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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – AUGUST 14

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In Every Thing Give Thanks!?!

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Part 5:

“God’s Foreknowledge”

To read Part 1, click here…February 1st (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?!)

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“In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1st Thessalonians 5:18.

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All in a 24-hour period, three calamities happened in a certain town:

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Ashley got into a terrible car accident, and “totaled out” her car.

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Nissan Sunny car accident – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Carl’s daughter revealed to him that she had decided to quit Christianity and begin to live a pagan lifestyle.

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

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Christina’s babysitter arrived very late, making Christina late for work.

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Animated watch – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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Now just why does a loving God let so many bad things happen, both big and little? And why in the world would I ever want to give thanks for these kinds of bad and frustrating things which come my way?

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

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GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

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Well, as to the first question, it cannot be fully answered in this little devotional, as to why so many bad things happen.

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Sufficed to say that God is working out a grand plan much bigger than this little world.

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And He is preparing a people to stand loyal for all eternity, in a Heaven in which a third of the angels lost faith in God.

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The New Jerusalem – Gustave Dore – www.wikiart.org – US Public Domain

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BIBLE ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS

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But as to the second question about whether or not I should give thanks even for the evil things which come my way, both great and small, the Bible gives great insight to this question!

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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KING HEZEKIAH

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The story of King Hezekiah is a true historical account which speaks to this question. You see, King Hezekiah became terminally ill at a relatively young age. And God sent Isaiah the prophet to tell Hezekiah to prepare to die.

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Well, Hezekiah went to the Lord with tears and prayers, pleading for his life. And God heard Hezekiah’s prayers, granting him 15 more years of life. 

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Hezekiah – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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JERUSALEM TAKEN CAPTIVE

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But what transpired after Hezekiah’s recovery reveals why God often removes even righteous people, like Hezekiah, from the world in their early years.

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You see, God’s foreknowledge is infinite. He knows all possible outcomes in every situation. And God knew that Hezekiah would commit a grievous sin after his recovery which would bring Israel to its eventual captivity. Yes, by proudly showing that King of Babylon’s messengers all the vast treasures of Jerusalem, Hezekiah was unwittingly insuring the eventual overthrow of Jerusalem by Babylon some years down the line.

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This was one reason why God wanted to spare Hezekiah from committing that grievous sin!

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

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MANASSEH WAS BORN

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But there was a second reason for God wanting to remove Hezekiah. You see, after his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah produced a child, named Manasseh. And Manasseh grew up only to become the worst and most evil king throughout the entire history of Judah and Jerusalem!

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King Manasseh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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If only righteous King Hezekiah had accepted God’s will for him to die, the entire fate of Judah would have turned out better, much better!

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Hezekiah – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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ASHLEY SPARED FROM DEATH

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So, maybe, just maybe Ashley’s terrible wreck may have caused her to drive decidedly more carefully in the future, eventually sparing her from an early death somewhere down the line.    

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Nissan Sunny car accident – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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CARL & DAUGHTER BOTH SAVED!

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And maybe God saw that Carl was headed for apostasy from Christianity, and God brought Carl’s daughter into her own apostasy, to bring Carl to his knees, begging for God’s mercy upon his daughter.

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And so, Carl renewed his vows to the Lord, and eventually rejoiced to see his daughter return to the Lord!

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

 

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CHRISTINA ALSO SPARED!

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And what Christina didn’t realize, was that God allowed her babysitter to arrive late, because He was sparing Christina from getting into a fatal car wreck, had she left for work on time!

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Animated watch – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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INFINITELY WISE GOD

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Yes, we really need to realize that God is a very good and loving and infinitely wise God.

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And He knows what’s best for each and every member of the human family.

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

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GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS!

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And so, let’s each begin to give thanks for the things which happen each day, great or small. Because we just don’t know the various reasons why God allows certain “bad things” to happen, from time to time.

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This is the essence of what it means to trust in the Lord, “in every thing, give thanks!” 1st Thessalonians 5:18.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 6, CLICK HERE…

DECEMBER 5 (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?! Part 6: “Though He Slay Me, Yet I Will Trust Him!”)

Crucifixion of Peter – Caravaggio Martirio di San Pietro – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully grasp this concept of giving thanks in both the good as well as the bad things that happen. Help me to understand that nothing can happen to me, either good or bad, unless you allow it to happen…

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “Signs In The Sun (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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GRASPING FOR SCEPTER AND A CROWN…

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This page however just deals with the Woman travailing in child-birth. When she is in labor, she appears to reach out her hand southward to grasp a The Cross/Scepter, which is coming from the South, out of an ark-like box. There also is a Crown of 12 Stars (13 counting a star in the center). But the Crown (the Corona Borealis Constellation) is not yet on her head. The crown is to the south of her. So she is grasping for the Cross/Scepter. She doesn’t yet wear the crown. This reminds us of that well-known passage in Philippians which states…

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“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14

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And also another verse of the apostle Paul… “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8. So this woman with child is grasping, either for that Cross/Scepter, or perhaps that crown, or both. This is such an incredible scenario in the heavens! But this is a very complex concept. Because this headless woman-with-child, which turns upside down in winter to become the “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12”; and combine this with that Crown and that Cross/Scepter, of which she appears to be grasping for in summer, and these various aspects present a great portion of what the Bible is about.

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SKETCH WITH JOSHUA TREES…The above sketch are the Summer Constellations .as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius Constellation) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation and above the flower is The Cross/Scepter Constellation. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis ) and the star, Arcturus . Farthest to the north is the Woman of Revelation 12 part one (Woman in Travail) (AKA Ursa Major). Of course, in this sketch is the desert with several Joshua Tress and some mesas, and a few other plants.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail)”

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TOMORROW:

AUGUST 15th (The Commandments of God, Part 2: Rethinking The Removal of The 10 Commandments)

Atheist sign Wisconsin State wikipedia share-alike license (2)

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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 #591 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 2 – August 13

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Come Out of Her, My People!

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Part 17:

“Judging & Criticizing”

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

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“And I heard another voice from heaven,

saying, Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:4

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CITY OF CONFUSION

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

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

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

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

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COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE

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The Bible pronounces a curse upon all those who refuse to “Come out of Her (Babylon) My people!”

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Yes, upon all those who refuse to join the Exodus out of this “City of Confusion”, the apostate churches, the following sentence is pronounced… “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

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

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

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PARTAKING OF HER SINS

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One great sin which is being committed in the harlot city is that of criticizing the leaders of the land…

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Listen… “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.'” Acts 23:5

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On this particular day, Paul was apparently being somewhat of a rascal, to put it mildly. He had stirred up a contention between the Pharisees and Sadducees, by bringing up a hotly contested issue, knowing it would cause a riot, which it did.

