PARKS BROWN

Change is easy to recognize when it happens but not as easy to understand in real time. Hindsight can make those changes easier to understand and put them in perspective. The hard truth about the changes we are experiencing is…it IS different this time.

The entire world is struggling with the degree and rapidity of change we have been subjected to the past year and a half. For decades we’ve been told how the coming climate change will kill people and destroy the environment. Then, we were told our work and social norms would change due to a pandemic that would kill millions. Now, rising food prices are changing what we eat and many foods are disappearing from grocery shelves. This winter, the availability and price of energy will change heating and cooling in homes and offices across the planet. Next, are changes with hard cash that will make things completely different this time.

To what degree you have been effected by changes the past year or so is correlated to your money. Many people can ‘afford’ to lose their job for not wearing a mask because their bank account can absorb the shock. Stock values have increased, real estate prices have gone up and there is more money circulating (Money Is A Fast Talker, February 2021 blog). Be prepared for the coming change in the new world economic system that will be ushered in with a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This change with money will make everything VERY different this time.

I’d like to write another small book (Jesus…Or Money, was my first), but I’ll stick with a short blog for now. Christians AND non-believers have all heard about the ‘mark of the beast’ in the book of Revelation. The mark of the beast is implemented by the antichrist at the ‘end times’ on earth. This person ‘makes everyone–small and great, rich and poor, free and slave–to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark; the beast’s name or the number of it’s name….because it is the number of a person. It’s number is 666.’ Revelation 13:16-18. According to the Bible (verse 17), centralized, governmental control of trade is the economics of the antichrist. Economics are the language of money so watch for changes to centralize and control money. The day is coming when you can’t work, shop or go about your business unless you are part of this system. Fast forward to October 2021.

Last week, the current administration nominated a new Comptroller of the Currency. This nominee wants to radically change your money, the banking system, availability of credit, your retirement accounts and the management of all things based on money. How do we KNOW this? She has written a thesis based on Karl Marx’s economic theories when she was a graduate student at Moscow State University…while she was on the Lenin Personal Academic Scholarship. In addition, she has written and spoken on the need to cut off credit to those considered ‘socially sub-optimal’ (think social credit score like in China). The nominee is calling for the “Federal Reserve to allocate both public and private capital”, and is pushing for a new bureaucracy called the National Investment Authority (NIA). The NIA will “actively participate in financial markets not only as a lender, guarantor and market maker but also as an active asset manager and venture capital investor”. The Comptroller of the Currency is the primary regulator for banks but she wants to nationalize all banks. In simple terms, the Federal Government would own and control all banking. Banking is money.

If economic jargon causes your eyes to roll back in your head, keep it simple…they’re coming for ALL the money. Social Security, 401k’s and private pensions would be centrally controlled. Investment capital will be invested by bureaucrats and have to pass “their” litmus tests, not yours. Once CBDC’s are the currency, a government agency can make it expire, charge any positive or negative interest rate they decide and spend it as they deem appropriate. After the blasphemy of the New York Governor and other politicians saying the vaccine is from God, it won’t surprise me to hear someone use Christ’s words when He said, “so give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s”. Money will belong to the government, not the people who own the bank account.

Many of the changes that are different this time started with freedom of choice regarding your health care and the vaccine. Next was the freedom of speech to express your thoughts on social media or in public places. Changes in your freedom of assembly, worship, travel and movement in and out of cities is taking place right now. Next on the tee box of change is the biggest god of this world, the comfort food that Americans love to gorge on…money.

Jesus said money competed directly against the God of Creation. Jesus said money was a master, not a tool for us to use or a means to a better lifestyle. HE said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24. Many believers don’t relate to the competition for your soul that Christ said money was. I’m afraid we’re about to wake up in the middle of the competition He described between hard cash and God.

Jesus talked so much about money and our love for it. Through the Bible, He tells us the future of money lies at the heart of a worldwide economic system that belongs to the antichrist…to the unholy trinity who will use it to control and manipulate us for their agenda. We don’t want to believe money competes directly with our faith in God, but it easily can.

There was a very successful young guy that lived during the time of Christ who confronted Jesus and claimed that money took a backseat to his generosity and living a pious life. Jesus challenged the guy when He said, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor….Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22. The rubber meets the road when we have to choose between hard cash and God. The young guy in the story turned his back on Jesus and walked away. With the changes coming, we may face the same dilemma.

I am NOT saying money is evil. I am NOT saying a CBDC is the mark of the beast and I am NOT saying a vaccine passport will be the mark of the beast. I AM saying when it comes to money, don’t be fooled into thinking the coming changes are all about convenience and stopping black market transactions. Don’t think gold and silver or Bitcoin is a safe haven from the reaches of an economic system that can be used to separate you from God.

