.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 31st

.

.

.

.

The Light of the World!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM BOTH… “Signs in the Sun”  AND ALSO… ““Sun Shall Be Darkened…””

.

.

.

.

.

. 

“But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings;”  Malachi 4:2

.

Photo: Wikipedia – cropped photo – share alike license 2.5 – by Adam L Clevenger. Click here for link

.

.

.

.

. 

THE SUN

.

 The world appreciates the Sun, with all its benefits. Its beauty. Its warmth. Its life-giving properties. 

.

And just look at this photo to the left! “Sunlight on King Street” What an appropriate name! Do you think this bicycler was having a nice day in the Sun? The Sun can be very healing. And God has given the Sun for Mankind’s needs: for his health, and for his happiness.

.

But He also has given the Sun to be a spiritual sign. The Sun teaches some important Biblical truths.

.

Sunlight_on_King_Street – cropped photo – wikipedia – share-alike – stefan powell

.

.

.

.

.

THE SUN AND THE SON OF GOD

 .

Listen to what God has to say about the sun as a metaphor…

.

“For the LORD God is a SUN and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11. 

.

God here, compares Himself to the Sun in relation to His dealings with His children. 

 .

 Solar System – NASA – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

GOD LOVES BEAUTY AND POETRY

.

Here’s another passage referring to God being likened to the Sun…“Arise, shine; for THY LIGHT is come, and the glory of the LORD IS RISEN upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD SHALL ARISE upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to THY LIGHT, and kings to THE BRIGHTNESS OF THY RISING. Isaiah 60:1-3.

.

Isaiah is one of the most poetic books of the Bible. And this above passage is no exception. The Lord obviously loves poetry.

.

And nature is filled with beauty and poetry, and wisdom and truth!

.

Sunset at Huntington Beach – cropped photo – wikimedia – share-alike license.jpg

 

.

.

.

.

.

GOD IS LIGHT 

.

And Jesus spoke of Himself as the Sun…“And Jesus said unto them, “I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12.

.

The only reason the world doesn’t completely go berserk is because God intervenes in the affairs of Man.

.

Listen… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10.

.

As this above verse points out, God only allows as much evil as He deems necessary, and restrains the remainder.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

EVERLASTING LIGHT

. 

Now listen to Isaiah speaking… “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto you: but the LORD shall be unto you an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be your everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.” Isaiah 60:19, 20.

.

Even a totally blind person can enjoy the brightness of God’s glorious light, as He shines in that person’s heart.

.

sunrise on Biwa_Lake – cropped – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

GOD’S BRIGHTNESS

.

Listen to this description of the 2nd Coming as the Son of God… “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,” 1st Thessalonians 2:8.

.

Not only will “that Wicked” be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s Coming, but when that Day-star arises in our heart, “the man of flesh” within Believers will likewise be consumed by the Spirit of God’s Word.

.

Because when the day-star really begins to shine within the Believer, “self” and all selfishness will melt away as does morning frost under the rising Sun.

.

Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website

.

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

April 5 (“The Light of the World!” Part 2)

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

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to see the wonderful metaphors in nature. And help me to understand the metaphorical nature of the Bible…

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

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Signs in the Sun” or you can also read… ““Sun Shall Be Darkened…””

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

. 

1st ORB: THE SUN = 1ST COMMANDMENT

.

“Thou shall have no other gods before Me”

.

.

One great clue that if the Sun would correspond to the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me”, is that the names which Mankind has given to the planets, all named after pagan gods: Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, etc… are all names of ancient pagan deities. Then begin to relate the Sun corresponding to the first Commandment… “You shall have no other gods before Me”, which just so happens to be surrounded by planets named after pagan gods! It would seem that God has allowed Mankind (under the influence of “the god of this world“, of course) to name these planets after pagan gods, in order to make a very poignant statement: that statement being, that we citizens of this planet are in rebellion against God, therefore, we have other gods. And just as those planets (named after pagan gods) encircle the Sun (The Sun representing God many times in the Bible), so too this human race has placed our affections on other things: our time, energy, and affections, which should have been only given to our Creator/Savior. So God has set up this solar system to present this concept of the Sun (Christ) being surrounded by our many other gods (i.e., the 9 planets, named after pagan gods).

.

 Solar System – NASA – public domain

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Discovering Signs In Our Solar System (Part 4)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

” June 1st (The Pied Piper of TV!)”

.

.

.

.

.

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 #149 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

 

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.

 

.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 30th

.

.

.

.

Flee To The Mountains!

.

.

.

.

.

.

“And it came to pass,

when they had brought them forth abroad,

that He said, ‘Escape for thy life;

look not behind thee,

neither stay thou in all the plain;

escape to the mountain,

lest thou be consumed.'”

Genesis 19:17

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

This above verse from Genesis is the command and warning from God to Lot, that he must flee Sodom (Lot being the nephew of faithful Abraham.) 

.

Yes, God was going to destroy Sodom and its surrounding cities!

.

Because Sodom had spurned God’s warnings, it had reached its day of the fierce judgment of Almighty God!

.

And Lot and his family had unknowingly moved to that wicked city, merely for the sake of convenience and prosperity!

.

And their consciences became blunted by the daily association with sin, as is written… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

.

The Sodomites are smitten with blindness – wikipedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

FAITHFUL ABRAHAM

.

Now in contrast, Lot’s uncle, faithful Abraham, lived with his family in the mountain strongholds.

.

No, they didn’t have all the conveniences of city-life. But those inconveniences actually proved a blessing for his people, developing good work habits in them.

.

And because of his strong spirituality, there was a constant reverence for his God! Daily worship took a prominent place in their day-to-day routine.

.

And so, on the eve of the judgment of Sodom, the Lord Jehovah (pre-incarnate Jesus), made His appearance to Abraham, pronouncing the following summation of Abraham, but also of the possible judgment on Sodom.

.

Listen… “For I (God) know him (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment…” Genesis 18:19-21

.

Tissot – Abraham and the Three Angels – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

. 

SODOM & GOMORRAH WORLD TODAY!

.

Well, just about everybody knows the outcome of Sodom.

(You can still find balls of brimstone today…click here to watch people finding brimstone around the area where Sodom & Gomorrah once was).

.

But the point to today’s devotional is, that God wrote that story for our spiritual benefit.

