Today’s Devotional – September 1st (Witnessing Thru Trials)

By admin On August 10th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – September 1st

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Witnessing thru Trials

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“And there appeared

a great wonder (sign) in heaven;

a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

Revelation 12:1

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In the Night Heavens, God has created a constellation which corresponds to the Revelation 12 Woman.

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You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful.

**In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail.**

**This is the constellation, Ursa Major.**

And this article will introduce you to this amazing sign of Heaven, and what it means to you and to me.

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PRECIOUS SEED

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If you will notice, the stars coming out of her right foot and right hand.

It almost appears as if she is dropping seeds.

And isn’t it true that when we come to the Lord, we are constantly trying to tell others about Jesus.

Yes, as clumsy as we are, we nevertheless try to get others to share in our excitement about Salvation.

And so, the right hand is symbolic of conscious and deliberate works.

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Listen… “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:” Matthew 6:3.

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So Jesus presents this same spiritual concept, regarding the right hand, and the left hand.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 In Travail (aka: Ursa Major which includes The Big Dipper) – www.signsofheaven.org

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FLEEING IN WINTER

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Now if you will look at this same constellation in winter, it flips upside down and now appears as the same Revelation 12 Woman, as a fleeing woman.

But in her upside-down position, she now appears to be casting seed from her left hand and left foot.

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So what is the significance of this left-handed effort?

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BOOK OF DANIEL

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This right-hand/left-hand concept is perhaps, best illustrated in the Book of Daniel.

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And so, if we look into the Book of Daniel, we can see this concept of witnessing through trials.

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Yes, repeatedly in that little book, Daniel and his three Hebrew companions were faced with life-threatening trials.

And each and every time, these four Hebrews remained faithful to God.

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And in so-doing, they unknowingly became a great witness for Jehovah God.

Yes, even the King of Babylon was pierced in heart by their courage, and by God’s deliverance of Daniel and the three Hebrews.

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But it is very interesting, that never is it mentioned that these four Hebrews ever did any other type of witnessing!

No, in Daniel, there is no mention of any vocal witnessing, except during the moments of extreme trial!

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Fiery Furnace by Gustave Dore’ courtesy of adelaide.edu.au

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN CASTING SEED

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And so, this Revelation 12 Woman in her fleeing position in winter puts a great big exclamation mark on this concept of witnessing through trials.

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In other words, the seeds which appear to be scattering from her left hand and left foot are a heavenly portrait of how God’s people unknowingly are witnessing…

…as they are merely fleeing from Satan’s deadly wave of destruction, as he attempts to destroy the Church and Christ’s seed in the earth!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings (aka Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper)

ABOVE PICTURE: Revelation 12 Dragon – Winter – Hyades, Pleiades, etc. – not for commercial uses

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FLEEING TO THE MOUNTAINS, A WITNESS

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“In the LORD put I my trust:

how say ye to my soul,

Flee as a bird to your mountain?”

Psalm 11:1

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As the Christian decides to cast away the idols of the World, and begins to flee to the Narrow Gate, people will take notice!

And so, just as this Revelation 12 Woman is casting seed as she flees, so too will Christians as they likewise flee!

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

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WITNESSING IN ILLNESS

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The child of God can be a great witness to the world, even in sickness.

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As the world beholds the faith and trust, and even the peace and joy of the afflicted Believer, it sticks in their mind. Because they instinctively know that someday, sooner or later, they too will get sick and die!

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And so, such a witness can and will be God’s opportunity to bring souls to Salvation, as they behold your faith and love and peace which surpasses all understanding!

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

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MUCH TO BE LEARNED!

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And so, these are just a few concepts which this great sign in Heaven teaches us.

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But there are other concepts to be learned.

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And so, the Reader is invited to explore this great sign in the night heavens!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings (aka Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Fill me with the Spirit of Christ, so that wherever I go, whatever I do, the world might see Jesus in me…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

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**This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).**

However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.

It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.

This is seen in springtime.

It is seen in the northern skies.

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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).

The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars.

But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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

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TOMORROW:

“September 2nd (Noble Bereans?)”

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #242 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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Today’s Devotional – August 31st (Kunta Kinte Christians, Part 3: Golden Shackles!)

By admin On August 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 31st

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Kunta Kinte Christians,

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Part 3:

“Golden Shackles”

TO READ PART 1, JUST CLICK HERE… “July 17th (Kunta Kinte Christians)”

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**In the July 17th devotional (click here), the book, “Roots” was the centerpiece for a discussion about how God quite often allows Christians to suffer afflictions.**

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And the concept about “suffering with Jesus” was brought out in a manner that is not very well accepted in today’s gospels which have their focus on earthly prosperity.

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But perhaps, this semi-historical slave figure, Kunta Kinte, can also be used for today’s subject of “Golden Shackles”.

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Roots 25th Anniversary Edition – Wikipedia – Non-Free Media Rationale

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VOLUNTEER SLAVERY

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Well, the simple fact is, that for Kunta Kinte, his bondage came by those cruel and greedy men who captured him against his will and enslaved him in the early years of this society.

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But there are other ways to become a slave-servant. Yes, Kunta Kinte became a slave against his own will.

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But there are many today who become slaves by their own free choice! They willingly volunteer to become a slave!

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**Yes, in this land-of-plenty, there are many who fill up their lives with an abundance of possessions. And all such become servants to those possessions.**

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“…the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Proverbs 22:7

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Yes, the Bible speaks here against going into debt. And as this above verse warns, the borrower is the servant to the lender.

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And even Paul admonishes us…“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another” Romans 13:8

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It is far more pleasant to be debt free, than to have the burden upon our back of unpaid debt.

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

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BUT THIS IS NOT THE ONLY WAY IN WHICH WE BECOME WILLING SLAVES!

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TRYING TO HANG ON TO POSSESSIONS

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Listen… “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” Proverbs 5:12.

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Yes, those who have an abundance of possessions are constantly worried about how to hold on to them! Whether they be houses, or lands, or cars or boats or planes or TV’s, clothes, motor-homes, vacation homes, or all the other myriad of possessions which this cornucopia of a society produces in abundance, one thing is sure: each one of these possessions must be maintained.

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One housewife complained that the more things in her home that were horizontal, the more dusting she had to do!

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And of course, those who own motorized tools or vehicles, don’t need to be told just how much care that each of those possessions must have!

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One wise-guy made the analysis, that ownership of “acres” of land was an appropriate name, because each of those acres became a headache to properly maintain! So he thought “acres” might be better spelled, “achers”!

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Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

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BE CONTENT WITH FOOD & RAIMENT

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Paul, the Apostle, lived free from ownership, to a great degree. He had a tent-making trade which he could no doubt purchase raw tent-making material in any town he came to. But that one simple man, Paul, was greatly responsible for the raising up of many churches throughout the Middle East. But had he been mired down with many possessions, who knows how much less would have been accomplished by Paul.

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And Paul made this assessment about possessions… “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…” (1st Timothy 6:5-11- To read entire passage click here)

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In his God-given wisdom, Paul warned Believers that… “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.” Ibid

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Paul Tentmaking – La Vista Church of Christ – Creative Commons License

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

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CHOOSE EARTH OR HEAVEN, BUT NOT BOTH!

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Those who fill up their lives with many possessions will have little time for Bible study, prayer and contemplation of God’s Word. They are simply too busy trying to maintain their “abundant” life. And so, whatever relationship they had with God, usually, “gets placed on the back burner”, as the saying goes, in their vain attempt to serve both God and Mammon.

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But listen to Jesus… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

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So Jesus plainly reveals that it is impossible to serve both God and Mammon (materialism).

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TRADE YOUR EARTHLY RICHES FOR HEAVENLY!

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And so, what is the solution?

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Jesus was confronted by a rich young ruler, who somehow knew that his life was not right with God.

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Jesus told him … “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:21, 22

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

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HEAVENLY TREASURES!

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**So here in that story of the “Rich, Young Ruler”, was revealed how we might gain true heavenly riches of love, etc… if he would simply let go of his tight grip on his earthly riches!**

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Listen to Jesus… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33. WOW!! Such an incredible revelation here! We cannot be disciples of Jesus, until we are ready to forsake all!

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Oh no, Jesus is not saying here that we must literally trash all our possessions! No, but when we truly begin to follow Jesus, the things of this world quickly lose their meaning.

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It is as that old song… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…Look full in His wonderful face! And the things of this world, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Free me from the bondage of materialism. Let me discover the freedom which comes from forsaking the Mammon of this world. Let me become a stranger and pilgrim in this world as I follow Jesus…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

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

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That world-shaking allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, picked up the theme of the Narrow Gate. The hero of the story was Christian, a man who was warned to flee from the City of Destruction (the world), and to embark on a journey to the Heavenly City. And along the way, Christian encountered many adventures and dangers. This first of its kind allegorical book absolutely rocked the western world, and became perhaps the first million seller book (along with the Bible).

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But God has also given this same Narrow Way parable in the night heavens! Incredible? Yes, incredible…and amazing too! And though these two stars can hardly be considered a constellation, but when sitting next to the two stars which comprise the Broad Gate, well, it makes a powerful statement, for the people of God.

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So please come along on this journey and find out just why this pathway graces the night heavens, and perhaps you might find yourself embarking on your own pilgrimage up that very same Narrow pathway.

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John Bunyan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate-Wikipedia public domain

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LOCATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TOMORROW:

“September 1st (Witnessing Thru Trials)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #241 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing 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.

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Today’s Devotional – August 30th (Etch-A-Sketch Heart!)

By admin On August 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 30th

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Etch-A-Sketch Heart!

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Have you ever had an Etch-A-Sketch?

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Yes, remember those frustrating little tablets, in which we tried to draw pictures on, but could never save, if we ever wanted to draw anything else! And we had to turn them upside-down, and shake away the image we spent so much time and effort to make upon those little tablets!

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Yes, the Etch-A-Sketch was a tablet which loved to be erased!

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Taj Mahal drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch – Wikimedia – Share-Alike Lic.

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WHICH IMAGE IS ETCHED UPON MY HEART

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But there are tablets which we can create images upon, which are not so easy to erase! And those tablets are the tablets of the heart!

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Yes, the tablets of the heart begin as blank pages, when we come into this world! But soon, they become filled with words and images! At first it’s mostly the things our parents share with us. And then, as we begin school, the government steps in and begins to fill our hearts with its own words and images! And before long we begin to live our lives, to a great extent, according to what has been written upon the tablets of our heart.

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Listen… “My son, keep My words, and lay up My commandments with thee. Keep My commandments, and live; and My law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.” Proverbs 7:1-3

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Yes, the human heart is a tablet in which we write the important things that we see and hear and read each day! And those parents who are wise, will guard well the tablets of the hearts of their own children!

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

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“EPISTLES, KNOWN & READ OF ALL MEN!”

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Paul, when writing to the Corinthian Church, gave further revelation about the tablets of the human heart, when he wrote… “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.” 2nd Corinthians 3:3

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Yes, Paul, in this above passage, declared that we are a living letter (epistle), “known and read of all men!” 2nd Corinthians 3:2.

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And so, whatever is written upon the fleshly tables of our heart, is made manifest to all the world! And this is why it is so important to make sure about what we allow into the gateways to our heart: the eye-gates and the ear-gates are indeed, the avenues to our soul!

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And as Solomon warned… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” Proverbs 4:23-25

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And so, Solomon understood this all-important truth, that the heart must be carefully guarded! Notice he speaks directly of our eyes and of the ears, in connection to our heart? Yes, the eyes and ears are truly the avenues to those tablets of the heart!

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Paul before Agrippa and festus Nikolai Bodarevsky wikimedia US public domain

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HABAKKUK’S VISION

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Now in the little Book of Habakkuk, the Lord commands the prophet to “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2, 3

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Now the Book of Habakkuk describes just what was this vision, which God commanded him to write upon tablets.

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Listen… “Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4

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Yes, this was Habakkuk’s vision: the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were surrounding God’s people, creating their own heathen images upon the tables of the hearts of God’s people! And the corrupting influence of these unbelievers was causing great spiritual drunkenness among God’s people!

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Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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GRAFFITI ON THE WALLS OF OUR HEART!

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So here is the opposite side of the issue!

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The Bible contains the Good News of Jesus! But it also contains the warnings and forebodings about evil-to-come.

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And so, as the Believer hides in his heart, all these things, both good and bad, from the Bible, we become transformed into a living letter, known and read of all whom we come into contact with!

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And as the Believer writes this vision upon the tables of his heart, he will then become a living warning to fellow Believers, that it is time that we must run! (see “August 11th (Habakkuk Says “Run!”)”)

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And so, the big difference between a mere Etch-A-Sketch tablet, and the tablets of the human heart, is that you can’t simply turn the tablets of the heart upside down and magically erase what has been inscribed therein! No, just like trying to erase the graffiti from off the walls of a building, it is extremely hard to erase the graffiti from off the walls of our heart!

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And a heart which has been greatly compromised by being mingled with the world’s sights and sounds, becomes a poor witness to all around us.

