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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 12

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The Ultimate Vacation Resort!

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So where do you think is the ultimate vacation resort?

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Jamaica perhaps?

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Jamaica sunrise – Adam L. Clevenger – cropped image – Wikipedia.jpg

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Or maybe a vacation in Paris, drinking coffee at some interesting flower-strewn cafe?

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Café de Flore coffee house – wikipedia – public domain

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Or how about a gondola trip through the canals of Venice?

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Rialto Gondoliers by Saffron Blaze – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License 3.0

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Or what about some warm Southern California beach?

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

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Or maybe to wander through the exotic streets of Bangkok?

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Bangkok Thailand – Khao San Road at night – by kevinpoh – CROPPED IMAGE ? Wikipedia

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A WORLD OF INTRIGUE!

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Well this very interesting planet has an almost unlimited variety of places to go and people to discover!

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But what is the very best vacation resort?

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Well that’s an interesting question!

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

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RETURN TO ANXIETY!

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You see, all these aforementioned vacation resorts can cost up to $10,000 for two persons.

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And the fact is, that’s a lot of money! Isn’t it? And yet, each year, billions of dollars are spent on various vacations in various places. Why, even an RV site at a popular lake can cost $1,200 per month or more!

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And after your short vacation, you must return to your anxiety-filled routine, so as to save up enough to take another week or two vacation next year!

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People on crowded Delhi Bus – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License

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A FAR MORE WONDERFUL RESORT!

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But Christians understand that there is a vacation resort far more beautiful and far more wonderful than anything this world has to offer!

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Listen… “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth…And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new!” Revelation 21:1, 4, 5 

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Yes, this new world coming will be far more beautiful and far more wonderful than any of these over-priced resorts here on earth! And our vacation there will be a somewhat extended stay! Extended for all eternity! There will be no end! And there will be no more crying, nor sorrow, no pain, and no death! And we will be forever young!

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ASIAN AID

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And so, knowing this, you could take that money otherwise spent on that expensive resort, and send orphans to Christian schooling in Asia, providing one year of room and board and Christian schooling, through a Christian group, “Asian Aid”.

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In this way, you could go tent-camping at a nearby lake, and rest satisfied knowing that the money you graciously gave will result in various souls becoming saved! No doubt, you will enjoy those humble camp-outs far more than those expensive and exotic resorts!

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GRATEFUL SOULS WILL GREET YOU

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And then, when we all get to finally cross that river, we will be greeted by a multitude of grateful redeemed ones who will thank you for being so unselfish with your money!

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And for all eternity, you will be bumping into various persons who will instinctively know that it was you who supplied the finances that caused them to hear the soul-saving Gospel!

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And together both you and them will enjoy a far more wonderful and joyful resort, than anything this short life has to offer!

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The River Of The Water Of Life by H. Melville – Wikimedia – Public Domain (3)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become far more generous with my regular giving. Help me to understand just how important it is, to send out the Gospel via faithful ministries…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven), or you can also read this shorter article…January 9th (Forever is a Very Long Time!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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An easy way to find Arcturus is to follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper, in the spring through fall (these are the months in which Arcturus is visible). 

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: (Sketch to right: constellations span the heavens (Ark in south, 7 Stars in north), and travel from east to west through the night.

This sketch is of 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) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA  Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)

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TOMORROW…

 (The Bible, A Supernatural Book)

Paul Converted – www.thebiblerevival.com

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #558 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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

 

 

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 11

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“Bring Back The Lions!!!”

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The lion has been given the title, “The king of beasts”. Yes, even the secular world recognizes the kingly qualities in the lion.

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Just look at the way it walks! Listen to its roar! Behold its royal mane! It is almost fearless! It has kingly qualities all over it!

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Now, the Bible also recognizes the kingly qualities of the lion…“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Revelation 5:5

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As this above verse alludes, Jesus Christ is that “Lion of the tribe of Judah!”

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Earth Touch Lion – Botswana – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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BRING BACK THE LIONS!

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Now there has been a cry that is swelling within the secular world, as of late, concerning lions… “Bring back the lions!! Bring back the lions!!”

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In other words, there is a growing animosity against Christians, if you haven’t noticed! The secular world is growing increasingly hostile against Christians, because Christians are protesting the rapid ground-swell of immorality in a society that originally began as a Christian nation. And so, in response, the growing paganistic movement is beginning to call for a return to the days when Christians were sent into Roman stadiums to be viciously torn apart by hungry lions.

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(Well, somebody, for whatever reason, has completely scrubbed this “Bring Back The Lions” chant from the Internet.)

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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A SOCIAL/FINANCIAL LIONS ARENA

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Now most people just brush off this crescendo-ing call for a return to those cruel days.

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Most people do not believe that the secularists today are really serious about desiring Christians to be actually tossed into an arena of lions.

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Well, whether or not they are serious, it looks as though Christians are just now to be tossed into a social/financial lion’s arena of sorts.

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

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FIRES OF PERSECUTION RE-IGNITING

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Yes, we are now witnessing a phenomenon which is making life impossible for a growing number of Christians.

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From bakers and photographers getting their business licenses revoked, to schools beginning to eliminate gender-based restrooms, to teachers compelled to promote homosexuality, and now even racism, to a swelling movement to force churches to accept unrepentant homosexuals as members.

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It seems we are coming to the re-fulfillment of that fateful day when Lot had to flee from Sodom on the morning of its fiery judgment from Heaven!

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

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RE-FULFILLMENT of that DAY 

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Listen… “But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:29, 30

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So here we see that the Bible foretells of the day when God’s people will be in a similar situation as Lot.

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And so, as we hear this cry from those anti-Christian mobs…“Bring back the lions!”, many Christians are getting nervous that we have reached the reenactment of that fearful day when Lot narrowly escaped from Sodom’s destruction.

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

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THE GOOD NEWS!

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Now there is some Good News here, even amidst this growing crisis…

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“And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” Isaiah 30:25

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This above verse reveals, howbeit in veiled allegorical language, that God has provided a safe-haven, filled with abundant waters of grace and truth. Yes, in this hour when the towers (Man’s institutions) are now falling all around us! And so, we are now hearing the call to “flee to the mountains”. And these mountains are at our fingertips, as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and in unceasing prayer, and in separation from all ungodliness!

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Listen…“Thou art my Hiding Place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7

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PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture, but made up of real constellations (Ursa Major & Auriga, Hyades, etc…, howbeit not in their actual positions in the night-sky)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be found in Sodom, this world, but deliver me to the place prepared for those who escape from the wrath which is soon to come…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman Constellation: What is the Message of Habakkuk?, or you can also read this shorter article…“August 11th (Habakkuk Says “Run!”)”

