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You may go to Part 1 or Part 3  of this “Planet Of Rest” series.

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“For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6 

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NO JESUS, NO PEACE…

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KNOW JESUS…BUT STILL NO PEACE?

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Do you find that your life is filled with too much turmoil and struggling with sin?

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Too much confusion? Sadness too?

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Perhaps you’re one of those who has fits of anger?

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Or maybe you are given to worldliness, appetite, or bad behavior?

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Whatever our weaknesses are, there is one thing lacking. No, actually two things lacking:

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1. we don’t have perfect peace…and…

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2. Our witness to others is damaged, because of our lack of Christ-likeness. 

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And so, the result is, we have not the “Rest unto your souls”, which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:28-30.

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Human stress – cropped and colored image –  by Becky Wetherington for Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

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These next five passages each present seemingly different pathways to spiritual peace and rest…

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magnifying glass on puzzle – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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1ST PASSAGE…MATTHEW 11:28-30

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(3 COMPONENTS FOR REST TO YOUR SOUL)

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1. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 2. Take My yoke upon you, and 3. learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

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The three components spoken of are:  1. To come to Jesus 2. to take on His yoke as a Follower 3. To learn of Him through His Word and by experience. 

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

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2ND PASSAGE…HEBREWS 4:9-11

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(“CEASE FROM MY OWN (FAITHLESS) WORKS”)

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“There remains therefore a REST to the people of God. For he that is entered into His REST, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:9-11.

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This passage tells us we must cease from our own “works from unbelief”, and cling to His “precious Bible promises” in order to enter His rest.

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Now the works we are to cease from are the works which result from a lack of trust in the Bible. 

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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3RD PASSAGE…PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

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(5 QUALITIES LEADING TO PEACE OF MIND)

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1. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 2. Let your moderation be known unto all men. 3. (watchfulness) The Lord is at hand. 4. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; 5. but in every thing by prayer and supplication (asking for needs) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the PEACE of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (read whole chapter)

And so we are commanded to: 1. Rejoice always 2. Moderation or temperance 3. watchfulness 4. put away self-will and worry 5. constant prayer and thankfulness

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EDITOR’S COMMENT: One very important ingredient listed here is that of being “anxious for nothing”. Being anxious for nothing is the quality of putting away our own desires and self-will. So much sin could be eliminated, if only we would submit ourselves to this command. This virtue of being anxious for nothing is one very important element to being dead-to-self. Being anxious for nothing means that we in a position to let the Lord lead, instead of going after our own self-will.

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

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 4TH PASSAGE…PSALM 1:1-3

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(5 INGREDIENTS TO BECOMING LIKE TREE BY WATERS)

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“Blessed is the man that 1. walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 2. nor stands in the way of sinners, 3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 4. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and 5. in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 1.

Here God tells us to: 1. put away all worldly philosophies & ungodly influences 2. Separation, as far as possible, from evil influences 3. cease from judging and malicious gossip 4. making God’s Word your first love 5. Keeping the mind on God’s Word, day and night   (Note: this passage does not mention rest or peace, but does speak of being like a tree planted by rivers of waters, which arguably is the same idea as rest or peace)

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Photo courtesy Wikipedia  Share alike license. Click here for link.

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5TH PASSAGE…ISAIAH 26:3, 4

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(TOTAL FOCUS ON CHRIST BRINGS PEACE)

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“Thou (God) will keep him in PERFECT PEACE, whose mind is stayed (fixed) on thee (God): because he trusts in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3, 4

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“ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR”… All the different precepts presented in the above verses could be reduced to the one passage listed here above, in Isaiah 26:3.

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So how does the Christian keep his or her “mind stayed upon Thee“ (totally focused on Christ)?

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Paul puts this same concept (or Commandment) in these more stringent terms...“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2nd Corinthians 10:5

Photo of Wildwood trail, Port. Ore. courtesy Wikipedia share-alike license. Click here for link.

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“NO TIME LEFT FOR SELF”…

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“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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If the Christian can do as this above verse exhorts, then that Christian will finally achieve total spiritual rest. If one can keep the mind stayed upon God’s Word, then all the other principles found in the verses listed above will be fulfilled. It’s like that old song says, “you can’t have one without the other”.

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In other words, if the mind is fixed on Jesus, you won’t have time to worship the beast or his image. If the mind is fixed on Jesus, you will also be engaged in a prayerful state. Focused on Jesus, you won’t have time to scorn others. You will be watchful, rejoicing, trusting. Perfect Peace will be found.

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And so, totally fixed on Jesus (The Word) brings about all these other Christian qualities. You can’t have this one virtue without the other virtues being also present.

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

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“ALL IS VANITY & VEXATION OF SPIRIT”

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“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Proverbs 17:1 

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The wisest mortal man who ever lived was Solomon. The above passage is typical of the advice which he gave in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Had he followed his own advice, Solomon’s tragic life might have been far different!

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The Book of Ecclesiastes is a testament to the vanity and vexation which results from the pursuit of earthly attainments.

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

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THE SLEEPLESS RICH

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Perhaps the biggest detriment to peace of heart is that most of us in today’s world have far too many material possessions. The Bible says “the abundance of the rich will not allow them to sleep” Ecclesiastes 5:12.

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To this idea, Jesus added… “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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It is the Devil’s evil plan to bombard Christians with so much materialism, and worldly cares and pleasures, that they crowd out our preparation time necessary to purify our hearts, and grow into the likeness of Jesus.

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Rich Man & Lazarus Wikigallery Public Domain

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SOLOMON’S SAD ENDING

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The wise man (Solomon) found out the hard way, just how much grief and uselessness comes from Mammon (materialism). 

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In his old age he looked back on his long life of materialism and frankly confessed...“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11. 

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Have you ever noticed that when you travel light, it seems to go better than when you take “everything but the kitchen sink?” It’s the same with the Christian life.

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Dore – Solomon – Proverbs – Wikipedia – Public domain (2)

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“NO REST FOR THE WICKED”

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 “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21

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Have you ever heard people jokingly say “No rest for the wicked!”. Well, actually, they are quoting the Bible, whether they know it or not. And though they are simply making a joke concerning their busy work schedule, there is a much deeper meaning to these words of God. And though the people of the world try to put on their best face, when in public, they cannot escape the Judgment of God.

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Just listen… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21.

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This rebellious planet believes they can escape the judgment of God, and do their own thing, as the saying goes. But this verse will be fulfilled. When God pronounces that, “there is no peace (or rest)…unto the wicked”, then nobody is going to get let off the hook. Nobody!

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A ship in need in a raging storm (Willem van de Velde II – 1707) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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DOUBLE-MINDED MAN

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In the little letter by James, this New Testament writer added… “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8.

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So here we have New Testament clarity, as to why many church-goers do not have perfect peace: they are divided in heart.

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And Jesus makes this simple statement regarding the Christian life… “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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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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WHY WE HAVE TORMENT

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Now there are two ways in which people are going to be like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.