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Paul in Prison www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

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SPEAKING EVIL OF THE HIGH PRIEST

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But initially, Paul had called down a curse on the man who had him slapped…“Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?” 23:3

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If Paul had just refrained from calling that man, “Thou whited wall!”, things would have been so much better.

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But Paul didn’t realize that he was cursing the High Priest of his nation. And Paul well knew how David showed only reverence and respect for King Saul, while being persecuted by him, even though that King was an evil man.

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Paul before Agrippa and Festus – Nikolai Bodarevsky – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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NOT TO CALL ANY PERSON DEROGATORY NAME

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Well, the fact is, Paul should not have even called anyone a derogatory name. But prior to his conversion, Paul was formerly a Pharisee. And criticizing, mocking, and judging others was what proud Pharisees were all about!

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Listen… “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, TO SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:1, 2

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That’s right! It is a sin to speak evil of any person!

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Drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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CRITICIZING OTHERS IS BORNE OF PRIDE

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For one thing, when we criticize others, we are essentially saying… “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. (These are a smoke in My nose (says God), a fire that burneth all the day.)” Isaiah 65:5

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Yes, it is when pride rises up in a Believer’s heart, that he or she begins to verbally, “smite his fellowservants” Matthew 24:49

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In this painting, we see the proud Pharisee, as he presumptuously talks with God, criticizing the poor humble Publican behind him!

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James Tissot – The Pharisee and Publican – Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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SATAN RAISES UP FINGER-POINTERS

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But today, Satan has raised up the phenomenon of political talk shows, in attempt to bring a greater snare upon God’s sheep!  

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Yes, because today’s political parties each have their own particular, “form of godliness” (howbeit, a counterfeit godliness), they become a special attraction to the Christian, who is concerned about the direction that this society is heading.

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The problem comes in, because these talk shows are so hyper-critical of their supposed political enemies. And such a critical spirit soon rubs off on the listeners of these programs.

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

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WE DON’T KNOW ALL REASONS!

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Now, we are not even to judge the programs of the secular world, as is written… “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” Romans 4:5.

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Yes, we just don’t understand how God is using all these things in His master-plan. And so, we are not to become critical of all the goings on in the world! And so, it’s a good practice to refrain from becoming, “the arbiter of all things, good and evil!”

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

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PAUL LEARNED HIS LESSON

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While Paul learned from his mistakes, he eventually became a wonderful example for us to follow! Just behold how he avoided making derogatory comments about Caesar!

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Yes, Caesar, a man who certainly was worthy of criticism, became Paul’s ultimate goal for his evangelistic efforts!

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And so, Paul carefully avoided saying many things he could have justifiably said about that cruel and monstrous human, so as to not spoil his chances of turning Caesar to repentance!

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Paul before Agrippa and Festus – Nikolai Bodarevsky – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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A VERY EVIL HIGH-TECH WORLD

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Today, Christians are in a much more dangerous environment! We live in a very critical, finger-pointing world. With all the high-tech media, we can turn the channel and behold every conceivable form of criticism and finger-pointing imaginable! And isn’t it so easy to just sit back for hours and soak in all that mocking and jesting and criticizing?

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But the Bible warns…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

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Yes, though many Christians may deceive us into believing that there’s nothing harmful from watching the news and political talk shows, the fact is, the Bible tells us just the opposite…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

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COMING OUT OF BABYLON

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God is calling us out of Babylon. And while we can come out of Babylon, the apostate churches, we cannot fully come out of Babylon, the world, as of yet! But we can come a good way out, if we choose to do so!

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And turning off these heart-defiling programs would be the very first step in overcoming this pernicious sin of criticizing others. Instead, we must surround ourselves with a heavenly atmosphere, as far as possible. Bible study and daily contemplation of God’s Word. Unceasing prayer, singing praises and Scripture songs.

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These are the furnishings that should adorn our Most Holy Place of the heart!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SAVING SOULS, NOT CRITICIZING THEM!

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And so, dear darling soul, today is the day of Salvation! And it is the day in which I can return to the Lord in contrition and repentance, pleading for Him to take away this most pernicious habit of criticizing others, especially the leaders of the land!

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And after He finally does cleanse me from this especially offensive sin, I can go forth a much more humble and self-distrusting vessel, now seeking for the Salvation of those who I formerly treated as objects of mocking and scorn!

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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TO READ PART 18, GO HERE…

SEPTEMBER 26 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 18: Quench Not The Spirit!)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to come out of this Babylon of confusion, and worship Thee 100%. Forgive me for speaking evil of the leaders of our land. Restore me and purify me…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…JANUARY 16 (How a Joke Killed! Part 4: Mocking Others! Not Good!), or you can also read this next article…January 20th (3 Fingered Judgment-Day)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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GOD’S PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE

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

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

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

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

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW… 

August 14th (In Every Thing, Give Thanks!?! Part 5: God’s Foreknowledge)

Japanese car accident WIKIMEDIA SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE

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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 #590 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 2 – AUGUST 12

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Apocalypse Now!

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Part 4:

Silencing Christians

To read Part 1, click here… AUGUST 3 (Apocalypse Now! Part 1: Silencing the Gospel!)

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“And the dragon was wroth with the woman,

and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,

which keep the commandments of God,

and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” 

Revelation 12:17 

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“Here is the patience of the saints:

here are they that keep the commandments of God,

and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 14:12

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These two above verses are both from two different chapters of the Book of Revelation, given to the Apostle, John.

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And they both speak of commandment-keeping persons.

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And yet the first group have, “the testimony of Jesus”, while the second group, “keep the faith of Jesus”.

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Isn’t this an interesting difference? The first group seems to be able to proclaim the Gospel, but last group must live by faith with no mention of giving the testimony of Jesus.

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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WHY THE DIFFERENCE?

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But why is this difference even mentioned concerning these two groups of commandment-keeping people?

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Well, perhaps we need to examine what happens to Believers during God’s chastening process, and see if this gives us a clue as to why one group has, “the testimony of Jesus” while the other group keeps, “the faith of Jesus”.

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

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SILENCED BY THE WORLD

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In the first part of this little series, “Apocalypse, Now” (click here to read), the focus was on the silencing of the true Gospel, brought about by persecution from the world (and from the worldly Church).

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Yes, it seems as though we have reached the long-awaited day in which Christians will be prevented from freely proclaiming the true Gospel. Oh yes, it is just beginning. But things are changing with leopard-like speed.

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

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SILENCED BY OUR SELF-DISTRUST

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But today’s devotional is concerned with another reason for the silencing of Christians.

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Listen to the wise man… “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in Heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

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This above passage warns against being full of words. And this wise counsel has been very instructive for Christians in every age. But it will have its dramatic fulfillment in these last days, as God’s tried and true worshippers enter into the last great “Time of Trouble”.

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Talking face – Wikimedia – GNU License

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PHARISEEISM WITHIN

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The fact is, that we just do not realize the foolishness still bound up in our hearts. And when Christians begin to drift away from our watchfulness and from our self-distrust, Satan will immediately pull us onto his enchanted ground pasture.

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And when we fall into a deep spiritual drunkenness, we are liable to become proud and judgmental of other individuals. At this point, we may begin to point our “bony fingers” at others, as if to say, “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in My nose (says God), a fire that burneth all the day.” Isaiah 65:5

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These above words are the words of every proud Pharisee…“Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou…”

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

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VIGILANCE & WATCHFULNESS 

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So what can we do about such a dreadful situation?

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Well, one very important stance we must take, is that of being a watchful, prayerful Christian…

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Listen to Peter’s counsel…“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1st Peter 5:8

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Now here we see that Peter had learned his lesson well. Yes, who should know better than Peter about keeping silent? But Peter’s mouth got him into great trouble, causing him to even deny his Lord! 

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Peter’s 2nd Denial of Jesus – US Public Domain – www.joyfulheart.com

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BOASTFULNESS & SELF-CONFIDENCE

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Yes, Peter learned a hard and bitter lesson about his boastfulness and self-confidence.

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And so it will be in these last days for God’s people…

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Listen…“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:” Isaiah 2:11, 12

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Tissot – The Sorrow of Peter – Joyful Heart.com

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CHASTISEMENT IS GOOD!

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And since “judgment must first begin at the house of God” it will be those of us who consider ourselves to be wise and mature Christians, who will first be brought low in that Day.

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But in a certain sense, this is very Good News! Yes, though it is a frightening experience, the best thing that can happen to a Christian is for God to send us through the kind of chastening which will humble our proud hearts!

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Listen again to the wise man…“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs 17:27, 28

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If ever there was a Bible passage to engrave upon the tables of our heart, this one should be at the top of our list! Even a fool is counted wise when he keeps silent!

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Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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

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THE TONGUE MUST BE TAMED

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Yes, here will be the mind-set of all those Christians who must go through the Devouring Fires of Judgment Day (which fires are even now being ignited!)

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Listen…“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell...Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” James 3:5, 6, 1:9

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Yes, The fires of Hell on Judgment Day might well be ignited by our unsanctified tongues!

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Brown tree snake – Boiga – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS!

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The Good News is that God is calling His people to…“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21

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Yes, there is a hiding place, a shelter from the storm in which God’s faithful ones must now hide.

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Listen… “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:3

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Yes, those who are willing to pursue meekness and righteousness with all their heart just might be hidden from the terrible calamities which are soon coming upon the whole world! 

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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I said, I will take heed to my ways,

that I sin not with my tongue:

I will keep my mouth with a bridle,

while the wicked is before me. 

I was dumb with silence,

I held my peace, even from good;

and my sorrow was stirred.”

Psalm 39:1, 2

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TO READ PART 5, CLICK HERE…

AUGUST 18 (Apocalypse Now! Part 5: Being Well Hidden)

hen with babies – cropped image – wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to endure the fiery trials which God brings upon me, to drive out and crucify my unsanctified tongue. Let my words be few and salted with grace…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?, or you can also read this shorter article…January 22nd (“He That Keepeth His Mouth…”)

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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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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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ‘7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’

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TOMORROW…

August 13 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 17: Judging & Criticizing)

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face (exaggerated for clarity) – Pharisee Scorner 

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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 #589 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – AUGUST 11

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Apocalypse Now!

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Part 3:

“The Little Book”

To read Part 1, click here… “AUGUST 3 (Apocalypse Now! Part 1: Silencing the Gospel!)“

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“And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again,

and said, Go and take the little book…and eat it up;

and it shall make thy belly bitter,

but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.”

Revelation 10:8, 9

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There have been many teachers who attempted to interpret the Book of Revelation, coming up with many varied ideas about what it is speaking of.

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Now of course, the Lord tells us that it is an unsealed book for the most part. And yet, confusion abounds as to exactly what this little book is all about.

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Those who cling to the false and unbiblical hermeneutic which demands literal interpretation as far as possible, attempt to define The Revelation as literal as possible! And so, they can only conclude that when this book mentions “Jews”, it must be speaking of literal Jews, and not the “Commonwealth of Israel” consisting of both Jew and Gentile Believers alike. (See Ephesians Chapter 2:12-14)

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John given little book – dia@emory.edu

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A TEDIOUS WORK

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But the book of Revelation must be interpreted spiritually, just like the rest of the Bible! We must compare “spiritual things with spiritual”, as 1st Corinthians 2 tells us, and we must add, “line upon line, here a little, there a little” as Isaiah 28 tells us to do.

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And so, proper understanding of Revelation depends upon a humble and prayerful comparing of every related Bible verse. It is a very tedious work!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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JOHN’S LITTLE BOOK

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Now today’s devotional concerns Chapter 10, in which there was a “little book” that John was commanded to eat…“And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.”  Revelation 10:8, 9

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This above verse speaks of a little book.

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But what book?

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John given little book – dia@emory.edu

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WHAT BOOK IS IT?

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Many teachers say it speaks of the book of Daniel. Others say it speaks of the Book of Revelation. And yet others say, the entire Bible. But the fact is, this passage doesn’t say exactly what book this little book is.

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But a similar passage is found in Ezekiel…“But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.” Ezekiel 2:9-10

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Now this roll of a book was given to the “son of man” to eat. And the rebellious house mentioned here was, “the house of Israel”.

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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ROLL OF A BOOK

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Now this above passage from Ezekiel 2 continues into Ezekiel 3…“And He said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And He said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with My words unto them.” Ezekiel 3:3, 4

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So here is seen that this roll of a book was in his mouth “as honey for sweetness”. This, of course must be referring to God’s Word, which is sometimes compared to honey.

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Ezekiel’s book – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE BIBLE: THE GOOD NEWS

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But this roll of a book was necessary for God’s rebuke to the house of Israel. And let’s not forget that this book, “was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.” Ezekiel 2:10

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Now, the Bible has many lamentations, mourning and woes. But it must be remembered that the Bible also is the Good News of Salvation.

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

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LAMENTATIONS

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Well, there does happen to be one little book in the Bible which is filled with “lamentations, mourning and woe”.

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This is the little book of Lamentations, penned by the prophet, Jeremiah, years prior to Ezekiel’s ministry.

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And so, perhaps this is what Ezekiel 2:9-3:4 is referring to.

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Oh yes, the Book of Revelation is also filled with “lamentations, mourning and woes”.

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Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

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STIFF-NECKED AND STUBBORN

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One thing is for sure! God was sending Ezekiel to speak to God’s captive people, Israel, with a message that they were not going to like…

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Listen… “For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.” Ezekiel 3:5-7

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So, this above passage reveals the “impudent and hardhearted” condition of God’s people at that time.

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Ezekiel, the Prophet – G. Dore – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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FOR ALL NATIONS

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Now, in the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John is given the same commission. But John is to take the little book and, “prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”

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And so now, while Ezekiel’s roll of a book was specifically for the house of Israel, John’s little book was for “many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings”.

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL

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But now, if this little book given to John is intimately intertwined with Ezekiel’s roll of a book, it only confirms that John’s little book is not just for literal Jews, but for the entire Commonwealth of Israel, comprised of Christians from all the “peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings”.

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In other words, the commonwealth of Israel is now sprinkled throughout the world! And it is called “the commonwealth” because “the Israel of God” is now made up of all peoples. It is no longer just an isolated nation of literal Jews, but now a community of Believers from every corner of the globe.

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Bible Study Group – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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THE LEADERS OF THIS PEOPLE

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“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

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And so, as we read the chapters of Revelation which follow this tiny section in Revelation about the “little book”, we see a message about the true Gospel and those who are the true worshipers of God, who make up the temple in Heaven.

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The Bible warned us that Satan would come as an “angel of light”, bringing his false shepherds, ministers of righteousness to mislead the people of God. And from viewing history past, Satan has always come in the form of the general consensus and leadership of the Church to mislead God’s people. In other words, the so-called cults out there today are not the big problem. It is the mainstream portion of the house of God which has always been the biggest problem, as far as apostasy and incorrect doctrines.

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

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ARMOR UP!

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The Good News is, that God has allowed us a little more time to correct our many misconceptions about Revelation, as well as the rest of the Bible.

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And so, we need to cry out to God for the ability to study for our own selves, and no longer depend upon mainstream Christianity to tell us what we are to believe, or not to believe.

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And after we finally become personally well-versed in the whole Bible, then we will have become fully dressed in God’s protective armor, and ready for the final battle to come! 

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TO READ PART 4, CLICK HERE…

AUGUST 12 (Apocalypse Now! Part 4: Silencing Christians)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to study the Bible for my own self, no longer depending upon other to tell me what to believe…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…January 24th (The True Message of Revelation!), or you can also read this article…” March 23rd (1st Beast of Revelation 13)”

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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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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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ‘7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’

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TOMORROW…

AUGUST 12 (Apocalypse Now! Part 4: Silencing Christians)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

 

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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 #588 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.

 

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – August 10 

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Keeping 1 Day Holy,

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Part 4:

Genuine Rest & True Holiness

To read Part 1, just click here… “June 3rd (Keeping 1 Day Holy!)”

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QUESTION: Does ceasing from physical labor make a day holy?

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ANSWER: Obviously, physical rest cannot make a day holy!

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

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God has written the Bible in such a way that it requires searching and digging and praying to discover the true nature of God and His Salvation plan.

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Oh yes, there are beginning principles to Salvation, such as Christ’s deity and His atonement on the Cross for the sins of humanity!

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And these beginning truths are made as clear as the noonday sun, in Scripture.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A TOTAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED

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But there are other truths which require much study and much prayer and consecration, to finally understand…

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Listen… “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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As this incredible little verse reveals, the only way to truly find Jesus, is to renounce all selfish desires, and devote one’s entire life to seeking after and searching out our true Lord and Savior!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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‘FORSAKING ALL’, A PREREQUISITE 

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Listen again to Jesus… “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 again in this above verse is a second witness that becoming a student (disciple) of Jesus requires an undivided heart and an eye single to finding all about the true nature of Christ. The Bible warns concerning those who are double-minded… “let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James 1:7

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Yes, those who attempt to serve God and the world too, will find confusion and false doctrines in the Bible.

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PHYSICAL REST OR SPIRITUAL REST

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Now back to the 4th Commandment. The point to today’s devotional is, that physical rest cannot make a day holy.

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Ceasing from physical labor cannot make a day holy. And so, this 4th Commandment cannot be understood literally. It must be understood spiritually!

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And those who are truly on the road to truth, will eventually come to the place where they have to concede that the 4th Commandment must be understood spiritually. It just doesn’t make sense literally!

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TRUE HOLINESS

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A person cannot close off his or her own self from the world for 24 hours, expecting that to make the day holy! Taking great effort to cease from every form of physical work will not cause any amount of holiness! 

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And so, this 4th Commandment requires a spiritual interpretation to rightly understand what it is saying!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A REST UNTO YOUR SOULS

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But when Jesus began His earthly ministry, He revealed the true nature of the Sabbath…“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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Here we see just what the true Sabbath is. It is a “rest unto your souls”, which comes about when a man, woman, or child renounces this selfish world and begins to follow Jesus and learn of Him!

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Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website

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LABOR TO ENTER INTO HIS REST

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And the more that any man, woman, or child increases his or her knowledge and understanding of Christ, the greater and more perfect will be that “rest unto your souls”.

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That is why Paul said… “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:11

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Yes, it takes genuine labor to find the true Sabbath, “rest unto your souls”! Bible study and daily contemplation through the hours of each day, combined with unceasing prayer and continual effort to become Christlike are the main ingredients to enjoying the true Sabbath! It is a Sabbath which extends into the entire 7 days of every week!

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

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NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS

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Now having said all this, we must be very careful not to judge others, bringing condemnation down upon our own head!

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Listen to Paul… “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it” Romans 14:5, 6

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Yes, to judge those who regard one day above another will only bring unrest and turmoil into our own soul! Contrariwise, those who judge others who regard all days alike will only bring spiritual unrest and turmoil upon that 1-day-per-week Sabbath-keeper!

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But whatever one’s conception of Sabbath-keeping is, unless that Christian has found the true rest unto his or her soul, any attempt to keep 1-day-per-week holy will be a mere exercise in futility!

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

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DOOR OF MERCY STILL OPEN

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The Good News is this: it is still the day of Salvation! The door of mercy has not yet closed! And all who desire Salvation may still labor to enter into the “Rest unto your souls”! And so, let us each labor to fully enter into that rest! Let us each cast away our earthly idols and flee to the “Ragged Rocks” and hide ourselves within the pages of God’s infallible Word, making that Spirit-inspired Word our daily hiding place!

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And whether at work, or at physical rest, or at recreation with our family, we will be hiding ourselves in Jesus and His precious promises!

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

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TO READ PART 5, CLICK HERE…

 NOVEMBER 5 (Keeping 1 Day Holy, Part 5: The 3-Minute Sermon & The Benefits of Keeping 1 Day Holy)

Saltine Crackers on plate – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help to understand Thy Word, in all its complexities. And give that rest unto my soul and the peace that surpasses all understanding…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Planet of Rest: “What is the True Sabbath?””

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 HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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This newest Signs Of Heaven Constellation (Fall, 2013) is by far the faintest of constellations, but is a very incredible and awesome one in a number of ways (which this article will explain).

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horses mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions. 

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BIBLE VERSES PICTURED IN THE HEAVENS

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“With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.” Ezekiel 26:12

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THIS STAR-CHART: This is a Wikipedia star-chart, in which this site’s editor has sketched in these three constellation (without the Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation). Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon. Also notice his eye is a star.It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky. It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west. In January, it is in the west after midnight. As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation. It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion. And as already stated, this Goodly Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west. The nose and head of this horse is partly made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

AUGUST 11 (Apocalypse Now! Part 3: The Little Book)

Bible and Key Divination – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

.

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

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THIS IS STUDY #587 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.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – AUGUST 6

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Prayer in a Fragile World!

Part 2:

“Prayer For The Persecuted!”

To read Part 1, click here…October 12th (Prayer in a Fragile World!)

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“If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death,

and those that are ready to be slain;

If you say, ‘Behold, we knew it not’;

doth not He that ponders the heart consider it?

and He that keeps thy soul, doth not He know it?

and shall not He render to every man according to his works?”

Proverbs 24:11, 12  

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Hasn’t this world taken a definite turn for the worse, as of late? Isn’t it amazing to see the world-wide paradigm-shift happening at such a rapid rate? It’s hard to even recognize this present-day society because of these changes! It’s just not the same place that we grew up in, or so it seems!

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And over there in the Middle East, the ugly and hideous face of evil has become a tyrannical beast, as it persecutes all those it deems to be, “infidels”!

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

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UNCEASING PRAYER!

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And so, just how does all this relate to the Christian? What should we be doing about this unnerving and fragile condition of the world?

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Well, one thing is for sure! Those who call themselves “Christians” must be praying without ceasing for all those who are being persecuted around the world!

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Iraqi insurgents with guns – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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A PRAYERLESS CHURCH?

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Unfortunately, current statistics show that the average church-goer prays only a few minutes per day, and that adds up to just a few hours per year!

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Unbelievable? Yes, unbelievable!

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And so, maybe we should not be surprised at the hopelessly tragic condition of today’s world! After all, how can we expect the Lord to bless this world when God’s very own people are so busy enjoying this selfish world, that we neglect to pray and cry out on behalf of the world’s suffering inhabitants?

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

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2nd CHRONICLES 7:14

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Listen to the Lord’s remedy for our undone condition… “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2nd Chronicles 7:14

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There are many who have this Bible verse posted in their yard, concerning the various local environmental issues, etc..

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Pray for Our Nation sign – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike Lic.

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TOTAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED

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If only those who post these signs in their yard really understood the enormity of this above verse! If only they understood this next verse… “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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Yes, putting these two verses together, we begin to understand just how total must be our commitment to seeking after the Lord, if we can ever expect His blessings and healing of our infirmities and supply our needs!

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Pilgrims Progress – His Burden Fell Off His Back – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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REAPING WHAT WE SOW

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Yes, the Bible clearly teaches…“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

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As this and many similar verses reveal, we can only expect to receive what we give out to others. In other words, if we neglect to pray without ceasing for those who are suffering around the world, then we can only expect to receive the same from the Lord!

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GIVING LITTLE, WITHHOLDING MUCH!

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If Christians only give out of their abundance, holding back enough to allow them to continue living in world-loving pleasure, “as in a day of slaughter” (James 5:5), then why should they be surprised to see their families becoming lost souls in the world? Yes, it is no wonder that their families are being enticed and seduced by the secular world and by the children of unbelievers!

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Children’s Street basketball during a church fair – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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OUR WORLD-LOVING LIVES

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And if we have pursued the pleasures and proud pursuits of this selfish world, then why should we be surprised that our spiritual life has become so meager and beggarly?

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

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OUR DAY IS COMING!

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Right now, it is Christians in other lands who are being persecuted. But soon, the days will come when it is us who are the ones who will be suffering physical, financial, and spiritual persecution!

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Then, the Bible foretells of our fate…“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me:” Proverbs 1:24-28

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Satanic Mechanic wants your first-born – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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THIS WORLD A CREATION OF LUCIFER

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Satan has purposely created this world-of-many-pleasures-and-pursuits for the express purpose of distracting Christians and binding us up in his spider-web of selfishness!

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

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THE GOOD NEWS!

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The Good News is, that if you or I have an ear to hear about our sad condition, then God has allowed a little time to correct our undoneness!

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Yes, God is very willing to help us return to Him with all our hearts! And He will give us grace to put away all unnecessary activities and commitments, so that our day is filled with prayer, study and contemplation of His Word! And even those who have a seeming myriad of family commitments can rearrange their lives in such a way, that they can finally begin to spend much time with the Lord!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

NOVEMBER 27 (Prayer in a Fragile World! Part 3: No Fear On Judgment Day?

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become fully engaged in prayer each and every day! Not only my three-times-per-day-in-my-prayer-closet! But graciously give me the gift of being able to talk with Thee throughout my day, as I walk, as I work, as I spend time with my loved ones, and as I lay down…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 3: “Signs of the World’s End”” or you can also read… August 18th (The Golden Rule in Hell!)

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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LOOSING THE BANDS OF ORION

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God spoke several times of Orion, in Scripture. His question to Job was a very mystifying question, to say the least… “Canst thou…loose the bands of Orion?” Job 38:31. Such a strange question, indeed! How could a constellation have its bands loosed, much less, even have bands? Puzzling, puzzling!