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Conversely, those who have a heart with God’s pure Word written upon its tablets, become a powerful witness to the world!

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Graffiti on walls – Bodeguita del Medio, Havana – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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THE IMAGE OF JESUS UPON OUR HEART!

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But the wonderful news is this. In Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians, he speaks about a great transformation which New Testament Believers enjoy!

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Yes, while Old Testament Believers only got the privilege of enjoying the Law, as the centerpiece of their religion, we today have the privilege of transcribing the glorious image of Jesus upon our heart.

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Yes, Jesus is now the centerpiece of the Bible! And as Paul so beautifully said… “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18

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WOW! Do you see what has been said in this above passage? That as we steadfastly behold the image of Christ, He becomes the image which will be written upon the tablets of our heart! And by beholding that glorious image, we become imperceptibly changed into that glorious image!

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And the more that Christ becomes the image inscribed upon the tablets of our heart, the more that the onlooking world will be able to read about Jesus, as they see Christ shining out from God’s faithful remnant, like crepuscular beams of pure, golden sunlight, which will never be erased!

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to guard well, the avenues to my soul. Help me to separate myself from all evil communications, which corrupt good character (1st Corinthians 15:33). And give me the love for filling my heart with the pure water of Thy Word…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN

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

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

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Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation)

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TOMORROW:

“August 31st (Kunta Kinte Christians, Part 3: Golden Shackles!)”

Roots 25th Anniversary Edition – Wikipedia – Non-Free Media Rationale

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #240 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing 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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 29th (End-Time Exodus, Part 5: Overcoming The World! Prayer)

By admin On August 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 29th

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End-Time Exodus,

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Part 5:

Overcoming The World!

To Read Part 1, click here… “August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)”

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**Maybe not enough time was spent in yesterday’s devotional on the secret ingredient of prayer, in overcoming the world and overcoming the flesh.**

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Yes, unceasing prayer is the secret ingredient to this recipe for success, in overcoming the world and the flesh.

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But until we overcome the world and the flesh, then it is only logical that much of our prayer-life will be in the form of pleading for God’s mercy and deliverance from the cesspool of sin!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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ADULTERERS & ADULTERESSES

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Listen to the New Testament letter of James…

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God….

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up.”

James 4:4, 8-10

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Notice that James calls us, “adulterers and adulteresses”. It is because we still have love for this present world, that James calls us “adulterers and adulteresses”.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! – Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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LOVING THIS WORLD IS HATING GOD!

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But James also points out that, “know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”

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Yes, James is surprised that the Church doesn’t understand this truth, that “friendship of the world is enmity against God.”

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But then again, James did not live in a day when the world has embraced Christians.

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James did not live in a day when it was getting harder and more difficult to get away from being surrounded by unbelievers!

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And James did not live in a time when the government was in charge of “educating” our children!

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No, James did not live in our day!

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

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OUR PRESENT DISTRESS

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But then again, James was merely the penman for God, in the writing of James’ Epistle. And God obviously knew all about what we’re going through in this present day, as He guided James’ pen!

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Yes, God knew that His people would be intermarrying with unbelievers, or at least, God knew we would be marrying near-unbelieving, nominal Christians!

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And God also knew that the TV, radio, and Internet would enjoy a place of prominence in the households of many Christians.

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And God foreknew all about the opulence and hedonism which our society has become mired in.

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And He understood long ago, that high-tech devices and Internet would become so powerful, that God’s people and their children would become prisoners of the filth and wickedness which is so prevalent, by means of these communication devices.

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And God well-knew about all the many clubs and hobbies, and vacation resorts, and time-consuming, energy-sapping careers that too many Christians and their children would be seeking after.

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And God knew about all the materialism of this industrial-age that has become our daily pursuit, to a great extent!

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Yes, God foreknew in ages past, all about the countless temptations that we Christians are going through in today’s world: things which cause us to put our relationship with Him on the back-burner, as we go after so many of these costly and time-consuming pursuits!

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Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

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MODERN-DAY JONAH’S!

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Yes, in this fearful hour, Satan has imperceptibly swallowed us up, just as surely as Jonah was swallowed up by that giant fish! And now, we must pray, even as Jonah prayed out of the belly of that fish…

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“And (Jonah) said,

I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD,

and He heard me; out of the belly of Hell cried I,

and Thou heardest my voice.

For Thou hadst cast me into the deep…

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD:

and my prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine Holy Temple.

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

But I will sacrifice unto Thee with the voice of thanksgiving;

I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.”

Jonah 2:2-8

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Yes, just like Jonah’s prayer here, we too have sought after lying vanities, and Hell has enlarged her mouth and swallowed us up!

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And we are in the belly of Hell as surely as was Jonah!

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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OUR GENTLE SHEPHERD!

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And so, because He understands all these things, God is gently calling us back to Him…

“As a Shepherd seeketh out His flock

in the day that He is among His sheep that are scattered;

so will I seek out My sheep,

and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered

in the cloudy and dark day.”

Ezekiel 34:12

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Therefore, as the sheep of His pasture, we must spend much time on our knees, praying for the deliverance of ourselves and for God’s mercy on our families. And until both of these blessings are accomplished, we must remain on our spiritual knees, crying out daily, nay, hourly, nay, moment-by-moment for God’s great mercy and grace!

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Brooklyn Museum-The Good Shepherd (Le bon pasteur)-James Tissot wikpedia US public domain

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THE VERY GOOD NEWS!

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Yes, dear soul, if you and I are tired of seeing the Enemy of Souls doing his deadly dance upon our backs and upon our children’s backs; if you and I are tired of living in this self-seeking and Mammon-loving world, then we must pray for deliverance and victory!

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And if we will only pray without ceasing for such a blessing,

“Who knoweth if He will return and repent,

and leave a blessing behind Him;

even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?”

Joel 2:14

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TO READ PART 6, CLICK HERE…

OCTOBER 22 . . . . End-Time Exodus, Part 6: “Questions, Questions, Questions!!!

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the gift of unceasing prayer. And give me a humble and repentant heart…

Prayer – Mother and Daughter – Wikipedia – (cropped image) the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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HEAVENLY OBJECT LESSON

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“Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.” Isaiah 24:23

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When God created the Moon and the stars, He ordained them to “rule the night” (Gen. 1:16). The Moon, especially when it is full, can light your pathway through the night, as it reflects the light of the Sun.

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So too, the Christian is to be a light to the world: to this sin-darkened world. But as the Moon must reflect the light of the Sun, in order to be a light to the world, so also must the Christian reflect the light of Jesus, to be a spiritual light to this planet in rebellion. Listen…

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“Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-16

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However, during an eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, preventing that sunlight from shining on the Moon’s face. This is an incredible object-lesson about when the child of God allows the world to come between him and his Lord. Like the eclipse, that person no longer reflects the light of Jesus, because his or her love of this dark world of sin has eclipsed the light from the “Sun of Righteousness” (see Malachi 4:2).

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And so, this is just one of the many poetic truths seen in the Moon. And this article will show some further metaphoric truths to this wonderful and mysterious object-lesson in the sky, known as the Moon. (For more on this subject of an eclipse, you may link to the article… “Lunar Eclipse & Spiritual Eclipse”)

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Dutch Painting: Um_moinho_dominando_a_baía_à_luz_lunar wikimedia US public domain

This is a drawing of a winter-time total lunar eclipse, first published in Bilder- (Picture Atlas of the Stemenwelt) in 1888

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TOMORROW:

“August 30th (Etch-A-Sketch Heart!)”

Taj Mahal drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch – Wikimedia – Share-Alike Lic.

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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 #239 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 28th (End-Time Exodus, Part 4: Overcoming The World!)

By admin On August 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 28th

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End-Time Exodus,

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Part 4:

“Overcoming The World!”

To Read Part 1, click here… “August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)”

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In the last two devotionals (click here to read), it has been revealed, that the way to overcome the world and the flesh, is to join the Lord in a three-part process of taking back the heart from the Devil.

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It is a three-part plan to win the battle against the Devil.

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Because the heart is where the battle is fought. The heart is the territory which the Devil gained long ago. And he doesn’t want to give it up!

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And so, the Devil has been engaging in a war against Heaven, to retain control over the human heart.

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SATAN: MASTER OF CONFUSION

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And the first thing that Satan has done, is to convince us that we don’t have a heart!

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Yes, the Devil has tampered with the English language, in attempt to confuse us into thinking that our blood-pump is our heart!

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But our heart is in our mind! It is the treasure-chest of the mind!

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It is where the love of all our precious treasures is stored!

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It is the common ground between the Believer and God!

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It is the Most Holy place, in which we are to minister as priests before God.

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Heart oblique external – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike Lic.

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KINGDOM OF GOD WITHIN

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Listen… “And when He (Jesus) was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21

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And so, the Kingdom of God is within us. Thus, the heart and mind are to be our own little portion of God’s Kingdom. And of course, God’s eternal dwelling place is His Temple! Therefore, as priests together with Christ, our heart is where we minister before our Heavenly Father.

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Oh yes, Jesus is our High Priest! But we are to eternally reign as co-regents with Christ! (“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,” 1st Peter 2:9)

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IN HEAVENLY PLACES

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“And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:6

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And so, we don’t have to wait to sit with Christ in Heavenly Places! We are to be there right now! Oh no, we are not there physically! But God has graciously taken up residence in our heart! Therefore, it is in the heart that we sit with Him in Heavenly Places!

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Listen… “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;” Ephesians 3:17.

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So, if Christ is dwelling in our hearts, and we are sitting together with Him in Heavenly Places, then just what is the obvious conclusion? Heaven is in our heart! And Christ is there in our heart, sitting on His throne!

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BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY

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But back to the subject at hand. Just how do we win complete victory over the thoughts and intents of our heart? After all, if our heart is Christ’s Heavenly Throne Room, then it is a most high and holy calling, that we must make surety for Christ!

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Listen once again…. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6

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Yes, as already stated in the last two devotionals, Paul has put into military terms, the victory of obedience! We are not to war with carnal weapons, but we are to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when our obedience is fulfilled!

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GOD SITS AS A PURIFIER OF SILVER & GOLD

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But now, we come to the third part of this three-fold equation for complete and total victory over the world and over the flesh.

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And so, the third part which greatly is the work of God, is to purify us by fire, just as gold is tried in the fire! Yes, God must purify our heart, and fill it with the pure heavenly gold of faith and love. And He will sit as a purifier of silver and gold, to purify His royal priesthood (Believers), with the silver of purity, and the gold of faith and love!

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And so, the Believer must go through the necessary trials in his or her daily walk with God, so that we may say, along with Job… “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

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gold smelting – cropped image – Public Domain – wn.com

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TRIBULATION WORKS PATIENCE

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Now just why does God send us through trials? Well one reason is to teach us patience.

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Listen… “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

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And so, God is not wanting a repeat of the first rebellion. Yes, He wants us bullet-proof, so to speak. He wants us to remain faithful, even when it seems as if He doesn’t care, or isn’t there! Therefore, He purposely delays His deliverance for us! And He purposely delays our victory over various nagging sins! And He seems to take forever in bringing us out of the “miry pit”, even though we pray constantly for deliverance! And He allows us to fall, again and again into our little pet sins, even though we despise our weak will.

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Paradise Lost – G Dore – wikipedia – public-domain

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THE SECRET INGREDIENT: PRAYER

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Now of course, this three-part recipe for victory has a secret ingredient, just like any great secret family recipe!

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And that secret ingredient is unceasing communion with God. Yes, the privilege of prayer is perhaps the most wonderful part of this recipe-for-success! It is something we can do anytime and anywhere! Silently, while walking, while working, while lying down or at recreation with our family, the Believer can pray, pray, pray!!!

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And so, as we cry out to God for deliverance, we know deep down in our hearts that He will finally arrive, to rescue us once again! But even more than that, we know that He’s right beside us in our trials… “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5, 6

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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FOLLOWING JESUS

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Yes, following Christ is the true pathway to victory! “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

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And so, overcoming the world and the flesh is not grievous. For Christ has promised us that… “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1st John 5:4.

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Actual Sunset – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

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POWER TO PREVAIL

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And God promises us power beyond anything we can imagine!

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Listen… “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith….Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” Ephesians 3:17-21

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As this above passage reveals, God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works in us! And so, with promises like this, how can we lose?

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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TO READ PART 5, CLICK HERE…

“August 29th (End-Time Exodus, Part 5: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Bring me through the fires of tribulation, so that I might become a vessel unto honor…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION…

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& THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

(Click here to read more!)

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Let us meet our first host: The Glorious Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation!

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

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

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“A CROWN OF 12 STARS UPON HER HEAD” …

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

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

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

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TOMORROW:

“August 29th (End-Time Exodus, Part 5: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia 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 #238 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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 27th (End-Time Exodus, Part 3: Overcoming The World!)

By admin On August 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 27th

.

End-Time Exodus,

.

Part 3:

“Overcoming The World!”

To Read Part 1, click here… “August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)”

.

