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Today’s Devotional – January 22nd

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“He That Keepeth His Mouth…”

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Perhaps it might be said, that “at least one-half a man’s troubles are the result of what goes in, or what goes out of his mouth”. And “half” is probably a very conservative estimate!

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And listen to the ‘wise man’… “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3.

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Such great advice!

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Wonderful counsel!

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Mocking Bird Argument – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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HEAVEN’S CHASTISEMENT BEGINS?

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The only problem is, just how does one follow such good advice?

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That is the question!

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Yes, it’s very easy to quote this proverb (or any proverb!) But to actually put it into practice is not so easy, is it?

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And when an ex-patriot from this world begins that sojourn up the Heavenward pathway, it probably won’t be long until he or she receives chastisement over this very vital concept. Yes, a Christian may just learn that most Christian trials are over this very issue, of what goes in, or comes out of one’s own mouth!

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And, if that Christian is at all opinionated, one can be sure that God will begin to chastise that Christian for however many years that Christian walks this earth; or at least until that Christian gets complete victory over his or her tongue.

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Saul attempts to Kill David – by Gustave Dore – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“SET ON FIRE OF HELL!”

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And speaking of the tongue, listen to this fiery passage from James… “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell.” James 3:6 (click here to read entire quote)

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The unbridled tongue is “set on fire of Hell”.

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Brown tree snake Boiga – Wikipedia – public domain

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MANY TROUBLES AVOIDED!

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Just think about how many troubles might be eliminated by holding our tongue!

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Just consider how many arguments might be avoided by simply remaining silent! Or the many reputations that might remain untarnished by holding one’s tongue! Or the many secrets that might be kept! Or the many marriages that might be saved! Or the many feuds and wars that might be avoided! Or the many friendships that might still remain! Or the many families that might stay together! Or children that might grow up to become followers of Jesus!

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Yes, there are many societal and family tragedies which might be avoided if we would only remain silent!

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And as God so aptly spoke through James, the tongue is a “world of iniquity”, and is “set on fire of Hell”.

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Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany – Sally Kennison – Share-alike License – cropped image – Wikimedia

 

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SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

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But again, just how does one get control of the tongue?

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Well, that is why God gave us the Bible, to help us to overcome. Yes, the answer to any and all problems of life are found by studying the Bible. And it is those nagging sins which keep recurring, that makes a Christian want to search for the solution.

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And so, the very first thing the Christian is to do, is to pray, pray, pray, and study, study, study, and then, pray and study some more! And for those plagued by an unruly tongue, probably the first thing to study would be the passages directly concerned with the tongue.

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A concordance will help to find all such King James verses about the “tongue”, or the “mouth” or the “lips”, etc..

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Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic. 

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THANKFULNESS IN TRIALS

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And then, the Christian must obviously begin to beg God for all the necessary help with such a problem.

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And the Christian must be willing to endure much chastisement over this sin. We must not get angry with God, when He does allow the Devil to, “sift you as wheat” Luke 22:31.

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We must remember that Satan will beg permission to tempt us on this very point!

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Yes, the Christian needs to, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1st Thessalonians 5:18.

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And this includes giving thanks in our fiery trials, too!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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So just one more really great verse, concerning the tongue…

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“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” James 1:19

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

March 3 (He That Keepeth His Mouth, Part 2: “Pearls Before Swine!”)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to get control and complete victory over my tongue! Open my eyes to Your Holy Word, that I might understand just what it says. Give me the joy that is sure to come when I finally do get that victory…

Prayer – Brooklyn Museum – Saint James the Less – by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE SEEKER (THE SADDUCEE)

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(LOCATING THIS 3RD FACE)

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The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down. But this photo and this sketch are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the Moon would appear.)

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The third face is the most difficult to see northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy. This face is like a furry creature of the field. Maybe a rabbit. Maybe a squirrel. Perhaps a chipmunk. Probably a mouse. All “seekers”; all foragers or scavengers. And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside down position. The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate. This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily. This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face is right side up in the southern hemisphere.)

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Moon – by James Bowe – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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LOCATING 3rd FACE AT BEGINNING OF NIGHT

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But this sketch here to the right is how this 3rd face actually appears when the Full Moon is in the east, at the beginning of night, in the northern hemisphere. But all you can readily see is the 1st face of the Night Watchman.

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What you must do to see the 3rd face is to tilt your head to the right, 90 degrees.

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Do you see it? (You may find it easier if you just turn your screen on its left side, if you are using a laptop. But please don’t do anything to put your computer in jeopardy!)

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The easiest time of the month to actually see this face is when the Full Moon is in the east, just after dark. It then can be seen by tilting your head 90 degrees to the right. But as night progresses, the Moon rotates clockwise, until this face is completely upside down, as the Moon works its way to the west.

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Moon – 1st face – Night Watchman – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon into Blood Trilogy: 3rd Face: The Sadducee Seeker”

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TOMORROW:

” January 23rd (Limiting The Holy One of Israel)”

Jesus Walks on Water – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #22 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain 

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Today’s Devotional – January 21st

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A Christian Lobotomy!

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“That this is a rebellious people, lying children,

children that will not hear the law of the LORD:

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets,

Prophesy not unto us right things,

speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”

Isaiah 30:9, 10

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There’s an old song which goes…

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“Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street…”

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Nice song! Wonderful sentiment! And it’s true that people should try to look for good things to lift their spirit!

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But there are many unhappy things in this godless world. And should we try to ignore them? Maybe pretend they don’t exist?

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Oh yes, on the other hand, there are many persons who are totally inundated by negative thoughts! And there have been many who have been driven even to the point of suicide by uncontrollable thoughts of hopelessness!

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Yes, Satan is a very busy devil! And he loves to see some people drown in hopelessness!

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Happy face svg – Wikimedia – public domain

Sad face – Wikimedia – public domain

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THE LOBOTOMY

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During the last century, there arose a popular medical procedure known as having a Lobotomy.

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This operation was performed on individuals who could no longer handle the sadness and stresses of life. And it was believed (for a time) by doctors, that by removing the frontal lobes of the brain, then that individual might be finally cured of all negative thoughts. Well, obviously this hypothesis didn’t work! And eventually this horrible procedure was finally stopped!

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Doctors ultimately renounced this hideous practice, saying such things as… “the procedure was “contrary to the principles of humanity”, and, “‘through lobotomy’ an insane person is changed into an idiot.”^[135]” (Wikipedia on “Lobotomy”)

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Reviews lobotomy courtesy Discover magazine Jan-2007 – Wikipedia – GNU-user-license

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MANY NEGATIVE THINGS

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The Bible is a book that has many things to say, some happy and some sad.