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First, the people of the world (and the worldly Church) will not enjoy, “the peace that passeth all understanding”, which comes about, when a Believer has entered into God’s “rest unto your souls”.

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On the other hand, that truly believing person will enjoy sweet communion with God, through the power of God’s Spirit of Peace.

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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A SEA OF TURMOIL

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But the second way people are not going to have perfect peace, is when people have decided to do things their own way, instead of the Bible way: there will be consequences! There will be a price to pay! Things just aren’t going to go right in their daily life. Oh some things will go OK. But when people insist on doing things according to their self-will, instead of humbly praying for God’s divine wisdom, then they will find themselves in a sea of turmoil and trouble.

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Listen to Revelation… “And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11.

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This verse is not talking about horrible monsters, like Adolph Hitler. This verse is speaking of all those who simply live by the standards of the world, instead of filling their hearts and minds with God’s Word, and living by that Word. And all through their lives, they have no “rest unto your souls”.

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Listen again to Isaiah… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21.

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

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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NO HELLISH TORTURE CHAMBER

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The smoke of Mankind’s torment is not speaking of some underground torture chamber, in which Jesus and His angels will be eternally nodding in approval as unbelievers continually roast in burning flames for all eternity.

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Just listen… “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb” Revelation 14:10.

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So it says here that the unsaved will be tormented in the presence of the Lamb and His angels. This passage is speaking of the torment which rebellious Mankind suffers here on Earth. We suffer because of our rebellion and unwillingness to live by the Bible. Our suffering is here and now. We are like “the troubled sea, when it cannot rest”. And the results of our tumultuous lives will reverberate throughout eternity. Like smoke rising for ever, this world’s suffering will be a lesson book throughout eternity.

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To read more on this subject of the nature of Hell, just click here “Planet Of “Rest”- (Part 4-The Doctrine Of “Eternal Torment”)”

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain (2)

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OBEDIENCE BRINGS PEACE

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But when a person decides to do things God’s way, that person will find his or her life beginning to be more peaceful. Things will just naturally go smoother for that person.

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In other words, God does not lay down His Law and His wisdom simply for His own pleasure.

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But God wants His children to enjoy life. And by following His Law, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments, there will be a natural result of things beginning to go better for that person. Life will naturally become more and more harmonious for that person.

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Of course, if a person wants to enjoy total peace, then they must go all the way with the Lord, to find that “rest unto your souls”. So please keep reading the rest of this article…

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“GO, SELL WHAT THOU HAST” 

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“And he (The Rich Young Man) was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:22, 23    

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The above passage concerning the Rich Young Ruler stands as an admonition for we who live in this rich and decadent society today. 

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In contrast to that young ruler, who left Jesus to return to his life of earthly attainments is this very powerful verse concerning Jesus’ disciples… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11.

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

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DISCIPLES FORSOOK ALL!

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Yes, in contrast to that rich young ruler, the disciples of Jesus immediately left all, in order to follow Jesus. And the Christian today has the wonderful privilege of following Jesus, just like the disciples of old. No, he won’t physically see Jesus. No he won’t literally walk the streets of Jerusalem or the highways and byways of Israel.

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But there will be a spiritual, supernatural experience as the Christian goes about his or her daily life. When we witness to others, we are with the 70 Disciples, who went door to door, proclaiming the Kingdom of God. When we pray, we are there with Jesus in the garden. When we give, we are with the Twelve, feeding the multitudes. When we suffer, we are there in the Judgment Hall with Jesus, suffering as if from being beaten, mocked, and spit on.

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When we are sick, and yes, even dying, we are there on the Cross with Jesus. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24, 25

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Christ calling His Disciples by Edward Armitage – 1869 – courtesy Wikigallery.com – Public Domain

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THE SON OF PERDITION…

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“The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” Isaiah 59:8

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But following Jesus requires all. The only disciple who didn’t forsake all was Judas Iscariat, the ‘son of perdition’.  

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So too, all those who claim to follow Jesus, and yet are still trying to hold on to this world (lusts of the flesh, material goods, self-interest & pride), are sadly in the same condition as Judas. Such will never find the peace that passes understanding, until they are ready to forsake all and follow Jesus.

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DON’T TRASH BELONGINGS!

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This doesn’t necessarily mean the Christian takes all his or her belongings and gives them away.

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But those who choose to forsake all and follow Jesus, begin to lose interest in this selfish world.

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It’s like that old song… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…Look full in His wonderful face…And the things of this world will grow strangely dim…In the light of His glory and grace!”

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Yes, there is a steady moving away from the pursuit of earthly attainments… and a moving toward the, “simplicity that is in Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3.

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

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WHERE DO I BEGIN?

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But the obvious question is, “How do I forsake all?” God is not necessarily asking us to start giving away our earthly possessions. Especially if we are given to impulsiveness, we might be tempted to do this. No, the starting point for us is what God requires, found in Malachi…  
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“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 (read entire passage) 

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This would be a great starting point for Christians. But Jesus is the end of the law, and so we need to continue on, walking that Christ-like pathway.
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Man walking into sun – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – Share-alike-Lic.

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”…

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 The following passage is perhaps one of the most powerful exhortations in the New Testament.

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Just listen… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?…Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18. (Condensed for brevity) 

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Notice the way that God puts this? He says here, that if we come out from among them and be separate, and touch not the unclean…God will receive us. So, you could say… this is pretty strong language! So if we want God to be a Father to us… we need to make an exodus…from “Egypt”…and be separate, as far as possible.

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Of course, this kind of obedience can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because it is not in our human nature to do many of the works of God. But when empowered by God’s Spirit of Holiness, such obedience becomes our delight.

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

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SATAN’S PRISON HOUSE

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“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26 

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Most Christians have not yet come to this point in their Christian experience. The Church of God has become so intertwined with the worldly elements of this society, that many are hopelessly caught in Satan’s web of deceit. Many have become paralyzed by Satan’s malignant poison. There is an awareness that something’s wrong. But they just can’t quite put their finger on it, as to how to get themselves free.

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But here is the remedy. “Come out from among them”. 2nd Corinthians 6:17 

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STEP #1: STOP WATCHING TV, SECULAR RADIO, ETC….

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But someone will ask the question, “How do I come out from among them?” 

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Probably the first step for most Christians would be to turn off the TV and secular radio and secular Internet, etc… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33. 

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Don’t think that these communication devices are harmless to Christians. Besides being time-stealers, the worldly chatter and faithless ideologies work like yeast to permeate through the soul. making the Christian weak and ineffective in his or her spiritual life. And really! How can we have our minds, “stayed upon Jesus” when we are watching unbelievers on TV? Or listening to un-Christ-like chatter on radio? Or listening to sensual singers on DVDs? 