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But now, He is revealing this bright and beautiful constellation in a way that has never before been seen. God Himself is loosing Orion’s bands, as He is just now unraveling this age-old mystery. And we are beginning to understand that this most infamous of all constellations is nothing less than a remarkable metaphor concerning Jesus.

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THE 5 OFFICES OF ORION

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But like most of the other Signs which this website reveals, Orion too, has much more to say as he changes his position in the sky. And this Soldier in the Heavens puts on different garb, as he presents the five awesome aspects of his various offices. From ‘Orion the Soldier’, and ‘Orion the Reaper’, and ‘Orion the Archer’, and‘The Cross of Orion’, and last but certainly not least, “Orion, The Good Shepherd”. This amazing constellation presents a very complex revelation of the God’s magnificent love for a fallen planet.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Orion Phenomena”

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TOMORROW:

AUGUST 7 (Look Up, Lift Up Your Head, Part 4: The Heavenly Scroll, Rolled Up!)

ABOVE PICTURE: The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

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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 #583 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.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – August 5

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The War Against The KJV,

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Part 4:

The Dedication by KJV Translators

To read Part 1, click here…“August 1st (The War Against The KJV)”

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TO THE MOST HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE JAMES,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc… The Translators of the Bible wish Grace, Mercy, and Peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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King James Bible – Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

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Since its first publication (and even before), it has been Satan’s special effort to obliterate the King James Bible out of existence!

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Satan and his armies have worked in his usual, very subtle manner, to make the King James Version as difficult as possible to read! 

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But he has also twisted the original meanings of many words, to give them completely different meanings, such as the name, “ass”, or “Peter”, and scores of other words as well. And so, in many places in the Bible, these newly changed meanings of certain words will make the average worldly-minded person even laugh and become totally distracted!

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

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A DUMBED-DOWN SOCIETY

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And Satan and his armies have worked overtime to, “dumb down” our modern culture to the point that our young people are mostly ignorant of the blood-stained history of the Church.

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And similarly, Satan has been busily turning our culture into a paganistic and atheistic culture: a society greatly unable and unwilling to comprehend spiritual ideas and higher thought.

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

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SOME OF THE WAYS OF SATAN

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Well these are just a few of the ways in which Satan wars against the KJV.

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And one primary reason for his venomous assault on the KJV is the little preface introduction found in the beginning of the King James Bible. (If you wish to read this introduction in its entirety, click here… “Preface to the King James Bible”)

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Brown tree snake – Boiga – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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OBLITERATING CHURCH HISTORY

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But just why would the mere words of fallible men in this pre-amble be such a concern for the Devil?

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Simple! This little introduction reveals the commonly held belief about who was Antichrist and about who the Book of Revelation was written for and about!

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In other words, back in those days, biblically intelligent Christians realized that Revelation was written for all Christians, not just for 144,000 literal Jews, as modern-day theologians now erroneously teach.

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And just as this above 500-year-old engraving shows, Christians living back in history realized the true fulfillment of Antichrist being the harlot church riding on the back of Satan’s kingdom, the religious and civil authorities of this world: this antichrist world-system.

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

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ANTICHRIST BEAST REVEALED!

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And in that KJV introduction, the translators point out, in no uncertain terms, just who was that Antichrist Beast (being the apostate church-system, in collusion with the world governments!)

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And in that introduction, it was also reiterated that the Beast received his deadly wound by a sword, which many modern-day theologians overlook!

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And the King James translators also correctly believed that this sword spoken of was actually the Word of God, the Bible, which gave the Beast his deadly wound!

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Burned at the stake – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

Book Burning – Santo Domingo y Los Albigenses – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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HISTORY FORGOTTEN

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Now in today’s apostate, sensual churches, these way-marks of truth have mostly been demolished by current-day popular thinking!

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Yes, Satan has worked overtime to turn Christians away from these very biblical truths held in common belief by Christians throughout the Dark Ages of history.

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Nowadays, the Church, for the most part is looking for some individual person to be the fulfillment of “Antichrist”. Christians today, for the most part have no knowledge of the true fulfillment of Antichrist being the fallen churches in collusion with worldly authorities.

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Torture devices – The Wheel – Calas Chapbook – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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A FINAL SHOWDOWN

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Oh yes, make no mistake! There is coming a final showdown and judgment upon the Church and the world!

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And just because all 22 chapters of Revelation were given for all ages of the Church, we must not get the idea that it won’t have a final dramatic fulfillment! 

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ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – Orion & The Revelation 12 Dragon – www.signsofheaven.org

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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And so Satan has been working to eradicate the KJV from existence, and its introduction, which pinpoints who was (and is) the Antichrist.

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The Good News is, that God has graciously allowed His people a little time to correct these errors.

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God is calling His people out of the fog of Babylonish confusion which lays heavily upon today’s church-world.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE!”

Revelation 18:4

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And it is by coming out of this apostate system and beginning to study the Bible for our own self, that we can rise above the errors of the fallen churches.

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And by becoming fully armored with the Word of Christ, the Christian will never again be deceived by Satan whose primary goal is to eradicate the King James Version from within the Church.

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

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A LITTLE TIME STILL!

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But the very good news is, there are still copies of the King James Version. And try as he has, Satan has not yet snuffed the King James Version completely out of existence. And it is the privilege of the Christian to spend the few hours extra, to get accustomed to the KJV language.

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But once this small hurdle is accomplished, the Bible student will discover the beauty and majesty of this most wonderful version of God’s Word!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to have an undivided heart. Give me the gift of wisdom, true Bible wisdom. Give me such a love for Bible study, that I literally spend much time each day, studying Thy wonderful Word…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “December 30  (A Supernatural Book!)“ or you can also read… “June 28th (The Lost Keys of 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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FIVE WISE VIRGINS STARS

(WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART)

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

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

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

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

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GATHERED AROUND THE GLORIOUS CROWN!

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The position of these stars is significant in a number of ways. The first, being that these Five Wise Virgins are gathered around the 12-star Crown of Revelation 12. And the obvious message here is, that these wise virgins represent the faithful portion of God’s Church. And as wise virgins, they understand the importance of winning the glorious crown of victory, which Jesus promised.

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Listen… “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1st Corinthians 9:24, 25. 

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And so, God is showing us the difference between the wise and the foolish in His Church. While the wise are gathered around this crown of victory, the foolish are nowhere to be found.

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This is because the foolish in the Church are much more concerned about the world, with all its pleasures and pursuits. They have little or no time to devote themselves to the pursuit of the treasures of Heaven! They pride themselves into believing that their industrious work-ethics have God’s approval. But God merely sees them only as workers of iniquity.