There have been a few wonderful ministries over the past decades. And some of these are still being broadcast over radio.

.

The problem is, that these past ministries were quite often designed for Christians living in spiritual Babylon, i.e., the world. And so, much of the advice on these broadcasts were mingled with some really worldly advice. And most of these had some glaring errors in the doctrines presented.

.

It doesn’t mean that these Bible teachers were necessarily apostate, (though many of them were apostate). But God is testing us, to see if we love these fallible men more than we love Him and His Word!

.

And so, God allowed erroneous teachings to be mingled into the otherwise good and biblical teachings.

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

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COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

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Now in yesterday’s devotional (click here), one great secret to overcoming the world was discussed: clearing out the heart from all the ungodly graffiti which has been allowed to accumulate via all the modern media: television, magazines, novels, Internet, CD’s, radio, as well as unnecessary personal friendships with unbelievers.

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Listen… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?…Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

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And as this above passage reveals, this kind of separation is pre-requisite to having God treat us as His children!

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“THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND”

Romans 12:1, 2

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But today’s devotional deals with the other half of the equation of how to win the battle of overcoming the world, and overcoming the flesh. And this half of the equation is that of replenishing the heart with the pure words of God! Yes, here we have the two-part process of emptying the heart of all worldly graffiti, and then replenishing it with the pure words of Christ!

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Listen… “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1, 2

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Notice this above passage from the very first Psalm encapsulates exactly what is being discussed in these two devotionals! To clear out all the rubbish, and to meditate (contemplate) upon Christ’s Word, day and night, is exactly what we are talking about in yesterday’s and today’s devotionals!

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

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THE BATTLE BEFORE US

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And so, let’s remember what Paul commands us to do…

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“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6

.

Yes, Paul has put into military terms, the victory of obedience! We are not to war with carnal weapons, but we are to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when our obedience is fulfilled!

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And so, just as we have discussed, Paul is telling us what the battle is all about: complete victory over the thoughts of the heart! Herein lies the secret to complete Christian victory!

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THIRD PART: GOD’S PART

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But though this is the two-fold duty of each and every Christian, there is a third part. Yes, this third part is the Lord’s part (even though He helps us do our two-part responsibility victoriously).

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And tomorrow’s devotional will speak about this third part of the recipe for Christian victory over the world, and over the flesh!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 4, CLICK HERE…

August 28th (End-Time Exodus, Part 4: Overcoming The World!)

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a love for filling my heart with Thy Word…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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Orion The Good Shepherd

(Click on this above title link for more in-depth study)

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Here is a brand new Orion. This was first seen in December, 2012. With the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), this little star converts Orion the Reaper’s sickle (left), into the hook of a shepherd’s rod & staff; now making the 5th personality of Orion, Orion the Good Shepherd. The sketch to the left is Orion the Reaper. But now, with the addition of that little star, which is commonly known as the left hand of the Castor Twin in the Constellation Gemini, the sketch to the lower right shows the result, which is Orion, The Good Shepherd.

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Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either Castor or Pollux. And yet, this is the little star at the very tip of the hook of Orion, the Good Shepherd’s rod & staff. But faint as it may be, together with its other Gemini stars, this shepherd’s rod & staff presents a giant concept, which is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as it is written…

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“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters…I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1, 2, 4

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

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

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TOMORROW:

“August 28th (End-Time Exodus, Part 4: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia 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 #237 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 26th (End-Time Exodus, Part 2: Overcoming The World!)

By admin On August 8th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 26th

.

End-Time Exodus,

.

Part 2:

Overcoming The World!

To Read Part 1, click here… “August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)”

.

There have been a few wonderful ministries over the past decades. And some of these are still being broadcast over radio.

.

The problem is, that these past ministries were quite often designed for Christians living in spiritual Babylon, which this fallen world is. And so, much of the advice on these broadcasts was mingled with some really worldly advice. And most of these had some glaring errors in the doctrines presented.

.

It doesn’t mean that these Bible teachers were necessarily apostate, (though many of them were apostate). But God is testing us, to see if we love these fallible men more than we love Him and His Word! And so, God allowed erroneous teachings to be mingled into the otherwise good and biblical teachings.

.

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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LIVING IN DEFEAT

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And one of the erroneous doctrines which has been taught over the past decades is, that we Christians must remain in a semi-diseased spiritual condition.

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Yes, the great masses within the Church have been misled by our leaders to believe that we cannot overcome the flesh.

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Now this is not to say that we will be able to be totally sinless, at this present hour!

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But it does not mean that we must be slaves to our lusts: lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life!

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Listen to Paul… “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.” Romans 6:6

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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OLD MAN ALIVE AFTER BAPTISM

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Listen to Paul… “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.” Romans 6:6

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Now our modern-day teachers often tell us that this happens at the time of our baptism. But anyone who is half-way honest can tell us that just because we get baptized in water, by no means did that ceremony crucify our “Old Man”! But if anything, our Old Man will rise up and begin a relentless war for total control over our desires, at the time of baptism!

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So there has to be more to all this!

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But what does it mean to crucify that Old Man?

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

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HOW IS THE OLD MAN CRUCIFIED?

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So there has to be more to all this!

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And so, just what does it mean to crucify that Old Man?

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Perhaps this next verse will shed some light upon this common dilemma, which plagues every person who calls his or her self a Christian…

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Listen…. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6

.

So Paul has put into military terms, the victory of obedience! We are not to war with carnal weapons.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY

.

Listen once again…. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6

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And so, here is our battle! And here is the battlefield of our warfare! Our mind! Yes, our heart is the place where the battle against sin is fought and won! One side or the other will ultimately gain control of our mind: Christ or Satan. There will be no compromise!

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But the Good News is, that if we are indeed a child of God, we have this promise… “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6.

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

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PROVIDING BEST CONDITIONS

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Yes, the Good News is, that if we are indeed a child of God, we have this promise… “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6.

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So Christ promises to bring us to a complete and total victory over self! But there is much that we can do to provide the best conditions for victory. Yes, we can avoid much pain and suffering, by simply giving ourselves the necessary advantage, in our warfare against the Devil.

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If we will only clear our minds of all ungodly communications, and replenish our hearts with only the most holy influences, then we have cleared the way for Christ to gain a clear and complete victory.

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Yes, the Christian is to clear away all the rubbish of the world, from our heart. And all the TV shows, radio talk shows, magazines, worldly-minded clubs and associations, and every other ungodly influence must be put away!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

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Listen… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18 (for entire quote, read here)

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This above passage is very revealing. In spite of the fact that Salvation is a gift, God here makes our separation from ungodly influences, a pre-requisite to Him being a Father to us! Of course, such a separation is only possible through His grace, making this above passage a totally circular concept!

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ABOVE PICTURE – Constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 (aka Ursa Major) flees to the mountains from Revelation 12 Dragon (aka: Hyades) – Mark 13:14 – This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture

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GRAFFITI IN MY HEART

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“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

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In this above verse, the Wise Man warns us to diligently guard our heart! But think of all this as a cleansing of our Most Holy Place of the heart!

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Have you ever tried to remove spray-paint from a wall or side of a building? Not too easy! But every day, we Christians allow Satan to write his own graffiti on the walls of our heart. How? By allowing ourselves to listen to sensual music, or watch unchristian TV, or read exciting novels, buddying around with non-Christian friends, or reading non-Christian magazines, or Internet, or talk-shows, or whatever else the Devil has dreamed up, in hopes of destroying our soul and dominating our thoughts and pre-occupying our life.

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And just think about it. If our heart is an extension of the Most Holy Place, then it is akin to taking spray-paint and writing profanities on the walls of the Most Holy Place. And if we are the Priest of our own heart, what will the High Priest, Jesus Christ, think when He comes into our Most Holy Place to minister together with us?

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Just something to think about.

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Bodeguita del Medio, Havana, cropped image – WIKIMEDIA share-alike license

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

“August 27th (End-Time Exodus, Part 3: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become fully engaged in this process of purifying my heart…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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***FLEEING WOMAN* *OF REVELATION 12…***

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“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:14, 15. So this Revelation 12 Woman Constellation gives a heavenly portrait of a woman fleeing from the Dragon, who is spewing water in her pathway.

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The sketch to the right is “Valley of Decision” Constellation, the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation, and the Dragon Constellation. This is a concept sketch. These three constellations are not in this position in the night sky. So please don’t try to find them together like this. All of the other sketches have the constellation in the correct position, unless otherwise noted. For locations of each of these Constellations, please go to the article for that particular constellation.

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TOMORROW:

“August 27th (End-Time Exodus, Part 3: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

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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.

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THIS IS STUDY #236 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)

By admin On August 8th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 25th

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End-Time Exodus!

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BABYLON BRAINWASHING!

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Now in these last days, the Book of Revelation declares… “And He (the mighty angel) cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1, 2, 4

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Yes, those nations which once enthusiastically embraced the great Christian Reformation, have now all been taken control of by secularists, who require our children to get a thorough indoctrination into worldly customs and ideologies, via the school systems.

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Protest in Hong Kong against the national education system brainwashing – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TV, RADIO, INTERNET, ETC…

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And then, after school, they come home and watch TV, radio, or play computer games, or listen to worldly music.

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And so, if anybody is under the notion that Christians are a free people, they had better realize that this western culture has become one giant indoctrination machine!

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We and our children are being thoroughly indoctrinated to conform to the image of the Beast, which is, simply put, Satan’s character.

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SATAN’S TERRITORY “WHERE IT OUGHT NOT TO BE”

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“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: ” Mark 13:14

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**This above verse from Mark’s Gospel is a counsel to God’s people to be aware that this abomination of desolation will move into forbidden territory, “where it ought not”, to be.**

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Yes, much like any city in this land desires to annex more and more outlining communities into the borders of that city, so too, Satan has successfully surrounded and enveloped the modern-day churches and denominations into Babylon. They have been gobbled up and digested and assimilated, so to speak by the “King of Babylon…Lucifer”! (Isaiah 14:4, 12)

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ANTICHRISTS: JUST WORLDLY-MINDED CHRISTIANS!

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And so, sadly, our various congregations and denominations have become filled with false-brethren, who have a semblance of spirituality, yet are not truly living by faith.

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These are world-lings, who love and serve the King of Babylon, and yet, profess to love and serve God! They are what the Bible calls “Anti-Christs”! “They (Antichrists) are of the world”

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Listen… “They (Anti-Christs) are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:5

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“ANOTHER JESUS…ANOTHER SPIRIT…ANOTHER GOSPEL”

2nd Corinthians 11:4

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Yes, as we take notice of our current-day situation, we can see their cunning deceptions all around us. The sensual music, the giddiness and jesting in our preachers, the pursuit of time-consuming and energy-sapping proud and lucrative careers, the self-absorbing pleasures, pastimes, and amusements, and the morbid desires to explore the oddities of the furthest reaches of Satan’s Kingdom of Babylon, are just a few of the corruptions which have been creeping into the church-world over the past centuries.

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As this photo shows, there is another Jesus being preached today!

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Photo – Share -Alike License – Jesus in Jeans – cropped image – Wikimedia

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“COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE!”

Revelation 18:4

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And so, the time of our captivity has come to an end. We have now reached the day when God is calling His Church-Faithful out of spiritual Babylon. No, we may not be able to come out of civil Babylon (the world-system), at this present hour! But we can come completely out of spiritual Babylon (the apostate church-world)! Yes, we can immediately begin to “cease ye from Man”, and begin studying the Bible for our own selves, as is written… “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:” 1st John 2:27.

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We can indeed begin to reject all the non-biblical jargon and worldly-minded doctrines, and look at the Scriptures with fresh-eyes, anointed by the daily baptism of the Spirit of Holiness!

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James Tissot – The Flight of the Prisoners – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

“August 26th (End-Time Exodus, Part 2: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand this message to come out of Babylon. Help me to turn off those sensual preachers, and begin to study for myself. Let me depart from every ungodly and time-consuming influence…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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“NOT IN WINTER”

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“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains…And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.” Mark 13:14, 18

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So just what does this above passage mean? And why does it say that we should pray that our “flight be not in the winter”?

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Well there is no shortage of speculation as to the meaning of this passage. Many even assign this warning to only the literal Jews. Well, this would make sense, seeing that it speaks of fleeing Jerusalem.

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THE AUTHOR HAS SHOWN UP

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Fortunately, there needs to be no speculation about what it means. The Author of the Book has decided to show us just exactly who it is that must flee; and exactly where it is to flee to; and exactly what it is that we must flee from! Because the Author of the Book has written the answer in none other places but in the very heavens! In the very night skies!

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You see, God has placed the major constellations in such a way, that they tell the marvelous Gospel story in pictures. And a key part of this heavenly phenomena is this Revelation 12 Woman, as she appears to being fleeing. It’s just that we’ve been so conditioned to look at these constellations in a certain way, that we have not seen them the way that God originally intended.

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WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WINTER?

