Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart
By admin On May 19th, 2012.
Click credit links below each pic, for licensing names/details/tags/etc.. Most pics cropped/reduced in size
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FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS
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“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” Mark 13:14
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So, it says when we see the Abomination of Desolation standing in the Holy Place, those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains.
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This photo is of the mountains of Judea.
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But is this where we should flee?
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Or is there a deeper meaning to this passage of Mark 13:14?
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Judean Hills Panorama from beth meir – wikipedia – share-alike license.
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“THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD…ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED”
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“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolish
ness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14
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This above verse let’s us know that the Bible cannot be understood by those who are still carnally-minded. The fact is, the Bible is a spiritual Book, and it says, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Corinthians 2:13.
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There are many today who teach the Bible, yet who cannot see the spiritual truths which lie below the surface of the Bible.
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Holy bible – cropped image – wikimedia creative commons lic.
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“EYES THAT SEE NOT…EARS THAT HEAR NOT”
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God has purposely hidden many truths in the Bible by simply speaking in allegories. Listen… “Therefore speak I to them in parables (or allegories)…lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” (see Matthew 13:10-15).
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Both the Old and New Testaments are literally teeming with stories containing parabolic symbolism. And many of these stories still remain mysterious as to just what is the deeper spiritual meaning.
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But now, God is giving us a message written in the heavens. But that message only directs us back into the Bible, the infallible Word of truth. And this article will explore the heavens, that it may be shown what the Bible has to say about this very important subject. So come along, and see if these things are in harmony with the Bible.
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ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – Dragon comprised of Hyades, Pleiades, etc…Valley of Decision mountain comprised of Cassiopeia, etc… (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture since this mountain is not in this position, but is actually in the fall months)
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REVELATION 12 WRITTEN IN HEAVEN
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“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon…And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness…And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:1, 3, 6, 7, 14, 15
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Here is a sketch of this Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12. This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven. Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.
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This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing. As you can see, the Dragon Constellation is spewing a flood of water in her direction, as is written… “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:15.
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This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.
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Beholding the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation in winter, it seems that God is trying to get a very important message across to His people: that His Church is to flee, as this woman is doing! But what are they to flee from? Well, you can go to the article titled “The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation”
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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch above is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.
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A WARNING SIGN: TO FLEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION!
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OK, so this woman is fleeing from the Dragon? But is she fleeing from anything else?
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The opening verse in this article, is a passage which is found in three of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
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Here is that passage again… “But when ye shall see the Abomination of Desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” Mark 13:14.
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OK, so God’s people are to flee from the Abomination of Desolation. But what is the Abomination of Desolation? And how does this wave of water coming out of the Dragon’s mouth tie in with the Abomination of Desolation?
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ABOVE SKETCH: “Flee To The Mountains”: A concept picture, and not a true star-chart.
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MIRROR OF THE SOUL
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A Christian may look into the bathroom mirror, and may or may not be too happy about what they see. Anyone may feel inferior to others, because of one’s looks.
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But while it’s true to a great degree, that Mankind looks upon the outward things, yet God looks upon the matters of the heart.
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Listen… “for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1st Samuel 16:7.
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He sees us according to our heart. He looks upon the inner-person.
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And though a person may not be highly esteemed in the eyes of the world, yet God can very well see that trusting, faithful child of God as the most beautiful of persons on the face of the Earth, because He looks on the inner person, and not on mere outward beauty!
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Mirror globe by Arpingstone for Wikipedia – Public Domain
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THE BEAST WITHIN…
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“Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?” Job 18:3
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The first part of this discussion, The Abomination in the Churches (click here to read), dealt with the Abomination of Desolation and how it has entered into today’s churches via false brethren who bring their worldly ways into the Church, thus causing a detrimental influence to permeate like yeast throughout the churches.
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And this is a very important truth concerning the apostasy of the churches.
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But let’s really bring this concept home! Just how does this all relate to you and to me as individual Christians?
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Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain
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WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY…AND IT IS US!
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Here’s a concept: Bible prophecy is not fully understood until it is revealed in the bathroom mirror. 
That is, the true meaning of any Bible passage must reveal to the individual Christian, his or her heart condition.
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Otherwise, we are merely dealing in cold, abstract ideas, having little practical relevance.
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In other words, if all that is learned from a Bible prophecy seminar, is that the bad guys are, “those people over there”, then the Bible student needs to dig deeper…much deeper!
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And upon a deeper exploration, comparing Scripture with Scripture only, it will be eventually discovered that the bad guys are “me”!
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mirror – wikipedia public domain
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DESPERATELY WICKED
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Just listen… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9, 10.
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What an indictment! And knowing that the “heart is desperately wicked, and deceitful above all things”, makes a person just shake their head in amazement at all those books and TV shows dedicated to understanding what’s in a person’s heart!
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BIBLE: A SUPERNATURAL BOOK
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“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” 2nd Thessalonians 2:11.
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“Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets…” 2nd Chronicles 18:22
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These two above verses go hand-in-hand to reveal a great truth concerning the great deception within the Church!
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Yes, God has written the Bible in such a way, that it reveals to each person whatever is the ruling force within each particular individual.
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Listen to David… “With the merciful Thou (God) wilt show Thyself merciful; with an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright; With the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward.” Psalm 18:25, 26.
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For those who wish to prove the Bible is not the Word of God, they will have no trouble finding error within its pages. For those who wish the “bad guys” to be someone else, the Bible will point the accusing finger at “the other guy”. For those who wish to find an excuse to sin, the Bible will supply excuses. For those who don’t want to be bothered with Bible study, the Bible will give the necessary permission to be excused from Bible study. For those who want to go after worldly enterprises, earthly riches, or amusements and pleasures, the Bible contains the necessary encouragements to do so. And on and on and on it goes. The Bible is a supernatural Book, revealing the motives of the heart of each and every reader!
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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.
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BIBLE REVEALS MY OWN HEART
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In other words, for those who wish to find the Jesus of their own making, there are enough relevant passages in which to do so (for there are many “Jesus’s”, howbeit false ones). No, it’s not that the Bible has lies in it. Oh yes, every Word of God is true and pure! But God has written it in such a way, to judge each and every person, as to show just exactly what is in a person’s own heart.
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Listen… “For the Word of God is (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.
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But for those who seek to become a true Follower of Jesus, the Bible begins to open up to that Believer. At first, it may only be a few passages. But it is enough for that individual to begin that upward journey on the pathway of truth. And more and more, as time goes by, does that truth-seeker begin to comprehend further Bible passages.
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And that pathway begins to shine brighter and brighter on the road to the Celestial City of God… “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
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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.
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“FLEE AS A BIRD TO YOUR MOUNTAIN”
Psalm 11:1
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And here is how all this is brought home “into our bathroom mirror”, so to speak. As discussed in Part 1, the concept of “Abomination” is spoken of repeatedly in Scripture. But this Part 2 deals with the abomination in our own heart.
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If you or I have worldliness within our own heart: if the qualities found in Proverbs 6:16-18, (“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, and he that sows discord amongst brethren!” Proverbs 6:16-19);
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If these qualities exist within us, then it could be said that the Abomination of Desolation exists in my own heart…in your own heart. Then we can say that the Abomination of Desolation is standing in the temple of God…my soul-temple…your soul-temple.
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“LET HIM THAT READS, RUN”
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And if this is the condition of our heart, then you and I really need to flee. And so, this is what this Revelation 12 Woman (above sketch) is fleeing from: the sin which exists, not only in the world, and not only in God’s House, the Church. But she is also fleeing from the sin which exists within her own heart! And this Revelation 12 Woman not only represents the Church as a whole; but she represents every True Worshipper of God, as individuals.
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Revelation 12 Woman Fleeing To Mountains (This is a concept picture: not a star-chart. Do not try to locate these constellations together, since they are actually located in different regions of the heavens)
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“WHERE IS ‘OUGHT NOT’!?!”
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“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” Mark 13:14
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Now to natural man this above passage appears to concern only those who live in literal Judea, as it says… “…let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains”. But to those with the spiritual eyes of discernment, this passage concerns God’s people wherever God’s people happen to be.
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After all, it says in the above verse, “When ye shall see the Abomination of Desolation standing where it ‘ought not'”.
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So where is the “ought not” that Satan could possibly be?
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Now we know that Satan is called “the god of this world” (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4). So where should Satan and his people “ought not” to be?
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After all, if Satan is the god of this world, and also, if 1st John is correct when it says… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19, then these two verses declare that wickedness is literally everywhere in this, the Devil’s world! So if this is true, then where should wickedness “ought not” to be?
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ARE ‘YE’ THE TEMPLE OF GOD?
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“The kingd
om of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21
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And so we must answer this question: “Where should Satan and his people ‘ought not’ to be?”
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After all, if Satan is the god of this world, and if 1st John is correct when it says… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19.
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Well, the only place then, you could possibly say that Satan and his angels should not be, is amongst God’s Elect. His Church. His Temple.
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But does Scripture give us support for this idea? Oh yes. Just listen… “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand. Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Mat_24:15, 16. So here it speaks of the Holy Place. And where is the Holy Place? It is in the temple. But what temple?