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For a closer look at this subject, just click here…   “Television and The Image That Speaks”

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“IN THIS WORLD YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION”

John 16:33

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“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33

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There is a great big monkey wrench, as they say, in all this peace and tranquility. It’s that one thing Jesus promised would come upon all Believers. Tribulation. Persecution. Trials. Unless you have the faith of Elisha (not to be confused with Elijah), you will not experience perfect peace. While the prophet Elijah often became discouraged, the prophet Elisha (picture on left) never seemed to ever become discouraged. They both had very similar experiences. But Elijah (picture on right) just seemed to crumble under pressure. On the other hand, Elisha (who had a double-portion of faith) never ever crumbled during times of discouraging circumstances.

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Elisha Raising Shunammites Son Wikipedia Public Domain.

Elijah finds cake of bread Artist Daniele da Volterra 1509–1566 Wikipedia Public Domain.

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THE SECRET OF ELISHA’S POWER

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Elisha knew something that Elijah found out too late! You see, when Elijah was taken up to Heaven, Elisha realized that Elijah was given to be part of God’s Word. And all the various stories of the Bible have been given to strengthen our faith.

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The Bible says… “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

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This little verse reveals a powerful concept: that God’s Word builds up our faith! The various stories are like the fiery chariot of Elijah! These stories come to our remembrance in times of trouble and doubt! These are the chariots which come to our aid and rescue us from the attacks of the enemy!

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And so, by hiding the precious promises found all through both the Old and New Testaments, the Believer begins to have all these “chariots of promise”, that will come to mind just when they are needed!

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Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

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PURIFIED BY FIRE…

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Listen to Paul’s attitude toward suffering and afflictions… “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:” Colossians 1:2

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Paul had that same double-portion of faith, which Elisha had!

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Listen to Paul…  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10.

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Paul just seemed to not let anything discourage him! When stoned, he just got up, dusted himself off, and returned to the work at hand!

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

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PURIFYING OUR HEARTS

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We must allow Jesus to purify our hearts, so that we “come forth as gold”, as it says in Job 23:10. In other words, God sees our hearts  and desires to purify us from all defilement of the soul.

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Listen… “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi  3:3.

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God is not just speaking of one of the lost tribes of Israel here in this passage. Just as the sons of Levi were appointed to be priests of God… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9.

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God has elected His people, us, to be the New Testament priesthood. What a high and holy calling God has elected us to be partakers of!

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gold smelting – Public Domain – wn.com 

Goldkey logo removed – wikipedia – public domain

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THE TRUE SABBATH

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

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The Sabbath Rest that God offers us transcends merely ceasing from physical labor one day a week.  It is 24/7/365 Sabbath. Please study Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews ch. 3 & 4. The Sabbath rest that Jesus offers, is a rest that extends to the depths of our souls. It is a calm abiding trust in God’s Word. It is knowing that He will deliver us from each and every problem and satanic assault that comes our way.

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This Sabbath rest spoken of in Matthew 11:28-30, and Hebrews 4 can only be found when we seek God with an undivided heart. 

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

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WINNING THE RACE

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When we finally decide that we no longer want to waste our precious time and energies seeking after the cares and pleasures of the world, will we find that peace. Then we will find ourselves winning that “Christian Race”.

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Then we will find ourselves agreeing with Paul as he proclaims, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8   

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For further exploration on the true Sabbath, just click here… “Planet of Rest: What is the True Sabbath?”

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THE END

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PART 3, “PRECIOUS PROMISES”

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Have you ever heard that little song, “How Can You Stand On God’s Promises, If You Don’t Know What They Are?”

This next section deals with, not only the importance of knowing those precious promises, but also the importance of realizing that God is in total control.

You are encouraged to go to the next part of this series, “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 3, Precious Promises)”

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Bible_paper dave bullock wikimedia share-alike license

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Listen to this youtube song, if you like…

Click on record

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“SINNERMAN, WHERE YA GONNA RUN TO?”

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“Sinnerman where ya gunna run to?…

Sinnerman where ya gunna run to?…

Sinnerman where ya gunna run to?…

All on that day...

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………………MOON

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Click credit links below each pic, for licensing names/details/tags/etc.. Most pics cropped/reduced in size

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

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“Can you guide Arcturus

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with his sons?”

Job 38:32 

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In the Book of Job, the last chapters, is found a very long lecture to Job, given by Almighty God Himself! 

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And in this amazing lecture, God asked Job various questions.

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However, the questions God asked, were probably far beyond what Job could comprehend, much less give an answer to. 

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Job-and-his-friends – wikimedia – public-domain

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“ARCTURUS WITH HIS SONS?”

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But among the various questions asked Job, were some very curious ones about the stars.

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And one of those questions about the stars was… “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.

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Now Job, like many ancient wise-men, probably realized that Arcturus was that very bright star in the night skies. But what in the world was God talking about, when He asked Job if he could “guide Arcturus WITH HIS SONS“? How could a star have sons?! And how could Job possibly guide a star!? What strange questions for God to be asking a mere mortal man!!

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“MYSTERY FINISHED”

Revelation 10:7

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And so this puzzling question which God asked Job (“Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.), was never answered.

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And the Bible seems silent on this question. And so, this question has remained a mystery for thousands of years…until now.

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You see, God, according to His “eternal purpose” (not to mention His infinite patience), has kept these things secret through the long millenniums…until just now! 

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Yes, God is beginning to reveal these mysterious signs in the heavens! And now we are discovering that God has written His marvelous love story in the heavens, using the various constellations as picture symbols. And this should be no surprise. After all, God plainly declares in Psalms… “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1.

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But the heavens also declare God’s righteousness, as is written… “And the heavens shall declare His righteousness…Selah.” Psalm 50:6.

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VARIOUS SIGNS SPOKEN OF…

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Now as far as those who search Bible prophecy concerning “signs of the End”, most of us were expecting extraordinary heavenly phenomena: you know, such things as giant asteroids or other colossal cataclysmic occurrences.

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VARIOUS SIGNS MENTIONED…

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But you see, God has mentioned various constellations in Scriptures: Orion, The Pleiades, Mazzaroth, etc.. But He also spoke in Revelation of “great signs” in the heavens: a woman with child, a dragon who swept a third of the stars, and Michael who fought against that dragon (see Revelation, Ch. 12).

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The Bible also speaks of other signs in the heavens. And it is the purpose of Signs Of Heaven website to introduce these wonderful signs, and to reveal the many Bible passages which explain them. And if you are one of the fortunate ones to receive this amazing message, then you too can begin to proclaim this heavenly love story to anyone willing to listen.

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Comet Hale-Bopp-29-03-1997 – cropped image – wikipedia – share-alike license

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“LAY UP…TREASURES IN HEAVEN”

Matthew 6:20

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“My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and My revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” Proverbs 8:19-21. This above passage speaks of a pathway which leads to riches and treasures.

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Yes, God is just now revealing the long-awaited signs, as it is written, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25. And God is just now opening up a pathway to the stars: a figurative gate to Heaven itself!

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A CHOICE MUST BE MADE

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But be warned! This message is a warning for each of us to renounce this evil world of selfishness, and a call for us to come follow Jesus, as one of His disciples.

