Today’s Devotional – March 12th (All Scripture? Or Just Some?)

By admin On March 11th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 12th

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All Scripture? Or Just Some?

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A radio program which answered Bible questions, was asked the following question: “Do we need to follow both Testaments, Old and New?”

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One of the pastors answered by saying the following: “Any command or precept in the Old Testament does not need to be obeyed unless it is repeated in the New Testament.”

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Well, this answer was accepted by the caller, and the other co-host did not even challenge the other pastor.

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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ONLY NEW TESTAMENT RELEVANT?

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Now maybe the main talk-show host agreed with that answer given by the other co-host.

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But it was surprising to say the least, if they both felt that way, regarding today’s relevance of the Old Testament!

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This is remarkable, because, in essence, this pastor was saying that we need only obey the New Testament!

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And perhaps, this is how many pastors in today’s apostate Christendom believe.

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license.

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FOUR WINDS OF DOCTRINE NOW BLOWING!

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But there are many others who would strongly object!

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Yes, there are many who believe that we are to trust and obey both Testaments, Old and New!

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Well, in this day of Christian confusion, there are many different doctrines blowing in the wind.

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And such ideas as this are just some of those conflicting doctrines which are adding to all the Babylonish confusion!

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But let’s listen to what the Bible has to say about itself, instead of what mere fallible humans say!

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Question Marks-At a loss svg – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

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NO LONGER UNDER THE SCHOOLMASTER!

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Now of course, this pastor, no doubt, would immediately recite the following passage as proof of his proposed doctrine… “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:24, 25

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OK, so this is probably where that pastor got the idea that the Old Testament does not need to be obeyed. And, if this was all that God had to say on the subject, then yes, this pastor would be correct.

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Because this passage clearly states that we are no longer under the schoolmaster! We are no longer under the Law!

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But the fact is, the Bible does indeed have more to say on this very complicated subject! And we know that the whole Bible is ultimately in harmony with itself!

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And so, those who have a love for the truth will want to read everything that the Bible has to say about itself!

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Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

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ALL SCRIPTURE TO BE OBEYED!

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And so, when a Bible student begins to do his or her homework, it is soon discovered that the Bible has much more to say on the subject!

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This passage from Galatians must harmonize with what Paul says here in 2nd Timothy… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17.

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OK, so here we discover a truth which almost seems to directly oppose what Galatians says! Paul clearly states that all Scripture is profitable, and is to be obeyed. And “all Scripture” would, of course, include the Old Testament!

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So now, a Bible student must decide just how these seemingly conflicting ideas will be harmonized, so as to make biblical sense and scriptural congruity.

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Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

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MANY TYPES & SHADOWS IN OLD TESTAMENT!

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And as the Bible student searches on, this following passage comes to the rescue… “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath [days]: are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16, 17.

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So here it states that all those Old Testament holydays and festivals and Sabbath days were presenting spiritual concepts, pointing forward to our relationship in Christ. They were shadows, pointing forward to the reality of Christ.

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So they were only a shadow, but not the reality.

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Man walking into sun – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikipedia – Share-alike-lic

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***“THE LETTER KILLS,* *BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE”***

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But what about all the other laws? Do we try to obey each one of them too? What about such laws that tell us not to wear a garment made of both wool and cotton? Or laws about temple sacrifices?

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Well, here is another passage which sheds light on our duty… “Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life….But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:6, 18.

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Now here are two verses taken from a somewhat lengthy statement by Paul, concerning how we are to look at the Old Testament.

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**And by reading this entire 3rd chapter from 2nd Corinthians (click here), it is revealed that the New Testament Believer is not to try to keep all these laws by the letter.**

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

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JESUS VEILED WITHIN TYPES & SYMBOLS & SHADOWS

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But those Old Testament ordinances are to give us a greater and greater revelation and insight into the character of Christ, as this above passage from 2nd Corinthians states.

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Yes, this is what the Bible, the whole Bible is all about! The Bible helps us gain a greater understanding of just who God is, and just who is Jesus Christ!

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And so, each of those Old Testament laws and even the various fixtures of the Temple itself, were all spiritual symbols, pointing to the various aspects of the many different qualities of Jesus Christ.

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

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THE BIBLE: A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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And as the Bible student grows in grace, and in the knowledge of God’s Word, this next passage begins to make sense… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Cor. 2:13-15

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So now, as we begin to study deeper, we realize that God’s Word is filled with spiritual concepts, presented and cloaked in earthly object lessons. And as we compare spiritual things with spiritual in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit teaches us the hidden meanings of these seemingly insignificant laws of the Old Testament.

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And Paul revealed a great mystery, when speaking of Sarah and Hagar, as an allegorical account, as representing the two covenants in the Bible (see Galatians 4:21-31).

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Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia US public domain

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A NEED TO COMPARE ALL SCRIPTURE!

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So just what was the problem with what that radio pastor was saying about the Old Testament?

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**Why shouldn’t he have made such a statement that, “We need only obey the New Testament”?**

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Because his doctrine was not based on everything that the Bible has to say about itself! His doctrine was based only on some Bible passages! He ignored other passages which should never be ignored!

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And thus, by this little exercise, concerning searching the whole Bible, and discovering that the doctrine taught by that radio pastor was faulty, to say the least, it now becomes clear that there is no Scripture which stands alone! Everything must be compared, so that truth is found by “rightly dividing” God’s Word.

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magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

2nd Timothy 3:16, 17

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Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – creative commons lic.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me great wisdom in understanding Thy Word. Let me study for my own self, so that I am not deceived by the many false shepherds out there. Let me become greatly knowledgeable of Thy Word…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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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“MOON SHALL BE ASHAMED”

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“Then the moon shall be confounded (or “ashamed”), and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

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But having said all this, why would God speak about the Moon as if it were a person? And why does He say that the Moon will be confounded? How can an inanimate object be confounded (i.e., “perplexed”, “confused”, “amazed”). And why does God refer to the Moon as “her” (“the moon shall not give HER light.” Ezekiel32:7)? Such odd language! But as you read this Moon Into Blood Trilogy, these questions will be answered, plus many more questions, as well.

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Tilt you head to the left

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Do you see a man’s face?

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It’s that proverbial “Man in the Moon”. We’ve always taken it for granted. But now we’re learning that God is responsible for creating this Nocturnal Watchman. You see, God has etched Signs in the Moon, long ago. A story? Yes. And just now He is revealing those Signs. Just now He is telling that story. Listen to what Scripture says…

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God promised that His covenant with David (who represented Christ) “shall be established for ever as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalm 89

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Moon – Blue moon of 31.08.2012 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

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TOMORROW: “March 13th

(Planet Earth: Devil’s Island!)”

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – 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 STUDY #71 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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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

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Today’s Devotional – March 11th (Just Two Wings of the Same Bird!)

By admin On March 11th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 11th

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Just Two Wings of the Same Bird!

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“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

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for out of it are the issues of life.

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Put away from thee a froward mouth,

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and perverse lips put far from thee…

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Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:

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remove thy foot from evil.”

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Proverbs 4:23-27 (condensed for brevity)

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Black-headed Gull – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

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The Apostle Paul, at the last of his ministry, was almost pulled apart into two pieces, by two groups of Israelites: the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

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Yes, Paul knew these two groups could be divided by merely making a controversial statement, which Paul knew was an issue of contention between these two groups. And as soon as he made this statement, a violent dispute followed, in which he was almost killed.

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You see, in the time of Jesus and Paul, there were two major factions in Israel: The Sadducees and the Pharisees.

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

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

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THE PHARISEES!

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The Pharisees were religious zealots, believing very much in the validity of the Scriptures.

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But these Pharisees were full of pride! They looked at their “obedience” as their own self-righteousness. They looked down their noses at others.

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In other words, these Pharisees had a religion of morality, pride, and judging, and all this was merely part of their hypocrisy.

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You could say that the Pharisees were “Fair, I see”.

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Tissot – the Pharisees and the Herodians conspire against Jesus – www.joyfulheart.com

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THE SADDUCEES!