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(The Fleeing Woman sketch above can be seen in winter in the northern sky. It is Ursa Major, and her left leg and torso is commonly known as the Big Dipper. She is running westward.)
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NO BRICK-N-MORTAR TEMPLE
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Just listen… “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1st Corinthians 6:19.
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Notice that this verse says “Ye” are the “temple”. “Ye” is the plural form of “you”. But “temple” is singular in this passage. So this verse is actually saying “You all are the temple”. In other words, God now considers His people to be His temple. God no longer considers that any brick and mortar structure could be considered the temple of God. In these New Testament times, God now considers His Chosen and Elect to be the “Temple of God”.
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Oh yes, there are temples in the world. But if God’s Spirit is not dwelling in that temple, then it is certainly not the temple of God. It’s just a temple. It’s just a building: completely insignificant and irrelevant, as far as God is concerned.
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And when the Old Testament sacrificial system came to an end, God no longer had anything to do with that temple, or any other temple on Earth…except the temple of His body, the Church. This is God’s spiritual temple. And if anyone tells you that God is going to bring back the sacrificial system once more, then that person needs more understanding of Salvation, and of the New Covenant.
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Tissot_Solomon_Dedicates_the_Temple_at_Jerusalem – wikipedia – US public domain
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THIS RAISES SOME QUESTIONS
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So looking back to this passage… “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand). Then let them which be in
Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15, 16. Now there begins to be an understanding that when God speaks of the Holy Place, He may be speaking of His very own people: Us!
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But as this is all brought down to a personal level, the following questions must be asked:
1. “Could this above verse be speaking to the individual Christian?”
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2. “Can the Abomination of Desolation be in the temple of God as it relates to the individual Christian?”
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3. “And if I am the temple of God, then does this verse apply to me individually?”
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4. “Is it possible for the Abomination of Desolation to inhabit my soul temple?”
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IS THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN
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THE TEMPLE OF GOD?
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“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1Co 3:16, 17
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The above verse tells us plainly that the Christian is the temple of God. Right? Well, not exactly. In the King James, it says “Ye” which is the plural form of “you”. So God is telling us that collectively, we the Church, are the temple of God. So it is no wonder that 1st Peter makes this following statement… “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5 . So we see here that we are living stones in God’s Spiritual Temple.
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But does this mean that the individual Christian is not the temple of God?
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Listen to Peter’s testimony… “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.” 2nd Peter 1:14. It appears here that Peter spoke of his own body as a tent or tabernacle.
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Jesus spoke also of His body as a temple. Listen… “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up….But He spake of the temple of His body.” John 2:19, 21. So we might conclude from these two passages that the individual Christian’s body is also the temple of God?
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HEAVENLY DNA?
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Scientists tell us that the genetic code of the entire person is written within each and every cell of the body. So each and every cell has the code for the entire body encoded within it.
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And in a very real sense, the individual Christian has been re-created in the likeness of God (and God is the true Temple). Listen… “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” Genesis 1:26. So like the tiny cell with its DNA code, so too, the Christian has a sort of heavenly DNA code written in his or her body.
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That is to say, God plants a tiny Gospel seed into the heart of every true Believer. And that little seed has the heavenly genetics of Christ written within. And as a Christian matures, that seed grows and grows until finally Christ is formed within. At least that is what is supposed to happen.
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God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light that we might…well, just listen to Paul… “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Philippians 1:20.
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So Paul desired that in nothing would he be ashamed. He wanted the world to see Christ in him!
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ADN_animation – wikipedia – public domain
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GOD’S PEOPLE PARALYZED
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BY MATERIALISM & HEDONISM
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Unfortunately, for the most part, God’s people have not risen to this high and holy calling. Sadly, 
we have been bombarded, by the Devil, with so much materialism and excess, that the Church of God has become, to a great extent, ineffective. Oh yes, we tell the world about Jesus. But does my life preach the Gospel? Do people see that Jesus is living out His life through me?
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Listen to Paul… “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:” 2nd Corinthians 3:2.
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Paul here is telling us that we are to be a living book, which is to be read, by family, and friends, and by all those we come into contact with, day-by-day.
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LET US CUT AWAY
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EVERY UNCHRISTLIKE FEATURE
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Tragically, many of us have some bad DNA mingled within our heavenly genetic code, so to speak. That is to say, we have been so consumed by our earthly pursuits, that we have neglected to, “…put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14.
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What we need, is to do some honest self-evaluation and soul-searching. Just listen to Paul again… “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Corinthians 13:5. While many Bib
le teachers warn us never to doubt our Salvation, yet the Bible tells us here, to examine ourselves, in order that we may correctly evaluate our standing with God.
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We as a people, have been deceived into thinking that we can remain earthly and common, and still please God. But God does not accept such low-grade service.
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Just listen to Paul… “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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When God saves us, His Holy Spirit begins to inspire us to godliness: to purify our souls, and to conform our lives into the image of Christ. We begin to cut away every thing that doesn’t look Christ-like, just as a sculptor cuts away everything from an image which doesn’t look like the image he or she is trying to create.
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Mrs__WA_Chandler_Sculptor – wikipedia – public domain
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THE BATTLE FOR THE HEART
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Here is a concept which has not been fully understood. The heart is a battlefield. Satan and his angels are the rulers of the hearts of lost Humanity. And when a person decides to become a Follower of 
Jesus, the Lord plants a seed within that person’s heart, as already stated in the previous section. So prior to one’s Salvation, that person was in harmony with the spirit of Antichrist (which is the spirit of worldliness-see 1st John 4:5). That person was floating down stream so to speak, in the same direction as the rest of the world, prior to Salvation.
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But when God planted His flag on the soil of that person’s heart, God now claimed that new territory as His own. So that is when the trouble begins. Satan, being a relentless, and tireless foe, immediately begins an attempt to regain that soul for himself. Trials come. False gospels will be seen TV. Temptations will assail. The new Christian becomes confused as to why his or her life has become so filled with agitation and turmoil.
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Christian and Apollyon – Wikipedia – Public-Domain
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LIKE A MILITARY BATTLE
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Now begins the battle for the heart. Satan will do all he can to recapture that heart for himself. He just won’t let go!
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The Apostle Paul spoke of this battle in military terms. Listen…”(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6.
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So from this passage, it is clear that the ultimate goal of the Christian should be to bring into captivity, every thought, to the obedience of Christ. And God will only allow what that Christian can endure. God gives that Christian ample rest and joy and peace, between battles. But make no mistake! There exists a battle for control of the heart and mind in every True Worshipper of God! And things can get really rough at times, for the Christian.
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GUARD YOUR HEART
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So, in light of this battle, the Christian must carefully guard his or her own heart. Just listen… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27.
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These above two verses are so important to remember, that every Christian should emblazon these two verses into the memory!
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7 SONS SWEPT AWAY
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“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:15
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Now most of us feel pretty secure with our relationship with God… “Satan could never sweep me away by his flood of evil and deception.” Well just look at this sketch of that wave of water, of the Revelation 12 Dragon. Do you notice 7 little stars being carried away in the cradle of that wave (each of those little stars are lettered, a,b,c,d,e,f,g)? That represents all those who this Dragon overwhelms by delusion, deception, and besetting sin. It represents all those who become entangled in earthly cares and pleasures. It sadly represents worldly Christians, who take their eyes off the prize, and begin to make a life for themselves in this world.
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Jesus says… “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:39.
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For more on this subject, please read… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction”
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MORE LIKE MARY
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But let’s not think that this warning against the Christian, “who finds his
life”, is all about going back into the secular world.
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For instance, there are many who enter into time-consuming ministries, in which life becomes a whirl of excitement.
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They attend one meeting after another. And they become so busy, busy, busy, that their relationship with Jesus begins to wane; prayer and personal Bible study becomes a mere formality; meditating upon God’s Word changes into an obsession for other things: worldly things!
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THE SIN OF “OVER-COMMITMENT”
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All such, who find ourselves in these kinds of traps, must work a work of thorough repentance, and get back to the place where we once enjoyed rich communion with God!
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We need to find a quiet place, even if it means walking away from our religious endeavors.
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We need to become more like Mary Magdalene, and less like busy, busy, Martha (see the article, “Martha & Mary: The “Doer” and the”Hearer” ).
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Jesus said to Martha, “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” John 10:41. 42.
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WAITING DAILY AT WISDOM’S GATES
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What a gentle scolding, by the Lord! Of course, Jesus not only loved Mary, but He loved Martha too, with a godly, fatherly love. But He was letting us know that we each must set our priorities correctly.
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Mary spent her time sitting at the feet of Jesus, hearing His Word. And to daily wait at the gates of wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word is the most important Christian duty we too, must perform.
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Listen… “Blessed is the man that heareth me (wisdom), watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.” Proverbs 8:34, 35
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Johannes Vermeer Christ in the House of Martha and Mary Google Art Project public domain
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JEREMIAH CALLED TO PURITY
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AND SO ARE WE!
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“And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3
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God admonished Jeremiah… “…if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as My mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.” Jeremiah 15:19.
