Chaos Abounds

By Michael E. Wheelon, Revelation Watchers Contributor

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Chaos and Its Many Faces: Exploring the Multiplying Nature of Disorder

Stephen Hawking on Chaos

Stephen Hawking said, "Chaos, when left alone, tends to multiply." This is the only quote of his that makes sense to me. Remember, he stated other things like "I don't fear God; I fear His believers" and various others that solidified his position as an atheist. Nevertheless, chaos is a fascinating concept in multiple fields, from physics to philosophy and our everyday lives.

In physics, the infamous chaos theory studies systems susceptible to initial conditions. The famous "butterfly effect" illustrates this: a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could potentially set off a chain of events leading to a tornado in Texas.

Mathematically, chaos often arises in nonlinear dynamical systems. The behavior of chaotic systems is unpredictable, even though they follow deterministic rules. The Lorenz attractor is a classic example of chaotic behavior in a simple system.  Let's move on; I was a C+ math student, so my brain is already hurting here. 

Philosophers and writers have explored chaos as a metaphor for disorder, unpredictability, and the struggle to find meaning. For instance, Hesiod, in his work "Theogony," describes the birth of the cosmos from chaos. Milton portrays chaos in "Paradise Lost" as a primordial state before creation. Joseph Conrad uses chaos as a central theme in "Heart of Darkness." Albert Camus famously wrote, "Amid winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." 

"God is telling me (Revelation 911) is the sequel to Hal Lindsey’s book The Late Great Planet Earth. It’s the fifty-years-later sequel." - Pastor Paul Begley

Biblical References to Chaos

In the Bible, chaos appears in the opening lines of Genesis: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep." The act of creation involves bringing order out of chaos. God's creative power transforms chaos into a structured universe.

Chaos also symbolizes sin, rebellion, and the fallen state of humanity. The story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden disrupted the original harmony. The concept of chaos extends to theological discussions about evil, suffering, and redemption.

Historical events often involve chaos through wars, revolutions, or natural disasters. For example, consider the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The complex dynamics, historical grievances, and geopolitical interests contribute to the chaos in the region. Efforts toward peace face immense challenges.

Chaos can also be internal—an emotional or mental state of turmoil. Finding balance and meaning amidst chaos is a universal human quest. Sometimes, chaos leads to growth, creativity, and transformation. It's during chaotic times that we discover resilience and adaptability.

The Increasing Presence of Chaos

Back to Hawking's quote, is it just me, or is chaos actually increasing? Is it multiplying? Well, I believe it is, but not because it's being left alone. It's because it's being well tended to. I have a good idea that Satan, the author of chaos, is working overtime to spread it across every aspect of humanity. Just look all around us. 

Some of the global areas where he works are in our environment. The climate crisis continues to escalate, and extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and natural disasters affect communities globally.

On the political front, tensions are ongoing in various regions. Conflicts, protests, and power struggles create uncertainty and division.

Disagreements over governance, human rights, and international relations contribute to the chaotic landscape.

Rapid technological advancements bring both opportunities and disruptions. Artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity concerns impact societies.  Balancing innovation with ethical considerations adds to the complexity of our world. Can you imagine the chaos that will grip the hearts of men when the major players decide to go cashless?  It will be paranoia overnight. 

Social and Cultural Chaos

Social movements advocating for equality, justice, and human rights have gained momentum. These shifts challenge existing norms and systems. Debates around identity, diversity, and inclusion contribute to societal turbulence.  Of course, the Church is in the middle of this, trying to stand for Truth.  It's an ongoing struggle.  

The digital age brings an abundance of information but also misinformation. Sorting through facts and falsehoods can be overwhelming. Social media, echo chambers, and polarized narratives contribute to chaos in the information landscape.

Geopolitical tensions between significant powers impact international relations. Trade disputes, territorial claims, and military posturing create uncertainty. The balance of power is in flux, leading to a sense of chaos on the global stage.

