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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 16

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“To The Moles And To The Bats!”

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“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 2:20-22

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Bat – cropped – Wikipedia- Creative Commons 2.5

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This above passage takes on a macabre aura as it describes the Day of the Lord in connection with Moles and Bats, two creatures of darkness.

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Yes, both moles and bats live and thrive in darkness. They are both shocking to look upon: both of them being really creepy-looking!

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So why would God use these two creatures of darkness in this passage concerning God’s people casting away their idols of gold and silver, and fleeing to the clefts of the ragged rocks, in that day when the Lord arises to shake terribly the earth?

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Listen once again… “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 2:20-22

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Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus bat – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

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BIBLE, A BOOK OF ALLEGORIES

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Well, for those who understand that the Bible is a spiritual book, filled with many metaphors and parables, then this passage immediately alerts those readers that this must be understood spiritually and not literally.

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Listen… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:13, 14

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As this above passage reveals, those who are carnally-minded cannot discern the spiritual nature of the Bible, to any significant extent.

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And so, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, an answer to this metaphorical passage can be discerned.

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Holy Bible – cropped – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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UNCLEAN BEASTS = UNBELIEVERS

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In the first place, both moles and bats are biblically unclean beasts. So they must be speaking of unbelievers, as revealed in 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 and Acts, Chapter 10)

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Bats as food – Market in Suai – cropped image – Wkimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

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DARKNESS = SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

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“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

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Secondly, they live and thrive in the darkness. And the Bible so often compares darkness to spiritual darkness, as does this above verse.

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Mole – Scalopus Aquaticus – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

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UNCLEAN BIRDS = ANTICHRISTS

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And in Revelation 18, God reveals that the mystery harlot, Babylon has become, “a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Revelation 18:2

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And since this Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots represents the church-apostate, bats would represent an aspect of those false brethren within the Church. The bat being a combination of a bird and a rodent.

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The Bat theming Lagoon – Utah – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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And so, let’s merely focus on bats, and leave moles for a future study.

Bat – cropped – Wikipedia – Creative Commons 2.5

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WINGS = HEAVENWARD FLIGHT

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Thus, bats seem to represent false brethren who appear as “ministers of righteousness”, and yet are in reality, servants of that “angel of light”, Satan! (See 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15)

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But they fly in darkness. And the Bible says concerning true believers… “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1st Thessalonians 5:5

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In other words, these fly only in the spiritual sense that they seem to be “ministers of righteousness”, and yet are merely servants of sin! (See 2nd Corinthians 11:15)

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Lucifer Fallen – Gustave Dore – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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VAMPIRE BATS

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Now there are bats who live on insects. But vampire bats thrive on the blood of cattle. And cattle, being considered “clean beasts”, represent the good aspects of the Church: both “the milk of the Word”, as well as “the meat of the Word”.

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And since the Bible says, “the life is in the blood”, you could perhaps say that bats represent those false brethren within the Church who are sucking the life out of God’s Word.

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Bat – Livingstone’s Fruit Bat – cropped – Wikipedia – Creative Commons 2.0 License

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FALSE DOCTRINES SUCK LIFE-BLOOD FROM SCRIPTURES

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It is a fact that the apostate churches are pretty-much aligned on a number of doctrines, which are sucking the life-blood out of the Bible.

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For one thing, most every congregation commands its parishioners to only interpret the Bible literally and never spiritually (unless context demands a spiritual interpretation). And so, by using this totally unbiblical hermeneutic, much of the life-blood has been sucked out of the meat of the Word. This is because so many truths are veiled within the Bible’s allegories and parables.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

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DIMINISHING GOD’S WORD

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And the so-called “orthodox” church now teaches that the Book of Revelation is primarily for the Jews and not for Christians, since Chapters 4-22 supposedly speak of the time when the Church has already been “Raptured” out of the Earth.

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And these same teachers also claim that parts of the books of Job and Ecclesiastes are not profitable for doctrine, since they both disagree with certain traditional church doctrines!

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Thus, such false doctrines as these are sucking the life-blood out of the Gospel!

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ALL SCRIPTURE, NOT SOME!

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The fact is, the entire Bible is the inspired infallible Word of God.

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Listen…“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17

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Yes, as this above passage confirms, the entire Bible is the inspired infallible Word of God.

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And so, we just don’t need to listen to anyone who tries to tell us that Revelation is for someone else, or that some of Job and Ecclesiastes are not reliable for doctrine, or that the “Sermon on the Mount” is not for New Testament Believers. It’s all for us! There’s nothing that needs to be refused!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TYPES AND SHADOWS

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Yes, the entire Old Testament is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, often veiled in types and shadows. But many pastors have locked their flock away from discovering many wonderful truths by forbidding them to partake of the “meat of the Word” which are often veiled within the many biblical allegories.

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Holy Bible – cropped – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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WATCH THIS SHORT BUT AMAZING YOUTUBE VIDEO ABOUT VAMPIRE BATS

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire and the anointing of Thy Spirit, that I may study for my own self…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…” FEBRUARY 10 (The Deserted Island Theologian!)”, or you can also read this article… “JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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THE 2ND FACE: THE SADDUCEE-SEEKER

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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 in the 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.

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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.

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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 – by James Bowe – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

ABOVE PICTURE: moon – 3rd face – Sadducee Seeker

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Moon into Blood Trilogy: 3rd Face: The Sadducee Seeker

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 17 (To Kill A Mockingbird Fantasy!)

To Kill a Mockingbird – Wikipedia – Fair-use Rationale

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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 #531 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 15

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Rollie-Pollie Bug Christians!

Part 3: “How To Dwell In Love”

To read Part 1, click here… September 6th (Rollie-Pollie Bug Christians!)

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Are you a Rollie-Pollie Bug Christian?

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Well are you?

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Are you one of those Christians who respond to all the troubles which assail you, by simply curling up into a little ball, and hiding in God’s Secret Hiding Place?

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Do you sometimes just pull your covers over you and hide yourself in God’s protective shell which He surrounds you with?

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Do you just roll yourself up in a little ball and pray to Him? Do you just close out the world and listen to some quiet music, or maybe a Bible reading?

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Well, if you are one of those types, then you are definitely a Rollie-Pollie Bug Christian! That’s for sure!

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But that’s not such a bad thing! You see, a “Rollie Pollie Bug” is one of those little garden bugs who wears a little coat of armor. And when threatened or attacked, this little bug simply curls up into a little ball, and surrounds itself with its coat of armor!

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Photo, above left: Armadillidium vulgare – Pill Bug – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

Photo, above right: Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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DWELLING IN LOVE

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Well, this little bug can teach us further lessons, than merely curling up with God during times of trouble.

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You see, most of us Christians are struggling to be filled with the agape love of Jesus! And the fact is, most of us don’t do so well, most of the time, do we?

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Photo, above : Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold”

Matthew 24:12

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We live in a world of sin and sorrow. Evil is all around us. We are surrounded by horrible news reports! Political parties are at war with each other, each vying for supremacy instead of thinking of the good of the nation.

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Cars honk at each other, and curse words are exchanged. Family members fight with each other. Fellow employees betray one another. Nations war with each other. Hatred abounds in this sorrowful world! Greed too! Lust and perversion are rising up all around us! Drugs and alcohol destroy loved ones and neighbors. Satan works tirelessly to steal the souls of our children! Rogue nations are willing to blow themselves up, if only they can take us with them! Courts and judges often making unjust decisions! Once great nations now in moral and economic free-fall!

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The current situation in this sad world is so bleak and hopeless, it’s a wonder that people can even get through the day amidst such disturbing daily news reports.

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Photo, above : Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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PUT ON CHARITY

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And yet, the Bible exhorts us, “…And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:14

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But how in the world do we put on love? From every direction we are bombarded by a barrage of evils, which seem to be closing in on us and our children, like walls of iron!

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Photo, above : Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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

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CLOSED IN WITH GOD!

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Well, God has given us this tiny Rollie-Pollie bug, to be our little instructor of wisdom.

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Yes, this little metaphor of nature has the right solution when approached by an enemy. It merely curls up into a little ball, protected by its coat of armor.

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And for those of us who are seeking to live a life of agape love, we too must imitate this little bug, but in a spiritual sense!

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Photo, above : Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – cropped – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

 

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GET ARMORED UP!

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First of all, do we even have a coat of armor?

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Listen… “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

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This would be the very first step in imitating that Rollie-Pollie bug! To put on the armor of God!

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VEXED BY NEWS & POLITICS

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But in addition to armoring up with God’s Word, we Christians need to quit poisoning our souls with all the evil (and misleading) reports in the daily news.

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Listen… “Evil communications corrupts good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

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Yes, far too many Christians expose ourselves with the daily news, thereby becoming filled with the vanity and vexation which abounds in the world!

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And so, we really need to quit vexing our own soul by our morbid desire to hear the bloody daily news reports! This is part of curling up with God, as the little bug illustrates.

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Satan purposely creates news stories which are designed to fill people with hatred, frustration, jealousy, and lust.

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TV – ABC-Good Morning America – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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POLITICAL SHENANIGANS

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For instance, when we become a regular audience to partisan political talk shows, we are soon in danger of becoming hateful towards our supposed political enemies.

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Yes, when we listen to all the dirty little tricks and shenanigans one political party plays against the other, it is all but impossible to not become filled with rage against all those injustices, and against all those who commit them!

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Now, how in the world are we supposed to walk in love, when we allow ourselves to be poisoned on a daily basis, by such deviousness, envy, hatred, injustice, and strife?

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And today’s highly biased and partisan news agencies have devolved into little more than enthusiastic peddlers of, “Yellow Journalism”!

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

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WAS LOT WARNED BY NEWSPAPERS?

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Well, someone will say, “How are we to keep abreast of all the dangers in the world, if we cut ourselves off from the daily news?”

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OK, how did Lot know to flee from Sodom on her day of destruction? Did the daily newspapers warn Lot to flee? No, of course not! No doubt, the morning papers, if they had them, would have probably predicted peace and safety on that fateful day!

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No, it was the Lord that got Lot to safety, just prior to Sodom’s destruction!

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

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BIBLE CONTEMPLATION & UNCEASING PRAYER

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The Christian will find that contemplating the Bible and praying without ceasing is absolutely necessary to walking in love!

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Listen… “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

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Here is the recipe for Christian victory: to shun the soul-vexing negativity of the world, and merely dwell upon the Bible!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE BUSY-NESS OF LIFE

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Oh yes, people have many daily duties which must be performed. But far too many Christians pile on needless duties and ambitious pursuits, thereby suffocating their spiritual life.

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It’s just as the Wise Man warned…“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business;” Ecclesiastes 5:3

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This above verse speaks of those who pursue a multitude of busy endeavors, only to eventually lose their heavenly vision!

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And instead, they will begin to pursue earthly dreams!

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Yes, they will wake up one morning and discover a bright idea!

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Only that bright idea won’t be of heavenly brightness, but merely of earthly glitter!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Dream Maker of Babylon – Signs Of Heaven.org

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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE RICH

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But those who are like the Rollie-Pollie bug, will be careful not to be carried away with earthly pursuits, but merely be content with food and covering…

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Listen… “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1st Timothy 6:7-9

 

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BE LIKE THE ROLLIE-POLLIE BUG

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So today’s admonition is to shun the many diversions and distractions which the Enemy of Souls places in the pathway of Christians, and begin to enclose ourselves in the heavenly armor of God’s Word and unceasing prayer! Just like the Rollie-Pollie bug encloses his self with his protective armor.

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And by so-doing, the Christian may just find that he or she is filled with the heavenly love that the world cannot know!

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Photo, above: Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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PERFECT PEACE!

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Isaiah put all this information into just a few words… “Thou (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Jesus).” Isaiah 26:3

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Yes, perfect peace and agape love are essentially the same thing!

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And once you discover the joy and peace and love that flows out of you, it just might be that you will never want to uncurl yourself!

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 4, CLICK HERE…

JUNE 18 (Rollie-Pollie Bug Christians! Part 4: Building A Hedge Against Satan)

Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, I want that agape love that Jesus wants to fill me with! Take my eyes off this desperate and deceitful world, and fix my gaze heavenward…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place, or you can also read this shorter article…“April 4th (Apostle Paul’s Fun & Recreation)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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“But they that escape of them shall escape,

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and shall be on the mountains

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like doves of the valleys,

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all of them mourning,

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every one for his iniquity.”

Ezekiel 7:16

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION

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THE TWO TURTLE-DOVES CONSTELLATION… This constellation appears in early spring in the south. It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall. It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)

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Sagittarius Constellation star-chart from a wikipedia. Editor of this site has sketched in the Turtle-Doves. Star-chart is under Share-alike license

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GOD’S LAST CALL

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So these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of witnessing to a lost and dying world. And it may just be that these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of God’s last message to the world!

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Yes, the Bible says… “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27.

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And so, if these signs are a fulfillment of Luke’s prophecy, then these Two Turtle-Doves are a symbol of God’s last message of mercy to this world!

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ABOVE PICTURE: summer constellations with Two Turtledoves

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… What Is The Meaning of the Two Turtle-Doves Constellation?

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 16 (“To The Moles And To The Bats!”)

Bat – Livingstone’s Fruit Bat – Wikipedia – Creative Commons 2.0 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.

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THIS STUDY #530 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 14

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What Will I Trade For My Soul?

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“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

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Deal with the Devil – Teufelspakt Faust Mephisto, Julius_Nisle – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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There was a popular weekly TV show back in the 1960’s, which featured a different little story each week.

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One particular week featured a story of a man who made a contract with the Devil, trading his soul for some form of present earthly riches or pleasures. And of course, by the end of the show, it came time for the man to forfeit his soul.

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Deal with the Devil – Teufelspakt Faust Mephisto, Julius_Nisle – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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FAME AND FORTUNE

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And then there was a very well-known pop music artist who liked to brag that he made a deal with the Devil, in order for him to gain fame and fortune as a pop singer.

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And this same theme has been written of, down through the centuries. These two engravings (the one above and this one to the right) depict that theme.

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Deal with the Devil – Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

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DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT?

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Now is there any truth to this? Can a person indeed sell his or her soul to the Devil? What does the Bible say about this?

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Listen… “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

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Now in this above verse, God frames the question in greatly exaggerated terms: to sell one’s soul to gain the whole world! After all, nobody has ever literally gained the whole world, have they?

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Actually, when you think about it, there was one individual who actually did gain the whole world: Lucifer! The Bible calls him, “the god of this world” 2nd Corinthians 4:4

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

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HOW PRECIOUS IS THE SOUL!

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And so, the Lord is proclaiming that: “Everlasting life is worth more than the whole world!”

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The soul is a person’s most valuable possession! Because each of us only live a few decades on this earth, and then we return back to the dust.

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So why in the world would anyone trade away the incredible gift of everlasting life for a few decades of selfish pleasure? It just doesn’t make sense, does it?

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And yet, the vast majority of earth’s inhabitants do exactly that! And they don’t even have to sign a contract with the Devil!

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Still Life With A Skull & Hour-glass – Wikipedia – Public Domain.

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“BY USING, I ACCEPT THE TERMS”

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Think of it in computer terminology. When you want to use some on-line computer APP, you don’t even need to sign a contract. No, but it tells you, “by simply using this program, you have automatically accepted the terms of the contract.”

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And so it is with the Devil. By merely living for his Kingdom of Selfishness (this world), a man, woman, or child automatically has accepted the wages of sin and selfishness: “Eternal Death!”

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It’s that simple!

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Child and Computer – TV – cropped – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Share-alike License

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GO AHEAD! ATTEND CHURCH!

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And the Devil doesn’t care if you attend church each week!

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Naw! He’s actually happy for you to attend church!

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Just as long as you keep living for the world, you have automatically accepted the terms of his contract: you have traded away your soul!

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

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MUCH LESS THAN THE WHOLE WORLD!

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And most everyone is willing to trade away his or her soul for much less than the whole world!

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And so, what am I willing to trade away my soul for?

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Oh, perhaps just a good high-definition TV and a six-pack of beer. Maybe that’s all I require to trade away the incredible gift of everlasting life!

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Or perhaps a nice recreational vehicle and a tank of gasoline and a long stretch of highway to some interesting place to visit.

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Or maybe I am just wanting to trade my soul for a nice smooth little life in the country, raising a couple of children.

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Or maybe I want some impressive high-powered career, and an enviable lifestyle.

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Or maybe I’ll shoot for the stars, and attempt to gain fame and fortune like that pop-singer mentioned at the start of this article. You know, the one who claims he made a deal with the Devil.

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Or perhaps a daily cuisine of fast foods and tasty drinks is all I need! Or maybe some other fleshly delights!

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Well, you get the point. Most people only require a relatively little “piece of the pie”, as they say, to trade away their soul.

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Berlin neukoelln – TV satellite dishes – CROPPED IMAGE –  Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

A RETIRED COUPLE – NARA – Wikimedia – Public Domain

John Constable – The Hay Wain Cottage – Wikipedia – US public domain

Howard Hughes piloting Spruce Goose – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

James Brown Wax – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

Crab cakes, sweet potato french fries, cole slaw, tartar sauce, Cola – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

Deal with the Devil – Teufelspakt Faust Mephisto, Julius_Nisle – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE”

Hebrews 3:7, 15

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One very happy aspect to all this, is the very Good News that it is still the day of redemption! Yes, if anyone can hear the words of this little daily devotional, there is still time to get out of a contract with the Devil!

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But how do I get out of my contract with, “the god of this world”?

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Simple! All one needs to do, is to become a follower of Jesus! Jesus says to you and to me… “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Matthew 19:21

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Yes, following Jesus! That’s the only way to break your contract with the Devil!

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Deal with the Devil – Teufelspakt Faust Mephisto, Julius_Nisle – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to separate myself from the world, as far as possible. Let me use the world, but not abuse the world. Give me wisdom to know the difference…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven), or you can also read this shorter article… “January 10th (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work?)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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

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THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

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

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

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

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John Bunyan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

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LOCATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 15 (Rollie-Pollie Bug Christians! Part 3: How To Dwell In Love)

Rollie-Pollie Doodle-Bug – Slater rolled up – Wikipedia – 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.

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THIS STUDY #529 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 12

 

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Come Out of Her, My People!

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Part 12:

“Ye Need Not That Any Man Teach You”

To read Part 1, click here… “May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People?)”

 

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

and ye need not that any man teach you:

but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,

and is truth, and is no lie,

and even as it hath taught you,

ye shall abide in Him.”

1st John 2:27

 

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CITY OF CONFUSION

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Babylon was given its name during the building of that infamous Tower of Babylon, because God confused their speech…

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Listen… “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:9 

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And so, the name, Babylon, actually means, “City of Confusion”.

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by G. Dore’ – The Confusion Of Tongues in Babylon – from www.creationism.org-public domain

 

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“COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE”

Revelation 18:4

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The call is now going out to anyone who will listen… “Babylon is fallen is fallen…Come out of her My people, that ye partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues” Revelation 18:1, 4

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Yes, the time is come for God’s people to make our Exodus out of the “City of Confusion”, the various Christian organizations. And this is a literal Exodus!

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And the reader is encouraged to click on and begin reading this series of devotionals called “Come Out of Her, My People”, to gain a fuller understanding of just why God considers today’s churches to be spiritual Babylon.

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

 

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WINDS OF CONFUSION BLOWING

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There are many various teachings blowing from every direction within the Christian culture.

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And with all these different teachings, today’s Christian churches have become a veritable, “City of Confusion”! (see Isaiah 24:10)

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Listen… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4

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Yes, the time has come in which truth is mingled with the poisonous wine of false doctrines. And there is no shortage of teachers in Christendom today, teaching those various doctrines. 

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

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1ST JOHN 2:27 GREATLY IGNORED

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But one doctrine which very few teachers will stress to any degree is found in 1st John 2:27…

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

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If you want to see a wrestling match with Scripture, just ask a Bible teacher if he believes this above verse! There will most likely be an immediate attempt to twist it into saying something different than its plain declaration!

 

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DAY OF APOSTASY NOW!

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But the fact is, we have reached that day in which Bible teachers can no longer be trusted.

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Oh yes, most Bible teachers teach many Bible truths. But how can you be sure what is truth, and what is counterfeit?

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Well, the only way to really discern between truth and error, is to study for your own self to the point that you immediately know when a non-biblical doctrine is being taught.

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

 

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“COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE!”

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Sadly, we are now in the day in which God is calling His people out of the local congregations which He now refers to as “Babylon, The Mother of Harlots”.. Revelation 17:5

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And as painful as it is, we must obey His command… “And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

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The churches are now catering to “itching ears” who will no longer tolerate anything that requires dying in Christ, and letting Him live out His life through us.

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And so, there is only hope in one direction…“Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

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

 

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SPOON-FED CHRISTIANS

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But many Christians have become so dependent on being spoon-fed by their teachers that they think they will die if they have to rely on the Bible only.

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But God promises that…“But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and… the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie…” 1st John 2:27 

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Those who have truly become “Born Again” have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And the anointing of the Holy Spirit is the only teacher we need.

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Now the Bible does not forbid us from listening to a Bible teacher. The problem is, where are you going to find one that teaches, “The Bible only”?

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Oh yes, most teachers will tell you they are “Bible only” teachers. But then, they will begin to insist that you accept their non-biblical theological jargon, each of which is zip-loaded with questionable church-doctrines!

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Speaker and audience hands – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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DOOR OF MERCY STILL OPEN

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The Good News is that God has not yet closed the door of mercy. In His great love, God has allowed us one last chance to turn from our world-loving ways, and return to the Lord with 100% whole-hearted devotion.

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And so, we need to use our remaining time ever-so wisely!

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And in addition to studying our Bibles for our own selves, we must stop placing our trust in those “No-Fear” Bible teachers who presumptuously add their own non-biblical doctrines and theologian-concocted jargon into their teachings. (Not to mention their sensual music, and foolish talk and jesting, etc., etc..)

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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EXODUS NOW!

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And once we fully come out of the City of Confusion, we will rejoice that God has supplied living waters upon every high hill and every high mountain, in the day when the towers (churches) have fallen (see Isaiah 30:25).

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And then will we look back on our Babylonian captivity as a bad dream, as we joyfully ascend up to the top of Mount Zion.

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

 

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To read Part 13, click here…

JULY 23 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 13: The Evangelical Cult!)

Church worship music – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

 

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to come out of this Babylon of confusion, and worship Thee 100%…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1 or you can also read this shorter article…” MAY 25 (Sodom Rising, Part 6: Ph Imbalanced Churches)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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GOD’S PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE

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“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4 

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God has a people in Babylon. Yes, Mystery Babylon is the Mother of Harlots. The sketch to the left shows her riding this beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.