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For instance, the Book of Psalms has about one-third happy things, one-third unhappy, and one-third neutral. But also, the books of the prophets were largely concerning unhappy issues.

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The New Testament is also filled with both happy and unhappy truths.

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Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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MANY UNHAPPY THINGS

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God has many rebukes in Scripture, concerning the behavior of His people.

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There are also many warnings in the Bible, as well. And there are likewise, many prophecies concerning both happy, as well as unhappy future events. God, in His infinite wisdom knows that sadness is necessary! At least, in this world, sadness is necessary.

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Listen… “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Ecclesiastes 7:3

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Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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“PROPHESY SMOOTH THINGS”

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Well, back to the subject of lobotomies.

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You see, the secular world isn’t the only place which tries to eliminate all negativity.

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No, and this idea of a happy-faced-lobotomy is nothing new! Even God’s very own people, during the days of Jeremiah and Isaiah were desperately searching for such a lobotomized gospel!

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Listen to Isaiah… “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” Isaiah 30:9, 10

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Yes, these professed people of God didn’t want to hear all the negativity which God’s prophets had to say! They wanted only “smooth things”.

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They wanted a lobotomized gospel!

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joshua 24 Parting Advice www.thebiblerevival.org public domain

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LOBOTOMIZED GOSPELS TODAY

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“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Tim. 3, 4

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Well, you would think that things would have progressed since the days of Isaiah.

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But just look around today and you will find preachers willing to preach peace and earthly prosperity! In their gospel, God is smiling down on His people, willing to give earthly riches and peace and all the good things this world has to offer.

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Yes, it’s almost as if these happy-faced gospels are trying to become lobotomized. They almost seem as if they want to eliminate any of the negativity in the Bible. It reminds one of that “power of positive thinking” ideology which has blown back and forth through the church-world for the last 60 years or more.

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Perhaps you could say that we’ve reached that time in which “itching ears” gospels are abounding, as the above passage foretells. Listen again…

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“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4

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Audience hands – cropped & altered – Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain

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JESUS, A MAN OF SORROWS

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But listen to this description of Jesus… “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” Isaiah 53:3.

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Being born into this world of sin became a trial for the Sinless One from Heaven. And His constant encounter with the hatred and rebelliousness of His very own professed people, would daily take its toll upon the Savior.

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But make no mistake! Jesus had an inner joy which shone out from His eyes. And yet, it was tempered by the sadness and grief He felt for the fallen human condition.

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It is written… “Jesus wept.” John 11:35.

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Jesus was weeping here for the great unbelief He saw in His Elect! And He weeps over our sorrows too!

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Listen…“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Romans 12:15

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Yes, our great God even rejoices with us, but also weeps with us as well!

 

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La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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SAME SPIRIT IN CHRISTIANS

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When a person is filled with God’s Spirit, there is a duality of emotions, quite often.

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Listen to Paul, as he describes the Christian life… “…As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing…” 2nd Cor. 6:10.

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Yes, because God is very complex, so also is that same complexity experienced by the Christian, howbeit to a much less degree.

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Along the pathway of the Christian, there are times of peace and joy, but also there are times of sorrow. There are times of victory, but also times of defeat. And there are many times when the Christian must weep at the foot of the Cross for his or her sins.

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So it should be understood that, just as Scripture reveals, sorrow is sometimes a necessary thing… “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10.

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Yes, as the Christian strives to crucify the “Old Man”, with his lusts and affections, there will be many sad times.

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And as he reads the Bible, God has many sorrowful things to say, but also many joyful promises as well.

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Braet von Überfeldt – woman with bible 1866 – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

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BUT WHY ALL THE SADNESS?

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“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Ecclesiastes 7:3

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But why would God want us sad? Why not just give us nothing but happy times, along that upward pathway? Why not just give us the lobotomized, peace-n-prosperity gospels which are so often being preached today?

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Well, this above passage reveals God’s true motives (“…for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.”). God knows that sadness is His necessary “cleansing agent” to help remove the stain of sin from one’s heart. No, God does not enjoy causing grief. But this has been His chosen means of purifying for Himself, a set-apart people who will reflect the character of Christ to the world.

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Just listen to this next passage… “For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” Lamentations 3:31-34, 40, 41.

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So here is the answer, smack-dab in the middle of the saddest book of the Bible, Lamentations. Yes, this passage reveals that God takes no pleasure in inflicting pain or sorrow!

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But our “many light afflictions” will ultimately cause us to turn back to God, with greater zeal and deeper devotion!

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David’s sorrow www.wikigallery.org public domain

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JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING!

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“For His anger endures but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

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But there is coming a day in which all tears will be wiped away! Yes, one of these days soon, God will lift us up and put a new song in our mouth! And on that day, it will be said… “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10

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And so, with such promises as this, the Christian takes heart, and continues to allow God to work in him, changing his heart into the image of Christ; all the while knowing, that there is soon coming a day, when that often-difficult work of transformation will be completed!

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And then will God’s perfected people fully reflect the character of Christ.

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Sunrise from Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge, Somerset – cropped image – wikimedia share-alike license

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Below is a poem that speaks more eloquently on this subject…

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THE MASTER WEAVER’S PLAN

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My life is but a weaving, Between the Lord and me; I may not choose the colors– He knows what they should be.

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For He can view the pattern, Upon the upper side, While I can see it only, On this, the under side.

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Sometimes He weaves in sorrow, Which seems so strange to me; But I will trust His judgment, And work on faithfully.

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‘Tis He who fills the shuttle, And He knows what is best; So I shall weave in earnest, And leave to Him the rest.

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Not ’til the loom is silent, And the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God unroll the canvas, And explain the reason why.

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The dark threads are as needed, In the Weaver’s skillful hand, As the threads of gold and silver, In the pattern He has planned.

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~ Benjamin Malachi Franklin

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Tapestry – Adoration of the Magi Tapestry – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Please help me to love Thy Word, both the happy as well as the sad…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion, The Good Shepherd” or you can also read… “December 2 (The gospel according to Pollyanna).“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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This newest Signs Of Heaven Constellation (Fall, 2013) is by far the faintest of constellations, but is a very incredible and awesome in a number of ways (which this article will explain).

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horse’s mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

January 22nd (“He That Keepeth His Mouth…”)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded Bible truth-seekers) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #21 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain 

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Today’s Devotional – January 20th

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A 3-Finger Judgment-Day

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“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,

God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are,

extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off,

would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,

but smote upon his breast, saying,

God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Luke 18:11-13

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That well-known story of the Pharisee and the Publican illustrates a basic concept between a correct spirit and an incorrect one.

