Today’s Devotional – May 11th (Thy Will Is Done in Earth!)

By admin On May 10th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 11th

.

Thy Will IS Done in Earth!

.

Jesus stood before His disciples and prayed thus, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”.

.

Whenever the words are discussed, “Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in Heaven”, someone will undoubtedly say, “Well, someday, God shall be able to do His will for us!”

.

But it is the belief of this website that God is right now doing His own will down here on earth!

.

But also, that all things which may happen to us, both good and bad, are also the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning us!

.

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

.

***JOSEPH’S* *TROUBLES***

.

Now let’s take a look at Joseph, the son of Jacob.

.

Should Joseph have given thanks for how his brothers mocked him, because of his dream?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks to God for when his brothers threw him into a pit?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks for when he was sold into slavery in Egypt?

.

Or how about when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife? Or how about his getting thrown into prison?

.

Were all these things the will of God concerning Joseph?

.

Well, no doubt Satan had a hand in all these mishaps, the same as he did in Job’s mishaps! (Read the Book of Job)

.

Joseph Faithful in Prison – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

.

GOD IS IN FULL CONTROL!

.

But let’s face it! Hasn’t God spared us many times from some evil thing?

.

And couldn’t He prevent all evil? Yes He could! But He doesn’t, does He?

.

Yes, sometimes God does permit evil in our lives.

.

But that is why God gave us the Bible: to show us that even the evil things will work together for good, to those of us who love God.

.

And we all are familiar with that wonderful promise… “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THY WILL IS BEING DONE…HERE!?!

.

But we have an even more revealing promise. Listen… “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:” Ephesians 1:11.

.

Now this almost sounds like God is saying that all things are His will! How could that be?

.

Well, God is even more clear in this next statement. Listen… “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.

.

Now at this point, many are probably getting ready to leave the room! Or perhaps they’re wanting to say… “You’re not trying to tell me that God is doing His own will in this horrible, horrible world are you?”

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

GOD EVEN CHOOSES OUR RULERS!

.

That little book of Daniel presents some pretty big truths!

.

Another such truth is found in Chapter 4… “…that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” Daniel 4:17

.

Yes, we actually think that we choose our earthly leaders. And so we go and vote.

.

But this verse reveals that God is the One who chooses which leader will rule this, and every other kingdom on Earth. And God even sets up the basest of men! And so it’s no wonder our leaders are so corrupt, quite often!

.

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzars Dream – www.wikigallery.com – Public Domain

.

THIS WORLD: GOD’S GOLD-SMITH SHOP!

.

And so, as strangers and pilgrims in this unhappy world, let’s take heart that the things which happen in this world are no accident!

.

No, this world is God’s silver & gold-smithing shop! And God is sitting as a purifier of gold and silver… the gold of faith, love, and the silver of purity in the hearts of His Chosen Ones: us!

.

You see, God’s ultimate will is for His creation to be happy throughout all eternity! Yes, that’s God’s ultimate will! And His will shall be accomplished, even though things seem really out of control here.

.

gold smelting – public domain – wn.com

.

TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

September 22nd (Thy Will IS Done in Earth! Part 2)

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully grasp this concept of giving thanks in both the good as well as the bad things that happen. Help me to understand that nothing can happen to me, either good or bad, unless you allow it to happen…

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

GRASPING FOR SCEPTER AND A

CROWN…

.

This page however just deals with the Woman travailing in child-birth. When she is in labor, she appears to reach out her hand southward to grasp a The Cross/Scepter, which is coming from the South, out of an ark-like box. There also is a Crown of 12 Stars (13 counting a star in the center). But the Crown (the Corona Borealis Constellation) is not yet on her head. The crown is to the south of her. So she is grasping for the Cross/Scepter. She doesn’t yet wear the crown. This reminds us of that well-known passage in Philippians

which states…

.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:13, 14

.

And also another verse of the apostle Paul… “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8. So this woman with child is grasping, either for that Cross/Scepter, or perhaps that crown, or both. This is such an incredible scenario in the heavens! But this is a very complex concept. Because this headless woman-with-child, which turns upside down in winter to become the “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12”; and combine this with that Crown and that Cross/Scepter, of which she appears to be grasping for in summer, and these various aspects present a great portion of what the Bible is about.

.

SKETCH WITH JOSHUA TREES…The above sketch are the Summer Constellations .as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKASagittarius Constellation) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation and above the flower is The Cross/Scepter Constellation. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis ) and the star, Arcturus . Farthest to the north is the Woman of Revelation 12 part one (Woman in Travail) (AKA Ursa Major). Of course, in this sketch is the desert with several Joshua Tress and some mesas, and a few other plants.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People?)”

Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Genesis19-17.jpgiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – 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 #129 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 – May 10th (Luther’s Penitence & Paul’s Toughness )

By admin On May 9th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 10th

.

Luther’s Penitence & Paul’s Toughness

.

“Thou therefore endure hardness,

as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself

with the affairs of this life;

that he may please Him

who hath chosen him to be a soldier”

2nd Timothy 2:3, 4

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

.

Martin Luther was a very dedicated monk in the apostate church of Europe.

.

Unfortunately, the Bible was not in the hands of the people of those days, and so, Luther’s ignorance of grace caused him to go about his Salvation as if it depended on being earned by his own good works and self-deprivation!

.

**Therefore, Luther, as well as many other monks of those days, would perform various acts of penance, types of fastings and self-denial, and other such, “self-cleansings”.**

.

And by these means, he hoped to eventually merit Salvation.

.

Luther – 95 theses – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

LUTHER DISCOVERS GOD’S GRACE

.

Now, of course, as his own writings revealed, Luther finally discovered the Bible, and through its knowledge he eventually came to understand the concept of Salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

.

Yes, one day, as he was crawling up the “steps of penance”, it came to him like a bolt of lightning… “The Just shall live by faith!” And this Bible verse became the mantra for his future ministry.

.

And as a result, the world finally came out of the religious fog of ignorance, which lay heavily upon Europe in those days!

.

Luther – Wikipedia – public domain

.

PAUL’S LIFE OF SELF-DENIAL

.

**Now, the Apostle, Paul, after his conversion, fully comprehended, “Salvation by grace”.**

.

**Yes, God has chosen Paul, not only to be the human role-model for the Church, but also to properly define what it means to be, “saved by grace”, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ.**

.

And yet, in spite of his knowledge of grace, Paul also denied himself many of the pleasures and comforts of life.

.

No, Paul didn’t crawl over broken glass, or flog himself, like those misled Christians in the Dark Ages. But Paul did engage in much fasting, many sleepless nights in prayer, and generally lived a life of self-denial.

.

Yes, Paul lived a life of many hardships, most brought on by natural circumstances, as he journeyed thousands of miles, to spread the Good News in foreign lands.

.

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

.

So, just what was the difference between the Apostle, Paul, and the misguided monk, Martin Luther? After all, both men were dedicated to God. And both men believed in living a life of self-denial.

.

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

Luther – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

PAUL’S MASTERY OVER HIS FLESH

.

Well, let’s allow Paul to speak for himself… “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things…But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-27

.

So, Paul here is stating his purpose for denying himself many, “creature comforts” of life… “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

.

Yes, Paul compared the Christian life to a race that must be run. And an important part of that race is to be “temperate in all things”. And so, Paul knew the importance of keeping control over his body, lest he became a slave to his fleshly appetites.

.

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

.

LIVING IN A CORNUCOPIAN SOCIETY

.

So how does all this translate into modern-day Christianity?

.

Just how do we relate to Paul and his many admonishments to, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”? 2nd Timothy 2:3, 4

.

Well, as Christians today, many of us live in a very affluent society.

.

Becoming a true disciple of Jesus requires all.

.

Those who presume that they can continue to enthusiastically pursue the pleasures and cares of this life will eventually find themselves spiritually bankrupt!

.

People on Times Square – cropped image -Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

.

THE UPWARD PATHWAY

.

Through daily contemplation of the Bible, through unceasing prayer, and through fiery trials, we become imperceptibly changed.

.

And little-by-little, our lives become more and more in harmony with Christ.

.

And then, one morning, we will awaken to realize, that we are now living that same self-sacrificing life that Christ (and Paul) lived!

.

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,

in much patience, in afflictions,

in necessities, in distresses,

In stripes, in imprisonments,

in tumults, in labours,

in watchings, in fastings;

By pureness, by knowledge,

by longsuffering, by kindness,

by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

By the word of truth, by the power of God,

by the armour of righteousness

on the right hand and on the left,

By honour and dishonour,

by evil report and good report:

as deceivers, and yet true;

As unknown, and yet well known;

as dying, and, behold, we live;

as chastened, and not killed;

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;

as poor, yet making many rich;

as having nothing,

and yet possessing all things”

2nd Corinthians 6:4-10

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be a follower of Paul, even as he was a follower of Jesus. Let me not be deceived to think that any good works will merit Salvation in any way…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

TOMORROW:

“May 11th (Thy Will IS Done in Earth!)”

Joseph Faithful in Prison – www.thebiblerevival.com – 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 #128 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 – May 9th (Vain Dogmatism!)

By admin On May 8th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 9th

.

Vain Dogmatism!

.

The Bible makes every truth that is necessary for Salvation, as clear as noonday!

.

Yes, every essential doctrine is available to all.

.

“some things hard to be understood”

2nd Peter 3:16.

.

But as we know, there are many other things in Scripture which are hard to be understood.

.

Listen to Peter… “As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3:16.

.

Yes, there are many who need to wrestle with many scriptures, so that we may hold on to our world-loving ways!

.

And so, instead of clinging to the plain teachings concerning Salvation, we try to twist these plain truths, making the simple become convoluted.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

LITERAL OR SPIRITUAL?

.

Now there are many truths which God has concealed.

.

And as we all should be aware, there are many truths concealed in metaphorical language.

.

One of those hard-to-be-understood truths is the role of Israel in these last days.

.

Just like so many future prophecies, God has spoken many things concerning Israel, which make it very difficult to know exactly what God is speaking of.

.

Declaration of State of Israel 1948 – Wikimedia – public domain

.

SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

.

In other words, God speaks of literal Israel, but also speaks of a spiritual Israel, which consists of all true worshippers of God.

.

For instance, listen to this… “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:6-8

.

So this is just one of many similar passages which speak of spiritual Israel.

.

Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

CHRIST, THE TRUE TEMPLE

.

So now, the big question to be asked is this: “How can we get dogmatic that God is going to begin working again with literal, national Israel, in the future, in the light of all the passages which speak of a spiritual Israel?”

.

Listen to Jesus… “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But He spake of the temple of His body.” John 2:19-21.

.

It seems that the Old Testament people had the same problem that we now do!

.

They could only think in literal terms, while Jesus here was trying to open their eyes to spiritual truth!

.

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

.

IT’S A STUBBORN WORLD!

.

It seems as if hard-headed closed-mindedness is every bit as prevalent in today’s church-world as it was back in Old Testament times.

.

Listen to God’s assessment of His people… “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.” Jeremiah 19:15

.

This is just one of many similar passages in which God is warning His people of their refusal to listen to his “Word of Life”, which would have saved their souls, had they been willing to change their course and turn to him in deep humility and meekness.

.

And so it is today. Just like old Mr. Obstinate here, from Pilgrim’s Progress, many of us are stuck in our ways, and mostly refuse to give up our hard-heartedness. We believe what we believe and, “Nobody’s gonna convince me otherwise!”

.

Jesus said…“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Mark 10:15

.

Children are much more receptive to seemingly new teachings, and Jesus here admonishes us to be childlike in our faith!

.

Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

.

The very Good News is that today is still the day of Salvation!

.

And those of us who realize our necks are much too stiff and unbendable, can yet fall to our spiritual knees and cry out for God’s meek and mild Spirit to infill us with childlike belief in His Word.

.

And with this accomplished, the indwelling Holy Spirit will dispel our proud defiance and cause us to turn from this rebellious and hard-hearted and stubborn world, and allow the “meekness of wisdom” to fill our needy souls.

.

And then, with childlike willingness, we can begin to look at God’s Word with fresh eyes, as the Psalms 119 encourages us…“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

To read more on spiritual and literal Israel, go to…

March 14th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!)

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be humble, meek and teachable! Let not my pride make me “puffed up” concerning my understanding of Bible truth…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

REVELATION 12 WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven; a woman…And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads…And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God…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. 12:1, 3, 6, 15

.

Here is a sketch of this Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12. This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven. Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.

.

This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing. As you can see, the Dragon Constellation is spewing a flood of water in her direction, as is written… “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. 12:15. This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.

.

GOD’S MESSAGE: FLEE!!

.

Beholding the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation in winter, it seems that God is trying to get a very important message across to His people: that His Church is to flee! But what are they to flee from? Well, you can go to the article titled “The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation”

.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth is The Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 10th (Paul’s Hardness or Luther’s Penitence?)”.

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – 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 #127 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 – May 8th (The Darby/Scofield Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 9: The Church Hidden)

By admin On May 8th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 8th

.

The Darby/Scofield Pre-Trib Rapture,

.

Part 9:

The Church Hidden

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”

.

“Because thou hast kept the word of My patience,

I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,

which shall come upon all the world,

to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Revelation 3:10

.

Popular theology has assigned this above verse to the so-called “Rapture” of God’s people out of this world, just prior to this coming Great Tribulation.

.

But while it is true that there will be some whom God keeps from the “hour of temptation”, it nowhere says anything about rapturing them out of the world, just prior to the man-concocted event, the, “Pre-Tribulation Rapture” (the true, God-given name is “The Coming of the Lord”, as named in 1st Thessalonians 4:15, James 5:7, and James 5:8)

.

Nevertheless, concerning God’s faithful ones, Revelation merely says that they will be “kept from the hour of temptation”.

.

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

HAS GOD KEPT HIS FAITHFUL ONES FROM PERSECUTION?

.

It must be remembered here that God was speaking to the Church of Philadelphia, which existed back around 100 AD.

.

**Did God literally Rapture them out of the world, or did He merely keep them from the hour of temptation which came upon the whole world?**

.

The Christians in Europe, during the Dark Ages, were more or less persecuted by the apostate ruling church of Europe, who enlisted the support of the civil governments of Europe to apply physical violence against those who loved the Bible, and even waged war against the Bible itself!

.

Did God keep these faithful ones from persecution?

.

Avvakum (burned 1682) by artist, Myasoyedov 1897 Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

“THE RIGHTEOUS PERISH”

.

Now, to be sure, there is coming one last climactic finale to this world.

.

But while it’s true that some may be spared this great testing of the world, there may be another manner in which God spares His people from all this.

.

One way, of course is through death. Listen… “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.” Isaiah 57:1.

.

So as this verse reveals, God in His foreknowledge, will take people away in death, so to spare them from much greater evil, lurking just beyond the horizon!

.

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

.

“HIDE THYSELF…FOR A LITTLE MOMENT”

.

But there is yet another way in which God keeps His people from the evil to come.

.

Listen… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21.

.

Notice that this passage doesn’t say that God’s people are permanently removed from the Earth.

.

It merely says that they are to hide themselves, “for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past.”

.

This passage definitely concerns Judgment Day, and yet it says nothing about the Church being removed from the Earth! It merely says to hide in their chambers.

.

Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“THOU (GOD) ART MY HIDING PLACE!”

Psalm 32:7

.

Many who are so heavily invested in the idea that they will miss out on the Great Tribulation, often try to bend such passages as Isaiah 26:20, 21, to fit their theory that the Church will be literally taken out of this world and up to Heaven before this time of trouble begins.

.

But the above passage from Isaiah 26:20, 21 says that the Christian should hide “for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast”.

.

This conveys the idea of going into a shelter till a storm passes over.

.

Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“THOU (GOD) ART MY HIDING PLACE”

Psalm 32:7

.

Now listen to Psalms… “For in the time of trouble He (God) shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock.” Psalm 27:5.

.

**As this Psalm reveals, God is our refuge, and He is our “hiding place”.**

.

God doesn’t need to remove a Christian from the face of the Earth, in order to keep him safe from the hour of trial and testing.

.

There are so many other passages which reiterate this same concept.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked”

Psalm 91:7, 8

.

This above passage from Psalm 91, gives God’s people comfort and assurance that they will be safe during the coming Time of Trouble!

.

And this same assurance is recorded in the Book of Exodus, in the true account of how God sent ten plagues upon the land of Egypt. But though God’s people remained in that land, yet God kept the children of Israel safe…“And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.” Exodus 9:25, 26

.

No, God didn’t need to remove His people from earth to keep them from the plagues!

.

Holman Bible – Plague of hail – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

A TIME OF STRENGTHENING

.

The coming time of trouble will be an experience which God will send His people through as a means of strengthening their faith and trust in God.

.

They will have little if any earthly support!

.

Their only option will be to place their trust wholly upon their God…

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

“For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me;

He shall set me up upon a Rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up

above mine enemies round about me:

therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.”

Psalm 27:5, 6

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings. Let me take refuge in Thee…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

LOCATING THE DRAGON

.

THE DRAGON of REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION . This star-chart from Wikipedia shows this constellation group as they appear above the eastern horizon. The Revelation 12 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 also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. The Dragon’s tail is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces.

.

Then with aid of a dark & starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are somewhat 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 (not pictured here). The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. There are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars near to the Dragon’s mouth, are also part of this Wave of Water .

.

THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION 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.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 9th (Vain Dogmatism!)”

Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – 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 #126 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 – May 7th (Who Are The Sons Of God?)

By admin On May 8th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 7th

.

Who Are The Sons Of God?

.

“But as many as received Him,

to them gave He power to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on His Name:

Which were born, not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”

John 1:12, 13.

.

There is a lot of speculation over Genesis, Chapter 6.

.

Listen… “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” Genensis 6:4

.

Now, there are several different ideas blowing in the wind, as to just who were those “sons of God”, spoken of in this passage.

.

One idea is that these were fallen angels, who procreated with the daughters of humans, creating a master race.

.

Paradise Lost – G Dore – Wikipedia – public-domain

.

SOLA SCRIPTURA?

.

But the big question is, what does the Bible say, concerning all this?

.

**Does the Bible give us any clues as to who were these, “sons of God”? After all, most theologians claim to believe in that old mantra, “Sola Scriptura”, the Bible only!**

.

And so, it would seem logical that the Bible would be the first, last and only word on the subject.

.

So exactly who does the Bible say are the sons of God?

.

Does the Bible ever call the angels, “Sons of God”?

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THE BOOK OF JOB

.

Well, if we go to the Book of Job, we again encounter this phrase.

.

Listen… “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.” Job 1:6.

.

So here it speaks of the sons of God presenting themselves before the Lord.

.

But again, this verse doesn’t really define just who these sons of God were. It very well could have been an earthly convocation, in which Job attended. The Bible just doesn’t say. And we are not to speculate where the Bible is silent!

.

And even though many theologians believe this verse could be speaking of a convocation of angels, we cannot and must not make a theological leap, even if it seems like a short jump.

.

Job and his friends – Wikimedia – public domain

.

TOO AMBIGUOUS!

.

So here is a third passage…. “Then the LORD answered Job…Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?…Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1, 4-7

.

When did the morning stars sing together, and all the sons of God shout for joy?

.

No this passage is very confusing, and it cannot be fully understood by itself.

.

It very well could be speaking of during the years after Creation, when God’s people shouted for the joy of Salvation because of “the Cornerstone”, Jesus Christ. (see Isaiah 28:16, Ephesians 2:20, 1st Peter 2:7, etc…)

.

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

.

Jesus, “The Corner Stone”

(see Isaiah 28:16, Ephesians 2:20, 1st Peter 2:6)

.

Listen again to this passage…“Then the LORD answered Job…Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?…Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the Corner Stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1, 4-7

.

**And remember, that it says here, “ALL the sons of God shouted for joy”.**

.

And don’t forget that the Corner Stone is referring to Jesus, whom the Bible reveals is “The Corner Stone” (see Isaiah 28:16, Ephesians 2:20, 1st Peter 2:6)

.

If Lucifer and his fellow rebels were also included as being, “sons of God”, they certainly were not shouting for joy at this new creation of humans. As a matter of fact, in their jealous rage, Lucifer and his fellow angels wished for the destruction of these new members of God’s universe!

.

Nor were Lucifer and his angels shouting for joy when God “laid the cornerstone thereof”, Jesus the Savior! Just the opposite! Lucifer, and his angels were enraged, and made it their great mission to destroy Jesus, “the cornerstone”!

.

But theologians unknowingly include Lucifer and his angels as also being “all the sons of God” if angels were indeed included in the above passage as being, “all the sons of God” who “shouted for joy” at Jesus, being laid as “the cornerstone”.

.

Again it is not wise to make that presumptuous theological leap, even though we are tempted to do so!

.

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

Gustave Dore – Paradise Lost illustration – Lucifer becomes Satan – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

GOD’S PRIESTS SHOUT FOR JOY!

.

So where does it definitively speak of just exactly who are considered, “the sons of God”?

.

Listen…“For the Lord hath chosen Zion…This is My rest for ever…I will also clothe her priests with Salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15.

.

So who are shouting for joy in this above passage? Christ’s saints. His royal priesthood! Believers!

.

Yes, it is His redeemed and chosen ones who are shouting for joy!

.

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

.

NEW TESTAMENT ALSO REVEALS THE ANSWER!

.

Listen to this further definitive statement…“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13.

.

Okay, so here we have it! Here, it clearly defines just who are defined as being considered “the sons of God”! And there are several other places in the New Testament, that further defines the sons of God as being Believers…

.

Listen again…“Beloved, now are WE the sons of God,” 1st John 3:2

.

These three passages are definitive enough so that we do not need to make a theological and presumptive leap, to prove just who are considered to be “the sons of God”! We are on safe ground, and need not to go beyond a plain, “thus saith the Lord” as many theologians do, to their own condemnation.

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

NOW GENESIS 6:4 BEGINS TO MAKE SENSE!

.

So now, if we go back to Genesis, and insert this definition into Genesis 6:4, we begin to get the true meaning of the passage… “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God (Believers) came in unto the daughters of men (unbelievers), and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” Genesis 6:4.

.

So now, this passage makes complete biblical sense! God’s people (“sons of God”) began to intermarry with the daughters of men: “un-believers”!

.

Now this interpretation starts to have true relevance to our Salvation!

.

Now this interpretation relieves this verse from being merely some speculative, wild-eyed conspiracy theory!

.

God’s people are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, as it states in 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 (to read entire passage, go here…2nd Corinthians 6:14-18)

.

Long Wedding Dress for Couple with Flowers – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

SALVATION: THE GREAT BIBLE THEME!

.

One very nice thing about the Bible. It always stays on message: Salvation!

.

God never leads us on a wild goose chase, with exotic and intriguing conspiracy theories, even though Bible teachers and theologians may do so.

.

Listen… “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.

.

Do you see the beauty of this passage? It defines the purpose of all Scripture: for the perfection of the saints.

.

magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Teach me to study my Bible correctly, so that I can know truth for myself…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

***THUMBNAIL OVERVIEW* *OF WINTER CONSTELLATIONS…***

.

(IN THE EASTERN SKY)

.

In the East – Fall & Winter

.

The Winter Constellation Group is all about Christian warfare. This group is all about the sterner qualities of the Christian life. This Dragon starts out the winter in the eastern skies in a power position. He is atop Orion. Both Orion and his Horse are falling backward, in apparent defeat.

This reminds one of an Old Testament prophecy… “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.” Genesis 49:17. Dan of course, in this passage, would represent that old serpent, Satan and his minions. The horse and rider in this passage speak of Orion and this Goodly Horse Constellation.

.

**As you can see in this sketch, the Revelation 12 Woman is being pursued by the Dragon’s wave of water, which is being spewed directly in the pathway of the Woman.**

.

This sketch is when these constellations first appear in the eastern horizon, in late fall. As winter progresses, the tables begin to turn. As this constellation group slowly inches westward each night, both Orion and his Horse steadily gain the advantage. The Woman eventually appears to be leaning forward, as if she is beginning to take flight. By winter these constellations move farther and farther westward each night, so that you can see them move completely from east to west though the night.

.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

.

IN THE WESTERN SKIES

.

As just stated, by winter this group of 4 constellations move entirely across the night-sky, from east to west through the night. First these 4 constellations can be seen in the east, with the Dragon in a victorious position, at the beginning of night. But by night’s end, both Orion and his Horse are now atop the Dragon, in the western skies, now appearing victorious over the Dragon. The Woman is now in full flight. The three warriors now begin to dip below the western horizon. The Horse is stomping on the Dragon’s tail, as this Horse gazes intently at the tip of the Dragon’s tail (the Pleiades).

.

Orion appears to have his sword ready to decapitate the Dragon’s head, which reminds us of the curse pronounced on the serpent in the Garden of Eden, that Christ would eventually “Bruise thy (Satan’s) head”.

.

(LATE WINTER WESTERN HORIZON FOUR CONSTELLATIONS…The sketch to the right is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the winter above the western horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major. Orion is the soldier at the bottom. The Dragon’s mouth is The Hyades Cluster and his tail is Pleiades. The Horse’s head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.)

.

TOMORROW:

“May 8th (The Church Hidden)”

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

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 #125 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 – May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?)

By admin On May 6th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 6th

.

Who Are The Sons Of Levi?

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

.

HEAVENLY ZION

.

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,” Hebrews 12:18, 22

.

This above passage speaks of a heavenly Mount Zion; and it speaks of this in the present tense!

.

In other words, it is speaking to Christians today!

.

We are come to heavenly Mount Zion at the moment we come to Salvation!

.

Tissot_- Solomon_Dedicates_the_Temple_at_Jerusalem – Wikipedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

GOD’S EVERLASTING RESTING PLACE

.

And so now, with this revelation from Hebrews, concerning spiritual Zion, there begins to be a clarity about such passages as this next one…

.

Listen… “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with Salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15.

.

So God is speaking here of Heavenly Jerusalem and spiritual Zion, as His everlasting resting place.

.

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

.

“THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER”

.

But it doesn’t stop merely with heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Zion!

.

As if that’s not incredible enough, God reveals more to us!

.

Because, it must be remembered that Christ will be an eternal Priest, as is written…

.

“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4.

.

Here is established an everlasting priesthood with Christ, the eternal High Priest.

.

The Holy of Holies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain

.

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD US

.

And finally, this next verse really nails down just what will be the role of all those who are chosen to be priests and kings in the Lord’s service, along with Jesus, the eternal High Priest!

.

Just listen… “The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel…For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.” Deuteronomy 18:1, 5.

.

So we are those sons of Levi (Jesus).

.

After all, we have been chosen to be priests unto God, just as it is written… “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

WE, THE TRIBE OF LEVI

.

Now listen to this passage concerning New Testament believers…“But who may abide the day of His (Christ’s) coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

.

This above passage has to be speaking of Believers; because at His first Coming, the earthly priesthood came to an end…forever!

.

So this must be understood spiritually.

.

High Priest – www.thebiblerevival.com -public-domain

.

WE ARE THE SACRIFICE TO GOD!

.

And so, since priests must offer sacrifices, just what sacrifices are we to offer?

.

Listen… “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1, 2.

.

Incredible!! Paul really said a mouthful in that passage, didn’t he?

.

It is amazing, that such passages as this can be ignored by so many, who insist on remaining worldly and common in the world!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

A CHRISTIAN WORLD-VIEW?

.

Dr. George Barna, a Christian pollster (click here to read), found that only 4% of Americans possessed a Bible-based world-view. There were seven biblically fundamental beliefs which this survey asked participants. And the results weren’t that much better for churchgoers!

.

For example, one of the questions asked “Born-Again” churchgoers was this:

QUESTION: “You have a unique, God-given calling or purpose for your life”

Yes, 88% (asked prior to the pandemic in 2020)

No, 46% (asked this year, 2023)

These two responses showed a drop of 42 points in churchgoer’s belief of being called and used by God, since prior to the pandemic!!!

.

Dancing woman – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

SHUTTING OURSELVES IN WITH GOD

.

Listen to this… “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness…and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.” Psalm 29:2.

.

Here is revealed the speech which is heard in God’s Temple: “and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.”

.

In the beauty of holiness, God’s people continually speak of His glory!

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

PETER SAID IT PLAINLY…

.

Peter said it more bluntly, concerning our service to God.

.

Listen… “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?….Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2nd Peter 3:11, 12, 14.

.

Well this passage certainly raises the bar for Christian conduct, doesn’t it?

.

Rembrandt_van_Rijn_-_St__Peter_in_Prison_The_Apostle_Peter_Kneeling_-_Google_Art_Project – Wikimedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to bring honor to Thy holy name, as I engage in my priestly duties…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Rev. 11:19

.

The above verse from Revelation, speaks of God’s Temple in Heaven being opened. But this great constellation, theSagittarius Constellation is actually the constellation of the Ark of the Covenant. So these two events go hand in hand simultaneously. The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.

.

Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation) –Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

.

TOMORROW:

“May 7th (Who Are The Sons Of God?)”

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – 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 #124 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 – May 5th (The Proper Way To Wash Dishes!)

By admin On May 5th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 5th

.

The Proper Way To Wash Dishes

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THIS WEBSITE’S ARTICLE…“Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

.

It seems that our culture has become almost obsessed with outward cleanliness!

.

And of course, cleanliness is good!

.

Much of the advertising on TV has to do with cleaning products: soaps, cleaning tools, and other new products designed to enhance the appearance of the home.

.

Kitchen 1937 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

CLEAN THE INSIDE FIRST!

.

And speaking of cleaning, several of the Gospels tell the story of when Jesus and His Disciples attended a dinner “in their honor”.

.

Well, when it came time to sit down, some of the Pharisees took note and complained to Jesus, that the disciples did not first wash their hands.

.

And Jesus used this incident as an occasion to reprimand these Pharisees for, not only their rudeness, but also about their outward cleanliness.

.

Listen… “ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do….Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Mark 7:28 & Matthew 23:25, 26.

.

**And so, Jesus used this metaphor of “first clean the inside of the cup” to reveal the undone condition of their hearts!**

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

.

***CLEANLINESS IS OFTEN* *NEXT TO PHARISEEISM!***

.

**John Wesley is purported to have coined the phrase, “Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness”.**

.

Well, John Wesley was a great man of God, to be sure. But he really should have used the phrase, “Cleanliness is quite often next to Phariseeism”.

.

Because, outward cleanliness is actually next to worthless, unless it is combined with INWARD cleanliness of the heart!

.

ABOVE PAINTING:Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley-1703-1791

.

FIRST CLEAN THE INSIDE

.

No doubt, if you have a chance to visit those proud Pharisees, you would have found their houses swept and clean and in good order.

.

But God looketh upon the heart of Man. And Jesus proclaims what was in the heart of those Pharisees…

.

“And He (Jesus) saith unto them… That which cometh out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23

.

This Pharisee in the forefront of this picture to the right, has cleaned up himself outwardly. And yet, inwardly he remains in his sins.

.

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

.

JUST ANOTHER SIN

.

While it is very commendable to be neat and clean and moral and hard-working, these virtues must be accompanied by the other Christ-like virtues, as well, to be of any true value!

.

Otherwise, all we end up with is proud Phariseeism.

.

Just listen… “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Prov. 21:4.

.

**This verse not only declares that a high look and a proud heart are sin. But also it declares that even “the plowing (the labor) of the wicked is sin“.**

.

REGARDS HIS LIFE AS THE STANDARD

.

You see, the Pharisee has set himself up as the standard of excellence, instead of Christ.

.

The Pharisee never ever judges others who have his own particular weaknesses!

.

But in the areas where he’s strong, these are the traits he judges the world by.

.

After all, it’s no fun to scorn others who share “my” sins!

.

It’s only fun to scorn the sins which are not so noticeable in “my” life!

.

drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – public domain

.

BIBLE IS THE TRUE STANDARD

.

But if only this Pharisee would take his eye off others, and begin to look at his own self, in the mirror of the Bible, he might start to see that, in spite of his good qualities, he doesn’t measure up to the true standard, which is Jesus Christ.

.

This is because, along with that good work ethic, and so on, he has some other qualities which are not so Christ-like.

.

Besides being a hard worker, and neat and moral, Jesus was also patient, non-aggressive, kind, slow-to-wrath, gentle, humble, sympathetic to the needs and even the desires of others; qualities which those proud moralists simply do not possess!

.

Quite the contrary, Phariseeism is often subject to foolish-pride, fits of anger, judgmental-finger-pointing, impatience, selfish-opportunism, greed, sarcasm, lacking-in-sympathy, rudeness, and a host of other qualities which are normally associated with Satan’s character, and never with Christ’s.

.

Mirror globe – by Arpingstone for Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

“A NEW HEART” IS REQUIRED

.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Jesus…said unto him…Ye must be born again…” John 3:1, 3, 8

.

The above passage tells of Nicodemus, one of the chief Pharisees.

.

Yes, Nicodemus was also a Pharisee at one time.

.

And as a ruler of the Jews, Nicodemus was no doubt a very moral person.

.

Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

Now in midst of their discourse, Jesus told him, in a very loving manner… “Ye must be born again”.

.

Nicodemus had risen to the height of a ruler over the Pharisees, and yet, he had never truly become a child of God.

.

Listen to Ezekiel 36:26… “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

.

And though Nicodemus was an unsaved individual, yet in the end, God gave Nicodemus a new heart, and he became Born Again.

.

And so this little account of Nicodemus and how God took away his Phariseeism, should give us hope, that God can likewise, take away every trace of Phariseeism out of your heart, and out of my heart too!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Mark 7:28 & Matthew 23:25, 26.

.

And so, O sorely tried and tempted one, if our life is out of control in this area, or other areas, it may just be that God is humbling us, to drive out that “the Old Man” of sin, who is a proud Pharisee.

.

Yes, God has to humble His children outwardly, in hopes that they will begin to cleanse the inside of the cup first, their own heart and soul.

.

And then, after a while, He can help them to begin to clean up their outward life.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place within the heart – Signs Of Heaven

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully engage in the daily purification of my heart. Remove all proud Phariseeism from my heart…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

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

.

***for ever* *as the Moon…***

.

***and as a faithful witness in heaven.* *Selah.”***

.

Psalm 89:37.

.

GOSPEL INSCRIBED ON THE MOON

.

The Bible states… “It (God’s Covenant) shall be established for ever as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (sky). Selah.” Psalm 89:37

.

God’s Covenant (The Gospel) has been inscribed in the sky. In the night sky, predominantly. It has been established “as the Moon, and as a faithful witness…”.

.

**That there would be “signs in the Sun… moon, and…stars” (Luke 21:25) just before the end, was a promise made by God.**

.

But we didn’t know exactly what those signs would be (although many thought they knew).

.

Nor did we realize that these signs would be pointing us to present Bible truths!

.

Lunar Eclipse – cropped photo – by Jiyang Chen & Wikipedia share-alike license. Click for link.

.

“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

TOMORROW:

“May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?)“

High-Priest – www.thebiblerevival.com – 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 #123 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 – May 4th (Mark of the Beast & Seal of God)

By admin On May 5th, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 4th

.

Mark of the Beast & Seal of God

.

There is no shortage in today’s Christian community, of ideas about just what is this “mark” which Revelation 13 speaks of.

.

Yes, the Bible says… “And he (the 2nd Beast) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the (1st) beast, or the number of his name…Six hundred threescore and six.” Revelation 13: 16-18

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

BELIEVER OR MAKE-BELIEVER?

.

Some say it is a literal mark on one’s forehead or right hand.

.

Others say it is some world-wide computer, that keeps track of everyone’s business and doings.

.

Still others believe it has to do with the day of one’s worship.

.

Still others say it is a type of bar-code which will be placed on the forehead.

.

And yet, still others say it will be a micro-chip embedded in one’s hand, or forehead.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

A MUCH DEEPER ISSUE INVOLVED

.

But there is a deeper issue to all this.

.

And that issue is this: just what is it that distinguishes a “true worshipper of God”, from the “false brethren”?

.

This is the great question which needs to be understood!

.

After all, God is not going to alter His everlasting covenant!

.

No, God’s Word has spelled out all that is required for Salvation.

.

And these principles are not negotiable, nor changeable.

.

So let’s take a few moments to quickly lay out the difference between a Believer, and, as one preacher puts it, a “make-believer”.

.

Magnifying Glass – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

.

WHO SITS ON THRONE OF THE HEART?

.

Now if one goes to the core of the issue, Salvation is a matter of the heart!

.

Merely going to church each week, or paying tithes, or serving in a church office does not save anybody!

.

Jesus plainly says… “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:7, 8.

.

So Jesus lays out here a basic principle: true Salvation has to do with the thoughts of the heart.

.

Yes, it is in a person’s forehead that the thoughts occur.

.

This is the location of the heart.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

THOUGHTS OF THE HEART!

.

Next, Jesus revealed to His disciples, just why the Pharisees, which were outwardly righteous, were actually inwardly wicked!

.

Listen… “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:19, 20.

.

Yes, the Pharisees were outwardly very moral and very neat and clean and organized.

.

But in heart, they were filled with the attributes of Satan!

.

And Jesus plainly stated here in this above passage, that it is the evil thoughts of the heart that defile a person.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

PURIFY YOUR HEARTS YE DOUBLE-MINDED!

.

Now, on the other hand, the Bible is filled with many passages which reveal that the Christian must put away all evil in the heart.

.

Listen to the words of James… “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8.

.

So in this above verse, James reveals where the wickedness is: in the hands and in the heart and mind. And as he says, we Christians must cleanse our hands of all wickedness, and purify our hearts and minds of all divided allegiance! (Here is a veiled reference to the Mark of the Beast, which is in the right hand or in the forehead!)

.

In other words, there is no room in God’s kingdom for those who profess to love God, while at the same time serve the gods of this world!

.

And it is with the hands and with the mind that we serve other gods!

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

THE DAY SHALL DECLARE!

.

And the Bible reveals that at the end, it will be made manifest, just who worships God, and who worships Satan, as he comes through this beast power.

.

Listen… “and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon (Satan) which gave power unto the beast:” Revelation 13:3, 4.

.

Yes, as this passage indicates, to worship the beast, is to worship the dragon, Satan!

.

And so, it is imperative that every man, woman, and child, who makes a profession of loving God, begins to do the work of purifying the heart, and eliminating all selfishness which manifests itself in the works of our hands.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

.

“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 Corinthians 10:5, 6

.

Now there are many Christians who have been taught that such an admonition as Paul makes here is impossible!

.

But listen again to Paul… “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20.

.

Yes, as this verse reveals, God can do exceeding abundantly more in our hearts than anything we have asked for, or even believe is possible! And that statement, dear Christian, opens very big and very real possibilities, does it not?

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to engage in the process of purifying my heart. Please give me the trials which will cause me to look up and keep my mind stayed upon Thee…

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

LOCATING THE DRAGON

.

REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!

.

First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco, AKA Ursa Minor).

.

This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized. But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it.

.

Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

.

THE DRAGON OF REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION. The star-charts below are from Wikipedia and are combined into one chart to show these three constellations, which the editor has sketched over with these three constellations, as they appear when in the west. Hopefully, this will be an assist in locating these constellations in the night-sky.

.

LOCATION…

.

The Revelation 12 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 also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces. Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus . The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

.

BODY HARD TO SEE

.

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 .

.

TOMORROW:

“May 5th (The Proper Way To Wash Dishes!)”

Washing dishes at LGC wikipedia share-alike license

.

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 #122 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 – May 3rd (True Bullet-Proof Faith!)

By admin On May 3rd, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 3rd

.

TRUE BULLET-PROOF FAITH!

.

“That the trial of your faith,

being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,

though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise and honour and glory

at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

1st Peter 1:7

.

Have you ever seen bullet-proof combat gear?

.

Well here’s a medal-of-honor soldier wearing the bullet-proof gear which kept him alive, as he kept on fighting bravely, thus inspiring his fellow soldiers to also keep fighting through the overwhelming barrage of deadly gunfire from the enemy!

.

But how does this bullet-proof gear help us to understand our Salvation and our faith?

.

Well, read on to find out…

.

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

WAR IN HEAVEN

.

Listen to this little verse which presents a giant truth about this present world…

.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,” Revelation 12:7

.

The Bible tells us that there was war in Heaven.

.

Yes, there was a great rebellion by Lucifer, who desired the same homage that only belongs to God.

.

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Paradise Lost – by G. Dore – wikipedia – public-domain

.

REBELLION MOVED TO PLANET EARTH

.

And in the process of time, this rebellion found its way to planet Earth.

.

And as a result, we now have, not only the angels who rebelled, but also an entire planet of humans in rebellion.

.

Yes, generation after generation of the human family have lived in defiance against the government of Heaven!

.

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Gustave Dore – Paradise Lost illustration – Lucifer becomes Satan – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE

.

Now listen again to this, our signature passage for today…

.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1st Peter 1:7

.

Here Paul makes the analogy between our faith, and the purification of gold by fire.

.

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

FAITH THROUGH THE FIRE!

.

Now, listen to this next passage about a, “third part” of God’s people, who will be purified by fire…

.

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:9

.

Here again, this above passage makes a similar proclamation! God will purify His people, even as gold is purified by fire!

.

Goldkey (logo removed) – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE: TO PURIFY A PEOPLE

.

You see, God, in His infinite wisdom, is using this great rebellion on planet Earth for His own glory.

.

He speaks of this truth in such places as the Epistle to the Romans…

.

Listen… “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope,” Romans 8:18-20

.

So this above passage reveals that the entire Creation is waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God, and the glory which shall be revealed in them.

.

Goldkey (logo removed) – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE

.

Perhaps it could be said that God is raising up a people to replace those angels which rebelled.

.

Now, the Bible doesn’t use that exact language, so we shouldn’t speculate.

.

But one thing is for sure! Those who go through the fires of tribulation, will be so strengthened, that their love and faith will be “bullet-proof”, so to speak.

.

Gold bars – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

“LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS”

Luke 21:28

.

Now listen to this passage in which Jesus restored the blind man’s eyesight…“After that He (Jesus) put His hands again upon his (the blind man’s) eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored…” Mark 8:25.

.

Here, Jesus put His hands upon the blind man’s eyes, and made him look up.

.

And by so-doing, the man’s eyes were opened!

.

Christ and the blind Pauper – cropped photo – Mironov – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

WE TOO MUST, “LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS!”

Luke 21:28

.

And the healing of that blind man is a wonderful picture of what Jesus does to all who call on Him for Salvation!

.

So when we see God’s people going through very painful experiences, let’s keep in mind that God is allowing such trials to strengthen their faith in God.

.

And the many trials Christians often go through are given, so as to make them look up!

.

He wants to make them forever-faithful! He desires to instill in them an unshakable faith which will last throughout all eternity!

.

Munch – Det Syke Barn (The Sick Child) – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

LOOKING UP AT ETERNAL THINGS!

.

And so, as we step back and look at our seemingly desperate circumstances from the heavenly vantage-point, we begin to realize that, “…our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2nd Corinthians 4:17, 18.

.

Yes, in the light of eternity, our afflictions down here are very little, in comparison to the exceeding glory that will soon be revealed in God’s people!

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped & altered photo – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

OUR DAILY BATTLE

.

Perhaps at the end of each day, maybe while lying down in bed (and at any time during the day), we need to spend much time thinking back on how we might have overcome that big or little attack by the Devil. Just what “exceeding great and precious promises” could have been employed, which would have given us the victory over the temptations which assailed us in our daily warfare?

.

Listen…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)

.

Constant learning and hiding of the many Bible promises into our hearts is a critically important part of our daily walk in the Lord!

.

The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Lord, Help me to endure these trials which plague my life! Help me to look up and fix my eyes heavenward. Give me that bullet-proof faith necessary to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil…

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

GOODLY HORSE IN BATTLE CONSTELLATION

.

“With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.” Ezekiel 26:12

.

THIS STAR-CHART: Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon. Also notice his eye is a star. It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky. It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west. In January, it is in the west after midnight. As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation. It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion. And as already stated, this Glorious Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west. The nose and head of this horse is partly made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 4th (Mark of the Beast & Seal of God)“

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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

.

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 #121 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 – May 2nd (Faith That Overcomes!)

By admin On May 2nd, 2014

.

Today’s Devotional – May 2nd

.

Faith That Overcomes!

.

The story of Job (pronounced with a long “O”) is a very important part of the Bible. You see, it is the fulfillment and expansion of the concept of what it means, “to overcome the world”.

.

Let’s go to 1st John to get our signature Bible passage, concerning this concept…

.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1st John 5:4, 5

.

Now this passage is a bit confusing, the way it is worded. And as a result, many ask the question, “Is ‘overcoming the world’ merely God’s legal pronouncement that is figuratively attributed to the Believer, as a result of faith? Or does the Believer truly overcome the world?”

.

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922)wikimedia public domain

.

OVERCOMING AS JESUS OVERCAME

.

**Now this idea of overcoming is one great theme of the Book of Revelation, in which God repeats the phrase, “He that overcomes…” in each of His messages to the 7 churches of Asia.**

.

Now, fortunately, this somewhat confusing concept of overcoming the world is greatly clarified by the message to the church at Laodicea, when Jesus declares… “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21.

.

Now here is a big revealing statement, that God truly expects us to overcome the world, even as Christ overcame the world!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

But this devotional began with a statement regarding Job.

.

So where does the Book of Job fit into this question?

.

Exactly what does the Book of Job have to do with overcoming the world?

.

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

.

GOD ALLOWS DEVIL TO TEST JOB

.

Well, the story of Job is the story of the interaction between God and the Devil, in the life of Job!

.

Yes, God really pulls back the curtain, so to speak, and shows us how He actually uses the Devil to accomplish His (God’s) own divine purposes in purifying His people!

.

First, God almost goes to the point of provoking the Devil into sending trials upon Job.

.

And thus, a great test begins, in which the Devil brings a number of different devastating tragedies upon Job, all in the hope of getting Job to curse God, resulting in Job giving up his faith in God.

.

PAINTING – Blake – 1793 – Jobs Tormentors – Wikipedia – US -Public Domain

.

JOB FINALLY OVERCOMES!

.

Now God won this challenge concerning Job’s faith! But in the process, some inward evil in Job’s heart became manifest, as a result of these trials.

.

Yes, as Job’s three “friends” continually accused Job, Job eventually reacted with proud anger. And in the end, when God rebuked Job for his pride and anger against God, Job realized that indeed, he (Job) was harboring hidden pride and self-righteous rebellion in his own heart!

.

And as we all know, Job finally confessed and renounced his own wickedness, and humbly acknowledged that God was true and righteous and gracious and merciful to him.

.

Job and his friends – Wikimedia – public domain

.

JOB REPRESENTS ALL BELIEVERS

.

Now here is the great point to all this: God and the Devil have a controversy with each and every Christian who professes to be a child of God.

.

And he (The Devil) brings similar accusations against each and every one of us. And this is why Christians go through so many trials and temptations.

.

Make no mistake, O child of God, the Devil is trying his very best to discourage us into giving up our faith!

.

Because God is making sure that there will never ever be another rebellion in Heaven, such as Lucifer’s rebellion!

.

And so, God brought Job through all those heavy trials, for the purpose of purifying his heart, and strengthening Job’s faith!

.

Listen… “But He (God) knows the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. Yes, in the midst of his trials, Job made this confession concerning God, that he (Job) would ultimately be victorious!

.

David’s sorrow – cropped photo – wikigallery – public domain

.

GOD SITS AS A PURIFIER OF GOLD…

.

“And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi (Believers), and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3.

.

This verse reveals that God is a purifier of hearts.

(For explanation of Believers being “sons of Levi”, read such articles as Today’s Devotional – May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?).

.

And likewise, God also sat as a purifier of Job’s heart. And likewise, God sits as a purifier of every Christian’s heart! And this is the life of every true worshipper of God!

.

And though there are many who actually do go through very great trials, such as Job’s trials, God doesn’t necessarily put us all through such great trials as Job suffered.

.

Goldkey logo removed – wikipedia – public domain

.

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

.

And so now we begin to understand that overcoming the world, is akin to becoming purified. Yes, it is God’s desire that His children become totally purified in heart!

.

Listen… “And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He (Christ) is pure” 1st John 3:3.

.

As this verse reveals, God has given the commission to each and every true worshipper of God, to fully cooperate with Him in the process of purifying our heart!

.

**Listen… “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goes.” Revelation 14:4**

.

As this verse indicates, the Book of Revelation depicts, in metaphorical language, a purified people who will be so meek and so dead-to-self-will, that they will joyfully follow Jesus wherever He desires to lead us!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

“Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah”

Psalm 4:4

.

Perhaps at the end of each day, maybe while lying down in bed, we need to spend much time thinking back on how we might have overcome that big or little attack by the Devil. Just what “exceeding great and precious promises” could have been employed, which would have given us the victory over the temptations which assailed us in our daily warfare?

.

Listen…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)

.

Constant learning and hiding of the many Bible promises into our hearts is a critically important part of our daily walk in the Lord!

.

The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me, not only the desire, but also the strength and power to overcome this world of selfishness. Mold me and make me into Thy likeness…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION…

.

& THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

(Click here to read more!)

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance.**

.

It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle. This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation. This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures. This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run… “Know you all not, that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you all may obtain.” 1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1)

.

Photo: Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo with crown drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Laurel Wreath – Lorbeerkranz_Zypern – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

.

“A CROWN UPON HER HEAD” …

.

But upon a closer examination if you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle. This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars. This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.

.

Just listen to Revelation… “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Rev. 12:1.

.

But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major). It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it. Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing). Ok, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel. But also we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church. So this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

.

“CROWN LAID UP FOR ME”

2nd Tim. 4:8

.

But as far as this article is concerned, the concept to remember is that this Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) appears to be grasping for this 12-star crown. It represents the prize which God has promised to all who finally overcome the world.

.

Listen… “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21

.

And so, with this in mind, one can see that there’s a prize to win: a glorious crown!

.

TOMORROW:

“May 3rd (True Bullet-Proof Faith!)”

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. 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 #120 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 »

Devouring Fire.com

Today’s Devotional – May 11th (Thy Will Is Done in Earth!)

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 11th

.

.

.

.

Thy Will IS Done in Earth!

.

.

.

.

.

Jesus stood before His disciples and prayed thus, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”.

.

Whenever the words are discussed, “Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in Heaven”, someone will undoubtedly say, “Well, someday, God shall be able to do His will for us!”

.

But it is the belief of this website that God is right now doing His own will down here on earth!

.

But also, that all things which may happen to us, both good and bad, are also the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning us!

.

.

.

.

.

.

JOSEPH’S TROUBLES

.

Now let’s take a look at Joseph, the son of Jacob.

.

Should Joseph have given thanks for how his brothers mocked him, because of his dream?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks to God for when his brothers threw him into a pit?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks for when he was sold into slavery in Egypt?

.

Or how about when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife? Or how about his getting thrown into prison?

.

Were all these things the will of God concerning Joseph?

.

Well, no doubt Satan had a hand in all these mishaps, the same as he did in Job’s mishaps! (Read the Book of Job)

.

.

.

.

.

.

GOD IS IN FULL CONTROL!

.

But let’s face it! Hasn’t God spared us many times from some evil thing?

.

And couldn’t He prevent all evil? Yes He could! But He doesn’t, does He?

.

Yes, sometimes God does permit evil in our lives.

.

But that is why God gave us the Bible: to show us that even the evil things will work together for good, to those of us who love God.

.

And we all are familiar with that wonderful promise… “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

.

.

.

.

.

.

THY WILL IS BEING DONE…HERE!?!

.

But we have an even more revealing promise. Listen… “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:” Ephesians 1:11.

.

Now this almost sounds like God is saying that all things are His will! How could that be?

.

.

Now at this point, many are probably getting ready to leave the room! Or perhaps they’re wanting to say… “You’re not trying to tell me that God is doing His own will in this horrible, horrible world are you?”

.

.

.

.

.

GOD EVEN CHOOSES OUR RULERS!

***JOSEPH’S* *TROUBLES***