Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 24 (Satan & Sidewinders!)

By admin On December 17th, 2014

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 24

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Satan & Sidewinders!

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“Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life,

her (Satan’s followers) ways are moveable,

that thou canst not know them.”

Proverbs 5:6

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Everything in nature has some aspect of the Gospel written into it!

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And guided by the Holy Spirit, a person can gain heavenly wisdom from observing nature!

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And, well, needless to say, whatever wisdom is gleaned from nature, must be in harmony with the Bible, or it is merely error!

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Worker ant carrying leaf – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“THAT OLD SERPENT (SNAKE)…THE DEVIL”

Revelation 20:2

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Take the snake, for instance.

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Just look at how it winds itself back and forth!

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Just what can we learn from this aspect of the snake?

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Just what does this teach us about how Satan works in the world among people?

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wicked awesome snake – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SATAN’S DIFFERENT DECEPTIONS

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Well, the winding snake seems to be a perfect illustration of how Satan can change course in the way he deals with the world!

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For instance, Satan deals with different people in different ways!

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With one person, Satan will lavish earthly riches and pleasures in attempt to keep them to be, happy citizens of his kingdom, this world!

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But for some reason, he deals with other people in just the opposite way!

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Eastern Tiger Snake – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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DIFFERENT DECEPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE

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Yes, Satan works differently with different people.

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For example, he will make life absolutely miserable for many persons: various misfortunes, so-called “mental chemical imbalances”, drug dependence, various social dysfunctions, and other similar troubles.

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**And of course, Satan works as closely to natural circumstances, in attempt to, “cover his tracks”, as they say!**

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In other words, Satan chooses one type of deception for persons whose environment, physical traits, or personality makes them to be most likely candidates for that particular deception.

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Demonic dreams – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

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TIME & EXPERIENCE MAKES US MORE SAVVY!

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Listen… “…for we are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) devices.” 2nd Corinthians 2:11

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Yes, as this above verse suggests, the Christian, by Word, and by experience, becomes more and more savvy as to just how this cunning serpent, the Devil, weaves his way back and forth through society!

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Listen again…. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents (snakes), and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

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Here in the above verse, is a call to rid ourselves of all naïvety, and become wise as serpents, becoming savvy about how Satan works his various deceptions in the world!

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Brown tree snake – Boiga – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOD IS IN ULTIMATE CONTROL!

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But as most Christians understand, the Lord is ultimately in control of the goings on in this world…

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Listen… “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, ‘What doest Thou?'” Daniel 4:35

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This above verse is not very well understood in Christendom. Nor is it very well accepted.

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But God is carrying out His ultimate will among earth’s inhabitants.

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And all the bad things in the world, He allows for the good for His people, as it states in Romans 8:28!

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Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

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ALL THINGS FOR OUR GOOD

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Yes, God is ultimately in control of all that goes on here!

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And God only allows that which is for the good of His children, and for God’s glory!

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

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As this above verse reveals, everything that happens to God’s children, good and bad, are used by God to lead them to a closer walk with Jesus!

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

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SATAN IS SUBSERVIENT TO GOD!

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And so, those who are the targets of Satan’s attacks, are the very ones who are candidates for Eternal Life!

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And God uses Satan to drive out their love for this world!

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And of course, Satan is very willing and happy to make life miserable for God’s people!

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

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THE STORY OF JOB

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The story of Job is a wonderful illustration of how God interacts with Satan, to bring about ultimate good in the lives of His chosen people!

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In Job’s case, Satan strove to get Job to verbally curse God. But though Satan failed his contest with God, yet in the process, brought out some wickedness which was hidden in Job’s heart. And at the end of Job’s trials, Job became humble and self-distrustful and more faithful to God!

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Listen to 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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Job here was speaking truth about himself, though he didn’t fully understand his own statement about himself.

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But when Job’s trials ended, God had successfully removed that inward wickedness from Job’s heart, thus purifying his heart as gold is purified, “though it be tried with fire!” 1st Peter 1:7

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

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GOD IS ONLY DOING GOOD!

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So, whether this sidewinder, Satan, is winding his way in the form of global paradigm shifts, or winding his way in the lives of individuals, we can rest confident that God is only allowing these things for our good!

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

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Yes, all Mankind praises the Lord, whether they like it or not! And in this crazy, topsy-turvy world we now live in, we may fearfully believe that things have gotten out of control!

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And yet God is only allowing that which will be for His glory throughout the annals of time and eternity!

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“The remainder of wrath”, God will restrain!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become wise as a serpent, yet harmless as a dove, so that I may not be ignorant of Satan’s devices in these last days…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – 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 FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS

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A new constellation has been revealed, as of about May 29th, 2014. This constellation appears as a serpent (snake).

Serpent Constellation

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Its body is comprised of stars from the Bootes Constellation, and its jaws are made of the four stars which Babylonians saw as the head of Draco, the Dragon. It also has a small single star for an eye.

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Now in this constellation is a group of five stars, which will be called “The Five Foolish Virgins Stars”. These are located on the opposite side of the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars (AKA Corona Borealis), from the Five Wise Virgins Stars.

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**But one big difference between the two is, that The Five Wise are curved around the Glorious Crown, while the Five Foolish are curved away from it!**

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

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WHY SO SHORT?

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Notice that this snake looks somewhat short, as if it is perhaps a sawed-off snake (picture right).

Serpent Constellation

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What could that be all about? Well, the picture to the left shows us the reason why!

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You see, the Five Wise Virgins represent all those who were once a part of Satan’s Kingdom of Selfishness. But now, they have been cut off and separated from that kingdom. Now they have now become part of God Kingdom of Unselfish Love! And that is why this serpent looks as if its body has been severed. It has lost part of its body!

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

Serpent with Wise Virgins Attached

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So here in this above passage, God is revealing a great concept: namely, that we who are true worshippers of God, were once part of Satan’s kingdom. But God has separated us from that old serpent, the Devil!

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And so, now it is only half-a-serpent! The Wise were once part of that serpent.

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But now they have become free from Satan’s Prison-house of Sin!

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

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TOMORROW…

” FEBRUARY 25 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 2, Preachers)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #420 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 23 (Lovers of Pleasures, More Than Lovers of God!)

By admin On December 16th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 23

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Lovers of Pleasures More Than Lovers of God!

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“This know also, that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves,

covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers,

false accusers, incontinent, fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”

2nd Timothy 3:1-5

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As we read this above verse, we realize that the sins which are listed, could be seen among mankind down through the centuries.

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And yet, this concerns the “last days”.

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But one distinction which must be noted is, that as we keep reading, this same passage goes on to say…

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“…For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth…” 2nd Timothy 3:6-8

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**So from this above passage, it is becoming evident that Paul is speaking of the Church. These are those in the Church, who are “reprobate concerning the faith”.**

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**And creeping “into houses, and lead captive silly women” speaks of churches, which are often compared to women in the bible.**

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Francken Hieronymus the Younger – Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins – c 1616 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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So in today’s devotional, let’s just take just one aspect of this litany of sins in the Church.