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Now the Sadducees were somewhat the opposite from the Pharisees, in that they were the agnostics of that day.

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That is, the Sadducees didn’t trust the Scriptures, nor did they have much faith in God. They merely looked at God as some far-away Being out there in space, simply allowing this world to continue on.

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And because of this lack of faith, these Sadducees did not believe in miracles, nor in the existence of Heaven, nor of everlasting life!

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Sadducee was their name, and their faithless unbelief made them very, “sad, you see!”

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Jesus Speaking to Sadducees & Pharisees by James Tissot www.catholic-resources.org US public domain

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SIMILAR SITUATION TODAY!

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Now isn’t it interesting that today, we have two major political persuasions in the world: the “Conservatives” and the “Liberals/Progressives”?

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And isn’t it also extremely interesting that these two groups seem to somewhat parallel those two groups during Jesus’ time on earth: the Pharisees and Sadducees?

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Yes, there is a striking resemblance!

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Obama Health Care Speech to Joint Session of Congress – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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CONSERVATIVE PRIDE!

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You see, the Conservatives today believe very much in law and order, and even give credence to God and the Bible, to a certain extent!

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And if you have listened to the various Conservative talk shows, you have probably noticed the proud talk and the finger-pointing which is usually present.

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This is what Phariseeism is all about!

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Tea Party Wisconsin 2011 – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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LIBERAL UNBELIEF!

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And on the other hand, it is likewise noticeable that the Liberal/Progressives lean on the side of unbelief, just as did the Sadducees of old.

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Yes, the Liberal-Progressives tend to attract many atheists. And they believe, pretty much, in natural order, and cause-and-effect. Everything that happens is merely the result of natural occurrences and events. They generally do not believe in miracles.

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**And they have adopted the “Imagine there’s no Heaven…”, philosophy, to a great extent!**

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

V for Merdeka flash mob protest on New Year’s Eve – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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Similar comparisons could be made between these two respective groups: the Conservative/Pharisees, and the Liberal/Sadducee parallels. And truth-be-told, we all have aspects of both these two spirits within our natural heart!

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But for the sake of brevity, this devotional must move on…

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“A FORM OF GODLINESS”

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The big point to be made here is concerning Christians who wish to spend time following either of these modern-day counterparts.

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And the first Bible passage which must be considered is found in 2nd Timothy… *“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For m**en shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters…Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:1, 2, 5.*

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While it is true that each of these groups do indeed have their own form of godliness, neither group really has a saving trust in God. Oh yes, they may wave the Christian flag. But their pride and finger-pointing is a clear warning that they are not truly born-again.

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And even if both of these political groups might each support many moral causes, this is merely “a form of godliness” and true-worshippers are commanded to, “from such, turn away”.

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Amish On the way to school – by Gadjoboy2 – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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REDEEMING THE TIME!

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For those of us who have spent much time following one of these two groups, listening to their talk-shows, we can attest to just how much precious time is wasted by listening to them, hour after-hour, day-after-day, month-after-month!

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The Bible warns against such gross wasting of time!

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Listen… “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16.

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And the Christian needs to keep from being led down various rabbit-trails. We have a great commission to be fully engaged in the purification of our hearts. This is a full-time job! We have not a moment to lose in these perilous hours in which we are now living! And so, the Christian must keep a vigilant watchfulness, that they not be led down such rabbit trails as today’s politics seems to be!

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

Soldiers of the Cross Armor Up!! The time is at hand!!

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EVIL ASSOCIATIONS CORRUPT THE HEART!

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Now just one more thing! Just like the Sadducees and Pharisees of old, so too, these two modern-day political groups are at war with each other!

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No, not a physical war. But they are fully engaged in a war of hatred for each other. And so, 24/7/365, one can hear the verbal assaults between these two groups, exactly like the verbal assaults between the Pharisees and Sadducees in Jesus’ day!

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And as the Bible warns, “evil communications, corrupts good manners” 1st Corinthians 15:33. Yes, those of us who have ignored this counsel, and have associated with one of these two groups, have probably found ourselves becoming bitter and even hateful, as a result of our long hours listening to such vitriolic venom!

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

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

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Yes, these two groups may be two different wings: the left wing and the right wing.

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But they are indeed, two wings of the same bird!

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Black-headed Gull – CROPPED IMAGE – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to redeem the time. Help me to understand just what hour we are now living in. And help me to spend my time hiding Thy Word in my heart, that I might walk by the light of Thy Word, during the perilous times ahead…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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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“Multitudes, multitudes in the ‘Valley of Decision’…

for the day of the Lord is near in the ‘Valley of Decision’.”

Joel 3:14

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AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

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As we all know, life is made up of one decision after another. Some are of little consequence. Others are more important. And then there are those times which require life-changing decisions.

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The Bible speaks of the Valley of Decision…“Multitudes, multitudes in the ‘Valley of Decision’…for the day of the Lord is near in the ‘Valley of Decision’.” Joel 3:14. Of course, this valley is a spiritual concept and not a literal place.

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**But God has inscribed this very truth in the heavens. It is called “The Valley of Decision” Constellation. It speaks of that valley that each person must walk through.**

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VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

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staples

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Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing. In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left. In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward. It resembles a pyramid. Then find the next pyramid to its right (south). Then go a little further south to the next third pyramid. The third snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation. These three pyramids are the snow-capped portion of these three mountains in this sketch. (of course, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

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“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:1, 2

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Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations

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THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP. They appear in mid-summer in the eastern skies in pre-dawn hours. These are made of Cassiopeia (mount on left), and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell). The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.

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The above Wikipedia star-chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears from June to fall, just prior to the winter constellation group. Actually, this Valley of Decision Constellations appear in early summer in the pre-dawn hours. (Editor of this website has sketched in this constellation group onto this above Wikipedia star-chart.)

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – Wikipedia Star-Chart with constellation drawn in by this website – Not for commercial profit use!

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TOMORROW

“March 12th (All Scripture? Or Just Some?)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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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 STUDY #70 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 – March 10th (Pilgrim’s Progress: “Vain-Confidence”)

By admin On March 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 10th

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Pilgrim’s Progress: “Vain-Confidence”

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“He that saith unto the wicked,

Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse,

nations shall abhor him:

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,

and a good blessing shall come upon them.”

Proverbs 24:24, 25.

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**In John Bunyan’s remarkable allegorical tale, Pilgrim’s Progress, there was a character called “Vain-Confidence”.**

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And this most unfortunate fellow was true to his name!

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You see, this Vain-Confidence did not enter into the pilgrim’s journey through that infamous Wicket Gate!

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And as a result, his experiences were nothing like the pilgrim’s (Christian’s) experiences!

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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MANY VAIN CONFIDENCES TODAY!

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No, Vain-Confidence did not experience the things which the true worshipper of God experiences.

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And yet this self-deceived one maintained a vain confidence that he was on the road to the Celestial City, just like the pilgrim!

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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MANY VAIN-CONFIDENCES TODAY!

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And the fact is, this false-hoped religious figure is still around today!

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Yes, there are many such self-deceived ones today!

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Hands – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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VAIN-CONFIDENCE TEACHERS

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Those who have spent much time with Christian television and radio ministries can probably confirm a certain common technique often used by the various teachers and evangelists, when addressing their audience.

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This common practice is very insidious and very evil!

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Yes, this very deceptive practice, is that of addressing the parishioners in the pews as though they are all God’s sheep, thus giving them a vain confidence.

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Have you witnessed this extremely deceptive and presumptuous practice?

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The Pastor, or teacher or evangelist will go on and on, giving practical tips and helpful hints into victorious Christian living, as though his parishioners are all born-again Believers!

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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DECEIVING EVEN THE ELECT

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And in this day of great apostasy within the churches, there are probably very few, if any who are truly God’s sheep in any one particular local congregation.

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And so, the featured Bible passage for today’s devotional is very pertinent: “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.” Proverbs 24:24, 25.

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This passage reminds us of these modern-day preachers being discussed today, who never ever should lead anyone to believe that they are saved, when they are not!

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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MANY ARE AT EASE IN ZION

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And there are many who, “are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).