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But in that spiritual city, there are those who still love God to a certain degree. And before the final plagues are poured out upon her, God has been and will continue to call His people out of her… “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

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And so in addition to The Pleiades appearing as the Harlot Mother, we also see this second depiction of The Pleiades as an angel, which symbolizes God’s people, walking the downward pathway to destruction. They must be called out of Babylon before it’s too late!

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READ MORE…

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

 

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 13 (Why The World Didn’t End on May 21, 2011)

Judgment-Bus-New-Orleans-2011-wikipedia-share-alike-license-e1376647672881

 

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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 #527 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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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 11

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My Yoke Is Easy!

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Part 2:

“One Hand Full With Quietness!”

To read Part 1, go here…JUNE 10 (My Yoke Is Easy!)

 

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“Better is an handful with quietness,

than both the hands full

with travail and vexation of spirit.”

Ecclesiastes 4:6

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f ever there was a man who could say, “I had it all!”, that man was king Solomon! Yes, God gave Solomon more than any other human has been given in all the world’s history!

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In the first place, Solomon was extremely handsome. And he was given great wisdom! He had more gold than any other human! He built great houses and pools and gardens! He had men singers and women singers! He had 700 beautiful wives and 300 beautiful concubines! He had men and maid servants!

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Nobody has even come close to having the riches before or since Solomon!

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The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’, by Edward Poynter, 1890, Art Gallery of New South Wales US public domain

 

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“ALL IS VANITY AND VEXATION!”

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But through a lifetime of first-hand experience, Solomon finally realized that his life of abundance was merely “vanity (meaningless) and vexation of Spirit!” (“Vexing of Spirit” would be the canceling of the Holy Spirit)

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Yes, Solomon experienced many bitter disappointments through those years!

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Dore – Solomon – Proverbs – Wikipedia – Public domain 

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THE SCHOOL OF HARD-KNOCKS 

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God has raised up the industrial nations for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is that God wanted us to experience the life of abundance for our own selves…

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Listen again to Solomon… “this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14

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This above passage is Solomon’s testimony on behalf of those of us who have been given riches and honor in this life, that it is merely an exercise in futility.

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

 

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RICHES BRING HEARTACHE

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And we too have discovered what Solomon found out in the end. We have found out by experience that riches and abundance and honor are “vanity and vexation of spirit”!

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We could have learned from Solomon and saved ourselves a whole lot of heartache and headache and even stomach-ache!

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Hangover – Dunfermline City Chambers – By Paul Mcllroy – cropped – Wikipedia – Creative Commons. This carving is said to be of a alcohol-drinking Burgh official who gave the stone masons a hard time during the building

 

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THE APOSTLE, PAUL

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But Solomon was just one witness to these truths!

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Listen to Paul… “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1st Timothy 6:6-10

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In a day in which the prosperity-driven gospel is thriving in both the liberal congregations as well as the so-called conservative congregations, this warning by Paul stands as a stark condemnation of today’s church-world! 

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THE DAY OF RECOMPENSE

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Listen to wisdom speak of judgment… “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity…Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:” Proverbs 1:25-28

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Yes, young Christian, go ahead and spurn the wise counsel which the Bible tries to give you. Go after the riches and pleasures of this present evil world!

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But be assured that in the end, all your self-seeking will only prove the Bible was right, and you were wrong!

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And then all your earthly riches will mock you! And in the end you will mourn for your foolish rejection of wisdom!

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Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia US Public Domain.jpg

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

 

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GOOD NEWS!

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But there is some very Good News! Yes, the door of mercy is still ajar! There is time to turn away from our foolish ways and return to God!

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And if we do forsake the tinsel-like treasures and selfish pleasures of this world, we can begin to live and enjoy a more simple existence, being content with food and covering! Then we can share in the joy of Jesus who likewise lived a very simple existence!

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Then can we say along with Paul, the Apostle… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8

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

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TO READ PART 3, GO HERE…

March 5 (My Yoke Is Easy! Part 3: “Is Christianity A Heavy Burden?”)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me put on that easy yoke and take upon me Christ’s light burden! Let me become a disciple and follower of the Lamb of God, as He leads His sheep up the gently sloping upward pathway to everlasting life…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Orion, The Good Shepherd, or you can also read this shorter article…June 23rd (The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

 

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

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

 

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THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

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

.

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

.

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

.

John Bunyan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

 

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LOCATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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READ MORE… 

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)

 

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 12 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 12: “Ye Need Not That Any Man Teach You”)

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – 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.

 

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THIS STUDY #526 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 10

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My Yoke Is Easy!

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One of the great lies of Satan is that the life of the Christian is a heavy burden!

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Or that the life of the Christian is austere and bleak! Of course, neither of these lies are truth!

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Jesus said… “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

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Now either Jesus is lying in this above passage or the Devil is lying, saying Christ’s yoke is heavy. And of course, “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). So it must be that “Father of Lies”, the Devil who is lying about Christ’s yoke.

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

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A LIFE OF HEARING AND PRAYING!

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The fact is, the Christian life can be lived and victory gained by even those who are bed-fast or incarcerated!

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And those who are bed-fast or incarcerated may even have an advantage over those who are quick on their feet. 

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And so, the question is, “Why in the world would the bed-fast and incarcerated have an advantage?”

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

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LIFE ETERNAL: TO KNOW ME!

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The truth is, the Lord is not asking us to do some horrendous feat, to win Heaven. No, all He wants is for us to get to know Him and understand the Lord, as is written…

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“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

 

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MARY & MARTHA

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Remember the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who entertained Jesus one day?

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Well, Martha was cumbered about with much serving, while her sister, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His Word. And Martha was under a heavy burden, while Mary was merely enjoying hearing the Word of God!

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And when Martha complained about her heavy burden of serving, Jesus answered her very lovingly… “Martha, Martha, thou art careful 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.” Luke 10:41, 42 

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All that Jesus required was for His children to sit at His feet and learn of Him. That’s all! 