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“Lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God”, will be our focus.

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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A HEDONISTIC SOCIETY!

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Like never before in history, this modern-day society has become extremely hedonistic!

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It can be said that we are a pleasure-driven society! From pleasure resorts, to sports, to television, to high-tech devices (such as telephones, video games, computers, etc…) we are indeed a very pleasure-driven society!

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Even in the business world, our entrepreneurship quite often becomes a competitive sport, to see who can be first to make it to the top!

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**Now, for the people of the world, all this lust for pleasure may (or may not) be fine.**

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**After all, what else can we expect from the world, but for them to follow the “god of this world”, Lucifer?**

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

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EXAMINE YOURSELVES!

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But this devotional is concerned for the Church.

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**Are we also guilty of being “lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God”?**

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This is the question each of us must ask ourselves?

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The Bible plainly counsels us to… “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Corinthians 13:5

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And so, it is a very healthy exercise to take a regular inventory of our lives as Christians, comparing our deeds and words and motives and thoughts to the mirror of the Bible.

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Girl with round mirror – Wikimedia – US public domain.

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HOW DO I SPEND MY TIME?

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**Therefore, let’s just take this one aspect of Scripture, of being, “Lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God”, and see how we do!**

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The Bible counsels us… “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

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So this above verse counsels us to meditate day and night upon God’s Word.

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Well, just how much time do I meditate upon God’s Word during the day?

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

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AM I PLEASURE-DRIVEN?

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Yes, the Bible counsels us… “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

company's coming

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Do I devote more time to my pleasures than I do to God’s Word?

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Well if I do, then obviously, I am a lover of pleasures, more than a lover of God!

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**Do I spend more time watching TV, or perusing the Internet, or tinkering with my hobbies, than I spend in prayer and contemplation of the “Word of Christ”?**

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Well these are the types of questions each of us must ask ourselves, if we indeed, are truth-seekers!

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GOOD NEWS!

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But the Good News is that while we still have a little time left, we can humble ourselves in the sight of God, begging for Him to give us a new heart that desires to do the will of God supremely!

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Listen… “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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Now by a careful reading of the Book of James, it doesn’t take long to realize that the above passage is not merely for an hour or a day, or even for a week!

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No, as long as my life falls short of the Book of James, I must adopt this above passage as an ongoing mission and mantra!

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And through the power of God’s Spirit, our ongoing repentance will be a joyful endeavor!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight…

Psalm 19:12-14

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. 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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REVELATION 12, FLEEING WOMAN

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WHO IS SHE FLEEING FROM?

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“…and the dragon stood before the woman…for to devour her child as soon as it was born…And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God…” Revelation 12:5, 6

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Now by winter, this woman has changed into a “fleeing” woman. And if you will go out into the country away from the city lights, you might just see that her upraised arms begin to appear as wings.

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And she appears to be running, and eventually flying. In this heavenly scenario, this woman is fleeing from the ‘Dragon’ Constellation. However, “fleeing” is mentioned many times in Scripture. It may refer to fleeing from apostate shepherds (John 10:5), brethren or apostate congregations (Psalm 26:5). Or fleeing from sin and (1st Cor. 6:18). Or from enemies. It is likewise speaking of fleeing to the mountains.

Revelation 12 Dragon w/text

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And as you can see, the Dragon is spewing water out of his mouth. And it is amazing that this water is always going in the direction of the woman. The water stands for false doctrines. False brethren. Persecutions and temptations.

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**See the article on the Dragon for further insight. Click here…”The Dragon”.**

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Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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

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TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 24 (Satan & Sidewinders!)”

Eastern Tiger Snake – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

.

THIS STUDY #419 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 22 (Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain Confidence, Part 2: Eternal Insecurity!)

By admin On December 15th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 22

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Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain Confidence,

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Part 2:

“Eternal Insecurity!”

To read Part 1, click here… “March 10th (Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain-Confidence, Part 1)”

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

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And this most unfortunate fellow was true to his name!

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**You see, this Vain-Confidence did not enter into the pilgrim’s journey through that infamous Wicket Gate! And as a result, his experiences were nothing like the pilgrim’s experiences!**

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

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

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

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PICKING & CHOOSING VERSES

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

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

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And one big contributing factor to today’s apostasy is a very popular notion in Christian world! It is the false notion which scoffs at the idea that a Christian should ever question his or her Salvation.

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We say presumptuous things, such as… “God doesn’t want us to always be nervous about our Salvation! He doesn’t want us to go through life being fearful!”

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

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1st JOHN CAN BE RATHER TRICKY IF NOT CAREFULLY STUDIED!

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And of course, there are certain passages, such as 1st John 5:13 which seem to affirm this stance of self-confidence… “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

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Now, by reading this verse by itself, one might get the idea that we ought to have complete confidence about our Salvation!

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But that’s the trouble which so many Bible readers and teachers get into, when we pull a passage out of the context of the rest of the entire Bible!

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But the fact is, no verse stands alone!

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It all must be carefully and prayerfully balanced with the rest of Scripture!

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

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1st JOHN: A VERY UNNERVING LETTER!

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And all it takes is a careful and humble reading of 1st John to realize that we just do not measure up to what is written there!

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Yes, if ever there was a book of the Bible that will make one question his or her Salvation, it is 1st John!

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For instance, take this passage… “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1st John 2:15-17

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Now anyone who is honest with his or her own self, will look at this above passage and realize that there still exists within us a love for many things in the world!

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Some of us are still given to gluttony, or perhaps, the love of mammon, or the love of pride or display, or any one of a number of other selfish aspects of this lost world!

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We are all more or less like that vainly confident fellow in Bunyan’s allegory!

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

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LAODICEA: A VAINLY CONFIDENT CHURCH!

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The Bible certainly has a number of passages which would give a person confidence concerning Salvation.

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And yet, the Bible also warns against having a VAIN confidence, or being presumptuous about one’s Salvation!

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Listen to the message to the Church at Laodicea… “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!” Revelation 3:17

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Here we see that the very church which should have been covered in sackcloth and ashes, was instead, feeling very confident about its Salvation!

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

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REMEDY FOR OUR WORLDLINESS

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The point is, there is no reason for the church-world today to have self-confidence about our Salvation!

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Listen to 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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Does this above passage give me confidence about my Salvation?

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Can any of us say that we absolutely DO NOT have a friendship with the world in some way?

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Absolutely not!

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Just the opposite!

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**Our repeated sin (whatever type of sin it may be), is because of our love of this world in some way!**

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And this above passage from James, was written especially for such times as we are now in!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS!

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The very Good News in all this is that God has given us a little more time to ready ourselves for His literal Return on the “last day”! (Read the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, in which “the last day” is repeated four times).

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And we must not be negligent to use our remaining time to good account! We must make the above passage from James 4:4-10 our daily mantra, and fall to our spiritual knees in humble and heartfelt repentance, pleading for cleansing and restoration!

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And we must begin to fully immerse ourselves in the things which will bring a heavenly profit!