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But for those who do begin to see these Bible constellations, there is a very interesting aspect to this: the timing is very revealing. You see, this constellation of this fleeing woman, appears in winter. So what’s the significance of this? You see, this above passage says… “And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.” And so, God is telling us that we will have to make our flight in winter. So in other words, we didn’t pray; or we didn’t pray enough!

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But the good news is just this: the place where we must flee to, is also revealed. And it is a place where each and every one of us can get to.

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

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HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

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

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It is called the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, also known as Ursa Major or The Big Dipper. So if we explore this constellation in the light of the Bible, there can be a wealth of information discovered on this very topic. So come along and dig into this study. And after reading about this heavenly revelation, you just might find yourself fleeing to the mountains.

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And maybe, just maybe, there are some much better mountains to flee to, than the ones in the above photo of Palestine! Mountains in which you can hide, where tracking devices and black helicopters are useless against you!

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

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TOMORROW:

“August 26th (End-Time Exodus, Part 2: Overcoming The World!)”

Globeblack wikimedia 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 #235 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 24th (Sodom Rising! Part 3: Heart Purification)

By admin On August 8th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 24th

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Sodom Rising!

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Part 3:

“Heart Purification”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE… “August 22nd (Sodom Rising!)”

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here to read), the phenomenon that appalls and perplexes Christians, is that Sodom & Gomorrah seems to be springing up all around us, just as surely as those flood-waters, when the fountains of the deep broke forth in Noah’s day!

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And so many Christians are asking themselves the question, “What am I to do about this? How can I keep my children from being exposed to all this?”

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But there is another group, which is also asking themselves the question, “How can I be delivered from my own terrible ‘Sin of Sodom’?”

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And so, today’s devotional picks up where we left off yesterday…

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

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GOD HAS GIVEN THE WORLD UP!

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Three times in Romans, God repeats Himself… “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves…For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another…And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:24-28

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In other words, the sins of Sodom being embraced on a pandemic level, are a clear signal that God has finally washed His hands of this world! We are at the end!

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Oh yes, God is still saving individuals. But no more is He restraining Mankind’s lust for sin! Judgment is now upon us! And so, don’t think that things cannot grow worse! We can look forward to even more unthinkable sins, such as necromancy, and cannibalism of family members! (See Lamentations 2:20)

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Gay Parade – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

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SATAN WILL CONTINUE TO ASSAULT!

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Now we have some very Good News to share! Yes, God is even more powerful than the sins of Sodom! And for those who wish to follow Jesus, and forsake those sins, God promises… “If we (true Believers) confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:9. (Parenthetical comment by website editor)

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Yes, God can cleanse those caught up in sexual lust. Now that doesn’t mean that Satan won’t try to tempt the cleansed one back into those sins. No, Satan wants to keep this delusion going. And so, one can expect great resistance and opposition from Satan and his angels, just as an ex-alcoholic might expect in his or her fight against returning to drunkenness!

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But God is merciful! These two sins won’t continually torment the true child of God! Just as the smoker or drug addict will eventually enjoy freedom from those sins, so too those given to sensual lusts will likewise eventually experience the same freedom!

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

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PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE-MINDED!

James 4:8

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Now don’t think it will be easy! No, as with anything worthwhile, it will take a struggle!

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But we have a wonderful promise… “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

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And so, we all have our work cut out for us. And by no means do we become fully engaged in this purification process as a means of EARNING our Salvation. But because God has given us the FREE GIFT of Salvation, and by the indwelling of the Spirit of Holiness, we are given, as a free gift, the insatiable desire to overcome the world!

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And we rejoice in the promise that… “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7.

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PICTURE – Most Holy Place of the Heart – Signs Of Heaven

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To read part 4, click here…

JANUARY 29 (Sodom Rising, Part 4: Why Have Our Chickens Come Home?)

Chickens – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become fully engaged in the process of purification of my heart! Keep back Thy servant from all ungodly associations, and instead to hide Thy Word in my heart. Give me a love for unceasing prayer and watchfulness…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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

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

Joel 3:14

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AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

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

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

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

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

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

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

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

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

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TOMORROW:

August 25th (End-Time Exodus! Part 1)

Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – 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 #234 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional – August 23rd (Sodom Rising! Part 2: Flee!)

By admin On August 5th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – August 23rd

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Sodom Rising!

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Part 2:

“How To Flee!”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE… “August 22nd (Sodom Rising!)”

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As this opulent and hedonistic society falls under the judgment of God, He is just now giving us over to our lusts, as is written… “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:” Romans 1:24

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Burning Man – 2013 -Chapel – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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SIGN OF THE END

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Yes, this society has been given over to fleshly sins, among which is the sin of sodomy.

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Now while every sin is a grievous abomination and offence against a Holy, sin-hating God, the sin of sodomy is right up there along-side the sins of fornication and adultery and bestiality!

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And just as surely as people are not born with the sin of bestiality, so too, nobody is born with inherent sodomy.

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

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ALL CONCEIVED IN SIN

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However, having said that, it also must be stated that ALL humanity is born with an inherent love for sin!

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The Scriptures reveal that… “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” Psalm 58:3.

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Newborn babies are inherently sinful, and quickly learn to manipulate parents, to get their way.

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And so, even a young child may display a desire for these sins, or a host of other sins!

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Baby yelling – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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NO GREATER SINNERS THAN WE ARE!

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Now those who are caught up in the sin of Sodom are no greater sinners than anyone else!

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We are all on equal footing before a sin-hating God!

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If eating that forbidden fruit has resulted in all this woe and misery, then we know that all sin, big or small is an abomination to Christ!

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So we must never mock or scorn those who are caught in that sin, as if they are greater sinners than we are!

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And it is such sins as the sin of Sodom which, in many cases, causes great shame and embarrassment as Satan torments them over their sin!

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SATAN ENHANCES PLEASURES OF SIN

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The Scriptures tell us that… “Lest Satan should get an
advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Corinthians 2:11.

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Yes, we are not ignorant of Satan’s different devices!

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Everyone instinctively understands that Satan enhances the pleasures of sin.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council wikipedia US public domain

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SODOMY: A SIN OF THE FLESH

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Now the Devil is an evil genius with powers and intelligence far beyond what we humans can comprehend!

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And for his own purposes, Satan has chosen the modern-day deception of making those who are given to the sin of Sodom believe that they have some sort of physical deviancy which hopelessly locks them into the sin of Sodom.

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Gay Parade – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

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“the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

2nd Timothy 2:26

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And let’s face it! The Devil works through this decadent and hedonistic society to convince naive humans that if they are even tempted with a sodomic desire, then that means they are hopelessly born to be a Sodomite forever!