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Someone might answer to this verse… “OK, but Jeremiah was a prophet. He had to be holy!” But this admonishment is given to each and every one of us, as well!
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Listen again to 1st John…“And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3
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And so, if we want to be God’s mouthpiece, we must also take forth the “precious from the vile” out of our own hearts and lives, just as Jeremiah did!
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Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain
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OLD & NEW TESTAMENTS IN AGREEMENT
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Listen to the New Testament Epistle of James… “Draw nigh to God, and He will 
draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8.
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There are those who mistakenly believe that the New Testament is all “hugs and kisses”. But such verses as this one dispel any such notions!
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Oh yes, there is much discourse about God’s mercy in the New Testament. But there’s also much discourse in the New Testament about departing from evil, and humbling hearts before a holy and sin-hating God!
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God’s people today must fully engage in the purification of the heart, just as surely as Jeremiah did, 2,500 years ago! “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1st Thessalonians 4:7
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And so, when we are called into the truth, the Spirit of Holiness begins a work of purification, within us!
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Listen again… “And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He (Jesus) is pure.” 1st John 3:3
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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain.
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“A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD”
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“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God….Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:4, 8-10
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So, now it becomes apparent that those fiery Old Testament threats were also for our admonition as well as for them.
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Listen… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17.
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So it says here that ALL Scripture will help us to become “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Not just the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well.
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Holy bible – cropped image – wikimedia – creative commons lic.
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A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
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Just look at this painting of Moses and Joshua. It should be an exhortation for any Christian to have a much higher reverence for our holy God. And in a spiritual sense, each and every Christian is called to be part of God’s royal priesthood. And the Christian is to be with Christ in the Heavenly Most Holy, as he or she silently cries out daily, even hourly, for the spiritual and physical needs for self, and for others, as well.
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Just listen to 1st Peter… “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 hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” 1st Peter 2:9.
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Here God plainly reveals our high and holy calling: to become priests for the Almighty and Holy One: as we take time to pray in our special place, and as we go about our daily duties.
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the Holy of Holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain
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CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY
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It should give us an exalted view of ourselves and a higher sense of responsibility, to realize that we are the Temple of God. And just as the Ark, containing the two tables of the Law, was the centerpiece of that Temple, so should God’s Word be the centerpiece of our own heart.
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Listen… “And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21.
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GOD’S KINGDOM WITHIN YOU
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So here we learn that the kingdom of God is within us. So not only are we the Temple of God, but the kingdom of God is within us. And yes, just as the Mercy Seat above the Ark in Heaven’s Most Holy Place is God’s eternal throne, so also, our heart is an extension of that heavenly Throne-Room.
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Just listen… “But God, who is rich in mercy…has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:4-6.
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So then, this passage makes clear that we are to be spiritually together with Christ in the Heavenlies.
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OUR HIGH & HOLY CALLING
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So having this knowledge, we begin to realize the solemn responsibility that we now have to make our heart a fit dwelling place for our Holy God.
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We are the sanctuary of God. And as such, we now see just how important it is to cleanse the sanctuary within. We are to be a royal priesthood.
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And just as the sanctuary back in the days of Moses, was to be pure and free of defilement, so too, we are to jealously guard our Temple of God… “And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3
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“LET A MAN EXAMINE HIMSELF”
1st Corinthians 11:28
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“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that 
Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Cor. 13:5
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As the above verse says, we need to examine ourselves from time to time. Am I really a Believer? Or am I just a make-believer?
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Do I get upset with those who treat me badly? Do I raise a stink if some product goes bad, and the store won’t take it back? Do I allow “self” to rise up at times, in the form of rage, or lust or greed or silliness? Do I tell silly jokes, thus exalting self instead of Jesus? Do I love to hear gossip? Do I pinch out my 10% into the offering plate, when I could easily give 20% or perhaps even more, by simply exercising a little more self-denial? Do I spend hours listening to the secular radio or watching secular TV programs, instead of doing what Jesus would do… praying, studying and meditating on the Word? Do I live according to societal behavior, more than Biblical behavior? When problems arise, do I react as the “moral” people of the world, or as a faithful trusting child of God? Are my plans and dreams so much about this world? Am I gathering to myself the things of the world, or am I gathering heavenly treasure?
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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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PAUL FORSOOK ALL
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Don’t I realize that I am to say along with Paul… “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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If Paul needed to suffer the loss of all things in order to win Christ, why do we think we do not? We need to honestly evaluate ourselves, and discern that the standard by which we must compare ourselves is Jesus; and His Word. He is our Standard. He is to be the Pattern for our lives!
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Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain
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What’s In Your House?
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“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3, 4
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Have you ever been in an elegant house? Oh, maybe not a mansion. But a house that has been furnished with beautiful furniture? And wasn’t it a joy to sit there in such a clean and well-cared-for home?
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Well, the Bible says that the people of this world are wiser in their generation than are the children of light. And so, as a child of light, we need to pay close attention to what the children of the world are doing and translate those things into a spiritual counterpart.
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And so it is, in the furnishing of our home. No not our physical home. But it is our spiritual house that we need to furnish with elegant furnishings. Listen again to our opening Bible passage…
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“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3, 4.
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Heast Castle library – wikipedia – share-alike license
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PURIFYING THE HEART
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“Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8
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And one of the first things we must do is to get rid of the graffiti which is on the walls of our heart. Yes, by voluntarily exposing ourselves to the unwholesome words and images all around us, our hearts have become covered with all sorts of vile graffiti and vile images. So this must be cleaned up first. Yes, here is a work which no Christian is excused from participating in. The Bible makes it perfectly clear that every man (and woman) must be fully engaged in the purifying of the heart.
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Just listen to the Apostle, John... “And every man that hath this hope in Him (of Christ’s Return) purifies himself, even as He (Christ) is pure.” 1st John 3:3.
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Notice it say here “and every man”. It doesn’t say… “and SOME men”. No, it says… “And EVERY MAN that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.”
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Bodeguita del Medio, Havana, cropped image – WIKIMEDIA share-alike license
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ALL PRECIOUS & PLEASANT FURNISHINGS
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Next comes the nice and elegant furnishings. Beautiful pictures of heavenly images hanging on the walls of our heart. Elegant furnishings which family and friends and guests may all enjoy. These come from fixing our minds on heavenly thoughts. Yes, by meditating day and night on God’s Word, we begin to fill our homes with all the elegance of Heaven. And before long, our spiritual house becomes a showcase of heavenly splendor, more than enough to, “keep up with the Jones'”, in any neighborhood!
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And the real wonderful aspect to all this is, that though time and elements of nature will eventually pull down, not only our physical homes, but our physical bodies as well! Yet our spiritual homes will endure throughout eternity! Listen…
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“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1st John 2:15-17.
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Yes, this passage very much implies that whatever we devote ourselves to in this life will either be burned up on the last Day, or will endure throughout eternity future! So why should we waste our precious moments remaining, on things which will ultimately be burned up? Why not rather spend our time on things which endure forever?
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FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS…
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If we find that we have un-Christ-like qualities within, then we must flee! Listen once again to Paul… “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1st Cor 6:18-20.
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This passage makes reference, not only to fleeing, but also to us as being the temple of God. So here God is really giving us a proof-text that we are on the right track concerning the Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place being about the Church as God’s temple.
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ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – Dragon comprised of Hyades, Pleiades, etc…Valley of Decision mountain comprised of Cassiopeia, etc… (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture since this mountain is not in this position, but is actually in the fall months)
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FLEE EARTHLY LUSTS
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Paul, when talking to young Timothy, makes another reference to the concept of “Fleeing”. 
Just listen… “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1st Timothy 6:8-11.
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So this passage clarifies that when God exhorts us to flee to the mountains, He is speaking of much more than merely trying to hide in the hills. He wants us to flee from the spiritual fornication in our own pathway, and to flee into the way of righteousness, and godliness, and faith, and love, and patience and meekness. These are what God’s mountains are made of.
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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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THE NARROW WAY STARS
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This constellation of the Revelations 12 Woman continues to tell her story through the seasons. But at the last of winter, her story concludes with her finally appearing to swerve into those two stars, Castor and Pollux, which symbolize the “Narrow Way”. The two twin stars which symbolize the Wide Gate, are the two brightest stars found in the Dragon’s wave of water.
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THE NARROW GATE STARS
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The reason for bringing this up is that this heavenly scenario only confirms where this article is leading us: namely, that the place where God wants us to flee to, is the “Strait Gate”, or in modern vernacular, the “Narrow Gate”. And of course, this concept concerns a total devotion to God, and a total forsaking of the world in one’s heart.
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CHANGE OF HEART IS NEEDED
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Now this does not necessarily demand that one goes out and literally sells all his or her goods. But this is a change of heart. The things of the world begin to slowly and imperceptibly lose their importance; and at the same time the things of Heaven grow increasingly more paramount to every earthly desire. This is where God’s people are to flee to in the last days.
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And those who have truly fled to this Narrow Gate will find that they are continually increasing in their desire to be God’s full-time servant.
