Fear tactics

I have always been intrigued with the mafia, I don’t know why but I have. From books to documentaries and movies, I have studied their ways and tactics.

The mafia for the longest time here in America was denied that it even existed by those in power that it but it did and still does, they ruled through fear, intimidation and corrupted men and women in high places with power and money.

The mafia’s power started to decline after our government passed the RICO act and started enforcing the law, people started fearing the government and what they could more than the mafia, it is reported that over 10,000 members of the mafia turned on their bosses and took advantage of the witness protection program to help bring down the mafia.

The devil operates under the same principles of fear and intimidation, he lies too us and plays on our fears, he corrupts our hearts with power and money, he is a liar he has always been and always will be.

He tells us God is not real, or if we believe in God that He wants nothing too do with us, he tells us when we’re sick ,not feeling good or get a bad report from the doctor that we are going to die, that if God loved you this wouldn’t happen.

The fear he causes in marriages with doubts and thoughts of cheating spouses, or over parenting with fear for our children.

The fear in society of hatred, violence, sickness, poverty, other people because they are different than us in thought, in beliefs or color, these are lies from the enemy of mankind that have been told for so long that we believe them, and guess what he brought all these things into this world to rule and control mankind and to keep us from God and His truths.

The enemy intimidates us not too speak of Christ because we will look foolish, or people won’t like us or think we are odd, he deceives us into believing we are the only ones who want to know Jesus, his tactics have never changed nor will they for they have worked since the garden of Eden.

I tell you though we do not need too fear the enemy for his power is limited, when we come to understand the sovereignty of God, we know that our lives are in His hands then we are free to live as God has called us, we have entered into His witness protection program and it is for eternity.

God’s word says the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, this fear is twofold, first we should fear Him for He is God and He is holy and righteous and at anytime He has the power and authority to take out everyone and everything, we should also be in awe of His awesome power and glory and the things He does for us only because He loves us and wants a relationship with each of us individually. 

Whatever the enemy is whispering or yelling in your ears, stop listening too Him and hear the voice of God, it is time you and I are free from the false bondage we have become entangled in, and we start living as God has intended.

God’s word says this;

“Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matthew 10:28 CSB

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 CSB

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”

2 Timothy 1:7-9 CSB

“Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.”

Hebrews 2:14-15 CSB

“There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.”

1 John 4:18 CSB

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:31-39 CSB

“Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.”

Hebrews 13:5 CSB

Self sufficient or fully dependent

One of our many faults is that we believe we are self sufficient, that we don’t need to rely on others or God.

I have heard the quote a thousand times,” God helps those who help themselves “ this is not spoken in scripture anywhere.

God word says this: “In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10 CSB

So if God has given you the ability to work then you should be working,  and providing for your family. 

This is not the point though, God helps those who come to the end of themselves and realize their dependence on Him, not just for small things or the big things in life, but in ALL things.

We must tear down the idol of self sufficiency, of isolation and come to the altar and offer all of ourselves as living sacrifices to God the Father, surrender our stubborn pride and realize our total dependence on God.

If we take the time to listen too what God says instead of rushing through our day we would hear Him and see His mighty works of grace and supplication in our lives.

Look at how Jesus taught us to pray, the entire prayer shows us our total dependence on God, not one word in this prayer shows us or tells us we can do anything without God’s help. 

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:9-13 CSB

Let’s not just say the words and go through the motions, let’s live as God has instructed us, as our creator and Father, He has our lives in His hands.

The 5. W's of Worship

The 5's of worship?

Who do you worship?
What do you worship
When do you worship
Where do you worship
Why do you worship
And how do you worship.

Worship is not reserved for Sunday mornings, worship is not exclusive to music, worship is meant to be intimate, personal, private, public, exclusive, and everlasting.

So why do you worship? To honor God, and praise Him for all He has done already?

What do you worship? The idea of God as Creator, Father, Savior and friend? Or the great big genie you come to when problems arise?

When do you worship? On Sundays with everyone else? Or in all things are you worshipping God?

Where do you worship? Only in the sanctuary, or wherever you are?

Why do worship? Because everyone else is, or are you drawing close to God?

How do you worship? By singing only or do you put your mind, body and soul into all of who Jesus really is and has done?

Worship for a child of God should be a lifestyle, the things we say, the things we do, the places we go, the way we work, the way we live, should all be acts of worship to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we should do this with all our hearts, minds, body and souls, exclusively reserved for Him.

“Jesus told her, “Believe Me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ ). “When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” “I am He,” Jesus told her, “the One speaking to you.””
‭‭John‬ ‭4:21-26‬ ‭HCSB‬

“Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said: These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.” Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:7-11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-39‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

My glimpse of heaven

I woke from the most realistic dream I have ever had, I had been in the presence of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

I had walked the streets of heaven , took in it's majestic scenery , pure beauty and grace. The sky's were pristine, the air so pure, the warmth embracing, the light intense, the homes were a collection of triumphant architecture that words can hardly describe.