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Yes, in this land of plenty, the Devil makes sure to suffocate as many unwary pilgrims with all the worldly pleasures and treasures and earthly pursuits that he possibly can!

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The Devil fills our lives with all sorts of little selfish pleasures and diversions and excessiveness: all which eat away our time, energy and money, and rob us of any spirituality.

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Our daily lives are consumed by the cares and pleasures and over-commitments of this selfish world. (Yet deep down, we somehow intuitively know that we are still prisoners to our many selfishnesses and desires.)

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THEY ENTERED NOT THRU THE WICKET GATE!

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“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.” John 10:1, 2

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**This above passage speaks of those self-deceived ones whom Bunyan was referring to in his character, Vain-Confidence.**

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And just like Vain-Confidence, these modern-day Vain-Confidences also did not enter in by the Wicket Gate. They got in some other way. Perhaps they came in by some popular evangelist or prophecy seminar with colorful time-charts, or by some exciting musical extravaganza!

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And while these exciting inducements drew them in, they nevertheless, did not enter in through the Narrow Gate, but instead, through The Broad Gate!

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But soon after the glow wears off from their newly-found religion, they still continue on in church, merely going through the motions of being a Christian. And today’s churches usually supply enough worldly music and activities, etc., to keep these spiritually-desolate “make-believers” entertained.

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Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate-Wikipedia-Public Domain

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HIS FATEFUL END

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But back to the story of Vain-Confidence.

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At the end of their pilgrimage, the two pilgrims, Christian and Hopeful, crossed through that River of Death, finally entering into the wonderful and glorious Promised Land!

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And soon after, poor Vain-Confidence came along too, riding on a hired ferry-boat! But when standing before the entrance into the City, it was discovered that this Vain-Confidence had not the proper certification papers!

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And so, poor Vain-Confidence was cast out through a door, which took him from the Celestial City directly down, down, down, to Hell!

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**And such will be the fate of all the Vain-Confidences which sadly and tragically are so prevalent in the Church today, going forward in their self-deception! (see Matthew 7:21-23)**

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The Pilgrim’s Progress by Byam Shaw – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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THE TRUE PILGRIM

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But like Hopeful and Christian, there are true pilgrims sprinkled here and there, in today’s church-world.

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**Yes, and every true pilgrim who has the hope of meeting Christ at His Coming, is actively engaging in the purification process (see 1st John 3:3).**

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He is seeking to separate his or her own self from as much ungodly associations as possible.

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He is giving as much as he can of his self and of his finances, for the sake of the Gospel.

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**He is seriously striving to walk, “even as Jesus walked”, and deeply grieved when overtaken by some sin.**

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**He sees himself as a stranger and pilgrim, sojourning through this dark and hopeless world.**

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The Word of God is his delight and is his counselor.

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The Psalms are as cool water to his thirsty soul, speaking of the same trials and joys that he is experiencing!

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He loves to get alone with God in the sweet hours of prayer.

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He shuns all outward display and strives for the simplicity which Jesus displayed.

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He loves to talk with other Believers about Jesus, and about Christ’s many wonderful qualities.

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He rejoices to make sacrifices, so that he can more closely imitate His self-sacrificing Lord.

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He patiently endures the chastening of the Lord, crying out for deliverance, but also for wisdom, so as to learn from these oft unpleasant trials.

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And he loves to share his victories and even his many trials with other Believers, who are likewise experiencing the same things in the world.

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And he longs for the day when he will open his eyes on Resurrection Morning, only to see the smiling face of His Lord, and hear the words… “enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23

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Yes, these are just some of the qualities which the true worshipper of God will have in his or her life.

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And Mr. Bunyan has given us this dramatic comparison between the true pilgrims, and that Vain-Confidence fellow.

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Henry Altemus, 1890, p. 47 – Wikimedia – public domain

Pilgrims Progress – His Burden Fell Off His Back – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

Sunrise from Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge, Somerset – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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To read part 2, click here…

“FEBRUARY 22 (Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain Confidence, Part 2: Eternal Insecurity!)”

Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me often test myself, and see if there is any selfish way in me. Turn me from all presumptuous and vain confidence…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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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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“It (God’s Covenant) shall be established…

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***for ever* *as the Moon…***

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and as a faithful witness

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***in heaven.* *Selah.”***

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Psalm 89:37.

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Moon – Blue moon of 31.08.2012 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

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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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***TOMORROW:* *March 11th***

(Just Two Wings of the Same Bird!)”

Black-headed Gull – St_James Park London GNU Free Doc. License

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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 STUDY #69 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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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – March 9th (“Free-will? What Free-will!?”)

By admin On March 8th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 9th

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Free-will? What Free-will!?

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**The term, “free-will” is often heard bandied-about in Christian circles.**

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**No, not those “free-will offerings” spoken of in the Old Testament. Those offerings concerned the chosen people of God.**

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**No, but rather, the “free-will” which is so often spoken of today, concerns the human race, and their innate ability to choose Salvation, or not choose Salvation.**

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Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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WHAT FREE-WILL!?

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And so, to this currently popular doctrine comes the response, “free-will? What free-will!?”

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And today will be a quick glance into just what the Bible says about this subject.

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But truth is not defined by human reason.

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No! Truth is defined by divine wisdom, as revealed in the Scriptures.

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Beware of dogma – Wikimedia – public-domain

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SATAN: “THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD”

John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11

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The very first place which must be examined is what happened in the Garden of Eden, when Mankind chose to rebel against God’s divine authority.

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Just what happened?

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Well, as we all know, Satan was given rule over Mankind.

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Oh yes, God was still the ultimate supreme authority.

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But Satan became known as, “the god of this world”. (2nd Corinthians 4:4).

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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MANKIND SPIRITUALLY BLIND

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**The second point to be made is this: as “the god of this world”, just what power does Satan have over the minds of men?**

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Listen to this… “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom ‘the god of this world’ hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4.

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**Now this verse says that Mankind has been spiritually blinded by “the god of this world”, so that they are unable to see the light of glorious Gospel of Christ.**

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Atheist sign – Wisconsin State – cropped photo – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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NOT JUST BLIND, BUT DEAF TOO!

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But that’s not the only place which speaks of Man’s inability to respond to the Gospel. Listen to this… “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.” Romans 11:7, 8.

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So here is presented the spiritual condition of false brethren amongst God’s people: spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness.

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Therefore, they cannot respond to the Gospel, because they are blind and deaf, spiritually speaking!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James_Tissot – US public domain – Wikimedia

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DO YOU NEED MORE PROOF?

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Now does this take care of this notion that Mankind has free-will?

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Well, if it doesn’t, there is more proof!

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Okay, so let’s further explore this notion about free-will.

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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“FREE-WILL” NOT FOUND IN BIBLE!

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**Thirdly, besides the “free-will offerings” connected with the Temple Service in the Old Testament, the term “free will” is never used in the Bible concerning lost humanity.**

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“Free-will” is only used concerning Israelites in God’s Realm: God’s Elect.

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**So even the very name, “free-will” is a non-biblical term, except concerning God’s Elect. Yes, God’s Elect have free-will.**

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But it never, never says the word, “free-will” concerning lost humanity: never is “free-will” used in connection with those who are lost in the world and those who are still lost in the Church!

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Jesus plainly told those false brethren… “Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My word. Ye are of your father the Devil.” John 8:43, 44

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magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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SO, WHERE’S THE FREE-WILL?

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So now, does this quell this notion of lost humanity having free-will?

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**Remember, God in the Bible, never says those words, “free-will”, when speaking of lost Mankind.**

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And this is why God warns us not to add to His Word.

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Such false doctrines as this gain impetus when theologians begin inventing names which God does not name!

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Book red; question marks svg – Wikimedia – public domain

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HUMANITY SPIRITUALLY DEAD

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Okay, so what else does God say concerning humanity?

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Listen… “And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:1, 2.

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Not only does this passage call Mankind, “dead in trespasses and sins”, but also says concerning the lost, that they now have, “the prince of the power of the air, that spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”.