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And by becoming His disciple, the Reader will discover that it will require everything, as far as the self-seeking earthly-pleasures, riches, desires, and aspirations that this present world has to offer.

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Pilgrim in a Rocky Valley – by Carl Gustav Carus – wikimedia -US public domain

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“A BILLIONAIRE…NO…A TRILLIONAIRE!!!”

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Listen… “Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and His righteousness endureth for ever.” Psalm 112:1-3

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Nevertheless, by becoming a true follower of Jesus, the Christian will become one of the wealthiest persons on Earth! A billionaire? No…a trillionaire!!

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And how is this possible? This is because, as God’s child, God has promised eternal life to those who persevere in following Him. And of course, everlasting life is worth more than all the riches that this world could possibly give, wouldn’t you agree?

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But if that’s not enough, the redeemed will eventually inherit the vast riches of love and knowledge and wisdom and everlasting life, and all the other treasures that Heaven has to offer, as is written… “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7.

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IN HEAVENLY COURTS ABOVE

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And the faithful follower of Jesus will be of those who unravel unfathomable mysteries.

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And the Christian will embark on incredible spiritual journeys, far above the heavens, into the Heavenly throne-room of God, and far beyond anything Mankind can conceive or dream of! And though right now, the child of God won’t literally see these things. But with his or her mind’s eye, they will dwell in Heaven itself, seated with Christ in the heavenly throne-room of God!

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

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LOVE & SYMPATHY UNLIMITED

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And furthermore, you will gain a love and a sympathy and an understanding for lost sinners, just as the great love which Jesus has for miserable sinners: miserable sinners such as you and me! 

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So don’t hesitate! And don’t be afraid to follow Jesus! We have everything to gain, and we will have all eternity to enjoy it!

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Now that’s true riches, my friend! That is true riches!

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Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“there shall come a Star out of Jacob”…

Numbers 24:17

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“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1, 2 

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There exists a lot of intrigue regarding just what star did the Magi from the East follow, which led them to the First Advent of our Savior. The Bible speaks of Arcturus as a possibility… “canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job  38:33. 

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Arcturus may very well have been that star. Nobody knows for certain, because God can perform miraculous deeds beyond anything we can conceive or even imagine!

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In simple terms, there’s nothing that’s impossible for God! (Luke 1:37)

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TYPE OF WISE-MEN OF OLD

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But there is a much greater question which confronts Mankind today.

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Because, just as a single star guided those wise men to the coming Savior, so also, God is just now giving us a star (plus many other stars), to guide us safely to the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior!

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And so this starry guide (Arcturus) appears to be the type fulfillment of those wise men following the star, 2,000 years ago!

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

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ARE YOU A WISE MAN?

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We must keep in mind, that those wise men of old, after spending countless hours searching the Scriptures, to see just exactly what and who those prophecies were pointing to, traveled through the deserts hundreds of miles to find the Messiah.

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And so, are you willing to spend months praying and searching out this message, in light of God’s Word, to see if this message is the real thing?

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In other words, are you truly the last-day fulfillment of those wise-men of old? Are you willing to put out the same effort that those wise men of old put out, to discover the truth? And with this message, you don’t even have to travel hundreds of miles!

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But to really understand this message, does take a great deal of effort.

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But wise men don’t mind that!

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After all, that’s exactly the stuff that wise men are made of! 

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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GUIDE US TO HEAVEN’S GATE…

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And Arcturus is that brilliant star (one of the brightest in our heavens) which leads these Gospel constellations, Summer, Fall, and Winter Constellations, to present a picture story, a heavenly allegory of sorts; these constellations, which together, tell of the incredible love of God.

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And Arcturus, our Host Star, will lead to an understanding of God’s Word, which will, in turn, guide God’s people up a narrow pathway; onward and upward through Heaven’s Gate itself, and ultimately into the very heavenly City of God!

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Oh don’t doubt for a moment that God cannot or will not do this! For with God, all things are possible! Listen… “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23

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And Signs Of Heaven Website will direct the Reader to God’s Word in such a way as to bring out certain Bible truths not currently recognized or emphasized in most of the current Christian theological circles. 

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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: (Star-chart: 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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“COME FOLLOW ME”…

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The bright and beautiful star known as Arcturus leads a heavenly entourage westward (and northward) each night through the heavens with his sons (and daughters).

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That brilliant star, just like that star in the east, which guided the wise men of old. And just like Jesus, who guided His faithful disciples…so too, Arcturus seems to be a representation of Jesus.

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Thus, “can you guide Arcturus with his sons”, seems really to be speaking of Christ.

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That is, Arcturus leads his nightly procession of constellations through the skies, giving a heavenly parable of how our Lord, not only led His disciples through the Holy Land, but likewise leads His followers today…

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS WITH WOMAN AND TURTLE-DOVES: The above sketch are the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The  Two Turtle-doves Constellation (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation(AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellation. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA  Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the Woman of Revelation (Woman in Travail) (AKA Ursa Major )

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BUT WHO IS ARCTURUS GUIDING?

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Just who is Arcturus guiding? After all, Scripture says… “can you guide Arcturus with his sons”. Well, obviously, the short answer is…he’s guiding his sons!

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But why are these constellations to be considered the sons of Arcturus? These Summer Constellations represent the Gospel as presented in Revelation Chapter 12. Signs In Heaven shows the reader just how all these stars and constellations present the Gospel Story in these heavenly pictures.

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And the more one studies this website, the greater will be the understanding of just how these constellations fulfill the Bible prophecy, which says… “can you guide Arcturus with his sons”. 

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/doves & Rev. 12 Woman – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS

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The sketch is of the Summer Constellations. Here we see The Two Turtle-Doves Constellation, the The Cross/Scepter Constellation, the star, Arcturus , The Flower of the Field Constellation, The Crown of Revelation Twelve, and The Woman of Revelation 12   (The Two Turtle-Doves are in the south, and the Revelation 12 Woman is in the north)

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DOUBLE-ENTENDRES

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But as is seen by this other sketch, there are more constellations involved. This sketch shows a box with a star on each end. This represents The Ark of the Covenant , and this other sketch to the right, shows The 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper). Those 5 constellations (7 counting the two double-entendres, already mentioned) listed above, make up what is known as the Summer Constellations.

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ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations – with Ark & 7 Stars 

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THE FALL CONSTELLATIONS

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THE ‘VALLEY OF DECISION’ CONSTELLATION…

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Now Arcturus is not just guiding the Summer Constellations. No, that bright and beautiful star is also guiding the Fall Constellations (see sketch below, right). And these are known as the Valley of Decision Constellation Group.

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Of course, this concept of the Valley of Decision can be found in Joel… “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14.

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So God is revealing, or rather, hinting of this constellation group, way back in the days of Joel.

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But God is no longer hinting, but now revealing this constellation group at this present hour. So if ever there was a time to take heed to the words of Joel, it is now!  