There were people everywhere, seas of faces that were completely filled will joy, peace and love. Every nationality that I had ever heard of and so many I had not were there, I understood their words as they praised the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and I was amazed. As far and wide as our little universe is I could see multitudes of my brothers and sisters, my heart was overwhelmed. 

It seemed as if only a moment had passed and I made my way to the throne room, I could not get close enough to Jesus, but yet I lay at His feet, I reached out grabbed His feet and could not let go , I laid and rejoiced, praised His name and wept, wept with deep sorrow for who I was and the things I have done, but wept also with great joy for the things He has done for me and the grace He has given me.

Then He reaches down, and said Brian welcome to your eternity, I did this all for you , I saw His beautiful face, and His eyes were so deep and resilient I became lost in them. His nailed scarred hands touched me and held me,His pierced side engulfed me, and the scars on His feet crushed me. In that moment I lost all sorrow and joy unexplainable came over me, He said you're my friend, my brother, well done my good and faithful servant come with me.

I was so mesmerized, I could not move, I didn't want to move , I wanted to lay in His presence and praise His name, my heart was delighted , my body strong and free and I didn't want to move from His feet.

Oh I rushed back to reality and awakened , my face is swollen from tears of joy, my pillow wet like I had left it in the rain and I have new strength and resolve because I have been all night in the presence of my Lord and God, Jesus Christ. 

Thank you my Lord for the glory of who you are, you have pierced my soul with you're Amazing Grace, Agape Love and Everlasting Gift of Salvation.

After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne, and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne. Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were in the middle and around the throne.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:1-6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any heat. For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; He will guide them to springs of living waters, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:16-17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“I did not see a sanctuary in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s glory illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Each day its gates will never close because it will never be night there. They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. Nothing profane will ever enter it: no one who does what is vile or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:22-27‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

My glimpse of heaven

I woke from the most realistic dream I have ever had, I had been in the presence of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

I had walked the streets of heaven , took in it's majestic scenery , pure beauty and grace. The sky's were pristine, the air so pure, the warmth embracing, the light intense, the homes were a collection of triumphant architecture that words can hardly describe.

There were people everywhere, seas of faces that were completely filled will joy, peace and love. Every nationality that I had ever heard of and so many I had not were there, I understood their words as they praised the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and I was amazed. As far and wide as our little universe is I could see multitudes of my brothers and sisters, my heart was overwhelmed. 

It seemed as if only a moment had passed and I made my way to the throne room, I could not get close enough to Jesus, but yet I lay at His feet, I reached out grabbed His feet and could not let go , I laid and rejoiced, praised His name and wept, wept with deep sorrow for who I was and the things I have done, but wept also with great joy for the things He has done for me and the grace He has given me.

Then He reaches down, and said Brian welcome to your eternity, I did this all for you , I saw His beautiful face, and His eyes were so deep and resilient I became lost in them. His nailed scarred hands touched me and held me,His pierced side engulfed me, and the scars on His feet crushed me. In that moment I lost all sorrow and joy unexplainable came over me, He said you're my friend, my brother, well done my good and faithful servant come with me.

I was so mesmerized, I could not move, I didn't want to move , I wanted to lay in His presence and praise His name, my heart was delighted , my body strong and free and I didn't want to move from His feet.

Oh I rushed back to reality and awakened , my face is swollen from tears of joy, my pillow wet like I had left it in the rain and I have new strength and resolve because I have been all night in the presence of my Lord and God, Jesus Christ. 

Thank you my Lord for the glory of who you are, you have pierced my soul with you're Amazing Grace, Agape Love and Everlasting Gift of Salvation.

After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne, and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne. Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were in the middle and around the throne.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:1-6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any heat. For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; He will guide them to springs of living waters, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:16-17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“I did not see a sanctuary in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s glory illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Each day its gates will never close because it will never be night there. They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. Nothing profane will ever enter it: no one who does what is vile or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:22-27‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Where is God?

1) God
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9) family
10) country

We are to have no gods before God our creator. Jesus said our love and devotion to Him should be so great that it looks as if we hate the others in our lives.
Luke 14:26 do you love Him more than you do any of the following, or do you stand with them over Christ?

We are Not to worship family,not country,not politicians,not sports,not government,not anything.

We look at history and how others worshipped idols made of silver,gold,wood or clay, but we worship the same little gods still today.

Do an inventory check of everything you put before God today ,and see where God is on your list.