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**Now the condemnation grows much worse! Now God calls lost humanity, spiritually “dead”.**

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But He also says they now have the spirit of “the prince of the power of the air” working within them! (2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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THIS WORLD: SATAN’S PRISON-HOUSE

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Now listen again to what God says here in 2nd Timothy… “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 2:24-26

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So, just at the time when we thought that humanity’s condition couldn’t be any worse, this above passage indicates that humanity has been taken captive by the Devil!

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**Yes, this world was established by God to become a sort of “island prison”. Kind-of like a “Devil’s Island”, in which this fallen rebel angel rules over lost mankind.**

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Pilgrim’s Progress 15 p45_- There Sat A Man In An Iron Cage – Wikipedia – public domain

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MANKIND’S HOPELESS CONDITION!

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Thus, it is apparent from the above Bible passages, that Mankind is in a hopelessly lost condition. They are unable to repent.

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Therefore, not only are we prisoners of the Devil’s Island prison-house of sin, but as all the above passages in this article conclude, Mankind is deaf, blind, and yes, even dead, spiritually speaking!

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And so, the question remains: “How in the world can we possibly imagine that lost Mankind has free-will?”

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How can a spiritually dead person respond to the Gospel call?

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How can a spiritually blind person see his or her way to walk that upward pathway to eternal life?

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How can a spiritually deaf person hear the words, “Come follow Me”?

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How can a prisoner of sin and Satan subject his or her own self to God’s Word?

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The fact is, Mankind is hopelessly lost and incapable of choosing eternal life!

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The only hope for Mankind is that God will open their blind eyes, loosen them from their prison and from their shackles, open their deaf ears, quicken their dead souls, nullify Satan’s antichrist indwelling spirit within them, and give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

FEBRUARY 8 (Free-will? What Free-will? Part 2: Little Jack Horner Christianity)“

Little Jack Horner – WW Denslow – Project Gutenberg

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord Give me greater understanding into Thy Word. Let me not be prejudiced by the prevailing theories of the day. But let me be like those noble Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily with an open mind…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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 THREE GREAT SINS

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When Jesus was tempted by the Devil, there were just three temptations. When Eve considered eating the forbidden fruit in the garden, there were just three considerations, presented by the serpent. When John wrote his first epistle, he enumerated three basic sins of the world. And John summed it up so nicely:

1. The lust of the flesh.

2. The lust of the eyes.

3. The pride of life.

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These were the three basic sins which John laid out, that Satan tempted Jesus with, and also reasoned over by Eve, in her own mind.

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The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are the three basics sins of Mankind, according to Scripture. And God has miraculously inscribed these sins in the Moon’s face. Oh yes, this sounds too incredible to be true. But it is very true. And this article will finish the Moon Into Blood Trilogy, with this 4th article, which is a surprise ending, to a very intricate and stunning message. So come along, and open your mind and your Bible, and try to have the faith of a little child, required for Signs Of Heaven (“And (Jesus) said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3). You will not be disappointed, once you truly witness these signs in the heavens.

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Eve – Tizian – Wikipedia-public domain

Christ battles satan – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

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THE SWINE: “LUST OF THE FLESH”

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“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1st John 2:16

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This article will introduce this third beast-like face, inscribed in the Moon: a swine. And it will be shown that the three beast-like faces represent the concept taught in the above verse concerning “the lust of the flesh…the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.

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It has become apparent that the second face in the Moon, besides appearing as a wolf-like beast, also appears as a Swine. Let’s explore this concept, for a moment. First of all, when a person sees the second face up in the sky, it’s arguable whether or not it looks like a swine. But it must be conceded that the photos do indeed make it appear as if this character has a “sawed-off” snout like a swine. And of course, a swine is spoken of quite frequently in Scripture.

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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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***TOMORROW:* *March 10th***

(Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain-Confidence)

Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY (#68) THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS IS STUDY #68

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – March 8th (This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine)

By admin On March 7th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 8th

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This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine.

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Perhaps, arguably, the greatest book ever written by a mere human is Pilgrim’s Progress.

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**But no doubt, Mr. John Bunyan had a lot of help from a certain “ghost-writer”: the Holy Ghost, that is!**

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And while it is not a word-for-word inspiration from God, it nevertheless reveals many hidden truths and allegories from the Bible.

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Pilgrims Progress title page – third edition 1679 – Wikimedia Commons – public-domain

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“I LAID ME DOWN TO SLEEP…”

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This allegorical tale opens with the author having a dream… “As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep: and as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed; and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled….”

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Well, to make a long story short, this allegorical dream presents the Christian sojourn in a wonderful, exciting, adventurous tale of a pilgrim, named “Graceless”. But after he began his pilgrim’s journey, a new name was given him, “Christian”.

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And this dream continues with this pilgrim traveling through the countryside, encountering many different adventures, some bad, and some good.

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And ultimately, this pilgrim was seeking to finally reach the Celestial City.

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I Saw A Man Clothed With Rags – Pilgrims Progress – Wikimedia – public domain

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EARTHLY DREAMS…

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**Now this wonderful and very original introduction (original, back in its day), makes a great backdrop for the dreams which we have.**

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No, not the dreams we have in the night!

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But as we all know, there are those many dreams which people have about their future: dreams about ambitious goals; dreams about retirement; dreams about a future vacation; dreams about marriage, and having a family; dreams about buying that special new car, or that “dream house”; and dreams about being someone great, someone enviable, someone who accomplishes some notable feat, in the realm of music, or art, or sports, or business, or any one of the many areas of life in this world.

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Yes, even Lucifer once had a dream of being a great leader!

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And so, as the saying goes, “Careful what you wish for!”

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VANITY FAIR DREAM MACHINE

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Yes, Lucifer had a very big and ambitious dream!

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And he achieved his goal. He did become a great leader!

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And now he has his very own planet, in which he is called, “the god of this world”. And as such, this “god of this world” has created a society like no other society throughout history. (2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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Yes, through the increase of knowledge, Mankind, under his direction, has created a world of dreams, like nothing ever before conceived!

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Today, through the materials which the earth yields, Mankind has manufactured countless goods and inventions, creating a world economy which affords opportunities to enjoy so many different sports, careers, far-away places, pleasures, pursuits, beyond anything that former generations could enjoy or even dream of!

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New york times square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THE PIED-PIPER FROM HELL

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And of course, the television, radio, and other media are the advertisers of this super-society, which he has created.

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And behind the scenes, the “prince of this world” has transformed himself into the Master Dream-maker! (John 12:31, etc.)

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Yes, today’s media, both printed, and electronic, have become the modern-day Pied Pipers of Hamlin, leading more and more cultures throughout the world, down that infamous primrose pathway to their ultimate eternal destruction. That’s right, Satan has created this Vanity Fair World to be as seductive as he can possibly make it!

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Now for the people of the world, all these new Pied Piper Dreams are perhaps, just fine! Yes, for those who choose to reject the grace of God, and turn away from His gift of everlasting life, such earthly dreams which emanate from this Vanity Fair World are all that they will ever know! This world is their home! This planet is their paradise.

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And this earth will be their final and eternal resting place!

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So, it would seem logical that they should enjoy their remaining few decades as much as they can, before they return to dust!

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STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS

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But for those who have responded to the Gospel call from God, this world is no longer our home.

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We now have become strangers and pilgrims in this dark rebellious world. We have begun our Heavenward pilgrimage. We are now living the Pilgrim’s Dream, which Bunyan wrote about, in his most classic of all classic tales!

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As Jesus put it, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

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Yes, all those who have become pilgrims on their upward journey to the Celestial City must travel light, if they expect to make it.

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And Jesus says to “forsake all!” (See Luke 5:11 & Luke 14:33)

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Pilgrims Progress – His Burden Fell Off His Back – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SATAN’S TRAP FOR NAIVE CHRISTIANS

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But alas, the evil prince of this Vanity Fair World is a very jealous prince.

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He cannot tolerate losing even one of his loyal citizens! And so, in these last centuries, he has worked tirelessly, day & night, to create this great Dream-Machine, in hopes of diverting unwary pilgrims from their Heavenward Pilgrimage.