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And we must shun the things which will pull us down and entangle us in earthly desires!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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

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***for ever* *as the Moon…***

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and as a faithful witness

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***in heaven.* *Selah.”***

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Psalm 89:37.

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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THE SEEKER (THE SADDUCEE)

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LOCATING THIS 3RD FACE

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The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down. But this photo and this sketch are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the Moon would appear.)

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The third face is the most difficult to see northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy. This face is like a furry creature of the field. Maybe a rabbit. Maybe a squirrel. Perhaps a chipmunk. Probably a mouse. All “seekers”; all foragers or scavengers. And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside down position. The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate. This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily. This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face is right side up in the southern hemisphere.)

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 23 (Lovers of Pleasure More Than Lovers of God!)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #418 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 21 (Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not? Part 2)

By admin On December 12th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 21

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Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not?

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Part 2

To read Par 1, click here…FEBRUARY 20 (Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not?)

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“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

And every spirit that confesseth not

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:

and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard that it should come;

and even now already is it in the world.”

1st John 4:2, 3

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**In yesterday’s devotional (click here), this above passage from 1st John was touched upon, concerning spirits confessing Jesus, or not confessing Jesus!**

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**And it was revealed that confessing with mere words, that, “Jesus is come in the flesh”, is not what God had in mind, when He wrote those words by the hand of John!**

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No, those words of 1st John 4:2, 3 mean so much more! Because every man, woman, and child who is born into the world, is indwelt by a spirit!

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Listen as 1st John continues… “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, and the SPIRIT OF ERROR.” 1st John 4:6

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**So here we see that two spirits exist in the world: the “spirit of truth” as well as the “spirit of error”.**

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**And so, in yesterday’s devotional, the Spirit of Truth was lightly touched upon.**

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

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THE SPIRIT OF ERROR

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**But today, let’s focus on the “spirit of error” for a moment.**

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**Does the Bible give us any further insight as to just what is this “spirit of error”?**

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Listen as 1st John further continues… “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:3, 5

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**Okay, so the spirit of error exists within the people of the world. And they, Antichrists, speak of the world, and the world listens to them!**

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**So, very sadly, the people of the world are void of the Holy Spirit, but not void of the Antichrist spirit!**

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Castle of Disney – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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ONE SPIRIT, OR THE OTHER

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**Yes, tragically, the people of the world are not void of the Antichrist spirit!**

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Now, is there any further confirmation of this?

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Yes, listen… “And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Ephesians 2:1-3

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So here is revealed another giant concept: the concept that Satan, the “prince of the power of the air” just happens to be, “the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience!”

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**And so, in light of what we have discussed so far, we now see that everyone has a spirit working within: either the Spirit of Holiness, or an Antichrist spirit!**

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

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NO DR. EVIL!

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**And we further realize that those who are of an Antichrist spirit, are not necessarily some sort of “hobgoblin” or perhaps, some “Dr. Evil”.**

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**No, the spirit of Antichrist is merely the normal every day, run-of-the-mill working-class man, woman, or child!**

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**Yes, everyone who has NOT been “Born Again” into God’s Spirit of Holiness, is a vessel of “the Prince of the Power of the Air”, the spirit of Satan working in them!**

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Marilyn Manson performing Antichrist Superstar – cropped image – Share-Alike License – Wikipedia

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LOVE NOT THE WORLD!

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Now the great question to be answered is this: “Does this mean that if I am a worldly-minded Christian, then I am of the spirit of Antichrist?”

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Let’s allow the Bible to answer this question…

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Listen… “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1st John 2:15-17

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So, it says here that all the things of this proud and selfish and fleshy world are not of the Father.

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And it is our commission from God to begin a work, to cooperate with Him in driving these lusts out of our heart!

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

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THE WORK OF HEART-PURIFYING

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And here is the real dividing line between those who love God, and those who love the Devil…

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

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As this above little verse reveals, every man, woman, or child who truly has the hope of meeting Christ in peace, begins a work of purification in his or her life!

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This is the evidence that manifests itself in the life of a true worshipper of God: a true consternation and sorrow for sin, which drives that Believer to strive for purity and holiness!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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CHRIST-LIKENESS UNACCEPTABLE!

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Now, those in the Church who love NOT Christ, but love this present world, have no intention of becoming totally Christlike!

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Oh they don’t mind cleaning up their lives to a certain degree! Perhaps they quit smoking and drinking and begin to live a somewhat moral life.

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But never, never will they ever strive for the selfless life of Christ! That would be far too self-denying! And so instead, they live a somewhat moral life, while still clinging to their inward selfishness.

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And though their lives are moral enough to fool their local congregation, to a great degree, yet their worldliness sends up red flags to God’s true sheep.

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“THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE”

Psalm 32:7 & 119:114

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Now, how can we end this discussion on a happy note?

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Well, Reader, as you and I read this little two-part devotional, our hearts convict us that we must strive harder to rise above the din and clamor of this selfish world and endeavor to enter that Narrow Gate, while the door of mercy is still open!

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And for those of us who still have an ear to hear this unnerving message, the following passage begins to come alive for us…

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Listen… “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:20, 21

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Here is the separating message for the present hour! Here is the answer to Habakkuk’s vision! Yes, God’s people must cast away our idols of silver and gold, to go into the clefts of the ragged rocks (God’s cutting Word), for the fear and glory of God’s majesty!

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And as we cast away our earthly idols, and seek that blessed hiding place, we will find a safe-haven of refuge in that day, when the Lord rises up to punish the inhabitants of the earth!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Show me the way into Thy sanctuary! Help me flee from these worldly attractions and take refuge in Thee…

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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 FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS:* *WHY SO SHORT?***

Serpent Constellation

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Notice that this snake looks somewhat short, as if it is perhaps a sawed-off snake (picture right). What could that be all about? Well, the picture to the left shows us the reason why!

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You see, the Five Wise Virgins represent all those who were once a part of Satan’s Kingdom of Selfishness. But now, they have been cut off and separated from that kingdom. Now they have now become part of God Kingdom of Unselfish Love! And that is why this serpent looks as if its body has been severed. It has lost part of its body!

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

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So here in this above passage, God is revealing a great concept: namely, that we who are true worshippers of God, were once part of Satan’s kingdom. But God has separated us from that old serpent, the Devil!

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And so, now it is only half-a-serpent! The Wise were once part of that serpent. But now they have become free from Satan’s Prison-house of Sin!

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

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

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TOMORROW…

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

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

.

THIS STUDY #417 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 20 (Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not?)

By admin On December 12th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 20

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Jesus Is Come in the Flesh? Or Not?

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“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth that

Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God…

…And every spirit that confesseth not

***that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh* *is not of God…***

…and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard that it should come;

and even now already is it in the world.”

1st John 4:2, 3

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A somewhat new Christian was ordering his pizza, and got into a momentary discussion about Jesus with the pizza parlor employee. And because the conversation became a bit confrontational, the employee, with narrow eyes asked… “Do you believe that Jesus has come in the flesh?”

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Well, the customer confidently replied, “Of course I do!”

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But this didn’t satisfy the pizza parlor employee. And so, he replied back… “Well then, can you say the words… ‘I believe that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!'”