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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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

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From time to time, the Book of Revelation mentions stars. But when we get to Revelation Chapter 12, it speaks of two “great signs in heaven”. First, it speaks of the sign in heaven of a woman with child. Then it speaks of the sign in heaven of a great red dragon, with a tail that sweeps one-third of the stars and casts these stars down to the earth. So we get the sense that this phenomenon that the Apostle John was seeing, was closely intertwined with the starry host of the heavens. And these two signs in heaven, a woman, and a dragon, are a big part of this website, Signs Of Heaven.

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And so this phenomenon that the Apostle John was seeing, was closely intertwined with the starry host of the heavens.

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What really gives validity to this idea, is that God created the Universe in such a way, that if one looks at the major constellations, then this Revelation 12 scenario can be seen. So please read on. And if you really want to see this heavenly battle, you just might. It will take some real effort on your part. But through prayer, faith, and study of the site, God may just graciously open your eyes to see this amazing story written on the heavenly scroll above. But don’t wait! This heavenly scroll will soon be rolled up, just as it is written… “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together;” Revelation 6:14

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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the  Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation  head is of  Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness)

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TOMORROW…

JULY 12 (The Ultimate Vacation Resort!)

Jamaica sunrise – Adam L. Clevenger – cropped image – Wikipedia.jpg

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #557 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 10th

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Flee To The Mountain!

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Part 3:

“Remember Lot’s Wife!”

To read Part 1, click here…  May 30th (Flee To The Mountain!)

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“And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that He said, ‘Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'” Genesis 19:17

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

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When Jesus spoke to His disciples of the last days, He told of the time that God’s people must flee to safety from the wrath which is coming upon the world.

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And in His warning to us all, He finished with this fearful statement… “Remember Lot’s Wife!”

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Yes, Jesus tells us to remember what happened when Mrs. Lot looked back at her world, which was to be totally burnt with fire from Heaven!

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She turned into a pillar of salt: salt being a symbol of God’s Judgment!

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Mrs. Lot Flees Sodom, turns to salt – www.christianimagesource.com

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SODOM & GOMORRAH WORLD TODAY!

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Well, just about everybody knows the fiery outcome of that infamous city, Sodom.

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But the point to today’s devotional is, that God orchestrated the events of that fateful day for our spiritual benefit. And, the historical account of Lot fleeing Sodom, stands as a fearful warning to Christians against becoming enamored by all the glittering allurements of this present world-of-selfish-desires!

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Mrs. Lot looks back at Sodom –  by Raphael for www.wikigallery.com – public domain

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LOVING THIS PRESENT WORLD

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Listen to this same warning of Jesus as it continues… “Remember Lot’s wife! Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:32, 33

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Now this above passage may seem confusing. After all, just what does it mean, to save one’s life, and yet lose one’s life? And what does it mean to lose one’s life, and yet preserve his or her life? 

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Perhaps this next passage will begin to clear up this question… 

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Listen… “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour. Luke 12:25, 26

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Here we see that Jesus is speaking of our love for this present selfish world with all its hedonistic pleasures and proud, ambitious aspirations. Our love should be for the world to come! Not for this tragic, world-in-rebellion–against-Heaven!

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Mrs. Lot looks back at Sodom –  by Raphael for www.wikigallery.com – public domain

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THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, EYES, & PRIDE

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But Satan has been giving this world a make-over ever since the days when physical persecution came to an end (for several centuries now). Oh yes, Christians in eastern nations have now begun to suffer physical persecution for their faith.

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But Christians here are suffering a completely different type of persecution!

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Yes, these nations which once lovingly embraced the Christian Reformation have now been flooded with every conceivable pleasure and proud attainment: clubs, and restaurants, and pleasure resorts to name just a few are consuming our time and money, that would otherwise be given for the salvation of starving souls.

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But also, the expensive and proud vehicles, and pleasure-crafts which drain our bank accounts in our attempt to impress others. Lofty and enviable homes, and gardens and lands which keep the Christian working overtime to support. Television, radio, and high-tech communication devices, which absorb our attention and conform our thoughts and character into the image of this Antichrist world. Credit card debt which keeps the Christian in the bondage of servitude, trying to repay. And proud and lofty careers which sap the energy and absorb the time which would otherwise be spent in devotion to the Bible, Prayer, and raising one’s family.

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Yes, the “elect lady”, the Church, has fallen prey to Satan’s deceptions and allurements, all designed to deter Christians from walking that upward heaven-bound pathway, which leads out of this world!

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“Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God”

Psalm 55:19

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Now because of her love for this present world, Mrs. Lot (a symbol of the Church-Apostate), turned into a literal pillar of salt. But God orchestrated that scenario to be a picture of what happens spiritually to churches and to churchgoers who attempt to be Heaven-bound and yet still pursue the selfish pleasures, and the proud worldly pursuits. Instead of becoming converted into the glorious image of Christ, we rather become solidified in our worldly and unchristlike character.

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Listen… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

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Here above, Jesus is explaining that it is impossible to serve Christ and the world too! Because to enthusiastically serve this present world is to enthusiastically serve the “god of the world”, Satan. (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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Mrs. Lot looks back at Sodom –  by Raphael for www.wikigallery.com – public domain

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“THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL…”

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Now Jesus reveals to us concerning His Church… “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

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And of course, Jesus is speaking of His “Elect Lady”, the chosen and faithful remnant: this is the true Church of which the gates of Hell shall not prevail. 

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And so, the Day of the Lord will reveal just who it is that truly loves God!

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Listen… “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Malachi 3:18

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The hour we are now in will be a time of separation of the wheat from the tares.  

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

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GOOD NEWS!

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Now the very Good News to all this is found in the Epistle of James… “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God…Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:4, 8-10

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Yes, this above passage lays out the wonderful and glorious way back to God. And we will once again return to the upward pathway out of this “City of Destruction”, which is about to receive the same fate as Sodom!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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WATCH THIS VIDEO!

you can still find little balls of brimstone on the ground outside of the now water-covered grave where Sodom & Gomorrah once were, before they were blasted by God.)

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To read Part 4, click here…

SEPTEMBER 8 (Flee To The Mountain! Part 4: Fiddling While Rome Burns!)

PICTURE: Nero sings and plays while Rome Burns – Wikimedia -US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to not look back at this selfish and vain world. But rather, help me to hate my life in this ungodly world. Give me a longing to live forever in the Promised Land which is soon to come…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath” or you can also read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1”

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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“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS”

Matthew 24:15

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“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15, 16 

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So the above verse is a warning to all those who are living over there in Palestine. “Flee to the mountains!”. And this photo of the mountains of Judea just might be a good place to flee to.

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But with today’s tracking devices, it probably wouldn’t be too long until they found you. But does this passage have a message for us Christians who are scattered elsewhere around the world? Listen once again…

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“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15, 16 

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Notice it says in the above verse, “whoso reads, let him understand”. So there needs to be an understanding of this complex issue. There needs not only to be an understanding of the Abomination of Desolation, but also an understanding of just what it means “to flee”.

