Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place

By admin On November 24th, 2012

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Prayer_for_those_at_Sea_by_Frederick_Daniel_Hardy.jpg.

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

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…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

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…to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. 

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…For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me…”

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Psalm 27:4, 5

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A Prayer… by Frederick Daniel Hardy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE MOST HOLY PLACE

http://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%91%D7%A5:Holman_The_Tabernacle_in_the_Wilderness.jpg

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“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1

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The above passage asks a very odd question: …who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1.

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Now why would God ask such a ridiculous question? After all, for most of the past 2,000 years, the temple lay in ruins. So how can a Christian abide in God’s tabernacle?

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Holman The Tabernacle in the Wilderness wikipedia US public domain

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THE ARK

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The Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the tabernacle sanctuary, during the years of the wilderness wanderings of the children of Israel, prior to their entering into the Promised Land. 

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The Signs Of Heaven presents a constellation, seen in the summer skies, which represents the Ark of the Covenant. There is also a constellation which represents the Golden Altar in the winter skies, which likewise was in that same tabernacle. But just what is the relevance of all this?

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Tissot – Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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PROPHECY RIGHTLY INTERPRETED

Ark of the Covenant & Cross/Scepter & Flower of the Field Constellations-you may share

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Well, let’s explore just how the Christian can fulfill all these Biblical concepts. Because God wrote the Bible in such a way, so that all these things can and will be very relevant to each and every Christian. But in order to fully understand these concepts, the Scripture must be rightly divided (correctly interpreted). But this article will attempt to lay the foundation of these wonderful and awesome concepts.

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So please come along and read about these mysteries revealed by comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

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Above sketch: the Ark, Flower of the Field, and Cross/Scepter Constellations

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THE HOLY AND MOST HOLY PLACE

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tabernacle.gif“And thou shalt put the Mercy Seat upon the Ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.” Exodus 26:34

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The Tabernacle in the wilderness was a picture of God. Just listen to Revelation… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22.

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So, instead of dwelling upon all the fine points of the earthly tabernacle, let it suffice to be said, this earthly tabernacle is merely a metaphor of God Himself. And the Most Holy Place is the heart of that temple, and upon the Ark, represents God’s throne, as is written…

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“And David arose…to bring up from thence, the ark of God…the LORD of hosts that dwells between the cherubims.” 2nd Samuel 6:2.

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So, if, as it states here, that God dwells “between the cherubims”, then this is speaking of the Mercy Seat over the Ark. But even though it speaks thus, we need to keep in mind that the temple itself, represents God Himself, as is written… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Rev. 21:22.   

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Holy Place & Most Holy Place wikipedia public domain

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ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN 

Ark of the Covenant Constellation

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

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The above verse from Revelation, speaks of God’s Temple in Heaven being opened. But this great constellation, the  Sagittarius Constellation  is actually the constellation of the Ark of the Covenant. So these two events go hand in hand simultaneously. The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.

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Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation)

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QUEEN ESTHER

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jacopo_del_sellaio,_esther_e_assuero.jpg

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“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day…and so will I (Esther) go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 1:10-12, 4:16 (condensed)

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The above passage is an extremely abbreviated description of Esther as she went uninvited into the king’s throne-room, to plead for the doomed Jews.

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It is also the story of today’s Church as we are called to enter the Most Holy Place with Christ. And just as Esther boldly and fearfully (but not presumptuously) entered the king’s throne-room, so too must God’s Elect enter boldly, but with trembling, God’s Throne-Room by faith, to plead for God’s people, who are now under God’s judgment.

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Esther by Jacopo del sellaio, esther e assuero 1400’s wikimedia public domain

 

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WHO ARE TODAY’S PRIESTS?

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Listen to that fiery little Book of Joel… “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” Joel 2:17.

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Now this verse is concerning the Day of the Lord. And yet it speaks of priests and of the sanctuary. Well just listen to Peter’s Epistle… “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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And how do we accomplish this? Well, that is what theheavensdeclare.net is all about. For a good start in comprehending this big subject regarding how God’s Elect relate to Esther, you can go to such articles as… “The Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Way”.

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Joel the Prophet – www.wikipaintings.com – Public Domain

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WE TOO MUST ENTER THE KING’S THRONE ROOM

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“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 

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Both the story of Esther as well as this constellation group in the summer skies ring out the same startling message. Do you see this heavenly woman reaching for that Cross/Scepter? It was placed in Heaven by God, to remind us of the story of Esther. Esther went into king’s throne-room and took hold of the king’s scepter.

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WE MUST ENTER TOO!

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God is wanting His people to enter into His Throne Room…the Most Holy Place in Heaven. But though we are encouraged at any time to, “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, there is a further calling. Once we are saved, we are not to be content to remain in our wretched and worldly condition.