Apocalypse Goes Mainstream: Authors Address 'End of the World Chatter' as Revelation 911 Hits 'Newsmax Rising Bestsellers' List

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The Christian Perspective on Chaos

As you can see, the world faces multifaceted challenges, and the perception of chaos varies based on individual experiences and perspectives. The world is being attacked at every level, and seeking understanding, empathy, and collaborative solutions remains crucial to humanity's ability to exist amidst this complexity. 

Not all things are lost; we, as followers of Jesus Christ, have been given insight through the Word of God as to:

1. Who is the root cause of chaos is.

2. The tactics he employs.

3. Methods to combat him and push back the chaos multiplying around us.

Satan's Tactics: Deception

Of course, we're talking about Satan, the author of chaos. Since the serpent entered the Garden of Eden, he has consistently followed a battle plan to bring chaos, confusion, disconnection, and destruction. His ultimate goal is to divide and conquer. Let's discuss some of his strategies and tactics, focusing on how he deceives, distracts, disconnects, and ultimately destroys.

Satan's first tactic is deception. Just as he did with Eve in the Garden, he uses lies to convince us of things that are not true. Jesus calls him a liar, stating, "From the very beginning, he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth" (John 8:44 TEV). Satan infects our minds with lies, such as:

• You are no good.

• No one will ever love you.

• God can't use you.

• God doesn't care.

• This sin isn't that big of a deal.

Strategies of Deception

Satan, the master of deception, employs various tactics to ensnare Christians. Let's explore some of these strategies:

Temptation: Satan sets before us sinful things that tempt us to sin. While he cannot directly inhibit us and make us sin, he can manipulate our desires and thoughts to lead us astray.

Manipulation: Satan schemes by manipulating circumstances, people, and events to divert us from God's path. He subtly influences our decisions and actions, often leading us away from righteousness.

Vanity: Psalm 12 points to vanity as one of Satan's brands of deception. He tempts us with self-centeredness, pride, and a focus on our desires rather than God's will.

Flattery: Another brand of deception is flattery. Satan uses compliments and false praise to inflate our egos and distract us from God's Truth. When we become self-absorbed, we are more susceptible to his schemes.

Blasphemy: Satan seeks to distort our understanding of God and His Word. He encourages doubt, questions God's goodness, and promotes false teachings. Blasphemy undermines our faith and trust in God.

Combating Deception

Remember, as Christians, we must be vigilant, armed with the Truth of God's Word, and aware of Satan's tactics. We can overcome God's enemy's schemes by relying on God's strength and resisting Satan's lies. To combat deception, we must turn to God's Word to find the Truth and avoid falling prey to Satan's Lies.

Satan wants to distract us from the real problem and God's Purpose. He may even substitute something good to divert us from God's best. When we are distracted, confusion sets in. The Bible reminds us, " God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). Satan uses confusion to keep us off track.

Satan employs various tactics to distract us from our purpose. Let's explore some of these strategies:

Blurring Our Vision: Satan tries to blur our understanding of why we are here. He wants us to be preoccupied with the concerns of this life, diverting our attention away from our eternal purpose. Instead of focusing on what truly matters, he encourages us to get entangled in anything and everything except our divine mission.

The "Sin Now, Repent Later" Plan: The adversary whispers that it doesn't matter what we do now because there's plenty of time to get our spiritual lives together later. This deceptive approach ignores the corrosive effects of sin on our spirits and the distancing it causes between us and the Holy Spirit. Satan conveniently omits this crucial Truth.

Feeding Our Vanity: Satan appeals to our vanity by promising popularity, power, and prosperity. He seduces us into believing that these worldly measures of greatness are all that matter. However, Nephi taught that such lusts of the flesh belong to the ddevil'skingdom and have no place in God'skingdom.

Distractions: Satan enjoys keeping us busy with worldly pursuits. These distractions divert our attention from God and can become idols. For instance, spending hours watching television can deflect our focus from quiet time or prayer.

Combating Distraction

Remember, recognizing Satan's tactics is essential. By staying vigilant, seeking guidance, and prioritizing our eternal purpose, we can resist these distractions and stay on the path.

Satan's Tactics: Disconnection

Satan blinds our eyes to the spiritual conflict happening behind the scenes in our relationships. He pushes us toward disconnection. God, on the other hand, always pushes us toward connection. We were created to live in community, love, and serve one another. Satan wants us to see our mates as enemies, fighting against each other instead of for each other (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT).