Exodus 20.1-4.And God spoke all these words, saying,   “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.   “You shall have no other gods before me.   “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

The Buck stops with you!

Children very seldom take responsibility for something they have done wrong, and while sometimes their response can be cute or funny this action spills over into society as they get older. The difference between a child and a mature person is their willingness to take personal responsibility for their actions.

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

God's word teaches us the concept of personal responsibility: Ezekiel 18:20“The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them”

Personal responsibility is tied to the law of you reap what you sow.

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Isaiah 3:10-11 “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done”

God clearly defined right and wrong, and His people are expected to do what is right. This has been the case ever since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, when Adam was given a specific command and expected to obey it.

God held Adam and Eve accountable, expelled them from the garden and they eventually tasted physical death because of this. Genesis 3.

God expects us to take personal responsibility in every area of our lives.

 Able-bodied people should work for their food.2 Thessalonians 3:10“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”

 Men are to take responsibility for providing for their households . 1 Timothy 5:7-8 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Today's society in America people do all they can to avoid personal responsibility through blame-shifting. From the small town America to the nations capital, personal responsibility is avoided like the plague in our nation of political correctness.

God sees and knows what our hearts attitude is, when mankind chooses to deceive and shift blame, God knows.

From the beginning Adam tried to blame Eve for his sin , then God, Eve blamed the Serpent (Genesis 3). Cain tried to dodge responsibility (Genesis 4:9). Pilate attempted to absolve his guilt in the matter of the crucifixion of Christ: “‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’” (Matthew 27:24).

Every attempt to pass the buck is foolish. Numbers 32:23“....You may be sure that your sin will find you out” .

Every person has to take personal responsibility to repent and believe in Jesus, and when you don't God says your still responsible.

John 3:16-19 “For God so loved  the world,  that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not  perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Salvation is found in Christ, alone. Judgment is held for those who reject Christ, rewards are given to those who have accepted Christ.

Harry Truman had a sign on his desk as President that simply said " the buck stops here"

Every person will stand before God one day and give account on their words and deeds, I wonder what will your response be?

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

God's response is already recorded.

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him,   then he will sit on his glorious throne.  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’    “Then he will say to those on his left,   ‘Depart from me, you   cursed, into   the eternal fire prepared for   the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’  Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’  Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

God is in control.

“When God wants to judge a nation, he gives them wicked rulers."
John Calvin

Proverbs 21:1-2 HCSB

A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord ’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

This scripture reminds us who is in control. The President, our Congress, Judges, Governors only rule with limited authority.

God directs their ways to bring blessings or repentance.

It is time we as a Nation repent and ask God to restore us to His ways.

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

When Ahab and Jezebel reigned in Israel the scriptures say that Ahab did evil in the sight of God more than all that came before Him.

But what is really sad, is those who cast their tents in his courts and turned on God.

God struck the land, the people, and then Ahab and Jezebel. You can read this in 1 Kings 16.

1 Kings 16:29-33 HCSB

Ahab son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Judah’s King Asa; Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria 22 years. But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord ’s sight more than all who were before him.   Then, as if following the sin of Jeroboam son of Nebat were a trivial matter, he married Jezebel,  the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians,  and then proceeded to serve Baal and worship him.   He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal  that he had built in Samaria. Ahab also made an Asherah pole.  Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

There will be a day!

When the day comes and it will come make no mistake, that our government issues a law that says you may not worship or pledge allegiance  to any one except them what do you believe you will do? Will you bow before them and do as they say or will you worship God,(Yahweh) only as Daniel did?

How many already who claim to be christians do this daily now and bow to the gods of this world?

Daniel 6:1-10 HCSB

Darius decided  to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, stationed throughout the realm, and over them three administrators, including Daniel.  These satraps would be accountable to them so that the king would not be defrauded.   Daniel  distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit,  so the king planned to set him over the whole realm.   The administrators and satraps, therefore, kept trying to find a charge against Daniel  regarding the kingdom. But they could find no charge or corruption,  for he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Then these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said to him, “May King Darius live forever.   All the administrators of the kingdom,  the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that for 30 days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den.   Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict  and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.”   So King Darius signed the document. When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem,  and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God,  just as he had done before.

Revelation 13:4-10 HCSB

They worshiped the dragon  because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast?  Who is able to wage war against him? ” A mouth was given to him to speak boasts and blasphemies.  He was also given authority to act   for 42 months.   He began to speak  blasphemies against God: to blaspheme His name and His dwelling — those who dwell in heaven. And he was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them.  He was also given authority  over every tribe, people, language, and nation.   All those who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book  of life  of the Lamb who was slaughtered.   If anyone has an ear, he should listen: If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed  with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This demands the perseverance  and faith of the saints.