Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 18 (Finding Perfect Peace, Part 10, “World’s Most Unpopular Antidepressant!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 18

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Finding Perfect Peace,

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Part 10,

“World’s Most Unpopular Antidepressant!”

To read Part 1, click here… March 6th (How To Find Perfect Peace!)

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!”

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Seldom have truer words been spoken by the world’s philosophers than these above words by “Tale of Two Cities” author, Charles Dickens!

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Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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HALF AND HALF

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Yes, in this world, there are many who are enjoying themselves.

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And yet, there are many others who are suffering for one reason or another.

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You could perhaps say that half the world is wearing a smile, while the other half are wearing a sad expression!

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Indeed, it is the best of times for some, and the worst of times for others!

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James Tissot – A Woman of Ambition – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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HALF THE WORLD IS SUFFERING

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While half the world is enjoying their health, their family, their friends, and perhaps even their good fortune, the other half are pressed down beneath the weight of mis-fortune of one type or another.

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Maybe some illness, or old age, or tragedy, or love lost, or countless other unhappy circumstances have taken the joy out of life for these unfortunate individuals. Maybe a combination of unhappy things has turned life’s dark and cloudy side upon them.

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For these suffering ones, it is the worst of times!

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Woman applying make-up – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License 2.0

Lady in sling – Photo by Liz Roll – FEMA – Elderly cared for in Louisiana – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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MAN’S CURES

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Now there are many who, when facing unhappiness will turn to drugs, alcohol, or antidepressants in hopes of getting out of the proverbial ditch they seem to have fallen into.

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But are drugs and antidepressants what these people really need? Are antidepressants actually going to make a person happy?

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Certainly there have been studies which indicate that some antidepressants cause certain users to even entertain suicidal thoughts at times! How can that be good?

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pills Photo by Sage Ross (ragesoss.com), from Wikimedia Commons. – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

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A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

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Now there are other unhappy ones who decide to turn their life course in a new direction.

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Maybe they join a jogging club and begin eating a healthy diet.

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Others might decide to volunteer in some humanitarian organization.

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Still others may decide to ratchet up their social life.

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Marathon – New York – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike Lic.

Fruit Cocktail – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Free Food Distribution – Gangasagar Fair Transit Camp – Kolkataw – Wikimedia – Free Documentation License

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A SUPERIOR ANTIDEPRESSANT

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But this devotional is here to proclaim that there exists an antidepressant which is far more effective and long-lasting than any man-made substance!

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And just what kind of antidepressant is so superior to all other antidepressants?

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Well, truth-be-told, this antidepressant is revealed in various places in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 26:3…“Thou (God) wilt keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed upon Thee, because he trusts in Thee!”

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Now just what type of man-made antidepressant can produce this kind of result?

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Imagine! Perfect peace!

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

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A SUPERFICIAL RELIGIOSITY IS WORTHLESS

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Oh yes, there are many suffering individuals who will go as far as attending some lively church fellowship in an effort to get their lives back on some sort of even keel.

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They begin attending weekly services. They may even get involved in some church office or ministry.

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But this verse from Isaiah 26:3 reveals that true perfect peace is only found in keeping one’s thoughts fixed on Jesus (through Bible study and unceasing prayer and constant contemplating of the Bible, via the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.)

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

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“GO AND SELL THAT YOU HAST…AND COME AND FOLLOW ME”

Matthew 19:21

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But who wants to give up their selfish ways? Not very many! That’s for sure!

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Yes, it’s true! Christianity, if it is genuine, requires one to renounce and forsake this selfish and fallen world, and begin following Jesus as one of His disciples!

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Listen…“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

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Here Jesus is making clear the dividing line between true and false discipleship.

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To give up this selfish world is required to become a true disciple, as this above verse reveals.

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Jesus Calls Disciples – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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A SAD AND TRAGIC WORLD

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But why does this sad world think that selfishness is the key to happiness?

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After all, has selfishness ever brought true love, joy, and peace to this tragic and sorrowful world?

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Just look at how badly things are going down here!

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This world is going through all sorts of hell and heartaches! Wars, bombings, beheadings, broken hearts, disease, death, murder, suicide, divorce, crime, pornography, kidnappings, slavery, oppression, mob rule, thefts, greed, lust, violence, jealousy, suspicion, pain, joblessness, hunger, starvation, sadness, loneliness, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, hopelessness, failure, and on and on the list goes!

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Boston marathon bombing – Wikipedia – Creative-Commons-2.0

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IT’S THE BEST OF TIMES FOR SOME

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Oh yes, there are those who are currently enjoying themselves.

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The young, the strong, the healthy, the wealthy, the clever, the gifted, the beautiful, the honored, the revered: for these privileged ones, the world is their oyster!

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And society is their playground!

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For them, it is the best of times!

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And so, while selfishness offers many immediate rewards, nevertheless, all in all, it’s a very sad and tragic world!

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Castle of Disney – Wikipedia – Public Dom

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CASTLES OF SAND EVENTUALLY WASH AWAY

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And even those of us who may be presently enjoying our lives in this world have no guarantee that riches and good fortune will remain.

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No, like the proverbial castle made of sand, a giant wave of adversity is sure to eventually come along and wash away our “charmed life”, casting all of us into the same lot as the other half of humanity who are suffering.

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Sand castle, Cannon Beach – by Curt Smith – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

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“TO ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON”

Hebrews 11:25

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But the fact is, there is no pill or potion or palliate or elixir which can bring true lasting peace and joy!

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Oh well yes, there are substances which give relief for a few hours.

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But after their effects wear off, the suffering will most likely return to us, often with a vengeance!

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Highbrow drunkard – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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“THOU SHALL MAKE THEM DRINK OF THE RIVER OF THY PLEASURES”

Psalm 36:8

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But God offers His “antidepressant” which brings peace and contentment and joy like an ever-flowing river!

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In other words, that heavenly peace continually flows through the recipient!

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River of Water of Life – H. Melville – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“AT THE RIGHT HAND (O LORD) ARE PLEASURES FOR EVERMORE!”

Psalm 16:11

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But the remarkable thing is, that such an everlasting cure for sadness and suffering is mostly despised and rejected by almost the entire world!

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Hardly any takers!

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Only a chosen few ever receive that everlasting love, joy, and peace!

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped image – Wikimedia

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GOOD NEWS!

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But the Good News is, that this heavenly “antidepressant” is still available to one and to all!

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Yes, our heavenly “Pharmacist” still stretches forth His nail-pierced hands and calls to all… “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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So those of us who are carrying a heavy burden are invited to take Christ’s cure-all, and find that peace and rest unto our souls!

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And such an antidepressant as this will never ever wear off!

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

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NO LONGER THE WORST OF TIMES!

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And once that truly saved individual finds that promised peace which surpasses all understanding, he or she can answer back to Charles Dickens, saying, “It is now the best of times, and no more the worst of times.

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It is now the age of wisdom, and no more the age of foolishness!

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It is now the epoch of belief, and no more the epoch of incredulity!

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It is now the season of Light, and no more the season of darkness!

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It is now the spring of hope, and no more the winter of despair!

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I am now going direct to Heaven, and no more going direct the other way!”

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

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TO READ PART 11, CLICK HERE…

April 26 (Finding Perfect Peace, Part 11, “Why Did God Take Away My Spouse?”)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to find that peace that surpasses all understanding…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION…

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION…

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This constellation group can best be seen in spring through summer in the southern sky just above the horizon. Like all constellations, it slowly moves westward through the months, appearing a little earlier each night. It also appears to move through the sky westward each night. It can be easily seen under any degree of darkness. In other words, you don’t need a very dark night. In the sketch to the right, the ‘Flower of the Field’ Constellation `is in the lower part of the screen, directly under the Cross/Scepter Constellation. The sketches in this site are approximate, and not 100% accurate. The individual stars have different brightness than seen here. But these sketches are close enough in order to find them in the night sky.