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So then, the customer finally replied… “Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh!”

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And upon hearing this answer, the employee was somewhat satisfied with that answer, but not really!

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Kartoffel pizza – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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CONFESSIONS BY SPIRITS

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Now what was the problem in that conversation?

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After all, the Bible does say… “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1st John 4:2, 3

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So, from a quick reading of this above passage, one might get the idea that the pizza parlor employee was correct by trying to pin down the customer by making him say the words… “Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh!”

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

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MERE WORDS ARE MEANINGLESS!

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But the fact is, that the church-world is literally teeming with persons who would have no trouble at all, in saying the words… “Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh!”

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But does that mean that they all are God’s children? Well, of course not! Saying mere words means absolutely nothing!

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Listen… “And they come unto thee (Ezekiel) as the people come, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness.” Ezekiel 33:31

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So here we see that God is totally unimpressed with mere words!

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Christianity, true Christianity, is a relationship which exists in the heart!

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Converse with Ignorance – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GOD’S KINGDOM WITHIN THE HEART

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Yes, God’s kingdom dwells within the heart of each and every true worshipper of God!

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Listen… “The kingdom of God comes 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, by this above passage, Jesus was presenting to those Pharisees a great and awesome concept: by the power of the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, with all its spiritual temple and holy priesthood, exists within the heart of each and every true worshipper of God!

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

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SATAN’S DECEPTION

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Now, the question needs to be addressed about “Why such an error is so widely taught in today’s churches? Why do so many teach that merely mouthing the words, “I believe that Jesus came in the flesh” can only be uttered by true Christians?”

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TWO REASONS:

**1. Such a simplistic test to determine whether a person is a Christian or not, seemingly “widens the gate-of-entrance” into Christianity for many lost and deceived souls!**

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In other words, if all I have to do is merely parrot the words, “I believe that Jesus is come in the flesh, then, this proves that I’m a Christian!”, this erroneous “low-bar” greatly deceives the church-world, allowing many unsaved pretenders into the Church, thinking they are saved, when they’re really not!

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2. One of Satan’s desires is to play down the great soul-saving truth that, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). And such a truth as this makes Satan and his fellow-angels very nervous.

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In other words, if a churchgoer realizes that all true Christians reveal to the world, that Christ is dwelling within him or her, manifesting Himself through their Christlike words and holy conduct, this alarming truth can be a great wake-up call to that churchgoer, that “Something’s greatly lacking in my own life! My words and actions are seldom very Christlike. Perhaps I’m just fooling myself and need to really repent and allow Jesus to come live within my heart!”

Pilgrim’s Progress – Converse with Ignorance – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Christian in Pilgrims Progress – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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OUR LIFE IS THE TRUE WITNESS!

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So just how does this incredible revelation relate to our signature passage from 1st John, concerning confessing that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?

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Because, if we read this passage correctly, it actually is saying that when a person has the Spirit of Holiness dwelling within, his or her life will testify that Jesus is also dwelling within their fleshly body!

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Listen… “He that believes on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:” 1st John 5:10

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Here it says that those who believe, truly believe, have the witness of Christ dwelling within! Yes, the true light of Jesus will shine out from that Believer in such a way that, people will sense that a different Spirit is emanating from that person!

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There doesn’t even need to be audible words spoken!

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People will sense that a purity exists within that Believer that just seems to say… “My kingdom is not of this world!” (John 18:36)

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

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A DIFFICULT DOCTRINE FOR NEWCOMERS

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And so, those two “babes in Christ”, the pizza parlor employee, and the customer, did not yet fully grasp what John, the Apostle, was actually speaking of, when he said… “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1st John 4:2, 3.

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**No, they both lacked the spiritual maturity to understand that “Jesus is come in the flesh”, refers to Him taking up residence in our mortal bodies of flesh!**

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Kartoffel pizza – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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TOMORROW’S DEVOTIONAL

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Now of course, there are two sides to this coin!

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That is, there are those whose lives confess that Jesus is come in the flesh! But there are also those whose lives do not confess that Jesus is come in the flesh!

Lineart Presalident Reverse side - Wikipedia - Public Domain

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And that side of the coin will be dealt with in tomorrow’s daily devotional.

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To read Part 2 of this topic, click here…

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George Washington Presidential $ Coin obverse – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the discernment to understand just what is the motivating spirit within my own heart! And if I detect a worldly spirit, then help me to not rest till I have found the forgiveness and saving grace…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS

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Serpent Constellation

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

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

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

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TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 21 (Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not? Part 2)”

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #416 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

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Daily Devotional – Year 2 – February 19 (Go Ye Into All Your Heart!)

By admin On December 11th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – Year 2 – February 19

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Go Ye Into All Your Heart!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “Orion The Reaper”

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“The field is the world;

the good seed are the children of the kingdom;

but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

The enemy that sowed them is the Devil;

the harvest is the end of the world;

and the reapers are the angels.”

Matthew 13:38, 39

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The Bible is very closely aligned with wheat and with harvesting.

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God has compared His people to wheat, and He has compared the end of the world to a great harvest.

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And the Reader should keep in mind that we are all doing less than we could be, in our duty to harvest the world (including the editor of this article). And so the concepts discussed herein are for all of us to consider. We can all repent, and grow, and do better.

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For Christ is our role-model, and we have a very high and holy calling to imitate Christ in all that we think, do, and say.

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Wheat Stacks with Reaper 1888 Vincent van Gogh – Wikipedia – US public domain

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THE GOLDEN RULE

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“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31

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How would we want Christians to seek us out, if we were the lost ones?

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Wouldn’t we want them to seek us out…to pray fervently for us? Sure we would!

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Then let’s go do the same! The Bible says that the world will know us by our love. Do they know you by your love? Do they know me by my love?

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Okay. We’ve messed up! But it’s not too late! Let’s start today! Let’s get rid of our harsh and flippant words, and replace them with tender and sincere words in our agape desire for their lost souls!

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Let’s put away our toys, amusements, and worldly ambitions, and go to work for the Master… “…behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35

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ABOVE PICTURE – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd – www.signsofheaven.org

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HARVESTING IN HOME & NEIGHBORHOOD…

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As we the believers go out into all nations, and even in our own household and neighborhoods, and most importantly, in our prayer-closets; as we cry to God on behalf of other souls, we need to pattern our lives after the divine Pattern, Jesus.

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**Our prayers, our dedication, our…laying-it-all-on-the-altar attitude, should be filled with this same fervor we see illustrated in this constellation, Orion the Reaper.**

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Just listen to Scripture…

“If you fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture,

you shall love your neighbour as yourself, ye do well.

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,

and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”

James 2:8, 9

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If we were the lost ones, with how much zeal would we like God’s people to have, in reaching out to us? With how much fervor would we like others to be praying for us?

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This is the essence of the Royal Law…

“Give, and it shall be given unto you;

good measure, pressed down, and shaken together,

and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that you measure to others

it shall be measured to you again.”