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In this story, God presents these two characters, who seem to be polar opposites: the proud Pharisee and the self-abasing Publican.

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The first, the Pharisee, saw himself as self-righteous, while the Publican correctly realized just what a great sinner he was.

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Pride is quite often hard to detect. But the Publicans were a scorned class of persons.

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They knew they were sinners, while Pharisees were usually highly respected.

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican – Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia – US public domain

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PRIDE DISGUSTING TO GOD

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The point to this story is that God abhors human pride.

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But God contrariwise, presents the proper attitude, by showing us the humility and shame-facedness of the Publican.

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And this little parable ends with the following summation by Jesus… “I tell you, this man (the publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14.

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Here is a great big, giant concept, which Jesus presented. God loves a humble and contrite heart; but God hates human pride.

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And because our hearts are so easily deceived, we must exercise constant vigilance against such hard-to-detect sins, as pride is.

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James Tissot – The Pharisee and Publican – Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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WHICH WAY THE FINGER POINTS

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It is true religion that says, “I am chief of sinners.” 1st Timothy 1:15.

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These are the words of Paul. Yes, Paul saw himself for what he really was: a dirty rotten sinner in need of a Savior!

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It is false religion that says, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Luke 18:11.

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These are the words of this Pharisee in the parable of the Publican & the Pharisee (see Luke 18:9-14).

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Paul – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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TRUE OR FALSE RELIGION?

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It is true religion that points the accusing finger at ‘myself’.

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It is false religion that points at the other guy. True religion understands that Satan is the “god of this world”.

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But this Pharisee has lost sight of this fact.

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True Christianity desires to lead others to forsake this world and begin to live for Heaven.

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False religion wants to clean this world up, not realizing that sin is literally everywhere: because this world is the Devil’s world.

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This scorner forgets what 1st John proclaims… “…and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

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Anger during a protest – by David Shankbone – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike-License

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THREE FINGERS POINTING BACK

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God has designed nature to be functional.

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But in His infinite wisdom, He has also designed nature to teach spiritual lessons.

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And the human hand is no exception! Beside being a marvel of functionality, the human hand teaches us a lesson about the Gospel.

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And that lesson is, that when a person points the accusing finger at another, then there are three other fingers on his hand, which point right back (the thumb points downward, which might even declare, “thumbs down” for that person we are accusing)!

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God tells us plainly… “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1

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With such an indictment as this above verse points out, how can we still point the accusing finger at others?

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Yes, whenever we point the accusing finger at somebody else, there are indeed, three fingers pointing back at us!

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And of course, the number “three” is the very number of the Godhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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Finger-pointing icon – Wikimedia – Share-alike-license

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JUDGE YE NOT!

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So in essence, one might say, that when I point the accusing finger at another, then three fingers from Heaven are pointing right back at me (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)!

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Listen to the very words of Jesus, as He sat upon the mount that wonderful day and preached…

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“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” Matthew 7:1, 2

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If ever there were words to make us tremble, these are they!

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ONLY 3 FINGERS POINTING ON THAT DAY!

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On that Great Day, there will be no more fingers pointing…at least, not by us!

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Oh yes, God will be doing plenty of pointing on that Day!

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Listen… “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Isaiah 2:12, 17.

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This day will be coming very soon! And when it comes, it will take us all by surprise!

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It may be already beginning!

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Moses – Ten Commandments – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE OLD MAN MUST DIE!                                    

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And so, if I am doing any finger-pointing, then that is an indication that the “Old Man” may still be alive and well within!

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Yes, that “Old Man” is quite the Pharisee!

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But the Bible warns… “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin…Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him:” Romans 6:6-8.

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So here it states our “Old Man” must be crucified, if we truly are living in Christ.

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So if I am often engaging in judging, then perhaps the “Old Man” has not yet been crucified with Christ!

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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WHAT IS THE REMEDY?

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So just how do I get rid of this Pharisee within?

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Well, the Bible says it, many times, and in many ways. But let’s just go to James, since he puts it so concisely…

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“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11-13

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Isn’t it amazing that James ties repentance and judging into the same passage here in the above passage?

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But the Christian often discovers that this above remedy may not occur all-at-once.

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David’s sorrow www.wikigallery.org public domain

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THOROUGH REPENTANCE 

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No, the Christian may have to grow “prayer-callouses” on his (or her) knees, while waiting for God to lift us up!

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Especially pride! Yes, the sins of pride and judging require much perseverance and patient pleading for deliverance. The Christian must be thoroughly humbled. And this usually takes lots and lots of humbling experiences.

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But patience and perseverance are also necessary, so as James also says… “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:3, 4.

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Yes, the mark of a true worshipper of God, is that the “Old Man” becomes crucified. This is how the Christian overcomes the world.

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And so I must allow patience to have her perfect work

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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JOYFULNESS ON DELIVERANCE DAY!

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But finally comes the wonderful day in which the Christian is lifted up by God.

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And then the Lord will set our feet upon an unmovable, unshakable Rock. And on that day, we will be able to say with the Psalmist…

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“I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

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He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,

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and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings.

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And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:

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many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

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Psalm 40:1-3

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Second Coming – by Jan Luyken – Wikipedia – Public domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

NOVEMBER 25 (A 3-Finger Judgment-Day, Part 2: Bible For Me, Not Others!)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to crucify that “Old Man” within. Drive out the proud Pharisee which scorns others. Humble me. Break me. Crucify me with Christ! Set my feet upon a Rock. Make me to hear joy and gladness. Let my tongue sing aloud of Thy righteousness…

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner” or you can also read… “Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

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This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn. Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below. He is very moral, you see. 

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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THE PHARISEES…

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“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverbs 21:24

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Yes this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd. They were the finger pointers. They were the scorners. They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved of the world.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

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TOMORROW:

January 21st (A Christian Lobotomy)

Early Lobotomy – Hieronymus Bosch – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #20 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain 

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Today’s Devotional – January 19th

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Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN ARTICLE… “THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN – THE NARROW GATE STARS (ORION’S GATE)”

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“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,

in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

To the one we are the savour of death unto death;

and to the other the savour of life unto life.”

2nd Corinthians 2:15-16

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Just think about it!

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If we are living the Christ-like life, who in the world would want to “buddy around” with us anyway!?!

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Only another Believer would dare hang around us, if we are truly Christ-like.

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Do we suppose that Jesus had secular friendships?

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Or Paul, perhaps?

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Or even the Apostle John?

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Certainly the Bible makes no mention of these three having secular friendships. Only those who were contemplating becoming followers of Jesus were interested in His companionship.

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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JOHN’S ONENESS WITH CHRIST

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And as far as John’s holiness, just read John’s three Epistles and listen to his language.