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

 

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FAITH BRINGS PEACE

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Oh yes, the Devil will undoubtedly bring trials and temptations our way. But the more we learn about Jesus, the more faith we will have to endure those trials.

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And yes, God wants us to separate ourselves from sin and sinners. But the more we know His Word, the more we will desire to hide ourselves under the almighty protective wings of God!

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Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

 

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ALONE WITH GOD

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Yes, while the world desires to get together and live it up, the Christian can’t wait to get alone with God! This is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit!

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This is the light burden and the easy yoke that Jesus desires for us to put on, as we become His followers.

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Do you think that those original disciples thought it a heavy burden to follow Jesus around the countryside for 3 1/2 years?

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Would you have wanted to have that privilege?

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Jesus Discourses with His Disciples – James Tissot – by Brooklyn Museum – by Wikipedia – Public Domain

 

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BECOMING A FOLLOWER OF JESUS

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Well, the glad tiding is this: that you and I can do exactly that! Yes, we can also follow Jesus in a very real sense!

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Oh no, we will not literally see Him, as He leads us! But truth-be-told, Jesus will go before us during our daily routine, giving us guidance and loving counsel in all our little duties and in all our times of rest!

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And no longer do we need to try to make things happen! No, the life of faith is all about letting Jesus lead and make things happen for us! We just need to be like the sheep of His pasture, nibbling on His Word, and following Him through our day!

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And since Jesus loves rest, He will give us abundant rest: peaceful rest in a weary world filled with turmoil and anxiety!

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

 

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REMEMBER THE PSALMS

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So, the next time the Devil whispers in your ears, telling you how hard is the yoke which Jesus wants us to wear, just remember all those psalms which say just the opposite!

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Listen… “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever!” Psalm 23

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David Playing Harp – www.thebiblerevival.com – US public domain

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TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

JUNE 11 (My Yoke Is Easy! Part 2: One Hand Full With Quietness!)

Dore – Solomon – Proverbs – Wikipedia – Public domain 

 

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me put on that easy yoke and take upon me Christ’s light burden! Let me become a disciple and follower of the Lamb of God, as He leads His sheep up the gently sloping upward pathway to everlasting life…

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

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Orion, The Good Shepherd, or you can also read this shorter article… “May 17th (The Marinated Christian!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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“The LORD is my shepherd;

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I shall not want (lack).

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He maketh me to lie

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down in green pastures:

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He leadeth me beside

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the still waters…

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I will fear no evil:

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for Thou art with me;

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Thy rod and thy staff

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they comfort me….”

Psalm 23:1, 2, 4

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“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD”

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 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

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By the infallible pen of Divine inspiration, God has forever connected Himself with the concept of a shepherd with his sheep.  The above verse from John’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd. With His sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus truly fulfilled the above prophecy, giving His life for His lost sheep.

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LOVE STORY IN THE STARS

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But Scripture isn’t the only place where God has presented this concept of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. God has written His heavenly love story in the Sun, Moon, and Stars, as well, as is written… “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the Earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25. And these Signs Of Heaven are a second witness to what the Bible declares.  

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ORION THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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And this concept of the Good Shepherd is portrayed in the night sky, in this 5th personality of the Orion Constellation (see “The Orion Phenomena”). And it is a concept which the Lord would have His own people learn and live. God’s people are likewise to become good shepherds too, in our own little sphere. That is, we are to seek and to save the lost, just as we see our Lord doing so. This is part of what it means to follow 

 

Jesus. We become imitators of our Lord, the true Good Shepherd.

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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This star-chart from Wikipedia, has Orion sketched in by the editor of this website. With the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), the sickle in Orion, the Reaper’s hand (sketch to left), now extends the blade, thus transforming that sickle into the hook of a shepherd’s rod and staff. And so now this little Gemini star becomes the tip of Orion’s Shepherd’s rod & staff. Thus with this additional star, Orion the Reaper Constellation now becomes the 5th personality of Orion: The Good Shepherd (sketch below right). Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either of the stars, Castor or Pollux. But faint as This little star may be, it nevertheless presents a giant concept, turning Orion’s sickle into a shepherd’s rod. And this is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as is written…

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“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12 

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And so God has placed this Starry Shepherd in the winter-night heavens to remind us of His great love for a planet which has wandered away: just like sheep that wandered to where the grass looked greener.

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Orion the reaper – Wikipedia star-chart (with the Reaper drawn over by this website)

Orion the Good Shepherd – Gemeni & Orion Constellations (with shepherd drawn in by this website)

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Orion, The Good Shepherd

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 11 (My Yoke Is Easy! Part 2: One Hand Full With Quietness!)

Dore – Solomon – Proverbs – Wikipedia – 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 #525 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 9

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The Heart,

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Part 2:

A World of Evil!

To read Part 1, click here…April 20th (The Heart, Part 1: Treasure Chest of the Mind!)

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As we look around at this poor sinful world, we have to shake our head at all the horrible atrocities now occurring nearly everywhere!

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Things we never dreamed would happen in our day, are now happening!

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9/11 World Trade Center attack – New York – cropped – by UpsateNYer & Wikipedia – Share-Alike Lic.

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ANGELS CAST DOWN TO HELL (EARTH).

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But why should we be surprised at all this evil?

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After all, in a very real sense, this antichrist world-system in which we live is what the Bible refers to as, “Hell”!

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Yes, the Bible reveals that Satan and his fallen compatriots were, “cast…down to HELL, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2nd Peter 2:4

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And if we continue to read about these fallen angels, we soon discover… “And his (the Dragon, Satan’s) tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the EARTH:” Revelation 12:4

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

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HELL IS SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

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So where were the angels that sinned cast down to?

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To the Earth or to Hell?

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Actually both are true!