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Listen… “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Proverbs 21:4

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Corona Borealis/Bootes & Five Wise Virgins

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Five Wise Virgins Stars” 

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TOMORROW:

AUGUST 6 (Prayer in a Fragile World! Part 2: Prayer For The Persecuted!)

ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – 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 #582 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.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – AUGUST 4

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The Devil Made Me Do It!

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Part 2:

“That Other Guy Named Shakespeare!”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE…October 13th (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 1)

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But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.”

2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4

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Mark Twain (and others) once made this following jest concerning the controversy surrounding the true authorship of the writings of Shakespeare… “No, Shakespeare wasn’t written by Shakespeare, but by another man of the same name!”

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If only Twain had really understood the profundity of his jest, and the enormous truth behind it!

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Shakespeare – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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MANY PEN-NAMES!

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You see, Shakespeare didn’t really write Shakespeare! Oh yes, Shakespeare may have been the secretary who penned the words of those many volumes.

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But it was in fact written by another man of the same name! And yet, that “other man” has authored many literary works under countless other pen-names! He has even written under the pen-name, “Mark Twain”! (And no, we’re not speaking Twain’s actual name of Samuel Clemens.)

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Mark Twain – 1909 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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HOPE YOU GUESSED MY NAME!

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One rock-ster even sang these ominous lyrics about this “other man”…

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“Please allow me to introduce myself
I’m a man of wealth and taste
I’ve been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man’s soul to waste…

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“And I was ’round when Jesus Christ 

Had His moment of doubt and pain 

Made damn sure that Pilate 

Washed his hands and sealed his fate…

Just as every cop is a criminal

And all the sinners saints

As heads is tails, just call me Lucifer

Cause I’m in need of some restraint

So if you meet me, have some courtesy

Have some sympathy, and some taste

Use all your well-learned politesse

Or I’ll lay your soul to waste…etc…”

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“Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game…”

Lyrics courtesy genius.com

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan – Lucifer – cropped & altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

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

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PLANET GIVEN TO LUCIFER

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The big problem in this sad old world is that nobody wants to acknowledge, “the gigantic elephant in the room”, as the saying goes. Nobody wants to admit that this hellish world is ruled over by the Prince of Darkness, “the Man of Sin”!

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The Apostle, Paul, refers to this “other man” as the “god of this world” in 2nd Corinthians 4:4. Jesus Himself referred to him as, “the “Prince of this World”.  Isaiah referred to him as “the King of Babylon”.

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The horrible reality is that, like it or not, this world was long ago given over to Lucifer, the greatest created being in all the universe! He took control long ago, when he spoke through a beautiful flying serpent back in the days of Eden.

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Lucifer Fallen – Gustave Dore – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“THE gOD OF THIS WORLD!”

2nd Corinthians 4:4

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You see, this fallen world-system is the creation of Lucifer. He is “the god of this world.” And as such, he has been allowed to fill his kingdom with many seemingly beautiful and wonderful creations in the various arts and sciences.

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But because this super genius spirit-being fully understands that he must do his work under the cover of darkness, he has raised up various men through the ages to promote his arts and pseudo-sciences and ideologies. And this works out very well! Because, by so-doing, mere men get the credit for creating these various productions, such as the writings of Shakespeare.

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And these many creative works only bolster Man’s selfish pride.

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

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NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S PRIDE

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Take, for instance, King Nebuchadnezzar. This man looked out on the glorious kingdom he had built and began to think he was pretty smart!

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But God reduced him to a dumb beast for 7 years until Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that it was actually God who allowed Satan and his fallen angels to build and create that magnificent kingdom of Babylon through Nebuchadnezzar! And without God allowing Satan to work through Nebuchadnezzar, this mere human, Nebuchadnezzar, was nothing more than any other man.

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But this kingdom of Satan, the world, is filled with many “Nebuchadnezzars”! Men like Shakespeare, and Twain, whom Satan raises up to become “Useful Pawns” in his grand deception against the unsuspecting inhabitants of this world!

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Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzars Dream – www.wikigallery.com

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NO PRAISE IN THE GRAVE!

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Yes, Shakespeare has been elevated to almost a god-like status in this world. Too bad he’s not around to enjoy all the laud and praise heaped upon him, even to this very day!

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No, Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Mozart, Einstein, and all the other so-called creative geniuses throughout history are now resting in their graves (their bodies now dust), waiting to be raised up on the great day of God’s final judgment, to answer for their lives of rebellion against Heaven.

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And hopefully, each of these men turned to God, and repented of their sins prior to their death! If they did, then they will live forever in the presence of the true Creator!

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Shakespeare grave – Stratford-upon-Avon – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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But briefly, to answer today’s signature question, that other guy named Shakespeare is, well, none other than, as that rockster put it, “Hope you guessed my name!”

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

AUGUST 8 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 3: “Who Put The Bop In The Bop Shoo Bop?”)

The Platters performing – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, in his role as “god of this world”. But let me be, “as wise as a serpent” in regard to just what is behind all the so-called creativity and genius of this world…

Prayer-for-USA-Wikimedia–300×192

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology”, or you can also read this shorter article…” March 27th (All Comfy-Cozy in Hell!)”

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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LOCATION OF THE REVELATION 12 DRAGON…

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The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. 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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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

August 5 (The War Against The KJV, Part 4: The Dedication by KJV Translators)

King James Bible – 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 #581 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.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – AUGUST 3

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Apocalypse Now!

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Part 1:

“Silencing The True Gospel”

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“And the dragon was wroth with the woman,

and went to make war

the remnant of her seed,

which keep the commandments of God,

and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” 

Revelation 12:17 

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“Here is the patience of the saints:

here are they that keep the commandments of God,

and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 14:12

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These two above verses are both from two different chapters of the Book of Revelation, given to the Apostle, John.

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And they both speak of commandment-keeping persons. And yet the first group have, “the testimony of Jesus”, while the second group, “keep the faith of Jesus”.

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Isn’t this an interesting difference?

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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WHY THE DIFFERENCE?

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But why is this difference even mentioned concerning these two groups of commandment-keeping people?

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Well, perhaps we need to examine the events surrounding each group and see if this gives us a clue as to why one group has, “the testimony of Jesus” while the other group keeps, “the faith of Jesus”.

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

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REVELATION 12 DECLARES THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL

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Listen to the first group in context… “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:14-17

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Here in Revelation 12 is a chapter which describes the Gospel story in signs which are in the heavens. The Dragon, the Woman, and Michael and His angels, all represent the three groups of players in the war in Heaven. Satan, the Church, and Christ, the eternal Son of God and His heavenly host!