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This constellation group is all about a decision: a decision that each and every human must answer… “Am I willing to lay down my life to follow Jesus? Am I willing, for Christ’s sake, to endure the hardships and tribulation which all Christians must endure? Will I allow God to do a work in me to crucify that Old Man of sin within, so that Christ can freely live out His life through me?”

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This constellation group can best be seen in late summer through fall, when it is in the eastern skies. It speaks of the valley in which every person who comes into the world must walk at one time or another in his or her life. Read this for sure, and find out how the Andromeda Galaxy concerns us! Hint: The Andromeda Galaxy appears as if it is traveling up the mountain (as the sketch below, to the right shows). And this is very good news! Read and find out why!

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

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The above sketch show this amazing constellation group as it appears in fall, just prior to the winter constellation group. Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in mid-summer after midnight. The mountain to the left (also known as Cassiopeia) is the Mount of Blessing (Grace). The middle mountain is the Mount of Cursing (the Law). And the third mountain to the far right is the Destroying Mountain (Babylon). The straight line from the Destroying Mountain to the Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation is called the Broad Highway to Hell.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Joel the Prophet www.wikiart.com public domain

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THE WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

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Now there is a third group which Arcturus guides: the Winter Constellations. These Winter Constellations follow the Fall Constellations, which follow the Summer Constellations. 

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And so now the Winter Constellations must be addressed. These constellations have everything to do with warfare: Christian warfare.

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In this sketch to the right is seen four primary constellations: Orion the Soldier, as he fights the Dragon of Revelation 12. Next to this Dragon is the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation. Last is seen this Revelation 12 Woman again. But now she has flipped around by winter. And now, in her upside down position, she appears as The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 .

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ABOVE CHART – Winter Constellations – Orion, Revelation 12 Woman (AKA Ursa Major) – Revelation 12 Dragon (AKA Hyades, Pleiades, etc.) – Goodly Horse in Battle with Rider (Camelopardelis, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, etc…)

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BASED LARGELY ON REVELATION 12

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This entire scenario, both summer and winter, are primarily based on Revelation Chapter 12. But there are aspects which are found in other parts of Revelation, such as The Glorious Horse.

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Arcturus leads this heavenly procession of both Summer, Fall & Winter Constellations in a cyclical pattern which takes an entire year before this same story repeats itself. Signs In Heaven explains the details of this unfolding story written by God Himself in the night skies.

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All are invited to come investigate this presentation. And the Reader should keep in mind that in this website, the Bible is exalted as the only infallible Word of God. The Bible is our true focus in the website.  

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All the constellations on this website are related to Bible truths. You can go to the Table of Contents, to read about each of these and how they each relate to the Gospel.

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ARCTURUS IS OUR HOST STAR

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(As he proclaims the everlasting Gospel)

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The point to all of this is: what God created in the heavens is a colossal pictorial and parabolic story, which unfolds in a yearly cycle. He has chosen Arcturus to represent Jesus. It is as if Arcturus is guiding this heavenly entourage of these starry symbols northwestward through the night skies, giving us a picture show of sorts, presenting the everlasting Gospel, as seen in these picture symbols. Just listen to Scripture…

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“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” Revelation 14:6.

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So Arcturus is representing the angel who is flying in the midst of heaven, as this verse says. And what follows Arcturus, is the everlasting Gospel, represented by all these Summer, Fall, and Winter Constellation symbols.

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Thomas Cole -_The Voyage of Life Old Age_- 1842 – wikimedia – US public domain

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STARS REPRESENT PEOPLE AND ANGELS

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Now obviously, Arcturus is not an angel. But quite often, the Bible uses stars to represent angels, (for example: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches” Revelation 1:20). And so it is not difficult for anyone familiar with Scripture to comprehend that these Signs In Heaven are the fulfillment of Revelation 14:6… 

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Of course the entire Bible is the everlasting Gospel. So these heavenly symbols merely point us to the Bible: because the Bible should always be the real focus of our attention. 

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And these Signs Of Heaven only uplift the Bible. Every article on this site is filled with many Bible verses, and scriptural concepts which are as solid as the Rock of Ages! But, one very important truth should not be forgotten: This message in the heavens does not define the Bible. But rather, these heavenly signs are defined by the Bible! The various doctrines presented on this site should stand on their own, by merely studying the Bible.

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Schnorr_von_Carolsfeld – 1860 – Abram counts stars – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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REVELATION IS FOR ‘ME’

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“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” Titus 1:1 

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Now that these basic concepts surrounding Arcturus have been established, it can now be shown how Arcturus guiding his sons relates to the individual person. The above verse from Titus is very revealing, as to just what is the chief pursuit of the Christian: the pursuit of godliness, i.e., to become changed into the righteous image of Christ… “the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” 

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So as it states here, the pursuit of godliness should be the overwhelming goal of each and every professing Christian.

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After all, if Bible prophecy is merely cold, abstract ideas, which have little practical relevance to our daily life, then we’re really not understanding prophecy as we ought to understand prophecy. So as one old preacher always used to say, “Let’s try to see these things in a way in which the ‘rubber meets the road'”. Let it be seen, just what is the practical application of Arcturus guiding his sons, and how it relates to each one of us, personally.

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“THEY FORSOOK ALL AND FOLLOWED HIM”

Luke 5:11

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“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He says unto them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-22

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And so the star, Arcturus, as it leads an entourage of constellations on a year-long embassage through the heavens, reminds us of Jesus, as He called and led His Disciples.

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Christ calling His Disciples by Edward Armitage 1869 courtesy wikigallery.com public domain

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A SUPERNATURAL RELATIONSHIP

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Contrary to popular opinion, Christianity is much, much, more than merely going to church once a week, paying tithes, and being a nice moral person through the week. No, Christianity is a journey…a spiritual pilgrimage, which takes place in the heart of each Disciple of Jesus. It is not just an ideology which compliments one’s life. IT IS THE LIFE! A personal friendship with our Creator/Redeemer. A brand new life, in which the Disciple receives a new heart.

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In basic terms, this means that new thoughts and new desires are imperceptibly placed within the heart of the new convert. But this is a growing experience: a seed which is planted and grows. And God works quietly behind the scenes, cultivating that new seed as it grows and matures into fully grown vine.

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And as the days go by, the Disciple grows and grows, becoming more and more like his or her Master.

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And as a result, just like that old Gospel song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face! And the things of the world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!” To follow Jesus will become increasingly paramount to all earthly considerations.

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Braet von Überfeldt – woman with bible – 1866 – wikipedia  – US public domain

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THROUGH THE HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS OF ISRAEL

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“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he says unto them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-22

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The above verse is a picture of Jesus, standing on the shore…calling His Disciples in their fishing boat, to, “Come and follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”. And then He led them on an amazing 3-1/2 year journey through the highways and byways of Judea and Galilee!

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Just picture Jesus in your mind’s eye, patiently leading about His faithful Disciples…to the wedding at Cana…to the shores of Genesaret. By the Jordan. And onward to Jerusalem. Sleeping under the canopy of the starry black sea of the heavens: listening to Jesus telling his picture-stories; walking along the dusty roads of Israel; joyfully following their Master, wherever He led them.