Disconnection ultimately leads to destruction. Satan's goal is to destroy our relationships and lives. By isolating us, he weakens our support systems and undermines our well-being. Our defense against destruction lies in recognizing Satan's tactics and actively pursuing a connection with God and others.

Satan's schemes persist throughout history, but we know his tactics. We can resist his chaos and destruction by staying alert, seeking Truth, and fostering connection. Remember, God is the author of peace, not confusion.

1 Corinthians 14:33 says, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." This verse emphasizes that God brings clarity and order while Satan seeks to create chaos and disorder.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us to be alert: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Satan's goal is to confuse and lead people astray.

2 Corinthians 2:11 reminds us to be aware of Satan's schemes: "so that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." As believers, we should be knowledgeable about Satan's tactics to guard against distractions and stay focused on God's Truth.

Revelation 12:9-10 describes Satan as the ancient serpent, the deceiver of the whole world. He accuses and seeks to confuse. However, God's salvation and power prevail against him.

Remember, Satan often twists Word to create confusion. Just as he tempted Jesus by misapplying Scripture, he continues to deceive people today. Our defense lies in knowing God's Truth and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us through complexities.

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Michael E. Wheelon, a retired GG-14, held distinguished roles in security, counterintelligence, and special program oversight at the Special Access Programs Division, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Previously, as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) in the Air, Space, and Cyber Directorate, Space Superiority Division, he supervised Counterspace Operations at Peterson Air Force Base. With a military career spanning 31 countries and seven deployments, Wheelon fulfilled critical roles, including heavy weapons operator, high-frequency voice communications operator, ground station operator for high-valued space platforms, and signals intelligence instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information and Networking Operations from Chapman University and a master’s certification in Executive Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, along with several certifications such as the Senior Command Management Civilian Certification Course and the Secretary of the Air Forces’ Program Security Officer (PSO) Certification Course. Wheelon's accolades include numerous Airman and NCO of the Year awards and a Finalist nomination for the USAF's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Following retirement, he teaches at a Bible College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and contributes to Paul Begley Ministries. Outside his professional pursuits, Wheelon enjoys drumming, backpacking, skiing, ice climbing, and spending time with his wife, Shelley, and their dog, Boo.

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Join Us in Prayer: Pray for Divine Guidance Amidst Chaos: A Prayer for Peace and Clarity

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we come before You today, we acknowledge the chaos and disorder that pervade our world. We recognize the increasing challenges and complexities we face, both externally and internally. Yet, in the midst of chaos, we find solace in Your sovereignty and Your promise of peace.

Lord, we lift up our concerns about the environmental chaos that threatens our planet. Grant us wisdom and discernment to be good stewards of the earth, to take action to mitigate climate change, and to care for the natural world that You have entrusted to us.

We pray for political stability amidst the turmoil in various regions. Guide leaders to pursue justice, equality, and peace for all people. May Your wisdom prevail in governance, and may conflicts be resolved through diplomacy and understanding rather than violence.

Father, we ask for clarity and ethical discernment in navigating the rapid advancements of technology. Help us to use innovation for the betterment of humanity while remaining grounded in moral principles and respect for human dignity.

In the midst of social and cultural chaos, may Your love and grace shine brightly through us. Grant us the courage to stand for truth, justice, and compassion in a world often characterized by division and strife. Help us to foster understanding and empathy across diverse perspectives.

Lord, we pray for those who are experiencing internal chaos—those grappling with emotional turmoil, mental distress, or spiritual uncertainty. Bring them comfort, healing, and hope. May they find peace in Your presence and strength in Your promises.

As we confront the tactics of deception, distraction, and disconnection employed by the enemy, equip us with Your armor of truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation. Help us to discern falsehood from truth, to resist the allure of worldly distractions, and to remain firmly rooted in our connection with You.

We surrender our fears, anxieties, and uncertainties into Your hands, trusting in Your providence and Your power to overcome chaos. Fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and embolden us to be agents of Your love and grace in a world desperately in need of Your light.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.