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They will begin to look at the various duties of life as witnessing opportunities. They will no longer look at life as their oyster, so to speak. That is, they will no longer try to dig as much as they can for selfish purposes. They will now consider themselves as Priests/Evangelists/Servants/Ambassadors for Christ.
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If you would like to explore these concepts, just click here… “Woman of Revelation 12 & The Narrow Way Stars”
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THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE
Jeremiah 30:7
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“Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:6, 7
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What in the world could this above verse be speaking of? And how does this verse apply to me as an individual Christian?
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So by examining that story of Jacob wrestling with the angel of the Lord, there can be seen a great picture of just what we must endure in the coming trial before us.
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Listen… “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. And He said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:24, 26-28
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Jacob represents all Christians. Esau represents “the man of flesh” within us. And just as Jacob and Esau were born as twins, so too, the Christian has a dual personality, so to speak. There still exists in every Christian a struggle between the spirit and the flesh. The Christian constantly battles against the flesh.
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Listen to Scripture… “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. So it now is evident that there exists a struggle in the life of each and every Christian.
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Jacob_Wrestling_with_the_Angel – wikipedia – public domain
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THE JACOB & ESAU WITHIN
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But as for Jacob and Esau representing the “Man of Flesh” and the “Man of Spirit”, just listen to this next verse… “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:” Colossians 3:9, 10
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And just as Jacob was trying to escape Esau, so the Christian is trying to flee from his or her own fleshy desires. Oh the Christian wants very much to have a consistent walk in the Spirit. But it seems that too many of us sincere Christians are too often falling into our fleshly lusts: pride, anger, judging, lusting, gluttony, worldliness, and a host of other sins are constantly rising up, making us to doubt our Salvation.
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We need to escape from our Esau within. The “Old Man” still wants to “run the show” so to speak. What we need is to wrestle with God, just as sure as Jacob wrestled with the angel.
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For a deeper insight into this concept, please read… “The Cross of Orion, Part 2: What Is ‘The Time of Jacob’s Trouble’?”
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James Tissot – Jacob & Esau – The Mess of Pottage – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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“THE DAWNING OF THE DAY”
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“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that 
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:” 2nd Peter 1:19
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This is why Jeremiah says concerning the Day of the Lord, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble” Jeremiah 30:7.
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The coming conflict will be a time in which each Christian will wrestle for the victory. And though like Jacob, the Christian will think he or she is wrestling with the enemy. But when the “dawning of the day” arrives, it will be discovered that our struggle was really with the Lord. And at that time, we will, like Jacob, lose our old name, “Jacob, the Deceiver”. And we will be forever pronounced with our new name, Israel. Just like Jacob, we will have prevailed with God. And like Jacob, we will be able to say, “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30.
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At that time we will have completely overcome the “Old Man with his deeds” Colossians 3:9
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Jacobs Ladder to Heaven – wikipedia – pub.dom.
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“A GREAT WONDER IN HEAVEN…
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“A WOMAN…TRAVAILING IN BIRTH”
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“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” Revelation 12:1, 2
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And so, it now becomes more apparent why God has placed this headless woman-with-child in the heavens. She is to present that glorious concept: that God’s people are to strive with God, as God has planted the Gospel seed within His people. And striving, as did Jacob, there will finally come that glorious dawning of the day, in which we will be finally victorious. And in our victory, Christ will be fully formed within the hearts of each Believer. And then we will shine as the Sun to a world still held captive in sin and darkness.
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Just listen to Scripture… “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19. OK, so now this verse from Galatians is a big help in understanding this spiritual concept about men (and women too!) giving birth…to Christ. This is all about overcoming the world.
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And if I am truly a child of God, then eventually I will indeed overcome this world… “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world” 1st John 5:4.
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And what about this verse… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:11. This passage is for all those who have “an ear to hear”.
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Star-charts – Ursa Major – woman drawn in by this website- Wikipedia
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THE WOMAN IN TRAVAIL & THE FLEEING WOMAN
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So this concept of the Church giving birth to Christ is spoken of many times in both the Old and New Testaments… “Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand…pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames…For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.” Isaiah 13:6, 8, 10
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And so this Summer Constellation of a woman in travail goes together with the Winter Constellation of a fleeing woman. Now it becomes more clear why God put these two concepts together into one constellation. And having this knowledge makes us painfully aware that it is high time to be wrestling (with God) for deliverance from the flesh which so greatly controls us. And we need to be fleeing to the mountains (Zion in particular). And we must flee from those ungodly influences, represented by the Wave of Water coming forth from the Dragon.
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This sketch is a concept drawing and not a chart. These constellations are in a completely different locale than they are in the skies. You may go to any other sketches on this site for an accurate chart.
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THE TIME IS SHORT!
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The time is short! We all must redeem the time, because the days are definitely getting more evil with each passing week!
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We must overcome the world and flesh and Devil! We must completely close the door to the Devil! We must bring into captivity, every thought and every imagination of the heart!
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This is no small task! It requires nothing less than 100% devotion to the purification of our heart!
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We have a Heaven to win, and a Hell to depart from. And if we have truly become a child of God, then this will be the desire of our heart!
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Let us put on the armor of God, and stand ready for the battle ahead!
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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARMOR UP! THE HOUR IS AT HAND!
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THE END
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NEXT ARTICLE SUGGESTIONS:
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#2 FLOOD WATERS, PART 3-TELEVISION: THE IMAGE THAT SPEAKS… 
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This article explains how television is being used by Satan to destroy the souls of millions, perhaps billions! It explains many insidious ways in which the Christian is corrupted by this mind-control device.
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“CHRISTIAN RACE” PART 2: EFFECTS OF SENSUAL MUSIC…
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This article discusses how we might win that Christian Race which is set before us. It uses sensual music as its theme. But the principles presented herein can be applied to just about any other area of Christian concern.
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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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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 Chur
ch (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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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
Discovering Bible Constellations: Part 2: 2008 & Forward
By admin On May 13th, 2012.
Click credit links below each pic, for licensing names/details/tags/etc.. Most pics cropped/reduced in size
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You may also click here to read Part 1, Part 3, or Part 4
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Discovering Bible Constellations: Part 2: 2008 & Forward
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Over twenty years had now passed since first locating Orion, in about 1988. It was now 2008. And along with Orion, there was this Cross Constellation. Then there were those two birds and the crown constellations. But what did it all mean? And oh yes, the Big Dipper too, with its 7 stars.
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“WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH”
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As I said, I had fallen back into the world. For some reason, my Christianity had become anemic and thin. My prayer life…my Bible study had all but evaporated. I had become worldly and vain. I wanted to be spiritual…but I just couldn’t. I was like the “man in the iron cage”, from Bunyan’s, Pilgrim’s Progress! I was helpless to free myself!
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I began to hang out with unbelievers. I was now cast out…into outer darkness…with 
the hypocrites (see Matthew 8:30, 22:13 & 25:30). I became critical of people. I joked…I mocked…I became as vulgar as any heathen!
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At times, I found just barely enough strength to pray for help. And this went on for years.
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I was caught in Satan’s web of sin!
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Pilgrim’s Progress 15 p. 45 – There Sat A Man In An Iron Cage – wikipedia – public domain
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As a shepherd…so will I seek out My sheep…out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
Ezekiel 34:12
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Then, after about 7 years of this apostasy, the Lord had brought me back into the fold. And though I had to climb back up to the place from where I fell years earlier, nevertheless, God had graciously given me another chance. I was freed from my spiritual darkness.
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I could truly say… “out of the belly of Hell cried I, and Thou heardest my voice.” Jonah 2:2.
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But it’s been a slow and very painful climb back up Heavenly Zion. And it’s now been many years of trying to get back to where I was, before my apostasy. My health has greatly suffered now, drawing me close to the grave. My wife has passed on, and I lost valuable time from Bible study. I wouldn’t recommend apostasy to anyone. The cost is way too high, and it’s a miserable existence!
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But as I said, the Lord brought me back. And after 7 years of apostasy and maybe 13 years of clawing my way back to my former status, the Lord, once again, began revealing more Signs In Heaven. All of a sudden, in 2008, more constellations began to appear…
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THE REVELATION 12 DRAGON (2008)…
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While walking one night, it became apparent that the Pleiades was actually the tip of the Dragon’s tail. It now appeared that the body and tail of the Dragon wrapped around in an oval shape, as this drawing shows. It then became noticeable that the Dragon had a body and legs much like a crocodile or alligator.
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‘The Dragon Spewing Water’ (Sketch of Dragon: this constellation is directly to Orion’s left side. Seen in colder months, traveling westward through the night-sky)
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NOT LIKE DRACO!
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This Revelation Dragon was not at all like the dragon commonly known as Draco. No, this God-created dragon was not merely a string of stars. This dragon had a three-dimensional body! It had teeth! It had legs! It had a tail-tassel like a lion! There were aspects about it which I began to understand: aspects that revealed Bible truths!
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Oh yes, you can find many imaginative three-dimensional drawings of Draco. But with this Revelation 12 Dragon, you could merely “connect the dots”, so to speak, and behold: a three-dimensional dragon!