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Jesus calls His disciples – Wikigallery.org –

Jesus Discourses with His Disciples J- ames Tissot – by Brooklyn Museum – by wikipedia – public domain

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COST OF DISCIPLESHIP…

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“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11 

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When the twelve Disciples began to follow Jesus, the above passage was fulfilled. They forsook all to follow Jesus.  But this verse is not just speaking of those 11 faithful ones. No this was also a prophecy concerning each and every follower of Jesus throughout time.

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Every True Worshipper of God ultimately forsakes all to follow Him. This “forsaking” is an action of the heart, and not a dispensing of all material goods. It is the new desires of the heart for the things of Heaven, which eventually cause the treasures of the world to lose their luster and diminish in their importance.

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Christ calling His Disciples – by Edward Armitage – 1869 – courtesy wikigallery.com – public domain

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TO FOLLOW HIM REQUIRES ALL…

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“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23.

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If a man, woman, or child decides to follow Jesus, it requires one to give all. Jesus accepts no half-hearted service. And only those who are willing to let God purge their heart from all selfishness, will ultimately overcome the world.

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Yes, Salvation is a gift. But only those who have truly received that gift will gain that victory over self, and over the world, with all its glittering allurements.

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TAKE UP YOUR CROSS… “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.

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The Cross is that symbol of self-sacrificing love for humanity. And such love as this, the world cannot know!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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FEW WILLING TO FORSAKE ALL

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“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” Revelation 3:17

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This rich young ruler wished to become a Disciple and follower of Jesus. And though he tried to keep the commandments since childhood, he knew that there was something wrong in his life. His conscience convicted him that he was lacking something. But just what was missing, he knew not.

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Many people only think of money and power when hearing this story of the Rich Young Ruler. But this young man was not only rich, but also had his youth, and probably was handsome, and talented, as well. And most likely, besides enjoying the honors that come with living a high station in life, he no doubt also had other various hobbies, and interests, and further aspirations in life, too! And not to mention, he also had all those selfish and comfortable little pleasures which everyday life affords. 

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And Jesus said… “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:21, 22. 

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No doubt, this rich young ruler had various gifts and pleasures and cares, and aspirations: and these were among the riches he didn’t want to give up for Jesus. He enjoyed this life! This present world was his oyster, so to speak. There were simply too many things to give up.

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 Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ – wikimedia commons – US public domain

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THAT RICH, YOUNG RULER IS US!

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And these are the very same riches which people today are not willing to sacrifice, to follow Jesus. And like that rich young ruler, there are many church-goers who merely try to keep the Law to the letter. Like the rich young ruler, they think they can fulfill the Law’s demands, and yet still hold on to the earthly pleasures and treasures of this life, with all its selfish aspirations and amusements.

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But Jesus knows the hearts of men. Jesus is not looking for half-hearted followers. Jesus is looking for men like Paul, and John, and Peter: men who are willing to cast away the world with all its glittering inducements, to follow Jesus with singleness of heart.

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Paul Shipwrecked Acts 27:41-44-www.lavistachurchofchrist.org–public domain

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PAUL FORSOOK ALL

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Listen… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8.

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Paul here makes a grand testimony about his complete and entire forsaking of the things of the world, in order to win the heavenly Prize… “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”.

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Paul couldn’t have cared less about earthly treasures and worldly comforts! To become like Jesus was everything to Paul…and to John…and to Peter…and to James, etc… 

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Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s wikipedia public domain

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YOU ARE THERE!

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But that rich young ruler didn’t realize what he was giving up, as he walked sadly away from Jesus. He just didn’t know what joy was awaiting him, in becoming a Follower of Jesus! This is the joy of all joys…to become a Disciple and Follower of Jesus…just like Peter or John, or Matthew, and all the others!

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 YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you make the decision to follow Jesus, you are there: with Peter, James, John, and Andrew, leaving their boats in order to follow Jesus: happy to forsake all, and excited to follow the long-awaited Messiah!

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When in your prayer closet, you are there, wrestling with Jesus, just as did Jacob on the night of his trouble. And one day, if we persevere, we will be able to say with Jacob… “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30. Yes, the troubled times in which we now live, cry out for our intense pleadings for God’s grace, for ourselves, and for the needs of others too!

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Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When handing out tracts or knocking on doors, or just telling about Jesus to someone in the local mall, you are there: with the seventy disciples, whom  Jesus sent out, two by two, to proclaim the wonderful Gospel to the multitudes. When you are at work, trying to be a good and godly example to others, you are likewise witnessing your faith, just as did those Disciples of Jesus.

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama – www.blog.travelpod.com

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you are studying your Bible, or even just meditating on the Scriptures, as you work: as you walk, as you lie down.

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You are there: with those twelve Disciples, gathered around a fire, listening to Jesus, explaining His parables…under the canopy of the starry host of heaven: being in tune to God’s silent promptings of your heart, urging you forward to perform those Christ-like duties and to walk more and more as Jesus walked.

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

Jesus Teaching – Luke 4:31-32 – jesus talks about heaven – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – public-domain

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you give your offerings, or just sharing your time or talents with others, you are there: pouring fragrant ointment on Jesus, just as did that woman with the alabaster box.

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you help someone who is needy, with your time, or finances, prayers, or other means, you are there, just as that Good Samaritan who cared for that beaten man, when nobody else would lift a finger.

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you are persecuted for your faith, you are there with Peter and the other apostles, being beaten and persecuted for their witness of their faith (and rejoicing that they were accounted worthy by God, to suffer for the name of Jesus!)

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YOU ARE THERE!…

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When you are suffering in a hospital bed. Or on the bed of affliction, under God’s heavy hand of chastisement for sin, as you sit in confinement.

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Yes, and even finally upon your death-bed, fighting life’s last battle. There you are! There, next to Jesus…on a cross…suffering…even dying…joyfully…for Jesus’ sake…crying out un-presumptuously to Him, “Remember me Lord, when You come into Your kingdom!”

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YOU ARE THERE!

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Yes dear Christian, you are there! The Christian life is a supernatural life. That is, when you choose to follow Jesus, you become connected (via God’s Spirit) to the infinite power of eternal God. And though you cannot see Him on His glorious throne, yet by faith you can see, in your mind’s eye, all the armies of Heaven gloriously aligned above the horizon, just awaiting to do battle on your behalf, as you humbly cry out to your Heavenly Father for His divine help and protection and grace in times of doubt or distress or suffering!

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UPWARD INTO THE HIGHWAYS OF ETERNITY

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Day by day, you will find yourself walking, like the Disciples, spreading the precious Gospel seed wherever the Spirit leads. Taking the lovely name of Jesus, with every word spoken. Walking through this sin-darkened world, witnessing to those who take notice that of a truth, Jesus is present within you. Even like faithful Enoch, walking through the highways and byways of life in this world, spreading the Gospel-seed of unpretentious love. 

