The book of Revelation clearly talks about the “mark of the beast” where no one can buy or sell without that mark. This future event will be mandatory for everyone to have this mark of the beast on their right hand or on the forehead (Rev 13:15-17).
The Israelites were instructed to have God’s laws in their hearts. And that was to be evidenced by their thoughts and actions. As an imagery of this, they were to “bind” them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes (Dut 6:8).
The mark of the beast will be mandatory one day and will be used to control people and force them to worship the “image of the beast.” But God’s words are to be voluntarily placed in our minds and hearts and we are to live according to them. Without force, as a response to our love, we worship God as our savior and creator of all things.
Many live in fear of that upcoming time where everyone will be forced to have the mark of the beast on their right hand and on their foreheads. At that time people will be forced to worship the image of the beast.
But today, we have a choice to worship the living God and to live according to his desires. His laws are to be placed in our hearts and minds. That is to be evidenced by our actions. This is the imagery in Deuteronomy 6:8, where they were instructed to bind them as a sign on their hand (their actions) and as frontlets between their eyes (their thoughts).
There is no need to fear the mark of the Beast as long as we live for God!
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
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I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
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* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

As a leader, what do you have to offer? Why should people follow you? If you’re a leader of leaders, the situation is more intense. As they are leading others, why should they follow? 
There ought to be some value that you add to people who follow you. Now, that value needs to be of a greater magnitude than what they can give you. So, what do you have to offer? 
What value can you add?  No one cares about titles and position anymore. There are too many of those. What do you pass on to them in a regular basis? Is it inspiration, motivation, friendship, instruction, guidance, or something else? And how can you deliver those to them in a regular basis? 
Make it clear, valuable, and deliverable. Then deliver it. 
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What could possibly be a permanent solution to “the mess we’ve made” of our lives? I’m sure we’ve tried many things to get our life in order. Sometimes trusted friends or highly respected mentors have helped us a lot. Their advice may have been a great solace.
I’ve had a few of these mentors in my life as well. They impacted me in tremendous ways. Through the years, I’ve contacted them by phone, letters and personal visits. Sometimes those visits were costly as I had to take some long distance flights just to be with them. But for me, the value was beyond money as their words and wisdom were of greater value. But one by one, each of these mentors died. Only their legacy is left. There is no longer any possibility for me to contact them.
The Bible says we have a high priest who holds his priesthood permanently. Among the Israelites, the high priests held their office till death, and another high priest would take their place. But for Jesus it was different.

But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:24-25).

So here is the permanent solution: Jesus. Even those who’ve followed him for a long time may need to be reminded that Jesus is the only and permanent solution. Keep going back to him again and again.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
—————
I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

I thought the Gospel meant Good News. But for some, it seems to mean something totally different. For them, it means being right, having the right doctrine, having the right translation of the Bible, belonging to the right church, etc.
But for Jesus, the Gospel of the Kingdom was an invitation. It was an invitation to Kingdom life, where everything flowed from the Father. He is the source of all that we are and all that we have.
Jesus invited people to follow him because he was going to the Father. The things of this world we’re not to be valued much because of the surpassing value of what is to come, in the Father’s house.
So, what is right? Just keep yourself moving toward the Father’s house.

After teaching and preaching for over 30 years, I have observed how people can get confused and begin to doubt God. I’ve seen this in people throughout my life in various places I’ve lived.
At one point their faith seemed sure and determined, but later, it’s completely gone. I’ve asked, but they are not able to give a clear answer why or how they have wavered in the faith. Somehow, their minds are clouded and confused about their relationship with God.
In addition to the common hindrances in our lives, there is a clear impact of the enemy, the devil, or Satan. The Bible calls him the deceiver and the accuser.

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelations 12:9)

The Bible clearly states that as we resist the devil, he will flee from us. But as we draw close to God, He will come close to us (James 4:7-8).
When the devil brings doubts and fears into your minds, resist him. Reject the lies and speak the truth of God’s word to yourself. Then, draw close to God. On a consistent basis, continue to draw closer and closer to God – and he will draw close to you.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
—————
I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
 
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

You got away this time and last time. It may seem like you’re safe. But irresponsibility has a way of keeping score. Eventually it will catch up with you.
Be on your guard. Fill the gaps and fix the leaks. It may seem like busy work, but that’s the best way.