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And as I began to see how this constellation connected with the other God-created constellations, I began to understand just what a truly amazing creation of God it was!
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Above Photo to right: Draco: This above Dragon sketch can be seen beginning in the pre-dawn hours in August when in the east.
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GOODLY HORSE IN BATTLE (2008)…
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(This constellation can only be easily seen when in the western sky, as seen above, and only in winter through early spring)
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One night, in winter (2008), a very amazing constellation appeared. A Horse Constellation. I remember seeing it for the first time. I was walking southward down Summers Lane, and I looked up into the west and there it was! It only took an instant to recognize it. It was high above the western horizon in the night sky!
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This great horse has one front leg stepping on the tail of the Dragon. He also has a star 
for his left eye. His head is very big, compared to the rest of his body (however, this sketch does not show this aspect). The horse seems to be intently focusing his gaze on the tip of the Dragon’s tail (the Pleiades Constellation).
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Because this horse was very focused on the Pleiades, along with what the Bible states about Pleiades, it seems that the Pleiades is a picture of God’s host, who have been taken captive by the Dragon, Satan. Listen to Revelation…
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“And his (the dragon’s) tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:” Revelation 12:4.
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The Horse appears to be a picture of God’s army. The Bible refers to a horse as symbolizing an army. So it was immediately recognizable that this constellation symbolizes God’s host (army)…
“for the LORD of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah, and has made them as HIS GOODLY (GLORIOUS) HORSE IN THE BATTLE…And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them…” Zechariah 10:3,5.
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Notice that this Zechariah passage speaks of “treading down the enemies as mire in the streets”. This seems to be what the Goodly Horse is doing, as seen in the above sketch. And the Book of Revelation also frequently mentions Christ as having a “white horse” (Revelation Ch. 19:11,19,21).
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Pleiades – Robert Gendler – NASA
Above right sketch is of Orion, the Revelation 12 Dragon, and the Goodly Horse, in winter, when in the west.
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LOOSING THE BANDS OF ORION
probably about 2008
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Orion in bad position (early winter in the east)
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At some point in time, the significance of the position of Orion with this Dragon became clear. At the beginning of winter, Orion appeared below the Dragon, as if the Dragon was victorious over Orion. But through the night (and progressively through the winter), Orion begins to appear more and more to be on top of the Dragon. This would seem to indicate that Orion is finally victorious over the Dragon at the end.
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Revelation 12 woman (AKA Ursa Major), Orion the Soldier, The Revelation 12 Dragon, and The Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation. These are mostly seen in the colder months, although in September they can all be seen in the pre-dawn hours.
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ORION IN VICTORIOUS POSITION IN WEST IN LATE WINTER
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And so, Orion the Soldier became a symbol of what every Christian is commanded to do…to put on the ‘Armor of God’.
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“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…having your loins girt about with truth, and…the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the…gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith…And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:13-17.
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If one studies this constellation carefully in the light of this passage from Ephesians, there can be seen the various similarities, such as Orion’s belt which coincides with the words… “having your loins girt about with truth”.
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And of course, Orion obviously is holding a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. Just a coincidence? Hardly!
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Both Orion Pictures in victorious position in late winter, above the western horizon.
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THE SEVEN STARS (2008)…
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The 7 Stars (or ‘Big Dipper’) began to tell a much bigger story. As stated earlier on this page, they seemed to go
together with the verses relating to the 7 angels with 7 bowls of God’s wrath found in Revelation 15 & 16. And, as already stated earlier, when the Big Dipper progresses through the year, it looks like a bowl being turned upside down upon the earth. So too, the 7 angels pour the contents of their bowls upon the earth, symbolizing God’s wrath being poured out upon the inhabitants of earth on Judgment Day…
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Listen… “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” Revelation 15:1
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But now all of a sudden, a much bigger picture appeared. When this Big Dipper Constellation is 
just beginning to pour out its contents upon the Earth, it begins to look like a giant spectacular Cross! Could this be the essence of God’s wrath upon the inhabitants of the Earth? That is, when the Church (God’s faithful few) really exalts the Cross of Christ, the world will truly see Jesus in us. This seems to be the 7th bowl of God’s wrath. The Cross exalted in the lives of the Believers. And unlike the constellations which the ancients saw, God’s Cross is three-dimensional, as this sketch shows.
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In the warmer months the bowl is upright. In the winter, the bowl appears to be pouring out and also appears as a three-dimensional cross on a hill.
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MORE TO THIS STORY
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But there is more to this story. This marvelous 7 Star Constellation also seemed to align with Revelation ch. 1-3, the 7 churches of Asia (the 7 churches, which represent the entire New Testament Church). And likewise, if this were true, then it would make sense that these 7 stars would also represent the 7 angels with seven trumpets found also in Revelation.
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So then, we could say that this 7 star constellation represents the 7 Stars in Jesus right hand, which represent the 7 Churches of Asia. But also represents the 7 Angels, with 7 Trumpets, and the 7 Angels, with 7 Bowls of God’s Wrath. And last, but not least, this represents “the Sons” who Arcturus guides in the Book of Job… “canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32
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If you wish, you can read more about this amazing phenomenon by clicking the following link, The 7 Stars imitate The Cross of Orion
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SKETCH TO THE RIGHT: ‘ 7 Stars’ finally uplift the Cross’ (This constellation can be seen all year in northern sky, but only looks like a Cross when the Big Dipper appears to be pouring down upon the earth in mid-winter.
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WAVE OF WATER FROM DRAGON’S MOUTH (2008)…
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One night as I was, no doubt, taking my usual walk along Summers Lane with my faithful mutt, ‘Sir Bentley’ (that was his name given by his first owner), there appeared what looked like a wave of water coming out of the Dragon’s mouth.
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Well, this only reminded me of Revelation 12… “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:15.
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Of course, in Scripture this wave of water represents all the false doctrines that Satan causes Mankind to be deluged with.
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Now this wave of water was really amazing! After all, this Dragon Constellation which I now knew had a body, was amazing enough. But this wave of water really looked like a wave of water. It almost looked like you could ride a surf board on its curl!
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This Dragon Constellation can be seen beginning in August in the east in the pre-dawn hours.
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WHEN I FIRST SAW THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN…
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Now I figured that because the book of Revelation Chapter 12 speaks about Orion and also about this Dragon, then there has to be a Woman Constellation also. But I’d never seen such a constellation…yet!
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After all, Revelation 12:1 says… “And there appeared a great wonder (or, “sign”) in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars”
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So one night, some weeks later, as I was walking “Ol’ Bent” (Sir Bentley) down Summers Lane, I stopped at a certain corner with an empty field and few houses, and no street light. It was the same corner I usually stopped at, because of the absence of house lights, etc.. And over time, I discovered, that if I stood behind a certain large shrub, I could shield myself from the few bright house lights, which otherwise would somewhat obscure the starry sky.
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Now on this dark and starry night, I just gazed up in amazement at this wave of water spewing from the Dragon’s mouth. Then the thought came into my mind, that if this is the Dragon from Revelation 12, then perhaps this wave of water is going to the pathway of some woman-like constellation. After all, it plainly states in Revelation 12…
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Listen… “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood AFTER THE WOMAN, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”
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So I followed the direction of this wave of water northward. And lo and behold, I instantly saw a constellation which looked like a running woman…with her arms raised above her head. And her legs appeared to be furiously running. This was the The Big Dipper Constellation, plus the other stars which comprise Ursa Major.
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It first appeared that she was waving her arms in the air like one might see a lot of people do today. You know… people lifting up ‘holy hands’, as it says in the Bible. But after some days of viewing it, it became apparent that her arms were actually eagle wings, like it says in Revelation Ch. 12… Now you can’t readily see her arms as wings. But Revelation 12 speaks of her as having wings. So her arms must be wings since this entire constellation group is from Revelation Chapter 12. But if you look on a very dark night, or perhaps on a good star-chart, these very faint stars around the outer-edges of her wings will be seen.
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All three pictures can be seen in winter.
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WOMAN IN LABOR PAINS…
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But as I began to follow this amazing constellation, I found out that she was much more complex than I originally thought. This is because she goes in a cyclical pattern through the year. This constellation is actually an optical illusion; having two very different women in the very same constellation. Let me explain…
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In the summertime, this woman constellation appears as a headless woman in labor pains. Her left arm is stretched out as if she is suffering intensely. And in her womb area, is a small single star.
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She never was noticeable before, probably because she was made partly of the The Big Dipper. But now it appeared like a headless woman giving birth to a single star, which single star seemed to symbolize Christ. And this seemed to go along with Revelation Chapter 12… “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” Revelation 12:2.
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Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license
SKETCH: ‘Woman With Child’ (Same as sketch to left as seen in summer)
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WOMAN FLEES TO THE WILDERNESS
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But as I said, in the winter months, this constellation flips entirely around and she appears as a running (fleeing) woman. And what were her arms in summer, now becomes her legs in winter. And what were her legs in summer, now become her arms in winter. And that single star in her womb area, now becomes her head in winter, which fulfills the Bible concept which states that “And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;” Colossians 1:18.
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And so this single star, which in summer represented the Christ-child in her womb are, now represents Christ, as the head of the woman, who represents the Church. Very remarkable!
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Now if you find this Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness) (And with a little faith, desire, and imagination supplied by God’s Spirit) you will notice that she is running very fast. It’s almost comical to see her legs flying furiously. But it’s not so funny when you consider that she is fleeing from the Dragon Constellation, who is spewing water out of his mouth to swallow her up 
in a flood. And the message from the Lord here is that the Church really needs to flee, and do it quickly!
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“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness…” Revelation 12:14.
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But there were other verses in the Bible that spoke of eagle wings… “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 )
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This constellation is the same constellation as woman in childbirth. She circles in oval pattern in northern sky throughout the year.
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Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license
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WOMAN CASTING PRECIOUS GOSPEL SEED…
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(WALKING AND PRAYING…)
As I said, I began to go for regular walks each night and morning. For one thing, my dog needed the exercise. But it was also a great time to pray. And since I’m not much of a sleeper, this was something beneficial I could do when not sleeping. Walk and pray! Physical and spiritual exercise! Definitely a “win-win” situation! And quite often, my prayers were very fervent and heart-felt. And I have a problem with getting down on my knees for long periods. So to simply walk and pray for 30 to 60 minutes is a lot easier for me. Not to mention, I could look at the stars…sometimes when they were visible.
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It began to appear, about December and onward through winter, that the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation seemed to be casting seed as she fled to the wilderness. It appeared like seed coming from her left hand (stars). And this made sense. Are not Christians supposed to be spreading the precious seed of the Gospel, wherever we go?…
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(“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5,6 ) (Note: the head of this woman is made of a single star, symbolizing Christ who is the head of His body, the Church).
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ABOVE SKETCH: ‘Woman Spreading Precious Seed’ can be seen in winter in the north.
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THE ALTAR & SMOKE RISING…
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But then, later in winter, appeared what looked like an altar behind the woman. And what first looked like precious Gospel seed, now appeared like smoke rising up to the woman from the altar (This altar and the smoking rising, is actually made of Leo Minor and Leo Major).
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In other words, the woman began to look as though she was an offering rising up from the altar of God. This made sense too. After all the Bible says a number of times, that we are to offer ourselves as an offering to God… “…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
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ABOVE SKETCH: Woman of Revelation 12, (“The Woman on the Altar”) . This ‘Altar Constellation’ can best be seen as winter progresses, onward till spring. It is commonly known as Leo Major.
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“THE WHORE OF REVELATION”
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Having brought up the subject of this Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation, seems to necessitate mentioning “The Great Whore of Revelation”. There doesn’t appear to be any constellations along this line. But you can click on the above link for a page devoted to this topic. Together with the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation, these two ideas make up a huge portion of the Bible.
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ATTENTION: AS OF JANUARY, 2013. IT ACTUALLY DOES APPEAR THAT THE PLEIADES CLUSTER IS ACTUALLY A CONSTELLATION OF THE HARLOT OF REVELATION.
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Here is a rough sketch of this constellation. Notice that the cup of wine is a single red star, which would speak of the red color of grape wine. And notice she is riding the 7 headed Beast.
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You can read all about her at this link… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”
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Above sketch to right is the Pleiades Cluster is the Revelation 17 Harlot pictured holding wine glass, represented by single red star.
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Pleiades – Robert Gendler – NASA
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THE CROSS OF ORION
(about 2008 or 2009)
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Now several years ago, it began to appear that Orion had an optical illusion with it. that is, it could be seen as a picture of the cross on Mt. Calvary. As Orion reaches mid-point in the sky, it is not very difficult to visualize a cross instead of a soldier. (the three stars which make the top of this cross are rather faint, and necessitate viewing them on a darker, starry night.)
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(Orion Constellation seen in mid-winter, best seen when in mid-sky)
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ORION THE REAPER
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This last winter (2009-2010), something very marvelous appeared concerning the Orion Constellation. You have read earlier in this article that Orion not only appears to have a sword and shield. But he also looks as if he is shooting a bow at the dragon. This technique is known as a “double-entendre” (or, “double-intent”). But actually, there is a triple-entendre in the Orion Constellation (or quadruple if you count the Cross of Orion). It is very easy to see Orion holding a sickle in his right hand. This reminds us Revelation 14…
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“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Revelation 14:14,15
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A few weeks ago (November, 2010), there appeared to be a fulfillment about the white cloud spoken of in the above verse of Revelation 14:14. If you look at Orion on a very dark night (hopefully out in the country, you might be able to see a cloud on Orion’s back-side. That cloud is what we call the ‘Milky Way’). So here’s the picture: Orion now has a sickle. The white cloud above the back of his head is actually clouds of stars! Just like it says in the above verse from Revelation 14:14,15. Go out in the country and see this for yourself!
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Above sketch, Orion the Reaper, constellation seen in late fall through mid-winter in eastern sky.
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The bottom-left sketch is the same constellation in mid-winter in mid-sky.
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ORION THE ARCHER…
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A friend suggested that Orion also appears to be shooting a bow and arrow. This seems to have Biblical support…
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“God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day…
“If He turn not, He will whet His sword; He has bent his bow, and made it ready…
“He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death…
“He ordains His arrows against the persecutors.” Psalms 7:10-13
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Orion the archer shooting at the Revelation 12 Dragon can be seen in this upright position in mid-winter, mid-sky.
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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD
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Here is a brand new Orion. This was first seen in December, 2012. With the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), Orion the Reaper becomes the 5th personality of Orion: Orion the Good Shepherd.
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Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either Castor or Pollux. This is the little star at the very tip of the hook of Orion, the Good Shepherd’s rod & staff. But faint as it may be, it nevertheless presents a giant concept, which is a very prominent Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
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It becomes the tip of Orion’s Shepherd’s Rod, as is written… “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters…I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me…” Psalm 23:1, 2, 4
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You can read more on this particular personage of Orion, by clicking here… “Orion, The Good Shepherd”
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This above sketch can be seen in this position, mid-sky in mid-winter.
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STAR-CROSSES
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As the below picture shows, even the stars, when photographed, look like crosses. And so too, the Church will… “shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 … And also… “Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.” Psalm 138:3 (photo courtesy of NASA)
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NASA Explanation: Unusual appendages around bright stars are commonplace, but never seem to be mentioned. What are they? First, a telescope brings starlight falling over a large area to a small area. To get at this small area, however, one must go inside a reflecting telescope, and this can only be done with support rods, which are right in the view of the telescope. The wave nature of light causes it to deflect when passing near these rods. Light scatters away from the original destination point ending up elsewhere and appearing as “diffraction spikes.” These annoying spikes steal precious light from the central image and hide light from fainter, more interesting stars. Above, astronomers are more interested in the half-circled point near the image center, than the cool-looking diffraction spikes from the bright star at the bottom.
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Bible Explanation: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
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Star-cross – NASA
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YOU CAN GO TO PART 3 BY CLICKING HERE…Discovering Bible Constellations Pt. 3: Happily Ever After
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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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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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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
Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 2: “All is Vanity”
By admin On May 11th, 2012.
Click credit links below each pic, for licensing names/details/tags/etc.. Most pics cropped/reduced in size
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“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?
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‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof
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is as the flower of the field:…
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The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:
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but the word of our God shall stand for ever.'”
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Isaiah 40:3, 6-8.
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Flower of the Field Constellation
Part 2: “All is Vanity”
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“MEANINGLESS, MEANINGLESS!…ALL IS MEANINGLESS!”
Ecclesiastes 12:8
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“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God…The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:3, 6-8
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flowers of field Weskus Nasionale Park – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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FLOWER OF THE FIELD
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This Flower of the Field Constellation graces the summer night sky, reminding us of the vanity of this life. The opening verse are the words of the “voice in the wilderness”.
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Listen… “The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? ‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.'” Isaiah 40:3, 6-8.
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This verse tells us that all the glory of Mankind is as a fading flower.
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ONE DOOR CLOSES & ANOTHER OPENS
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It is alw
ays a touching experience to see a child or grandchild walking proudly across the stage to receive a diploma. To look at all the fresh happy faces, all filled with excited anticipation for the future! It is likewise a joyous occasion to see anyone whom we care for, experience an accomplishment in their life.
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And if you’ve ever attended a graduation ceremony, you’ve no doubt heard that well-known encouragement to the graduates: “You (the graduate) have successfully walked out of one door and are about to enter a new door.” And it’s true! A graduate has just completed a chapter in his or her life! And a new chapter is about to unfold in that graduate’s life. And whether or not it’s called a door, or called a chapter, it is truly a new adventure into the unknown, to a certain degree. No one knows just what lies ahead in the immediate future. Nevertheless, the graduate has bright hope for his or her future. And perhaps, rightfully so!
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Academic_procession wikipedia GNU Free Documentation License.
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“THE PRIDE OF LIFE”
1st John 2:16
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“And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not!” Jeremiah 45:5
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It’s a busy, busy, work-a-day world in which we live, isn’t it? Every direction we turn, it seems that we are bombarded with the challenge to succeed and achieve in the world. But as the above verse states, God warns His people… “And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not” Jeremiah 45:5.