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John had so merged with Jesus, that it seems that Jesus was speaking in John’s Epistles, and no longer John!

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No, the only persons who wanted to “hang out” with Jesus, Paul, or John were those who were already disciples, or those who were contemplating becoming disciples.

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The above verse from 2nd Corinthians says it all… “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.”

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This passage really reveals just how Christians are regarded by the world: “the savour of death unto death”.

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John The Apostle by Alonzo Cano 1635-1637 – Wikipedia – public domain

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PAUL, JOHN, AND JESUS: NO SECULAR FRIENDSHIPS

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Never, never do we ever read anything about secular relationships with those three Christian role-models (Jesus, Paul & John).

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And yet they evangelized more successfully than any other humans on this planet. They felt no need to begin doing secular fellowship in order to win over unbelievers. As a matter of fact, those three role-models were so busy with their spiritual life, they had no time for secular entertainment, even had they wanted to.

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Listen to Paul… “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.

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Does this type of total devotion to Christ by Paul, sound like something that would attract worldly friendships?

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Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”

2nd Corinthians 6:17

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“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ” Colossians 4:5, 6

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We are to be kind to all, and to have Christ-like love for all.

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And while we are to beckon them to come and follow Jesus, we are nevertheless to separate from their company when it comes to our fellowship and companionship. Oh yes, there will be situations in the family and in the workplace that we need to mingle and be friendly and join in.

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But in all we do, we are to be Christ-like in our dealings with Mankind.

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What this means is that we are to deal with the people of the world just as Christ did. And yet because of our past sins, we must also have the humility of Paul…who realized he was a very fallible human.

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Sin is very contagious. We are very weak. Those who think they can “warm themselves around the fire with unbelievers” (as did Peter, on the night of Jesus trial), just do not understand how powerful is sin.

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Listen… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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“THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS”

Isaiah 35:8

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“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1st Peter 1:15, 16

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But the fact is, it is because we are yet worldly-minded to a certain degree, that unbelievers still desire our companionship.

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On the other hand, we don’t need to speak about Christ in the workplace, or even at home. Silence about Jesus is usually the safest course to maintain in most daily situations. Let your quiet honesty, humility, sincerity, warmth, and human compassion do the speaking for you.

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But many would like to imagine that through companionship with unbelievers, we can be an encouragement to them, to become like us. But the fact is, it is usually just the opposite that occurs: we become more like them… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

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If we will only follow in the pathway of those three role-models, Jesus, Paul, and John, we will find that God will bless our evangelism far more than we now experience.

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And that pathway is what the Narrow Way of Matthew 7:13 is all about! The Narrow Way is all about becoming a follower and Disciple of Jesus. The Narrow Way is all about following in the path of holiness.

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Listen… “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called ‘The Way of Holiness’.” Isaiah 35:8.

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ABOVE PICTURE: The True Upward Pathway www.signsofheaven.org

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Please give me an exalted vision of what it means to be a Christian. Lead me into holiness, so that Christ may shine brightly from my soul…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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LOCATION

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here, “Orion The Reaper”. )

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

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TOMORROW:

January 20th (3 Fingered Judgment-Day) 

Finger pointing – Wikimedia – Public domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #19 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

 

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Today’s Devotional – January 18th

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Jeremiah & the Smooth Prophets

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“For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts 

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”

2nd Timothy 4:3, 4.

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In this above passage, the Lord is foretelling of a day when the churches will no longer tolerate the true and uncompromised Gospel.

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And there are many today who believe that we have come to that very time, in which the attendees of almost all churches demand an “itching ears” gospel.

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We merely want our ears tickled with a non-condemning, non-threatening, and entertainment-filled gospel!

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 Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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JEREMIAH’S DAY

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So what happened?

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Why did the church-world come to the same fate as the Old Testament people of God?

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Yes, if we go back to the Book of Jeremiah, we can get a glimpse of this same condition among the people of God in Jeremiah’s day!

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Listen… “Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and brake it. And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.” Jeremiah 28:10, 11

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You see, Jeremiah was warning God’s people that they would soon be taken captive in Babylon for 70 years.

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But the false prophets were prophesying just the opposite!

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They were prophesying “peace and safety”! (1st Thessalonians 5:3)

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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PROPHESYING SMOOTH THINGS

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And in this above passage, the false prophet, Hananiah, was likewise misleading God’s people, telling them that Jeremiah was the one who was lying!

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They were telling the people what they wanted to hear! Yes, the people were listening to an “itching ears” gospel by those prophets prophesying “smooth things”!

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And as you can see in this picture, Jeremiah was devastated by the eventual destruction of Jerusalem!

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Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

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GIVE US SMOOTH PROPHETS!

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And so, the people hated Jeremiah.

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He was telling them unpleasant things. Too much negativity!

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In essence, they were saying… “…say to the seers, ‘See not’; and to the prophets, ‘Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits'” Isaiah 30:9

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Yes, even back in Isaiah’s day, God’s people didn’t want all that negativity!

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They only wanted happy-faced prophets: prophets who would lie to them, only telling them what they wanted to hear! “Smooth things”!

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Happy face svg – Wikimedia – public domain

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TODAY’S ITCHING EARS PARISHIONERS!

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And thus it is today!

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Paul prophesied concerning the days we are now in… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4.

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And it doesn’t take much observation to notice that Christendom is filled with prophets of smooth things!

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Today’s Bible teachers are fearful of pointing the accusing finger at their own followers!

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“We only point the accusing finger at those cults over there!”

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Or, “We only point the accusing finger at those crazy prosperity gospels over there!”

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ENTERTAIN US! DON’T CONVICT US!

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This is because they sense that their own followers will no longer endure sound doctrine!

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To die with Jesus is totally unacceptable, when there’s so much to enjoy in this self-focused world! We only want happy things! Things that will not condemn us! We desire to have our itching ears satisfied with titillating things! Soothing things! Pleasant things! We desire to hear “peace & safety”! (1st Thessalonians 5:3)

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Yes, today’s audiences demand clever speakers, emotionally charged music, repetitive chants, and well-timed jokes and quips! We want clever conversation! And we want exotic prophecies about black helicopters and prognostications about future political events!

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Certainly nothing that will make us uncomfortable and wound our egos or condemn our selfish lifestyles!

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Yes, it sadly seems that we’re much like those rebels who complained to Jesus…“Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, ‘This is an hard saying; who can hear it’?” (John 6:60)

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Rock Music Christian CHURCH STP 2010 Pomona – Wikimedia – public domain

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WAKE-UP CALL NEEDED!

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On the other hand, God takes no pleasure in giving us such a harsh rebuke!

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And yet, if God only presented us with a nice, poetic and smooth message, then nobody would prepare for war! Oh yes, everyone would like that smooth message!

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But we would not be alarmed out of our slumber!

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Listen… “But though He (God) cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” Lamentations 3:32-34, 40, 41

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Here is a revelation of our merciful God who desires to save us rather than merely destroy us, knowing that our present troubles will hopefully wake us up and turn us away from this hopelessly doomed antichrist world-system, and back to the glorious ways of Heaven! 

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Seven sleepers – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TRUMPET, NOT VIOLINS!

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The fact is, the Bible has many unhappy things to say! And the message so often sounds like a trumpet of war: but is only given for our ultimate good! We have to be reminded that we are in the midst of a battle-zone!

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Yes, we are standing on enchanted ground as Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress spoke of it.

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Satan wants God’s people to go back to sleep!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Wise Virgins – James Tissot – Wikimedia – public domain

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ENCHANTED GROUND!

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But just as the two pilgrims in Bunyan’s book had to keep talking to one another, so as to keep from falling asleep, so too, God has to keep slapping us in the face, in a sense, so as to keep us from slipping into a death-like slumber!

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And those who respond to these encouragements, will be like those Five Wise Virgins spoken of in Matthew, Ch. 25. Yes, here is a picture of the Church-victorious!

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And because these virgins are wise, they cheerfully accept all the supposed negativity which so often emanates from God’s Word!

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Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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THE WISE DON’T MIND REBUKES!

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Listen… “rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:8, 9

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Yes, a wise man doesn’t mind a rebuke! He (or she) knows that it will only make one wiser to hear constructive criticism!

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Now a fool is a different story! Listen to this proverb, as it speaks of scorners… “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee:” Proverbs 9:8

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And so, let’s pray that we will be wise, and receive all this supposed negativity with joy, knowing that God is only desiring us to repent from our errors and turn to Him with all our hearts!

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High and Mighty Trailer Screenshot – 1954  – Wikipedia  – Public Domain

 

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OUR JOY-FILLED DESTINATION!

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Yes, we live in a very unhappy world!

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And we need to be honest and NOT be like the proverbial ostrich, hiding her head in the sand.

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But we also must fix our gaze on that happy and joyful Land just ahead!

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And once we cross that Dark River, we will hear the distant sounds of innocent children, laughing as they play!

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And then we’ll hear the joyful songs of the Redeemed, as they happily stroll through wandering meadows of lush green grass, in that Land that is Fairer than Day! 

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Study for The Cross and the World…… Brooklyn Museum Thomas Cole – US public domain

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TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

SEPTEMBER 12 (Jeremiah & the Smooth Prophets, Part 2: Absalom The Great Flatterer!)

cry-of-prophet-jeremiah-on-the-ruins-of-jerusalem-on-a-bible-subject-1870.jpg!Large

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, help me today, to appreciate correction! Let me not be misled by all the smooth preaching of today’s teachers. But lead me in the way of truth, though it may cause grief at times…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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TURN THE OTHER CHEEK  

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You will notice a big bruise on this “Man in the Moon”. His right cheek looks like it has a big bruise on it. That reminds us of the following verse… “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy RIGHT CHEEK, turn to him the other also.”  Matthew 5:39.

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And just as this verse says ” turn to him the other also”, so too, our nocturnal friend likewise is turning his other cheek. This is a big statement that God is making about how important is this Bible principle of “turning the other cheek”!

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Full moon (“blue moon”) as seen on 31.08.2012 as seen from Slobozia, Romania – by Cezar Popescu – Wikimedia – Public Domain – photo cropped and highlighted

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“FAITHFUL ARE THE WOUNDS OF A FRIEND”

Proverbs 27:6

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Notice that this “Man in the Moon” is turning his other cheek towards us? This faithful Watchman knows that unless he allows God to chasten him, that he too would likely be taken away in sin. And so he offers his other cheek to his “Re-provers”… “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” Psalm 141:5.  (see also Proverbs 27:6 & 9:8 & Eccl. 7:5)

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In reality, it is God who is smiting the Watchman on the right cheek. In reality God is just using the people of the world to do His bidding. Both good people and bad people alike, God uses to test and chasten this Nocturnal Watchman to teach him patience, forgiveness, and love.

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Full moon (“blue moon”) as seen on 31.08.2012 as seen from Slobozia, Romania – by Cezar Popescu – Wikimedia – Public Domain – photo cropped and highlighted

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“HE GIVES HIS CHEEK TO HIM THAT SMITES HIM”

 Lamentations 3:30, 31 

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God uses anyone and everyone as “helpers” in the purification process of His Watchmen. And the desire of every watchman of God is to become like Jesus. So as this Watchman beholds, in his mind’s eye, his Lord Jesus being mocked ridiculed and his face smitten, the Watchman too, knows he must likewise endure the same treatment from the world… “…they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me. God has delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked…  when He (God) has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 16:10, 11 & 23:10.

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In these passages, Job is complaining about his suffering at the hands of the wicked. But Job knows that if he endures to the end, he will come forth as gold. In other words, Job knows deep down, that God is testing Job. Job knows that God will ultimately turn all Job’s tribulation into something beneficial, yea, even beautiful for Job! God uses tribulation in order to remove the “dross” from Job, and Job will eventually come forth as purified gold… “when He (God) has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

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Full moon (“blue moon”) as seen on 31.08.2012 as seen from Slobozia, Romania – by Cezar Popescu – Wikimedia – Public Domain – photo cropped and highlighted

High and Mighty Trailer Screenshot – 1954  – Wikipedia  – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 1st Face: The Night Watchman

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TOMORROW

“January 19th (Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?)”

Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain 

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded truth-seekers) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #18 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Today’s Devotional – January 17th

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The 4 Winds of Revelation 7:1 Now Blowing!

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Part 1:

“The 4 Winds of Doctrine”

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“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro, and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

Ephesians 4:14

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Does it seem like we’re having a lot of bad weather lately?

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The world, that is. Does it appear as if the world is experiencing a lot of extreme weather? Well, it sure seems like it is, wouldn’t you agree?

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Another question: are we getting a lot of bad weather in the political and social realm?

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That is, doesn’t it seem as if hurricane winds of strife are now blowing among the nations of the world?

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110413-NOAA-tornado-02

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STRONG WINDS IN CHURCH

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Here’s another question: Is the Christian world getting a lot of extreme weather lately?

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In other words, are there seemingly storm clouds and winds of doctrines blowing from every-which direction? Does the Christian world seem as though there are countless different variations of the Gospel of Jesus blowing in the wind these days?

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Yes, there are many Christians today, complaining about all the different viewpoints being tossed about in the world.