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Judean Hills Panorama from beth meir – wikipedia – share-alike license

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HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

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Well, as just stated, the Lord has created a constellation which shows a woman fleeing. It is called the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, also known as Ursa Major or The Big Dipper. So if we explore this constellation in the light of the Bible, there can be a wealth of information discovered on this very topic. So come along and dig into this study. And after reading about this heavenly revelation, you just might find yourself fleeing to the mountains. And maybe, just maybe, there are some much better mountains to flee to, than the ones in the above photo of Palestine! Mountains in which you can hide, where tacking devices and black helicopters are useless against you!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness)”

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TOMORROW: 

JULY 11 (“Bring Back The Lions!!!”)

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

.

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

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THIS IS STUDY #556 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 9

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Jesus, Between The Lines?

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“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:

and they are they which testify of Me.

And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.”

John 5:39, 40

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The above words are the very words of Jesus as He was confronted by the leaders of the Jews.

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They were challenging His authority, to which He responded… “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39, 40.

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And so, this little statement presents a giant concept which, when fully understood, dramatically changes our understanding of the Scriptures!  

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To put it very concisely, the entire Bible is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

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Tissot – the Pharisees and the Herodians conspire against Jesus – www.joyfulheart.com

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A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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But many will answer this by saying, “Well of course the entire Bible is about Jesus!”

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But though most churchgoers and teachers claim to believe this statement, very few realize the totality of it! Because today, more than any other time in history, Jesus has been removed from much of the Bible!

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FALSE HERMENEUTIC

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You see, today there is a totally non-biblical hermeneutic which demands that the Bible must be interpreted as literally as possible, unless the context demands an allegorical interpretation.

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And so, this theologian-contrived method of interpretation has shut up much of the Bible from ever being understood!

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BIBLE A PROPHETIC BOOK

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Listen …“worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

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Here again is a giant concept written in just a few words. But in somewhat veiled language it says that the Bible is “the spirit of prophecy”. And as such, it can only be truly understood prophetically! In other words, the Bible being the testimony of Jesus, is a prophetic book about the Gospel.

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

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AN EXAMPLE OF ALLEGORIES

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For example, let’s examine the writings of Paul, as he spiritually interprets the story of Abraham in a way never before understood…“Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?” Galatians 4:21

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Now right here, Paul is asking the Galatians if they truly hear the Law. You see, the Galatians may have read the Law (the Old Testament). But Paul wanted to know if they really understood the true meaning of the Law (the Old Testament).

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

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THE TWO COVENANTS

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And Paul continues by saying…“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.” Galatians 4:22-24

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Now Paul is establishing that this true historical account of Abraham and his folly with Hagar is actually an allegory, orchestrated by God to present a picture of the Old and New Covenants: Sarah being a picture of the New Covenant of faith, and Hagar, the Old Covenant of fleshly bondage.

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

Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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JERUSALEM LOST & JERUSALEM SAVED

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But Paul doesn’t stop here! No, he goes on further by saying… “For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:25, 26

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Now here Paul is dividing Jerusalem into two portions: “Jerusalem now”, which is a picture of those who are yet in bondage to their sins, and “Jerusalem above and free”, representing those who are truly born from above.

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The point to this revelation by Paul is that there is nothing which actually demands an allegorical interpretation of the account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, and their sons. And yet Paul completely allegorizes the entire account, revealing that it is a picture of the Gospel of Jesus!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Foolish Virgins – James Tissot – US Public Domain

Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He (Jesus) expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself”

Luke 24:27 

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Now this story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, is not the only place in the Old Testament in which we can spiritually interpret as a picture of the Gospel. Truth-be-told, the entire Old Testament is the Gospel of Jesus, howbeit veiled in types and shadows and proverbs and allegories!

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And this above verse from Luke 24 confirms that Jesus and His Gospel are interwoven throughout the Old Testament.

Listen again…“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He (Jesus) expounded unto them (His two companions on the Road to Emmaus) in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27

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And those who attempt to understand the Old Testament will never truly comprehend it until they see the Gospel written behind every line and precept of the Old Testament!

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Yes, the Gospel of Jesus is hidden between every line and historical account in the Old Testament!

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The Brazen Serpent – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Jesus on road to Emmaus – Zünd_Gang – 1877 – Wikipedia – US public domain

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SAMSON, ESTHER, JEREMIAH, ETC…

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For instance, the many stories and Psalms of David are merely prophetic portraits of Christ and the New Testament Church.

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Or the story of Samson is an allegorical prophecy concerning Christ and His Church in the last days! Or the story of Esther is really a picture of the Church in the last days. Or the Book of Jeremiah. Or the book of Job. Or the story of the Exodus.

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Yes, all these, and much more are all pictures of various aspects of the Gospel in the last days!

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

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THE NATURAL MAN

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But the problem is, that those in the Church who are still in bondage to the flesh cannot spiritually discern all these Old Testament stories, because they are not of the Spirit, but of the flesh…

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Listen… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14

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Yes, as this above verse reveals, those who are yet “natural” (carnal) cannot rightly discern God’s Word. That is why there are so many Bible teachers who scorn anyone who spiritually interprets the Bible. These carnally-minded teachers cannot spiritually interpret much of the Bible, and mock and scorn anyone who does!

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

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“SWEEP AWAY THE REFUGE OF LIES”

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There is a charge which many of today’s theologians make against spiritual interpretations, saying…“Well, you can come up with about any ol’ interpretation you want, by just saying this means this or that means that!”

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But truth-be-told, Scripture must be compared with Scripture, as it says…“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little…Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isaiah 28:10, 17

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True interpretation is compared here to a plummet line in which various Scriptures must be correctly lined up against each other, to be properly understood. In other words, as plumb-bobs on a string give the carpenter a true vertical line of measurement, so also, those who desire truth will likewise correctly line up Scriptures in much the same way to find the true spiritual meaning of any and all Scripture! And so, even though many improper interpretations may have been made over the centuries, yet true spiritualizing may be accomplished if done properly, because the Bible is a faithful book. 

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Plumb-bob – Wikipedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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DOUBLE-MINDED DISCIPLES NOT NEEDED

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The very Good News is, that God is willing to open up the Bible to anyone who forsakes this present world, and begins to follow Jesus as a true disciple. Oh there are many who profess to follow Jesus. But as the Scripture reveals… “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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These are the very words of Jesus, as He is revealing the totality of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ! Only those who are ready to forsake their love for the vain attractions of this selfish world, can truly become a disciple of Jesus.

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THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 20 MINUTE AUDIO BIBLE STUDY ON JEREMIAH, CHAPTER 8, CONCERNING THE ALLEGORICAL NATURE OF THE BIBLE, CONDUCTED BY HAROLD CAMPING, STUDY #188…

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me discernment as to my spiritual condition! Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Word…

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…November 25th (Gog and Magog: Proper Bible Interpretation!), or you can also read this other article…“October 10th (God’s Two-Edged Sword!)”

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 

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“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

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And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

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Matthew 25:1-4

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WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART

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

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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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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

JULY 10th (Flee To The Mountain! Part 3: “Remember Lot’s Wife!”)

Mrs. Lot looks back at Sodom by Raphael for www.wikigallery.com public domain

 

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #555 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 8

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How To Get Rich In Real Estate!

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There is a currently popular term which describes a currently popular money-making venture: “House Flipping”.

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And the concept of this money-making venture is simple: buy a house and quickly turn it over for a profit!

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And indeed, for those who have the energy and the savvy, this currently popular wave of “house-flipping” can be quite profitable!

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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STRICT HONESTY A MUST!

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Now for the Christian, there are some additional factors to consider: factors which the people of the world are perhaps, not so concerned about.

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You see, the Christian understands, or at least should understand, that God requires strict honesty in all of life’s business dealings, both big and small!

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Listen… “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within My house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in My sight.” Psalm 101:7

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Yes, this above verse reveals that those who deceive others will simply not be numbered among the redeemed who spend eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth…

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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NO LIARS IN HEAVEN!

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Listen again… “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, AND ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

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So here we see that it is of utmost importance to be completely honest in all matters of life! Because, as it says in the above verse, “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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A DISHONEST WORLD

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Unfortunately, the people of this present antichrist world are not so careful about being honest.

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And so, when you buy something from a person, they may, or they may not disclose the true reason why they are getting rid of whatever they are attempting to sell.

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Of course, non-disclosure of problems is just as dishonest as out-and-out lying!

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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“THE CURSE CAUSELESS SHALL NOT COME!”

Proverbs 26:2

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This above proverb presents a giant principle, which is the reason for so much of the troubles which befall the sons of men in this fallen world!

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Listen… “The curse causeless shall not come!” Proverbs 26:2

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You see, when we engage in any sin, there is a recompense we must suffer for that sin. Whether that repayment comes as a natural cause-and-effect, or it comes as a special punishment from the Divine Judge, it nevertheless will come! Curses do not just come for no reason! No, curses come as a result of a person’s bad behavior!

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And so, if a person, “whether bond or free” (Christian or non-Christian), engages in dishonesty, then he or she will receive the same recompense. Yes, a curse will follow them.

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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TRUE STORY

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A certain young man named Dave accidentally side-swiped another car, and quickly left the scene, without notifying the owner of that damaged car.

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Well, to make a long story short, sometime later, Dave became a Christian. And a few years into his Christianity, he was hit by another car, totally ruining his own car. Well, most people would say, “What’s so special about that?”.

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However, when Dave arrived home from the accident, he was surprised to discover that someone had dropped a large object on his expensive 1 year old sports car! So, on that very same day, he lost one car in an accident, and had body damage to his other car! Coincidence? Or divine judgment? Well, Dave was totally convicted in his heart that it was a recompense for his hit-and-run accident years earlier. (But of course, you are free to make up your own mind.)

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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

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WE ARE TRIED EVERY MOMENT!

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The point is, there is nothing done under the Sun that escapes the notice of the Judge! God sees everything!

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Listen… “What is man…that Thou (God) should visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” Job 7:17, 18

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As this above verse reveals, God is trying us every moment! Nothing we think, say or do escapes the notice of the Divine Judge of Heaven and Earth…

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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KEEPING COMMANDMENTS IS EVERYTHING!

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Listen again… “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter (of life): Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14

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Here is a great big, huge concept! Not only does this passage reveal that every work, and every secret thing will be judged. But it also reveals that the whole duty of life is to keep God’s Commandments! Nothing else matters!

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And this principle carries over into real estate sales. Or automobile sales. Or any sale of anything, big or little! Yes, it is not so important whether or not we sell that item. The only thing that matters, is that we handle that sale in a God-glorifying manner!

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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DAVE SELLS HIS HOME

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Well, here’s another true story about that same guy, Dave. You see, Dave lived in a bad neighborhood, and he desperately wanted to get out, for his kid’s sake!

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But he had a choice to make. Should he disclose to the prospective buyer that there was trouble in his neighborhood? Or should he keep silent?

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Well, after a number of experiences, Dave had finally learned his lesson about honesty, and told the perspective buyer all about the neighborhood and also about the major problems with the house. And guess what! The buyer didn’t even flinch! He paid cash for that house. And that was that!

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But guess what else! Dave moved into a house across town and never even had one problem with his new neighborhood, as far as his children were concerned! This time, he did it God’s way, and the Lord blessed him!

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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LET US TURN AGAIN TO THE LORD

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The Good News to all this is, that God is a very forgiving God. And if we will only begin to trust Him to lead us and guide us and help us in every situation of life, we will be overjoyed to learn that we don’t have to worry so much about selling our house or car, etc., that we must withhold negative information about whatever we are trying to sell! We simply apply God’s commandment about honesty in each and every situation, and trust that He will bless us in one way or another.

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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MAKING A WISE REAL ESTATE TRADE

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And though we may never be rich in the eyes of mankind, yet in Heaven’s estimation, we will be Billionaires!

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And the Bible says… “He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7

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Now to inherit all things seems to indicate that the redeemed will inherit this entire universe! So that means we’ll be the richest people of all! (spiritual riches)

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And so, you could possibly say that by our honesty down here on Planet Earth, we will become very rich in our real estate sales, as we sell this world and buy that wonderful world to come! 

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House Fixer-upper in Eureka Cal. – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to maintain strict honesty in all of life’s matters, big and small…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“June 2nd (Just Enough Rope!)”, or you can also read this shorter article… “April 19th (Robin Hood Christianity!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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LOCATING THE ARCHER

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“He hath bent His bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. He hath caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my reins. I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.” Lamentations 3:12-14

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Orion travels through the night skies, starting about late September in the pre-dawn hours. This 1st office which Orion holds, as an Archer, is fairly easy to see. His bow is pointed and bent as if ready to shoot his arrows. But why astronomers have never noticed this Dragon to his left, is truly a puzzle! It’s so obvious; at least his crocodile mouth is obvious. (Perhaps God is sending the message that Satan (the real Dragon) is so obviously real, and yet so few in this world are ready to recognize him.)

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This Archer-Orion corresponds to the 1st Horseman of Revelation, Chapter 6, speaking of a rider with a bow who goes out conquering. 

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And so this article is dedicated to show just what Orion the Archer is speaking of, in Scripture, and how this all relates to you and me. So read on and observe…

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Orion courtesy IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine & Wikipedia share-alike license

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FOR FURTHER STUDY… “Orion the Archer“

 

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TOMORROW…

JULY 9 (Jesus, Between The Lines?) 

magnifying glass on puzzle – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #554 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 6

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How To Get Crucified

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When speaking to His brothers, Jesus plainly told them… “The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” John 7:7

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So here we see what precipitated the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus testified that the world’s works are evil. But people did not want to hear this!  And as the time drew near, Jesus only ratcheted up His condemnation of the world.

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And because they could not get Him to be quiet, they finally put Him on the Cross.

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

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THE WORLD LOVES ITS OWN

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But notice that Jesus said to His unsaved brothers… “The world cannot hate you;” Yes, the brothers of Jesus were still unsaved. They were still part of the world….

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Listen again to Jesus… “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19

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This above statement was said to the disciples of Jesus. And indeed, the world hated them too!

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

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WHY DO SOME CHRISTIANS PROSPER?

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So right here, the question needs to be asked, “Why then, do so many Christians seem to be at peace with the world?”

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Well, it’s the same reason that Jesus’ brothers were not hated by the world: because even though they made a pretense of loving and serving God, they were not yet true disciples of Jesus.

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They were still in the world, and still loved this selfish world! And the world loved them!

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Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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CHRISTIANS ARE “MARKED MEN!”

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No, the Christian doesn’t even need to openly condemn the world, to raise the ire of the world. If that Christian has truly forsaken the world in his or her heart, you can be sure that Satan knows all about it!

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And so, don’t be surprised if you get “special treatment” from the world! As a genuine Christian, you have that proverbial, “target on your back!”

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Archery target – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

 

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“TRIBULATION WORKETH PATIENCE”

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But why does God allow the Devil to persecute the Christian?

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Listen… “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:3-5

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As Paul reveals in this above verse, our many afflictions are merely God’s chosen method of crucifying our selfish human nature.

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And let’s face it! Our fiery trials, both big and little, not only crucify our love for this present evil world, but also cause us to trust less in our own human strength and wisdom and rely more on God’s strength and on His “exceeding great and precious promises” to deliver us from evil! (See 2nd Peter 1:4)

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And so, God lovingly allows His children to go through the fires of tribulation, in hopes of purifying our hearts and transforming our lives into His likeness.

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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THE DEVIL NOT BOTHERED

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Now there are many Christians who are vocal about the wickedness of this world. And yet, it seems that they tend to get away with it. Oh yes, they get criticized for being vocal. But certainly, they do not suffer as did the early disciples.

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The reason why Christians in the western nations are not suffering as did the early Christians is because our words are hollow, for the most part. We still love this present world to a great degree. We are mostly like the finger-pointing Pharisees of old. We are still of the world, even though we are critical of it.

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And so, the Devil is still the power working within all “Christian” pretenders.

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

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TRUE CHRISTIANS FORSAKE ALL!

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Jesus plainly declared… “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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Yes, discipleship, true discipleship can only be attained by forsaking this present world and following Jesus. And even though we still must work, and eat, and be warm, and provide for the needs and contentment of our family members, in heart we no longer love this selfish world. The things of the world have lost their luster, so to speak.

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Our sights are now fully set upon Heaven!

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The Pilgrim’s Progress – by Byam Shaw – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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FALSE BRETHREN STILL PROSPER

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And so, we should not be surprised when we see some, or perhaps most professing Christians still prospering in the world…

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Listen to the Psalmist… “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” Psalm 73:12

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Yes, the sad fact is, the Church is full of unconverted pretenders, who make a profession of loving the Lord, yet in heart, yet still love, “the god of this world”, the Devil! (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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And if we have truly forsaken in heart, this present world, we should not be surprised if the world hates us, even though we may not even openly condemn it!

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

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THE GOOD NEWS! STILL TIME TO RETURN!

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But the Good News is, that it is still the day of Salvation! And if I still love the things of the world, then I can still turn to the Lord in repentance and beg for grace to become a true child of God!

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Listen… “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God….Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up (in due season).” James 4:4, 8-10 & Galatians 6:9

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Here is the remedy for our world-loving heart! To humble ourselves before God and plead for His mercy and grace! And though this is a sad business, yet it is a joyful place to be! This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life… “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;” 2nd Corinthians 6:10

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to finally make that decision to forsake all. Graciously allow me the joy of suffering with the people of God, so that I might attain to that better resurrection…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Woman of Revelation 12, (“The Woman on the Altar”), or you can also read this shorter article… “January 19th (Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?)” 

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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FLEEING WOMAN OF REVELATION 12

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WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

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This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, as seen in these two star-charts, is made of the Ursa Major Constellation. However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen. They only saw it as a bear. But it is actually a headless woman in childbirth.  This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, then appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward). The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (The Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars, and comprises her torso and one of her limbs. But the entire Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major ) must be seen on a darker starry night, somewhat away from many city lights.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: Ursa Major (with woman constellation drawn in by this website)  – IAU.svg – Star-Chart – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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SPREADING GOSPEL SEED

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This Revelation 12 Woman appears to be fleeing, as written… “And the woman fled into the wilderness….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.” Rev. 12:14. OK, so this woman (who represents God’s people) is fleeing from the serpent (Satan). But upon closer examination, it appears that she is casting Gospel seed from her left foot and from her left hand.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Woman of Revelation 12, (“The Woman on the Altar”)

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TOMORROW…

JULY 7 (Lucifer’s Music Solo, Part 3, Continued: “It Is Not Near! Let Us Build Houses!”)

Wood-framed house – Wikipedia

 

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

 

THIS IS STUDY #552 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

 

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 5

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Lucifer’s Music Solo,

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Part 2, Continued:

“Pleasing God or Man?”

To read Part 1, click here… March 25th (Lucifer’s Music Solo)

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“For they loved the praise of men

more than the praise of God.”

John 12:43

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 THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF YESTERDAY’S DEVOTIONAL. TO READ YESTERDAY’S DEVOTIONAL, CLICK HERE.

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JESUS IS THE PLUMB-LINE OF TRUTH

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[CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY click here to read] But there is a test for each and every word spoken or sung: Jesus Christ!

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Yes, for those who have their eyes lifted up to Heaven, there will be an attempt to imitate Jesus in all we think, do, and say. And of course, the Holy Spirit abiding within a Believer, likewise pervades what kind of music we love, and listen to, and even the music we perform, if indeed we are being led by the Spirit!

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And filled with His Spirit of love for the music of Heaven, we inquire of  ourselves… “How can I sound more like Jesus? How would Jesus sing this song? How can I promote Heaven, and not promote ‘self”?”

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These are the questions which the child of God will ask regarding such perplexing issues. And there is a certain intuition that tells us how Jesus lived. And in our mind’s eye, we can envision how Jesus would handle these seemingly questionable matters.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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MEEK & LOWLY JESUS: A REAL JOY-KILLER!