Luke 6:38

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Manual harvest in Tirumayam – Wikipedia by Claude Renault

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MY OWN HEART SHOULD BE WHITE FOR HARVEST!

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“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye,

but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

…Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye;

and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:3, 5

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Perhaps the greatest harvest we can engage in, is the harvesting of God’s Word in OUR OWN heart!

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It is by hiding God’s Word in our hearts, that others may begin to see Christ in us. This is evangelism in its truest form!

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There are those who travel over land and sea to win souls for Christ, and yet their own heart has never been evangelized, nor truly converted!

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FIRST SOUL RIPE FOR HARVEST: ME!

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It just might be better to stay home and commit God’s precious promises to memory, and spend time pleading for God to remove my un-Christ-like harshness, than to travel to exotic places to hand out literature.

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Listen… “He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.” Proverbs 10:5.

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This verse not only applies to gathering souls, but to gathering the Word of God in the heart! When Christ comes, He will judge us by how I used my talents to improve the spiritual condition of my own heart, rather than how many people I preached to.

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Just listen…

“Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Matthew 7:22, 23.

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To be so busy in some ministry or church duties, without personal purification time, is futile, at best!

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The main focus of any Christian should be the purification of his or her own heart.

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“GO YE”…INTO ALL YOUR HEART

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& PREACH THE GOSPEL

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“He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causeth shame” Proverbs 10:5

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Doesn’t this verse make it plain that God wants us to be busy?

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Shouldn’t we get out there and win souls for Christ? Yes, they do urge us to get busy. And yes, we should.

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But maybe we should get busy in ways that we don’t usually think about. True, we certainly want to get the word out, “that people need to repent”. But have I repented yet? We can tell others about Jesus. But can others see Jesus in me? In you? Are we consistently honest in the smallest matters of life? Do we unfailingly treat others with love and compassion? Do we?

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**Or rather, do we merely see people as though they are “trees walking”? (read: Mark 8:23-25).**

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**In other words, do we really see the people all around us as souls in need of Salvation? Or do we shut up our brotherly love when we shut up our Bibles in the morning after study?**

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Just like that old TV ad says… “Don’t leave home without it”, we should be so prayerful, that when we walk out our front door, we take our spirituality with us throughout our day! (read: 1st Thessalonians 5:17).

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Do I smile a heavenly smile as I tell another shopper about Jesus, but then angrily retaliate when a store clerk is rude?

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Do I obsess on politics, instead of meditating on God’s Word?

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**Do I point with disgust at, “those perverts over there”, instead of praying for their Salvation?**

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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DAILY BEHAVIOR IS BEST WITNESS

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Many Christians desire to bring others into the fold, and yet it is easy to forget that one’s daily behavior is the greatest witness either for Heaven or for Hell.

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And even the people of the world will be nice when things are going well.

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But for the most part, it is the genuine Christian who will remain kind even when being mistreated.

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Well, at least that’s the way it’s supposed to be!

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

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IT’S BETTER TO SUFFER LOSS…

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We need to be 100% loving, gentle, and kind to all…yes even to our enemies.

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Remember what Scripture says… “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19.

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The love of God is not something that you turn on then turn off, at will.

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It is a Spirit which is ever-flowing.

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You just have it…for everyone.

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No matter how bad they are.

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It is a deep love for all humanity.

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It is a great understanding and sympathy for all!

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Protest – Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped image – Wikimedia

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THE GOOD NEWS

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Okay, so we all have messed up!

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But what can we do about it? We just can’t erase what we’ve done, can we? Well, we can’t! But there is One who can! And we need to go to Him in heartfelt repentance and remorse, asking Him to diminish the evil and destruction that our heartless words and deeds have done!

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Well, we have a promise from God…

“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 4:9, 10

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Yes, if we will only humble ourselves under His mighty chastening hand, God promises to lift us up and restore us to His service.

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And that’s truly amazing grace!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Mold me and remake me into Thy image, so that I might be a good and godly witness to the world…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. 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 & Internation Astronomical Union (click here)

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FINDING ORION ‘THE REAPER’…

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**This constellation is the 3rd member of the ‘Orion Constellation’ Phenomena.**

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This particular version of Orion is easily seen (if you know what to look for). First you must locate Orion. And then try to find the stars which comprise his sickle. The two brightest stars of his sickle are at the blade. These two stars are Castor and Pollux. Castor and Pollux are known commonly as being in the Gemini Constellation.

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Of course, Orion is seen in the colder months, but can even be seen starting in late summer, in the eastern skies in the wee hours of morning. At first he is lying down. But gradually through the night and through the winter, he more and more stands upright. The sketches on this page are rough and do not show every star exactly.

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However they are close enough to be able to locate this 3rd office that Orion holds (Orion the: 1. Archer 2. Soldier 3. Reaper 4. Cross ).

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TOMORROW:

“FEBRUARY 20 (Jesus is Come in the Flesh? Or Not?)”

”Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #415 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Daily Devotional – February 18 (Martha, the “Doer” & Mary, the “Hearer”)

By admin On December 10th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – Year 2 – February 18

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MARY, THE “HEARER” & MARTHA, THE “DOER”

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “Martha, the “Doer” & Mary, the “Hearer”

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“I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

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One of the most well-known and beloved stories of the Bible is the account in Luke Chapter 10, of Mary and her sister Martha, on the day when Jesus came for dinner.

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**As the story goes, Martha was slaving in the kitchen, while her sister, Mary, was “sitting at Jesus’ feet, hearing His Word”. This made Martha angry.**

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Listen… “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”

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Now the Bible makes it very clear, that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, Mary…” John 11:5.

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**But Mary was definitely a Hearer, while Martha was more of a Doer.**

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Martha, today, might be called a “multi-tasker”, or perhaps a “Type-A personality”, or even a “workaholic”.

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Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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“THE LORD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART”

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“…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD on the heart.” 1st Samuel 16:7

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Now for most of us it would be Martha we would commend, for her business; and Mary we would scold, for her laziness.

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This is because our human nature is not so nearly concerned about the spiritual condition of the heart, as we are with good works.

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Everyone loves an industrious person!

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Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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HEARING, THE BEST WORK

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But surprise, surprise! It was not Martha, the Doer, which Jesus commended, but it was Mary, the Hearer.

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Listen to Jesus’ very tender scolding of Martha… “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art care-filled and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Matthew 10:40-42

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In this little story, the Lord is not condemning good works.

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Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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CONTEMPLATING BIBLE OUR FIRST DUTY!

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The big point of this story is, that the Lord places a higher value on His people spending much time, listening to the life-giving words of the Bible, than in the mere performance of good works.

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Listen… “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy word.” Psalm 119:105, 148.

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And Martha’s bad attitude was exactly why it is of utmost importance to allow God’s Word to fill the heart and mind!

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To vanquish away such pride, which obviously motivated Martha’s judgment against her sister!

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

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WHEN “GOOD” WORKS BECOME “BAD” WORKS

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“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

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Now God is not calling for Christians to cease from good works.

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Good works are not necessarily bad, unless of course they begin to eclipse a Christian’s relationship with the Lord: the daily, hourly, and even, our moment-by-moment meditation of His Word!

