March 7
Num 8:1-9:23 | PS 50:1-23 | Prov 10:29-30 | Mark 13:14-37
There are many reasons why the increase in use and the new normalcy of marijuana troubles me. With its legalization a whole new group of people are now using it. For many it is used throughout the day, at work (especially since many work from home), at school, and in the home. What this drug does, in addition to much else, is weakens one’s initiative. Your ambition is depleted. Hanging out with a “whatever” mentality seems like the thing to do all day. In this state of slight stupor nothing is urgent, nothing needs to be done immediately, everything can be “kicked down the road” for awhile.
We read concerning the Tribulation in Mark 3:14-16, “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.” Do you feel the intense immediacy of these words. We read concerning “End Times” in Mark 13:33, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” It doesn’t take much to see the intensity of the awareness and willingness to act required to follow verses like this in Scripture.
We read in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word “sorcery” and “witchcraft” used in the New Testament is the word, “Pharmakeia”, from which we get the word pharmacy. Sorcery and witchcraft have much less to do with spells and incantations and more to do with using drugs to alter one’s state of awareness. There is a push towards legalization of drugs: legalization of marijuana, storefront distribution centers, free and safe needles for those using IV drug use, rampant influx of Fentanyl across our borders, etc. There are evil individuals in positions of great power who see rampant drug use and altered awareness as a means to push their evil agenda forward. They are not mistaken in terms of strategy. Break the resolve and will of the individual through mind altering drugs and sadly, you can achieve anything, no matter how nefarious the intent might be.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: