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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – May 25

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The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel,

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Part 2:

“Peace, Prosperity, Health & Family Values”

To read Part 1, go here…June 23rd (The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel)

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In Part 1 (click here), it was established that today’s prosperity-driven gospels are a relatively new phenomenon which really came into its own in the last few centuries.

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Yes, for most of the past 2,000 years, the world just got by.

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And there were virtually no get-rich gospels blowing in the wind back in those days.

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People knew that they weren’t going to hit the lottery jackpot. People knew that poverty was probably going to be their lot in life.

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Orphanage run by Christians – Jan de Bray – Wikimedia – Public domain

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AN OPULENT SOCIETY

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But today, we live in a cornucopian super-society, in which just about every kind of affluence and abundance is within reach!

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It is a state-of-the-art society, in which various lifestyles almost seem as if they are stamped out on some giant societal assembly-line machine.

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

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THE GREAT BABYLONIAN DREAM-MAKER!

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And because of television, Internet, as well as the printed page, the most coveted lifestyles are deeply engraven upon the hearts and minds of the vast populace in many industrial nations around the world.

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In other words, society has determined what are the best lifestyles that the world should seek after.

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And these rather affluent lifestyles are being promoted via our high-tech media on a 24/7/365 basis!

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

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AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

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Well, for the people of the world, these pre-fabricated lifestyles are to be expected.

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But even though we Christians have grown up, lived, and worked in this fallen world, we have now been given a much different commission from God: to become, “ambassadors for Christ” to the people of this lost and fallen world, calling them to forsake this selfish world, and live for Heaven. (see 2nd Corinthians 5:20)

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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ITCHING EARS GOSPELS

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And yet, the Enemy of Souls has crept in unawares, bringing with him these worldly lifestyles, which require so much time, effort and energy to obtain, and to maintain.

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And unfortunately, the Christian community, to a great extent, has, “bought into” and embraced these worldly aspirations!

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And in so-doing, there is a counterfeit gospel now being preached in many or perhaps most pulpits, and certainly on most every Christian TV and radio network!

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

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“SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS”

(1st Timothy 6:5, and onward)

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And the essence of this false gospel is a prosperity-driven message.

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Oh no, this earthly-prosperity message is not merely concerning money.

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But this counterfeit, look-alike gospel is a total package, complete with morality and family values attached!

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Now what in the world could be wrong with morality and family values?

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After all, the entire world seeks after peace, prosperity, and good health!

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And so, morality and family values would go hand-in-hand with such earthly blessings, wouldn’t they?

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

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“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

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Well, nothing is wrong with morality or family values.

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That is, there’s nothing wrong if they are a natural outgrowth of a man, woman, or child becoming a “new creation”, filled with the precious promises of God’s Word!

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

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LIFESTYLE CHANGE INSTEAD OF DYING-IN-CHRIST

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But all too often, these close counterfeit gospels are preached, mostly void of God’s Word.

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Oh yes, these morality/family-values gospels will often throw in various Bible verses concerning marriage and child-rearing.

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And yet, these false gospels mostly side-step or ride roughshod over the true heart of Christ’s message: to become “born again”, constantly striving to be filled with God’s Word in all godliness and holiness of the Spirit of Christ.

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PICTURE: “Thy Word have I hid in my heart” Psalm 119:11

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MISSING INGREDIENT

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To become “born again” as “a new creature” in Christ, becoming filled with God’s Word and indwelt by the Spirit of Holiness is a statement worthy of much contemplation! (see John, Ch. 3 & 2nd Corinthians 5:17 & Galatians 6:15)

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And yet, this great truth is often slighted, or at best, this grand principle is confused by all the worldly elements now being injected into the Gospel.

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Yes, this “wolves-in-sheep’s-clothing” gospel is now being preached nearly everywhere on the “Christian” television, radio, Internet, and even in today’s pulpits.

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Church music – Singers & Dancers – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS

Isaiah 35:8

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But the true Gospel is actually a spiritual sojourn upon the upward pathway to Heaven.

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And every precept, every precious promise, and every prophetic utterance: these are as the very stepping stones on that Heavenward Highway of Holiness!

 

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MUCH DISCOURAGEMENT

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And yet, the true Christian should not be surprised to encounter rebellion by his or her family!

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Yes, quite often, the true disciple of Jesus will discover that his family rebels against him, wanting nothing to do with his (or her) Christianity!

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It is just as Jesus forewarned…“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth…And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matthew 10:34-36

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Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS! PRECIOUS PROMISES!

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Well, the Good News is, that the Bible contains precious promises regarding the Salvation of the Overcomer’s family.

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Listen…“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.”

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Family Portrait – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be deceived by the deceitfulness of riches. Let me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and pattern my life after His glorious life…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “June 9th (The Power of Positive-Thinking Gospels!)” or you can also read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

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THE ARK IN THE HEAVENS

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So what importance to us is all this information? Well, if a person goes out at night, beginning in April (earlier in southern-most latitudes, and later in northern-most), in the pre-dawn hour, they just might locate the constellation commonly referred to as the Sagittarius Constellation . It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)

 

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At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward. But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left. The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible (for instance, “the seven stars are the angels…” Revelation 1:20). To the right is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Sagittarius Constellation, to show how God created it to appear.

 

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Star-chart to right is from Wikipedia. Editor has sketched over Sagittarius to show this Ark Constellation.

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THE ARK, CROSS/SCEPTER & FLOWER OF THE FIELD

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

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The below sketch is of the southernmost constellations: The Ark of the Covenant, the Flower of the Field, and the Cross/Scepter Constellations. As you can see in the sketch, the two stars in this Ark of the Covenant Constellation, (on either side of the Ark) do not look like these two angels. This sketch is just an overly generous rendering of this constellation. This sketch does however, present a view of the Ark, as it might have appeared (somewhat) in Solomon’s temple. This constellation is commonly known as “Sagittarius”. Why the ancients saw this as a centaur (man/horse figure) is a mystery. Maybe someone knows.

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TEMPLE IN HEAVEN OPENED

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But the really big important fact is that this constellation is spoken of in Revelation… “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the Ark of His Testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19. This constellation begins to fulfill this prophecy in this above verse. But as you read more and more of Signs Of Heaven, you will see a greater fulfillment of this prophecy. Because not only will the temple be opened in Heaven, but you will receive instructions as to how you may enter by faith into the true temple in Heaven and into the true Most Holy Place where the actual Ark is (the heart of God).

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(To read more on this subject, go to… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Ark of the Covenant Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

May 26 (Eternal Torment? Part 21: “The Impossibility of Eternal Torment!”)

Buddhist Hell – Wikipedia – public domain

 

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #143 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – May 24

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The Deal of All Deals!

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Part 3:

“Free Tickets To Paradise!”

to read part 1, click here…“Deal of All Deals, Part 1”

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What if somebody came to you with free airfare and accommodations to some beautiful tropical paradise, for both you and for your family? Would you take them?

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Well, most people would jump at the chance to go, now wouldn’t they?

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Belize – Wikipedia – Share-alike-license

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GOD IS OFFERING PARADISE TO ALL!

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And yet, that’s exactly what God is doing to the inhabitants of this sad and tragic world.

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Yes, Jesus came to live among us, and provide the necessary payment to allow us to go to that everlasting paradise.

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And His atonement upon that cruel cross paved the way for any and every man, woman, and child to go to that place of rapturous tranquility and indescribable beauty to live in complete joy, peace, and contentment for all time and eternity!

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

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But hardly anyone is responding to His offer!

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GUESTS WHO ARE TOO BUSY TO COME!

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Instead, many of us are like those who were invited to an incredible feast in that infamous parable.

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Listen to how they spurned that offer…“And they all…began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” Luke 14:18-20

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This above passage was especially written for us today! Yes, we who live in this present-day cornucopian super-society have been mesmerized by all the countless diversions, amusements, career opportunities, etc., which have flooded us!

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Banquet Table Nobel-Hansbaer – wikipedia – share-alike lic.

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GOD WILL HAVE HIS SUPPER FILLED WITH GUESTS!

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But God will have His great supper filled with guests.

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Just listen as this parable continues…“Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” Luke 14:21

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Yes, God is now ready to bypass all pre-occupied people, and begin to call those who have nothing to lose, to come enjoy His feast! This class is made of, “the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” They have nothing to lose. The world has all but turned its back on these!

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

Homeless man reading Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia share-alike license

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SUPPER NOW BEING SERVED!

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And what is His feast?

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Well, to begin with, God’s great supper is comprised of a variety of heavenly delights: the fruit of the Spirit, the milk and meat of the Word, the wine of Salvation, the bread of life!

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This kind of spiritual feast is now ready to enjoy. 

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

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EVIDENCE OF TRUE SALVATION

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And those who consider ourselves to be children of the kingdom do not realize that the evidence that we have truly received this free trip to paradise, is seen in whole-hearted devotion.

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Listen to Jesus, as He defines who His true disciples are…“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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No, God is not looking for part-timers. He wants us to live for one world or the other. The choice is ours to make.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS!

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But the very Good News is that God is still stretching forth His nail-pierced hands to His professed people pleading with us…“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10

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Yes, this is the kind of heart-felt repentance that is required in these closing hours of time! And by the grace of God, we may begin right now to enjoy all the delicious culinary delights found in God’s Word.

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Listen to Job’s love for God’s Word…“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. This is the great supper which God is now offering us!

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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PARADISE BEGINS IN OUR HEART

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And as for that promised Paradise? We don’t have to wait for that either. Because God’s Paradise of Heaven begins in our very own heart! Right now!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place within the heart – Signs Of Heaven

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to really see what a great trade that God is offering. And let me not be deceived into thinking that I can have both worlds! But like the apostle, Paul, let me lose all things, that I might win Christ…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… January 7th (TIME TO GET OUT OF DODGE!), or you can also read… “(It’s a throw-away world!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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

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

Joel 3:14

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AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

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

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

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

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

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

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation” or you can also read… “Babylon…O Destroying Mountain”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

May 25 (The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel, Part 2: “Peace, Prosperity, Health & Family Values”)

Rolls-Royce-200EX-Ghost-Flickr-The-Car-Spy-Wikimedia-Share-alike-license-300×225

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #142 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – May 23

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A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!

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Part 2:

“Our Favorite Party: The ‘Pity-Party’!”

To read Part 1, go here…May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!)

Melanie martinez pity party single cover – Wikipedia – Non-free media information and use rationale – non-free single cover for Pity Party (song)

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The world loves to party.

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They even have an expression, “Party on dude!” or “Party hardy!”

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Of course, there are varied types of parties in the world. From the birthday parties of little children, to holiday get-togethers, to tail-gate parties, to the out-and-out drunken fests, the world loves to party! “Party-on dude!”

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

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THE PITY-PARTY!

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Well, just as the world loves to party, there is one type of party which many of us who call ourselves “Christian”, love to throw for ourselves.

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It is of course the ever-popular “Pity Party”.

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But unlike the parties of the world, that depend on a good turnout, the less people who show up at our own little pity-party, the better!

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After all, uninvited guests can spoil our miserable enjoyment, by attempting to encourage us in some way, thus putting a huge damper on our self-pity!

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

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OLD TESTAMENT PITY-PARTIES

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But these pity-parties are nothing new!

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No, the Old Testament records some incredibly large pity-parties!

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You see, the Old Testament was, “written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1st Corinthians 10:11

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Yes, all those supposed “musty and crusty” Old Testament stories are actually as fresh and sparkling as the night-gallery of stars when passing overhead each and every evening!

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Murmuring against Moses – www.freebibleimages.org – Creative Commons License

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SO-CALLED, “DISPENSATIONALISM” 

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It’s too bad that Satan (working through false teachers) has convinced so many church-goers that those stories don’t concern us.

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But in truth, those stories of faith can and must be translated into our individual lives and applied to our own personal trials and tribulations.

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Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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OLD TESTAMENT BATTLES

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For instance, when the children of Israel were overwhelmed by their enemies, the Lord encouraged them by saying…“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee…let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (condensed for brevity)

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Now such precious promises as this can be a great comfort and encouragement to those of us who are fighting our own battles, whatever they may be.

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Oh no, there are not literal horses or chariots in our battles. But there indeed are literal armies coming against us: Satan and his angels!  And the “horses and chariots” today come in the form of false gospels and secular organizations.

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

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ON THE BED OF SICKNESS

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Yes, the Bible has many “exceeding great and precious promises” which can be a great comfort and encouragement to those of us who are fighting our own battles, whatever they may be.

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For instance, there are many of us who are suffering from some illness. And day-after-day we pray for God’s help and mercy and even for His healing touch. And as the Wise-Man says in Ecclesiastes 3:4…“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

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Yes, there is a time for genuine sorrow, especially in this sad old world!

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Nevertheless, the Devil would love nothing more than to get us to become dismayed and discouraged.

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And so, if only the Enemy of Souls can get us to take our eyes off Jesus, and begin to feel sorry for ourselves, we are then likely to fall into one of those infamous pity-parties, bringing us to where he wants us; distraught and discouraged, falling back into sin and maybe even apostasy!

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

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EVERYONE’S A VICTIM!

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One of the Devil’s favorite tactics is to whisper into some church-attendee’s ear…“Just think how you were oppressed by your Christian parents, and by church-members! You have the right to walk away from God! You were denied many things that the world was enjoying! You deserve to walk away!”

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And so, Satan really knows how to whisper such accusations, which are designed to give excuse for the supposed offended-one to walk away from salvation!

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One of the popular trendy waves in today’s society is that of “victimhood”. And let’s face it! Today’s society has really got on-board this current victimhood wave! Everyone’s a victim! And victimhood is actually celebrated in today’s culture!

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

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THE VERY FIRST PITY-PARTY

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Even way back in Paradise, Satan discouraged Eve by the lie, that God was holding her back from achieving her potential greatness! And in her self-pity, she decided to disobey God’s one little command…“Of all the trees…ye may freely eat; but of the tree in the midst of the Garden, ye shall not eat of it!” Genesis 2:15, 16

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So you see, Satan knows extremely well just how powerful a pity-party can be! How do you think he caused a third of the heavenly host to rebel!? By convincing them that God was unfairly holding them back from “living merely to please their own selves”!

Eve – Tizian – Wikipedia – pub-dom

Paradise Lost – G Dore – Wikipedia – Public-domain

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PITY-PARTIES ARE VERY DANGEROUS!

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Yes, there is nothing like a pity-party to cause us to sin against God by our own selfish denial/rejection of God’s precious promises!

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This faithlessness is what God’s Old Testament people so often fell into, causing them to repeatedly murmur and complain against the Lord.

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

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GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENTS

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But God patiently encouraged them to go forward by faith, saying such things as this…“With him (our enemy) is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” 2nd Chronicles 32:8

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

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CLAIMING GOD’S PROMISES

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And so, dear darling soul of mine, whether we are on the bed of suffering, or have suffered some great loss, or fear for some looming future threat, do not begin to throw one of those giant pity-parties.

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But rather, begin to claim those Old (or, New) Testament, “exceeding great and precious promises”, and rise up against the Enemy of Souls, treading upon those fiery serpents which he mercilessly casts before God’s people! (See 2nd Peter 1:4) 

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For the Lord will go before us and fight for us and deliver us from every form of evil which comes against us! He will absolutely not fail us, even though our present circumstances may seem hopeless!

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But they are not hopeless! For, “…with God all things are possible!” Matthew 19:26

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

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“REMEMBER THEM!”

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“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” Hebrews 13:3

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But as this above verse reminds us, we must be ever cognizant that there are many Christians who are crushed beneath a weight of doubts and discouragement!

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And so, for goodness sake, let’s be praying for one another that none of us will continue to revel in our selfish and faithless self-pity, but begin to claim all the many “exceeding great and precious promises” found throughout the Old and New Testaments!

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Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A WORD OF CAUTION

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But instead of scolding the one who is in one of those pity-parties, let’s instead remember what God admonishes us to do…“comfort the feebleminded, SUPPORT THE WEAK, be patient toward all [men].” 1st Thessalonians 5:14

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Yes, to support and comfort anyone who is experiencing a weakness in faith, by lending a sympathetic ear, and a non-censuring demeanor, might go much further than any scolding or unsympathetic, “pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps” remark!

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John George Brown – “Sympathy” – 1885 – Wikimedia – US Public-Domain

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THE READER IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO STUDY FROM JEREMIAH CONCERNING CHRISTIAN SUFFERING. THIS STUDY IS CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Munch – Det Syk Barn – 1896 – wikipedia – US-public-domain

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

March 7 (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church! Part 3: “John the Baptist”)

John the Baptist by Harold Copping www.wikigallery.com US public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to joyfully accept the trials which come upon me, knowing that they keep me looking up to Thee…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…(Paul’s Godly Example, Part 3: “Like Paul In Suffering!”), or you can also read… MARCH 4 (Babylon = Baby-Land, Part 4: Why Does God Allow Suffering?)or you can also read…May 26 (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?! Part 8: “Nick Vujicic: A Pity-Party’s Worst Guest!”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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Listen to the following revelation concerning the evil which exists within the hearts of men…“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23 

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

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

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

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He is very moral, you see…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner“

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TOMORROW:

May 24 (The Deal of All Deals! Part 3: “Free Tickets To Paradise!”)

Belize20D_242 wikipedia share-alike license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #141 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – May 22

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How Do I See These Signs of Heaven?

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Part 3:

“A Matter of Desire, or Lack Thereof!”

To read Part 1, go here…JULY 31 (How Do I See These Signs of Heaven?)

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God is a respecter of people’s right to choose or not to choose. He does not force people to accept the truth if they do not wish to see the truth.

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The Bible says concerning love….“Love does not insist on its own way” 1st Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

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Oh yes, God does choose a people to serve Him. But even there, He gives them a willing Spirit, and a desire for truth. The Bible calls this “the grace of God”.

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

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“I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES”

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That is why the Bible is written largely in parables, as is written in Luke 8:10…“And He (Jesus) said, Unto you (His true disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

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DO NOT DISTURB!

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The reason why most church-goers do not wish to see the deeper truths of the Bible is simply this: they have a comfortable religion which allows them to continue on in their selfish ways, and at the same time deceived into believing they have Heaven’s blessing.

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In other words, they have Heaven in one hand, and the world in the other.

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Such a self-sacrificing life that Jesus lived would be far too much of a cross to bear!

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THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN

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Now the same principle applies to the Signs Of Heaven.

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This is a wonderful message inscribed in the very heavens!

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And those who truly desire to receive the message attached to these signs may have their eyes opened to see these signs.

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But for those who are without, these heavenly signs may not be seen.

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Yes, those who do not wish to receive this end-time message will simply not see these things, even though they may try, to some extent.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART (these Bible constellations drawn from Wikipedia star-charts – Early Winter in the east – Orion, Revelation 12 Woman (AKA Ursa Major) – Revelation 12 Dragon (AKA Hyades, Pleiades, etc.) – Goodly Horse in Battle with Rider (Camelopardelis, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, etc…) – www.signsofheaven.org – Not for profit use!

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“THE CONSTELLATIONS SHALL NOT GIVE THEIR LIGHT”

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Listen, as Isaiah 13:9, 10 speaks of this very hour we are now in…“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger…For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.”

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These signs “in the sun…moon and…stars”, which Luke 21:25 prophesied of will be received and rejoiced over by those who have received (by grace), the love of Heaven’s truth.

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But those who have NOT received the love of the truth, this entire message will appear as a total fraud.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations with Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) & Flower of the Field (aka: Scorpio) & The 12-Star Crown (aka: Corona Borealis) & The Cross-Scepter (aka: Ophiochus & Serpens) & Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) & Arcturus Star – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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“THE GOD OF THIS WORLD HATH BLINDED”

2nd Corinthians 4:4

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Of course, Satan has been hard at work, making sure that this message is seemingly filled with errors.

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And he will continue to make sure that this message appears as utter nonsense to as many as he can deceive, even “the very Elect if possible!”

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

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“WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS”

Joel 2:30

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But for those whose eyes are truly opened, not only these various signs, “in the sun…moon and…stars”, but also the message attached to them will shine ever so brightly, as a guiding light for all those who are making the heavenward sojourn, out of this sin-darkened unbelieving world below!

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

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TO READ PART 4, GO HERE…

June 10 (How Do I See These Signs of Heaven? Part 4: “The Two Great Signs In The Heavens!”)

Starry Night at La Silla – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to immerse myself in this message. Help me prove this message against the Bible. But open my eyes, that I might see these heavenly signs…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Castor and Pollux & The Mystery Ship of Scripture”, or you can also read… “February 17th (Examine Yourself!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.

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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.

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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!

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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.

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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.

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Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

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ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).

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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.

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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…

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Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!

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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.

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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.

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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.

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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.

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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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TOMORROW:

May 23 (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church! Part 2: “Our Favorite Party: The ‘Pity-Party’!”)

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #140 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

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

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

The true account of Martha and her sister, Mary, while brief in word-count is nevertheless filled with some of the greatest truths found in Scripture!

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And the four words which makes up the title of this devotional are profound in implication.

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You see, this part of Martha and Mary’s story began by telling of a dinner party in Martha’s home in Bethany, an outlying village of Jerusalem.

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Listen…”Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His Word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” Luke 10:38-40

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Now the Bible makes clear that, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister (Mary)” John 11:5

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But Martha was jealous that her sister was spending her time hearing the Word of Christ, sitting at His feet.

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It seems that Martha was a bit of a multi-tasker. And as such, Martha no doubt allowed this characteristic to “go to her head”, as the saying goes. And her complaint to Jesus about “lazy” Mary not helping her sister’s serving presented the opportunity for Jesus to make His profound response…And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ” Luke 10:41, 42

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Here Jesus noted Martha’s many cares and troubles, comparing them to Mary’s singular heart which only longed to hear Jesus’ Word. And Jesus lovingly and tenderly rebuked Martha’s busy and overly-complicated life by saying…Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42

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Mary had chosen that, “good part”, that one, “needful”, thing: to sit at Jesus’ feet, and hear His Word.

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Now Satan understands this truth. And in these end-time hours, he has laid a huge snare for God’s people. Yes, this master-warrior has re-designed this world to become a giant trap for God’s people. You see, Satan, “the god of this world” has created this super-society to encourage a complicated lifestyle.

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After all, Satan is well aware of Jesus’ warning to His people…”And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that Day (of the Lord) come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35

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This above warning became a challenge to Satan. And in his hatred for God’s people, he has turned this society into a gigantic “theme-park”, filled with every conceivable attraction in hopes of keeping God’s people so busy that they neglect that one needful thing, to fill their hearts with the knowledge of Jesus! Even many seemingly innocent diversions, such as clubs, family gatherings, pleasure resorts, restauranting, games, amusements, sports, television, radio, Internet, books, magazines, curious sciences, operas, plays, weddings, needlessly expensive vehicles, insurance schemes, parties, politics, music listening & performing, time-consuming, energy-sapping careers, etc… These all work together to fill up the life with so many distractions, thus putting the work of heart-purification on the proverbial, “back-burner”.

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Even most of the Christian humanitarian ministries have become a snare, as they complicate the life, filling up each day with busy duties which merely deter the Christian from getting alone with Christ, sitting daily at the feet of Jesus listening to, and gathering up all the precious gem-like promises which are hidden within in God’s Word!

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Even some teaching ministries, such as Revelation seminars completely ignore the correct focus, which should be all about Jesus, and instead turn the focus onto world events, time-consuming and meaningless time-charts, and political strife.

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But the Good News is, that God has provided a little time to correct our great error. Yes, God’s people have been given enough time to simplify our lifestyle and fully engage ourselves in that “one needful thing”, to fill up our heart with the life-giving Words of Jesus!

 

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“The LORD hath chastened me sore: but He hath not given me over unto death.” Psalm 118:18

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The Bible has much to say about suffering.

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But one thing the Bible never records, is that God ever caused needless suffering.

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Listen…”3:31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
3:32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
3:33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
3:34 To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,” Lamentations

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Here above, the Lord reveals that He only grieves the children of men for the purpose of repentance.

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So where in the world does the Church get the notion that God will bring suffering on lost souls for all eternity?

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Simple! This false doctrine commonly referred to as “Eternal Torment”, is the product of poor Bible hermeneutics, exercised by the apostate churches of Europe during the Dark Ages. In other words, because unsanctified theologians did not understand how to compare scripture with scripture, in hopes of discovering the spiritual message of the Bible, this archaic church-doctrine has continued to be embraced by the apostate churches for many centuries, and even to this very day. And it still is being taught and is being received by many sincere Christians, who are yet held captive in Harlot Babylon, the fallen church-world.

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There is a false notion which has been perpetuated through the years, namely this: that the Bible is “perspicuous”, meaning the Bible is easily understood. Nothing could be further from the truth! The Bible is anything, but easy to understand!

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Oh yes, there are many plain, straightforward statements in the Bible. And yet, a quick reading of such Bible books, as Isaiah, or Jeremiah, or any number of other books, reveals that God has veiled many truths within very complicated language!

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The problem is, that God reveals the only pathway to truth, by telling us…”And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

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Here is the reason why so many members of today’s Church are still in darkness, deluded by such heresies as “eternal Torment”! They do not seek the Lord with all their heart. Their affections are still in the world, to a great degree. They are attempting to serve Christ and the world at the same time. And such a divided service will never bring about true discipleship, much less genuine Christian victory!

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Jesus plainly tells us…”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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Is this above verse not incredible? A person cannot even become a true disciple (student and follower), until he is ready to renounce this selfish world, and embark upon the Heavenward narrow pathway!

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Now this above verse from Luke 14:33 is not speaking of literally trashing all our possessions. But just as that old song says so well…”Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

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Yes, when a person truly seeks after and serves the Lord, his or her heart will become fixed upon the things of Heaven! And the things of the earth will simply lose their attraction on that Believer. And this kind of whole-hearted devotion to God is what is required to truly find the Lord, and fully understand His Word.

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And so, this is the reason why the apostate churches still cling to such false doctrines as, “Eternal Torment”. The apostate portion of the Church is comprised of all those who still love this present world.

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Now, upon a careful study of the many Bible accounts of suffering, it will be discovered that God caused the lost ones to die rather quickly. There was not a long period of suffering.

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God only brought extended afflictions on those who were destined for Heaven…”The LORD hath chastened me sore: but He hath not given me over unto death.” Psalm 118:18

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Here is a testimony that many Christians can say, “Amen” to! And even the Apostle, Paul, can relate to this above verse! Listen to Paul’s testimony regarding suffering…”And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2nd Corinthians 12:9, 10

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How could Paul take pleasure in sufferings and afflictions? Simple! He realized that his relationship with God was strengthened through those sufferings! He even goes further by saying…”whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:” Colossians 1:23, 24

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Paul here is revealing a great truth! Namely this: that those who truly desire to become Christlike will endure the sufferings of Christ in their own lives, howbeit to a much less degree than what Christ endured on the Cross.

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What must be kept in mind is that each of us have a sort of dual personality. The Bible speaks of this in the following terms… “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

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Yes, the sad truth is, that each of us has two men each struggling for supremacy. And it only by allowing God to crucify that “Old Man” with his evil deeds, that we will no longer serve sin. (see Romans 6:6). And so each and every true Believer joins in the spiritual battle of overcoming and crucifying that Old Man of the flesh.

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And so, those who truly strive to overcome the spirit of Antichrist, will endure the necessary chastisements which God allows us to go through, that all impurities may be burned out from within our hearts…”To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7) He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11). He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. (Revelation 3:5)”

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Here above, it is made plain that overcoming the world, the flesh and the Devil is not optional, but imperative!