.

And, at ground level, the story of Lot and Abraham is a strong warning to Christians against moving our family to a corrupt environment, which are so prevalent today!

.

Picture – Lot Escapes Sodom – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

.

.

.

.

. 

SEPARATION: A PREREQUISITE!

.

But there is another level to that story. Just as Lot was to flee to the mountain, so also are we to flee to the mountain.

.

“What mountain?”, you ask. Well, just listen to this command/warning from God…

.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?  

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean [thing];

and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be My sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.

.

Now this a shortened version of the entire passage (To read this above passage in its entirety, go here…2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.)

.

Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

FLEEING TO MOUNTAINS OUTLAWED TODAY

.

Laws are now being enacted which only further empower Satan’s totalitarian control over Mankind as well as God’s people!

.

Listen to how Satan uses laws to do his mischief… “LORD, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things?…Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?” Psalm 94:3, 4, 20

.

Now we begin to see that God is every bit as concerned about our social environment as He was back in Lot’s day!

.

But most us cannot flee to the mountain, in a literal sense.  Satan has been hedging up the way against that possibility, making it more and more expensive and more difficult.

.

So what can we do? 

.

But praise God! He has not left us in a helpless condition!

.

No Trespassing sign – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

. 

GOD IS JUST NOW PREPARING THE WAY

.

For one thing, we can pray and cry out for God to remove us from any unwholesome situation that we, or our children might be in.

.

And unceasing prayer is not optional! It’s a commandment of the Lord! (1st Thessalonians 5:17)

.

This website warns Christians to flee to heavenly Mount Sion!

.

That’s right!

.

Heavenly Mount Sion is what God was really concerned about, when He wrote the story of Abraham and Lot!

.

ABOVE PICTURE – Constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture.

.

.

.

.

.

HEAVENLY MOUNT SION

.

Listen… “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched… But ye are come unto mount Sion…the heavenly Jerusalem…” Hebrews 12:18, 22, 23

.

So this above passage lets us know that Mount Zion was just an earthly picture of a heavenly place! 

.

And this spiritual concept is further confirmed by such passages as this next one… “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” Psalm 125:1, 2 

.

Yes, the Bible is a spiritual Book, and must be understood spiritually, before it actually makes sense!

.

Oh yes, God would have His Believers take their families out into country places, if possible.

.

But unless we flee to that heavenly mountain, Zion, it is a waste of our time to try to physically escape evil!

.

PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture, but made up of real constellations (Ursa Major & Auriga, Hyades, etc…, howbeit not in their actual positions in the night-sky)

.

.

.

. 

STUDY, CHRISTIAN, STUDY!!!

.

So the reader is encouraged to study this site carefully and learn as much as possible.

.

And as the Reader begins to flee to heavenly Mount Sion, then he or she will be able to say along with the Prophet Habakkuk…

.

“The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk. 3:19

.

Yes, as this above verse indicates, “mine high places” is really where Mount Sion is located!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

 JUNE 28 (Flee To The Mountain! Part 2: Am I A Pillar of Salt?)

Mrs. Lot Flees , turns to salt – www.christianimagesource.com

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to flee from all the unwholesome influences. Bless my family too! Teach us to hide ourselves under the shadow of Thy wings…

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath” or you can also read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

. 

.

.

HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

..

Well, as just stated, the Lord has created a constellation which shows a woman fleeing.

.

Picture to right: Ursa Major, also known as The Big Dipper

.

.

.

.

.

 

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness)”

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 31st (The Light of the World!)”

Sunlight on King Street wikipedia share-alike license stefan powell

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

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 #148 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

.

. 

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 29th

.

.

.

.

The Unforgiveable Sin

.

.

.

.

.

“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost

hath never forgiveness,

but is in danger of eternal damnation:”

Mark 3:29

.

.

.

.

.

This above passage has caused great fear and consternation about one’s Salvation.

.

And it seems that those who are the most troubled over this passage are often, the very ones who are truly seeking a relationship with God!

.

And, no doubt, God allows the Devil to torment certain people with this passage, in hopes that they will strive even harder to truly seek and find Salvation.

.

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

JOHN BUNYAN

.

In the wonderful book, “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”, John Bunyan recounts the time when he was just beginning to seek a solid relationship with God.

.

And during that early period in his Christian life, the Devil began tempting Bunyan to renounce Jesus.

.

And after weeks or months of struggling against this temptation, Bunyan finally gave in, uttering the words… “Let Him (Jesus) go, if He will”.

.

And no sooner did Bunyan mutter this sentence, Satan began to torment Bunyan with the fear that he had committed the unpardonable sin!

.

But after two years of this devilish torment, Bunyan finally came to the knowledge of the Bible, which finally gave him confidence that merely saying those words does not constitute the unpardonable sin.

.

John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler – 1684 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

CONGREGATIONS, NOT INDIVIDUALS

.

Now here is another passage which has troubled and tormented many sincere Christians over the past millennium…“For it is impossible for THOSE who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made PARTAKERS of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If THEY shall fall away, to renew THEM again unto repentance; seeing THEY crucify to THEMSELVES the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:4-6

.

But notice that this passage is totally in the plural sense.

.

In other words, this passage is speaking to “they”, “them”, “those”, “themselves”. And notice that it never says “you”, or “he”, or “himself”. It is clearly addressing a group of people.

.

Perhaps, the explanation which makes the most sense is that this passage is addressing congregations, and not individual persons. 

.

Now this is not to say that the individuals within that congregation might never find repentance.

.

But even though an individual church-member may find personal repentance, that particular church, as a whole, will never revive itself.

.

Tibidabo Church – cropped photo – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation license

.

.

.

.

.

THE FLICKER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

.

Well of course, for a congregation to ever reach such a total apostate condition would require a complete, “blowing out of its candlestick”, so to speak. Listen to the message to the church at Sardis…

.

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write…I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent….Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” (To read entire passage, go here…Revelation 3:1-4)

.

So even though God called them a dead church, the light of God’s holy candle still just barely flickered within that church of Sardis! There was still a tiny possibility of repentance for that church!

.

Holy bible – cropped photo – wikimedia – creative commons lic.

.

.

.

.

.

CHURCH-WIDE APOSTASY FORETOLD

.

The Bible speaks of a time when, finally, the churches will fall into a total apostasy.