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We are commanded to be… “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” Hebrews 6:1.

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As the Apostle John puts it… “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1st John 5:4.

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Most Christians are not aware that just because they have been called into the Gospel does not mean that they can lay down their armor. Rather, the battle has just begun. Only those who are truly the Chosen and Faithful, will overcome the world. This is what separates the Believers from mere “Make-believers”, so to speak.

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Tissot – Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

 

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“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary”

Psalm 77:13 

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And so, as New Testament priests, we are called to live by faith within the Most Holy Place. Just listen… “And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ” Ephesians 2:6.

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This verse declares that we are to be seated together in Christ in the heavenlies. This is an awesome concept, to say the least! Christ is currently in the Most Holy where, as Hebrews 7:25 says, He “ever liveth to make intercession” for His people. And so are we to ever live to make intercession for God’s people. That Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place is where we are also to be seated together in Christ Jesus! Incredible? Oh yes! Very incredible! And amazing too!

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

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HEAVENLY ZION

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“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,” Hebrews 12:18, 22

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This above passage speaks of a heavenly Zion; and it speaks of this in the present tense! Of course, Mount Zion is the place of God’s Temple. When we become True-Worshippers of God, this is when we are come to heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Mount Zion.

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Oh yes it is true, the Old Testament was the Gospel of Christ, veiled in types and shadows. And so, here is a fulfillment of some of these earthly types and shadows.

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And so now, with this revelation from Hebrews, concerning spiritual Zion, there begins to be a clarity about such passages as this next one… “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with Salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15.

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So God is speaking here of Heavenly Jerusalem and spiritual Zion, as His everlasting resting place.

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Tissot Solomon Dedicates the Temple at Jerusalem – Wikipedia – US Public-Domain

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“THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER”

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But it doesn’t stop merely with heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Zion! As if that’s not incredible enough, God reveals more to us! That is, just who are these priests, whom God here refers to Spiritual Zion? Who will be ministering before the Lord forever? Because, the Lord here, while speaking of eternal Zion, is also speaking of her priests. But it must be remembered that Christ will be an eternal Priest, as is written… “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4.

http://thebiblerevival.com/

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And finally, this next verse really nails down just what will be the role of all those who are chosen to be priests and kings in the Lord’s service, along with Jesus, the eternal High Priest.

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Just listen… “The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel…For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.” Deuteronomy 18:1, 5.

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So we are those sons of Levi (Jesus).  After all, we have been chosen to be priests unto God, just as it is written… “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness…And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5, 6.

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The Holy of Holies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain

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A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

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So if the sons of Levi are God’s chosen priestly line, to minister before Him forever, then it must be speaking of New Testament Believers as well…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.

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Not only will we be the living stones of that temple, but we will be the royal priesthood of that temple as well. And so all this must be speaking of spiritual things, since we obviously will not be literal stones forever. That would be a ridiculous idea!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place – Signs Of Heaven

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HOW DO WE RELATE TO GOD’S TEMPLE?

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For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15

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The above passage speaks of Zion as God’s everlasting resting place. And of course, Mount Zion is where the Temple was in Old Jerusalem, and that’s where it will be in the New Jerusalem. So how do we, God’s people relate to that Temple? Well, just listen to the following passage… 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

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So now it becomes apparent that this true Temple is a spiritual concept, rather than a brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. We are the “living stones” of that Temple. And yet God Himself is the Temple. Very confusing concepts, wouldn’t you agree?

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Above picture: Heavenly Mount Zion Constellation (aka Cassiopeia)

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GOD & HIS PEOPLE, THE TRUE TEMPLE!

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So now it becomes apparent that this true Temple is a spiritual concept, rather than a brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. We are the “living stones” of that Temple. And yet God Himself is the Temple. Very confusing concepts, wouldn’t you agree?

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Well, the following passage just might shed some light for us… “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:20-23.

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Now, it is impossible for anyone to really fully understand this passage, although some may try. Just how this incredible relationship between the Believer and his or her Lord actually is carried out is truly a mystery! But it is evident that this concept really speaks of the heavenly Temple, which will exist for all time and eternity. And of course, as already stated, God and the Lamb are the true Temple. And if God dwells in us, then that Temple likewise dwells in us.

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Transfiguration – Bloch – cropped – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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WE ARE THE TRIBE OF LEVI

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“But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

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The above passage is speaking of the Coming of the Lord. Now whether this is speaking of His first Coming or the second Coming, one thing is for sure: it cannot be speaking of earthly priests. This has to be speaking of Believers; because at His first Coming, the earthly priesthood came to an end…forever! So this must be understood spiritually.

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Listen even once more to Peter… 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.

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We are the royal priesthood. We are the Sons of Levi, spiritually speaking. We are those whom the Lord will purify… “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5

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High Priest – www.thebiblerevival.com -public-domain

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A LIVING SACRIFICE

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And what spiritual sacrifices are we to offer? Listen… “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2.