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Yes, it is Satan’s grand scheme, to create so many allurements, in hopes of leading astray as many unwary sheep back from God’s sheepfold as he possibly can!

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And the fact is, many of God’s sheep have been deceived by all those “good things” which ensnare men’s souls.

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sheep – Lambs to the slaughter – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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PURSUING “INNOCENT” PLEASURES

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Yes, this wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing has snatched away many naïve sheep, from God’s sheepfold!

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And there are many in the church who are in full pursuit of the so-called “innocent” pleasures and pursuits of this world, instead of forsaking all, to follow Jesus on that upward Pathway.

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Mall_Market culture – Jakarta75 – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic..jpg

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TAILOR-MADE DREAM

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And this Vanity Fair Dream-Machine keeps churning out dreams to sell to anyone willing to buy.

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And this Pied Piper False Prophet has a dream just tailor-made for each and every one of us!

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And just what is my dream?

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Maybe a retirement in some tropical paradise?

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Maybe a life as a Christian pop musician?

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Or how about some dream career in some glamorous and renowned city?

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Or maybe a life of amusements and hobbies?

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Or maybe to become some beloved and revered professor, strolling through some ivy-covered campus?

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Or what about a life of wanderlust, and globetrotting?

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Or maybe just raising a family in some little quaint cottage in a green meadow?

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And so, there is seemingly no end to the dreams which this golden image-maker keeps churning out, on a 24/7/365 basis! And all those who are born into this Vanity Fair world, soon become subject to this False Prophet’s indoctrination.

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**Yes, even those Christians who have successfully resisted these lying wonders, are in great danger of losing our children to this Pied Piper from Hell, i.e., the False Prophet.**

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Surfer Girl – Wikimedia – public domain

Woman in Mediterranian – wikipaintings – US public domain

John Constable The Hay Wain Cottage – Wikipedia – US public domain

Hong Kong Skyline Restitch – Photo by DAVID ILIFF – License CC-BY-SA 3.0

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“A DREAM COMETH!”

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The Preacher said… “For a dream cometh through the multitude of busy-ness…” Ecclesiastes 5:3.

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And all those who needlessly immerse themselves in the busy-busy Vanity Fair world, will soon discover that a dream awaits them.

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Yes, those Christians who foolishly run headlong after the Mammon of this world will soon find themselves a great distance off from God’s sheepfold, and well into Satan’s territory.

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Shoppers in Toronto – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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“I SAY TO ALL: WATCH!”

Mark 13:37

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But those who refuse to breathe-in the narcotic-like mist rising from this enchanted-ground world, will heed God’s warning: His warning to…

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“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life….Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23, 25-27.

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Yes, this exhortation to guard our heart with all diligence, should be earnestly heeded by each and every Christian!

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS – ARMOR UP! – THE TIME IS AT HAND!

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

January 2 (This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine! Part 2: It’s A Themepark World!)

Glow Garden Theme park – Dubai – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be taken by the deceitfulness of this Vanity Fair world. Let me not go after the foolish dreams which this Vanity Fair Dream-Weaver creates to ensnare unwary pilgrims on their Heavenward sojourn…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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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***TOMORROW:* *” March 9th***

(“Free-will? What free-will!?”)”

Charles Finney – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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 STUDY #67 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – March 7th (Finding Perfect Peace, Pt. 2, “Precious Promises”)

By admin On March 7th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 7th

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Finding Perfect Peace

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Pt. 2,

“Precious Promises”

To read Part 1, click here… March 6th (How To Find Perfect Peace!)

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“Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be

partakers of the divine nature,

***having escaped the* *corruption***

that is in the world through lust.”

2nd Peter 1:4

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**So here we have this above admonition from Peter, to have ready the “exceeding great and precious promises”, which by these we may be partakers of the Divine nature.**

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Peter – Wikimedia – public domain

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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When a person begins the Christian sojourn, that person soon becomes aware of areas in life which are less than Christ-like.

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And since every true Christian has been given the desire to become Christ-like, there is an unrest which develops…

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“How can I become Christ-like?

“How can I overcome this sin?

“How can I have that ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’?”

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And so, the Christian begins searching for the solution to his or her sin-problem. The Christian knows that as long as sin has the mastery, there will be no deep, abiding peace in life.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY BEGINS

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And it isn’t long before the Christian finds certain Bible passages which speak to his or her particular sin.

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**Usually, it is some verse, such as this one… “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee,” Psalm 119:11.**

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And so, the Christian begins to realize that God’s Word has power to help the Christian overcome sin.

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And thus begins the upward journey in which the Believer must walk, to become in harmony with the Lord.

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Quite often God gives a Believer some sort of, “mountain to conquer”, in hopes that he or she will seek with all their heart to climb and conquer that mountain.

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FAITH THAT GOD WON’T GIVE UP ON ME

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Here is another verse which the Christian soon finds very helpful…

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“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.

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So, the Christian begins to realize that God, The Purifier of Hearts, is closely working within every Christian to help them overcome those peace-robbing sins which plague us.

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And it is not long until the Christian finds the following verse… “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6.

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And so, these verses begin to give the Christian comfort and confidence that God is not just going to abandon the trembling child of God. He is going to keep working with each of His children.

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And it is such verses that begin to give the Christian a deeper abiding relationship with the Lord.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BIBLE STORIES GIVE US CONFIDENCE

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And the various stories in the Gospels and also in the Old Testament are designed to show us how God works in the lives of men.

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These stories, more and more, help us to recognize God’s workings in the lives of men, and even among the nations.

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Just like the story of Daniel, for instance.

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God faithfully delivered Daniel, because Daniel was faithful to God.

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Stories such as this, are given to us to strengthen our trust in God’s protection for us in times of need.

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G. Dore – Daniel In The Den Of Lions – www.creationism.org – public domain

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PROPHECIES GIVE CONFIDENCE ABOUT FUTURE

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“I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:” Isaiah 46:9, 10

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As the Christian begins to study Bible prophecy, it becomes evident that God is knowledgeable of future events.

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This too becomes a great help.

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Such passages as the one above from Isaiah, help us realize that the events of history are all working together in God’s plan, and eternal mission. And just to know that God is ultimately in charge of history causes our confidence in Him to grow and grow.

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Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Victor Vasnetsov – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOD’S WILL IS NOW BEING ACCOMPLISHED IN EARTH

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Just listen to this passage… “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto him, What doest Thou?” Daniel 4:35.

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**Such verses as this establish that God is in control of this out-of-control world, and gives the child of God confidence in God’s authority, even over this rebellious planet.**

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped image – Wikimedia

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TRUST THAT GOD WILL BE OUR MEMORY

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And when the Christian finds this verse… “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26, the Christian realizes that he or she does not have to depend on their own faulty human memory, because God promises to bring all things back to the Christian’s memory, in every time of need.

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Our task is to just fight, to keep our minds fixed upon God’s Word through our busy day.

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GOD DIRECTS MAN’S FOOTSTEPS

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For instance, this passage….“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23.

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Now this passage tells that Man is not so much in control of his life as he would like to think. But if Man does not control his own steps, then who does?

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Listen… “A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

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Here is another verse which greatly helps Christians to see that God is even in control over individuals.

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Though a man’s rebellious heart may go after his lusts, yet God ultimately leads that sinner’s steps in such a way, that God’s ultimate plan and purposes shall be accomplished.

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Man walking into sun – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – Share-alike-Lic.

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SATAN: THE TIME THIEF!

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There is a popular song which goes… “How can you stand on God’s promises if you don’t know what they are?”

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This would be a funny song if it weren’t so true! Satan has kept us so busy that we have greatly neglected our daily Bible study, except for maybe a 15 minute rush-job in the morning.

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And even for those who do engage in Bible study, Satan endeavors to engross our minds, so that we don’t meditate day and night upon those Bible verses which we actually do study.

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After all, Satan doesn’t care what we think about, just as long as we don’t think about our morning Bible study.

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Multitask – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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NO HEAVENLY GOOD!