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Church after hurricane – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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1,001 FLAVOR GOSPEL!

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It appears that, no matter which way a Christian turns, there are preachers preaching with all the boldness and confidence of the Apostle, Paul!

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The problem is, they are mostly preaching many different things from each other! You could possibly say, that if Christendom were an ice cream parlor, you would have to call it something like “The 1,001 Flavors Gospel Ice Cream Parlor”!

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Oh yes, a person can choose just about any flavor of the Gospel that tickles his (or Her) fancy! “Give me a scoop of ‘Hip & Trendy’, please” “And I’ll take some ‘Heart-tugging Humanitarianism’, too!” “But don’t give me any ‘Old Fashioned”, please! I tasted it as a kid when my parents gave it to me, and it’s just too bland!”

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Helados – Wikipedia – share-alike license by Mackbeth24 at en.wikipedia

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“SATAN…WILL, IF POSSIBLE, DECEIVE THE ELECT”

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Well, you get the idea of this ice cream analogy. It’s getting to the point of craziness in the Christian world today!

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So how does one discern what is true and what is just a “look-alike” gospel? Because let’s face it! The counterfeits which are blowing in the wind today, are quite often so close to the truth, that it’s extremely difficult to discern the true from the false!

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And it’s not hard for true worshippers to see that Satan is wreaking havoc on the Church-world.

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But why should we be surprised? After all, the Bible forewarned us… “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22.

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So, these satanic counterfeits will be so close to the truth, that even God’s knowledgeable people might be deceived, if possible!

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Audience hands – cropped & altered – Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain

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“CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER”

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One thing that many of these false gospels have in common, is that they quite often try to be fashionable and up-to-date.

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Quite often they will mingle some faddish and trendy things of the world, in attempt to attract large audiences. Maybe some hip music. Maybe some “beautiful people”. Maybe some “cool” talk. And many preachers today strive to behave just a little like stand-up comedians, keeping their audience laughing. Many other gospels mingle their ethnicity, which only divides and never unifies the body of Christ (see Colossians 3:10, 11).

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But the true Gospel has a timeless quality about it. The truth doesn’t need to be dressed up or updated. Heaven is not like some fickle school-girl, as the saying goes! It is as timeless as Jesus.

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And Jesus is, “the way, the truth and the life!” John 14:6

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Laughing – (color added) – Fotothek df roe neg – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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MINGLED GOSPELS VERY POWERFUL

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But the great problem is, that many of these so-called gospels mingle a whole lot of Bible into their preaching!

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Well, Satan is not as dumb as he would like us to suppose! Everyone knows that mice will not take the poison unless it’s mingled with lots and lots of oatmeal! And since Satan has an I.Q. far beyond our comprehension, why then would we imagine that he’s just a fumbling and bumbling old fool?

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Oh yes it’s true, that Satan has raised up some really poor counterfeit gospels. But even those bad ones only make the really clever counterfeits look that much more convincing!

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But when you lead people to believe that they can have Jesus, and still pursue the things of the world, that’s going to attract large crowds! And when you give people attractions such as sensual music, comedy, beautiful people, all sorts of social activities, etc., it’s going to attract large crowds!

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That’s a powerful potion! Pursuing your earthly dreams and selfish delights, and a lively social/fraternal organization coated with a thin veneer of religiosity to attend each week, and then, go to Heaven too! That’s powerful stuff! (see Matthew 6:24)

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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SOME WARNING SIGNS

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So here are some questions to ask yourself, concerning any particular ministry in question:

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Does that ministry constantly encourage to study, study, study the Bible? (see Psalms 119:97)

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Does that ministry add to the Bible, further revelations, such as dreams, and visions, and voices? (see Revelation 22:18)

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Does it appear as if that ministry encourages, either by word or by example, the seeking after the cares and pleasures of this world? Do the followers seem to worship one day per week, followed by six days of going headlong after the pleasures and treasures of this life?

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Or does that ministry try hard to keep from mingling fashion, trendiness, entertainment, “hip”, comedy, ethnic, programs, non-biblical holidays, or any other earthy, non-Christ-like additions into their presentations? (see Ephesians. 5:3, 4)

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And is the focus of that ministry on becoming Christ-like in every way? Or do they rather focus on other things, instead of focusing on Christ, and our overcoming the world? (see 1st John 3:3)

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Well, perhaps there are more biblical “acid-tests” that one could apply to some of these modern-day gospels which are currently blowing in the wind.

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The important thing is to not let one of these blow you away from the truth!

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Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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“…A LAMP UNTO MY FEET”

Psalm 119:105

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And if a person wants to NOT be misled, he or she must know the Bible well, and have a mature understanding of the spiritual nature of the Bible.

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Or do we just let the “spirit” lead us?

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In Martin Luther’s day, some groups rose up, proclaiming that because they had the “holy spirit” talking to them, they didn’t need the Bible anymore!

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Regarding these groups, Luther commented… “They cry, ‘The Spirit, the Spirit!’. But what spirit they are speaking of, I know not!”

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Luther 95 theses – Wikipedia – US public domain

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STUDY THE REAL, NOT THE COUNTERFEIT

 

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The point is, God has given us the Bible.

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And instead of studying all the counterfeits, we need to study the true! Because most everybody knows, it is by being thoroughly familiar with the real thing, that one can easily spot the counterfeit! And so, let’s get to know the Bible!

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It is only by having a very good knowledge of the Bible, that any of us can expect to get through the troublous and confusing days we’re now entering into!

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A genuine 10000 bill – Wikipedia – public domain

THREE DOLLAR BILL – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WHY NOT JUST STUDY FOR YOURSELF?

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And really, why not simply turn off all those fancy and cool-talking evangelists and teachers, and just study for yourself?

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After all, the Bible says… “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, AND YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” 1st John 2;27.

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Yes, God’s Spirit abides in every true worshipper, and will lead each and every child of God into all truth. So why even get mixed up and confused by so many of today’s preachers?

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After all, the Bible foretells… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” 2nd Tim. 4:3.

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Many of us believe that this day has fully arrived in the churches, when by preaching or by example, we’re seeing a very worldly gospel being preached.

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a very good knowledge of your Word, that I may be so well-grounded that I won’t fall into a selfish gospel of man’s making…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1” or you can also read… ““Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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THE DRAGON of REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION . The Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is the very same constellation that comprises the head of Taurus the Bull. In other words, Hyades is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. And Hyades is the mouth of this Dragon.

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The tip of the Dragon’s tail is composed of that star-cluster known as The Pleiades. The Pleiades is actually in the shape of a lion’s furry tassel tip of his tail. The sketch below shows this Pleiades as the tail tip.