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Incredible!! Paul really said a mouthful in that passage, didn’t he? It is amazing, that such passages as this can be ignored by so many, who insist on remaining worldly and common in the world.

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Listen to this… Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness…and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.” Psalm 29:2.

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Here is revealed the speech which is heard in God’s Temple: “and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.” In the beauty (and joy) of holiness, God’s people continually speak of His glory. And how can I become a part of this glory? The more a Christian closes his or her self in with God; the more he shuts out all unnecessary noise and clamor of the world, he (or she) will become shut-in with God in His holy temple within his hearts.

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the holy of holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

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PETER SAID IT PLAINLY…

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Peter said it more bluntly!

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Listen… “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?….Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2nd Peter 3:11, 12, 14.

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Well this passage certainly raises the bar for Christian conduct, doesn’t it? Peter says here that we are to be“be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

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And of course, the language which Peter purposely uses here is the very same language used by God when speaking of sacrificial lambs.

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Listen… “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1st Peter 1:18, 19. 

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And so, just as that sacrificial lamb in the temple service represented Jesus, the great fulfillment of a sacrificial lamb, so are we to be also, as we joyfully lay down our lives on the altar of service to God.

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Rembrandt van Rijn – St Peter in Prison The Apostle Peter Kneeling – Google Art Project – wikimedia – US-public-domain.jpg

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THE SOUL, OUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION

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“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

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Of all the possessions that a human can have, the soul is by far the most important. And it is remarkable how lightly esteemed the soul is. After all, we the people of the world go on our merry way, mostly never even giving a thought for our most valuable possession!

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The above verse puts the importance of the human soul in proper perspective… “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  

.http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_198722/William-Brassey-Hole/The-sorrow-of-king-David

It is more valuable than all the riches this world can offer, as the above verse alludes.

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Listen to the Psalmist… “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16 

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If your soul lives eternally, you have everything; more than the richest person on Earth! If not, well then, in respect to eternity, you are little more than a beggar, though you may possess vast earthly riches.

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The soul is what makes you, you, and me, me. So if you lose your soul, then there is no more “you”. You simply will no longer exist. Now on the other hand, if you die being a true worshipper, God promises to safely keep your soul.

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Listen… “Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee.” Psalm 86:2.

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

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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WHAT DID HENRY HAVE TO SAY?

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That great theologian of yesteryear, Matthew Henry, had a thing to say, concerning the preciousness of the soul.

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Listen… “Observe what the jewel is which he is in care for, “The safety of my soul, my darling; let that be redeemed from the power of the grave, Father, into Thy hands I commit that, to be conveyed safely to paradise.” The psalmist here calls his soul his darling, his only one (so the word is): “My soul is my only one. I have but one soul to take care of, and therefore the greater is my shame if I neglect it and the greater will the loss be if I let it perish. Being my only one, it ought to be my darling, for the eternal welfare of which I ought to be deeply concerned. I do not use my soul as my darling, unless I take care to preserve it from every thing that would hurt it and to provide all necessaries for it, and be entirely tender of its welfare.”

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Matthew Henry – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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SILENCE ON THIS SUBJECT IS DEAFENING!

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But of course, as far as those of the world are concerned, the soul is mostly regarded as worthless!

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TV-icon-novela-current.svg

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On TV or Radio, you might hear a commercial about physical or mental health or safety just about every 10 or 15 minutes or so. But do you ever hear an advertisement about the value of a soul? Do the various TV dramas ever deal with the preservation of the soul? No, why would they!?! After all, the “god of this world” wants you to lose your soul! So you’ll never hear the citizens of this world ever obsess or commiserate over the care and nurture of the soul! And if you ever do, it will probably be done in a mocking or negative manner.

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TV icon novela svg. – Wikimedia –

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THE REAL BILLIONAIRES!

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Those who neglect the care of their soul, are indeed, the poorest of the poor. They will simply wither away and die, and be no more. But on the other hand, those who value, and care, and nurture their soul, are among the richest of the rich, though they may be poor in earthly wealth. After all, who would you rather be: a billionaire, who eventually withers away and dies, or a poor person who will live forever in a joyful and beautiful universe? No, the real billionaires are those who love their own soul, and care for it and nurture it.

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Listen… “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches:” Proverbs 13:7, 8. This passage leaves little room for debate on the subject of true riches. And yet it is perhaps one of the most little regarded of all Bible passages.

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Homeless man reading Bible – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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“ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS”

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John the Baptist, is perhaps one of the most striking of all Bible characters. And the above Bible passage seems to be the mantra of John’s life.

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Listen again… “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

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John certainly made himself as poor as one could possibly be in the eyes of the world. And yet he was considered as spiritually rich as any other Bible hero.

