Mark of the Beast & Food Storage
I typically avoid, strenuously avoid, discussion on the Mark of the Beast. This is a topic that brings out the crazies. I say this as someone who reads up on UFOs and a multitude of fringe topics. Still, this one deeply resonates with me and I can’t easily forget it.
And of course, all the standard caveats about dreams and inspiration given to others.
So, a lady has an accident and Near Death Experience. She has a conversation with the Savior about the Mark of the Best. It was interesting how it was described as a solution to several problems, all very reasonable and the next big thing in tech. But what really struck me, was the counsel the Savior gave, both temporal and spiritual. He gave it in three sets.
First:
- Strengthen your personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture study
- Build strong supportive communities with other believers.
- Learn practical skills that would enable them to live independent of the system.
- Develop alternative ways of trading goods and services
- Most importantly, cultivate unshakeable faith that God would provide.
Second (Temporal):
- Develop skills in growing and preserving food
- Learn Basic Medical Care and Natural remedies
- Build networks of trustworthy believers
- Establish alternative community communication systems
- Creating local support systems for sharing resources
Third (Spiritual):
- Deep study and memorizing Scripture
- Develop unshakable faith
- Learning to hear and obey God’s voice
- Strong prayer life and relationship with Jesus
- Understanding and applying Biblical principals to daily life.
This sounds like something between the Amish and Bennett’s Exit program. It strikes me as a kind of precursor, or perhaps preparation, for a time when we do need our food storage, like how Noah needed the Ark. Much of this is implicit in our preparedness but others are natural extensions of that – like ways to trade and communicate independent of the state. The State is shakier than ever, and therefore less thoughtful than ever. We know at some point the Government will be destroyed. And Trump/Vance notwithstanding, things do not look good long term. There has been a surprising amount of “debanking” happening, where even mainstream people find themselves unable to use a bank. Historical trends suggest civil war soon, which will be folly for all involved (seriously, do NOT get involved – Jan 6 on steroids). We are in uncharted waters. But that is just as much true for our enemies as it is for us. Again, our only salvation is in Christ and listening to Him.
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Zen
December 1, 2024
Seriously, I would love to hear some feedback on this one. Does it just sound crazy or flaky?
Rozy
December 1, 2024
Fascinating account. I can’t discount or reject it or I’d feel like I am rejecting the account of Joseph Smith. Why God choose her as the receiver and messenger is baffling, but everything she said is reasonable and fits with the things prophets have been telling us for many years, as well as the invitations of our current prophet. (Notwithstanding the “hiccup” of getting vaccinated.)
It’s true that we seem to be expecting something obvious and horrifically evil, when, like the rise of Hitler, it will probably be subtle and seem wonderful, until the truth is revealed and then it is too late.
I’m under no illusion that Trump/Vance and the new administration will be the salvation of our country; I do appreciate that they may buy us some time and give us some prosperity to continue building temples and sending out missionaries for another season before the complete collapse of all nations as prophesied.
Lots to ponder, seek direction on, and work towards. Thanks for sharing.
E.C.
December 1, 2024
All of the things listed are things I’ve already been working toward.
Oddly, in my life, I’ve come to the realization that God provides by quite a twisty route that involves reviewing products for one of the very big online retailers that I was actually trying to avoid. I pondered pretty seriously on whether I should accept something that seemed too good to be true, when God whispered, ‘I’m giving you this chance so you can learn that I always keep my promises, but often in ways you don’t expect.’ I have since been able to fulfill other God-given goals through this unusual avenue, as well as bless others in my family.
So, what I would say is, tech is what we make of it, and while I certainly would be cautious of new technology, the leaders of the Church are also preparing us to use such advances wisely and for the benefit of others, while being cautious about its misuse.
The messenger here says several things I have read/heard from others who’ve experienced an NDE, as far back as the 80s. I say, as long as it’s in line with what our prophets have been telling us consistently, it is probably of God, and agree with Rozy that evil has gotten more and more subtle (while also becoming more blatantly in-your-face than ever).
Jacob G.
December 3, 2024
I find the idea that a chip would be able to separate us from God’s love to be ridiculous. Us turning away from him is the problem, not some electronic toomfoolery.
Likewise, Revelations is very clear – the thing that brings the fulness of Gods wrath is murdering his Saints and his prophets (missionaries?). This is pretty clearly stated as the rationale for the cataclysm in 3 Nephi as well. I read in Revelations that the World is pretty open and united in fighting the Lamb, not some innocents who fell for a trick not knowing what they do.
That said, tricks can otherwise hurt us, and deception might be involved in the path to arriving at a place where we willfully fight against God, and embrace our own destruction.
I wonder if the brain could be manipulated to make us loved and at one with an enchanted universe, all without the pesky business of repenting and humbling ourselves to restore a harmonious relationship with God.
Jacob G.
December 3, 2024
On further reflection, I think the device I posit would lead to atheism – “Religion is just a feeling, which we can create at will”, and not a hate of God. In fact that’s what makes me doubt that we are in ‘The end times’, rather than just ‘end times’ – widespread genuine disbelief.
I suspect the real end times will be like the Book of Mormon: Helaman and 3 Nephi – prophets who speak with such power that they can’t be disbelieved, but who are generally rejected.
Zen
December 3, 2024
I don’t think the problem is technology per se; it is who we trust, and support. If we are completely buying into a regime that will murder and rob the Saints, even just under the guise of the rules of the system, then yes, that is devilish. CS Lewis had interesting things to say about how modern evil resembles a well lit office, with polite people in suits.
Persecution will come first. Then as we sacrifice, then we gain power and become like those prophets who speak with power, whose words can not be disbelieved.
And yes, fake mystical experiences are just a cleaner version of drugs. Evil, fake and hollow.