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But for those false brethren in today’s churches, who are trying to vaunt themselves before audiences, this concept of emulating the meek and lowly Jesus is a real joy-killer! Because with Jesus, there was no attempt to lift Himself up by His own beauty or charisma or talent…

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Listen to Isaiah’s description of Jesus… “He hath no form (attractiveness) nor comeliness (splender); and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” Isaiah 53:2

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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LUCIFER: KING OF BABYLON (THIS WORLD)

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And we need to remember that it was Satan who first began to perform his solos to please his audience of angels. Yes, when pride entered Lucifer’s heart, he began to sing more and more solos, no doubt! No longer was his motivation to please God. No longer was he content with joining all voices together as one! He became only interested in wowing his audiences with his own beauty, abilities, and charm, for the purpose of self-exaltation!

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Listen…“…take up this proverb against the king of Babylon (this world), and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!…Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols…How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!…For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:4, 12-14 (condensed for brevity)

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Here above, this passage from Isaiah exposes Lucifer as the King of Babylon (this world). And Lucifer desired to rule over God’s people. But Lucifer’s judgment Day will finally come. And the noise of his violins will finally cease to sound! And his reign as “the god of this world” will finally come to an end! And Babylon (the world and the worldly church) will at long last be brought to its ultimate end!

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These concepts are found in the above passage from Isaiah.

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

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“COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

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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 allowed His people to live a mingled existence, caught somewhere between Heaven’s government and Satan’s kingdom of this world. We have grown up in this fallen world. It’s all we’ve ever known!

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And so, to a great extent, we have lived by the corrupt standards of this fallen world of Lucifer’s making, never really giving them a second thought. To a great degree, our entire culture has been crafted by, “the god of this world”, Lucifer. Whether we like it or not, the music that the world listens to, is more or less a product of this Babylonian world.

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People on Times Square – cropped image – Wikimedia-Commons – share-alike-license

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BEHOLD! THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!

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But the time has come when God has ordained that His people come out of this world-system, as far as possible. And though we must still work and eat and live here and raise our families, God wants us to cease living a compromised life.

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He wants to purify His Elect. He wishes to cleanse His Sanctuary. He desires and ordains a people who will prepare themselves to meet the Bridegroom.

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And this is what the message, “to come out of Babylon”, is all about! And the way we sing our Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs is an integral part of coming out of Babylon. And the Bible has laid out the perimeters and the necessary principles for that. And if there is any confusion, the life of Jesus is the ultimate role-model for all behavior.

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Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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STILL TIME TO GET IT RIGHT!

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Well, the Good News is, that God has allowed a little more time for His people to finally “get it right!”

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And for those of us who have musical abilities, there must be a renewed focus on Heaven and on Heaven’s Jesus!

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Let’s begin to show forth Jesus in everything we do and say, and even sing!

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Let’s attempt to praise God and cease from praising ourselves!

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Let’s get back to the simplicity of the early Church!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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EXODUS FROM BABYLON

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Listen to this next prophecy by Isaiah…“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.” Isaiah 52:8

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Here is a prophecy concerning the days soon to come, when God will bring His people out of spiritual Babylon. And it foretells of the day when God’s people will sing, and with “voice together shall they sing”. Yes, this speaks of the day when the last Church will shine as the Sun, in all its brightness!

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And that Day is now upon us.

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

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NO MORE “WOWING”!

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No more will there be any self-promotion heard in the camp of the saints. And those of us who previously used our musical abilities for pride’s sake, will no more seek for applause and adulation!

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And we will remember all those syrupy-sweet “trills and frills” we performed, merely for the sake of our own foolish pride, and we will loathe ourselves for our past abominations during those years of our Babylonian captivity!

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And in that day, those of us who do return from our spiritual captivity from, “the north country”, will now delight to sing like the humble and lowly Jesus: we will now sing hymns together with the other saints and no more will we attempt to proudly lift ourselves up above others. And then, our only desire will be to lift Jesus up before the world!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

JULY 7 (Lucifer’s Music Solo, Part 3, Continued: “It Is Not Near! Let Us Build Houses!”)

Wood-framed_house

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Keep me back from this desire of pride to vaunt myself before others, trying to impress people, rather than God…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Running The Christian Race (Part 2, Sensual Music), or you can also read this shorter article… Today’s Devotional – March 25th (Lucifer’s Music Solo)

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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“Let my prayer 

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be set forth

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before Thee as incense;

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and the lifting up

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of my hands

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as the evening sacrifice.”

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Psalm 142:2

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“WOMAN ON THE  ALTAR” CONSTELLATION… 

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This “Golden Altar” Constellation is only seen in winter through spring, in mid-sky.  It is to the south of the “Fleeing Woman Constellation” (AKA Ursa Major  or The Big Dipper).

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The “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12” Constellation is in the northeastern sky in this sketch. You would be facing east and looking very high up almost to mid-sky to see this constellation group this way. The altar is farther south but still in the eastern sky. This altar itself is commonly known as “Leo Major“, with the smoke rising being “Leo Minor“.

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A little farther down this page is the sketch of this same constellation in the latter part of winter, when you look at them facing westward. You will notice that what looked like Gospel seed being cast from her left hand and left foot (see “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman” article for explanation of casting “Gospel Seed”) now appears like smoke or incense rising from the altar. It is not clear why the altar is sideways in back of the Woman. It would make more sense if it were directly under the Woman. However, the Lord must have some spiritual truth to convey concerning this odd positioning of the Altar. The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Woman of Revelation 12, (“The Woman on the Altar”)

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TOMORROW…

JULY 6 (How To Get Crucified)

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #551 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 4

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Lucifer’s Music Solo,

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Part 2:

“Pleasing God or Man?”

To read Part 1, click here…March 25th (Lucifer’s Music Solo)

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“For they loved the praise of men

more than the praise of God.”

John 12:43

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Now any biblical discussion about the music of this world and even in the Church would not be complete without at least a mention of Lucifer and his musicianship.

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So the first biblical mention of Lucifer’s musical abilities is found in Isaiah. 

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Listen…“Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” Isaiah 14:11, 12.

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So in these above words of Isaiah, it is mentioned here that Lucifer had music abilities, where it says… “Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and THE NOISE OF THY VIOLS…O Lucifer, son of the morning!”

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Here it is revealed that Lucifer was somehow intimately connected with viols. These viols would, no doubt, be stringed instruments.

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Lucifer Fallen Gustave Dore – Wikipedia – US public domain

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WIND & PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS

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Now many theologians also attribute this following passage to Lucifer as well… “the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created…” Ezekiel 28:14, 15, 17 [condensed].

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So if both these passages apply to Lucifer, then it is a dramatic testimony to Lucifer’s musical abilities. Tabrets are percussion instruments. Pipes would be wind instruments or organ pipes. Viols of course, would be stringed instruments.

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Well, you could probably say that Lucifer was a veritable “One-Man-Orchestra/Choir”!

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Lucifer – By Gustave Dore – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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LUCIFER’S EARTHLY OFFICE

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Now it could be conjectured about Lucifer’s position in Heaven, or perhaps about him being the chief choir director in Heaven.

