Daniel and the Fourth Beast

Early in the morning on August 23, 2012 I awoke and opened my eyes.  For a moment I could see nothing but the word Preparedness, with the number 4 just below it in a double, concentric circle.  The photo below is taken from my journal entry that morning.

August 23, 2012 Vision

I spent several days researching EVERY use of the word 'prepare' in the Bible.  I knew the Lord was communicating something very important, but I wasn't exactly certain what He was trying to say.  After struggling for a few days I set it aside.  Then, exactly three years ago today, He awakened me AGAIN with the same vision.  I knew He meant business.  I got up, grabbed my Bible and went into the kitchen. 

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I sat praying, a little exasperated.  I told the Lord, "I did my research!  I looked up EVERY use of the word prepare in the whole Bible!"  I heard Him speak to my heart: 
             "I didn't give you the word 'prepare'...I gave you the word 'preparedness.'"
I snapped back:  "the word 'preparedness' is NOT in the Bible!"
                                          "Try the dictionary."  He instructed.
I opened my dictionary and this is the definition I found:  "A state of adequate preparation, specifically for war."

The Lord reminded me of the vision one last time,  early in 2013.
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 I  must admit, I have never fully grasped the Lord's intention behind the vision.  I know it must be important because He gave it three times. The concentric circle around the '4' is reminiscent of a "seal", and it brings to mind the opening of the 4th Seal in Revelation 6:7-8 (a vision of the pale horse/death).  What I have also noticed, is the predominance of the number '4' in the book of Daniel!  Below are several examples:

Daniel 7:2-3:
"I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven (North, South, East and West) were stirring up the Great Sea.  And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another."

Daniel 7:7
"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong.  It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet..."

Daniel 7:23:
"As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down and break it to pieces."

Could it be that the Lord was sending a warning to prepare for war with the kingdom of the Beast (Antichrist)???  Time will tell, but at the very least we need to acquaint ourselves with the attributes of the 'beast', so we will recognize him when he makes his entrance.  The following attributes/descriptions are taken directly from Daniel Chapters 7-12:

The 'Beast/Antichrist"
Daniel Chapter 7:
     -Terrifying
     -Destructive
     -Dreadful
     -Merciless
     -Exceedingly strong
     -The last world ruler
     -Skilled in planning
     -Promotes himself with rhetoric
     -People will follow him
     -Blasphemes God
     -Will be very organized, actively opposing God's people
     -Will prevail against the saints until the time of judgment
     -Shall devour the whole earth, trampling it and breaking it to pieces
     -Will put down three kings
     -Will 'wear out' the saints
     -Will think to 'change the times and the law'

Daniel Chapter 8:
     -Begins modestly
     -Increases in power and influence
     -Speaks great things
     -Blasphemes God
     -Persecutes the Jews
     -Imposes his own religion
     -Is energized by satan
     -Is a great deceiver
     -Succeeds incredibly
     -Seems invincible
     -Will (eventually) claim deity 
     -WILL AT LAST BE DEFEATED BY MESSIAH!

Daniel Chapter 11:
     -Will do as he pleases
     -None will be able to stand before him
     -He will stand with destruction in his hand
     -Is 'contemptible' (despicable)
     -Does not have the honor of royalty
     -Will conquer through flatteries
     -Will appear on the scene without warning
     -Will sweep away armies
     -Will act deceitfully (this seems to be a THEME!)
     -Will make an 'alliance'
     -Will become strong with only a few people
     -Will plunder without warning
     -Will exalt and magnify himself above every god
     -Will speak astonishing things against the God of gods
     -Will prosper until the 'indignation' (fury of God's anger) is accomplished
     -He will magnify himself above ALL

Daniel Chapter 12:
     -There will be an unprecedented time of trouble
     -Many shall run to and fro
     -Knowledge will increase

And finally, some GOOD NEWS:
Daniel 12:3 -  
                      "And those who are wise shall shine 
                     like the brightness of the skies above,
                    those who turn many to righteousness, 
                           like the stars forever and ever.

Wisdom is found in Christ alone.  It is time to seek Him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength.  Lord, find us faithful!

I would be quite interested in the readers' perspective!  Feel free to comment below.
                                                                Soli Deo Gloria!