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This constellation presents one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture. And yet that Scripture presents one of the most repugnant concepts (which unsaved Mankind has tried to elude for millenniums). And that concept is, that Mankind is like the grass that withers, and his glory as the wildflower that fades away. But God’s Word and those that love it will go on forever and ever!

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – Flower of the Field (aka Scorpio, etc…) – Cross-Scepter ( stars from Ophiuchus and Serpens) – 12-Star Crown (Corona Borealis plus several other stars) Arcturus Star – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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TOMORROW:

August 19 (Image of the Beast, Part 5: “Framing Mischief By A Law!”)

Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #228 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing 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 3 – August 17 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 8: “Sinking Into The Bottomless Pit”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 17

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Taking Back This Nation For God!

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Part 8:

“Sinking Into The Bottomless Pit”

To read Part 1, click here…“March 28th (Taking Back This Nation For God!)”

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“The wicked shall be turned into Hell,

and all the nations that forget God.”

Psalm 9:17

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For those of us who have lived five or six decades or more, we are witnesses to the dramatic change which has come over this society, since our youth.

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It is not the same society that it once was, is it?

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Has not a great paradigm shift taken place?

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Oh yes, and it’s becoming more pronounced with each passing day!

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

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THINGS JUST KEEP GETTING WORSE!

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Oh no, this nation has not been a moral nation for a very long time!

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But things just seem to be getting worse and worse!

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This sin-sick nation’s “Slippery Slope” of immorality seems to have tuned into an almost 90-degree drop-off!

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And many concerned individuals and societal spokespeople are beginning to think that it’s too late for this society to ever recover from our moral free-fall.

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

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Well, the question to be answered is this: “Is there a bottom to this pit?

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Is there no stopping point to the depths of sin in which we seem to be falling?

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Or is there no reversal to the direction this society is going?”

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

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“THE HEART IS DECEITFUL…AND DESPERATELY WICKED”

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Well, the Bible speaks about these things.

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Such verses as Jeremiah 17:9 reveal that indeed, sin is a bottomless pit…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

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Yes, this grim commentary on the condition of the human heart reveals that our society may just now be heading into the depths of sin which might even make the inhabitants of Sodom blush if they were around today!

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March – Protest – Thank God For Satan – cropped image – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or later version

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“BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND, THE LOVE OF MANY SHALL WAX COLD!”

Matthew 24:12

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Just look around at our society. The television, radio, and Internet are filled with all sorts of filth and decadence and hedonism!

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Even our public school systems are beginning to promote sodomy and even racism to youngsters!

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Both private and public behavior has never been so perverted as it now is!

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Unthinkable and heinous crimes are now being committed on a daily basis!

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Dishonesty is getting more and more commonplace!

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Divorce rates soaring! And most people don’t even bother to get married anymore!

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“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”

Isaiah 59:14

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And just look at what society is doing as they discard the laws of God and even some of the laws of nature! Crazy and abhorrent laws and maxims are now replacing the most basic fundamentals of God’s Word and nature’s mandates!

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The Justice Department turned into a political “attack-machine” by corrupt leaders.

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Men now claiming to be women, and visa-versa.

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Children being violently cut to pieces and heartlessly torn from the sanctuary of their mother’s womb!

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Sodomy now being encouraged by atheist teachers upon their young and impressionable students!

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Demonically-driven doctors ruthlessly mutilating the body organs of confused children at the behest of applause-seeking parents, all in the name of that insane ideology called “gender-fluidity”!

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Television/Internet shows becoming increasingly immoral, causing further decadence of the western societies!

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Thieves and brutes allowed to burn, loot, and destroy, being sent away free by unjust judges and corrupt politicians, returning once again to ravage and terrorize their own crime-infested neighborhoods!

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Judges caring more for their own political party’s interests than for the rule of law!

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Congressmen willing to recklessly spend their nation into financial suicide!

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Life-destroying street drugs becoming legalized, killing millions!

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Corrupt politicians facilitating millions of non-citizens to overrun unprotected national borders!

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Fetus Ellipse – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Gay Parade – Jazz Jennings 2016 – Wikipedia – Creative Commons License

Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

Posing with the drag queens – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

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Considering all that’s been said, just listen to this next verse…“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” Revelation 9:1

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Could it be that this bottomless pit has already been opened?

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Are there no limits to the depths in which western societies are now descending?

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Well, many believe this is exactly what we are now sadly witnessing (including this website!)

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Ch. 16, p46 – The Bottomless Pit -Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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SATAN CAN CHANGE DIRECTIONS INSTANTLY!

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Nevertheless, whether or not this society keeps sinking into the bottomless pit, remains to be seen.

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Satan being the side-winding snake that he is, could instantly change course for a time, if it suits his evil purposes.

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Brown tree snake – Boiga – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS! A HIDING PLACE EXISTS!

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The Good News in all this is, that no individual is required to sink into the bottomless pit of sin along with everyone else!

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Listen to Psalm 91:7-10…“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

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Here is the hiding place of refuge for all who make the Lord their hope and trust and daily guide!

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Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 9, CLICK HERE…

February 2 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 9: “How To Stop the Growing Lawlessness in the Land”)

Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to escape this awful and fearful judgment which seems to be falling on this society. Let me hide myself in Thy secret pavilion until the indignation be overpast…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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

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

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“The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining…

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“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem…

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“And the heavens and the earth shall shake…

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“But the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

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Joel 3:14-16

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

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Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing. In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left. In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward. It resembles a pyramid.

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Then find the second pyramid to its right (south).

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Then go a little further south to the next third pyramid. The third snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation.

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These three pyramids are the snow-capped portion of these three mountains in this sketch. (of course, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

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THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP.

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

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

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TOMORROW…

August 18 (Finding Perfect Peace, Part 10, “World’s Most Unpopular Antidepressant!”)

pills Photo by Sage Ross (ragesoss.com), from Wikimedia Commons. – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #227 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 26 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 49: “Idolatrous Theological Names!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 26

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Come Out of Her, My People!

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Part 49:

“Idolatrous Theological Names!”

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

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“I know that, whatsoever God does,

it shall be for ever:

nothing can be put to it,

nor any thing taken from it:

and God does it,

that men should fear before Him.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14

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“(God) Give us help from trouble:

for vain is the help of man.”

Psalm 60:11

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THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PART 1… July 12 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 46: “How The Grinch Invented Christmas!”)

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A certain radio personality likes to defend this product of human wisdom, “Christmas”, by saying, “Oh, it’s a great time to witness to unbelievers! And much of the world joins in with this celebration each year! The name of Jesus is highly exalted by the world on this yearly festival!”

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announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain (2)

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MANY SEEMING BENEFITS

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And maybe he’s correct to a certain degree. Maybe Christmas is a great time to witness to others. And it’s true that much of the world joins hands with the Church during that festival!

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And let’s face it! Christmas seems to have other benefits, as well.

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For one thing, it’s a time for families to get together, and enjoy one-another’s company.

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And Christmas has inspired many humanitarian efforts on behalf of those who are less fortunate and less affluent.

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Bringing Home A Christmas Tree – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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LOTS OF BAGGAGE TOO!

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And yet, Christmas brings with it, “a huge amount of baggage”, as the saying goes. Yes, Christmas has its downside too!

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For one thing, Christmas has brought in far more “false brethren” into the Church, than it has ever brought in true worshipers of God!

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**And the last two devotionals about Christmas have pointed out some other of those negative aspects of Christmas. (for reference, click here… “How The Grinch Invented Christmas! Parts 1 & 2”)**

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel

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NOT THE HILL TO DIE ON!

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Now this website is by no means encouraging Christians to begin some crusade against this worldly festival.

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And for those with unsaved families, much Christian patience and quiet forbearance may be required, as we do not want to “rain on their parade” as the saying goes.

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In other words, the Christian must attempt to make life comfortable and happy for his or her unsaved family during these holidays.

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**And Christmas is probably “not the hill to die on” as another saying goes. Find something else to crusade against (such as beginning a crusade against “my own sins!”)**

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Just exercise Christian silence and allow the family to have a joyful time during that month-long celebration.

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Johansen Viggo – Radosne Boże Narodzenie Joyful Christmas – wikimedia – US public domain

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“VAIN IS THE HELP OF MAN!”

Psalm 60:11

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But this man-contrived yearly holiday has one great over-arching problem about it. And the signature passage for today’s devotional reveals just what that great problem is.

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Listen again…“I know that, whatsoever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before Him.” Ecclesiastes 3:14

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This above verse encapsulates just why Christmas has never been an overall benefit to Heaven’s government, and never can be!

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“IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD…GOD SHALL ADD TO HIM THE PLAGUES”

Revelation 22:18

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When God says that nothing can be added or taken away from God’s finished works, He means exactly that: Mankind cannot expect to add or subtract from God’s finished works, and derive some sort of benefit.

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If even one thing that Mankind ever did to help God out, actually became an asset to the Kingdom of Heaven, then God would be a liar!

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After all, it clearly teaches…”nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before Him.” Ecclesiastes 3:14

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“ADD THOU NOT TO HIS WORDS, LEST HE (GOD) REPROVE THEE!”

Proverbs 30:6

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Now, it would be normal and expected for the people of the world to attempt to add or subtract from God’s finished works.

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But the Church of God should have known better!

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After all, God has given us some very unnerving accounts of what happens when humans attempt to add something to God’s Word.

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KJV – King Jame Version Bible – First edition – 1611 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ABRAHAM ‘HELPED GOD OUT’

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Take for instance, the true historical account of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael.

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God had promised to childless Abraham…“And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;” Genesis 26:4

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But Abraham realized that Sarah his wife was too old to have children, devising their own plan to “help God out”.

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Yes so, Sarah told Abraham to conceive a child with her young handmaid, Hagar, the Egyptian.

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

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AN ISHMAEL WAS CONCEIVED

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And Hagar did indeed have a child, whom they named, Ishmael.

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But this faithless act of human effort and human wisdom only proved a disaster for them.

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And it ultimately led to a delay in God’s promise and plan to give Abraham, “the child of promise”.

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Hagar Leaves Abraham by Peter Paul Rubens 1616 AD – wikipedia – public domain

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Well, just how does this true historical account of Abraham’s folly translate into today’s Christian community?

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

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MANY UNBIBLICAL ADDITIONS IN THE CHURCH

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Isn’t it true that there are so many acts of human effort and human wisdom in today’s church-world, as an attempt to “help God out”?

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Yes, there is a seemingly endless list of unbiblical additions to the Church, being the vain efforts of erring humans: circus acts, comedians, sensual music, unbiblical theological terminology, dramas, “Christian” merchandising, clubs, Christian games, “Christian” resorts and theme-parks, apostate television productions, bingo-nights, dances, “Christian” sports teams, multitudes of inferior Bible translations, and a great variety of similar non-biblical efforts to “help God out”.

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And Christmas and Easter, are just two more ways in which the Church has attempted to add things which God did not create.

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Church – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

High School, football field – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Santa’s Portrait by T. Nast – 1881 – wikimedia – public domain

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“THEY REJOICED WITH EXCEEDING GREAT JOY!”

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Oh yes, the Bible does record that there was a celebration of Christ’s birth. The wise men, and the shepherds witnessing the heavenly host, and Anna and Simeon in the temple. These were all moments of rejoicing.

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But never does the Bible encourage the world to begin a yearly month-long celebration, which the apostate portion of the Church named, “The Christ-Mass”.

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This non-biblical yearly festival was their ‘brainchild’! Not God’s!

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As a matter of fact, these two holidays were originally of ancient Babylonian origin, and should never have been brought into the church! (see Hislop’s, “The Two Babylons”.)

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Wise Men See Star www.wikigallery.com US public domain

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CHRISTMAS: OUR ‘ISHMAEL’

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And just like Abraham’s and Sarah’s folly in trying to help out God, so too, the apostate church has created this giant man-conceived “Ishmael”, commonly referred to as, “The Christmas”!

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But there can be absolutely no “bottom-line gain” achieved by this invention of the apostate churches of yesteryear.

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It has only been a baneful abomination in the sight of a God who is very jealous to maintain the purity of His holy Word…“Every word of God is pure…Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5, 6

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“COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE!”

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Well, this is just one more reason why God is now calling His people to, “Come out of her (the harlot churches) My people, lest ye partake of her sins and receive of her plagues!” Revelation 18:4 (parenthetical comment supplied by website editor)

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And those who truly love God’s Word will finally come to the point where they will reject, “Man’s word” concerning Christmas and other similar additions to God’s Word.

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And these same lovers of Truth will then join this current end-time exodus out of the fallen churches, to flee to the holy mountains, where an abundance of heavenly bread drops from above each day, and springs of spiritual waters continue to freely flow!

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

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TO READ PART 50, GO HERE…

August 27 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 50: “Signs Of The Times In The Heavens!”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand this present-day truth concerning the utter apostasy of the churches…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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

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

Joel 3:14

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AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

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

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

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VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

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**Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing.**

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

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

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP.

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

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

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

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TOMORROW

August 27 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 50: “Signs Of The Times In The Heavens!”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 25 (The False Prophet, Part 19: “Destroyed For A Lack of Knowledge!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 25

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The False Prophet,

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Part 19:

“Destroyed For A Lack of Knowledge!”

To read Part 1 of this series, click here… “JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet, Part 1: Lying Eyes!)”

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“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

because thou hast rejected knowledge,

I will also reject thee,

that thou shalt be no priest to me:

seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God,

I will also forget thy children.”

Hosea 4:6

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Unfortunately, the people of God have allowed Satan to keep them so busy in the world that they are greatly ignorant of Bible wisdom and knowledge, to the point that they are deceived on many Bible truths and doctrines.

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This above verse sadly describes the current condition of God’s people…“Destroyed for a lack of knowledge”

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

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RELYING ON THE FALSE PROPHETS

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Often is the case, that instead of studying the Bible for themselves they simply turn on the TV or radio, and allow false shepherds to tell them what to believe.

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Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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LIKE THEM OF OLDEN TIMES

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Of course, this was the same condition which existed back in Old Testament times.

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The people of God were unschooled in Scripture, and allowed the leaders of that day to tell them what to believe.

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Listen…“As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12

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It is not some little cult which is misleading God’s people. It is the leaders of mainstream Christianity who are silent concerning our great Bible ignorance of the people, as this above verse reveals!

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It is the leaders of mainstream Christendom which are causing God’s people to go astray!

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Paul persecuted – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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“OPEN REBUKE IS BETTER THAN HIDDEN LOVE!”

Proverbs 27:5

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Instead of the current complicit deadly silence by today’s leadership, there should have been a constant rebuking of God’s people, to let them know that God is not tolerating our low level of piety and lack of Bible wisdom!

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Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“WHEN FOR THE TIME YE OUGHT TO BE TEACHERS!”

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On the other hand, the Apostle, Paul rebukes God’s people, telling us that instead of our current ignorance, we should rather have already attained to teacher status…“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:12

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Here is a sharp rebuke of our great ignorance in these last days.

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

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UNSCHOOLED SPIRITUAL WEAKLINGS

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And isn’t it true that Satan has successfully diverted God’s people from our great and high and holy calling, mis-leading us instead into all sorts of worldly pleasures and ambitious pursuits: clubs, novels, radio, television, sports, high-paying careers, games, school events, parties, hobbies, plays, music concerts, frequent sight-seeing excursions, buying-and-selling, and a host of other time-consuming and energy-sapping pursuits!

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If only we had pursued the knowledge and wisdom of God’s Word with the same gusto that we’ve pursued the above mentioned pleasures and worldly treasures, we would now be a vast army of Apostle Pauls!

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But sadly, we are now a nation of biblically unschooled, spiritual weaklings!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – company’s-coming

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OUR DAY OF DELIVERANCE IS COME!

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Well, in spite of our sad condition before God, He has graciously allowed us one last moment of triumph!

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Yes, even as Samson repented of his former wasted life of vain earthly pursuits, so also, God’s people must use our remaining hours to good account, as we ready ourselves for one last glorious moment of triumph over our present-day “Philistine” captors, spiritually speaking!

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Samson in the Treadmill – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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DESTROYING THE PILLARS OF SATAN’S KINGDOM!

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And with the same intense resolve that resulted in Samson throwing down those pagan pillars, so too, the Church must throw down the pillars of Satan’s kingdom of this antichrist world, which has taken us captive and rendered God’s Church ineffective!

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G. Dore – Death Of Samson – courtesy Creationism.org – Public Domain

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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 Rocks…

for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty,

when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.”

Isaiah 2:20, 21

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

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

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TO READ PART 20, CLICK HERE…

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October 15 (The False Prophet, Part 20: “The Santa Clauses of The Ecumenical Movement”)

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THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 15 MINUTE AUDIO BIBLE STUDY CONCERNING THE CHURCH-WORLD REMAINING STAGNANT IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE. THIS STUDY IS BASED ON HEBREWS 5:12, AND IS CONDUCTED BY HAROLD CAMPING…

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Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me an understanding of the apostate condition of Christianity today. Give me the faith and confidence that when I make my exodus, that heavenly bread will be given me, and my waters shall be assured…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP

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

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

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“The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining…

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“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem…

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“And the heavens and the earth shall shake…

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“But the LORD will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

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Joel 3:14-16

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

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

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Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing. In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left. In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward. It resembles a pyramid.

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Then find the second pyramid to its right (south).

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Then go a little further south to the next third pyramid. The third snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation.

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These three pyramids are the snow-capped portion of these three mountains in this sketch. (of course, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

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

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

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

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TOMORROW…

August 26 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 49: “Idolatrous Theological Names!”)

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #235 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 24 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 10: “The Joy of Creation!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 24

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Nature’s Witnesses,

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Part 10:

“The Joy of Creation!”

To read Part 1, click here…January 25th (Nature’s 7 Witnesses)

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“O taste and see that the LORD is good…

He left not Himself without witness,

in that He did good,

and gave us rain from heaven,

and fruitful seasons,

filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

Psalm 34:8 & Acts 14:17

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There is no excuse for anyone who disbelieves in God!

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Nature has its witnesses, who stand up and speak eloquently on the Creator’s behalf!

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South American Butterfly – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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“AND GOD SAW EVERY THING THAT HE MADE, AND BEHOLD, IT WAS VERY GOOD!”

Genesis 1:31

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Just look at the beauty of nature!

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Behold nature’s awesome grandeur!

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And seek after its wisdom! Its poetry! Its law & order! Its love!

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Look up, and behold the signs written in the sun, moon and stars! (see Luke 21:25)

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These are the faithful witnesses found in all of nature, which proclaim their Divine Maker, who looks down from above!

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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“MY HEART SHALL REJOICE, EVEN MINE!”

Proverbs 23:15

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But today’s devotional has discovered one more faithful witness found in nature!

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And just what could that witness be?

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Joy!

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Yes, nature is filled with joy!

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Nature is literally teeming with happiness and innocent pleasures!

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Two adult Emperor Penguins with a juvenile on Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. cropped image – wikipedia creative commons license

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“O LORD, HOW MANIFOLD ARE THY WORKS!”

Psalm 104:24 .

Feel the joy every morning when the warm sun arises in the east!

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Listen to the joyful songbirds of the morning!

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Behold the delight when a baby giggles with its parents!

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Or the joyful fulfillment which comes when friends and family enjoy a meal together combined with happy talk!

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BIRD – Erithacus rubecula Norway – singing – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

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“THEIR YOUNG ONES SHALL LIE DOWN TOGETHER…”

Isaiah 11:7

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Or take notice of the beasts of the earth as they tenderly care for their young ones!

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Or when young ones play together!

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Or when they lie down together each night to sleep!

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Or when they awaken each morning refreshed to begin a brand new day!

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Three elephant’s curly kisses – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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“FILLING OUR HEARTS WITH…GLADNESS”

Acts 14:17

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Or how about the joyful exhilaration of skiing down through the fresh powdery snow!

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Or sailing on a boat!

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Or soaring through the skies in a plane!

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Or fishing in a beautiful stream!

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Or riding a bike under the warm sun!

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Or taking a walk just before sundown!

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Or enjoying fun time with one’s family!

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Or falling in love!

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Or the joy of opening a present on a birthday or holiday!

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Or playing with a pet dog!

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Or laughing at a silly, playful kitten!

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Or camping out in nature’s sanctuary!

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Or walking through a beautiful golf course!

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Or making a nice meal for the family!

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Or looking up at the vast expanse of the heavens!

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Or laughing at animals engaging in some innocent silliness.

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Or riding a horse!

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Or feeling the accomplishment of a good day’s work!

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Or being glad to get back home!

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Or relaxing in one’s favorite easy-chair or porch-swing!

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Or watching the dancing flames of a bonfire!

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Or telling stories or singing songs around the campfire!

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Freestyle skiing jump – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

Fly fishing on the South Santiam – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons – CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Sunlight on King Street – cropped image – share-alike license – stefan powell

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

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

Mother Child face-to-face – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

Mother & Baby Ducklings – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Making smores and dancing by the fire – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Palmer – Carpenter – Wikipedia – Public Domain

month old kitten – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Joshua Tree Campfire – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 3.0 license

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There are perhaps a million or more joyful things to experience here on God’s earth!

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“AN ENEMY HATH DONE THIS!”

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Oh yes, sin has brought much sadness and sickness and loneliness, and pain and sorrow into the world!

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But God explains that…“An enemy hath done this!” Matthew 13:28

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Even though this world was created perfect and joyful, the unseen Enemy of Souls has brought his misery and woe into the world!

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Orphan on Mother’s Grave – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“HE HATH NOT REWARDED US ACCORDING TO OUR INIQUITIES”

Psalm 103:10

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And yet, God has graciously allowed mankind to enjoy many things in hope of bringing them back from their rebellion against Heaven!

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And every wise man and every wise woman will properly ascribe the world’s evil to its rightful progenitor: Satan.

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

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“THEY SHALL BEHOLD THE LAND THAT IS VERY FAR OFF!”

Isaiah 33:17

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But one day soon, those who are wise will cross that dark river, only to enter into the Promised Land in which joy and peace and brotherly kindness will be unmarred by sin and sorrow!

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River of Water of Life – H. Melville – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“WHOSO IS WISE…SHALL OBSERVE THESE THINGS”

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And those who have been given true wisdom will take time out of their busy day to, “taste and see that the Lord is good”, as they consider all the many pleasant and happy things which mankind enjoys each day! (Psalm 34:8)

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As it is written…

“Whoso is wise, and will observe these things,

even they shall understand

the lovingkindness of the LORD.”

Psalm 107:43

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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TO READ PART 11, GO HERE…

September 6 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 11: “The Health of Creation!”)

Fruit Cocktail – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the joy of knowing more about the wonders of nature. Help me to see, not only the beauty and poetry of nature, and the wisdom and law of nature, but also the many pictures of Love: God’s love in nature…and the joy of nature…

Beagle and sleeping kitty – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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HEAVENLY OBJECT LESSON

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

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

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

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

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

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**And so, this is just one of the many poetic truths seen in the Moon. (For more on this subject of an eclipse, you may link to the article… “Lunar Eclipse & Spiritual Eclipse”)**

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Dutch Painting: Um_moinho_dominando_a_baía_à_luz_lunar wikimedia US public domain

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

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TOMORROW:

August 25 (The False Prophet, Part 19: “Destroyed For A Lack of Knowledge!”)

thy word have i hid in my heart

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #234 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 23 (Planet Earth, Devil’s Island, Part 8: “Planet Earth: Hacksaw Ridge!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 23

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Planet Earth, Devil’s Island,

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Part 8:

“Planet Earth: Hacksaw Ridge!”

To read Part 1, click here…March 13th (Planet Earth: Devil’s Island!)

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There was a very shocking movie named “Hacksaw Ridge” in which the bravery of soldiers was showcased upon Hollywood’s “silver screen”.

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Hacksaw Ridge – Wikipedia – Non-free Media Rationale

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DESMOND DOSS

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The primary hero of the story, Desmond Doss, reached upward for the faith he needed to perform his acts of love on behalf of his fellow soldiers, as he fearlessly carried 75 wounded men to safety through the barrage of enemy gunfire, and lowered them down to safety over a ridge.

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But this movie also emphasized the bravery of, not only Doss, but of all the soldiers who risked their lives for their nation.

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Doss – Hacksaw Ridge – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO PRINCIPLE

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As one watched this movie, it was no doubt an inspiring portrayal of the unwavering dedication which Desmond Doss exhibited during those horrific days on the battlefield, rescuing those 75 soldiers (and saving others as well, by deflecting several hand-grenades).

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Desmond Doss awarded with the medal of honor by President Truman – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WISER IN THEIR OWN GENERATION THAN WE CHRISTIANS!

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Now having only seen the previews of this movie, this website is not encouraging Christians to watch the movie.

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And yet, there is a certain inspiration and encouragement to be gleaned from this movie, as the Christian translates the wisdom of the world into heavenly wisdom.

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Yes, Jesus freely acknowledged that, “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8

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And so, as the Christian witnesses the actions of the people of the world, these various deeds done in the natural world can quite often be translated into the heavenly realm!

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Hacksaw Ridge – Wikipedia – Non-free Media Rationale

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MINISTERS OF GOD

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Now this devotional is not intended to diminish the hard work and bravery of those soldiers who risk their lives on the battlefield.

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The Bible says concerning man’s government, “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Romans 13:14

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And this admonition from Paul’s writings can probably be also applied to the soldiers on the battlefield who have been commissioned to protect their own nation from an invading enemy. In a very real sense, it can be said of each and every soldier, “he is the minister of God”.

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**No, not a “minister of God” in the salvational sense. But in a temporal governmental sense, as God uses many secular authorities to keep peace and order in the various societies.**

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Soldier – Air Force Sergeant on guard duty – Public-Domain

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“THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD”

Romans 13:1

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Yes, God uses the people of the world to maintain the safety and order of a nation.

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And the various governments of the nations are carrying out the necessary actions required to protect their own citizenry from any cruel enemy.

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Traffic Cop – cropped and altered image to protect identity – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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“NO (SOLDIER) ENTANGLES HIMSELF IN THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE”

2nd Timothy 2:4

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But having said all this, today’s devotional desires to showcase those who have been chosen to serve as soldiers in Heaven’s army!

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And the Bible is also replete with true, historical accounts of bravery displayed by various Bible heroes of faith!

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Now those Bible accounts were also concerning literal, physical battles fought to preserve the physical safety of God’s people.

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Gideon and His Three Hundred (Bible Card) www.thebiblerevival.org – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“THEREFORE I SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES”

Matthew 13:13

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And yet, the Bible is a spiritual book, and must be interpreted spiritually to be properly understood.

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In other words, just as David, or Gideon, or Joshua or any other Bible hero fought in literal battles, so also, the Christian is called to fearlessly engage the enemy on the spiritual battlefield which rages all around us!

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And every Christian has been elected to fight against the Enemy of Souls as he ruthlessly attempts to take as many souls as possible with him down into Hell, Sheol, Tartaroo, or any other biblical name used to describe eternal destruction!

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

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“YOUR LIFE…IS…A VAPOR…AND THEN VANISHES AWAY”

James 4:14

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And by far, to save a human soul is infinitely more important than saving a physical life.

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Because even if you save a person from literal death, that same person will, sooner or later, die.

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But by saving a soul, that redeemed one will go on to live forever!

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As Jesus says…“whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:26

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And in addition to fighting for his nation, Desmond Doss made a lifetime profession of fighting for Heaven, as a Christian.

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Desmond Doss grave – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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“THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL…”

2nd Corinthians 10:4

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And the very first and foremost commission devolved upon every Christian is to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13

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This above verse exhorts every Christian to engage in the battle over self, over the world, and over the devil’s angels, with the same unwavering bravery and tenacious dedication as Desmond Doss displayed on the physical battlefield!

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And though we fear and tremble in the sight of God, we nevertheless should have the same bravery as those courageous soldiers who are willing to sacrifice life and limb, each and every day on life’s battlefields!

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 9, CLICK HERE…

November 2 (Planet Earth, Devil’s Island, Part 9: “Planet Earth: Bizzaro World!”)

Bizarro World – Wikipedia – Non-Free media rationale

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to follow those brave soldiers’ examples in my own life, in the spiritual realm! Help me to bravely endure the fire-storm of Satan’s wrath in the coming days, knowing that all those fiery trials are for purification of the hearts of God’s army…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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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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LOCATION…

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**The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months.**

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

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BODY HARD TO SEE

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The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus .

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TOMORROW

August 24 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 10: “The Joy of Creation!”)

Mother Child face-to-face – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

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

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 16 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 15: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” FURTHER CONTINUED)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

.

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 16

.

Cease Ye From Man!

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Part 15:

“Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?”

FURTHER CONTINUED

To read Part 1, click here… “August 21st (Cease Ye From Man!)”

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“And the smoke of their torment

ascendeth up for ever and ever:

and they have no rest day nor night,

who worship the beast and his image,

and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Revelation 14:11

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This above verse from the Book of Revelation foretells of the day that men will suffer God’s wrath because of their sin of worshiping the Beast and his image.

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Now there are many various theories about just who this beast is, and exactly what is this image which is worshipped by the human race.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Television, the image that speaks

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GOLDEN IMAGE FOR “NATIONS & LANGUAGES”

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One great big clue to understanding the image of the beast is found in Daniel, Chapter 2, in which King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden image of himself on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

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And the king commanded the “nations and the languages” to fall down and worship the golden image.

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Well, this story is similar to Revelation 13 in which the world is compelled to worship the beast and his image, at the penalty of death for all who refuse to do so.

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The fiery furnace – Daniel 3-12 – www.thebiblerevival.com

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LUCIFER: THE TRUE KING OF BABYLON

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Now, without trying to go into every detail, the main point to these prophecies is this: the golden image in Babylon represents King Nebuchadnezzar who represents Lucifer, the fallen angel, as revealed in Isaiah 14.

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Yes, in Isaiah 14, God prophesy’s against the King of Babylon, even calling him Lucifer at one point.

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

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THE IMAGE OF A MAN, A KING, SATAN

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And so, the gist of all this is, the entire world is to be compelled to worship the image of the beast.

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And just as the King of Babylon represents Satan, so too this image is the image of the beast, which the last devotional reveals is in the likeness of the Revelation 12 Dragon who represents Satan.

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And so, both the golden image of Daniel, and the image of the beast in Revelation 13 ultimately represents worshiping the image of Satan.

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

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THIS ENTIRE WORLD WORSHIPS SATAN!

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Now listen to Revelation 13:3, 4 which confirms this concept that worshiping this composite beast is akin to worshiping Satan…“and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast…”

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Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST BEAST ALWAYS IN THE WORLD

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Now just one more thing to consider as to what and who this beast represents… “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” 1st John 2:18 & 4:5, 6

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And so, these above two passages from 1st John reveal that even in his day the world was filled with antichrists…“ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time…” Revelation 2:18.

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Papessa tiara Harlot rides Beast – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST BEAST WAS BUSY BACK IN THE EARLY CENTURIES

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So John, when speaking of the coming Antichrist Beast of Revelation 13, revealed that his coming was already being fulfilled because the world was already filled with antichrists even back in John’s day!

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And so, that is why John said that even in his day it was “the last time”.

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST WORLD

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But just one more high point.

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Notice in John 4:5, John reveals that these antichrists are spoken of as this: “They are of the world, and speak of the world and the world hears them.”

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Therefore, this antichrist beast is merely the kingdom of Satan, made up of the people of this world and the kingdoms of this world, and the kings of this world. Perhaps we might say that this entire world-system and all its loyal citizenry is what comprises the Revelation 13 Antichrist Beast.

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It is a composite beast, comprised of the kings and kingdoms, including the loyal citizenry of this, Lucifer’s fallen kingdom, the world!

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And all those who love this selfish world with all its tinsel-like treasures and vain, earthly pleasures are actually loving its creator, Lucifer, now given the title, Satan and the Devil.

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped image – Wikimedia

March – Protest – Thank God For Satan – cropped image – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or later version

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HEAVENLY ROLE-MODELS or HELLISH ROLE MODELS?

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As most everyone in the Christian community understands, the Bible uses not only Jesus, but mere mortals, such as Paul, to be role-models for Christians to admire and emulate.

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But Lucifer, now called Satan fully understand this, and has given us his own role-models, for us to conform to. And now, with the advent of television, radio, the printed page, and high-tech devices, like never before this Master-Destroyer has perfected his mind-control machinery in which to conform the world into his own selfish image!

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And so, the many ‘superstars’ seen and adored by the lost multitudes on a daily basis, become firmly etched upon the tables of the human hearts of all those adoring fans of these ‘ministers of (Satan’s counterfeit) righteousness’!

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And as a result, they eventually begin to emulate them in their own personal daily lives!

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James Bond – by SteveBancroft – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 4.0 – cropped photo

Poster – Gone With the Wind – US Public Dom – Wikipedia

Super Bowl XLIII Thunderbirds Flyover Feb 1 2009 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Elvis Presley – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE BIBLE ONLY IS INFALLIBLE

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Well, this has given much spiritual food to chew on, and has only touched the high points concerning the beast and his image.

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Certainly this website makes no claim of infallibility but exalts God’s Word, the Bible as the only infallible source-book of truth!

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But as the faithful disciple of Jesus continues to explore the Bible for greater understanding of these things, these three devotionals might point them in the right direction.

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

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THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN

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However, let the Reader be reminded, that God has inscribed these truths in the very heavens, via the signs in the sun, moon and stars, now being revealed.

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And so, in a sense, God has placed His seal of approval on this message, or so it seems.

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And the reader is highly encouraged to study these heavenly signs as a way of confirming all these truths presented on this website!

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And may the Lord richly bless all those Bible students who sincerely desire to find truth.

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ABOVE STAR CHART (with constellations drawn in by this website): Wikipedia star-charts latter winter constellation in West with Orion – Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades, Auriga, Pleiades, etc.) – Goodly Horse (Persius, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, etc.) – Holy Ghost Rider (Camelopadelis)

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TO READ PART 16, CLICK HERE….

FEBRUARY 25 (Cease Ye from Man! Part 16: “For Vain Is the Help of Man!” )

Stab-in-the-back postcard – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to keep the image of Jesus before my eyes today. Give me discernment between the image of Jesus and the image of Man. Cause me to strive to put away the image of Man, as far as possible, replacing it with the image of Jesus…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION

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This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.

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This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

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**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

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ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – not for commercial use

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TOMORROW:

August 17 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 8: “Sinking Into The Bottomless Pit”)

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #226 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 15 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 14: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” CONTINUED)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 15

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Cease Ye From Man!

.

Part 14:

“Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?”

CONTINUED

To read Part 1, click here… “August 21st (Cease Ye From Man!)”

.

“And the smoke of their torment

ascendeth up for ever and ever:

and they have no rest day nor night,

who worship the beast and his image,

and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Revelation 14:11

.

This above verse from the Book of Revelation foretells of the day that men will suffer God’s wrath because of their sin of worshiping the Beast and his image.

.

Now there are many various theories about just who this beast is, and exactly what is this image which is worshipped by the human race.

.

Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

.

AN ENTIRE BOOK COULD BE WRITTEN

.

Now an entire book could be written on this subject; perhaps even several volumes.

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And so for this tiny devotional, only a just a short treatise on one aspect of this subject is possible.

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And so, today’s question is this: “What does the Bible have to say about ‘images’?”

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

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MAN CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE

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In the very first chapter of the Bible, God speaks of images…“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” Genesis 1:27

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Here is the wonderful image of the Lord God, which our first parents were created in.

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Unfortunately, they lost that image.

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Gustave Dore – Adam And Eve Driven Out Of Eden – wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE IMAGE OF EVIL

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But not all images are so wonderful, according to Scripture.

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No, all through the Bible, the Lord speaks of images, both good and bad…“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:” Exodus 20:4

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Now from this above verse concerning the 2nd Commandment, one might conclude that graven images have only to do with man-made idols which people bow down to and worship.

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The fiery furnace – Daniel 3-12 – www.thebiblerevival.com

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THE BIBLE IS AN UNFOLDING REVELATION

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But what must be remembered is that the Bible is an unfolding revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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And contrariwise, while Satan is introduced in Genesis as only being a serpent, little-by-little the Bible gradually unfolds more-and-more information regarding Satan, giving us greater-and-greater understanding about just what is the true nature of evil.

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And so it is with “images”. The Bible begins with only a basic concept regarding “images”, but gradually gives us more-and-more understanding throughout the rest of the Bible.

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Eve & The Whispering Serpent – wwwsignsofheaven – Share-Alike License

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BY BEHOLDING, WE BECOME CHANGED

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One very prominent instance in which images are more fully revealed is found in such passages as this…“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18

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Here above the Lord gives us a giant revelation of what images are all about! To become changed into the image of Christ is not just some physical transformation. It is to become transformed into the likeness of Christ’s character.

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Yes, Christ’s character is His image.

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS IMAGE

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And so with the knowledge of this above verse from 2nd Corinthians 3:18 it begins to become manifest just what Genesis is speaking of when God says…“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” Genesis 1:27

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Now it becomes clear that when God created man and woman in His image, He originally created men (and women) with a Godlike character.

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But when our first parents chose to partake of that forbidden fruit, they lost that likeness to a great degree.

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Now the world fell under the control of Lucifer, who gained control over mankind, now given the title, “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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“AND HE (GOD) SHALL SIT AS A REFINER…AND PURGE THEM (HIS PRIESTS) AS GOLD AND SILVER”

Malachi 3:3

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And so, the Bible reveals that from that tragic day when mankind fell away from God’s image, it became the mission of God to restore fallen mankind back into the image of God…“I beseech you therefore, brethren…be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2

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This and other similar passages reveal God’s great purpose for this His people. Yes, God has chosen His elect to become “a royal priesthood”: spiritual counterparts of “the Sons of Levi”! (See 1st Peter 2:9)

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Gold smelting – Public Domain – wn.com

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THE BEAST IS IN THE LIKENESS OF THE DRAGON

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Now today’s abbreviated study will hopefully tantalize the Reader with just one more piece of the puzzle in gaining a greater understanding of images.

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Notice this verse concerning Satan, spoken of as a dragon…“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” Revelation 12:3

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Now compare this dragon to the Antichrist Beast of Revelation 13…“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” Revelation 13:1

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Here is revealed that this Antichrist Beast is mostly made in the same image as the Revelation 12 Dragon, Satan.

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Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“THE SEVEN HEADS (OF THE ANTICHRIST BEAST) ARE SEVEN MOUNTAINS (KINGDOMS)…”

Revelation 17:9, 10

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Now as one continues to study Revelation, Chapter 17, this Antichrist Beast is revealed to actually be a composite picture of various kings and kingdoms of this earth.

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And so, one may conclude that this Revelation 13 Antichrist Beast is Satan’s representative kings and kingdoms on this earth. In other words, just as this beast is made in Satan’s image, so too, these various kings and kingdoms together comprise the image and likeness of Satan, symbolized by 7 heads,

.

Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when Thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image”

Psalm 73:20

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This above verse from Psalms reveals that unsaved mankind will be judged concerning which image they possess. God despises the image of selfishness. And the unsaved (including false brethren within the Church), have unknowingly allowed Satan to inscribe his unholy image upon the tables of their hearts!

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And they have never made the effort to undo that ungodly image of selfishness by spending their lives transforming themselves into the image of Jesus.

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Therefore, when God arises to judge the inhabitants of earth, it is written…“O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image” Psalm 73:20

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

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“THE GLORY OF GOD TO CONCEAL A THING”

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Now the reason why God didn’t just come out and plainly explain these things is revealed in the following verse…“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2

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Yes, many of the deeper concepts of the Bible have been somewhat concealed and veiled within various allegories, types, and shadows.

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**And yet, because God has chosen His Elect people to become a “royal priesthood” (1st Peter 2:9), it is their royal and kingly honor to search out those deeper truths in Scripture.**

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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Therefore, all readers who consider themselves to be God’s “royal priesthood” may continue to search out these deeper truths in tomorrow’s devotional…click here…August 16 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 14: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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To read Part 15, click here…

August 16 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 15: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” FURTHER CONTINUED)

Woman gazing into mirror – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to keep the image of Jesus before my eyes today. Give me discernment between the image of Jesus and the image of Man. Cause me to strive to put away the image of Man, as far as possible, replacing it with the image of Jesus…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

.

This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.

.

This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

.

Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

.

**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

.

ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – not for commercial use

.

TOMORROW:

August 16 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 15: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” FURTHER CONTINUED)

Woman gazing into mirror – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #225 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 14 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 13: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 14

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Cease Ye From Man!

.

Part 13:

“Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?”

To read Part 1, click here… “August 21st (Cease Ye From Man!)”

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A certain Christian became annoyed at his favorite Christian radio station.

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The problem was, while this station played soft and reverent music most of the time, there were many other songs mingled in which the singers were obviously attempting to imitate the singers of the world.

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And so, that Christian was perplexed as to whether he should discontinue listening to that somewhat compromised radio station.

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One problem was that there weren’t any alternative stations which aired so many Bible readings as this station aired.

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

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“THE NATIONS…WORSHIPPED THE GOLDEN IMAGE”

Daniel 3:7

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God has placed us in a world of sin and selfishness.

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This world is a reflection of the mind of Lucifer, the original outcast angel from Heaven.

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In other words, this world, to a great degree, is the express image of Lucifer’s unchristlike character.

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And so, all through our day, we are surrounded by sights and sounds which reflect the character of Lucifer, now given the title of, “Satan”, and, “The Devil”.

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This is why he has also been given the title, “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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“HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF. FROM SUCH TURN AWAY!”

2nd Timothy 3:5

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**Oh yes, there is , “a form of godliness” in the world.**

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There is much orderliness and morality mingled in with all the otherwise bad behavior of this rebellious planet.

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**And yet, the Bible warns us in 2nd Timothy 3:5, that, “a form of godliness” is also an integral part of Satan’s character.**

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Crowd of people – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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OUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS!

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**Now, 2nd Corinthians 5:20 reveals our great commission to become, “ambassadors for Christ”, to the lost souls of this, the Devil’s antichrist world-system.**

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And as His representatives, our goal is to present Christ to the world, not merely with our words, but also in our character, which speaks much louder than our words!

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But how are we to display Christ?

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How are we to be changed from our ungodly character, into Christ’s pure and holy likeness?

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

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BY BEHOLDING JESUS, WE ARE CHANGED!

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Well, 2nd Corinthians 3:18 presents a very critically important truth concerning this very question…“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

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Here is one of the most glorious verses in the Bible! It reveals how a person becomes changed into the glorious likeness of Jesus Christ.

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Yes, to behold Christ is how we become transformed into His image, little-by-little, day-after-day!

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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PUTTING ON OUR ‘SON-GLASSES’

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The Apostle, Paul, speaks of the same concept of filling our minds with good thoughts, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

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Here again, the Lord is encouraging us to keep our minds focused daily upon the things which seem to reflect the image of Christ.

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

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“THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD!”

Psalm 19:1

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And let’s face it! God has allowed many remnants and traces of His goodness, holiness, purity, and love in this world.

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Nature, for example, is filled with many aspects which teach us of God’s character.

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And nature can become a great means of instructing our children in the ways of Heaven.

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Children are naturally intrigued by nature!

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And of course, there are other aspects of nature which instruct us and warn us against evil, such as the spider and his enticing but entangling web.

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South American Butterfly – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

Father & Son – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Spider Web – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPT GOOD MANNERS”

1st Corinthians 15:33

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And so, our goal should be to behold Jesus in the sights and sounds that we encounter each and every day!

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**And contrariwise, the Christian will want to eliminate, as far as possible, the sights and sounds which display the character of, “the god of this world”, Lucifer.**

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Sunset at Huntington Beach – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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“PURIFY YOUR HEARTS YE DOUBLE-MINDED!”

James 4:8

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And so, this was the great quandary of that certain Christian concerning his favorite radio station: “Is it worth sacrificing all those great Bible readings and all the nice music, just because they mingle in other sensual songs which tend to glorify the performers?

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“Should I quit listening to all the good programming just because some of the songs obviously reflect the sensual nature of the world?”

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And these were the questions which perplexed that Christian, and became a matter of soul-searching prayer.

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

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE!”

2nd Corinthians 6:17

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Well, this perplexing question is the same question that all of us must encounter in the various aspects of our life in this fallen world.

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Yes, we can be sure that we too must make many decisions about whether or not to eliminate some ungodly association from our daily life: friends, employment, amusements, clubs, television, radio, Internet, restaurants, stores, and a host of other influences.

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These are the very questions which every Christian will have to pray about and deal with at various times in our heavenward sojourn.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS!”

Mark 13:14 & Luke 21:21

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Oh yes, we cannot completely come out of this world at this present hour. After all, we must live and work, and eat, and raise our families.

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But even though we cannot come out completely out of the world, we can come a good way out, if we so-choose!