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But God is saying that what Mary was doing was the best work. And let’s face it, Martha’s bad attitude showed that her good works were mingled with anger, jealousy and pride.

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Martha’s judgmental spirit was proof-positive that she, Martha, needed a change of heart.

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

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“HEARING HIS WORD”

(see Luke 10:39)

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“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

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As this above verse proclaims the Bible is a powerful book!

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And those who seek to become changed into the image of Christ, will find that life-transforming power.

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Listen… “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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If our purpose for reading God’s Word, is to get to know Jesus, and make Him our divine Role-Model, then God’s Spirit will open our eyes to behold wondrous things out of the Bible.

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And so, by hiding that Word in our hearts, and by shutting out the vain words of Man, we will be changed, imperceptibly, into Christ’s Image, by-and-by.

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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OUR DAILY MANTRA

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“O how I love Thy Law (Word). It is my meditation all the day” Psalm 119:11.

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This verse should be our daily mantra: to go about our day, meditating on God’s life-giving Word, as we work, as we sit down, as we engage in recreation.

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This kind of a life can only be achieved by the grace of God, and not by mere human effort.

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And we must seek this as our goal, as though we are seeking for lost treasure.

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Family – Children’s Playground – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to daily sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word. Keep me from getting so involved with worldly business, that I have little time nor inclination to devote myself to studying and praying and meditating on Thy Word…

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 & Internation Astronomical Union (click here)

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WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART

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This constellation was identified on May 22nd, 2014. It is simply five stars, two from the Serpens Constellation, and three from the Hercules Constellation.

Wikipedia Star-Chart – Corona Borealis

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What gives this constellation impetus and significance is that it appears as five evenly positioned stars, in a slight oval pattern, as if they were sitting in a meeting, listening, or perhaps watching someone.

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Second, they appear to be gathered in front of The Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation. (just below Corona Borealis in this Wikipedia star-chart, in which the editor of this site sketched in these two constellations)

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Five Wise Virgins Stars & The Glorious Crown – Corona Borealis – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses! – Wikipedia Star chart with constellations drawn in by this website.

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AT THE FEET OF JESUS

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Now there is another extremely incredible aspect to this star-group!

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You see, if we could step back far enough (about several light-years backward) we would see this next constellation! It is called, “The Sign of the Son of Man Constellation”. As it now stands, it spans both the Summer and Winter skies, so that only half of it can be seen at a time.

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It is more curved than this drawing. But you will notice that the Five Wise Virgins are gathered at the right foot of Jesus.

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This reminds us of the story of Mary and Martha, when Jesus came for supper.

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Yes, just as Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, so too, these Five Wise Virgins Stars symbolize God’s faithful people sitting at the feet of Jesus, “hearing His Word”

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ABOVE STAR-CHART (constellations found on Wikipedia and Bible constellations drawn in by this website) – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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TOMORROW:

“February 19 (Go Ye Into All Your Heart!)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #414 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 17 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God! Continued)

By admin On December 10th, 2014

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Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 17

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Christians in the Hands of an Angry God!

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Continued

If you have not read Part 1, click here to read… “FEBRUARY 16 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God! Part 1)”

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), Jonathon Edwards was spotlighted.

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And history books speak of Jonathon Edwards as being one of the more notable human instruments which God used in the Great Awakening movement of the early 1700’s, in the American colonies.

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**And it was also noted, that Edwards was the author of the most powerful and most popular sermon ever preached, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”.**

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Yes, that sermon had a profound effect on many or most of its hearers.

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Jonathan Edwards – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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YOUTUBE SERMON by EDWARDS

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Now, as mentioned yesterday (click here), one can go to YouTube and hear a very well-done and dramatic reading of that sermon.

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And with one hearing, it is easy to understand why that sermon had such a dramatic effect upon its hearers!

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After all, it gives a chilling dose of reality regarding the consequences of turning away from the grace of God’s Salvation.

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**Yes, this passionate plea by Edwards, highlights the fiery results which he assured will await all those who choose “Eternal Torment”, rather than repentance!**

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Jonathon Edwards – Sinner in the Hands Monument – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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Christians in the Hands of an Angry God! (Continued, Part 2)

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ETERNAL DEATH IS FOR REAL!

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**Now this devotional was not intended to debate the question of “Eternal Torment”.**

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But instead, this devotional merely questions why the vast majority of Christians are resting so safe and securely in our TV room, knowing that nearly 200,000 lost souls are slipping down into the grave on a daily basis?

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And so, the obvious question that comes to mind is this: “Could it be that the vast majority of Christians are not yet truly saved? Could it be that most of us Christians are merely fooling ourselves? Are we so void of that fiery Holy Spirit which once inspired men to lay down their lives upon the altar of self-sacrifice for family, friends, and even strangers: eagerly willing to sacrifice their own lives for every soul in need of deliverance from the fiery vats of vengeance awaiting all who go to their graves in an unsaved condition?”

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**Yes, if I truly believe that “Eternal Torment” is the wages of sin which awaits each and every unsaved soul, then shouldn’t I prove to the world that I really believe it?**

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Or maybe I should just simply quit talking about that subject altogether, and just keep telling people that, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!”

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Calvary Cemetery Queens – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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DEATH OR ETERNAL TORMENT

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Now whether or not the punishment of “Eternal Torment” is the designated punishment, or instead, if, “the wages of…death” is the true punishment which Jesus has waiting for all who slight God’s pleas of mercy, one thing is for sure: Eternal Hell awaits all who refuse God’s grace!

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And so, whatever your or my conception of Hell happens to be, the reality is, Eternal Condemnation is for real!

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And all those of us who do not repent of our lack of concern for lost souls will also suffer the fires of eternal Hell, regardless of how long those fires last! We Christians, too, will suffer the divine sentence reserved for all hypocrites!

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Yes, by neglecting the Great Commission to, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel”, we will each be guilty of breaking the Golden Rule, “Love thy neighbor as thyself”!

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Yes, if we choose to wallow in the cares and pleasures of this life, rather than do for others as we would want them to do for us, should the tables be turned, then our damnation is just!

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“WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR THE NIGHT…”

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Well, there is some Good News! Yes, dear Soul, there are just a few hours of grace left for both you and I to repent and begin to order our life aright before God…

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Listen… “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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David here in this above painting, is mourning for his sin and for the terrible results of his sin! This heartfelt remorse should likewise be our same attitude: for those of us who have neglected to fight the Good Fight, so that we instead could pursue earthly Mammon!

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Listen to David… “Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish…Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not Thy peace at my tears…O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.” Psalm 39:8, 12, 13

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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ETERNITY: A VERY LONG TIME!

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“So man lies down, and rises not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep!” Job 14:12

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Yes, God has given us just enough time to cast aside our idols of silver and gold, and flee from the wrath which is sure to come upon all Christians who fall into the hands of an angry God!

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**And whether you or I believe that Hell is “Eternal Torment”, or Hell is “Eternal Death”, the important word here is the word, “Eternal”!**

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Yes, the punishment for our slighting of God’s Great Commission will most certainly be eternal!

