By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA.

God has prepared us for the end times. When we read the whole book beginning to end, we see that both the Old Testament and the New Testament show what is to come before the Lord Jesus returns—and He surely did promise that He will. Take for instance what is carefully laid out for us in the second chapter of the Book of Daniel when centuries ago a vision was given to King Nebuchadnezzar, II, the famed king of Babylon (612-539 BC). In his sleep the king was shown a great image of excellent splendor.

We read in Scripture that the king was afraid of the vision and sought his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians to interpret it. They could not, so the king was having them killed. Then Daniel, a Judean captive, stepped forward offering to interpret the vision. Through Daniel’s interpretation, God was showing King Nebuchadnezzar what would take place at the end to all kingdoms within the world—Babylon, Persian, Greek and Roman—plus any powers beyond.

The Industrial Revolutions of Great Britain and the US prompted the age of machines. Following that empowerment, computers came on the scene which have advanced now to “thinking machines” known as artificial intelligence (AI). It is a new age, alright–and it seems likely Great Britain and the USA could be depicted as the “iron” and “clay” in King Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. These two democratic powers may well exhibit as the “feet and toes of the image that Daniel interrupted to the King so long ago.

Currently, news articles depict studies indicating a fourth of our young adults believe AI has the potential to replace romantic human relationships. A study by the Center for Democracy & Technology indicates 1 in 5 high school students have had an affectionate relationship with an AI chatbot or have known someone who has. Not only have teens entered love relationships with these chatbots, but several news publications have shown one American woman in the US—and a woman in Japan–have had virtual marriage ceremonies with chatbots. One such machine is named “Eren.”

So much is happening quickly within our world news that without a doubt the self-esteem and emotions of our children are being affected—obviously, they are becoming vulnerable to intimately interacting with AI chatbots. AI chatbots are very affirming, creating the message, “You can feel positive and good about yourself.” This is a tactic of AIs.

The method of chatbots is to perpetually affirm whatever a person decides to say to them. The message up front is, “You can feel positive and good about yourself.” Our children do need to hear that about themselves yet warned to be careful while knowing chatbots are simply “machines” programmed to keep you talking . . . keeping you involved with them. They do not have a human brain, and they were not born with a conscience. As humans, we are the opposite of these machines. We can make a distinction between right behavior and wrong behavior–plus we ideally hold ourselves responsible for monitoring the innermost workings of our minds–and for what we do and say.

Experts are concerned about the well-being of our children and young adults. It seems, unbelievably, that teens are choosing to discuss important and serious matters with AI companions instead of real people.

The vision portrayed in the book of Daniel carries a prophetic prediction: “Iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.” It will not work, folks! It is fool’s play capable of causing disappointment and frustration, even death for some, which is now being reported as taking place.

While using Artificial Intelligence, let us be sure to remember that God’s Word is the “Authentic Intelligence” . . . always there for us with the ultimate truth that is intended to lead all who are trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The vision of King Nebuchadnezzar recorded in the book of Daniel clearly shows Jesus as “the stone” that quickly “breaks into pieces the image of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. Daniel 2: 44, tells us what will ultimately happen, “. . . the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed . . . and “it shall stand forever.” Always do your own studies. Once my friend pointed out this “clay and iron” passage in Daniel, within a recent conversation, I am now responsible to weave this matter into all the other “end of time” predictions provided throughout the entirety of scripture. What we know for sure is that God wants us to read the scriptures and to follow the guidance He places within our hearts as closely as we can.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, Board Certified Chaplain

As years slip by, do you feel you are accomplishing what you want in life?

 My next birthday will be here in a couple of days.  The numbers keep growing. Am I living my dream? And what is my dream?

Being a mother of sons who have grown into their destinies, being highly able to love–exceeding able to endure the challenges life rolls onto the screen for them–is one of the greatest accomplishments of  being here on Planet Earth. Being in a gainful marriage for 57 years . . . loving and serving together in adventuresome ways is another.

But the most challenging feat of all lies with seeking to live perpetually comfortable in my own skin. Am I enough? Have I done enough? Why can’t I live without making mistakes? Why, why, why . . .

I have always tried to look my best . . . and believe me, aging takes a whack at that! Big time. So, best laugh about what the mirror is trying to tell me!

Then I think, why did God create me? Probably His best hope is that I keep on loving and helping the ones I love get through this life. Sometimes, I am asked to keep loving while taking some “blows” undeserved. And, sometimes I am the sender of the “blows.” The other day I told my sister, “Don’t be so bossy.” Then I wondered, “How loving is that?”

Perhaps speaking honestly to one-another does more than to help clear the air of our souls. We can, at appropriate times, help each other see our blind spots. Still, I wonder how loving I came across with my sister during that moment.

While journaling, I often talk to God through writing questions then writing what I perceive to hear. Recently, I wrote, “Lord, what is the real purpose you foresaw for us humans when you went to so much trouble to create such a marvelous and beautiful place for us to live and breathe?”

I heard back, “To love and be loved.”

More came as I listened, but this part is for sharing: I am to know that for this time in life it is enough to just be who I am, doing what I enjoy doing—as long as it comes from the love of my heart. Perhaps the best of all we grandmas and grandpas do while still here is to simply  be a living, breathing example, exhibiting huge amounts of patience while dealing with gradual losses—both physically and mentally. After all, the brain shrinks a bit once we get into these higher numbers. There are some memory blips and focusing on ‘what to do next’ gets harder. These changes can be quite unnerving at times and it can be easy to lose our sense of worth. Plus, “Old pappy time” elbows in with the truth that the end is just around the bend.

Ultimately, within the aging process it is a time for opening our hearts more and more fully to God, talking to Him like He is our closest Pal. After all, God knows the “going” is getting tougher—even really tough at times. God is with us in this race against time; but He asks us not to make it a race.

“Cool your jets. Enjoy the time that’s left,” was heard while listening last week.

Why should we be afraid to listen to the Author of Love whose Holy Spirit abides and is with us everywhere we go?

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

###

Healing-with-Joy.com — VIEW FREE– – Joy’s children’s book titled: The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.

Please know there are over a hundred helpful articles at Healing-with-Joy.com–FREE–for people who are struggling with varied difficulties. Find these along with this author’s four books.

Copy articles if you wish, while crediting this website.