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And the less we behold the things which glorify mankind, and the more we behold the things which glorify Heaven’s Jesus, the greater and the faster will be our transformation into His glorious image and wonderful likeness!

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Family Prayer Before Meal – Wikimedia – US-Govt. – Public-Domain

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TO READ PART 14, GO HERE…

August 15 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 14: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” CONTINUED)

Woman gazing into mirror – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to keep the image of Jesus before my eyes today. Give me discernment between the image of Jesus and the image of Man. Cause me to strive to put away the image of Man, as far as possible, replacing it with the image of Jesus…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

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This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.

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This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

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**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

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ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – not for commercial use

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TOMORROW:

August 15 (Cease Ye From Man! Part 14: “Whose Image Am I Beholding Today?” CONTINUED)

Woman gazing into mirror – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #224 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 3: August 5 (We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood! Part 4: “Satan’s Army: The World!”)

By admin On May 30th, 2024

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Daily Devotional, Year 3: August 5

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We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood!

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Part 4,

“Satan’s Army: The World!”

To read part 1, go here…JANUARY 15 (We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood!)

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“Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

Ephesians 2:2

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This above verse from Ephesians 2:2 is perhaps one of the most incredible, and yet despised verses in the Bible!

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Yes, this verse is a stinging condemnation of the entire world! Because it reveals just what power is working in the inhabitants of the world!

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The “Prince of the Power of the Air”!

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Obviously this is speaking of that wily old serpent, the Devil and Satan!

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He is that antichrist spirit now working in the children of disobedience, wherever they are found, both in the world as well as in the apostate church-world!

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

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VARIOUS ARTICLES

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This website has many various articles dealing with the spirit of Antichrist, Satan, featuring some particular aspect of his myriad of devilish deceptions carried out by the unsuspecting citizenry of his kingdom, this present world.

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**But today’s devotional wants to capsulize the basic tenet of “the god of this world”, Satan, and present a concise summary of the wares and ways of his deceptions.**

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

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TO “DECEIVE THE HEARTS OF THE SIMPLE”

Romans 16:18

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The reason for doing this is to make a clear delineation between Heaven’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom.

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In other words, we Christians, to a great extent, are very naive concerning just where the proper boundary line is between Heaven and Hell (this world).

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**And largely because of this lack of spiritual discernment, the Church has been taken captive by “the god of this world”, becoming prisoners in Babylon, the World.**

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**And so, this devotional is a reminder to ourselves, to be “not ignorant of his devices” (2nd Corinthians 2:11), nor of how he works through human instrumentalities to deceive God’s sheep.**

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“WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH & BLOOD”

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What needs to be understood is what Ephesians 6:11, 12 reveals…“Put on the whole armour 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.”

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So here is a concise statement revealing that it is not humans who are the problem.

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No, it is the evil forces of darkness working through humans, that God’s people must wrestle against!

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THE TWO SPIRITS IN THE WORLD

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And so, as Christians go through their each and every day, they need to be cognizant that they are living and working in Satan’s kingdom.

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And their everyday dealings with Mankind is a series of transactions between the children of God, and the children of the Devil: between those who are filled with God’s Spirit, and those who are filled with the Antichrist spirit of the world.

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And so, as the Christian goes through his or her day, they really need to understand that the people of the world are not their friends.

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Rather, the people of the world are the enemies of Christians, because they are indwelt with, “the prince of the power of the air; that spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”. Ephesians 2:2

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

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SATAN EMBRACES CHRISTIANS

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Now of course, Satan has enjoyed so much success in deceiving Christians by merely instilling the people of the world with “a form of godliness”. 2nd Timothy 3:5.

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In other words, Satan knows full well that by embracing Christians, keeping a friendly relationship between Believers and unbelievers, he thereby keeps God’s people in bondage to the world, Babylon.

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“BE YE SEPARATE!”

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But listen to God’s warning against forming personal friendships with the world…“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? …Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

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Here is a command from God that if ignored, endangers our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

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Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GOD WILL BE OUR FATHER

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Listen again, “…Wherefore come out from among them (unbelievers), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:17, 18

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From this above passage it becomes clear that our relationship with God is very dependent upon our willingness to separate ourselves from personal relationships with unbelievers, as far as possible.

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(Now of course, the Christian must still maintain relationships with family, and co-workers, and even neighbors, to a certain degree. And the Christian is to show Christ’s love, patience, and kindness to all humanity.)

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Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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

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And all who will, may come before His presence with deep humility and a longing for Salvation.

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And if we truly are sincere about serving Him, we will pray for the desire to maintain a separation from all corrupting influences which weaken our spiritual strength.

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And may God give us great Bible wisdom about how we must maintain a proper balance between, “being in the world and yet not of the world!”, and also to, “use this world, as not abusing it” (John 17:15, 16 & 1st Corinthians 7:31)

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 5, GO HERE….

September 4 (We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood! Part 5, “Satan’s Psychological War Against Our Children!”)

ABOVE PICTURE: TV indoctrination – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me spiritual insight, that I might see the true battle! Help me put on my heavenly armor, that I might be a properly fitted soldier in the Lord’s army…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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SIGN IN HEAVEN

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Well, If you look up and lift up your head, you just might see a wonderful sign, which God spoke about in Revelation 12. It is a constellation of a woman. The ancients only saw it as a great bear. It is commonly known as Ursa Major . It is also known as the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper), but with the addition of various other stars.

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But with the eye of faith, it actually appears as the Revelation 12 Woman. You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful.

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Listen… “And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman…And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered…And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place… from the face of the serpent. Revelation 12:1, 2, 14.

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***TRAVAILING* IN SUMMER, *FLEEING IN WINTER***

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In the summer night-sky, Just as this passage says, she appears as the woman-in-travail. But in the winter, she flips upside-down, to appear as the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12, just as this passage states. But whether this Virtuous Woman is in labor pains, or fleeing to the mountains, she is the heavenly icon of God’s bride, His Church.

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And now we need to explore how this fleeing woman in the heavens relates to us, the Church. Just like this fleeing woman, we too, need to flee from the wrath to come. But how do we flee? And where do we flee to? Well just read this article and you will find out exactly what the Bible has to say about all this.

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

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TOMORROW…

August 6 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 18: “Doomsday Clock Moved Forward Today!”)

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

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THIS IS STUDY #215 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Devouring Fire.com

Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 18 (Finding Perfect Peace, Part 10, “World’s Most Unpopular Antidepressant!”)

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – August 18

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Finding Perfect Peace,

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Part 10,

“World’s Most Unpopular Antidepressant!”

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!”

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Seldom have truer words been spoken by the world’s philosophers than these above words by “Tale of Two Cities” author, Charles Dickens!

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Yes, in this world, there are many who are enjoying themselves.

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You could perhaps say that half the world is wearing a smile, while the other half are wearing a sad expression!

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Indeed, it is the best of times for some, and the worst of times for others!

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While half the world is enjoying their health, their family, their friends, and perhaps even their good fortune, the other half are pressed down beneath the weight of mis-fortune of one type or another.

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For these suffering ones, it is the worst of times!

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MAN’S CURES

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Now there are many who, when facing unhappiness will turn to drugs, alcohol, or antidepressants in hopes of getting out of the proverbial ditch they seem to have fallen into.

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But are drugs and antidepressants what these people really need? Are antidepressants actually going to make a person happy?

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Certainly there have been studies which indicate that some antidepressants cause certain users to even entertain suicidal thoughts at times! How can that be good?

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Now there are other unhappy ones who decide to turn their life course in a new direction.

Maybe they join a jogging club and begin eating a healthy diet.

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Still others may decide to ratchet up their social life.

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A SUPERIOR ANTIDEPRESSANT

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And just what kind of antidepressant is so superior to all other antidepressants?

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