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Sunset over San Diego Graveyard – Wikipedia – share-alike license for Andy Eick

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a zeal for purifying my heart in Thy Word, and prayerfully ordering my life aright, so that all the world can truly see Jesus in me, wherever I happen to be…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer 2

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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

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***for ever* *as the Moon…***

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

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Psalm 89:37.

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GOSPEL INSCRIBED ON THE MOON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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

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

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

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

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TOMORROW…

“February 18 (Martha, the “Doer” & Mary, the “Hearer”)”

Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #413 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 16 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God!)

By admin On December 10th, 2014

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 16

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Christians in the Hands of an Angry God!

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Jonathon Edwards is credited as being one of the more notable human instruments which God used in the “1st Great Awakening” Christian revival movement of the early 1700’s, in England and the American colonies.

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**But Edwards was also known for his authorship of the most powerful and most popular sermon ever preached, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”.**

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Yes, that sermon had a profound effect on many or even most of its hearers, and became the spark that ignited the Great Awakening in England and the United States during the 1700’s!

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Jonathan Edwards – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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YOUTUBE SERMON by EDWARDS

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Now, one can go to YouTube and hear a very well-done and dramatic reading of that sermon (click here to listen.)

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And with one or two hearings, it is easy to understand why that sermon had such a dramatic effect upon its hearers!

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After all, it gives a chilling dose of reality regarding the consequences of turning away from the grace of God’s Salvation.

.

**Yes, this passionate plea by Edwards, highlights the fiery results which he said will assuredly await all those who choose “Eternal Torment”, rather than repentance!**

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Jonathon Edwards – Sinner in the Hands Monument – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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THE CEASELESS AGES!

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In this sermon, Edwards emphasizes just how long eternity is!

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G. Dore Wikipedia Public Domain

And he presses upon the point, that being tormented in a fiery netherworld for all eternity, is an intolerable situation which never ends, and continues through the ceaseless ages!

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And so, for about an hour, this sermon repeatedly drives this point home to the listeners!

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And thus, after an hour of hearing the description of how long eternity is, it is small wonder that this most infamous recital about the fires of Hell had such a profound effect upon the people who heard it!

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Hell – Dante’s Inferno – G. Dore – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WHY ALL THE APATHY?

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But here’s the great question to be answered in today’s devotional: “If Christians really do believe in this church-doctrine, why then, are most Christians so complacent and apathetic toward Salvation?”

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Isn’t this odd? After all, if such an unspeakable divine sentence awaits all those who slight God’s pleas of mercy, you would think that the entire Christian community would be out there knocking on the doors of each and every neighbor and family member, warning them to “flee from the wrath to come!” Matthew 3:7-12

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You would think that in light of this horrible doctrine, that every subscribing Christian would be spending every spare moment, tearfully pleading for God’s mercy!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Bad Rich Man in Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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GOD HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN

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Considering how long eternity will be, you would think that preachers would be pounding their fists on their pulpits, pleading for their parishioners to fall to their knees in repentance!

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You would think that pastors would be tearfully crying out for the Salvation of souls, constantly reminding them of the terrors of a fiery, eternal torture-chamber!

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But most are not!

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**It doesn’t seem like they really believe the church-doctrine of “Eternal Torment”, does it? Because if they did, then their response to this doctrine would be much different wouldn’t it?**

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Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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NICE SOFT SERMONS!

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**But instead, most preachers are giving nice, soft & sweet sermons, about “God’s wonderful plan for your life”!**

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And after church, we Christians are content to waste countless hours watching the big game, and then we pursue our careers the rest of the week with the same aggression that we instead should have pursued the evangelism of the world!

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It just doesn’t make sense, does it?

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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PEACE & SAFETY GOSPELS

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**Do Christians not really believe in “Eternal Torment”?**

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Do Christians think that God is merely winking His eye concerning the fires of Hell, which (they teach) will continually torment all those who reject Jesus?

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Well, judging from the way that most Christians live, it sure seems that few Christians really believe that all rejecters of God’s grace will suffer for millions of millions of ions of time with excruciating pain for every tiny moment of all time and eternity!!!

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

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SHRIEKS OF TERROR, PAIN & MISERY!

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If a Christian can imagine hearing their horrifying screams for just one little drop of God’s mercy: and these shrieks are coming from their very own lost loved ones!

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Well, you would think that would be enough to get Christians so fearful and alarmed, that they would begin evangelizing the world with great fervor!

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And yet, it seems that the only ones who are seen knocking on doors, are those “cults”!

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Where are Christians?

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain (2)

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IN CENTURIES PAST

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Yes, you would think that those shrieks of terror from our deceased loved-ones would be enough to get us to begin evangelizing the lost souls in the world, beginning with our very own soul!

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Well, isn’t that what our predecessors did? Didn’t Christians in earlier centuries train up their children in God’s Word, memorizing large portions, to take that Good News of Salvation to anyone who would listen?

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And, in spite of the ongoing threat of civil penalties for preaching that Gospel, it was still the primary objective of persecuted Christians during the Dark Ages in Europe, to carry on a clandestine evangelistic crusade through the countryside!

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And all this, while at the same time, providing for their family’s temporal, earthly needs!

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Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE BOOK OF ACTS

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Is this not what the early Church did? Is this not also what we read about in the Book of Acts?

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And can we not imagine that even many early disciples deferred their rightful privilege of marriage and raising a family, just so they could imitate Paul, the Apostle?

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That’s right, Paul lived single, without wife and children, merely for the sake of preaching the Gospel, unhindered by extra temporal responsibilities?

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

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WHY NO FEAR?

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**Now this devotional was not intended to debate the question of “Eternal Torment”.**

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But instead, this devotional merely questions just why the vast majority of Christians are resting so safe and securely in our TV room, knowing that nearly 200,000 lost souls are slipping down into the grave on a daily basis?

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Listen… “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps thy soul, does not he know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:11, 12

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If this passage doesn’t strike fear into yours and my heart, then we are spiritually dead indeed, already!

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Yes, in light of Proverbs 24:11, 12, at the very least, we should be pleading daily for all those who are in need of God’s great mercy and grace, while there is still time left!

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Calvary Cemetery Queens – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME!

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And so, if we begin right this very moment, to fall to our spiritual knees, begging for His mercy and grace; if we begin right now, to pray for strength to crack open our Bibles, to get to know more and more about the matchless character of God…

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If we beg God to open our eyes, that we might look at life through the loving eyes of Jesus…

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If we begin to study that we might show forth Christ’s holiness to all the world around us…

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If we begin right now to cease all nagging and scolding of our family members, and instead, showing them our silent testimony of love, tenderness, and patience, making life thoroughly enjoyable for them…

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Then dear friend…

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Then dear Soul…then, we just might possibly obtain that personal Christian victory…

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A victory more wonderful and glorious than any previous generation ever realized!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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To continue reading, click here…

“FEBRUARY 17 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God! Continued)”

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a zeal for purifying my heart in Thy Word, and prayerfully ordering my life aright, so that all the world can truly see Jesus in me, wherever I happen to be…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

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

.

***for ever* *as the Moon…***

.

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

.

Psalm 89:37.

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GOSPEL INSCRIBED ON THE MOON

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

Harvest moon – cropped photo – Wikipedia & roadcrusher – share-alike license

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 17 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God! Continued)”

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #412 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – February 15 (Who Lowered the Bar? Part 4)

By admin On December 9th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional, Year 2 – February 15

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Who Lowered the Bar?

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Part 4

To read Part 1, click here… “March 3rd (Who Lowered the Bar? Pt. 1)“

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

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But of all the sports, the one sport that didn’t get many takers was the sport of pole-vaulting. Most of us instinctively knew that there was no future in pole-vaulting, at least, no future for most of us!

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

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

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BAR HAS BEEN LOWERED

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And so what has this got to do with Christianity?

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Simple! Somebody has lowered the bar in Christianity!

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

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

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

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

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

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2nd “AWAKENING” VERY FLAWED!

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There were at least two “Awakenings” in the Americas, in which the Church seemed to be brought to revival.

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**The reason why the word “seemed” is used here, is because in the so-called, “Second Great Awakening”, there were a number of false doctrines introduced.**

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And many of those false ideas are still being propagated in today’s church-world!

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

Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley-1703-1791 – Wikimedia – Public domain

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CARNAL CHRISTIANS

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**One such false doctrine is that a “carnal Christian” is in a saved condition.**

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In other words, there are many churchgoers who are still living in the flesh, thinking that because they are church members and have made a confession of Christ, that they are saved.

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And yet they are still worldly!

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And there is no shortage of ministers and Bible teachers, both on Christian television, and on the radio, and in the pulpits, who teach this great heresy.

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

Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SOME BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR THIS IDEA

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And the reason for this great error is found in a statement by Paul, the Apostle… “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1st Corinthians 3:1-3

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Well, if this was all the Bible had to say on the subject, we could close our Bibles, and say, “Amen. Carnal Christians can indeed be saved!”

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But though there are many theologians and Bible teachers who come up with doctrines based on only a few verses, the fact is, Bible truth must be discovered by a careful and prayerful balancing of ALL the related verses on any one particular subject!

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Spiritual things must be compared with spiritual!

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

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So let’s explore this idea for a few moments, and try to find some balance on just where the bar should be placed concerning Salvation!

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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WORKS OF THE FLESH

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Listen to this list of the sins of the flesh… “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

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So here we go! This above passage gives us a completely different perspective on this subject!

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Those who are still slaves of the flesh, are not yet children of the kingdom of Heaven!

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

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

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

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But this above passage about the works of the flesh continues by saying… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24

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So here it says that those who are truly Christ’s have “crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts”!

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

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

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OVERCOMING THE WORLD & FLESH

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Now, there are many other passages that could be offered as further corroboration on this subject…

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Listen again… “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:5, 6

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Now this above passage is very interesting, because it is just one admonition among many in the letters to the seven churches (which are found at the beginning of the Book of Revelation!)

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

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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READ CAREFULLY ALL 7 LETTERS

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In other words, those seven letters to the seven churches are all about overcoming the world.

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And so, if a Bible student wishes to carefully define just what Jesus had in mind when He speaks of overcoming, then a careful and prayerful reading of those seven letters will give great insight!

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And sufficed to say, this notion that carnal Christians are saved Christians can quickly be dispelled by a mere reading of those letters!

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

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Well, time does not permit a thorough study into this question.

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Soldiers of the Cross, Armor Up! The Hour Is At Hand Clock-www.signsofheaven.org-share-&-share-alike license

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“RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH”

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Now before closing this devotional, let’s see if we can strike a proper balance between these seemingly conflicting verses!

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Let’s just say this: when Paul was speaking to the Corinthians, saying, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” 1st Corinthians 3:1, he was saying that “babes in Christ” may indeed be carnal. Nobody is disputing that when we first come into the body of Christ, we are yet carnal creatures!

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But babies are supposed to grow into mature men and women. And so it is in the spiritual life!

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

Baby in diaper learning to walk – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike-license

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PURIFYING THE HEART

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And perhaps the big difference between a saved carnal Christian and an unsaved carnal churchgoer is this…

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Listen… “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

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So here Paul delineates between the true Christian and the false: those who begin their Christian sojourn, by seeking to overcome the flesh, and seeking to overcome the world, and continue to do so, are giving evidence that God is truly bringing them to the completion of their Salvation.

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CHRISTIANITY, A 24/7/365 ENDEAVOR

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So, in other words, those who allow themselves to be deceived into thinking that they can live for Jesus one day a week, and pursue the pleasures and treasures of the world the other six days, are giving proof to the world, that they are mere pretenders!

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But dear truth-seeker, let’s continue to search the Scriptures daily, with the intent of getting to know our God and Savior.

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And then, let’s allow those Words of life to sink way down into our ears, so that they become an integral part of our substance and being!

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

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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Oh yes, just one more passage to consider…

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“For if ye live after the flesh,

ye shall die:

but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body,

ye shall live.”

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Romans 8:13

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

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

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – 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 & Internation Astronomical Union (click here)

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WHY IS THIS WOMAN RUNNING SO FAST?

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

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TOMORROW:

“FEBRUARY 16 (Christians in the Hands of an Angry God!)”

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

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #411 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Devouring Fire.com

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 24 (Satan & Sidewinders!)

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 24

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Satan & Sidewinders!

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“Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life,

her (Satan’s followers) ways are moveable,

that thou canst not know them.”

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Everything in nature has some aspect of the Gospel written into it!

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And guided by the Holy Spirit, a person can gain heavenly wisdom from observing nature!

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And, well, needless to say, whatever wisdom is gleaned from nature, must be in harmony with the Bible, or it is merely error!

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“THAT OLD SERPENT (SNAKE)…THE DEVIL”

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Take the snake, for instance.

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Just look at how it winds itself back and forth!

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Just what can we learn from this aspect of the snake?

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Just what does this teach us about how Satan works in the world among people?

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SATAN’S DIFFERENT DECEPTIONS

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Well, the winding snake seems to be a perfect illustration of how Satan can change course in the way he deals with the world!

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For instance, Satan deals with different people in different ways!

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With one person, Satan will lavish earthly riches and pleasures in attempt to keep them to be, happy citizens of his kingdom, this world!

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But for some reason, he deals with other people in just the opposite way!

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DIFFERENT DECEPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE

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Yes, Satan works differently with different people.

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For example, he will make life absolutely miserable for many persons: various misfortunes, so-called “mental chemical imbalances”, drug dependence, various social dysfunctions, and other similar troubles.

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And of course, Satan works as closely to natural circumstances, in attempt to, “cover his tracks”, as they say!

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In other words, Satan chooses one type of deception for persons whose environment, physical traits, or personality makes them to be most likely candidates for that particular deception.

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TIME & EXPERIENCE MAKES US MORE SAVVY!

**And of course, Satan works as closely to natural circumstances, in attempt to, “cover his tracks”, as they say!**