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But we do know that Lucifer was cast out of Heaven and now is known as “the god of this world” (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4).

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And we also know that he is called, “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2

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And given these three facts (his in-built musical instruments, his being “god of this world”, and his being “the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”), then it is not too difficult to deduce that this fallen angel continues his musical abilities right here in this fallen world, Planet Earth!

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Stuck Lucifer ca-1890 – Dore – Wikimedia – public-domain

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PRIDE CAUSED LUCIFER’S FALL!

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But the big point is, that it was Lucifer’s beauty which caused his heart to be lifted up.

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And because God has warned us not to be lifted up in our own hearts, one would think that Christians, above all others, would be taking precautions, not to allow ourselves to follow in Lucifer’s footsteps!

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For anyone who has performed some artistic ability in public arenas, there is an undeniable swelling of pride, especially when one receives praise over that performance. At times, this swelling of pride can almost reach the point of a narcotic-like rapture!

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

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LOVING THE PRAISE OF MEN

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Perhaps the greatest danger in solo performances is the temptation to please the audience more than to praise God!

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Listen…“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43

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We live in a world that is totally Man-centered. There is little attempt to please God in this world. Only those who are led by the Spirit will attempt to please God. But as far as the world? No! The world is only interested in Man.

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And let’s face it! This world is becoming increasingly more “ME!” oriented! Selfishness is now coming into its fullness.

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

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REFLECTS OUR SELFISHNESS

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And this truth is very evident in the music world. And our music reflects this self-absorption.

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The “greater good of society” has been replaced by, “my own selfish desires” to a great degree.

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Unfortunately, the Christian community has embraced the sensual and self-aggrandizing music of the world. Yes, today’s hedonistic music has found its way onto the church stages in the western societies, it appears!

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

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But today’s devotional will narrow the focus down to the solo singing which is commonly heard in today’s church services.

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singer – cropped and darkened image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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FRILLS & TRILLS

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Yes, so much of the solo singing heard today is an unashamed attempt to please the audience’s carnal tastes.

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And so, the singer strains his or her vocal cords to imitate the sexy-sensuality so common among secular singers.

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And perhaps there are various trills and other such vocal frills thrown into the performance, merely to impress the audience.

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8 musicians motion blur experimental digital photography by Rick Doble. – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. GNU License

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WHAT DID JESUS DO?

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Just what does the Bible have to say about all singing? Certainly, as we read the Gospels, the few times music was mentioned, it was very simple, in which the disciples merely sang sacred hymns together, without any mention of solo singing…

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Listen… “And when they (Jesus & disciples) had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30

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Very simple and spontaneous was the music in the early Church. There was none of the elaborate musical filigree which we hear in today’s music! 

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No, there was only the trembling, faithful voices of pilgrims, joining their voices together as one, lifting their hearts up to Heaven in joy and thankfulness to their Creator/Redeemer!

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The Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94 – by James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public Domain

 

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SCRIPTURE SONGS

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Perhaps the best innovation which came out of the Twentieth Century church-music were those simple “Scripture Songs”, which were nothing more than a scripture verse or two, set to a simple melody.

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Yes, most of those little songs were composed in simplicity and without any sensuality or pride. And they were a great way for children and adults to memorize Scripture, as they were sung collectively during the worship hour, or individually, amidst one’s daily duties!

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Yes, those little songs were the closest thing to the Psalms of David (which we find in the center of our Bibles.) 

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David the Shepherd Boy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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CONTINUED TOMORROW. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

Stuck Lucifer ca-1890 – Dore – Wikimedia – public-domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Keep me back from this desire of pride to vaunt myself before others, trying to impress people, rather than God…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Running The Christian Race (Part 2, Sensual Music), or you can also read this shorter article…March 25th (Lucifer’s Music Solo)

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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“Let my prayer 

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be set forth

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before Thee as incense;

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and the lifting up

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of my hands

.

as the evening sacrifice.”

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Psalm 142:2

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“WOMAN ON THE ALTAR” CONSTELLATION… 

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This “Golden Altar” Constellation is only seen in winter through spring, in mid-sky.  It is to the south of the “Fleeing Woman Constellation” (AKA Ursa Major or The Big Dipper).

.

The “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12” Constellation is in the northeastern sky in this sketch. You would be facing east and looking very high up almost to mid-sky to see this constellation group this way. The altar is farther south but still in the eastern sky. This altar itself is commonly known as “Leo Major“, with the smoke rising being “Leo Minor“.

.

A little farther down this page is the sketch of this same constellation in the latter part of winter, when you look at them facing westward. You will notice that what looked like Gospel seed being cast from her left hand and left foot (see “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman” article for explanation of casting “Gospel Seed”) now appears like smoke or incense rising from the altar. It is not clear why the altar is sideways in back of the Woman. It would make more sense if it were directly under the Woman. However, the Lord must have some spiritual truth to convey concerning this odd positioning of the Altar. The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Woman of Revelation 12, (“The Woman on the Altar”)

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TOMORROW…

Part 2, Continued: Pleasing God or Man?)

Stuck Lucifer ca-1890 – Dore – Wikimedia – public-domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

.

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

 .

THIS IS STUDY #549 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

.

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

.

.

.

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 – JULY 2

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Hide Thyself…For A Moment!

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Part 1:

“Dwelling In Love!”

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“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God,

and God in him.

Herein is our love made perfect,

that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:

because as He is, so are we in this world.”

1st John 4:16, 17

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Reading the three epistles of John, it becomes apparent that John had somehow achieved a oneness with Christ: a oneness seemingly found nowhere else in Scripture, not even in Paul’s writings.

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Oh yes, Paul was given a somewhat different type of ministry than John. But it seems that God gave John’s writings to show us that there is no spiritual height that cannot be attained to by a Christian! We can have it all, if we want it!

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

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TOTALLY CHANGED

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John appears to have fully merged with Christ, so much so, that it is as if Christ is the one speaking in John’s epistles. John has become totally indwelt by Christ and His infinite love!

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And so, these three epistles by John stand as a real encouragement for those of us who are still fumbling and stumbling our way up the heavenward pathway! They give us hope that we too might also become totally changed into His likeness, even while our feet are still standing on this hellish, sin-cursed soil.

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

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And so, just how does John’s apparent oneness with Christ tie in with this devotional about being hidden during the approaching storm?

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

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JOHN WAS HIDDEN IN CHRIST

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Yes, how does John’s apparent oneness with Christ tie in with this devotional about being hidden during the approaching storm?

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Simple! As we read those three epistles, we get the sense that John is living in the heavenly realm, though physically still on earth! We get the sense that John is no longer affected by his earthly circumstances which he suffered on that cruel prison-island of Patmos. To the contrary, John was totally consumed by the matchless agape love of Christ, and apparently, John let nothing get in his way until he finally achieved that miraculous heavenly love in his own heart!