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There is a popular saying… “He’s so heavenly minded, he’s no earthly good!”

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But for every “Christian” who fits that description, there are 99 others who are better described as follows… “He’s so EARTHLY MINDED, he’s no HEAVENLY good!”

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**Yes, Satan really has us Christians running right along-side the people of the world, running neck-in-neck in the old “daily rat-race”, doesn’t he?**

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**We’re going after all the, “good things in life”, just like everybody else, aren’t we?**
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Shoppers in Toronto – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS: ARMOR UP!

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In order to get through the trial before us, we need to keep hiding God’s promises in our heart, while there’s still time.

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We need to cancel every unnecessary activity so that we can spend much time reading and thinking upon God’s Word and day and night. This should the most critical part of our daily duties!

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Our job is to read and think on these things.

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God’s job is to bring them back to our memory, during the trial before us.

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There are so many more things to learn about God’s providence in our lives.

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And with each new revelation of God’s omnipotence, our trust will grow stronger, and our rest will grow deeper.

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“Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be

partakers of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust.”

2nd Peter 1:4

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

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

April 13 (Perfect Peace, PART 3: Alternative To Television)

TV highquality wikipedia creative commons license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Slow me down, so that I take time each day to hide Thy precious promises in my heart. I know that I don’t have the memory sufficient for this. But I know that by faithfully lingering upon these promises, You will be faithful to remind me of them, at just the time when they are needed…

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

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THE END

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..

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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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FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION…

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION….

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This constellation group can best be seen in spring through summer in the southern sky just above the horizon. Like all constellations, it slowly moves westward through the months, appearing a little earlier each night. It also appears to move through the sky westward each night. It can be easily seen under any degree of darkness. In other words, you don’t need a very dark night. In the sketch to the right, the ‘Flower of the Field’ Constellation `is in the lower part of the screen, directly under the Cross/Scepter Constellation. The sketches in this site are approximate, and not 100% accurate. The individual stars have different brightness than seen here. But these sketches are close enough in order to find them in the night sky.

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This constellation presents one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture. And yet that Scripture presents one of the most repugnant concepts (which unsaved Mankind has tried to elude for millenniums). And that concept is, that Mankind is like the grass that withers, and his glory as the wildflower that fades away. But God’s Word and those that love it will go on forever and ever!

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***TOMORROW:* *“March 8th***

(This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Dream Maker of Babylon – Signs Of Heaven.org

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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 STUDY #67 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 6th (How To Find Perfect Peace!)

By admin On March 5th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 6th

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How To Find Perfect Peace!

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN ARTICLE… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace)”

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“For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6

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NO JESUS, NO PEACE…

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KNOW JESUS…BUT STILL NO PEACE?

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Do you find that your life is filled with too much turmoil and struggling with sin?

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Too much confusion? Sadness too?

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Perhaps you’re one of those who has fits of anger.

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Or maybe you are given to worldliness, appetite, or bad behavior.

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Whatever our weaknesses are, there is one thing lacking.

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No, actually two things lacking:

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1. we don’t have perfect peace…and

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2. Our witness to others is damaged, because of our lack of Christ-likeness.

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**And so, the result is, we have not the “Rest unto your souls”, which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:28-30.**

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Hair pulling stress – frustration – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

Gluttony – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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The next four passages

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***each present* *seemingly***

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different pathways to

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spiritual peace and rest…

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Willow Tree – by J D Forester – Wikipedia

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1ST PASSAGE…MATTHEW 11:28-30

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First, we discover this passage featuring 3 components for rest unto your soul…

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1. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 2. Take My yoke upon you, and 3. learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

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The three components spoken of are:

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1. To come to Jesus.

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2. to take on His yoke as a Follower.

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3. To learn of Him through His Word and by experience.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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2ND PASSAGE…PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

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5 QUALITIES LEADING TO PEACE OF MIND…

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Here’s another passage which gives a list of components which bring peace…

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1. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 2. Let your moderation be known unto all men. 3. The Lord is at hand. (watchfulness) 4. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; 5. but in every thing by prayer and supplication (asking for needs) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (read whole chapter)

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And so, we are commanded to: 1. Rejoice always 2. Moderation or temperance 3. watchfulness 4. put away anxiousness 5. constant prayer and thankfulness

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Paul Shipwrecked Acts 27:41-44- www.lavistachurchofchrist.org –public domain

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3RD PASSAGE…PSALM 1:1-3

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5 INGREDIENTS TO BECOMING LIKE TREE BY WATERS

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“Blessed is the man that 1. walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 2. nor stands in the way of sinners, 3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 4. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD; and 5. in His Law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 1.

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Here God tells us to:

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1. put away all worldly philosophies & ungodly influences.

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2. Separation, as far as possible, from evil associations.

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3. cease from judging, scorning, and malicious gossip.

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4. making God’s Word your first love.

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5. Keeping the mind on God’s Word, day and night.

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Photo courtesy – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share alike license.

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4TH PASSAGE… ISAIAH 26:3

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***TOTAL FOCUS ON CHRIST* *BRINGS PEACE…***

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“Thou [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Is. 26:3

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***“ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR”…* All the different precepts presented in the above verses could be reduced to the one passage listed above, *Isaiah 26:3.***

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But how does the Christian keep his or her “mind stayed upon Thee” (totally focused on Christ)?

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Photo of Wildwood trail, Portland Oregon – cropped image – courtesy Wikipedia – Share-alike License.

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“NO TIME LEFT FOR SELF”…

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“Thou [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

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If the Christian can do as this above verse exhorts, then that Christian will finally achieve total spiritual rest.

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Yes, if one can keep the mind stayed upon God’s Word, then all the other principles found in the verses listed above will be fulfilled.

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It’s like that old song says, “you can’t have one without the other”.

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In other words, if the mind is fixed on Jesus, you won’t have room in your life to hunger and thirst for the selfish things of the world!

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If the mind is fixed on Jesus, you will also be engaged in a prayerful state!

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Focused on Jesus, you won’t want to scorn others.

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**You will be watchful, rejoicing, and trusting. Perfect Peace will be found.**

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**And so, totally fixed on Jesus (The Word) brings about all these other Christian qualities. You can’t have this one virtue without the other virtues also being present!**

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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To read Part 2, click here…

March 7th (Finding Perfect Peace, Pt. 2, “Precious Promises”)

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to achieve that perfect peace. Help me to eliminate all things which prevent me from having that perfect peace…

Braet von Überfeldt – Woman with Bible – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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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 FLOWER OF* HEAVEN *CONSTELLATION***

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN ON ALTAR AND FLOWER OF HEAVEN

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In The West

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This constellation almost appears as a vine, as it projects out from the Altar/Ark Constellation . This constellation appears in mid-winter through late-spring. As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark **Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.**

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***TOMORROW:* *March 7th***

(Finding Perfect Peace, Pt. 2, “Precious Promises”)

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes

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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 STUDY #65 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 5th (The Straw-Man, Part 1: “Villains And Heroes”)

By admin On March 4th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 5th

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The Straw Man:

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Part 1:

“Villains And Heroes”

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“For there are certain men

crept in unawares,

who were before of old

ordained to this condemnation,

ungodly men…”

Jude 1:4

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Some decades ago, a publicly disgraced and very unpopular world statesman, being interviewed, made the statement that, “some leaders are born to be villains while others are destined to be heroes in the public’s eyes”.

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Well, by simply glancing at the ongoing daily political wars, it’s not hard to understand that Satan is working behind the scenes, pulling the strings in such a manner, as to create great political intrigue, thus turning politics into a current-day “spectator sport”.

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The Puppetmaster of Politics – Property of www.theheavensdeclare.net – exclusive copyrighted

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MILLIONS NOW POLITICAL NEWS JUNKIES!

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And millions have now become daily devotees to various radio and television talk shows, eagerly waiting to hear each new day’s developments.

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And this ongoing drama has its “good guys” and “bad guys”, thus ratcheting up either the favor or disdain for these “actors” as they engage with one-another before the onlooking public.

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TV – ABC-Good Morning America – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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POLITICS, A SOAP OPERA FROM HELL!