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Day by day, you will become more and more closed in with God. Moment by moment, your heart will become intertwined with God’s heart, eventually two hearts beating as one heart. And just like Enoch, when the appointed time of sojourning on earth is finally done…you will walk onward…and upward…and into the highways and byways of eternity. (“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24).

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

Braet_von_Überfeldt_- woman_with_bible_- 1866 – wikipedia  – US public domain

tissot the meal in the house of the pharisee alabaster- www.joyfulheart.com – US public domain

Stephen Stoned – Rembrandt_- 1625 – wikipedia – public domain

crucifixion by Paolo_Veronese – 1580-1588 AD – wikimedia – public domain

Elisha & Chariots of Fire – www.visualbiblealive.com

ThomasCole – Pilgrim of the Cross at the End of His Journey – wikimedia – US public domain

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WILL YOU ALSO FOLLOW?…

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“And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations…” Jeremiah 29:13, 14 

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And just like the wise men of old, who journeyed westward, following that brilliant star, leading them to Bethlehem. We too, as wise men, must follow that brilliant star, Arcturus (Jesus), as He leads His sons northwestward…into the heavens…and onward…into eternity. The call is going out to join this heavenly odyssey? The trumpet is now sounding to join the heaven-ward throng. Am I willing to forsake all (in my heart), and follow Jesus? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain…We will have all eternity to follow this heavenly star. The bright shining One…Christ Jesus. 

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For He is that true ‘bright and morning star’. (Revelation ch.22).  

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“I REMEMBER THEE UPON MY BED”

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“Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 4:4

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The burden which Jesus places upon us is a light burden, indeed! He does not require His Followers to wear a heavy yoke around their necks. There are many Christians today, who are spiritually weak, and many are physically weak, as well. We too, can follow Jesus, right where we are. Whether bed-fast, or incarcerated, or just in a weakened condition, we can still stay close by Jesus’ side, and even breathe the very atmosphere of Heaven, right where we are!

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Just look at this wonderful painting of this young girl, who, in an obviously tragic circumstance, maintains an unwavering faith, comforting her mother, as her mother weeps.

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“The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” Psalm 41:3

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

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CONFINEMENT CAN BE AN ADVANTAGE

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Confinement can be a wonderful place to be busy doing the Lord’s work, as a Follower of Jesus. For those of us who are weak or infirm, confinement can be transformed into the battlefield of victory in the Heavenly Christian warfare. To meditate upon the Bible or even listen to an audio Bible, can be perhaps the finest use of one’s time. To pray while in bed, can be an excellent way to draw close to God.

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One humble, praying, trusting Child of God can accomplish more, while in a bed-fast condition, than an entire army, by their own strength and weaponry.

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The Christian who has little strength, or is sick or crippled, can take much comfort in the next verse… “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.” Psalm 149:5

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Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – wikipedia – US public domain

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PAUL’S PLEASURE IN INFIRMITIES!

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Just listen to Paul’s incredible testimony concerning his many ailments and afflictions… “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2nd Corinthians 12:10.

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So Paul actually took pleasure in things which most people loathe, such as illness. This is because Paul valued the spiritual strength which results from the aforementioned afflictions. Can we say with Paul… “for when I am weak, then am I strong.”?

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Those who are given to Insomnia can take much comfort in this next verse… “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches.” Psalm 63:5, 6

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The wayward Christian can plead and plead for hours upon his bed of suffering, for the Lord to forgive and return… “By night on my bed I sought Him whom my soul loveth” Song of Solomon 3:1

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Maes – Old Woman Dozing – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE END

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc.. Most Images cropped & reduced in size.

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“But unto you that fear My name

shall the Sun of righteousness arise

with healing in His wings;

and ye shall go forth,

and grow up as calves of the stall. 

And ye shall tread down the wicked;

for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet

in the day that I shall do this,

saith the LORD of hosts.” 

Malachi 4:2, 3

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Cropped image – Photo courtesy Wikipedia “share alike” user agreement by Adam L Clevenger. Click here for link

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THE SUN

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 The world appreciates the Sun, and all its benefits. Its beauty. Its warmth. Its life-giving properties. When the dark clouds move in and eclipse the sun, a person sometimes gets a little down. When the sun returns, that person’s joy is often revived. Just look at the picture above, at the top of this page! Just to look at it makes the heart glow!

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And just look at this photo of a bicycler! “Sunlight on King Street” What an appropriate name! Do you think this bicycler was having a nice day in the Sun? The Sun can be very healing. And God has given the Sun for Mankind’s needs: for his health, and for his happiness.

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But He also has given the Sun to be a spiritual sign. The Sun teaches some important Biblical truths.

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Sunlight_on_King_Street – cropped and altered image – wikipedia – share-alike – stefan powell

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THE SUN AND THE SON OF GOD

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ONE OF NATURE’S GRANDEST METAPHORS

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Listen to what God has to say about the sun as a metaphor…

“For the LORD God is a SUN and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11. 

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God here, compares Himself to the Sun in relation to His dealings with His children. Just look at this NASA picture! Even our solar system has a beauty of its own…and is very poetic as well! Just as the many orbs circle this great orb, the Sun, so too, God will have His children, His created beings encircle His glorious throne.

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 Solar System NASA public domain

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GOD LOVES BEAUTY AND POETRY

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“Arise, shine; for THY LIGHT is come, and the glory of the LORD IS RISEN upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD SHALL ARISE upon thee,and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to THY LIGHT, and kings to THE BRIGHTNESS OF THY RISING. Isaiah 60:1-3.

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Isaiah is one of the most poetic books of the Bible. And this passage is no exception. The Lord obviously loves poetry. He has created nature to not only provide for Mankind’s physical and emotional needs, but also to teach important spiritual truths, through the many metaphors found in nature.  Nature is filled with beauty and poetry, and truth.

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And where did all this beauty and poetry come from? If all skeptics would consider these things, there would be much less unbelief in this world!

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As Scripture says… “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalms 107:43

Sunset at Huntington Beach – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike license.jpg

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“SIGNS OF THE TIMES”

Matthew 16:3

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God promised there would be signs. But does He wish for people to come to Him only because of some miraculous or cataclysmic event?

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Listen to this following exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders of that day… “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired Him that He would show them a sign from heaven…O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:1, 3.

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Here is a perfect example of how the Lord uses metaphors in nature to illustrate a spiritual concept. In this particular story He used the signs concerning the weather in order to point to the “signs of the times” concerning the incredible event that they were totally not seeing: That the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of the world had finally come!

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Sunrise on sea by Stig Nygaard for Wikipedia share-alike license.

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GOD IS LIGHT 

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Listen to this next verse… “And Jesus said unto them, “I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12.

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The only reason the world doesn’t completely go berserk is because God intervenes in the affairs of Man.

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Listen… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10.

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As this verse points out, God only allows as much evil as He deems necessary, and restrains the remainder.