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Yes, this kingdom of darkness which is the world-system, is Hell!

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And even though Hell refers to the grave, it also refers to the spiritual darkness in which the inhabitants of earth now live.

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It is only when the light of Heaven begins to flicker within the heart of a believer, that he or she begins to make the upward departure out of Hell…

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Listen to the Wise Man… “The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from Hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24

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And so, this little proverb reveals a great truth, which this world refuses to believe, nor even hear: that this dark world of sin is as much a part of Hell, as is the final reward for sin, the grave!

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HELL IN THE HEART

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And so, as we look out upon the landscape of this hellish world, the countless atrocities occurring in every direction should not surprise us!

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But is that the extent of Hell?

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Or does Hell even extend to the human heart?

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BY GRACE ALONE!

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It is said, that as some evil-doers were being led to their execution in the 1500’s, a well-known Reformationist of that day exclaimed, “But for the grace of God, there goeth myself, John Bradford!”

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Well, whether John Bradford, or Richard Baxter or whoever else is attributed to first exclaiming this well-known saying, it is nonetheless true.

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None of us can hold our head up high.

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It’s only the grace of God that dwells in a person’s heart that causes that person to do any good thing!

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ABOVE PICTURE: the accusing finger share-alike license www.signsofheaven.org

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THE DESIRES OF HELL IN THE HEART

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Listen to this next Bible verse… “Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as Hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:” Habakkuk 2:5

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Notice this above verse speaks of enlarging one’s “desire as Hell”.

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A man’s desires are in his heart. 

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Mark of the Beast – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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A WORLD OF EVIL IN MY OWN HEART!

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But though some of us might use this phrase, “enlarging one’s desire as Hell”, from time to time, none of us really believe it to the depths of its verity!

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Because if I really understood the wickedness that lay dormant in my very own heart, I would never ever shake my head at the atrocities occurring around the world!

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No, instead, I would hang my head in shame because of all the evil in the world, realizing it is merely a portrait of all the evil laying dormant in my very own heart!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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THE HEART, DESPERATELY WICKED

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Listen to the prophet, Jeremiah… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

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This verse reveals a truth which defies the so-called science of psychology, which claims to understand the human mind!

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Psychology just doesn’t realize that the human heart is far beyond our comprehension! “Who can know it?”, says the Lord! 

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But one great truth that psychology is totally ignorant of, is that the human heart and mind is the battlefield between Heaven and Hell. 

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ABOVE PICTURE: Battle for the heart – www.signsofheaven.org

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THE TONGUE AND THE MIND

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Listen to James… “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell.” James 3:6

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Well, if the tongue is “set on fire of Hell”, then what can be said for the heart and mind which fully control the tongue?

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Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany. Sally Kennison – cropped – share-alike license – wikimedia commons

 

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NO GOOD IN ME!  

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The Apostle, Paul, confessed about his own heart… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:” Romans 7:18

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Paul fully understood that the only goodness in him, was, “on loan from God”, so to speak.

Yes, it was only the Holy Spirit dwelling in Paul that made Paul righteous. 

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Stephen Stoned Acts 7:57-60 – lavistachurchofchrist.org

 

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I AM THE CHIEF OF SINNERS!

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Yes, Paul, without God’s Holy Spirit, was no better than the murderous thugs we see today around the world, as evidenced by his earlier years persecuting Christians.

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And neither are we!

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Our hearts are desperately wicked! We can say along with Paul… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15

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You see, Paul wasn’t being a bit pretentious here, as he made this above statement! No, and he said that we too are worthy of this same condemnation! I too, am chief of sinners! You are too, the chief of sinners, dear reader!

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And so, as both you and I look out upon this horribly evil world, we are merely looking at the depths of our own heart!

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NO ROOM FOR FINGER-POINTING!

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And for further confirmation of our own wickedness, Paul gives a long laundry-list” of the sins of the world, and then says to us… “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1

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As it clearly states in the above verse, we who judge another wicked human, do not realize that the same wickedness exists in us too!

 

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THE WORLD: PORTRAIT OF OUR HEART!

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And really, we may think ourselves industrious and very moral.

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And yet those “morally decrepit” and utterly “lazy folks” over there, at whom we shake our heads, are merely a picture of our own heart!

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Those “disgusting” drug dealers and merchants of flesh are merely a picture of our own heart!

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Those murderous thugs around the world who are forcing their sick religion on others are merely a picture of our own heart!

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And though God mercifully restrains sin to a certain extent, we must not get the idea that we are any less sinful than the most evil of men upon the earth!

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ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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JUDGMENT DAY NOW!

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But the Day is coming in which those who are not fully hidden in God’s secret pavilion, will begin to manifest the great evil which lies deep within each and every heart!

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Listen to this following prophecy… “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of My people.” Lamentations 4:10

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Pretty scary Bible verse, wouldn’t you say? And this is speaking of God’s own people cannibalizing their own children!

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Cannibalism in Russia and Lithuania 1571. – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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DOOR OF MERCY STILL AJAR!

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But in spite of this horrible situation, there is Good News for any person, be it man, woman, or child, who is willing to become a follower and disciple of Jesus!

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And so, dear “strangers and pilgrims”, let us turn our backs on this ugly world, and begin to purify our hearts, that we might dwell in love, and dwell in God, and He in us!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

AUGUST 28 (The Heart, Part 3: Desperately Wicked!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a full understanding of this truth, so that I will no longer sit on the Judgment Throne against others…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation, or you can also read this shorter article… January 20th (3 Fingered Judgment-Day) 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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(REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!)

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

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

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Draco, (Picture right) Ursa Minor – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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 REVELATION 12 DRAGON  

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

 

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 10 (My Yoke Is Easy!)