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But such a vicious and deceptive lie is perpetrated by the same Devil who is the unseen one who has all along been the actual tempter of those poor souls!

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In other words, their homosexual thoughts and dreams were merely the product of evil spirits and never the innate DNA of those tempted ones!

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

Human worry & stress & depression – by Becky Wetherington for Wikimedia – cropped and colored image – Share-alike License

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GOD HAS GIVEN THE WORLD UP!

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Three times in Romans, God repeats Himself… “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves…For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections…burned in their lust one toward another…And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind…” Romans 1:24-28

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In other words, this new world-wide phenomenon of the sin of Sodom is a sign that God has finally washed His hands of this world! We are at the end!

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Oh yes, God is still saving individuals. And God is the lover of souls, so much so, that He gave Himself up on the Cross to save them!

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But no more is He restraining Mankind’s lust for sin! Judgment is now upon us!

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Birmingham Gay Pride – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike license

Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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SUICIDE AND DEADLY DISEASES

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And like all sin, the sin of Sodom is a very self-destructive lifestyle, often ending in suicide, substance-abuse, or early death from sexually-transmitted diseases.

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The Bible reveals that the human heart is “desperately wicked”. Jeremiah 17:9. Therefore, those who live in sin and selfishness can never experience, “the peace which surpasses all understanding” which true Christianity brings. Philippians 4:7

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But rather, those caught up in sin, at best only experience a morbid pleasure from their sinful and selfish lifestyles. They can never be truly happy, even though they may attempt to deceive the public into believing that their sinful lifestyle makes them happy and peaceful. Another lie!

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

Girl Sexting – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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WHAT’S THE ANSWER?

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So, just what are they to do: those who are caught up in this sin?

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And also, what are those to do who are trying to save their families from the growing tide of corruption rising all around us?

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Fortunately, we have a God who loves happy endings!

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But God, in His great mercy and grace, has also provided a way of escape for those who are caught in the snare of the Devil, with such grievous sins!

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**And so, this little series of devotionals (Sodom Rising), will try to present the solution for anyone who desires that way of escape!**

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Question Marks At a loss svg – wikimedia-commons – share-alike-license

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CLICK HERE FOR TOMORROW’S PART 3 DEVOTIONAL

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become fully engaged in the process of purification of my heart! Keep back Thy servant from all ungodly associations, and instead to hide Thy Word in my heart. Give me a love for unceasing prayer and watchfulness…

Prayer – Mother and Daughter – Wikipedia – (cropped image) the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON

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This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).

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In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter. The Wide Gate is made of the two brightest stars of this Wave of Water Constellation. Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies; which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony; or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).

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On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God. Listen… “I [Jesus] am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

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THE TWO PATHWAYS

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“And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8.

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As this above verse declares, God has set these two pathways before each human. And each human must decide which door he or she will enter. Nobody who has come into this world has been overlooked. Listen… “[Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9.

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Now if this verse is correct (and it is), then Christ is the light that enlightens, “every man that comes into the world”. Christ is not just the light that enlightens SOME. But He is the light that enlightens EVERY man, woman and child who comes into the world; even those who have lived in remote places, throughout history. Every person has a conscience. And every man must choose who he or she will serve. This is what the Bible calls, “the way of life, and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8.

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THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN…

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“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

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It’s often difficult to know whether we are walking on the Narrow Way or whether we are on the Broad Way. This above passage from proverbs brings out this concept… “There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” This confusing world in which we live seems to offer us many opportunities and many material things, which often appear harmless…even good! And of course, we must work among them, and live among them. And so, these things greatly confuse the issue.

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If only the people of the world behaved totally evil, then there would be no confusion among Christians. But the people of the world have a “form of godliness”. Yet the Bible warns us concerning the people of the world who seem to have a degree of goodness, that…

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5

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So this begins to get confusing! Are we supposed to embrace unbelievers, or separate from them? Well, this above verse says we are to turn away from those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God.

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The above sketch to right is an embellished drawing of the Revelation 12 Woman (aka Ursa Major)`veering toward the Orion’s Gate Stars (aka Castor and Pollux). The stars in this sketch can be seen in these positions, simply by laying on your back facing upward, with your feet to the east and your head to the west in winter, when these constellations are beginning to be in the western sky)

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TOMORROW:

” August 24th (Sodom Rising! Part 3 )”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #233 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing 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.

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Devouring Fire.com

Today’s Devotional – September 1st (Witnessing Thru Trials)

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Today’s Devotional – September 1st

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Witnessing thru Trials

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“And there appeared

a great wonder (sign) in heaven;

a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

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In the Night Heavens, God has created a constellation which corresponds to the Revelation 12 Woman.

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You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful.

In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail.

This is the constellation, Ursa Major.

And this article will introduce you to this amazing sign of Heaven, and what it means to you and to me.

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PRECIOUS SEED

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If you will notice, the stars coming out of her right foot and right hand.

It almost appears as if she is dropping seeds.

And isn’t it true that when we come to the Lord, we are constantly trying to tell others about Jesus.

Yes, as clumsy as we are, we nevertheless try to get others to share in our excitement about Salvation.

And so, the right hand is symbolic of conscious and deliberate works.

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Listen… “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:” Matthew 6:3.

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So Jesus presents this same spiritual concept, regarding the right hand, and the left hand.

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FLEEING IN WINTER

.<img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-9130" src="https://i0.wp.com/theheavensdeclare.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Jan-8-20123-e1386181050980.jpg?resize=331%2C211" alt="woman of Revelation 12 Flees to Wilderness-www.signsofheaven.org" width="331" height="211" />

Now if you will look at this same constellation in winter, it flips upside down and now appears as the same Revelation 12 Woman, as a fleeing woman.

But in her upside-down position, she now appears to be casting seed from her left hand and left foot.

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So what is the significance of this left-handed effort?

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BOOK OF DANIEL

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And so, if we look into the Book of Daniel, we can see this concept of witnessing through trials.

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Yes, repeatedly in that little book, Daniel and his three Hebrew companions were faced with life-threatening trials.

And each and every time, these four Hebrews remained faithful to God.

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And in so-doing, they unknowingly became a great witness for Jehovah God.

Yes, even the King of Babylon was pierced in heart by their courage, and by God’s deliverance of Daniel and the three Hebrews.

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But it is very interesting, that never is it mentioned that these four Hebrews ever did any other type of witnessing!

No, in Daniel, there is no mention of any vocal witnessing, except during the moments of extreme trial!

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**In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail.**

**This is the constellation, Ursa Major.**

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TODAY’S PRAYER…