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Listen to the assessment of Jesus, concerning John… “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Matthew 11:11.

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John the Baptist – by tissot – wikimedia commons – us public domain

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JOHN’S SEPARATION

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John knew the value of his own soul, and he did not want to contaminate the purity of his soul by the constant John the Baptist by Harold Copping www.wikigallery.com US public domaincontact and intermingling with humanity, with all its debauchery and worldly obsessions. John did what the nation of Israel neglected to do. John took heed to the constant counsel of God, for His people to separate themselves from the contagiousness of evil influences.

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And God used John as a role-model, as to what heights a human could attain to, by taking heed to these warnings of God.

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Listen again… “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Matthew 11:11.

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Yes, because John took heed to God’s warnings to Israel, and separated himself from the great wickedness in Israel, God blessed John above all men on the face of the Earth, as this verse indicates.

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

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THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK

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John knew the Scriptures. John had read the Prophet Habakkuk. He understood the great http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Tissot_Habakkuk.jpgmessage from that ominous Book (As well as other Old Testament books). Listen… “Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.”   Habakkuk 1:4.

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This was the great message of the Old Testament. This was what all those Old Testament wars were about! And yet only a few amongst the children of Israel paid any attention to these warnings.

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

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This strong warning from God went mostly unheeded. And as we know, the Israelites did not drive out all the heathens from their land, and are still suffering the bitter results today.

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Habakkuk by James Tissot – wikimedia commons – US public domain

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GOD LIKEWISE WARNS US TODAY!

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Now obviously, God is probably not calling us to go out to the desert, like John. But this warning still goes out to Christians today, to separate from evil influences, as far as possible! 

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And yet, we Christians today allow ourselves to freely mingle with worldly influences, not even caring or realizing just how contagious sin really is! And because of our disregard of God’s warnings, our Christian nation today will suffer the same results which the nation of Israel suffered. For God still warns us today…

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Listen… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?….Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Cor. 6:14, 17, 18.

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This New Testament warning has a promise attached: if we will separate, God will become our Father, and we will be His sons and daughters! But if we do not separate, will God still be a Father to us? So this passage from 2nd Corinthians has a blessing attached to it, but also an implied curse. If we want God to be a Father to us, then we must separate, as far as possible, from all unnecessary ungodly influences.

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TO PREACH, BUT NOT TO YOKE TOGETHER

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And while we are commanded to go preach the Gospel to every creature, we are nevertheless warned not to be yoking up together with unbelievers in secular friendships. As already said, sin is very contagious. And our secular friendships won’t convert anyone to Christ, but will almost certainly convert us to the world!

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To read more on the subject of separation, just go to… “Fleeing to the Mountains-Part 2: The Abomination In Churches”

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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“BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY”

.http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Transfiguration_bloch.jpg

The world has rejected God’s standard of behavior, and has gone about to establish its own standard. But God has chosen each Christian to be a peculiar people and a holy nation. God wants us to be distinctly different from the world. And He has given us His Son to be our role model for God’s standard of acceptable behavior.

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The world has replaced holiness and reverence for a counterfeit righteousness: giddiness, joking and jesting, loud and boisterous laughing and back-slapping and common and cheap talk are just some of the ways in which the world has been, “going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” Rom. 10:3. 

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Christians, to a great degree have been deceived by the world, and have joined in with such lower standards.

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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IMITATING THE WORLD

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PS_Kr%C3%B8yer_-_Hip_hip_hurra!_Kunstnerfest_p%C3%A5_Skagen_1888.jpgAnd so it is not uncommon to hear Christians behaving much like the world. But
Christians need to keep in mind their high and holy calling. The world sees through our façade. They instinctively know that we’re imitating them. They even have a saying…
“Imitation is the highest form of praise”.

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Christians need to take courage, and imitate Christ in all that we think do and say. Then will our efforts to evangelize the world will be blessed by God.

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

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JESUS, SEPARATE FROM SINNERS

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christianity-Jesus_Christ_Died_for_your_Sin.jpg

listen to the following statement about Jesus… “For such an high priest became us, (Jesus) who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:26. Jesus was separate from sinners, even though His priestly duties were to pray for them.

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Oh yes, we will be mocked and scorned and derided by the world (and by worldly Christians). But we must not fear being different. And we must not think that holiness requires us to speak King James English, or wear robes or uniforms. But an intelligent reverence and holiness will require much wisdom and Christian maturity and much prayer and Bible study. 

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Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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GRAFFITI IN MY HEART

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“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”  Proverbs 4:23 NLT

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bodeguita_del_Medio,_Havana,_Cuba_2.jpg

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Have you ever tried to remove spray-paint from a wall or side of a building? Not too easy. But everyday, we Christians allow Satan to write his own graffiti on the walls of our heart. How? By allowing ourselves to listen to sensual music, or watch unchristian TV, or read exciting novels, buddying around with non-Christian friends, or reading non-Christian magazines, or Internet, or talk-shows, or whatever else the Devil has dreamed up, in hopes of destroying our soul and dominating our thoughts and pre-occupying our life.

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And just think about it. If our heart is an extension of the Most Holy Place, then it is akin to taking spray-paint and writing profanities on the walls of the Most Holy Place. And if we are the Priest of our own heart, what will the High Priest, Jesus Christ, think when He comes into our Most Holy Place to minister together with us? Just something to think about.

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Graffiti on walls – Bodeguita del Medio, Havana – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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PRIESTS AND KINGS”

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“And (God) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10

.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Saint_James_the_Less_(Saint_Jacques_le_Mineur)_-_James_Tissot.jpg

God has called us to be priests together with Christ. We are to be co-laborers with Christ, pleading for the people. Scripture commands us to… Pray without ceasing.” 1st Thessalonians 5:17. As a Christian goes about his or her day, they are constantly praying and thanking the Lord, and interceding for others.

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Listen again to this great encouragement… “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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In Scripture, the priesthood was a very high and holy calling. It wasn’t to be taken lightly. It was a life and death matter. An unconsecrated priest could actually be struck dead, should he enter into the Holy Place with unrepentant sin.

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Prayer – Brooklyn Museum – Saint James the Less – by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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SAME REVERENCE REQUIRED TODAY

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And so the thought of today’s Christian should be exactly like the faithful priest of long ago. He must have a trembling heart at God’s holiness. All presumptuousness and flippancy and worldliness must be banished out of the Christian’s heart.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tissot_The_Two_Priests_Are_Destroyed.jpg

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No, the True-Worshipper will not literally be struck dead, like these two in this drawing. But those who enter into the life of a Christian, will never know the deep spiritual and holy things of God, until they enter into this most solemn priestly office, by faith.

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And they (God’s priests) shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23.

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As God’s royal priesthood, we are to be an example to the Church. And by our godly example, we are to, “teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”

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Tissot – The Two Priests Are Destroyed – Wikipedia – Public Dom.

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THE BOOK OF JOEL

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“Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” Joel 2:16, 17

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The above passage is speaking of the Day of the Lord. But it speaks of the priests. But God is no longer using priests. That was done away with, forever, after Christ went to the Cross! So what is the answer to this perplexing question being made manifest in the Book of Joel?

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Simple! God is now using Christians as priests. “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 is a New Testament verse, declaring that we are a royal priesthood.

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Joel the Prophet www.wikipaintings.com public domain

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VALLEY OF DECISION

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Now Joel commands the priests to, “weep between the porch and altar”. This would seem to indicate that we New Testament priests are not to enter into the Holy Place. But as you read on, it will be shown that we are to merely enter the MOST Holy Place, as well.

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But the point to Joel is that God is pointing us forward to the great day of God Almighty. And we, the royal priesthood, must cry out and mourn and weep for our fellow brethren, who are caught up in apostasy and spiritual disregard. And this little book speaks of the Valley of Decision.

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Just listen… “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” Joel 3:14, 15.

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Joel the Prophet www.wikipaintings.com public domain

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VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations

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God is just now revealing a constellation group in the night-sky, called the Valley of Decision Constellation. And it is no accident that God has chosen this time in history to reveal this constellation group.

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We are just now standing on the threshold of that great day, spoken of by Joel.

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But this constellation group and concepts connected with it, are somewhat complex. So the Reader is highly encouraged to read the two articles about this phenomena in the night heavens… “The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation”

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – signsofheaven.org – Not for commercial profit use!

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HIDING OURSELVES IN THE DAY OF WRATH

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

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/collections-gallery/gallery

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This above verse speaks of the day which is just before us. God is warning us to take refuge in our chambers, till the, “indignation be overpast”.

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But let’s look at this next verse…Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zep 2:3.

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He is here speaking to His true children. Well, who else besides His true children can be called “meek’, which “have wrought His Judgment”? But God here tells these meek and just ones that they must do more… “seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zep 2:3. So God is exhorting us here to really, really, strive to be more Christ-like.

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Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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“THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE!”

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But just how are we to become more Christ-like? And just what chambers is the Lord speaking of here, when He says… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers?” 

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“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me;” Psalm 27:4, 5

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David Playing Harp www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

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CANDLESTICK & THE 7 CHURCHES

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“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20 

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Just as all the other furnishings in the Temple were pictures of spiritual concepts, so too was the 7-tier Golden Candlestick. The above verse makes plain this spiritual concept… “and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.