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

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25 MINUTE SAMPLER OF OPEN FORUM

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BECAUSE OF A MIX-UP, THERE IS NO STUDY TODAY. THESE STUDIES WILL RESUME TOMORROW. BUT YOU ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO HAROLD CAMPING’S OPEN FORUM IN WHICH HE TAKES BIBLE QUESTIONS FROM CALLERS. THIS IS PROGRAM #250

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Harold Camping

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

 

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JUNE 8

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“Women in the Pulpit”

 

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“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

1st Samuel 15:22, 23

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When King Saul destroyed the Amalekites, by sparing the lives of Agag the wicked king and the best of the sheep and oxen, he disobeyed God’s command to destroy everything.

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Now when Samuel came to question him about this, Saul made the excuse, “And Saul said…’for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.'” 1st Samuel 15:15

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Now in Saul’s mind, to make an offering to God superseded obedience to the commandment of the Lord to utterly destroy all the spoil of the Amalekites.

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But listen to what Samuel answered Saul… “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1st Samuel 15:22, 23

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Saul Rejected as King (Bible Card) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EVE’S PRESUMPTUOUS SIN

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When Eve listened to the whisperings of Satan, via the serpent, she was convinced that God was keeping her back from her true potential.

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Yes, Eve aspired to rise to a more exalted station in life. No longer was she content to stay in her place. You could perhaps say that Eve was the world’s first women’s-rights advocate.

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Well, as one cigarette company once advertised to women, “You’ve come a long way baby!”

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Yes, the world has come a long way, since that fateful day in paradise when Eve decided that she ought to be promoted to a higher standing.

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SAME PRESUMPTUOUS SIN

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Now, just what does this account of Eve’s disobedience have to do with the disobedience of King Saul?

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Well, we seem to have a similar situation in today’s church-world. You see, the Bible has made it clear that… “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” 1st Corinthians 14:34, 35

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This commandment of the Lord is now being ignored, or rejected altogether by many in today’s churches. Women are now beginning to become pastors and elders, in spite of God’s command not to.

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Aimee Semple Mcpherson – Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

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NO BIBLICAL EXCUSE FOR DISOBEDIENCE

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And the Lord has made this commandment very clear…

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Listen again… “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” 1st Timothy 2:11-15

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Here is just one more confirming passage which clearly condemns the idea that women are to rule in any congregation. As a matter of fact, this passage requires women to be silent in the congregation!

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Aimee Semple Mcpherson – Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

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NOT MERELY A LOCAL SITUATION

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Now this commandment was not merely for Timothy’s church, as some local situation!

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Look again at what Paul uses for reasons for this command… “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” verses 13, 14

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Paul mentions that Adam was the head of the woman.

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But he also reminds us that it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan, but the woman.

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Benjamin West – The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise – wikipedia – public domain

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A FORM OF WITCHCRAFT AND IDOLATRY

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And so, just why would a woman dare presume to think that her services in the pulpit somehow supersedes a plain, “Thus saith the Lord”? This is akin to what King Saul did in his disobedience to the plain, “Thus saith the Lord”.

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And listen again to Samuel’s rebuke to Saul… “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1st Samuel 15:23

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WOW! Our acts of rebellion are as the sin of witchcraft! And our stubbornness is as idolatry! And just think how stubborn those are who defiantly insist that women ought to be teachers over the congregation, or to be elders and even pastors!

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Karla LaVey satanist – cropped – Wikimedia – GNU license

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SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE COMMON TODAY

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But this account of Saul’s presumptuous disobedience can be extended to men as well!

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Yes, there are many of us on the Internet who commit the same presumptuous sin, when we take copyrighted pictures from other websites, and use them on our websites without proper permission.

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It would be better to not even have a website, than to knowingly operate in such a shameful manner! How can we expect the Lord to bless us?

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How can we dare presume that the Lord will bring even one true sheep into the fold, by our evangelistic efforts, when we defiantly trample on the commandment of the Lord, “Thou shalt not steal”?

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Thou Shalt Not Steal Sign – cropped and altered photo – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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MORE PRESUMPTUOUS SINS

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Now this concept can be extended even further into the daily life of Christians! Do I obey the ordinances of Man? Do I get all the necessary permits and licenses and inspections? Do I obey all the traffic laws? Do I pay all my taxes?

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And so, before I point the accusing finger at women in the pulpits of today’s churches, I need to first examine my own life!

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Yes, when we get right down to it, this little account of Saul’s disobedience is a very terrifying story, presenting a fearful sin, which commonly occurs in today’s Christian community!

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Building Inspection – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE!”

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And so, it is no wonder why God is calling His people to come out of Babylon! That presumptuous sin of King Saul is a very common sin among God’s people today!

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Even those who pirate copyrighted music and pictures, and somehow think that God will bless us in spite of our presumptuousness, will be very surprised on Judgment Day, when we find ourselves standing among the goats!

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Listen… “Submit yourselves to EVERY ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” 1st Peter 2:13, 14

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Here is a very clear command to obey the laws of the land!

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DOOR OF MERCY STILL AJAR!

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Well, there is some very Good News in all this terror. The Good News is that we are still living in the day of Salvation! Yes, the door of mercy is still ajar! And we can still come to God on our spiritual knees, begging for forgiveness and mercy and strength to make amends.

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And those of us who finally turn away from our presumptuous sins will ultimately find a joyful stability in our relationship with God that we never had when living in disobedience.

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“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.” Psalm 19:12, 13

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Here, the psalmist is pleading for God to reveal any secret faults and any presumptuous sins. This should become our daily prayer! 

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand my secret faults. Show me where I have become presumptuous. Patiently bring me to faith regarding these matters, so that I can rectify any presumptuous situation…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“May 29th (The Unforgiveable Sin!)”, or you can also read… “June 2nd (Just Enough Rope!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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NARROW GATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

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TOMORROW…

JUNE 9 (The Heart: A World of Evil!)

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

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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 #524 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.