 

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Now with aid of a dark starry night, you may begin to connect this mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are very well-defined with stars. The front legs are made partially of Taurus. The back legs and rear fin are made of the Cetus Constellation. But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus. This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail). The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. The are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction” or you can also read… “The Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

“January 18th (Jeremiah & the Smooth Prophets)”

cry-of-prophet-jeremiah-on-the-ruins-of-jerusalem-on-a-bible-subject-1870.jpg!Large

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #17 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain 

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Today’s Devotional – January 16th

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How To Love Your Enemies

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“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you…

Luke 6:27-30

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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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PAUL’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH

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If one reads the book of Acts carefully, it will be discovered that the Apostle, Paul, was on a learning curve, as they say.

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That is, Paul made some dreadful mistakes along the way.

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For instance, in Acts, Chapter 23, when slapped, Paul in a heat of the moment cried out… “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” Acts 23:3. Now of course, Paul should never have cursed any man, but instead, should have left such things in the hands of God.

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But that wasn’t all! For just a little while later, when being opposed by the Jews, he saw an opportunity to divide his enemies (Pharisees & Sadducees). And so he made a very controversial statement, knowing that it would spark a heated debate between the two factions. And it did.

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But as these two groups began arguing with each other, over this question, Paul almost got torn in pieces!

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Fortunately, God rescued Paul.

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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PAUL REACTED IN LOVE & RESPECT

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But it is evident that Paul had finally learned his lesson, when standing before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, in Acts, Ch. 26.

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You see, right in the middle of Paul’s defense of himself, Festus cried out, probably in a mocking manner… “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad!” Acts 26:24

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Now at this point, Paul could have easily responded in anger at Festus’ insult. But he didn’t! Instead, Paul said very gracious words in return to Festus. And as a result of Paul’s soft and respectful answer, the king Agrippa, who was listening to this exchange, said to Paul… “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Acts 26:28.

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You see, if Paul had lost his temper, the king would never have been persuaded (almost). But Paul had passed his test!

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And God had now prepared Paul for his ultimate evangelistic encounter…Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, whom he was going to testify before, in the near future.

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Paul before Agrippa and Festus – Nikolai Bodarevsky – Wikimedia – US public domain

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LIFE THRU THE LOVING EYES OF JESUS

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And this little account of Paul’s spiritual growth is a wonderful lesson for us today!

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In a day when it is so easy to judge, speak critical words to, or simply despise so many flawed people we see on TV, or in the workplace, or even in our own home, we have to remember that we have been chosen to be “ambassadors for Christ”, (2nd Corinthians 5:20.)

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And as such, we have a solemn duty to treat each and every person, be it spouse, or children, or neighbors or strangers, or even politicians with the utmost tender respect, as possible candidates for Heaven. And becoming Christ-like for the hope of the Salvation of souls, should be our great purpose, shouldn’t it?

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But more than this, we need to see all of humanity through the loving eyes of Jesus.

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Yes, even our enemies! God created them, and until we walk in their shoes, we need to keep from judging them.

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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

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It is amazing what a little love and a little respect can do, to patch up a broken relationship.

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And to give a gift in secret to one who has been offended will go a long way in mending a wounded soul!

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Remember our key Bible passage… “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Yes, here is the formula for winning souls to Christ.

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So if a cashier speaks rudely to me, I must try Paul’s tactics, and speak lovingly and respectfully back.

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And I must remember how many times over the years, that I have failed in treating others kindly!

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Anger during a protest – by David Shankbone – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike-License

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UNLOVING SITUATIONS

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So if my spouse is cold and unloving, instead of returning that cold lovelessness, why not go and pray for grace to be warm, forgiving, and deeply respectful to that precious soul created and given by God, my spouse?

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Fraternal Man Husband & Married Wife on swing – love (Prehispanic sculpture from 250–900 A.D., of Huastec origin) – Wikimedia – Public domain

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THE FORSAKEN

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Or what about that overweight person in the mall, or that drunkard begging?

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Are not their souls every bit as precious to Jesus as is my soul? Therefore because they too are dear and precious in the sight of God, they should be dear and precious in our sight as well!

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Oh yes, their manners may be coarse and rude, and even obnoxious! And their appearance may be ravaged by time and circumstances.

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But a little sympathy and understanding on our part will transform our revulsion to them, into sympathetic, Christ-like love for them.

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Drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – Public-Domain

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A WELLSPRING OF LOVE AND FORGIVENESS 

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Now having said all these things, we must remember what Jesus said in John 7:38…“He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

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Yes, the child of God does not need to somehow dredge up love and forgiveness.

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Those virtues will flow continually out of the heart of every true worshiper of God.

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They don’t need to wait for forgiveness for an offender.

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No, the Believer’s loving forgiveness is ever-present, flowing out from within, like rivers of living water! 

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that spirit of love, for each member of the human family. Give me that deep respect for every precious soul whom you have died for, whether in my home or neighborhood, or around the world…

Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Parable of the Sheep & Goats: The Greatest Gift” or you can also read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

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This face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn, as if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below. He is very moral, you see.

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

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TOMORROW:

January 17th (4 Winds of Doctrine Now Blowing!)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE INVITED TO LISTEN TO THIS STUDY #16, PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

 

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Today’s Devotional – January 15th

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THE GOOD SHEPHERD FINDS US

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Does the shepherd find the lost sheep?

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Or do the lost sheep find the shepherd?

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There are many who are confused as to just “who found who?”. Because there are so many passages that urge us to seek the Lord, many mistakenly assume that the sheep find the Shepherd, when just the opposite is true! The Good Shepherd finds us, not we Him!

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Listen…“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” John 15:4, 5

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From this passage we can conclude that it is the shepherd who finds and brings back that one little lost lamb!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Good Shepherd Le bon pasteur James Tissot – Wikpedia – US-public-domain.jpg

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SHEPHERD SEEKS US

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Just listen to this passage about lost souls…“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26

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Notice that the above passage declares that it is God who gives a man repentance.

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Does this above verse give any hope that we can somehow pluck our own selves out of Satan’s web of deceit and sin?

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Do we imagine that we can somehow create in our own heart, the Spirit of repentance?

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No, repentance is the gift of God, as the above passage makes perfectly clear.

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Listen again… “if God peradventure will give them repentance…”

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GOOD SHEPHERD FINDS US

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For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search My sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:11, 12

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No, God is the Good Shepherd who comes searching for His lost sheep in the cloudy and dark day. God is the One who finds us in places of danger and destruction.

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He is the Good Shepherd who takes His rod and staff, and hooks us, pulling us up into the safety of His everlasting arms, and carries us on His shoulders back to the sheepfold.