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For those who believe that the New Testament Church is not mentioned in the last 19 chapters of Revelation, should consider that much of the Book of Revelation takes place in the heavenly Temple. And so the Church is mentioned, just not directly. And there are other ways the church is also mentioned as well.

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Candlesticks of the Holy Place – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain

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APOCALYPSE NOW!

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And so this revelation, that the candlestick represents the 7 churches of Revelation, Ch. 2 & 3 brings the entire Book of Revelation very relevant to God’s Church! And having this understanding, it now begins to be understood just why God urges upon His people the importance of studying that book.

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Listen… “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. ” Revelation 1:3.

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Yes, these words were written back around 100 AD. And even then was this book relevant to God’s people. And we today, as the spiritual priesthood, are spiritual Levites. So in more than one way, God connects us to all 22 chapters of that Book.

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Listen again… Revelation 22:6…“And He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done…

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Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book…

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Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand…

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Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.”  

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Not only do these above five verses reveal that the time is at hand, but also that the Jesus Himself testifies here that the book of Revelation was actually “these things IN the churches”. God could not have been more blunt in telling us that Revelation is not merely for the future, but has been for all the church, for all the past 2,000 years.

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But having said all this, it must also be said that it appears that this book will also have a grand climactic fulfillment in these last moments of time on Earth. So those who look at Revelation to be fulfilled in the future are somewhat correct.

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ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – www.signsofheaven.org

torture devices the wheel Calas Chapbook wikipedia US public domain

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“IN HEAVENLY PLACES”

Ephesians 1:3, 2:6, 3:10

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“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

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This above passage really lets us in on a big secret! We don’t have to wait for heaven! We can have it now! Oh, well, we may not physically be there yet. Nor will we literally see it now at this point. But we nevertheless can be there in Heaven with God, spiritually speaking. And the above passage tells us just where it is that Jesus dwells… upon His Mercy Seat, between the Cherubim. And we can be there too! Just listen to this…

 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and Holy Place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.

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This is perhaps, the clearest statement we have, concerning just where the Believer and Christ will be throughout eternity: in the Most Holy Place, as co-laborers together in the Heavenly Temple priesthood. 

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God calls us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Listen… “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. We are called to come boldly to the Throne of Grace. And there we should be, with unceasing petitions and thanksgiving.

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(Above photo: Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle, c. 1896-1902, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902) at the Jewish Museum, New York. Public domain.)

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EVERLASTING JOY

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Perhaps the best-kept secret in the world, is that the Christ-like life of holiness is a life filled with joy. So many people shy away from the Christian life, because they erroneously believe that giving up sin and selfishness will only result in an austere and humorless and boring existence. But what they do not understand is that the Christian life is a joy-filled, and peace-filled life.

.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_100326-N-4774B-066_Chaplain_Lt._Jason_Gregory_reads_bible_verses_on_the_weather_deck_aboard_the_guided-missile_cruiser_USS_Bunker_Hill_(CG_52).jpg

Yes, God gives the Believer great joy and fulfillment in searching the Bible and meditating on the Bible. The joy that one experiences when searching the bible for hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge is much like the joy that a treasure-seeker experiences when discovering a treasure.

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And likewise, prayer throughout one’s day is also a great joy. Yes, and the Christian life only becomes more joy-filled as time passes. In a sense, the Christian life is like any endeavor. That is, the better that one gets at it, the more pleasurable it becomes. Take a fisherman, for example. The more that a fisherman excels in that sport, the greater is the pleasure he receives from that sport. It’s no different with Christianity.

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But one big difference with Christianity is, that the ever-increasing joy never stops. It continues to grow for all eternity. God is infinite. And so is the love of God. It too is infinite.

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But Paul explains it this way… “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2nd Corinthians 6:10. This little section of 2nd Corinthians speaks of the paradoxes of the Christian life.

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

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THE CHRISTIAN: A PORTABLE TABERNACLE

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“…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Cor. 6:16, 17

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Just as the Jews moved the Tabernacle from place to place during their wilderness-wanderings, so too, the Christian today is to do the very same thing. We are the Temple of the living God. We are God’s tabernacle in our own wilderness-wanderings. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are on-duty 24/7/365 as priests for the Most High God. And just as Abraham set up an altar in different places during his travels, we have an altar in our heart. And wherever we go, we take that altar with us. This is the kind of worship that God is desiring from His people.

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And so, wherever God’s people travel in the universe, they will be still be priests in the temple of God. It’s like that old song, Rock of Ages…“As I soar to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne”.

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When the Samaritan woman at the well (see John Ch. 4) asked Jesus if Jerusalem was the correct place to worship, Jesus answered her… “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father….But the hour cometh, and now is, when the True-Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him….God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21, 23, 24.

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So, to worship God in spirit and truth does not require a building or even a certain denomination. It only requires a heart that is filled with the Spirit and with the truth of God.

