37:59.220
overlooked, or pushed aside, I want you to hear me clearly.

00:37:59.520 --> 00:38:02.420
God has not forgotten you, and neither have I.

00:38:02.560 --> 00:38:07.860
That's why I moved everything to our new home on pod page, so you would have

00:38:07.860 --> 00:38:11.420
one place to connect with me, read the devotionals, listen to the podcast,

00:38:11.740 --> 00:38:13.660
and reach out whenever you need to.

00:38:13.800 --> 00:38:18.620
If you want to leave me a message, send an email, or simply find encouragement.

00:38:18.620 --> 00:38:22.840
It's all there at Diary. of a black woman llc.com and

00:38:22.840 --> 00:38:25.840
if this podcast has blessed you and you want to support the

00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:28.800
work i'm doing you'll find a buy me a coffee

00:38:28.800 --> 00:38:31.980
link on the site as well no pressure just

00:38:31.980 --> 00:38:34.620
love and community before we leave i want to speak the

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word that i close with every time because somebody needs this reminder today

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it comes from jeremiah 29 11 14 i know the plans i have for you declares the

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lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope in a future

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then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.

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You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

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I will be found by you, declares the Lord.

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Beloved, God has a plan for your life, a real one, a good one.

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And as long as you keep seeking him, you will find him even from the hidden places. I love you.

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I'm praying for you and I'll meet you next time.