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Take television for instance. One of the greatest secrets to salesmanship on television, is to parade all the “beautiful people” across the TV screen. Obviously, if a company wants to sell its product, it only makes sense to hire someone who is smart…good looking… and successful, to convince viewers to buy that product. You certainly wouldn’t hire a scruffy old street-person to sell, say, a new car, would you?
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Take for instance, this very old magazine ad from the late 1800’s. This 120+ year-old ad shows us that advertisers had this all figured out long, long ago. Notice this obviously wealthy and pretty lady, telling us a smart thing to do…to buy the product she’s selling. It’s a really clever ad, isn’t it?
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And so, even an advertisement designed to sell a certain product, is unwittingly selling the viewer two products, instead of one…not only do they sell their product, but they also sell to the public the concept of success and achievement.
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But not only do advertisements challenge us, but all of television deluges us with a constant undercurrent of this concept: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the television sells this idea that we would be happier if we were successful. Sometimes TV pushes this concept on us overtly; but quite often, in a much more subtle manner, like this subtle magazine ad, which is overtly selling a “health” product. But covertly this ad is selling us on the idea to be attractive, smart and successful in addition, just like this enviable lady.
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“Get fat” wikipedia US public domain
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THE WORLD’S FIRST SALESMAN…
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“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God 
had made. And he said unto the woman, ‘Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
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“…And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die…and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil’.
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“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Genesis 3:1, 4-6
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The above passage is the account of the very first product ever sold in this world: that forbidden fruit! When we think about it, Satan was the world’s very first salesman! He already knew just 
what motivation to use in order to sell his product. He promised the woman that she would be smarter, richer, nobler, if only she would buy his brand of food. To be like God! And so she bought his product. And then he used her to sell his product to her husband. Pretty good salesmanship!
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Makes us wonder if perhaps he’s not the Advertiser-In-Chief behind television!
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Gustave Dore_Adam And Eve Driven Out Of Eden www.creationism.org public domain
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SELDOM DO THEY ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION!
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But what does all this have to do with the subject being discussed today? Simple. Just think about it. Here we all are…on this giant ball, named Earth, spinning round and round…in a vast universe.
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Day after day, year after year, we have been going like busy little ants.
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Do we ever stop and ask ourselves, “What am I doing here?
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Do we ever just pause, and sit back for a moment and ask ourselves, “Isn’t there more to life than this?”
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Do we ever wonder if there is something we might better be striving to achieve?
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Järnefelt_Saimi_in_the_Meadow – 1892 – wikipedia US public domain
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TELEVISION: NON-STOP CHATTER!
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The voices in society ask us just about every question…but the right question. Very seldom does the television ask this question: “Why are you here? Is there something better than this world?
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“Is there any possible way to escape this death-sentence that hangs over yours and my head?
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“Is there a way off this planet?”
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And if it does ask these questions, it almost never gives us the correct answer.
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AVOIDING THAT LITTLE VOICE
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The world tries to be busy as possible, so as to keep that nagging little voice within, quiet. You know, that little thought that occasionally comes in the night, and silently questions us… “Where will you spend eternity?”. And so we just try to keep busy, seeking after the things of this world.
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The TV jesters turn every serious question of life into a joke.
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The buyers keep buying.
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The sellers keep trying to sell.
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And we keep ourselves so busy, that we just don’t have time to ponder the really important questions.
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Shoppers in Toronto – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – share-alike license
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“IS THAT ALL THERE IS, MY FRIEND?”
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Remember this old song? Listen to these words…
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“…For I know just as well as I’m standing here talking to you, when that final moment comes and I’m breathing my last breath, I’ll be saying to myself, ‘Is that all there is? is that all there is? If that’s all there is my friends, then let’s keep dancing! Let’s break out the booze and have a ball, If that’s all there is’…”
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Photo: Singer, Peggy Lee (b. May 26, 1920 – d. January 21, 2002) _wikipedia share-alike lic.
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“GIVE WINE TO THEM THAT ARE PERISHING”
Proverbs 31:6
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This above last verse from that old song from the 50’s (“Let’s break out the booze and have a ball If that’s all there is…”) seems to have captured the essence of a similar very well-known Bible verse… “if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 1st Corinthians 15:32 .
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And so God asks us the question, “why are you working so hard? Why are you trying to do all these things to prop up a dying world? Why seek those things which will eventually fade and die? And why do you live as though you will never die?”.
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Solomon said it this way… “That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is lacking cannot be filled.” Ecclesiastes 1:15.
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Mankind tries and tries to correct the ills and evils in the world. But as Solomon says here, it cannot be done. The harder we try, the worse things get! Isn’t that true?
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Is the world getting any better?
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Just look around? Do we have less murders? Less war? Less hunger? Less crime? Less drugs? Less deaths? Less ignorance? Less hatred?
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No, in a world filled with seemingly endless humanitarian projects, all these things are still getting worse and worse!
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Apotheosis of War – wikipedia – public domain
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“VANITY OF VANITIES…ALL IS VANITY, SAYS THE PREACHER”
Ecclesiastes 12:8
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“And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:12
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This society sends their children to school for as much as nearly ONE-THIRD of our lives! Can you imagine that?! ONE-THIRD! And for what? You’d think we were going to live for hundreds of years, with all that education! After all, we’re all going to die at between 50 and 85, more or less. Man just tries to go through this life, not thinking of all the generations which have gone before.
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The wisest of all mortal men who ever lived, asked the following question: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity (“vanity” = “meaningless”). What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation comes forth: but the earth abides for ever.” Ecclesiastes 1:2-4.
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Mankind labors day after day, year after year. Then one day, a loved one dies. We weep. We mourn. And then we turn back to our labors.
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Then, sometime later, another loved one dies. Again we weep and mourn again our loss. And again we return back, never questioning the possibility that there’s something better. Something more lasting. Something that doesn’t fade, wilt and die, as does that proverbial Flower of the Field.
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flower – Galanthus_nivalis (snowdrop) – Wikimedia – Share-alike lic.
Ice_Flower wikipedia share-alike lic.
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MY NUMBER EVENTUALLY COMES UP
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Then finally, the day comes for “me” to die. They close my eyes and lay me in the ground. In that day, all my thoughts perish… “for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10. The mourners go about the streets. Then they all return to their labor, and I am eventually forgotten, buried beneath the sands of time. Vanity of vanities!
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Is that all there is, my friend? Is that all we’re content to have? Isn’t there anything more to life? So what about all those doors they told us about at graduation? What about all those opportunities they spoke of, at that ceremony?
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So if all this is going to perish, then, “let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 1st Cor. 15:32.
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These are the words of God. He is the One who is asking you and me, these cutting questions.
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Calvary Cemetery Queens – wikipedia – public domain
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FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?
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Mankind is greatly concerned about dying, and rightfully so. We keep searching for the Fountain 
of Youth. It started with Ponce De Leon many years ago. But as you know, Mr. De Leon has been long since dead and buried. So obviously he never found it!
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But now this search for the Fountain of Youth has moved into science and medical laboratories.
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And just think about it. Even if they could invent a drug which could make you live for a 1,000 years, so what? Just look at all those pre-flood people! Where are they now? They’re all dead…‘deader t
han that proverbial door-nail’! It didn’t matter how long they lived! They’re still dead! Their memory is now gone! It’s like they never lived at all! Oh yes, a few of them left some sort of legacy, perhaps a book or some invention. But 99.999% are completely forgotten. And it doesn’t even matter that they lived at all! Is that all there is, my friend? Is that all there is?
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Now the only exception to those pre-flood dead people is Enoch. Enoch became so close to God, that he just kept walking, and walking…and eventually, he just walked straight up to heaven! But all the rest of those pre-flood oldsters are dead! And some lived nearly a 1,000 years old! But it wasn’t some miracle drug that Enoch drank, which caused him to live forever.
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Ponce_de_León wikipedia US public domain
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TIME IS LIKE A SPEEDING TRAIN…
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Time is just like a speeding train rolling down the tracks. Time doesn’t stop for anyone! It just keeps speeding along, racing along down the tracks, until it reaches its final destination!
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Doesn’t it make your head spin, how fast time goes by? Movies made just a few years back, show young actors. But look at those actors today. They look much older now. Or they’re dead!
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Time is the great equalizer! It levels the playing field! Time turns everyone ugly…eventually. Time brings both the ambitious as well as the lethargic to a complete standstill…eventually. It robs the rich and poor alike, of all their money…after a while. Time brings all Man’s plans to naught. It brings down kings and kingdoms alike.
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And when you’re dead, it no longer matters how long you lived. Because once you’re dead, all is forgotten. And in a little while, all those who knew you will also be dead. And you’re all buried and forgotten beneath the sands of time.
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It really didn’t matter that you even lived. It’s all gone! “Vanity of vanities, says the preacher. All is vanity (meaningless)!”