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Just listen to the next passage… “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit” John 15:16.

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Salvation is the gift of God. “All we like sheep have gone astray”, says the Scriptures. (Isaiah 53:6)

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Aurlandsveien sheep – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License & GNU free license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand that my Salvation is a gift and not something that I discovered. Help me to understand what the Good Shepherd did for me…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion, The Good Shepherd”,or you may also read…FEBRUARY 8 (Free-will? What Free-will? Part 5: Salvation by Good Works)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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This star-chart to the left, from Wikipedia, has Orion The Reaper sketched in by the editor of this website.

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But with the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), the sickle in Orion, the Reaper’s hand (sketch to left), now extends the blade, thus transforming that sickle into the hook of a shepherd’s rod and staff. And so now this little Gemini star becomes the tip of Orion’s Shepherd’s rod & staff. Thus with this additional star, Orion the Reaper Constellation now becomes the 5th personality of Orion: The Good Shepherd (sketch below right). Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either of the stars, Castor or Pollux. But faint as This little star may be, it nevertheless presents a giant concept, turning Orion’s sickle into a shepherd’s rod. And this is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as is written…

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“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12

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And so God has placed this Starry Shepherd in the winter-night heavens to remind us of His great love for a planet which has wandered away: just like sheep that wandered to where the grass looked greener.

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART: Orion the reaper – Wikipedia star-chart (with the Reaper drawn over by this website)

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars – with the Shepherd drawn over by this website) – www.signsofheaven.org

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To explore deeper into this subject, please read…

“Orion, The Good Shepherd”

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TOMORROW…

Today’s Devotional – January 16th (How To Love Your Enemies)

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #15 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Today’s Devotional – January 14th

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FAINTING GOATS & US

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Goats are a biblically clean animal, and yet God sometimes speaks of them in the negative.

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Listen to Jesus…“And before Him (Jesus) shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:32. 33. 46

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So here we see that goats in this scenario are considered fit for “everlasting punishment”, while sheep are destined for, “life eternal”.

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Goat Eating Weeds – Wikimedia – Public Domain

sheep – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

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“Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”

Proverbs 8:33 

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But God has created all nature to not only be interesting, fun, and often beautiful, but also to teach us wisdom…“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?” Job 12:7-9

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Yes, from the tiniest atomic particle, to the great galaxy, and everything in between, all of nature teaches us lessons!

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Worker ant carrying leaf – Wikimedia – Public Domain

ABOVE STAR-CHART (constellations found on Wikipedia and Bible constellations drawn in by this website) – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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FAINTING GOATS

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Now, there is a certain type of goat, often called “The Fainting Goat”, which is the favorite animal on many farms, primarily in the southern states of the USA. This certain breed has a seeming abnormality which causes the goat to stiffen up and fall down whenever startled, frightened, or excited, as if it were dead. But then, after lying stiff with its legs in the air, it soon regains its composure, and stands back upright again.

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Fainting Goat – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

Proverbs 24:10

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Now, besides being a source of laughter and comedy by human spectators, these odd creatures can be the source of a real teaching moment for Christians!

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Listen…“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10

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Yes, this little Fainting Goat is a fitting symbol of those of us in the church-world who lack faith whenever some supposed trial, big or little, comes our way.

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Fainting Goat – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“…they could not enter in (God’s Rest) because of unbelief”

Hebrews 3:19 

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The fact is, there are multitudes in the Church who do just fine when all is going well. But the moment some trial comes their way, they faint away from any faithful biblical response!

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Yes, instead of claiming God’s “exceeding great and precious promises”, they rather just handle that situation exactly like this faithless world reacts to such situations. (see 2nd Peter 1:4)

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Divorce – cropped image – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Ghost Stories August – 1928 – cropped image – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“…and be not faithless, but believing”

John 20:27

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For example, when many faithful church-goers feel they have been mistreated, instead of “turning the other cheek”, they rather react angrily, demanding justice and recompense. (see Matthew 5:39)

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Or they resort to using carnal weapons, instead of claiming the promises of God, such as…“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1st Peter 3:13  

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Hatfield Clan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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Well, there could be multitudes of examples given to illustrate how we Christians react faithlessly when in the trials of life which come our way.

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Fainting Goat – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“Be strong, and of good courage!”

Joshua 1:9

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But the Good News is, this is still the Day of Salvation! And there is just enough time to begin hiding God’s “exceeding great and precious promises” in our hearts, and praying for strength to stand and walk in those promises.

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Listen…“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29 

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The Bible is replete with passages concerning this topic. And with a KJV Bible and a concordance, these passages can be searched out.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“be strong…in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand…in the evil day” Ephesians 6:10, 11, 13

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Because, in the very near future (even this very day), the Time of Trouble is coming which requires us to have those precious promises hidden in our hearts, ready to use, as we walk through “the floods of ungodly men”, and through the “Devouring Fire” before us! (see 2nd Samuel 22:5 & Isaiah 33:14) 

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Just as it is written…“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2
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ABOVE PICTURE: The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net – use by permission only

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THE READER IS INVITED TO WATCH THIS 2 MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT FAINTING GOATS…

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to repent of my backsliding and ease-loving ways before it’s too late! Give me the wisdom that accompanies a new heart: a heart that desires to follow Thee, whithersoever Thou goest. Help me to pray unceasingly for my family.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart” or you can also read… “Revelation 12 Fleeing Woman: “I Say Unto All…Watch!””

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

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“Gavest thou…wings and feathers unto the ostrich?….What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.” Job 39:17, 18

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Here in the above condensed passage is revealed a tremendous Bible prophecy! Here the ostrich (being a symbol of the Church-Apostate) is going to lift up herself and scorn the horse and his rider.

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Well, if we look in the winter-night skies, we might possibly have our eyes opened to see a most incredible constellation group, known as the “Horse and His Rider” Constellation Group.

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And so, this above passage speaks of the time of the end (which we are just now in). And sad to say, there will be many in the Church who will scorn this last message, just as the wisdom-deprived ostrich scorns the Horse and His Rider, who symbolize God’s Church in battle, being ridden by the Spirit of Christ! Such a sad ending for the Church-Apostate, to scorn the Holy Spirit: the same Spirit that they so often exulted in praise, with their lips!

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This constellation group is made up of a number of smaller constellations: the horse’s head, made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation. The Rider is made primarily from the Camelopardalis Constellation.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation” or you can also read… “Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

January 15th . . . . THE GOOD SHEPHERD FINDS US

Brooklyn Museum – The Good Shepherd – James Tissot – Wikpedia – US Public Domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS IS STUDY #14 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain