.

.

Today’s Devotional – October 1st

.

.

.

.

The Greatest Evangelistic Crusade!

.

.

.

.

.

.

So, just what is the world’s greatest evangelistic crusade? Is it at some big stadium, where tens of thousands of eager fans listen to their favorite evangelist? Or perhaps it’s one of those Christian TV networks?

.

Maybe that’s it! Yes, by watching Christian TV, it does not take long to notice that evangelism is constantly being preached. And to be sure, evangelism is a very important aspect of the Christian life!

.

TBN – Orlando Crucifixion – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

PAUL’S GREAT DESIRE!

.

But when reading the writings of Paul, for instance, the great percentage of his writings has to do with transforming one’s life into the image of Christ. And only a small percentage is devoted to evangelism.

.

Listen…“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:8, 9

.

Well, if you watch Christian TV, you might get the idea that Paul’s chief desire was to evangelize! But the fact is, evangelizing others took second place to the evangelizing of his own soul! But listen again to Paul’s testimony… “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.” Philippians 3:13, 14

.

No, Paul did not assume that he “had already arrived”, as the saying goes! No, Paul took the position that he needed to run, so that he might win the Prize. Yes, Paul needed to die a deeper death to self, and to know much more about Jesus, and to be raised unto a greater resurrected life! 

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

WHY THE DISPARITY?

.

Now this devotional is not attempting to diminish the importance of evangelizing the world! No, but the question to be answered is, why is there such a disparity between what is preached on Christian TV and what is preached in God’s Word? Why does Christian TV spend so little time exhorting Believers to conform their lives into Christ’s image and casting away our world-loving ways?

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

MOST CHRISTIAN MEN…

.

Now for those who don’t think there’s a need for more Bible exhortation to heart purification, listen to this! 

.

The Christian Post Website cited a recent survey which found that Christians view pornography at the same rate as unbelievers!

.

In other words, the survey found that  the majority of Christian men view pornography on a regular basis! That’s incredible, isn’t it?

.

And so, with those kinds of percentages, one must conclude that Christianity is in big trouble with God! 

.

Internet addiction prisoner – cropped image – wikipedia – creative commons lic.

.

.

.

.

.

MANY SURPRISED ON JUDGMENT DAY!

.

Listen to Jesus… “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity!” Matthew 7:22, 23

.

As this above passage reveals, there will be many on that Day, who went about trying to save others, and yet neglected their own soul’s Salvation!

.

.

.

.

.

.

SHINING-LIGHT EVANGELISM

.

Now, there is an evangelism which is by far more superior than merely telling others about Jesus!

.

Listen… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16

.

This above verse presents a principle which tells of an evangelism which happens when we have Jesus shining His light out from within us!

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

WORTHLESS EVANGELISM

.

Sadly, there are many church-goers who love to tell people about Jesus. And with a big smile and open arms they invite someone to attend their church. But the same people, when treated unfairly or insulted, slighted, or do not receive what they bargained for, will mostly react the exact same way the unbelieving world reacts! Anger, rudeness, demanding repayment, and other unchristlike behavior!

.

Listen… “But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” 1st Corinthians 6:6, 7

.

So here we see a concept which the Bible often repeats! “Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” OK, so we lose a few hundred dollars! Don’t we believe that God can make up for that loss? Or even a few thousand dollars! Is God short on funds?

.

Birds in a One-sided argument – Flickr – Andrea Westmoreland – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

.

.

.

.

I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD!

.

Listen… “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8

.

This, and many other similar passages assure us, that if we faithfully deal with others in a Christlike way, God will take care of our needs!

.

Helping the homeless – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

WITNESSING IN TRIALS

.

The Book of Daniel repeatedly recounts the trials of Daniel and his three friends. And because these four persons dealt with trouble in a Christlike manner, many of the heathen were converted as a result! And Daniel and his three friends didn’t even engage in any evangelistic tours! They simply remained faithful through each and every trial that came their way!

.

Daniel and lions – wikipedia – US public domain – by Briton Riviere

.

.

.

.

.

THE GREATEST EVANGELISTIC CRUSADE?

.

So in answer to today’s signature question, just what is the world’s greatest evangelistic crusade?

.

Simply put, the greatest evangelistic crusade is when a Christian begins to fully engage in the process of purifying the heart, with the goal of transforming his or her soul into the perfect image of Christ!

.

The point to today’s devotional is this! Time will be much better spent, devoted to hiding the Word of Christ in our heart, and purifying our heart, than by mere talk! OK, so if one is retired and has much time, then do both! And most Christians can give far more money to foreign missions, than they now do!

.

But a Christlike character will bring many more converts into the body of Christ, than any amount of good words will ever do! And a life of constant prayer and Bible contemplation will move mountains, than no amount of good words can ever do!

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to conform my life into Thy image! Help me to eliminate all my selfish pursuits, and instead, make as my life’s devotion, the purification of my heart…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Five Wise Virgins Stars” or you can also read… “January 10th (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work?)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

.

.

FINALLY WALKING UPWARD INTO THE HIGHWAYS OF ETERNITY

.

Day by day, you will find yourself walking, like the Disciples, spreading the precious Gospel seed wherever the Spirit leads. Taking the lovely name of Jesus, with every word spoken. Walking through this sin-darkened world, witnessing to those who take notice that of a truth, Jesus is present within you. Even like faithful Enoch, walking through the highways and byways of life in this world, spreading the Gospel-seed of unpretentious love. Day by day, you will become more and more closed in with God. Moment by moment, your heart will become intertwined with God’s heart, eventually two hearts beating as one heart.And just like Enoch, when the appointed time of sojourning on earth is finally done…you will walk onward…and upward…and into the highways and byways of eternity. (“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24).

. 

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Castor and Pollux & The Mystery Ship of Scripture”

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“October 2nd (Come Out of Her, My People! Big Buildings!)”

Church – Milano Duomo – 1856 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #272 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – 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 names, details, and tags, and all other necessary info on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 30th

.

.

.

.

How To Spot The Biggest Sinner!

.

.

.

.

.

Two men, while attending the Royal Ball were talking together at a table, and one man revealed to the other man… “I know how to instantly spot the biggest sinner in this room!”

.

The other man looked incredulously at his boastful friend… “OK, my dear deluded fellow, so just how are you going to instantly spot the biggest sinner in this crowded room?”

.

The boaster replied… “I just look around until I see a mirror and walk over and look into it, and ‘Voila!’ I’m staring at the biggest sinner in the room!” And so, the two men laughed!

.

Louis Haghe – The New Ballroom – 1856 – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

“I AM CHIEF!”

.

OK, so the morale of this little story is that the Bible tells us who is the biggest sinner! Me! I’m the world’s greatest sinner! Yeah! That’s right! ME!

.

Listen to Paul, as he counsels young Timothy… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15

.

Notice that Paul says, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation”. In other words, this saying is worthy of your acceptation, and of mine as well! Yes, God sees me as the chief of sinners!

.

As a matter of fact, that was the name of a great book by Pilgrim’s Progress author, John Bunyan: “Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners”.

.

And Bunyan’s point to this title, was that he, Bunyan, knew in his heart of hearts, that he was indeed, the biggest sinner in the room!

.

.

.

.

.

.

SATAN’S SPIRIT INDWELLS ALL!

.

Well, the Bible repeats this same truth, howbeit in a number of ways. 

.

For instance, listen to this… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

.

Now this above verse reveals a truth which absolutely flies in the face of every psychologist and psychiatrist! Yes, psychology is the science of trying to understand what lies in the depths of the human mind.

.

But what psychologists and psychiatrists do not understand is that we have all been indwelt by “prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2

.

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE WICKEDNESS OF THE HUMAN HEART!

.

So by mere connection alone with the spirit of Anti-Christ, that makes our inward wickedness as great as Satan’s. Thus, my heart is… “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” 

.

Now that does not mean that all that latent sin will necessarily surface! But the potential is there.

.

And, if ever there was a man who could boast of his present condition, it was Paul. Paul lost all things for the sake of the knowledge of Christ Jesus! His entire life was dedicated to overcoming evil. And yet, Paul confessed… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing!” Romans 7:18. 

.

Paul realized that it was only the grace of God that kept Paul from falling into mischief! Paul understood that, but for the grace of God, he would be no better than a mere devil!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE GOOD NEWS!

.

The very Good News is, that God can give us a new heart! Yes, the Bible says… “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

.

That’s right, God can give us a new heart, and bring us into all purity of mind! Oh, there will be times of struggle. But it is a dream more magnificent than any earthly dream! To be pure and holy and filled with Christ’s love for all mankind! What could be more wonderful than that!?

.

And yet, though we are cleansed and made white in the blood of the lamb, we will still be meek and lowly of heart! Yet realizing that without God’s grace, we are still, “the chief of sinners!”

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

And so, the next time I go into a crowded room, or a busy 

shopping center,

.

there is one person, and only one person who I can look down my nose at!

.

You see, it’s the reflection in the mirror! Or the reflection in the store window!

.

Yes, it’s the one who stares back with wanton eyes!

.

Me!

.

That’s the biggest sinner in the room!

.

Macke – Reflection In The Shop Window – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Please keep sifting me as wheat, so as to remove all foolish pride and self-deceit…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart“ or you can also read… “April 8th (The True Nature of Evil)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

FLOWER OF THE FIELD IN HEAVEN

.

This Flower of the Field Constellation graces the summer night sky, reminding us of the vanity of

this life. The opening verse are the words of the “voice in the wilderness”.

.

Listen… “The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? ‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.'” Isaiah 40:3, 6-8. 

.

This verse tells us that all the glory of Mankind is as a fading flower.

.

These two constellations in the above sketch are the Two Turtle-doves (AKA Sagittarius) and the Flower of the Field Constellations(AKA Scorpio). They appear in the southern skies, moving from east to west. They are best seen from spring through fall. This sketch is how they appear in the spring in the northern latitudes. In the southern latitudes they are more tilted. As they move through the night sky, the flower appears to bend down.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation”

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“October 1st (The Greatest Evangelistic Crusade!)”

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #271 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc…. 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 27th

.

.

.

.

The Chrysalis Christian,

.

Part 4:

“From Sinner Into Virgin!”

To read Part 1, click here…January 7th (The Chrysalis Christian!)

.

.

.

.

.

“Oh, I’ve made such a mess of my life!

I’ve ruined my body with drugs and alcohol!

I’ve defiled my heart with many sins!

I’ve defiled my body countless times,

and in ways that I just don’t even care to mention!

It’s just too late for me

to ever hope to become something

that I haven’t been for such a long time!”

Girl – “Depression” – by Danielzanetti – cropped image – for Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License 3.0

.

.

.

.

.

Well, these kinds of discouraging words, in the above paragraph, are probably the very sentiments that so many people are afraid to even speak, much less even dwell upon!

.

And besides that, many people look at the life of a Christian and hopelessly say to themselves, “I can’t do those things! I have no heart for those kinds of things! I love my sin and my selfish life! I love all the night-life! I could never become like them!”

.

Girl – “Depression” – by Danielzanetti – cropped image – for Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License 3.0

Hands Toasting Drinks – Cheers! – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

.

.

.

.

.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”

2nd Corinthians 5:17

.

But God is more powerful than any of us can possibly comprehend!

.

Why, in 2nd Corinthians 11:2, God even calls His followers “chaste virgins” if you can believe that!

.

How could sinful humans, who have utterly defiled themselves, ever hope to be referred to as a “chaste virgin”?!

.

Girl – “Depression” – by Danielzanetti – cropped image – for Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License 3.0

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

.

.

.

.

.

“10,000 TEACHERS IN CHRIST”

.

Well, God has written his love throughout nature. We can learn many valuable lessons from watching the things of nature: both living things as well as inanimate things.

.

The Bible says that we have “ten-thousand teachers in Christ.” 1st Corinthians 4:15

.

Yes, all of nature is filled with, what is commonly referred to as, “object lessons”! From the tiniest atom to the greatest galaxy, and everything in between, we can learn valuable lessons: lessons about life and about Heaven’s love!

.

Stylised Lithium Atom – Share-alike Lic. – Wikimedia Commons

Andromeda Galaxy – Adam Evans & Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

THE LOWLY CATERPILLAR IS OUR TEACHER

.

For example, just look at the lowly little caterpillar, who crawls through the grass or spends his earth-bound existence just eating and eating some little green leaf.

.

And he spends his days on earth, slowly waddling through the world, looking for that which will make him happy.

.

And isn’t this our condition too?

.

Don’t we all just want to be happy…in a sad and hopeless world?

.

Shargacucullia scrophulariae caterpillar – cropped image – James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster – share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

.

But God has given the lowly little caterpillar to teach us a great big lesson about what He can miraculously do for us!

.

caterpillar – Papilio machaon caterpillar – cropped image – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Child boy face with butterfly – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

“Ye must be born again”

John 3:7

.

Yes, God gave us the lowly little caterpillar to teach a lesson about becoming “born again”. (Read John, Chapter 3)

.

Because after a time, this little worm grows tired of his earthly situation.

.

And he finally decides it’s time to call it quits!

.

And so, he goes up into a tree and creates a little shell for himself called a chrysalis. And there, he goes into hiding for some days or weeks.

.

And inside that little safe-haven, this little worm dies.

.

Chrysalis (Pupa) of a Common Crow Butterfly – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in His time”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 

.

But lo and behold! After the fulfillment of its days, breaking forth from its shell, emerges a brand-new creation!

.

And a very beautiful creation at that!

.

No longer is this new creature earth-bound! No longer does he live for this world!

.

A Queen butterfly and a Monarch butterfly – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

.

.

.

.

.

“But they that wait upon the LORD…shall mount up with wings”

Isaiah 40:31

.

But now, with two beautiful wings, this marvelous little metaphor (symbol) begins a brand-new life, cruising through the summer skies, sipping on the sweet nectar from every correct flower!

.

And this colorful little Metaphor-of-Salvation is presented by God to show us what we too can become: a brand-new creature in Christ! A follower of Jesus! And just as zealous as Paul! And just as holy as John!

.

South American Butterfly – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License 

.

.

.

.

.

WALKING UP A NEW PATH

.

Yes, even though our wretched past makes us cringe whenever we remember, we can, through God’s miraculous re-creative power, be reborn into an absolutely new creature: now with new thoughts and now with fresh desires and now with lofty new hopes, too!

.

Women Walking at Sunset – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

.

.

.

.

“Thou art my Hiding Place and my Shield: I hope in Thy Word”

Psalm 119:114 

.

So, whether we are a godless atheist or even a 4th generation church-attendee sitting a dedicated-family-owned-bought-and-paid-for-pew, we can still cast our needy soul at the feet of merciful Jesus!

.

And then we can plead for Him to help us create our own Christian-Chrysalis in which we can go into hiding (spiritually speaking, of course!) and begin the rebirth process in our own life!

.

Spiritual Virgins!

.

Brand New Creations in Christ!

.

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become a new creature in Christ…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…May 5 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 14: “Butterflies: God’s Little Witnesses In Nature”),  or you can also read…JANUARY 19 (George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 3: How Do I Become Born Again?) 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

.

.

.

.

THE END

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS = “COME FOLLOW ME”

.

This whole scenario paints the portrait of just what it means to become a disciple of Jesus. We are all called to “go and sell all you have, and give to the poor…and come follow Me”.  And so the new Christian begins his or her heavenly sojourn. Oh yes, we’re still here on Earth. But we now begin a spiritual pilgrimage, as we follow Jesus in our hearts, and learn of Him. The Woman Constellation giving birth to the Christ-child typifies the Church (all true worshippers) as we struggle to rightly present Christ to the world. “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” Galatians 4:19. So Paul was using this idea of child-birth as way of illustrating how a Believer is in spiritual labor pains, waiting for Christ to be formed within.

 .

.

Remember the parable of ‘the Sower who went forth sowing seed’ (Matthew 13:3-9)? Hopefully our hearts are made of good soil into which the gospel seed can be sown. The Gospel is only planted as a little seed. The seed must grow. But if we are true worshippers, then our desire is to be co-laborers together with Christ, to purify our lives, in order that the world can look at us, and see Christ in us. “And every man who has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He (Christ) is pure.” John 3:3. Such a condition would be what the Bible speaks of, as seed planted on good soil.

.

.

.

.

.

TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE

. 

RECEIVING THE CROWN… We have now arrived at that day, which the Bible refers to as The Time of Jacob’s Trouble (see Jeremiah 30:7). Like this woman, we too are grasping for the Cross/Scepter. And just like that crown not yet on her head, we have yet to receive that crown of life.

 .

.

 “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” James 1:12 

 .

But the sins of the Church are great. God’s people are ashamed at how un-Christ-like we are before the onlooking world. We pray that Christ would be formed within us, that we might glorify Him in all that we do. But we fail so often. With family. With friends. With seemingly everyone! Prayers seem unanswered. Characters still roughly hewn. We can certainly say along with Paul… “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24. 

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

September 28th (2nd Commandment & Images, Part 2: The Holy Kiss & Footwashing)

Judas Betrays Jesus – courtesy Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #268 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc…. 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 28th

.

.

.

.

2nd Commandment & Images,

.

Part 2:

“The Holy Kiss & Footwashing”

To read part 1, click here…March 26th (2nd Commandment & Images)

.

.

.

.

.

“If I then, your Lord and Master,

have washed your feet;

ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 

For I have given you an example,

that ye should do as I have done to you.”

John 13:14, 15

.

.

 

.

.

“All the brethren greet you.

Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.”

1st Corinthians 16:20

.

.

.

.

.

So just what do these above two verses have to do with each other?

.

What is the connection between a holy kiss and washing one-another’s feet?

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

A CLOSE CONNECTION

.

Well, they have a very close connection with each other, when we fully understand what they each represent!

.

Listen to this Old Testament passage…“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the Way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12

.

Now from this above verse, it becomes apparent that a biblical kiss is not a literal kiss. After all, nobody can literally kiss Jesus, God’s Son! That’s not what God is desiring!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

GOD DESIRES AGAPE LOVE

. 

So just what is God wanting us to see here? Well, The sentence which follows the one that says, “Kiss the Son”, continues by saying… “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12

.

Ah ha! So here it reveals how we could possibly kiss the Son of God: by placing our trust in Him!

.

And so it is with the verse that says…“All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.” 1st Corinthians 16:20. God is not wanting His people to run around kissing each other!  That’s a ridiculous notion!

.

USMC – prayer before study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

 

.

.

.

.

.

HOLINESS IS CONTAGIOUS

.

No, what God is desiring is for His people to be filled with the Spirit of Holiness, which affects all with whom it comes in contact with. In other words, holiness is contagious. It works like a yeast that permeates completely through the dough.

.

And so, when those who are filled with God’s Holy Spirit enter the room, their Holy Spirit is like fragrant incense, affecting all in the room. Thus, those who love God will be refreshed by every contact with holiness. This is the essence of, “An holy kiss”.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE FOOTWASHING THAT CLEANSES SOULS

.

And so it is with footwashing. It’s not that God’s great desire is for His people to engage in the ceremony of washing one-another’s feet.

.

But footwashing symbolized the cleansing action which takes place when Believer’s have fellowship together.

.

And those who love to talk about Jesus and His wonderful attributes, have a Spirit about them that tends to wash the souls of those with whom they fellowship.

.

This is the true footwashing that Jesus was pointing us to!

.

Family Bible Reading – Sabbath Eve – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

LET US CLEANSE ONE ANOTHER’S SOULS

.

Therefore, God’s people need to understand the deeper meaning of these two symbols, spoken of in the New Testament. And we all need to, “follow…holiness”, that is, to, “walk, even as HE walked”, so that when we enter into the presence of other Believers, it will be like an holy kiss, and a washing and cleansing of one another’s souls. (see Hebrews 12:14 & 1st John 2:6 for these two biblical references)

.

That’s all.

.

Jesus Teaching Luke 4:31-32 – Jesus talks about Heaven – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be careful about my daily associations. Help me to surround myself with godly influences…

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

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast” or you can also read… “Mark of the Beast & Seal of God”, or you may read this shorter article…February 15th (The Two Images!), or this other short article…January 19th (Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?) 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

 

MERCURY & THE 2nd COMMANDMENT

.

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

.

.

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

.

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

.

Mercury – NASA – Public Domain

Mercury orbit solar system – wikipedia -share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

2ND COMMANDMENT MORE THAN JUST CARVING STATUES

.

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

.

This Commandment is about worshipping en-graven images. God does not want us to place inordinate affection upon things or people. And at face value this commandment has to do with objects like statues or pictures that are used in worshipping objects. And we’re definitely not to worship objects. That’s the starting point of this Second Commandment!

.

But this particular Commandment goes much deeper in meaning, just as Psalm 119 states. Just listen… “…but Thy Commandment is exceeding broad.” Psalm 119:96. God’s Commandments go far deeper in meaning than just the letter of the Law. When Jesus gave His “Sermon on the Mount”, He used the Old Testament Law as the centerpiece for this beautiful sermon, and showed how the Commandments are pictures of deeper spiritual principles; principles which define the thoughts and intents of the human heart. Jesus showed in that most notable sermon, just where the real sin-problem exists (in the heart) and what direction we need to go to solve this age-old dilemma, of how to cure the disease of sin.

.

Idol photo courtesy Ellgaard Holger for Wikipedia GNU license. 

Ten Commandments National Museum of Scotland Wiki. commons share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

September 29 (The Dispensationalism Gospel, Part 1: The Old Testament Church!?!)

Moses Pleading with Israel – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #269 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc…. 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 29

.

.

.

.

The Dispensationalism Gospel,

.

Part 1:

“The Old Testament Church!?!”

.

.

.

.

.

.

There is a growing phenomenon within the church-world which is commonly known as dispensationalism.

.

And those who gravitate to this ideology look upon much of the Bible as a dead letter. In other words, this “dispensational” gospel makes a great distinction between the Old Testament and the New.

.

And so, they don’t place a great amount of relevance in the Old Testament, because, “The Old Testament was mostly for the Jews”, or so they say! Oh yes, they do accept some of the moral lessons found in the Old Testament. But they do not see the relationship between the Old Testament Church and the New Testament Church.

.

WLA jewishmuseum Greek Torah Scroll from Ionnina – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike

.

.

.

.

.

OLD TESTAMENT/REVELATION ONLY FOR JEWS

.

And most of these dispensationalists believe that the Book of Revelation is likewise for the Jews.

.

As a matter of fact, many of these adherents to dispensationalism even believe the four Gospels, of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written before the Cross, and much of the teachings found there are not so relevant to New Testament Believers as are the epistles.

.

Book of Isaiah – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

.

.

.

.

.

SCOFIELD HERESY

.

Now this dispensationalism ideology began to get a foothold in Christianity, via the Scofield Reference Bible: a theological abomination produced in the early Twentieth Century by one Cyrus Scofield, an evolutionist/creationist heretic, who pushed other heresies, including a Bible with his notes along side of God’s infallible Word.

.

Then along came Vernon McGee, who was a life-long disciple of Scofield, and often pushed some of Scofield’s beliefs in an extremely popular 5 year Thru-The-Bible daily study. McGee finally renounced Scofield’s false teaching of “Old Earth Creationism” in his last years of that 5 year study.

.

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

ISRAEL ALSO THE CHURCH!?!

.

One of the tenets of this false “Dispensationalism” gospel is that Old Testament Jews are not part of God’s Church, but will forever be separated from the Church, to some degree.

.

Now of course, this is sheer nonsense. But those who cling to this false gospel swear by it!

.

Of course, the Bible assures us that Old Testament Israel is indeed part of God’s Church…  “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.” Hebrews 2:11, 12

.

This of course, is a quote from Psalms in which David is calling his people, “The Church”. Oh yes, when this Psalm is read, the word, “Church” is replaced by the Word, “Assembly”. But the King James translators felt more comfortable using the name, “The Church”, when Paul re-quotes again in Hebrews.

.

David the Shepherd Boy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS

.

And also, we read in Hebrews… “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:” Hebrews 7:37 

.

Here again, Paul speaks of “The Church in the Wilderness”, referring to the children of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

.

Dore – Moses breaks stones – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

PAUL SPEAKS OF CHRISTIANS AS JEWS

.

But Paul also speaks many times of the doctrine which declares that Christians, whether Jew or Gentile, are the true Jews…“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28, 29

.

So here again, the Lord is trying to erase the delineation between Old Testament Jews and New Testament Christians. But those who subscribe to Scofield’s dispensationalism refuse to accept the truth that both Jew and Gentile Believers together, make up what the Bible refers to as, “The Commonwealth of Israel”. Ephesians 2:12. Nor are they willing to accept the two verses which refer to Old Testament Jewish Believers as, “The Church”.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE BIBLE, A SPIRITUAL BOOK

.

Well, many other passages could be cited as evidence that God makes no distinction between Old Testament and New Testament Believers…“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us…” Ephesians 2:12-14

.

It must be remembered that the Bible is a spiritual Book. And though it is filled with true and accurate historical events, nevertheless, God orchestrated those historical events to present spiritual allegorical truths. One could say that the Old Testament is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, howbeit veiled in types, shadows, and symbols!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE GOOD NEWS!

.

And the Good News is, God is calling any one who will, to come to Him as a disciple to sit at His feet and learn of Him.

.

But we must discard all unbiblical doctrines and stick to the Bible and the Bible only!

.

And such things as Bibles with men’s interpretations included must all be discarded.

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

COME OUT OF BABYLON!

.

And so, as God calls His people out of Babylon, we must leave behind these Babylonish doctrines, and not try to bring them with us, as we climb up Mount Sion.

.

And for Heaven’s sake, if you are using a Scofield Bible, replace it with a good study Bible without human opinions! Center-column references, etc., are perhaps, OK! But all personal opinions should be eliminated! And all non-biblical doctrinal-names should be rejected, no matter how much modern-day teachers try to push them on us!

.

(Now in defense of the publishers of that Scofield Bible, they have corrected SOME of his errors, in later versions. But they still insist on putting this deluded man’s theories in that so-called “study Bible”, to this very day!)

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

“But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you,

and ye need not that any man teach you:

but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,

and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 

And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear,

we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

1st John 2:27, 28

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

 MARCH 25 (Dispensationalism)

1917 Scofield Bible – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the will and ability to study Thy Word for myself. Let me not be misled by the legacy of errors which are so prevalent in today’s church-world…

However pressing his duties STM2-c James Lee Frazer always finds time to read a few chapters from his Bible each day. I – NARA – 520675 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…” FEBRUARY 10 (The Deserted Island Theologian!)”, or you can also read… ” FEBRUARY 25 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 2, Preachers)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS

.

.

A new constellation has been revealed, as of about May 29th, 2014. This constellation appears as a serpent (snake). Its body is comprised of stars from the Bootes Constellation, and its jaws are made of the four stars which Babylonians saw as the head of Draco, the Dragon. It also has a small single star for an eye.

.

Now in this constellation is a group of five stars, which will be called “The Five Foolish Virgins Stars”. These are located on the opposite side of the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars (AKA Corona Borealis), from the Five Wise Virgins Stars. But one big difference between the two is, that The Five Wise are curved around the Glorious Crown, while the Five Foolish are curved away from it!

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (with constellation drawn in by this website)- Serpent with Wise Virgins not Attached – seen late summer into fall only – Serpent Constellation – comprised of the head of Draco, plus stars from the Bootes Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for profit use

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction”

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW…

September 30th (How To Spot The Biggest Sinner!)

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #270 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc…. 

 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 26th

.

.

.

.

.

The Ishmael Within,

.

Part 2

To read Part 1, click here…“September 25th (The Ishmael Within!)”

.

.

.

.

.

So, just who are the true descendants of Ishmael? Are they those in Palestine? Or maybe they are in Egypt or Libya, or Iran? Or are they ALL of these nations?

.

Well, the Bible is a spiritual book, and must be understood spiritually!

.

Question Mark – at a loss – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

.

.

.

.

.

THE TWO COVENANTS

.

Listen to Paul as he unravels this great mystery concerning Ishmael, and the twelve princes, which came out of him… “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:22-26

.

So Paul here reveals the truth about Ishmael and his mother, Hagar! God placed this story in the Bible to be an allegorical portrait of the Church, and the two factions within the Church: the apostate portion (Hagar & Ishmael), and the faithful Elect (Sarah & Isaac)!

.

Thus, God makes a great revelation here in Galatians, that the Old Testament story of Abraham and Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael was really all about the Church!

.

Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TWO JERUSALEMS

.

Now if all this revelation is not enough, it is multiplied by this allegory intertwining with the Two Jerusalems: the Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children. And the Jerusalem above which is free, and is the mother of us all!

.

So Paul here engages in some incredible, so-called, “Replacement Theology” (a non-biblical tag invented by today’s theologians), by assigning both portions of the Church to both portions of Jerusalem! Yes, this little passage from Galatians is perhaps the greatest spiritual revelation in the Bible, second only to the Cross! It is a spiritual intersection in which both the Old and New Testaments collide with such a great impact, which opens up our understanding of the true spiritual meaning of the Bible!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

SATAN CONCEALS THIS TRUTH

.

Unfortunately, Satan wants to keep all this revelation bottled up, so that Christians do not realize that the Old Testament is really about Christ and His Church! He doesn’t want us to read all those Old Testament stories, and begin to apply them to, not only the Church, but also to our own personal relationship with God!

.

(Yes, not only does Ishmael represent the apostate portion of the Church, but he represents the man of the flesh, which exists within all Believers who have yet to crucify the Old Man of the flesh.)

.

And so, the Devil works through those who fall into the category which the Bible calls, “the natural man”, to war against those who begin to see the spiritual nature of the Bible. Therefore, anyone who dares to contradict the general consensus regarding how to interpret the allegories of the Bible is shouted down and is considered “heretical” (We see the same totalitarian bullying going on out there in the political arena.)

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

ALLEGORIES FORBIDDEN 

.

The Bible speaks of these apostate ones in the following way… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14

.

This above verse pinpoints the reason for misinterpreting scripture as being the result of carnal men who scoff at the deeper, more veiled truths of the Bible. They have even invented a totally non-biblical rule of interpretation (The Grammatical, Historical Hermeneutical Method of Interpretation) 

.

This theologian-concocted hermeneutic demands that Scripture can only be understood literally, unless context absolutely demands an allegorical interpretation!

.

Of course, they mostly ignore this phantom hermeneutic themselves, but conveniently pull it out when trying to squelch any attempt to see the spiritual nature of things concerning Israel.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

GREAT WALL OF SILENCE

.

And in order to further attack any efforts to define Israel as being a spiritual concept, they have invented a totally unbiblical term, “Replacement Theology”, which has become a type of “Scarlet Letter” to hang around the necks of those who teach about spiritual Israel.

.

And in a very real sense, there has been constructed a great “wall of silence” within the Christian community concerning these things, for fear of being labelled an heretic!

.

You will be shouted down if you dare suggest that Israel is a spiritual concept, representing both Jewish as well as Gentile Believers who are truly saved Christians!

.

Berlin Wall – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

JUDGE NOT!

.

Now, Christians are not to go around pointing the accusing finger at this or that individual. There may be, perhaps, many Bible teachers who are true sheep, but have simply been deceived by these errors, unknowingly. And eventually they will realize the great error, and repent, and leave the ranks of the apostasy.

.

.

.

.

.

TWELVE PRINCES = TWELVE TRIBES

.

And so, the Bible makes clear that Hagar and her children are representatives of the apostate ones in the Church. And thus, Ishmael’s twelve princes are actually speaking of the twelve tribes of Israel, which actually are representing the apostate people within the Church.

.

For further confirmation of this idea, listen to James, in the New Testament… “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” James 1:1.

Here in this above verse, God is referring to the twelve tribes as the Elect and chosen ones. Yes, the twelve tribes can also be pointing to God’s elect, too!

.

Yes, James was not written for Jews! James was written for the Church, made of both Jew and Gentile alike! And yet James addresses us as “The Twelve Tribes”! But why should we be surprised? After all, Paul says this same thing a number of times, in a number of ways!

.

For instance, Paul calls us “The Commonwealth of Israel” in Ephesians, Chapter 2. He calls us “The Israel of God” in the closing verse of Galatians. He calls Believers the true Jews in the 2nd Chapter of Romans! And on and on it goes! Of course, nobody dares hang a scarlet letter on Paul! Nobody would ever dare to call the great Apostle, Paul, a “Replacement Theologian”! 

.

St Paul Preaching in Athens (Raphael, 1515) Wikipedia US public domain

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

.

.

.

.

.

BIBLE HAS MANY PARABLES!

.

So what is the bottom line to all that has been discussed in this article? The bottom line is that we must cast off this false, unbiblical hermeneutic of “literal interpreting only”, and begin to read the Bible with freshly opened eyes, looking for the hidden manna which God has concealed for his Church to search out!

.

Listen… “And the Disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He (Jesus) answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them (those without) it is not given.” Matthew 3:10, 11, 13-15

.

Yes, the Bible is full of types, and shadows, and symbols, and parables (allegories), and for any of us to be locked out from understanding them, is truly a sad situation!

.

Jesus Disciples – James Tissot – Brooklyn Museum – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

 GOOD NEWS

.

But the Good News is this: there is time to turn things around! There is time to quit letting others tell us what to believe and what not to believe! Let’s begin to study the Bible ourselves, and reach teacher status, just as Hebrews 5:12 exhorts! And we need to cast away that non-biblical hermeneutic, and those non-biblical denunciatory names, which fallible humans try to hang around our necks! Yes, O Stranger and Pilgrim, standing for truth is sure to bring us under the condemnation of the status-quo, both in the world, and in the worldly church! So let’s stop following the crowd and, “be our own man”, as the saying goes!

.

“But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same Anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” 1st John 2:27 

.

This above verse should be committed to memory, so that nobody from the apostate church-world demands that we be brought under their authority, nor attempts to hang that “scarlet letter” around our neck!

.

May God give us great wisdom regarding these matters!

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me spiritual eyes, that I may receive the hidden manna found in Thy Word. Let me not be bullied by those who want to compel Christians to believe their own dogma…

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

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is The Time of Jacob’s Trouble?” or you can also read… ” March 14th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

.

THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

.

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

.

.

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

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

September 27th (The Chrysalis Christian, Part 4: “From Sinner Into Virgin!”)

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

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #267 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

Those using photos here, may click on the image credit link below each photo, for Wikimedia’s licensing names, details, and tags, etc…. 

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 25th

.

.

.

.

The Ishmael Within!

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

There are a great number of people in the world, who believe that they are the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. And they believe that they have a destiny to fulfill in the world.

.

Listen…  “These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.” Genesis 25:16

.

Yes, just as this above verse states, Ishmael was the progenitor of twelve princes. And so there are many today who claim to be the descendants of those twelve princes!

.

Hagar and Ishmael – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

TRANSLATING NATURAL INTO SPIRITUAL

.

Now, as we see the people of the world seeking the knowledge of these things, we must be reminded that… “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8

.

Yes, the children of this world are wiser in their generation, than we, who claim to be the children of God!

.

And so, as we see their worldly wisdom, we maybe should translate their worldly wisdom into spiritual wisdom!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE TWO COVENANTS

.

The Apostle, Paul, reveals the true, allegorical meaning of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, as well as Hagar and Ishmael!

.

Listen… “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons (Ishmael & Isaac), the one by a bondmaid (Hagar), the other by a freewoman (Sarah).

.

“But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

.

“Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

.

“For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

.

“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”

.

Galatians 4:24-26

.

So here we see that Ishmael represents the “Old Man” of the flesh, within. In other words, Ishmael symbolizes the carnal man who is still in bondage to the flesh!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

CRUCIFYING THE ISHMAEL WITHIN!

.

And all those who are true worshippers of God have been given the great commission to crucify the Old Man within, who is a servant of the flesh, so that the “New Man”, Christ, can freely live out His life through His true Believers!

.

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

.

And so, those of us who are still under the bondage of the flesh to some extent, have a work to accomplish!

.

Therefore, we must be busy making sure that the Old Man is thoroughly crucified, so that Jesus can live out His life freely through us!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

ABRAHAM & SARAH “HELP” GOD

.

One great lesson to be gleaned from the story of Abraham and Sarah, is how they devised a plan to “Help” God fulfill His promise to Abraham… “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him (Abraham), So shall thy seed be.” Genesis 15:5

.

But when Abraham and Sarah were beyond child-bearing years, she said to Abraham… “Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.”

.

And as a result of their human effort, Ishmael was conceived. But Ishmael was not the child of promise! No, Ishmael was the product of Abraham’s and Sarah’s human wisdom and human works!

.

Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

TRAINED TO TRUST OUR OWN STRENGTH

.

Now, the great lesson to be learned from the story of Abraham is, that Abraham and Sarah did what so many of us try to do! Yes, so often, we try to help God out, thinking that somehow, by our own human wisdom and human strength, we will accomplish God’s will!

.

Perhaps I dream up some humanitarian ministry.

.

Or maybe I can move out to the desert and overcome sin by living an austere life!

.

Or maybe I can manipulate my relatives into doing some thing which I think is important!

.

Or I can badger and nag my spouse or children into becoming Christians!

.

Or I can sue another in court so as to gain something I think I deserve.

.

And so, as a result of my own human efforts, an Ishmael is thriving within me!

.

Expulsion of Ishmael and His Mother – by g. dore – wikipedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

.

BELIEVING ON JESUS: THE WORK OF GOD

.

But what does God wish for me? What is God’s great desire for me?

.

Listen…  “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent.” John 6:28, 29

.

Yes, as Jesus pointed out to these works-seeking people, it is the work of God to cause a person to believe on Jesus! Salvation is the gift of God. We did nothing to bring it about. And our choosing to follow Him is actually Him choosing us!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

CAPTAIN OF MY DESTINY!

.

But we humans think that we must use our own strength to make things happen! We are conditioned by society to want to be “movers and shakers”! So much of what we see on TV or read about in books and magazines, or listen to on radio, is designed to indoctrinate us into being “the captain of my own life”!

.

It is extremely difficult for we humans to relearn what we have been trained to do from birth, onward: to run our own lives!

.

We Can Do It! Rosie the Riveter – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

BE STILL & KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

.

Listen to Isaiah, as God complains about His people… “Their strength is to sit still….this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:” Isaiah 30:7, 9

.

And so, God reveals here, it is our strength to sit still! Yes, rather than trying to do it ourselves, God would be so pleased for us to spend our available time, transferring the Word of Christ, from the pages of the Bible to the fleshly tables of our heart! (see 2nd Corinthians 3:3)

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

GET TO KNOW JESUS THROUGH HIS WORD!

.

And so dear pilgrim, as you and I go about our necessary daily tasks, let us not further complicate our lives with programs and pursuits of our own making! Instead, let’s remember just what it is that will mold us and make into the image of Christ!

.

Listen… “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent….Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:3, 17.

.

Here is the best kept secret to life eternal! Here is the lost and hidden key to a life of victory in Christ Jesus! And combined with unceasing and sanctified prayer, this is the only human work that will ultimately produce a child of Promise!

.

May the Lord perform this work in yours and in my life!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

.

.

.

To Read Part 2, click here…

“September 26th (The Ishmael Within, Part 2)”

Hagar and Ishmael – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Teach me to trust Thee, and let Thee lead in my life. Give me the gift of renewing my mind, filling my heart with Thy precious words of life…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

.

.

.

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

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

Joel 3:14

.

.

.

.

.

AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

.

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

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

.

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

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP

.

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

.

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

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – signsofheaven.org – Not for commercial profit use!

.

.

.

.

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… 

“The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“September 26th (The Ishmael Within, Part 2)”

Hagar and Ishmael – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #266 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

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

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 24th

.

.

.

.

Millionaires For God!

.

.

.

.

.

“man…supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall

into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.”

1st Timothy 6:3, 5-10

.

.

.

.

Does God want our money? Does God need our finances?

.

Well, there once was a young man who thought so!

.

Yes, this young man decided to dedicate his life to building a financial empire, promising to give as much money as possible to God’s causes!

.

And so, this ambitious young man strove harder and toiled longer than most every one else! And beside his incredible work-ethic, he was very shrewd, implementing never-before-used business and marketing practices, far ahead of his time!

.

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart & Wikimedia 

.

.

.

.

“whosoever…forsaketh not all…he cannot be My disciple.”

Luke 14:33

.

And so, in the process of time, this business and marketing wizard founded one of the world’s biggest corporations! And he was true to his commitment, to give vast amounts of money to various charitable Christian causes! Yes, some have suggested that this business whiz gave up to 70% of his vast fortune to others. And after his death, he left a huge estate, which became a charitable foundation, which has lasted through the past decades!

.

Did you hear what was just said? “After his death, he left a huge estate, which became a charitable foundation“. In other words, while he indeed gave much, he also kept a vast fortune back for himself!

.

And this Christian entrepreneur no doubt became the role-model for many other Christian entrepreneurs, who likewise dedicated their lives to becoming “millionaires for God”!

.

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

Chicago Sears Tower – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License – This building not related to this devotional

.

.

.

.

.

JUST WHAT IS TO BE OUR GOAL?

.

And so, what’s the problem with this? Doesn’t God want our money to bless His various causes?

.

Listen, “…men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1st Timothy 6:6-8

.

So why is it that this young entrepreneur could not digest this above passage? Why could he not be satisfied with food and raiment? And why did he not take to heart the rest of this passage?

.

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

.

OK, with such a warning as this, why would any Christian want to get rich? Why put one’s self in such a dangerous situation as 1st Timothy warns of?

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

John Wesley

.

in contrast to this modern-day entrepreneurial money-mogul, John Wesley became a popular preacher in the 1700’s.

.

Yes, John Wesley was a high-energy preacher who was largely responsible for the Great Awakening in the late 1700’s (God working through him, of course)! And he eventually received a sizable income. And no matter what one may think of Wesley and his free-will gospel teachings, one thing stands out in the way he conducted his finances. He did not allow himself to get comfortable with the money which came his way. 

.

Listen… “I throw it (money) out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.”

.

Now John Wesley, it is said, lived on as little as 2% of his rather large income, giving away up to 98% of it! Yes, Wesley did not trust himself with earthly riches. And so, little doubt, he dispensed his riches to various causes. 

.

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley – 1703-1791 – www.wikigallery.org

.

.

.

.

.

GOD DOESN’T WANT OUR MONEY, BUT OUR HEART!

.

Listen… “whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine.” Job 41:11

.

This above verse from the Book of Job (pronounced with a long “o”), presents a concept which begs an answer to the following question… “Does God need our money? Did God bring us into Christianity, so that we can fill His coffers with silver and gold?”

.

No, God doesn’t want our money! He wants a heart purified and transformed into His likeness!

.

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

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

.

.

.

.

.

CUT-THROAT BUSINESS PRACTICES

.

Oh, and by the way, history records that this well-known entrepreneur tycoon, which this devotional has focused on, eventually began to implement hard-nosed, cut-throat business practices against at least one of his competitors. Yes, he tried to under-cut that competitor, so as to drive him entirely out of business!

.

So, obviously, this so-called “Christian” tycoon did not always believe in bringing Christian values into his business dealings! Very sad!

.

But you can’t say the Bible didn’t warn him against going after earthly riches!

.

Certainly, Paul’s aforementioned warning in 1st Timothy 6:5-10 should have! 

.

Stack of money – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to conform myself into the image of Christ! Give me the desire to become like Him in every way…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “December 10 (John Wesley-Man on fire!)“ or you can also read… “November 18 (Squirreling Away Money)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

. 

. 

.

 

“THE GLORY OF MAN,

AS THE FLOWER…

FALLS AWAY”…

1st Peter 1:25

.

WiltedRose wikimedia public domain

. 

.
.

FLOWER OF THE FIELD IN HEAVEN 

. 

This is perhaps one of the most amazing constellations that God has created. It truly looks like a flower, and appears to be blowing in the direction westward. But as summer begins to pass, this constellation appears to bow itself down, just like the flowers of Earth bow down, at the summer’s end.

.

And these are not merely obscure stars. These are among the biggest and brightest stars in the night heavens.

. 

The Two Turtle-Doves Constellation is also known as Sagittarius.

.

The Flower of the Field is also known as Scorpio .

. 

But there is another obvious aspect to this constellation group. Notice that the birds are flying in the same direction as the flower is bending; it is as if the east wind is blowing these heavenly messengers. “The wind blows where it desires, and you hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. 

.

So here is another incredible Bible concept, written in the heavens. 

.

.

.

. 

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation” 

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“September 25th (The Ishmael Within!)”

Hagar and Ishmael – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #265 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

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

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 23rd

.

.

.

.

Global Warming Alert!

.

.

.

.

.

Did you know that there is global warming?

.

Well, that’s a needless question, isn’t it!?

.

Because if you have access to any of the various media, you will undoubtedly hear about global warming, on a day-and-night basis!

.

Earth On Stove – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE FOUR SEASONS SHALL NOT CEASE!

.

But there are two schools of thought on this topic! There are many who are denying that Global Warming is happening! Yes, many credible experts say that we are just going through warming and cooling cycles, each of which last twenty or thirty years, or even longer.

.

But the Bible has something to say about all this! Yes, God made a declaration to the world.

.

Listen…. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

.

Yes, God has declared that until the world is no more, there will be the four seasons, including seed-time and harvest!

.

Four seasons – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY?

.

OR

.

DON’T BE HAPPY, WORRY?

.

So what’s the problem? Why worry?

.

Well, this website takes side with those who are crying “Global Warming”. Yes, those who are insisting that there is “Global Warming” are really on the right side of the issue!

.

You see, there is a principle at work in the world, in which God describes in the following manner… “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8

.

Yes, the people of this world are wiser in the material world, than we who claim to be watchmen on the walls of Zion! If only we would take note of what the world is doing, and apply it to the spiritual realm, we would be as wise as they are, howbeit in the spiritual realm!

.

Polar bear protest – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

.

.

.

.

THE EARTH SHALL BURN!

.

Listen to Peter… “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 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?” 2nd Peter 3:10-12

.

Now you have to admit that Peter, here, is describing a Global Warming far beyond what the people of the world are warning of! But it’s true! There is coming a Global Warming so hot, that it will burn up, not only this present world, but the very heavens as well!

.

Global warming ubx – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE!

.

And so, we heavenly watchmen need to join in with the cries of the meteorological watchmen! Yes, we ought to be shouting louder than they! We need to be blowing the trumpet! We must be sounding the clarion call… “God’s Global Warming is soon to burn up this present world!” (of course, the fallen and apostate church-world largely denies this soon-coming fiery deluge, saying it won’t happen until a thousand years AFTER Christ’s Return)

.

Yes, we need to be echoing the words of Isaiah… “Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with His anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: His lips are full of indignation, and His tongue as a devouring fire: And His breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck…And the LORD shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:27, 28, 30

.

Yes, this above passage is just one of many passages which foretell of the great and terrible Day of God! And we are now standing at the very doors of that Day of Fiery Wrath of Almighty God!

.

The Great Day of His Wrath – John Martin – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

 

.

.

.

.

.

JOIN IN THE CHORUS!

.

So, the next time somebody speaks about Global Warming, we need to agree with them, citing 2nd Peter 3:10-12 as a proof-text!

.

Listen again… “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;

in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, 

the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

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?”

2nd Peter 3:10-12 

.

Global Warning – Christ Coming by Julian Osley – Wikimedia – Share Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

May 6 (Global Warming Alert! Part 2: Why Is There Global Warming?)

Global Warning – Judgment – Christ Coming by Julian Osley – Wikimedia – Share Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to make myself ready for that Day of Fire, which is soon to burst forth…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 3: “Signs of the World’s End”” or you can also read… “January 8th (Apocalypse Now!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

 

LOOSING THE BANDS OF ORION

.

God spoke several times of Orion, in Scripture. His question to Job was a very mystifying question, to say the least… “Canst thou…loose the bands of Orion?” Job 38:31. Such a strange question, indeed! How could a constellation have its bands loosed, much less, even have bands? Puzzling, puzzling!

.

But now, He is revealing this bright and beautiful constellation in a way that has never before been seen. God Himself is loosing Orion’s bands, as He is just now unraveling this age-old mystery. And we are beginning to understand that this most infamous of all constellations is nothing less than a remarkable metaphor concerning Jesus.

.

THE 5 OFFICES OF ORION

.

But like most of the other Signs which this website reveals, Orion too, has much more to say as he changes his position in the sky. And this Soldier in the Heavens puts on different garb, as he presents the five awesome aspects of his various offices. From ‘Orion the Soldier’, and ‘Orion the Reaper’, and ‘Orion the Archer’, and ‘The Cross of Orion’, and last but certainly not least, “Orion, The Good Shepherd”. This amazing constellation presents a very complex revelation of the God’s magnificent love for a fallen planet.

.

So read on and discover, “things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“September 24th (Millionaires For God!)”

Stacks of money – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation;

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #264 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

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

.

.

Today’s Devotional – September 22nd

.

.

.

.

Thy Will IS Done in Earth! 

.

Part 2

CLICK HERE TO READ PART 1… “May 11th (Thy Will IS Done in Earth!)”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

There is a certain daily newspaper comic strip which often features a cartoonish-looking God, who gazes down upon Earth, from Heaven, through a giant telescope. 

.

And though this cartoon is meant to give readers a daily chuckle, the fact is, many people who call themselves “Christian”, more or less believe in such a distantly detached God.

.

The Helix Nebula – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

DEISTS OF THEIR DAY!

.

Some, or perhaps many of our founding fathers of the United States of America called themselves Christian, but were actually what were known as, “Deists”. You see, Deists believed that God sits far off in outer space, and merely monitors the comings and goings of Mankind.

.

But is that what the Bible says about God? Am I really the captain of my ship? Am I just an independent agent? Is the world merely a place where most all the actions and decisions being the product of humans?

.

Or does God intervene in the affairs of Mankind?

.

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by H.C. Christy – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

WHEN WILL GOD’S WILL FINALLY BE DONE?

.

Well, in Part 1 of this topic (click here to read), the Bible passage which became the center-piece, was the following…  “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”. Matthew 6:9, 10

.

And to this verse, the question was asked, “Shall God’s will be done someday? Will God grow tired of allowing Mankind’s will to be done, and finally take up His own power and will?”

.

And in answer to this, the following passage was offered… “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.

.

Yes, as this passage reveals, God is very much intertwined in the goings on, here on Earth! As a matter of fact, as this passage proclaims, nobody can stop God from doing His own will here on Earth!

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

MAN NOT AN INDEPENDENT AGENT

.

Now there are two more verses to be given, which were not given in Part 1.

.

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

.

Yes, this first verse reveals that Mankind is not capable of directing their own footsteps! And even though we think that we’re so very intelligent, the fact is, the army of Heaven has been directed by God, to make sure that Mankind’s actions will be according to God’s ultimate will. 

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

MAN GOES AFTER HIS HEART’S DESIRES

.

GOD SAYS ‘WHEN’, ‘WHERE’, AND ‘HOW’

.

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

.

Now, does this above verse make God a sinner? After all, so many things which happen down here are sinful! So does God cause us to sin?

.

No, God does not cause anyone to sin! Listen to this second featured verse for today’s devotional… “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

.

So this verse reveals that every person’s heart devises his or her own evil way! And yet, it is God who directs that person’s footsteps.

.

People on Times Square – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

GOD WORKS ALL TOGETHER FOR GOOD!

.

 But why does God intervene at all? Why not just let Man ‘do his own thing’?

.

Listen to this next passage…. “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.

.

Now this passage reveals that all things work together for good to them who are “the Called of God”.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

THINGS JUST DON’T WORK THEMSELVES OUT

.

But listen to this next passage… “In (Christ) 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

.

So this passage reveals that it is God who works all things after the counsel of His own will.

.

And so, this verse answers the question which was the featured Bible passage for these two devotionals… “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”. Matthew 6:9, 10

.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld – 1860 – Abram counts stars – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

.

.

.

.

GOD EVEN CHOOSES OUR LEADERS!

.

Yes, even when Mankind goes into the voting booth, the Bible reveals… “…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 nation, and every other kingdom on Earth. And God even sets the basest of men! And thus, it’s no wonder our leaders are so corrupt, quite often!

.

Yes, quite often, God gives a nation the very leader who reflects the hearts of the citizenry!

.

Voting in Hackney – Wikipedia – Creative Commons 2.0 License

.

.

.

.

.

KNOWING THAT GOD’S IN CONTROL!

.

Now, when we think about all these Bible verses, it should be a great comfort to every true Christian! Yes, this is wonderful news to know that God, and not Mankind, is in control of the events and personal affairs of humans! And though, proud humans that we are, we like to think that we are in control! And yet, the Bible contradicts such erroneous notions! And even though this world is full of evil, nevertheless, we have this following promise from God… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee (God): the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10.

.

Yes, all the evil which this world has suffered throughout the history of Mankind, God has allowed, for His own glory and praise! And nothing beyond what has been necessary, God has kept in check! And one day soon, when we arise from our graves, we will finally know just what that evil in the world was really all about, as we see that God “hath made every thing beautiful in His time”! Ecclesiastes 3:11

.

Second Coming by Jan Luyken – Wikipedia – Public domain

.

.

.

.

.

TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

July 20 (Thy Will IS Done in Earth! Part 3: “Coping With An Infinite God”)

The Helix Nebula – Eye – Wikipedia – 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, O Lord have allowed it to happen…for my ultimate good…

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

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

.

.

.

.

THE END

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

.

.

.

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.

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

TOMORROW:

“September 23rd (Global Warming Alert!)”

Global Warning – Judgment – Christ Coming by Julian Osley – Wikimedia – Share Alike License

.

.

.

.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #263 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

.

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