Revelation 13, ep. 101

Hi, I’m Sal Lopez Executive Director of Ozark Hunger Relief, I am doing this to hopefully find some sponsors (tax deductible donations) for an office in Prairie Grove, Ar. I have seen and fed many children who wander around here. I thought if I started a non-profit, the community would be happy to help. Nope! I’ve had nothing but suspicion, derision, denial, and was eventually ripped off for everything I had, by another food pantry. They offered to let me work with their food pantry, then when I delivered everything I had, they told me to they couldn’t let me in their office, but subsequently asked me for more of my money. It has been horribly depressing, but I will persevere and get this office open.
My vision is to be a community resource center, but the main goal is to feed hungry kids, whose parents are drug addicts, and/or alcoholics. I guess some are just poor. Anyway, I need help and will advertise for you, and have signs of acknowledgement for every donor, proportionate for the donation.
Remember to try to stay positive, you can choose your state of mind, so I offer this advice: Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Anyway, this episode is on Revelation 13. Standing Strong in the Last Days
Revelation 13 paints a dramatic picture of the rise of the beast, a symbol of worldly power and deception. It’s a chapter that speaks of trials, persecution, and a time when faith will be tested. But let me tell you today—this is not a chapter meant to scare you. It’s meant to prepare you. It’s meant to remind you that even when the world seems dark, God’s light shines brighter.

Verse 7 says, “It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them.” That sounds heavy, doesn’t it? But don’t stop reading there. Because the story doesn’t end with defeat—it ends with victory. God’s people may be pressed, but they are never crushed. They may be persecuted, but they are never abandoned. Let’s look at Daniel 7:25, which parallels this prophecy. It says the beast will “speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people.” But just a few verses later, Daniel 7:27 declares, “Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High.” That’s you and me. That’s the church. That’s the body of Christ.

You see, Revelation 13 is not just about the beast—it’s about the believers. It’s about those who refuse to bow, who refuse to compromise, who hold on to faith even when it’s not popular. And God honors that kind of faith.
Let me encourage you with 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4. Paul warns of a man of lawlessness who will exalt himself. But he also reminds us that this is part of the plan, part of the unfolding of God’s story. And in verse 8, he says, “The Lord Jesus will overthrow him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.” That’s power. That’s victory. That’s your Savior.

So what do we do in the face of Revelation 13? We don’t panic. We don’t hide. We rise. We stand. We shine. Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
You may feel like the world is spinning out of control, but God is still on the throne. You may see deception rising, but truth is your foundation. You may hear the roar of the beast, but you serve the Lion of Judah. Let me close with Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” That’s your identity. That’s your destiny. You are not a victim of prophecy—you are a victor through Christ.

So walk boldly. Speak truth. Love deeply. And never forget—your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. That means your story ends in glory.
This life is just a test, who's side are you on? Do you appreciate the gift of life that God gave you? Choose to be a good person, to thank God, and Worship God. We will have a glorious time in the Millennial Reign and in Heaven after that! Celebrating, worshipping, and have great times for eternity!