If the mark of the beast involves making a public profession of following the economic system of the antichrist by receiving a mark to work or buy groceries, what WILL you do? A ‘mark’ is becoming very commonplace these days to prove you’ve been vaccinated. Where this leads is above my paygrade. I DO know, a lot of the change these days IS different this time. The only way to know and see this is through reading God’s Word and an active relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Money doesn’t serve you and it doesn’t belong to you….but do we really need this reminder about cold, hard cash? It’s all in the Book. Jesus put it bluntly…”I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Hard cash is definitely OF this world.

We are living in a time marked by great instability. Faith in the theories and systems that have lasted for generations is being challenged and attacked. Volatility is rampant, confusion is predominate and chaos is apparent to everyone. Economic and monetary systems are on the brink of collapse. Democracy is being questioned and redefined. Asset values are rising and prices are inflating while commodities become more scarce. These facts make the case to invest in hard assets.

Hard assets are traditionally known by their physical or tangible qualities that last over time. Assets like land, real estate, precious metals, gold and silver. Collectibles like art, classic cars, coins, stamps and fine wines are all hard assets and have increased in value. In turn, home prices and stock values have gone up. Commodities like lumber, steel and natural gas have seen prices double and triple. Hard assets have been and will continue to be in a bull market.

Hard assets are visible and considered an investable asset because of their intrinsic value. The one hard asset that has increased in value THE most, is faith. Some people think faith is a mindset or a feeling, but faith is a tangible asset that is seen and measured by actions and movement. The guy who grew up in the same house with Jesus, said he could prove how real and tangible faith was. James said ‘…I will show you my faith by what I do.’ (James 2:18). He added, ‘…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ (James 2:17). Therefore, faith is visible and measurable.

Assets provide returns. The Bible teaches and reminds us that faith in God provides ‘…an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.’ (1st Peter 1:4). Like other hard assets, faith is tangible and provides shelter and refuge. Christ followers ‘through faith are shielded by God’s power’ until we take possession of the underlying investment our faith will reward. Peter spoke to the tangible value and said ‘your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine, and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (1st Peter 1:7). Put simply, faith yields a return that demands an ever increasing asset allocation in your portfolio.

Some more tangible returns of faith are mentioned in the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews in the Bible. Noah’s faith manifested in the building of an ark that saved his family (11:7). Abraham’s faith not only produced a child but descendants that are measured like the stars in the sky (11:11-12). A prostitute’s faith saved her house and her life (11:31). Faith has proven returns of saving lives, conquering kingdoms, winning wars and bringing the dead back to life (11:32-35). The hard asset of faith in God can yield phenomenal returns.

When it comes to investing, it’s a fact that getting in early can bring the greatest rewards. A lot of times, getting in early doesn’t require a large upfront amount to yield an enormous return. Jesus advised ‘…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.’ (Matthew 17:20). In the current climate, it’s worth considering at least a ‘mustard seed’ sized investment of faith in God. HE has a proven track record for thousands of years in returning peace, contentment, and eternal salvation from all the bad investments you’ve made. So, whether you invested in faith in God early in life or you’re late to the game, NOW is the time to make an initial investment or increase your allocation.

WHY put more into faith in God right now? A pandemic flu, cancer and sickness, severe weather and climate change, politicians with no term limits that put themselves ahead of the people they represent. Faith in God has proven returns for what is ailing us. When FAITH is tested and refined it yields the perseverance needed to reach the next election cycle (James 1:3-4). Faith added to a prayer can heal the sick (James 5:15) and even effect the weather (James 5:17-18). Faith in anything other than God will NOT yield the results we need.

‘We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.’ The Bible is an historical document that teaches and reminds us of what has been since ‘God created the heavens and the earth’. The relevance of the Bible and FAITH in the God of the Bible is critical and necessary to solve the problems we face in America and around the globe in 2021. Place your faith in a hard asset where there are proven results not in people, medicine and science with no track record.

Hard assets provide protection and can yield great returns. Faith in God is the only real, hard, tangible asset you can possess with a simple decision. Make an initial investment or increase your asset allocation of faith in the God of Creation before the next trading day begins.

Last week there was a full ‘Worm Moon’ reflecting the sun’s brilliance. Native Americans named this March moon because soil temperatures start to increase and earthworms come to the surface. Rising soil temperatures are a reflection of the sun crossing the equator and heating up the northern hemisphere. EVERYTHING is in full reflection right now so look and listen closely.

By definition a reflection is ‘the production of an image as if by a mirror’. In particular, the return of light and sound waves from a surface reflect an image to be seen and heard. Therefore, what we SAY and DO is a reflection of who and what we are. The past year it’s common to hear the question, ‘What’s going on in Georgia?’ The answer is, Georgia is casting a reflection of it’s people and our nation…and the world is watching!