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

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Now, so far in this devotional, we have only been dealing in abstracts. What we need to do now, is try to discover the practical means of achieving this same victorious oneness that John achieved.

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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PAUL’S TOTAL DEDICATION

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Well okay, it goes without saying that just like John, Paul likewise became totally dedicated to achieving this incredible victory in Christ…

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Listen to Paul’s testimony… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:8, 10, 11

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If ever there was a totalitarian declaration, this is it! Paul, obviously, was totally consumed by his desire to achieve that same oneness with Christ, that John was also seeking for! And Paul was willing to lose all worldly possessions and all earthly considerations, so that he might ultimately win the fullness of that heavenly Prize!

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

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GOOD NEWS!

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And so, the very Good News here is that God has allowed us a little more time to achieve this same Prize. 

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Oh yes, most of us have failed many times and in many ways! But we need to forget those things of the past and reach out for those things which are before us! (Philippians 3:13)

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And we must never allow any earthly desire to ever get in our way again, in our quest to win the fullness of what Heaven has to give! 

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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RUN, CHRISTIAN, RUN!

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And with this in mind, the 2,500+ year old prophecy of Isaiah begins to make real sense… “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21

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Yes, as we see the shaking going on all around, it is fully time for those of us who are seeking for the glory of God’s majesty, to cast away our vain earthly trinkets, and flee to the ragged rocks of God’s Word, and hide ourselves within all those precious promises!  

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PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture, but made up of real constellations (Ursa Major & Auriga, Hyades, etc…, howbeit not in their actual positions in the night-sky)

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“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. 

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

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THIS DISCUSSION OF “DWELLING IN LOVE” WILL BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that whole-hearted devotion to Thee…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Planet Of “Rest” – Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace), or you can also read this shorter article… March 6th (How To Find Perfect Peace!) 

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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The above picture is not a totally accurate, but hopefully close enough to locate these constellations in the night-sky. Scroll down this page to see actual star-charts.

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

JULY 3 (Hide Thyself…For A Moment! Part 2: Dwelling In Love! (“John’s Victorious Life”))

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #547 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JULY 1

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How To Find Perfect Peace,

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Part 4:

Perfect Peace In The Storm! (The Ball-Cap)

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

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There is an old saying, that goes, “A man’s character is never developed in a crisis, but a man’s character is merely revealed in a crisis”.

And there may be much truth to this saying.

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For example, there was a certain Christian in an airport, waiting for his flight to arrive, so that he could go home.

But that flight was late, and a substitute flight was announced.

But when even the substitute flight didn’t arrive on time, this Christian began nervously pacing back and forth, and asking fellow passengers if they had heard any new information on the flight’s arrival.

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And finally, one of the fellow passengers laughed and said, “Hey guy! You really look worried! Maybe you should read the writing on your own ball-cap! It says, ‘Relax, God is in control!’ Don’t you trust that God’s in control?”

And the other passengers there all laughed, too!

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PERFECT PEACE DURING A CRISIS?

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But just how in the world is a Christian supposed to maintain perfect peace during the many troubles which this life will assuredly bring our way?

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Oh yes, it’s easy to have peace when things are going smoothly. Sailing on tranquil waters is not a problem!

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But how about when the storm clouds roll in?

How about when the waves start crashing against your boat?

And the boat begins to fill with water?

Then how are we to maintain that perfect peace?

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After all, the Bible says… “Thou (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee. Because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

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Okay, so we need to keep our minds stayed upon Jesus!

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Jesus Sleeps During Tempest – James Tissot – wikiart.org

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“O YE OF LITTLE FAITH!”

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Well, of course, this issue of faith during a storm only reminds us of the account when the disciples were on the sea in a ship…

“And there arose a great storm of wind,

and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow:

and they awake Him, and say unto Him,

Master, Don’t You care that we perish?

And He arose, and rebuked the wind,

and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still’.

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?

how is it that ye have no faith?”

Mark 4:37-40

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And so, Jesus awoke and stilled the storm.

And even though this was a true and historical account, it teaches us an important lesson about faith.

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Jesus Stilling The Tempest – James Tissot – Wikiart.org

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“FOR OUR ADMONITION”

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“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition,

upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

1st Corinthians 10:11

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Now here in this true story of Jesus stilling the storm, we are given a perfect little picture of how NOT to react during a crisis.

The disciples totally crumbled under the dire circumstances of the moment!

They expressed their doubt that Jesus truly cared about them!

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“LORD, WHERE ARE YOU!?!”

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Yes, so often, it seems like God has gone to sleep on us, just when we need Him most! 

And no doubt, this is why Jesus was sleeping during that storm: to present a scenario of our own times of trouble… “Lord, where are You!? Don’t You care about me!? Don’t You care about what’s happening here!? How could You let this thing happen to me!?”

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And so, during many crises, both big and small, we are too often just like those faithless disciples in that boat on that stormy sea…“Master, carest Thou not that we perish?”

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DAILY TESTS

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There is a little song that says… “How can you stand on the promises of God, when you don’t know what they are?”

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And isn’t it so true that if we would only fight to keep those Bible promises before our eyes when bad news does come our way, we could maintain that perfect peace, even amidst our supposed troubles!

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Yes, right now, God is allowing many little situations which will shake our faith, if we allow them to.

And we each have a choice to make: “Am I going to let this bad news overwhelm me? Or am I going to trust in the promises of God?”

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

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THE APPROACHING STORM

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But even though this faithlessness during crisis might be our past modus-operandi, the times just ahead will require a much greater faith!

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So, let’s not wait for the coming crisis to strengthen our faith.

Let’s be hiding all those precious Bible promises in our heart, right now!

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And then, when we are in midst of the storm, the following Psalm will be our mantra…

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“He (God) shall cover thee with His feathers,

and under His wings shalt thou trust:

His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”

Psalm 91:4-6 

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

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TO READ PART 5, GO HERE…

NOVEMBER 24 (How To Find Perfect Peace, Part 5: Seekest Great Things? Seek Them Not!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to maintain perfect peace, when I’m confronted by disappointments and troubles….

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Precious Promises)…

…or you can also read this shorter article… “MAY 10 (Psalm 1: How To Breeze Through The Coming Crisis! Part 4)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

 

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THE FLOWER OF HEAVEN CONSTELLATION

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN ON ALTAR AND FLOWER OF HEAVEN

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This constellation almost appears as a vine, as it projects out from the Altar/Ark Constellation.

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This constellation appears in mid-winter through late-spring.

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As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Flower of Heaven Constellation”

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TOMORROW…

JULY 2 (Hide Thyself…For A Moment! Part 1: Dwelling In Love! (“John’s Victorious Life”))

John on Patmos – Wikigallery – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS IS STUDY #546 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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