.

Listen… “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.

.

And so, combining this passage with Hebrews 6:4-6, it can be the first evidence that the great apostasy which is now occurring, will not be repented of, by those apostate congregations.  

.

ABOVE PICTURE – The whore city, Babylon, the apostate church-world – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS!

.

Now just what Good News could there be in all this?

.

Well, the fact that God is still saving individuals, is very Good News!

.

And though we may no longer be able to depend on congregations for a place of refuge, we can still depend on God to lead His true Church (His Chosen & Elect) to the living waters!  

.

Listen to this very encouraging passage… “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

.

Yes, though I may have fallen away from the Lord, yet I do not need to think that it is impossible for me to find forgiveness and repentance. 

.

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to comprehend the great truths of the Bible. Let me study for myself, and not rely on the teachings of others…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “November 17 (The Unpardonable Sin)“ or you can also read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

ARK OF THE COVENANT CONSTELLATION

.

This sketch is this same Summer Constellation group, when they are in the west. As you look to the south (tothe left in this sketch), you can see this constellation known as Sagittarius. But if you look at it carefully, it begins to appear as a giant box with stars on either side of it. Just to the north, there appears this Cross/Scepter rising out of the Ark Constellation. Now, the Cross coming out of the Ark Constellation represents the essence of the law (self-sacrificing charity towards this fallen world). As this Cross/Scepter heads directly towards the Revelation 12 Woman, it shows that the Scepter represents the direction of God’s self-sacrificing love: His redeemed people, represented by the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation. This scenario of that Woman grasping for it, has great Biblical implications….concerning us!

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Ark of the Covenant Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 30th (Flee To The Mountain!)”

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #147 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

.

. 

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 28th

.

.

.

.

George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!

.

.

.

.

.

George Whitefield is heralded by many as perhaps, the greatest preacher of the New Testament Church.

.

But it’s hard to imagine that this pudgy-faced, cross-eyed man could accomplish so much, having a tremendous impact which still echoes through the corridors of time!

.

George Whitefield  GNU Free Documentation License, Wikipedia

.

.

.

.

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

George was known for his incredible speaking voice, which some said could be heard as far as half a mile, enabling Whitefield to preach to vast crowds of up to 30,000 spiritually hungry hearers! 

.

But this devotional is going to focus on just one aspect of Whitefield’s message. And that one aspect is that which Whitefield constantly preached… “Ye must be born again”.

.

In fact, Whitefield preached this message so much, that one person could not help but question him, saying, “Why do you preach so much on ‘Ye must be born again?'”

.

To this, Whitefield replied, “Because…ye must be born again!”

.

And this is the topic that is today’s focus: “Ye must be born again!”

.

George Whitefield preaching by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

JESUS AND NICODEMUS

.

Of course, these are the very words that Jesus once spoke to Nicodemus, a ruler among the Pharisees.

.

Yes, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, because he needed to find out whether or not Jesus was really the Messiah.

.

But Jesus, instead of patiently answering Nicodemus’ questions, began to take control of the conversation, going right to the heart of Mankind’s great need… “Ye must be born again”, Jesus told Nicodemus.

.

Henry Ossawa Tanner – Nicodemus – Wikimedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

CHRISTIANITY: NOT JUST A COUNTRY SONG!

.

And so it is today! Yes, we live in a world in which much of Christianity has lowered the bar, as to what constitutes being a Christian.

.

Yes, there are country songs which mention “the Good Book”, and “the Good Lord”, and living by a code of ethics which come from that “Good Lord’s Good Book”. And such messages as this have “dumbed down” just what it means to be a Christian! 

.

To this, George Whitefield’s booming voice still cries out today from the centuries past… “Ye must be born again!” 

.

PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – wikimedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

PEACE AND SAFETY

.

And there are many voices which reverberate through Christendom today, assuring all naive parishioners that… “Come to church each week, and pay your tithes, and live a nice moral life…and…all will be well with your soul!”

.

And the vast multitudes of gullible attendees today believe such a lie from Hell! And this is why there is so much worldliness and joking and jesting, and devotion to all the pleasures and pursuits and soul-sapping careers, which are so prevalent in today’s church-world!

.

But to this vast throng of lost and misguided souls, the trumpet-like voice of Whitefield still echoes down through the corridors of time, that old familiar mantra… “Ye must be born again!”

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

EVIDENCES OF BEING “BORN AGAIN”

.

Now being “Born Again” is a concept that a person cannot fathom, unless that man, woman, or child truly becomes born again!

.

And there are spiritual qualities which should be present in one who claims to be born from above.

.

First, the person who has become born again, has received the Holy Spirit. And this Spirit transforms the goals and purposes of the life of the Christian.

.

Now that Christian has the desire to follow Jesus with all his or her heart. No longer does the neophyte Believer want to merely go to church once or twice a week, living the rest of the week in the vain pursuit of earthly dreams and worldly affections.

.

And his (or her) realization of how unchristlike they really are, causes an inner desire to become Christlike!

.

.

.

.

.

.

BIBLE STUDY!

.

Second, the true worshipper of God (who is truly born again) desires to soak in everything there is to know about Jesus.

.

The Believer yearns more than anything, to become transformed into the image of Jesus!

.

And such a passion as this, causes that Believer to study the Bible and pray that God will graciously change that Believer’s heart into the heart of Christ!

.

And now, that Believer strives to live according to the “exceeding great and precious promises” which become that spiritual pathway which leads upward and onward to the celestial City of the Lord! (See 2nd Peter 1:4)

.

 USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

A HATRED, EVEN FOR “TINY” SINS!

.

Third, the born-again Believer begins to loathe all sin. A hatred even for small sins!

.

And this loathing causes the child of God to study and pray. Pray and study!

.

Yes, the Christian longs to get any and all hateful sin out of the heart, and out of the life, as soon as possible!

.

And every unfaithful act fills the Believer with sorrow and grief!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

A SEPARATION FROM UNGODLY INFLUENCES!

.

Fourth, the born again Christian realizes that he can no longer retain his old friendships.

.

Listen…“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?….Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17

.

He realizes that all such associations are detrimental to running the Christian Race.

.

He understands that companionship with unbelievers only strengthens Satan’s hold in his life.

.

So the Christian begins to separate from all ungodly influences.

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

 

.

.

.

“WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?”

.

Fifth, the Christian begins to contemplate his or her life, and how to become more Christ-like.

.

Now that Christian begins to ask himself, “What would Jesus do in this particular situation? And how can I handle this situation next time, in a more Christ-like manner?”

.

God plainly reveals to us…“He that saith he abideth in HIM, ought himself also so to walk, even as HE walked.” 1st John 2:6 

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

A SERVANT’S HEART!

.

Sixth, the born again Believer increasingly becomes aware, that Christians are to be, “ambassadors for Christ”. 2nd Corinthians 5:20

.

And so, that Christian takes a responsible attitude toward his or her family, working hard to provide a happy, healthful, and comfortable environment for them.

.

Listen…“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law….therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8, 10 

.

That Christian now joyfully receives a servant’s heart, and cares like a faithful shepherd for the needs of others!

.

Ebenezer Newman Downard – Morning prayer – 1860 – wikipedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

TRIALS & AFFLICTIONS

.

Now, last but not least, the believer realizes that he or she must allow God’s chastisements to assist in the purification of the heart… “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; ” Hebrews 5:8

.

And through all such trials, the Believer becomes joyfully and ever-so-gradually transformed into the glorious image of Christ!

.

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

WHITEFIELD NOT ALONE!

.

And so, as true worshippers, we must begin to come out of this Babylon of confusion, which is our current condition, and truly become Born Again!

.

And then, with hearts anew, we will be able to join George Whitefield, with his booming and echoing voice, as we also begin to cry out to the lost sheep of spiritual Israel… 

.

Ye must be born again!”

.

“Ye must be born again!”

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

George Whitefield preaching by John Collet www.wikigallery.org US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

“JANUARY 18 (George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 2: Futile Preaching!)”

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to cry out to Thee continually, for that wonderful gift of truly being “Born Again”…

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

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “April 14th (John’s Promise!)”, or you can also read… “January 5th (The City of Morality)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

Then Job answered and said…but how should man be just with God?…Which alone spreads out the heavens…Which makes Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which does great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number…Can you bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades? Or loose the bands of Orion?” Job 9:2-10 & 38:31

.

.

The photo to the right is the Pleiades Cluster. Does it appear to you like an angel? Well, if it does, then you are encouraged to keep reading.

.

The above two verses concerning the Pleiades is what the Bible has to say about the Pleiades. But if you will read this article, you will discover that the Pleiades represents concepts which span much of the Bible. This is partly because Pleiades is a constellation within a constellation. And this double-entendre constellation is perhaps the greatest truth regarding the Church, found in the Bible. And The Heavens Declare.net will attempt to unravel this mysterious phenomenon in the night-sky, and will, hopefully, also interpret these two verses to show just what all this means, and how it might apply to our lives.

.

The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo). NASA photo by Robert Gendler

.

.

.

THE TWO SISTERS OF EZEKIEL

.

“The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity. And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.” Ezekiel 23:1-4 

.

This story from Ezekiel has had a very great message for God’s people. This story likewise speaks of this Pleiades Constellation. Samaria seems to represent those who claim to have a relationship with God, but simply do not. Jerusalem seems to represent those who are like the Captive Angel, and have a minuscule love for God, but have been carried away captive. God is more upset with Jerusalem (Aholibah), because she should have known better than her totally apostate sister (Aholah) 

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

” May 29th (The Unforgiveable Sin!)”

Moses – Ten Commandments – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

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 #146 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 27th

.

.

.

.

THROUGH JESUS’ EYES!

.

.

.

.

.

A very nice couple happened to be going through a time of terrific troubles with their marriage! 

.

After several years of mutual grief and heartache, one spouse finally confessed… “I need to quit looking at my spouse through MY eyes, and begin to look at my spouse through JESUS’ eyes!”

.

This simple statement was really a very profound concept, if you think about it!

.

Yes, if only a believing husband, or a believing wife could prayerfully continue in such a gracious spirit toward their spouse, then probably, most all the problems in that marriage would eventually dissipate!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

TRIALS MAKE US LOOK UP!

.

The Bible says it this way… “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25.

.

Now of course, this is easier said than done! And let’s face it! Quite often, God allows marital problems in order that the husband and wife will each begin to look upward, hoping and waiting for God’s help!

.

And really, the only true solution to various problems in everyday life, comes when a Christian finally reaches the point of “forsaking all”, so that he (or she) can truly become a disciple of Jesus!

.

This is the great secret to the victorious life in Christ!

.

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

DISCIPLES FORSOOK ALL

.

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

.

This above verse reveals the prerequisite to becoming a true follower and disciple of Jesus: to forsake all, to follow Him!

.

When Jesus called His disciples, they immediately forsook all, to follow Him.

.

Listen… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11.

.

And as they journeyed with Jesus for over the next three-and-one-half years, they listened and learned all about His great love and goodness! What a privilege that God bestowed upon those first disciples!  

.

Christ calling His Disciples – by Edward Armitage – 1869 – courtesy wikigallery.com – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

WE TOO, CAN BECOME FOLLOWERS OF JESUS!!!

.

But being a disciple and follower of Jesus can still happen in today’s world! 

.

This is because, as the Believer finally lays all his life down on the altar, then can that Believer begin to learn of Jesus through His Word. And in time, that child of God will gain the same “servant’s heart” experience which Jesus had. And as a result, the Christian will learn to lavish Christ’s love on the other partner in the marriage!

.

Yes, by continuing in Christ’s Word, we can become disciples and followers of Jesus! And though we cannot literally see Jesus, His presence will be with us, just as close as He was to Peter, James, and John….and even Paul!

.

The Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94-by James Tissot wikipedia public domain

.

.

.

.

.

LOOKING AT ALL, THROUGH CHRIST’S EYES

.

Surely, this statement, “I need to quit looking at my spouse through MY eyes, and begin to look at my spouse with JESUS’ eyes”, can and should be applied to all areas of life!

.

In other words, what we really need to say is, “I need to quit looking at LIFE through my eyes, and begin looking at EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE through Jesus’ eyes”.

.

Now such a life as this does not mean that we need to quit our job and begin trashing all our belongings! That’s not what it means, “to forsake all”!

.

No, but rather, just as the words to that popular old song says… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

.

Yes, when we finally decide to follow Jesus, fully and unreservedly, the things of this world will gradually lose their importance, as we more and more taste of Heaven’s sweet nectar!

.

And we will realize that true love, joy, and contentment can only come from Jesus abiding within!

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

.

.

.

.

.

THE UPWARD PATHWAY

.

And so, O Stranger and Pilgrim, both you and I need to walk up that heavenward pathway, ever looking to Jesus, our great Role-Model in all matters of life!

.

And as we prayerfully contemplate the life and words of Jesus as we go about our daily duties, not only will we look at our spouse, but we will look at all whom we come in contact with, through Christ’s eyes.

.

Yes, to look at all of life through the loving eyes of Jesus!

.

This is the essence of what it means to be a Christian!

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to have this experience. Let me become Thy Disciple and follower. Help me to think on Thy Word, as I go about my daily tasks…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)” or you can also read… “December 12 (Martha, the “Doer” & Mary, the “Hearer”)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

LOCATING ORION THE ARCHER

.

“He hath bent His bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. He hath caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my reins. I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.” Lamentations 3:12-14

.

Orion travels through the night skies, starting about late September in the pre-dawn hours. This 1st office which Orion holds, as an Archer, is fairly easy to see. His bow is pointed and bent as if ready to shoot his arrows. But why astronomers have never noticed this Dragon to his left, is truly a puzzle! It’s so obvious; at least his crocodile mouth is obvious. (Perhaps God is sending the message that Satan (the real Dragon) is so obviously real, and yet so few in this world are ready to recognize him.)

 

.

 

This Archer-Orion corresponds to the 1st Horseman of Revelation, Chapter 6, speaking of a rider with a bow who goes out conquering. 

.

And so this article is dedicated to show just what Orion the Archer is speaking of, in Scripture, and how this all relates to you and me. So read on and observe…

.

Orion courtesy IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine & Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion The Archer”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“(George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!)”

George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org US public domain 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #145 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

.

.

 

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 26th

.

.

.

.

“My Ways Are Not Your Ways!”

.

.

.

.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are My ways higher than your ways,

and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8, 9

.

.

.

.

.

.

Have you ever heard this saying, “A stitch in time saves nine”?

.

Well, there seems to be a lot of wisdom in that saying, doesn’t there? And of course, that saying comes from the observance of nature. And nature is a pretty good teacher, quite often.

.

Yes, there are many proverbs in the world, which seem to be in harmony with the Bible. 

.

What about this saying… “Don’t go swimming in shark-infested waters”? There’s another good proverb!

.

Girl at Sewing Machine by Edward Hopper – Wikimedia – US public domain

Tiger shark – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

UNBIBLICAL PROVERBS

.

But there are many, many, other proverbs, which are not so wonderful.

.

Take for instance, this one… “God helps those who help themselves”.

.

Is that a good proverb?

.

Is that even a biblical idea?

.

Well, the Bible says it quite differently… “For He (God) shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.” Psalm 72:12, 13

.

Here is seen that God helps those who are helpless!

.

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS WITH GOD!

.

Yes, we live in a world filled with many ideas about how we should live and what we should and shouldn’t do!

.

This world is a veritable Babylon of confusion. And the ways of man are not the ways of God.

.

Take, for example, the saying… “You’re in good hands with Allstate”. And when this saying is repeated on television, their logo shows a giant pair of hands, holding a car and a house, as if God Himself is named “Allstate”.

.

Now Allstate may be an excellent company! And of course, if the law says we must have insurance to drive a car, we must submit ourselves to “every ordinance of Man, for the Lord’s sake”.

.

But concerning whose hands are “good”, the Bible says just the opposite… “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm…Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:5, 7

.

Allstate svg – Wikipedia – non-free media fair-use rationale

.

.

.

.

.

OUR DAILY BRAINWASHING

.

If you watch television, you will notice that both the shows and the advertisements capitalize on the idea that Man is to trust in Man. Hardly ever does television promote the idea that Man should trust in God

.

Therefore it’s no wonder that so few people are willing to put their trust in the Lord! After all, we are programmed by this high-tech society, to put our trust in Man’s strength.

.

From morning till night, and beyond, these devices indoctrinate us to put our trust in Man.

.

.

.

.

.

“THE RENEWING OF YOUR MINDS”

.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 

.

And so, God has given us the Bible to re-educate ourselves into placing our trust in God. And God has commanded that we should read our Bible and contemplate its life-giving words, as we go about our daily duties. And the Bible promises… “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.

.

So then, both “faith”, as well as “hearing” come to us as a result of studying God’s words. Yes, the Bible begets spiritual life into otherwise, spiritually dead humans.

.

And all those who have truly received the gift of the Holy Spirit, will long to soak-in the life-giving words found in its pages!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!

.

And isn’t it true, that it’s often very difficult to relearn how to handle life’s various problems and situations?

.

But the life of faith and trusting in God to solve our problems is something we all must struggle with, at times.

.

Yet haven’t we all experienced that, the more we learn to cease from Man’s faithless ways, and the more we put all our cares in God’s good hands, the more we will truly have peace as we enjoy the simplicity that we have in Christ?

.

And as we grow in faith, and learn to live by faith, the more money we will save by not having to pay for the “peace of mind” that Man would sell to us.

.

Because God’s “peace of mind” is totally free!

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – wikimedia commons – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus, who lived a life of faith and trust in Thy Word…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… November 14 (Heaven’s Operating System 7.0) or you can also read… November 21- (The World’s Biggest Cult!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

THE REVELATION 12 DRAGON

.

.

This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Revelation 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured in this chart).

.

The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

.

THE ZODIAC NAMES

It is not the purpose, nor the desire of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity or recognition to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But unfortunately, the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 27th (Through Jesus’ Eyes!)”

Jesus – Woman why weepest thou – Jesus – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #144 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

. 

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.

.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 25th

.

.

.

.

What’s An Aristaphagist?

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE… “Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)”

.

.

.

.

.

.

BE AN ARISTAPHAGIST (Choose the very best)

(see 1st Corinthians 10:31)

.

It was Herbert Shelton who coined the word, “aristaphagist”.

.

It is composed of two Latin words which mean to “choose what is best”.

.

Of course, Herbert Shelton was perhaps the greatest health reformer in the twentieth century, and possibly of all time.

.

So, he applied the term in regards to diet and health.

.

Herbert M. Shelton – Wikipedia – Non-Free media rationale

.

.

.

.

.

WESLEY’S ARISTAPHAGIST QUOTE

.

It was Luther, or maybe Wesley, who once said to the effect, “I will do nothing, except that which brings a Heavenly profit.”

.

A Christian just needs to do what will bring the highest benefit for himself, and not so much dictate to others what is good for them.

.

And if those around us have different opinions on these or other matters, then silence is usually the best course to pursue, on such questions which the Bible does not directly address.

.

Fruit_Stall_in_Barcelona_Market – by Daderot – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

.

.

.

.

.

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? 

.

But the point to this little section, concerning being an aristaphagist is just this: The life of Jesus was all about choosing what was best.

.

And so, the Christian should try to imitate Jesus in this regard as well.

.

Whether it’s the type of music we choose; or it’s choosing a healthy diet; or it’s deciding what is to be the very next duty of the day.

.

That’s all that needs to be said about this word and about the concept behind this word, aristaphagist.

.

USMC prayer before study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

July 29 (What’s An Aristaphagist!? Part 2: “Eat For Strength!”)

Family eating meal – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Strengthen me, that I may become like Jesus in every way…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

THE WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman….and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon….And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon….And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness….And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Rev. 21:1-3, 14, 15

.

This Woman of Revelation 12 is definitely fleeing to the mountains . As you can see in this sketch , The Dragon of Revelation 12 is spewing out his water of falsehoods: false gospels, false ideologies, various temptations, false brethren who will embrace her with the poisonous wine of the The Great Harlot of Babylon. These are what comprise this wave of water coming forth from the Dragon’s mouth. (see “Flood Waters of Satan”)

.
.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 26th (My Ways Are Not Your Ways!)”

Worker ant carrying leaf – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #143 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

. 

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 24th

.

.

.

.

A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!

.

.

.

.

.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”

2nd Timothy 2:12

.

.

.

.

.

In the first few chapters of the Book of Revelation, Christ sent out messages to the 7 churches of Asia.

.

And Christ capitalized on the strengths and weaknesses of each church, as He either praised or criticized each church.

.

But it is interesting, that the only two churches of which Christ had nothing negative to say, are the very two churches who were suffering persecution!

.

Yes, the Church of Smyrna and the Church of Philadelphia were the two exceptions.

.

Torture devices – The Wheel – Calas Chapbook – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

So what do these facts have to do with today’s devotional?

.

Well, the title of this devotional is called, “A Suffering Church is a Strong Church! So let’s explore why this title is a true statement…

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE EARLY CHURCH

.

If we take just a brief look at history, it is not hard to see that persecution by Antichrist forces made God’s people strong.

.

This was seen in the days of the early Church, as they were persecuted by the Roman Empire.

.

Yes, the early Church was heavily attacked, but as a result, was greatly strengthened during those early centuries..

.

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

THE PERSECUTION DURING THE DARK AGES

.

But also during the following centuries, when the apostate churches of Europe became a tyrannical beast-power, once again brought trouble and persecution upon the Church.

.

And as a result, the true worshippers of God had to separate themselves from the established congregations. And for centuries, God’s true worshippers had to “flee to the mountains”, in which they lived separated lives, in the mountain strongholds of Europe.

.

Did God’s people enjoy such suffering?

.

Of course not! But that persecution only made the Church of God strong!

.

Waldensians hunted by the armies of Rome – Courtesy Gutenberg.org – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

SATAN’S NEW & IMPROVED ASSAULT WEAPON

.

Well now, Satan realized that physical attacks were not the most effective means to destroy God’s people.

.

Just the opposite! The Church only grew stronger!

.

And so, at the time appointed, God permitted Satan to implement a new strategy against God’s Elect.

.

Yes, Satan had a seemingly new war-machine, waiting in the wings!

.

Avvakum (burned 1682) – by artist, Myasoyedov – 1897 – Wikimedia – Pub Dom.

.

.

.

.

.

.

SATAN’S NEW STRATEGY: OPULENCE AND HEDONISM!

.

And so, in the very nations which he had so greatly persecuted, he was now permitted to bring out this new and improved war-machine!

.

Thus, physical violence against God’s people came to a halt.

.

And instead of war, famine, persecution and poverty, Satan employed the very opposite assault on those nations: peace and prosperity, materialism, leisure, novelties, amusements, entertainment, etc..

.

Yes, the Devil began to flood the western nations with every kind of diversion imaginable!

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

.

.

 

.

.

FALSE BRETHREN BEGAN TO INFILTRATE

.

And so, once the physical attacks ceased, the churches once again became filled with false brethren.

.

While false brethren stayed far away from God’s churches during the times of physical persecution, now the churches filled up with worldly-minded professors of Christ!

.

PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – wikimedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

PROSPERITY-DRIVEN GOSPELS, TODAY

.

And so, here we are today.

.

Satan’s flood of earthly Mammon continues. The Church has become bloated with worldly-minded “make-believers”.

.

God’s house is in a state of spiritual free-fall into its total apostasy!

.

Worship services have become more and more appealing to the carnal heart.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

FUTURE REVIVAL WILL BE INDIVIDUAL

.

Now for those who want to believe that God is going to revive the various churches and denominations, it should be answered, “This will not happen! That day shall never come!”

.

Nevertheless, God is just now going to purify His people in such a way, as never before witnessed!

.

But it will be only on an individual basis! And that is why the Book of Jeremiah refers to this day as “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.

.

Yes, just as Jacob wrestled through the night and did not give up until he received the victory blessing, so also, we must not give up, until the “Sun of Righteousness” has fully arisen in our heart! (see Genesis Chapter 32)

.

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

PERSECUTION OF ANOTHER TYPE

.

And so, persecution will come to God’s people! But it may not be the kind that is so visible to others.

.

There may not be any bloodhounds chasing us. There may not be black helicopters with tracking-devices searching for us.

.

No, we should not be surprised if our persecution comes from invisible evil angels, to either discourage us to the point of renouncing our Christianity altogether, or at least to the point that we throw up our hands and join ranks with the apostate churches.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

HEART PURIFICATION IS EVERYTHING!

.

But two things are for sure, regarding the conflict!

.

First, it is almost guaranteed that we will be taken by surprise, as far as the details of the coming crisis.

.

And secondly, the only preparation that must be made on our part, is to begin hiding God’s precious promises in our hearts! Yes, it is totally worthless to think that food storage, or weapons arsenals or storing of gold, or building of bunkers will be of the slightest help, for the coming Day of the Lord!

.

Only those who have cooperated with the Lord in personal heart purification will be able to walk through the devouring fire of persecution which is just before us!

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

WHY ME LORD?

.

And so, dear child of God, we should not be surprised if our lives become filled with trials and suffering. 

.

Listen… “And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 1st Corinthians 12:9, 10

.

God realizes that trials and suffering are often necessary for His people. These are the means which God has chosen to purify and strengthen His people!

.

Yes, the trials which the Christian might now be enduring, may very well be his or her own personal, “Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.

.

Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – wikipedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE READER IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO STUDY FROM JEREMIAH (#225) CONCERNING CHRISTIAN SUFFERING. THIS STUDY IS CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

Harold-Camping – courtesy Family Radio

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to joyfully accept the trials which come upon me, knowing that they keep me looking up to Thee…

Girl Praying – – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “May 15 ( Hide Thyself…For A Moment! Part 3: “How To Stay Hidden”)“ or you can also read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

.

A SIGN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Revelation 12:1

.

You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful. In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail. This is the constellation, Ursa Major. And this article will introduce you to this amazing sign of Heaven, and what it means to you and to me.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 25th (What’s An Aristaphagist?”

Herbert M. Shelton – Wikipedia – Non-Free-media-rationale

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #142 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

. 

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.

 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 23rd

.

.

.

.

Who’s In Your Mirror?

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast”

.

.

.

.

.

.

Many people love to look into a mirror!

.

And then, there are many others of us who like to avoid mirrors whenever possible!

.

This young lady of yesteryear seemed to be happy with what her mirror revealed to her (at least she was, back in that year!)

.

Mabel Normand with round mirror – wikimedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

THE MIRROR OF THE BIBLE

.

But there is one mirror which each and every one of us should love to look into!

.

It is the mirror of the Bible!

.

Yes, the Bible is a mirror! And it reveals two images: one image is the Christian and the other image is that of Christ.

.

And believe it or not, the Second Commandment has a lot to do with mirror images.

.

And so, today’s devotional will explore this idea…

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

.

Exactly what does this Second Commandment say to the human race?… “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them.” Exodus 20:4,5

.

This Commandment is about worshiping engraved images.

.

But that’s just the starting point of this Second Commandment!

.

idolatry – exodus 32 – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain.

.

.

.

.

.

MORE THAN WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT…

.

You see, this particular Commandment goes much deeper in meaning, just as Psalm 119 states.

.

Listen… “…but Thy Commandment is exceeding broad.” Psalm 119:96.

.

Yes, God’s Commandments go far deeper in meaning than just the letter of the Law.

.

Dore – Moses breaks stones – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

“THY COMMANDEMNT IS EXCEEDING BROAD!”

.

When Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount, He used the Old Testament Law as the centerpiece for this beautiful sermon, and showed how the Commandments are pictures of deeper spiritual principles; principles which define the thoughts and intents of the human heart.

.

Ten Commandments National Museum of Scotland – cropped images – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

“THE NUMBER ‘TWO'”

.

 It seems there is a very good reason for God to choose this “image” Commandment to be the 2nd Commandment, and not making it the 3rd or 4th or any of the other Commandments.

.

Picture of twin sisters – courtesy of Wikipedia.

.

.

.

.

.

MIRROR IMAGES…

.

The number “two” seems to be the number that speaks of “reflection”. (Just like this giant globe photo to the right.)

.

As this mirror globe reflects the images of the people around it, so too, we each reflect an image to the world around us (whether we like it or not.) When you look in the mirror, there becomes two images; 1. You. 2. And the reflection of your image… in the mirror!

.

Listen… “Can two walk together except they be in agreement?” Amos 3:3.

.

To “be in agreement”, as this verse says, with another person, seems to speak of one person reflecting the opinions of another. 

.

And our image is a product of our life-experiences; we are a “mirror” so to speak, of the people and things which have influenced us throughout our lifetime.

.

Mirror globe picture – cropped image – courtesy of Wikipedia & Arpingstone.

.

.

.

.

.

THE INFLUENCE OF ASSOCIATIONS

.

But the above Scripture from Amos 3:3 makes it clear that we can’t “hang around” with someone without being influenced by that person; especially if we admire that person who we’re associating with. The Bible says “companionship” reveals a lot about who we are!

.

But this next verse seems to be an answer to this problem of our influential associations.

.

Just listen… “…we…beholding…the Lord…are changed into the same image.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18.

.

This verse confirms that associating with Jesus has a positive influence on a person. Thus by walking with Jesus, we become in agreement with Jesus.

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

.

.

.

.

ALSO WORKS IN THE NEGATIVE SENSE

.

But this principal of “who we walk with”, also works in reverse… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

.

By associating with bad influences, we begin to take on those evil attributes.

.

“Be not deceived”, this last verse states. 

.

.

.

.

.

AM I THE MIRROR IMAGE OF JESUS?…

.

“(Jesus) Who being the brightness of His (God’s) glory, and the express image of His person…” Hebrews 1:3

.

And speaking of images, the above verse states that Jesus, being the eternal Son of God, was the express image of God.

.

But these things concerning the Godhead are far higher than any human can understand. 

.

Just listen again to 2nd Corinthians 3:18… “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

.

As does the 2nd Commandment, this incredible verse likewise speaks of image-making. But this verse speaks of the wonderful image of Jesus!

.

And isn’t this what it’s all about? 

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain 

.

.

.

.

.

“A BOOK…READ OF ALL MANKIND”

2nd Corinthians 3:2

.

Now here’s just one more verse. And this verse gives real purpose to becoming Christlike…“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2nd Corinthians 5:20).

.

God has called us out of this world, in order that we show and tell of Christ to this fallen world. 

.

Christians in this modern society must reflect the image of Christ, so that the world can finally see Jesus…not just hear about Him!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to reflect the image of Jesus, as I grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him through His wonderful Word…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

.

.

.

OUR SOLAR SYSTEM & THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

.