When the full moon appears brighter, it is because there are less shadows cast by objects on the moon and we see a more pure reflection of the sun. To get the best reflection of a thing there needs to be a direct, full view with no shadows. Native Americans looked into the water to see their reflection and learn what they looked like. The writer of Proverbs said, ‘As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.’ Proverbs 27:19. So much attention is being put on the color of our skin, but we can more easily see the reflection of our hearts.

The State of Georgia’s legislators recently passed a bill reflecting it’s people and their desires regarding election laws and the representation of the people. Like the Worm Moon, if you didn’t actually look at it to see for yourself, you had to trust what someone else said. If you read the bill, like looking at the Moon, you can make up your own mind. If you listen to what others say, you may hear a reflection of their HEARTS and not the truth.

Georgia is also in full reflection because of sports. One of the greatest things I USED to enjoy about sports was they afforded me the opportunity to disengage with the distractions and issues in the world and escape into the sport. I loved watching athletes compete in a game and forgetting about the troubles, disagreements and problems between other people. Major League Baseball (MLB) has ruined that and decided to reflect politics not the sport. MLB is OK with games and practices in Cuba, but requiring a picture ID to vote in Georgia gets the All-Star game taken away? Sorry guys…Bye-bye baseball…and my Braves.

A full moon reflects the sun so brightly because it is closer to the sun and the entire lunar surface is reflecting. There is also a phenomena known as an ‘opposition surge’ that gives it such brightness. Opposition surge (sounds like Democrat and Republican political theater in November) is when an object with many rough surfaces is illuminated from directly behind a viewer and gives greater clarity because of a lack of shadows. People are similar to celestial objects with rough surfaces. Both of us have been impacted by things that mark us with scars and pains. Georgia and the world is currently experiencing a prolonged opposition surge. If you have the eyes to look and see (and read) for yourself, you will get an accurate reflection. If you only listen to the talking heads, you will get a poor reflection.

A poor reflection results in poor knowledge and understanding. The Bible teaches us that while on earth there is an enemy of God that can keep us from seeing and knowing Him and TRUTH clearly. ‘For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.’ 1 Corinthians 13:12. To see a clear reflection of what’s going on these days we need God’s wisdom and discernment. We need the Holy Spirit and the WORD of God, not talking heads.

So, why and how does God help us see and know everything more clearly? Shadows distort a reflection and therefore our understanding and knowledge of a thing. The more shade is thrown on an object the more shadows and the more difficult it is to see and hear. The more shadows, the greater chance that truth shifts and changes and becomes ‘my’ truth and ‘your’ truth. Whereas God has no shadow…’Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ James 1:17. The Bible is absolute truth.

A lot of what we are seeing and hearing is a prelude for ‘woke’ culture to take on God. We are rapidly heading towards a time when people will consider God’s view (The Bible) on a subject to be a far-right religious viewpoint and not the objective truth that it is. Traditional marriage and traditional sexes are the current low hanging fruit. Biblical views will be targeted as exclusive, not inclusive…intolerant not tolerant. We may only be in the first few innings of this game so it’s incumbent for Christians to stand up and stand proud. ‘Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.’ Romans 14:16.

So, what does this practically mean for Christ followers? We need to fully reflect Him like the full moon reflects the sun. You might think a half moon is half as bright as a full moon but that is far from the truth. A full moon is 6 TIMES brighter than a half moon! If we reflect half of what we believe the world will see a poor reflection of the love, mercy and grace of God. They will also be unprepared to see the full reflection of His power and wrath. Believers and the Church need to reflect the entirety of Christ.

To see and hear the reflection of God on a daily basis, watch the weather (previous blog, Change In The Weather). He is also reflected through other Christ followers, not necessarily the talking heads on TV. His Holy Spirit is available to everyone and “‘he will guide you into all truth…and he will tell you what is yet to come.'” John 16:13. Learn to discern by reading the Bible.

On the other hand, Charles Barkley nailed it during the Final 4 over the weekend. If we follow our politicians, they seem to only be reflecting selfish desires and leading us to anger, hatred and disunity. I try to forget the reflections of politics and politicians and focus on the full reflection of God wherever I see it. I hope and pray others see HIM reflected in my words and actions and not only the scars of my life. There are too many days I’m more like a crescent moon and not a full moon for Him. Forgive me when I don’t reflect Him more.

Do I, do we, fully reflect what is in our hearts or have the scars of the past year(s) left us with too many shadows? Can we muster an opposition surge to reflect Him every day like the moon does every 29 days?!! I want to shine brilliantly every day so my friends and the world KNOW whats going on in Georgia…and in my heart. Join me in the daily challenge of making sure we are in full reflection of our hearts and nothing else.

This is THE great full reflective challenge…’Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:3-4.