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The only reason that there is any love and goodness at all, is because God Spirit is working still in the world. So in this sense, God is the light of this world, even for the “Lost” of the world.

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Listen… “That [Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. Yes, even the lost multitudes get to enjoy the benefits of God’s presence in the world. 

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Oh yes, Satan likewise transforms himself and his kingdom into a somewhat “nice” place (see 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15). But this is only because he knows that it’s easier to deceive the world if there is a semblance of goodness.

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The Apostle Paul speaking, “…I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me…I heard a voice speaking unto me… And He said,  I am Jesus whom you persecute.” Acts 26:13.

Even when Paul had his conversion experience, Jesus shone down on Paul as a great light.

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Sunrise from Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge, Somerset – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike license

Paul Converted – www.thebiblerevival.com

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EVERLASTING LIGHT

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Isaiah speaking… “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto you: but the LORD shall be unto you an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be your everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.” Isaiah 60:19, 20.

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Even a totally blind person can enjoy the brightness of God’s glorious light, as He shines in that person’s heart.

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sunrise on Biwa_Lake – wikipedia  – share-alike license

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GOD’S BRIGHTNESS

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2nd Coming as the Sun…“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming,” 1st Thessalonians 2:8.

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Not only will “that Wicked” be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s Coming, but when that Day-star arises in our heart, “the man of flesh” within Believers will likewise be destroyed. Because when the day-star really begins to shine within the Believer, “self” and all selfishness will melt away as does morning frost under the rising Sun.

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Sunrise at Pointe AuBaril – wikimedia – public domain

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GOD’S BRIGHTNESS = HIS GLORY

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BRIGHTNESS IS GOD’S GLORY…  “[God] hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; Who being THE BRIGHTNESS of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”  Hebrew 1:2,3.

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This passage makes clear that it is God’s glory which is compared to the Sun’s brightness. So the Sun is definitely a picture of God. And its brightness gives Mankind a poetic metaphor of God’s glorious brightness.

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Sunrise_over_the_sea by Bogdan for wikipedia share-alike license

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THE DAWNING OF THE DAY

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The Bible, in a number of places, makes special reference to the phrase, ‘the dawning of the day’…

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” And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the THE DAWNING OF THE DAY, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.” Joshua 6:15. 

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Many, or perhaps most agree that the Israelites taking of Jericho is a picture of God’s army victorious over the world at the end of time.

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God = Day Star… “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a LIGHT THAT SHINES in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the DAY STAR arise in your hearts.” 2nd Peter 1:19.

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Here God makes reference to a phenomenon at the end of history, when the “day dawns”, and the “day-star” arises in our hearts. The inference is that God’s people will receive an outpouring of God’s Spirit far beyond what His people now experience.

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So we get the picture from all these verses, that God compares Himself to the Sun, and compares His Coming to the ‘dawning of the day’.

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For further reading on this subject, just click here… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

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Tissot The Seven Trumpets of Jericho wikipedia US public domain

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CONCLUSION…

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There is an unbiblical doctrine today that says “The Bible must be as far as possible, understood literally and not metaphorically. Only when Scripture demands a metaphorical interpretation, should one be used.”

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But there is nothing in Scripture that makes such a demand. This particular hermeneutic is totally contrived by men, and has no Biblical support. God tells us that we arrive at truth from the Bible by, “…comparing spiritual things with spiritual…”.

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The Lord desires more for Mankind, than to simply do some miracle or cause some natural catastrophic event. God desires for us to know Him.

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Listen to Jeremiah… “But let him that glories, glory in this, THAT HE UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS ME, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24
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ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc. – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

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THE END

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NEXT ARTICLE

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“THE SUN SHALL BE DARKENED”

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“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” Proverbs 4:18, 19

The above passage tells of two spiritual conditions. One is of those in the light, and the other is of those in darkness. This is the spiritual condition of the world. Some in the light and some in darkness. And that is the theme of the next article.

So with these things in mind please go to the companion article to this, titled “The Sun Shall Be darkened” 

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Solar eclipse 1999 4 NR by Luv Viatour for wikipedia GNU Free documentation License

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc.. Most Images cropped & reduced in size.

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 “THE MOON SHALL NOT GIVE HER LIGHT”

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“Immediately after the tribulation of those days

shall the sun be darkened,

and the moon shall not give her light,

and the stars shall fall from heaven,

and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:

and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn,

and they shall see the Son of man coming

in the clouds of heaven

with power and great glory.” 

Matthew 24:29

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Pictured right is of the drawing of the eclipse of 1888. This is a drawing of a winter-time total lunar eclipse, first published in Bilder- (Picture Atlas of the Stemenwelt) in 1888 wikipedia public domain

Meteors – Falling Stars – cropped and altered image – asteroids – Leonids-browse nasa Abe & Hajime Yano

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“A HEAVENLY OBJECT LESSON”

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When God created the Moon and the stars, He ordained them to rule the night. The Moon, especially when it is full, gives a fair amount of light. Oh nothing like the light from the Sun. But the light from the full Moon can at least, light your pathway at night, as it reflects the light of the Sun. And even when half-full, you can see your shadow as you walk up that pathway.

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THE MOON & THE CHRISTIAN

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So too, the Christian is to be a light to the world; to this sin-darkened world. But that Christain must reflect the light of Jesus, in order to be that light!

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

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Dutch Painting: Um_moinho_dominando_a_baía_à_luz_lunar – wikimedia – US public domain

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LITERAL ECLIPSE

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Now it’s true that the Moon must reflect the light of the Sun, in order to be a light to the night-time world. However, during an eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, preventing that sunlight from shining on the Moon’s face.

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SPIRITUAL ECLIPSE?…

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Of course, the obvious lesson gleaned from this, is that of when a Christian allows this world to eclipse his or her relationship with God. By allowing the cares and the pleasures of the world (and even many church duties), to overshadow one’s constant contemplation of Scripture, or squelching of the prayer life… well…just listen to this following verse… 

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“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34 -36.

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This warning from the above passage of Luke 21:34-36, is very well-known in the Christian community, and yet not very well-heeded: no, not nearly enough! You see, the Devil has been very busy, making sure that Christians are preoccupied, at a time when we should be looking up, and lifting up our heads (see Luke 21:28).

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So maybe this concept of the Moon reflecting the light of the Sun, can be the backdrop for a relatively brief discussion on this idea of reflecting the light of Jesus to the world.

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Moon – Lunar Eclipse by Jiyang Chen – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

Picture: above right of young lady reading a Christian Bible Devotion- wikipedia US public domain.

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A MESSAGE FOR THIS HOUR!

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But also, this little discussion should include just some of the ways that the people of God are allowing the things of the world, and even religious things, to eclipse the light which should be shining from the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus.

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And after all, Signs Of Heaven is a message of hope, and even a message of victory. So in spite of any negativity regarding the present condition of things, please don’t get discouraged! This article will offer a positive and hopeful remedy for this our miasma, known as “lukewarm-ness”. And God will bring His Elect back to health and lead them onward and upward to victory!

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