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Listen… “Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” Ezekiel 11:16

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This promise was not only for those Old Testament Hebrews, but it is for us today! God will be to us as a little sanctuary: a sanctuary in our heart!

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And so we spiritually enter into our “portable” Most Holy Place of the heart; and by faith, silently cry out to our Heavenly Father, fulfilling our priestly duties, even as we carry out the mundane duties of our day: at home, at work, at rest, or even in recreation with our family. In the New Testament, the Believer is a walking, living temple of God. And as such, we need to be very wise in how we conduct our lives.

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GOD IS THE TRUE TEMPLE

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“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Water_splashes_001.jpg

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God has created Nature, not only for beauty, and not only for our needs, but also to teach us spiritual lessons. Just look at this water-drop, reminding us of the kingly crown which is promised to those who drink of the “water of life”! And what about the spider and his web? Doesn’t he remind us of how Satan spins his web of deceit throughout the world, in which to take captive and destroy each and every one of us?!

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But nature is not the only place where God presents spiritual concepts. The Bible is a metaphorical book to a great extent. Just like the metaphors found in nature, the Bible too, is filled with many stories which are allegorical in nature, each presenting spiritual concepts.

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And likewise, God created the Temple service to teach us lessons about the plan of Salvation. The High Priest represented Christ’s eternal position of High Priest of all the universe. But Christ is more than just the High Priest. He is the Temple itself. 

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The verse above pretty much says it all… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. There most likely is no brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. This verse makes that abundantly clear. God is that Temple.

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Listen again to the very words of Jesus… “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But He spake of the temple of His body.” 2:19-21

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But there’s more to God’s eternal Temple than that, as if that’s not enough! You see, in God’s infinite wisdom and grace, He has included the redeemed in that Temple: we too are that Temple. The Temple walls are a picture of us, God’s people.

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Listen… “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

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The various furnishings of that earthly tabernacle were likewise to give us a clearer picture of Christ. The Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the candlestick, and even the Ark of the Covenant with the two tables of the law, were likewise a picture of Christ. And even the Lamb of sacrifice was a picture of Christ. There will be no brick-n-mortar temple in that eternal city of God… “For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple thereof.”

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Water splashes – by Omegatron for Wikipedia – share-alike lic.

Spider – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

Tissot – Solomon Dedicates the Temple at Jerusalem – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“TEMPLE WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN”

Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves

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So now that God is revealing this sanctuary message in the night-heavens, we begin to see that this is not merely an obsolete message from the dusty old pages of the Old Testament! As already stated, the Old Testament was merely the Gospel of Jesus Christ, presented in types and symbols. And hopefully, Signs Of Heaven has presented these concepts in a way that will help the Reader to strive for holiness in his or her life.

summer w/ark & woman

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And whether the Christian is healthy and strong, or frail and bed-fast, or even in confinement, this living-sanctuary message can be a reality in each and every one of us. And though it may require a struggle, and take time to achieve this high and holy calling, we must never give up. For giving up is the only way we may fail to achieve these things. And our tender, pity-filled High Priest well knows that “we are but dust”. And He knows when to give us rest. And before we know it, victory will come.  

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THE END

 

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A SANCTUARY STORY 

Ark of the Covenant Constellation

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A Christian evangelist who had years earlier, suffered incredible burns to his face, leaving massive facial scars, recounted the following personal story. He went to visit a young soldier in the hospital, who likewise had suffered massive burns during combat. The burns on this soldier’s face had all but melted his eyes shut, and left him unable to see. And this evangelist, having gone through this same experience years earlier, and knowing just what this frightened boy was probably going through, knelt down to whisper something into this young soldier’s ear. And here is pretty much what the evangelist whispered… “Son, you are the Sanctuary of God. Now you cannot see. But now you are fully closed in with God in His sanctuary of your heart. But God can see you. And He can hear you. And you can talk with Him. You have His full attention, son. You are God’s sanctuary. You can praise His Holy name. You are God’s sanctuary…” Well, these are not the exact words. But this is the heart of that message, given to that frightened young soldier, on that day.

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Ark Constellation in Heaven – (aka Sagittarius) – Summer – Wikipedia Star-chart with ark drawn in by this website – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

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There was a little praise song, written back in the 60’s or so, that went like this…

“Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.

And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.

Mold me ( mold me ) what you want me to be (what you want me to be)” 

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

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

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgthings.

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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 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgworries, 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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.summer w/woman & doves

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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

.Orion Constellation

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 Chur7 stars as Crossch (7 Stars).

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

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

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marines_at_Prayer_by_Alex_Raymond.jpg.

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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How Shall The Moon Be Turned Into Blood?