If you have read the article, “Discovering Bible Signs In Our Solar System”, then you have a good understanding of just why this website proclaims the concept that our Solar System has been created by God, as a metaphorical picture of the Ten Commandments.

.

Now the relationship of the sphere, or orb, commonly known as Planet Mercury to the Second Commandment, is a powerful concept.

.

The Reader is highly encouraged to read this important article. It may greatly enhance the understanding of the Bible. And it may greatly change, not only one’s world-view, but also a greater appreciation of the Universe, and its Creator.

.

Truly the love of God has been written upon the heavenly scroll, and even stretched from sky to sky.

.

Solar System – NASA – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

“CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER, EXCEPT THEY AGREE?”

Amos 3:3

.

#2 HEAVENLY SPHERE & #2 COMMANDMENT… As discussed elsewhere in this website, the Sun seems to correspond to the First Commandment. Likewise, Mercury, which is the second heavenly sphere in our solar system, seems to correspond very nicely to the Second Commandment. Both the second heavenly sphere (Mercury) and the Second Commandment (no images) are closest to the ‘Sun’. That is to say, just as planet Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, so is the Second Commandment right next to the First Commandment (God compares himself to the Sun many times in Scripture). Jesus says to us today…

.

“I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

.

For a more in-depth look at this argument about the Sun comparing to God, just click this link… “Discovering Bible Signs In Our Solar System”, or this link… Signs in the Sun .

.

Mercury orbit solar system – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast”

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

” May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!)”

Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

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 #141 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

. 

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.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 22nd

.

.

.

.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “’7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’”

.

.

.

.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who…humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the Cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him…

that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:5-11 (condensed).

.

.

.

.

.

.

This above verse not only proclaims the self-denial which Jesus lived, but also shows us what God expects out of us: to have the mind of Christ within, as also is proclaimed in 1st Corinthians 2:16… “But we have the mind of Christ.”

.

US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

“GO AND SELL… “

.

The Church of God…His elect…has been chosen to follow Him. We are to take up our Cross and follow Jesus!

.

But to a great degree, we have become like that “Rich Young Ruler” in Matthew 19, to whom Jesus lovingly bids… “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, ‘One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and follow Me.'” Luke 10:21, 22 .

.

Yes, that rich young ruler didn’t want to forsake all!

.

He merely wanted to perform some good works, while still hanging on to his carnal life in this selfish world.

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – wikimedia commons – US public domain.

.

.

.

.

.

FORSAKING ALL IS DENYING ‘SELF’…

.

The Rich Young Ruler had just too many talents and attainments and desires to give up for Christ! 

.

But not so for the disciples of Jesus! 

.

Just listen… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11.

.

This verse speaks of Christ’s disciples, who, upon receiving the call to follow Jesus, forsook all this world and followed Him.

.

In essence, the forsaking of this world with all its seductive enticements is akin to taking up the Cross. 

.

Christ calling His Disciples by Edward Armitage – 1869 – courtesy Wikigallery.com – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

JOHN IMITATES CHRIST

.

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1st John 2:6

.

God has given us a wonderful example of what a Christian can become! And that example is the Apostle, John!

.

John was not at all the product of higher education. He was not even trained in the school of the Pharisees, as was Paul. Being a lowly fisherman indicates that John probably had not even read books on history, or philosophy, or theology, or science.

.

No, the secret to John’s success was his burning desire to imitate his Lord Jesus, in every way!

.

(And in this old painting of John, the artist seemed to really ‘get it’, concerning John’s desire to be Christ-like. This painting depicts John as very much like the typical paintings that we normally see of Jesus.)

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

“LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT”

Hebrews 12:1

.

And like John and the other disciples, we also have the great privilege of taking up our Cross and following our Lord! But we can’t follow Him while trying to drag along a hoard of earthly treasures…

.

“And he that takes not his Cross, and follows after Me, is not worthy of Me. He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:38, 39.

.

When we receive the “New Heart”, we receive also a “Brand New Life”! No longer do we desire to go after the things of the world. We have left the world behind us!

.

We now desire to be faithful followers of Jesus…just like John and James and Peter…and Paul!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – companys-coming – revised

.

.

.

.

.

“TO THE MOLES AND TO THE BATS!”

.

And so, the question of the day is just this: “Will we cast away our idols to the moles and to the bats?”

.

Listen… “In that Day (today – Ed.) a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21.

.

This prophecy of Isaiah is speaking of this very moment in history!

.

The False Prophet (the Devil, as he comes through unsaved people, both in the world but also in the churches), has filled our society with all types of materialism, careers, amusements, and aspirations.

.

But now more than ever, God’s people must cast off these heavy burdens, and flee to the clefts of the ragged rocks of God’s Word and prayer-unceasing.

.

“Cast Idols to Moles”_mole by Michael David Hill, cropped photo – wikipedia – share-alike license

Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that whole-hearted desire to follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “’7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’” or you can also read… “The 7 Stars Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

.

.

.

THE CROSS OF ORION

.

This constellation is the same as Orion, but can also be seen as this cross on a hill. It is best seen in mid-winter, traveling east to west through the night in mid-sky. Orion begins to appear in August, in the pre-dawn hours. However, Orion does not look like a Cross, until it stands upright, later in the season, in pre-dawn hours.

Go out in the clear dark night and behold Orion in his four offices! Then show a friend!

.

NOTE: The three stars at the top of the cross, are fainter than the other stars that make up this cross. So if you are in the city, you will have to look carefully to observe them.

.

The Cross of Orion Constellation Wikipedia star-chart. Cross and hill sketched in by editor of this website.

.

.

.

.

.

And so the great message written in the heavens, which God is now revealing to us, is a wonderful message.

.

It is the message of the Cross of Christ. It is the Gospel of self-sacrificing love for a planet in rebellion.

.

And it is an encouragement to those who have been called and chosen: an exhortation to cast off this present world and follow Jesus, as He leads us up a Pathway to a heavenly city: a city built on a foundation of selfless love for fallen humanity and a holy reverence for a wonderful God.

.

ThomasCole-Pilgrim of the Cross at the End of His Journey – wikimedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “’7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’” or you can also read… “The 7 Stars Constellation”

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 23rd (Who’s In Your Mirror?)”

Girl with round mirror – Wikimedia – US public domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

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 #140 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

.

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.