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Train locomotive – Hans Baluschek Anfahrender Schnellzug – 1909 – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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CASTLES MADE OF SAND
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“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” James 4:14
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Life is so fragile. Even if a person achieves some measure of success for a fe
w years, all it takes is some unforeseen tragedy to cause his bubble to burst, and make his or her life come totally unraveled.
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Listen… “And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:26,27.
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The Bible tells us that there is one and only one firm foundation on which a man must build his life. All else is merely “sinking sand” as that old song goes.
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Sand_castle,_Cannon_Beach Oregon – cropped image – Wikipedia share-alike license
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THE PRUDENTIAL ROCK (OF AGES)
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There is a financial company which uses the famous Rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. “Invest In The Rock. The Prudential Rock” is their motto, suggesting that their company is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. And, well, they have been around an awful long time. So perhaps they are a very prudent investment…as far as this world goes.
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But if a person real
ly wants to invest in a prudent investment, there is a Rock which will be standing long after the Rock of Gibraltar crumbles. This Rock, of course is the Prudential Rock of Ages.
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To invest in this present world is such a shaky investment, to say the least! Life is so fragile! When tragedy does come (and it will come!), those who have put their time, money and energies into this world will finally be devastated; because they have built their house on sand. But those who are fully invested in that Prudential Rock of Ages will receive long term dividends. REALLY REALLY LONG TERM DIVIDENDS!!! Like, FOREVER dividends!!!
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Just listen to Jesus… “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
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Prudential_advert_1909-wikipedia-US public domain
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ROCK OF GIBRALTAR FINALLY TUMBLES
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A very talented singer once sang about this famous Rock of Gibraltar. Just listen…
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“In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble. They’re only made of clay, but our love is here to stay”.
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These words would be very true, were it not for the words,”may tumble”. Because it’s a sure thing that Gibraltar is going to tumble!
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Just listen… “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. 6:14-17
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Yes, that Great Day of the Lord is close at hand, when all those things we thought were solid and sure, will come tumbling down, just as this old painting shows. But for those who set their love on Jesus, and invest their life in the Rock of Ages, this famous lyric will very much be true…
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“In time the Rockies may WILL crumble, Gibraltar may WILL tumble. They’re only made of clay, but our love (Jesus’ love) is here to stay”.
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The Bible puts it somewhat differently… “And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever. ” 1st John 2:17. So as this verse points out, the ultimate life insurance plan is to be found doing the will of God on that great and terrible Day of the Lord, which is near to come.
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Nat King Cole wikipedia public domain
MARTIN_John, Great Day of His Wrath Wikipedia US Public Domain
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PARADISE RESTORED
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“In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble. They’re only made of clay, but our love is here to stay”.
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I guess that Nat’s lyrics above, say the same thing, only somewhat differently to what the Book of Revelation says here…
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Rev. 21:3-5 .
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There is nothing on Earth that could give but a faint reflection of the love and beauty of the world-made-new! This garden in this photo probably doesn’t do justice to what’s in store for those who will rise on the Last Day to live in the Paradise Restored! Just think about it! A world filled with beauty and joy and childlike laughter and song. A world in which the curse of sin and sorrow and death are forever removed. No more aching bones, and no more aching hearts! No more wrinkled faces! No more suspicious minds! Just innocent pleasures, and happy and bright faces!
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Butchart gardens Wikipedia share-alike lic.
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“COME UNTO ME & YE SHALL FIND REST”
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“[Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9
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From the days of Creation, the Spirit of Christ has been preaching the message of Salvation to each and every soul who has ever lived. Just as the above passage states… “[Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. Even in the days of Noah, God’s Spirit has been knocking on the door of each heart…“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.
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So Jesus stands at the door of a person’s heart, knocking. But Man tries to be so busy, so as to hopefully keep that nagging little voice quiet.
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The still small voice that quietly beckons to each human heart… “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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Instead of being like the proverbial lemmings, walking over the cliff to our certain doom, why won’t we simply turn to the One who offers a way of escape out of this dying planet? And by so-doing, He will give us a new heart and new desires, far more wonderful than any so-called treasure this present world could offer. “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered…” Joel 2:30-32
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Tissot-Signature-Brooklyn Museum
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THERE IS A FOUNTAIN!
Revelation 22:1
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“And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6
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Ah, but there is a Fountain of Youth! Ponce Deleon was correct! He just looked in all the wrong places! And that fountain is within reach of every man, woman, and child who desires to drink of it. And anyone who desires to drink of that fountain can do so…without money or price… “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
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Oh no, they won’t instantly change into a youngster. But once a person does drink of that fountain, he or she will have found everlasting life! First, God gives them a new heart! They then will have a great desire to tell others about that fountain. They then will realize that there is something far greater than anything this present world can offer.
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Then they will begin a spiritual pilgrimage that will lead them up a pathway: a pathway that leads more and more to a life filled with love, peace, and wisdom.
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The love of Heaven is not like the love of this world. No, Heavenly love surpasses any kind of affection this world can offer us or even hope for! But he who drinks of this Fountain of Youth will ascend higher and higher on that pathway. And one day he or she will walk onward and upward into the highways and byways of eternity!
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Waterfall_at_the_Polynesian wikipedia share-alike license
Thomas Cole – Pilgrim of the Cross at the End of His Journey – Wikimedia – US Public Domain
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DOOR #1 OR DOOR #2
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Remember that TV show, “Let’s make A Deal?” Door #1, or door #2 or Door #3. You had to choose just one door.
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And then at the end of the show, you got to see what was behind the door you chose. If you chose the correct door, you would win all sorts of great prizes. But if you chose the wrong door, there would be something like a donkey or a goat standing there. In other words, it was a choice you had to live with.
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Well, sometimes those game shows really taught us some real-life lessons!
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You should read the article titled, “The Woman of Revelation 12–The Narrow Gate”, if you haven’t already. At the end of that wonderful Signs In Heaven Story, we see the Revelation 12 Woman finally choosing the Narrow Gate.
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For a while, earlier in winter, it was not so clear just which door she would choose. The Wide Gate consists of all the “Glitz & Glitter” this present world has to offer. But the Narrow Gate is the only true way to Life Everlasting, and the Love, Peace, and Joy that never ends. In essence, it is the door to the Fountain of Youth. Each person and each Christian can choose which door he or she will enter. But just one door has any real lasting importance and meaning.
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Lets-Make-a-Deal-wikipedia-non-free-media-usage.jpg
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CONCLUSION…
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ALL ROADS LEAD TO “ROME”…EXCEPT ONE!
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So the point to this whole article is this: this world has many doors in which a person can walk through. Some doors will take a person into a life of misery and pain. Some doors will lead to a life of selfish pleasures and earthly riches. Other doors may even offer a life filled with some of the more noble aspirations and humanitarian efforts. There are many doors a person can choose. Or so it seems.
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But there is only one door which pays off with eternal riches. All the other doors will ultimately lead to death. “All roads lead to Rome“, as the saying goes.
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Oh, death may not come for many years down the line. But it will come sooner or later.
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And once death does come, everything that happened here will all be forgotten! And when those who cared about you die, then it won’t even matter that you ever lived at all!
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Your memory will be long forgotten. “Vanity of vanities…all is meaningless!”
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WHICH DOOR WILL YOU CHOOSE?
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And so, we watch a loved one receive a diploma and we hear about all the different open doors that lie waiting for that Graduate to walk through. But for those who wish not to attend college, they should not imagine for a moment that the Lord thinks less, or frowns upon them. Just the opposite, as long as their first priority is to allow much time to spend with their Lord. So those who attend college do well (provided they do not over-extend themselves). But those who do not attend, do better (provided they do not over-extend themselves).
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And so, we watch a loved one receive a diploma and we hear a speech about the new door that these grads are going to walk through, and a new road they must travel. We would only hope and pray that our loved one will choose a door that will lead to Life Everlasting. And after he or she enters that door, then whatever occupation they should choose, it will hopefully be one that allows that Grad time, energy, and an environment conducive to devoting his or her life to the Lord.
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Valedictorian’s_speech by Quinn Dombrowski for wikipedia share-alike lic.
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“AS THE FLOWER OF THE FIELD”
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And so, just as that Flower of the Field Constellation appears to bow down in the sky, so too, all our earthly dreams and aspirations eventually crumble, as surely as that castle made of sand in the photo farther up this page. But for those who wisely choose to follow Jesus as one of his Disciples, whether they are a college grad, or even a high school dro
pout, there is a door to enter which leads to a life that never fades…that never crumbles…which never falls away, as does the Flower of the Field!
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WiltedRose wikimedia public domain
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UPON THE NARROW WAY (a song)
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“We are walking upon a pathway…on a journey that ever ascends.
We have left this dying planet…for a World that never ends.
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CHORUS:
“Stars shine upon our pathway…till the break of day.
Jesus calls, ‘O come and follow Me….upon the Narrow Way’.
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VERSE 2:
“O won’t you come and join this journey…on a road that ever ascends.
O won’t you leave this dying planet…for a World that never ends!
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CHORUS:
“Stars will shine upon your pathway…till the break of day.
Jesus calls, ‘O come and follow Me…upon the Narrow Way.
Upon the Narrow Way'”
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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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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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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