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Thus, the Enemy of Souls makes gains on two fronts: via the modern media, he has now created a new time-consuming pastime, which intrigues and ensnares multitudes of viewers; and this new form of voyeurism only ratchets up the anger and rage in the hearts of viewers who willingly witness all the dirty-dealing injustices constantly being committed in this new daily “soap opera from Hell”!

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

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VILLAINS & HEROES IN CHRISTIANITY

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Well, this relatively new spectator sport, “the daily political wars”, goes hand-in-hand with the current assault on Christianity. That is, “the god of this world” has likewise used the modern high-tech media to wage a similar war on Christianity.

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Yes, Satan has raised up his own collection of heroes and villains in the Christian community in an all-out effort to create a false narrative among Christians.

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These look-alike “Christians” become his useful pawns, to cast a false light on the Gospel, either in one direction or the other.

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ABOVE PHOTO: audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

2nd Peter 2:2

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While he raises up many so-called “Christians” who give Christianity a “black eye” by their lawless and often fanatical deeds, he raises up other men to appear to be the epitome of normalcy and rationality.

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**In this way he confuses “even the very elect” into following these false shepherds because those cultish leaders make the normal-looking false shepherds appear righteous by comparison.**

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David Koresh – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Billy Sunday at the White House – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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HIGH-TECH BRAINWASHING

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But this has always been the deceptive practice of Satan. What’s new, is that with the advent of high-tech devices, he can now accomplish his destruction of the Church, using far fewer actors and players, now being able to bombard us with their stigmatizing deceptions on a daily, yea even a 24/7 basis, via TV, Internet, radio, etc….

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STUDY, BEREAN, STUDY!

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Well, the Good News is that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.

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And it might be far safer for Christians to turn off these prophets of the airways, and simply read and study the Bible for our own selves.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

“April 2nd The Straw Man, Part 2: Add Thou Not!)”

Straw man (or lady) – Wikipedia – Share-alike or GNU Free Documentation License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to escape from this deadly deception by that Master-Deceiver, Satan…

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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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REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION

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WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

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This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ). However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen. It is actually a headless woman in childbirth. This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward). The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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These are star charts from Wikipedia, with sketches of the Woman added.

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TOMORROW:

***March 6th* *(How To Find Perfect Peace!)***

Virtuous Woman with Bible – Braet von Überfeldt – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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 STUDY #64 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – March 4th (“It’s a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World!”)

By admin On March 3rd, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 4th

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“It’s a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World!”

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As we go about our daily routine, we too often become oblivious to the heartache, loneliness, sadness, injustice, tragedy and misery all around, in every direction.

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And all the while, the False Prophet (Satan, as he works through Hollywood, television, and high-tech devices) keeps churning out feel-good movies: movies like that old one called, “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, which the entire family loved and laughed at.

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Yes, that movie really made the world seem so fun and happy!

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**But the sad fact is, it’s actually a really, Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad world! And a Sad one too!**

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Mad world poster – Wikimedia – Fair Use Rationale, CLICK here for details of Fair-Use Rationale

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OUR DAILY DISREGARD

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We get out of bed in the morning, barely cognizant that half the world’s inhabitants are intensely suffering, for one reason or another!

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We drink our cup of morning Joe, without a thought for the millions who are being kidnapped and sold into slavery, both in this society and around the world!

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And as we drive down to the mall, we hardly consider how many elderly ones are sitting alone at home, in their dark room, hurting and suffering in one way or another.

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And we turn our head the other direction to avoid meeting eyes with that beggar on the corner, whose body and mind has been ravaged by years of alcohol or drug abuse.

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And as we wander from shop to shop, there are many living with little or no hope, all because that cruel iron citadel known as “atheism” has left them without any hope for the future!

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We place our order at the drive-thru window, with little cognizance of the starving multitudes who can just barely hang on for another day, merely existing in their world of stark scarcity, sometimes eating the dung of animals, just to survive!

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And we hurry home from church service to catch that big game, blissfully ignorant that hundreds of thousands of unsaved souls are slipping down into their Christless graves each and every day, hopelessly lost for all eternity! Not to mention the millions of pre-born infants who are snuffed out of existence, mostly for convenience’s sake!

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And as we lie down each night seemingly safe and secure in our nicely appointed houses, we do not realize that a great portion of the world are being savagely displaced by Satan’s cruel armies, having to flee to wherever they can find refuge, often ending up slaughtered by heartless monsters, merely devils inhabiting human bodies!

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ISIS murder – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

Kidnapping – Abduction – Hostage exercise – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Drunk Panhandler-wikipedia-public-domain

Orphan on Mothers Grave – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Starving little girl – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Old Jewish Cemetery – Prague Czech Republic – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“FOR VAIN THE HELP OF MAN”

Psalm 60:11 & 108:12

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Yes, it truly is a Bad, Bad and a Sad, Sad world!

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And the world’s inhabitants can do little, or nothing at all, to turn things around!

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As a matter of fact, the more that the world attempts to solve its own problems, the worse things get!

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And the wise man still calls out daily to this busy work-a-day world…“Meaningless, meaningless! All is meaningless!” Ecclesiastes 1:1

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Dore – Solomon – Proverbs – Wikipedia – Public domain (2)

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“LET US…TURN AGAIN TO THE LORD”

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But listen to the prophet, Jeremiah…“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, 33, 34, 40, 41

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Here is a great over-arching truth about why God has allowed all this bad stuff to keep happening.

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It is His great hope and desire that the people of the world will get sick and tired of living and suffering in this “bad bad bad bad world”, and finally give up our rebellion, and return again to the Lord, pleading for His mercy.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Prayer at Day’s End – Angelus by Jean-François Millet – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Family Prayer Before Meal – Wikimedia – US-Govt. – Public-Domain

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“SORROWFUL, YET ALWAY REJOICING!”

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And for those who do return to the Lord with all their heart, they can experience joy and peace, even in the midst of this bad, bad, bad, and sad, sad, sad, world!

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And though they may tearfully cry out to God daily on behalf of all those who are suffering under Satan’s cruel hand, they may still enjoy the miraculous ability which God describes as being…“As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2nd Corinthians 6:10

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Such a joy-filled life of service to God as this can only be possible by the indwelling Spirit of Christ!

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

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and He will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for He will abundantly pardon.”

Isaiah 55:7

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to give myself unto prayer throughout my each and every day…and night…

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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 7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION

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“Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” Psalm 67:5-7

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Jesus came to this Earth to give His life a ransom for many. But He also came to take up His Cross as the example of how we should also love one another. He was (and is) the living breathing Word of God, for all the heavens and earth to behold! And when His ministry was finished, He returned to Heaven. But He left instructions for the human family.

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And He says to us all… “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15.

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This concept is written in the heavens. God has placed the stars in such a way that tells this marvelous concept of lifting up the Cross of Christ: self-sacrificing love for Mankind.

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First, Orion, representing Christ, lifts up the Cross. Then, just a little later, the 7 Stars Constellation, representing God’s Church finally lifts up the Cross, seemingly in response to Orion’s prior example.

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These two constellations are the two brightest and most prominent constellations in the winter-night sky. And they represent the two greatest concepts of life: Christ and His Church. No, not a particular denomination. But God’s True Worshippers, wherever they may be interspersed among the inhabitants of the world.

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(The sketch to the above left is ‘Orion’ as it is seen, beginning in October in the pre-dawn hours, in mid-sky. The sketch to the right is of the ‘7 Stars’ Constellation as it is seen through the first half of winter, as it imitates Orion. These above two sketches are both rough drafts of those two constellations, Orion as well as the 7 Stars. And while they are not completely accurate, they are close enough to the actual constellations, for website guests to hopefully be able to locate them in the night sky. )

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ABOVE PICTURE: The Cross of Orion – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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

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TOMORROW…

March 5th (The Straw Man, Part 1: “Villains And Heroes”)

President Ronald Reagan Addresses the Nation from the Oval Office on Tax Reduction Legislation – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Adolph Hitler – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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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 STUDY #63 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 – March 3rd (Who Lowered the Bar? Pt. 1)

By admin On March 2nd, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – March 3rd

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Who Lowered the Bar? Part 1

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Most of us, when back in school, took part in sports of one kind or another.