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – 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 PERSECUTED CHURCH

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Now this above scenario of a woman fleeing from the dragon into the wilderness is the story of the Church through the ages.

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Oh yes, God paints this picture in allegorical symbols. But with a little comparing of scripture with scripture and spiritual things with spiritual, this passage quickly unseals itself. And of course, Michael represents Christ, the eternal Son of God.

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And as we all know, the persecuted Church through the past 2,000 years has been proclaiming the Gospel, even sealing their testimony by their blood, quite often!

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Burned at the stake – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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SECOND PASSAGE FOR END-TIMES

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But when we come to the second passage we notice that it makes no mention of having, “the testimony of Jesus”, but instead, having, “the faith of Jesus”.

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And, upon reading these words in context, it is discovered that this second group comes out of a terrible trial…

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Listen… “And the third angel followed them (the first two angels), saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 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 14:9-11

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Now if we stopped right here we might get the idea that those who received all this torment were hopelessly condemned to an eternity of further torment!

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PURGING OUT THE ‘OLD MAN’

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But listen as the Lord continues to define just who has received the fire & brimstone…

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Listen… “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:9-13

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Here is the battle which has been going on in the hearts of God’s saints! Christ and Satan have both been dueling for supremacy and control over these sorely tried and tempted ones! 

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So, this second group has emerged victorious from this Mark of the Beast message. They have been purified by fire. Both the world and the world-loving churches and denominations have persecuted the saints to the degree that they have been compelled to walk totally by faith, having nothing else but Christ to cling to!

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No longer does their old sin nature worship the beast and his image in their flesh! The “old man” of sin has been thoroughly crucified from out of their hearts, by fiery trials! They have patiently allowed God to perform His fiery purifying process on their heart! This is the patience of the saints! The dross has all been burned away! They now come forth as purified gold! And finally, these purified ones are able to live by the faith of Jesus! They walk, even as He (Jesus) walked, during His earthly sojourn!

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SECOND GROUP: THE FAITH OF JESUS

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But the problem is, this second group of victorious Christians are no longer said to have “the testimony of Jesus”.

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Oh yes, they “keep the commandments of God”.

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And yes, they have, “the faith of Jesus”.

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But unlike the first passage in Revelation, there is no mention of them having, “the testimony of Jesus”.

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

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So why the difference? What has changed? After all, throughout the history of the Church, Christians have been proclaiming the Gospel to the world, as far as possible.

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

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TOTAL APOSTASY

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Well, the best thing to do is to merely allow Scripture to define Scripture…

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

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As this above passage foretells, the day is coming when the churches will no longer tolerate sound doctrine! And instead, they will heap to themselves teachers who will scratch their itching ears with false teachings. And this condition will obviously eliminate those faithful Christians who bring the truth, in all its undiminished brilliance. Truth will be in short supply in the church-world. A total apostasy is foretold!

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

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BUYING & SELLING THE GOSPEL

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Now, Revelation 13 also builds on this same theme…

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Listen… “And he (the 2nd Beast, the False prophet) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the (1st) beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:16, 17

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Now this above passage foretells of the same day in which no man can buy or sell the truth…

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Listen…“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

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Yes, buying the true Gospel is something that should never be traded away!

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Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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BUYING THE GOSPEL

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And while Revelation 13:16, 17 may be speaking of a time of literal financial distress for God’s people, it also speaks of the hour when the true Gospel is completely cut off.

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And this likewise speaks of the time when it will be all but impossible to proclaim the true Gospel to the world! In that sense too, Christians are selling the truth to anyone willing to buy the truth…

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Listen…“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isaiah 55:1, 2

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And so, these two verses from Revelation, which allude to the day in which, “the testimony of Jesus” is no longer attributed to God’s commandment-keeping people. Satan has successfully cut off all possibility of the true Gospel being proclaimed.

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And aren’t we already seeing the Internet Giants slowly but surely closing off the true Gospel on the world-wide-web?

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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But the very Good News in all this is, God’s people will finally be purified to the degree that they will walk even as Jesus walked!

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This is the ultimate fulfillment of what it means to keep God’s Commandments!

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Yes, God’s people will finally understand that keeping God’s commandments is not some little laundry-list of ten little rules to be legalistically obeyed! But instead, they will finally understand that Jesus’ glorious life is the true fulfillment of God’s Law! And having previously hidden God Word in their hearts, they now shine as the Sun in the day “when the towers (the fallen churches) shall fall!” (see Isaiah 30:25)

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And now, God’s glorified people no longer need to speak literal words. Their purified and glorified Christ-like lives, shining as the sun, will do all the speaking for them!

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John The Apostle – by Alonzo Cano – 1635-1637 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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CANCEL CULTURE IS TOTALITARIAN TERROISM

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SINCE THE WRITING OF THIS DEVOTIONAL, BACK IN 2015, THERE HAS BEEN A GROWING MOVEMENT IN SOCIETIES AROUND THE WORLD TO CAUSE CITIZENS TO FEAR SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THE PREVAILING “POLITICAL CORRECTNESS” OF THAT SOCIETY, FOR FEAR OF RETRIBUTION.

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AND WHILE THIS TOTALITARIAN CONTROL HAS ALWAYS BEEN PRACTICED IN OTHER LANDS, IT IS EVEN NOW BEING IMPLIMENTED IN THE WESTERN NATIONS.

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AND FURTHERMORE, THIS GROWING INTOLERANCE OF FREE SPEECH IS BECOMING SO PREVELANT HERE, THAT THE PUSH IS EVEN NOW BEING MADE TO CAUSE SOME CITIZENS TO LOSE THEIR LIVLIHOOD SHOULD THEY REFUSE TO PUBLICLY BOW DOWN TO THE “SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRIORS” FOR THESE “POLITICALLY/SOCIALLY CORRECT” MAXIMS!

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Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

Censored rubber stamp.svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

AUGUST 9 (Apocalypse Now! Part 2: Tormented With Fire!)

Campfire Pinecone – Emeldil at English Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to endure the fiery trials which God brings upon me, to drive out and crucify the “Old Man” of sin out of my heart! Make my life an open book, for all to read the wonderful story of the Gospel of Jesus…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?, or you can also read this shorter article…“May 31 (Mark Now Given, Part 2: Silencing Christians)”

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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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

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ‘7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’

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TOMORROW…

AUGUST 4 (The god Of This World, Part 1: That Other Guy Named Shakespeare!)

Shakespeare – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

 

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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

.

THIS IS STUDY #580 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.