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And so, while many Bible students do not understand the true nature of God’s “devouring fire”. They see the words, “fire” or “brimstone”, and all they can think of is literal fire and brimstone. And this is one reason why this false doctrine of “Eternal Torment” has continued to thrive in the apostate church-world to this very day!

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When God formed man out of the dust of the earth, the Bible says… 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  Genesis

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Yes, man became a living soul.

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And yet, when the day came that our first parents sinned, the following curse was pronounced… 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.  Genesis

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So here was the original curse pronounced upon all mankind. We are dust and unto dust shall we return.

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So where did this idea come from that all unsaved mankind will suffer eternal torment?

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Well, about 50% of this idea comes from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, in which the rich man was roasting in the fires of Hell.

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But the problem with this parable is that it makes little sense if we attempt to interpret it as a literal event

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In the first place, Jesus was speaking this parable to the sect of the Pharisees who no doubt enjoyed scaring the multitudes with stories about the fires of God’s judgment for all those who refused to submit themselves to these Pharisees.

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But Jesus turned the tables on those Pharisees by casting the rich man into those flames. You see, the Pharisees supposed that because of their morality and earthly prosperity that this was clear evidence of God’s blessing. And conversely, they supposed that those who were poor were suffering the wrath of God.

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But Jesus told this parable to make the point that such a pharisiacal prosperity gospel was merely borne of their selfishness.

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But this isn’t the only thing that makes little literal sense in this parable. One more evidence that this was a parable and could not be literal was that the rich man, while in Hell, still had a body. Here it speaks of his eyes and of his thirst for water.

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But if unsaved mankind finally returns to the dust, then it is a ridiculous notion that the rich man in Hell still had a body.

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The fact is, parables are stories which are comprised of earthly events and objects, to make some spiritual truth more clearly seen and understood.

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For instance, the parable of the ten virgins called to awake and go into the wedding supper cannot be understood literally. It is a parable. It must be understood spiritually.

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The ten virgins represent the two divisions of the Church: the church-faithful and the church-apostate. The lamps represent God’s Word. And the oil represents the Holy Spirit.

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And so it is with the parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus. The rich man represents those who live in moral pride and earthly selfish prosperity. Lazarus represents true worshipers of God, who have forsaken this selfish world to follow Jesus. The fires of Hell represents the suffering which comes on those in the Church who trust in their good works and earthly prosperity. They have not yet forsaken this present world. They still love the selfish wares and ways of this present life. Oh yes, they desire a relationship with Jesus. But their refusal to give up the riches and pleasures of this life, requiring them to rely on their moral goodness and good works to save them.

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But the point to this devotional is that this whole business about eternal torment is borne on the poor Bible studies of early church authorities who did not have the necessary understanding of proper Bible interpretation. They merely saw this parable as a literal explanation of the nature of Hell.

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8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
8:11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.Revelation

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9:15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.” Jeremiah

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23:15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.Jeremiah

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3:14 I was a derision to all my people; [and] their song all the day.
3:15 He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.Jeremiah

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5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:
5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.” Proverbs

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THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 14 MINUTE SEGMENT FROM AN AUDIO BIBLE STUDY (#198) IN THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH CONCERNING THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE, CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING OF FAMILY RADIO.ORG…

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The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are about the people of God as they prepared to return to their homeland from the 70 year captivity in Babylon.

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Unfortunately, many of them had taken foreign women to wed, which was strictly forbidden by God…

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Listen… “We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land:” Ezra 2:10

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This was a big problem for those people back then. God was very wroth against them because of this great sin.

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Listen again…”33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
33:56 Moreover it shall come to pass, [that] I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.”

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So here is a direct command for God’s people to not be mingle with unbelievers. And the penalty for disobedience is very severe.

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But the people of God back in Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s day made a tough decision

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Listen

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yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law” Ezra

 

9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.Nehemiah

 

10:28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
10:30 And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:Nehemiah

 

13:23 In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:
13:24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.Nehemiah

Bitter Roots of Sin and how they affect other areas of our life.For instance, to be angry at one person will affect my demeanor with others.