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But of all the sports, the one sport that didn’t get many takers was the sport of pole-vaulting.

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Most of us instinctively knew that there was no future in pole-vaulting, at least, no future for most of us!

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Men decathlon French Championships_2013 – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

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Now of course, if someone would have lowered the bar, then just about any one of us could have been a pole-vaulter.

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BAR HAS BEEN LOWERED

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And so what has this got to do with Christianity?

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Simple! Somebody has lowered the bar in Christianity!

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Yes, an unseen foe has crept in unawares and has stealthily and silently lowered the bar of Salvation.

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

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HOLY SPIRIT “TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY (OUT OF THE MIDST)”

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Yes, now it is so low, that the Spirit of Holiness has vacated Himself, as is written… “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now lets (allows) will let (allow), until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:” 2nd Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

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This above passage appears to be saying that God’s Spirit will allow this apostasy within the church-world to continue, until the day that God’s Spirit is finally taken out of the way (midst) of the church-world.

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**Then, when the Spirit has been removed, that Wicked One shall be revealed within the church-world, but will eventually be destroyed with the brightness of the Coming of Christ.**

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

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BIBLE CONFIRMATION

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And what gives impetus that this interpretation of 2nd Thessalonians is indeed referring to the Holy Spirit being taken out of the midst of the churches?

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Listen to the following passage… “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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Here in this passage, is a description of the end-time church-world, in which the congregations will no longer tolerate sound doctrine.

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They simply clamor for itching-ear gospels!

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

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THE TRUE HEIGHT OF STANDARD

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But the great problem is, that most of the church-world doesn’t understand how far we have fallen!

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We have been bombarded with the false standard for so long, that we are not cognizant of what the true standard of Church righteousness should actually be!

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And so, in order to understand just how far the bar has been lowered in the Christian world, it is necessary to understand just what was the correct standard. Just where was the bar supposed to be?

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So right at this point, passages will be offered, as just a hint at where the bar should actually be.

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Question Marks At a loss svg – Wikimedia-Commons – share-alike-license

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FORSAKING ALL, A PREREQUISITE

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“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

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These are the very words of Jesus!

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But do they sound like the words one would expect to hear during a church service? Is the Church being told we must forsake all this selfish world, in order to become a disciple of Jesus?

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And even if this is sometimes preached, doesn’t the behavior in the Church preach just the opposite, as we see so much of the Church enthusiastically seeking after the pleasures and ambitious pursuits of the world?

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Listen… “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:5.

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Yes, we might be fooling ourselves, but we’re not fooling God, as this verse from James plainly reveals!

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Cross of Jesus Christ – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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WORLDLY AMBITION FORBIDDEN!

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And here is another passage… “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1st Timothy 6:8, 9.

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Paul’s life was a testimony that he practiced what he preached.

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And Paul traded away all of this world’s goods, in order to win the spiritual treasures of Heaven.

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**But is this passage being followed by today’s Church? In this day of incredible opulence, are we casting away our idols of silver and gold, as the Bible commands? (see Isaiah 2:20, 21)**

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Paul Shipwrecked Acts 27:41-44- www.lavistachurchofchrist.org –public domain

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TOTAL DEVOTION TO CHRIST, A MUST!

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

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This is the standard that Paul lived by. But is it the standard of today’s Church? Do I have this kind of attitude and commitment to Jesus? Do I actually believe that “to die is gain”?

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Am I so committed to the Gospel, that everything else in life pales in comparison? Do I go to work each day, successfully letting others see Christ and not “me”? Do my family members see my gentle, loving, warm reflection of Christ? Or are they afraid of my satanic temper?

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Does my lifestyle reveal to the world, that I do not covet gold or silver?

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Paul in Trouble www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

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FULL VICTORY, OUR GOAL!

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Here’s one more… “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Cor. 10:5, 6.

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When was the last time that a sermon was preached on this subject?

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Has anybody today told me that I must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ? Well, if there was such a sermon preached, it’s hard to recall when!

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And even if there was such a sermon preached, do I really imagine that Christians are seriously following this command from God? Is the Church striving to overcome every sinful thought which Satan casts into our mind?

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Or is the Church rather, taking a Laissez-faire approach to the commission to purify our heart from every spot and trace of defilement? (see 2nd Peter 3:14 & 1st John 3:3)

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WELL, JUST WHO LOWERED THE BAR?

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Now, beside these above four passages, one could easily pull many other similar passages out of both Testaments to prove just where the bar of Salvation should be properly set.

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But these four passages give enough evidence and concern that the bar of standard in the church has been set considerably lower!

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Now at this point, one will ask, “Well, what does Satan hope to gain by lowering the bar, if Salvation is a free gift, not dependent on works?”

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Well, this website has many devotionals concerning this issue.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help my heart to search out the true standard for God’s people to live by, and help me to live by that standard…

Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.

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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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WHY IS THIS WOMAN RUNNING SO FAST?

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(THE FLEEING WOMAN OF REVELATION 12: (The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 sketch above can be seen in winter in the northern sky. It is Ursa Major, AKA The Great Bear, and her right leg and her torso is commonly known as the The Big Dipper . She appears like this in the early fall in the pre-dawn hours, and is running westward. The pathway with Bible books of course, are the artist’s embellishment)

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TOMORROW:

March 4th (“It’s a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World!”)

Mad world poster – Wikimedia – Fair Use Rationale

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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 STUDY #62 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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Devouring Fire.com

Today’s Devotional – March 12th (All Scripture? Or Just Some?)

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Today’s Devotional – March 12th

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All Scripture? Or Just Some?

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A radio program which answered Bible questions, was asked the following question: “Do we need to follow both Testaments, Old and New?”

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One of the pastors answered by saying the following: “Any command or precept in the Old Testament does not need to be obeyed unless it is repeated in the New Testament.”

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Well, this answer was accepted by the caller, and the other co-host did not even challenge the other pastor.

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ONLY NEW TESTAMENT RELEVANT?

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Now maybe the main talk-show host agreed with that answer given by the other co-host.

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But it was surprising to say the least, if they both felt that way, regarding today’s relevance of the Old Testament!

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This is remarkable, because, in essence, this pastor was saying that we need only obey the New Testament!

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And perhaps, this is how many pastors in today’s apostate Christendom believe.

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FOUR WINDS OF DOCTRINE NOW BLOWING!

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But there are many others who would strongly object!

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Yes, there are many who believe that we are to trust and obey both Testaments, Old and New!

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Well, in this day of Christian confusion, there are many different doctrines blowing in the wind.

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And such ideas as this are just some of those conflicting doctrines which are adding to all the Babylonish confusion!

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But let’s listen to what the Bible has to say about itself, instead of what mere fallible humans say!

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NO LONGER UNDER THE SCHOOLMASTER!

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OK, so this is probably where that pastor got the idea that the Old Testament does not need to be obeyed. And, if this was all that God had to say on the subject, then yes, this pastor would be correct.

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Because this passage clearly states that we are no longer under the schoolmaster! We are no longer under the Law!

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But the fact is, the Bible does indeed have more to say on this very complicated subject! And we know that the whole Bible is ultimately in harmony with itself!

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And so, those who have a love for the truth will want to read everything that the Bible has to say about itself!

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ALL SCRIPTURE TO BE OBEYED!

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And so, when a Bible student begins to do his or her homework, it is soon discovered that the Bible has much more to say on the subject!

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OK, so here we discover a truth which almost seems to directly oppose what Galatians says! Paul clearly states that all Scripture is profitable, and is to be obeyed. And “all Scripture” would, of course, include the Old Testament!

***“THE LETTER KILLS,* *BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE”***

**And by reading this entire 3rd chapter from 2nd Corinthians (click here), it is revealed that the New Testament Believer is not to try to keep all these laws by the letter.**

**Why shouldn’t he have made such a statement that, “We need only obey the New Testament”?**