By admin On November 12th, 2012

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“And I will show wonders in the heavens,

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and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 

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The Sun shall be turned into darkness,

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and the Moon into blood,

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before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”

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Joel 2:30, 31

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“THE MOON SHALL BE TURNED TO BLOOD”

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APOCALYPSE ALWAYS… If you ever have read the Book of Joel, then you are familiar with just what a fiery little letter that it is.

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It’s all about war!

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It’s all about The Day of The Lord!

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It’s all about battle trumpets sounding!Joel the Prophet www.wikipaintings.com public domain

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And Joel is a warning to God’s people to turn back to the Lord in sorrow and mourning and repentance!

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And such admonishments as this, though addressed to the Old Testament people of God, are just what today’s Christian needs, because of our spiritual apathy and lukewarmness.

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This book is like a cold shower on “the morning after”, for such a spiritual drunkard as me!

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It is a sobering experience for the Christian, when he or she has been quickened by the Spirit of God! 

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The Book of Joel is for our day!

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Listen…“Sanctify ye a fast,

call a solemn assembly…

…and cry unto the LORD.

Alas for the day!

for the day of the LORD is at hand,

and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come!”

Joel 1:13-15 (Condensed)

Joel the Prophet www.wikiart.com public domain

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“YE THAT PUT FAR AWAY THE EVIL DAY”

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And so often, we Christians putput far away the evil day“, not realizing that, in a very real sense, Judgment Day has been occurring, throughout time, in the hearts of “every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9.

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PS_Kr%C3%B8yer_-_Hip_hip_hurra!_Kunstnerfest_p%C3%A5_Skagen_1888.jpg

Yes, God has been trying every man’s heart, just as Job says… “What is man, that Thou shouldest…visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” Job 7:17, 18.

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This passage reveals that each human is being judged by an infinite God who sees every thing, as written… “for He (God) knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21 

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And along with these verses is another revealing passage from Amos.

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Listen… “Ye that put far away the evil day…” Amos 6:3

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – public domain

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APOCALYPSE SOON…

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So, Joel tells us that the day is coming, in which “The Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” Joel 2:31.

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Now, just because each person who ever lived has gone through a type of judgment does not negate the fact that a great finale is about to happen.

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This worldwide show-down of Judgment Day is also called the Valley of Decision, and The Day of the Lord, and The time of Jacob’s Trouble

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So yes, this grand climax to the great drama of the ages is about to conclude. 

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This will be the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, in which the sorely tempted and tried saints must wrestle with God until they finally will have their garments purified and made white (see Revelation 7:13, 14).

 

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BLOOD MOON MAY BE A SPIRITUAL EVENT…

.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jul_9,_2009_-_Full_moon_over_96th_St.jpg

So the very first question to be answered, concerning the Moon is: “Just exactly how will the Moon be turned into blood? Will the Moon be turned into literal blood?”

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Probably very few people actually believe that the Moon will be turned to literal blood.

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So then, it is manifest that most everyone believes this Bible verse needs to be understood metaphorically, to some extent.

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The Moon will not need to be turned into actual blood, in order for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

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So, if you are waiting for a literal fulfillment, you may be one of those few who will be in for a bitter disappointment.

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And everyone else has pre-determined to settle for an allegorical fulfillment of one type or another. 

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Full moon over 96th St – by ed yourdon – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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ALLEGORICAL BLOOD-MOON?

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Man in Moon Over Eagle Ridge full moon imageGod lets us know that He often speaks parabolically, so that false brethren and abject unbelievers cannot see these things.

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Listen… “And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…

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Therefore speak I to them (false brethren & unbelievers) in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Matthew 13:10-13

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Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge full moon image

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“Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” 

Matthew 13:13

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And so, by speaking in parables, God keeps out all those who try to enter by their own strength or goodness or achievement.

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And so, only those who live by simple child-like faith will understand.

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But having said this, nevertheless, Scripture should reveal what the true fulfillment of this will be.

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There should be some clues in the Bible which may give us insight into this question.

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So then, just what does the Bible reveal about this puzzling question of how shall the Moon be turned into blood?

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Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge full moon image

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BLOOD AS A COLOR

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So then, because it would be just too difficult to imagine that God would actually turn the Moon into literal blood…

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…most everyone has supposed that God would do the next best thing: that God will turn the Moon into the color, red, such as during an eclipse.

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But the problem with this theory is, that one must have scriptural support in order to arrive at such an allegorical conclusion.

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So, does Scripture promote such an idea?

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Harvest moon – cropped image – Wikipedia & roadcrusher – share-alike license

 

 

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THE HEARING OF BLOOD

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Moon into Blood www.signsofheaven.org Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire?…

He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly;

he that despises the gain of oppressions,

that shakes his hands from holding of bribes,

THAT STOPS HIS EARS FROM HEARING OF BLOOD,

Isaiah 33:14-16

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ABC_-_Good_Morning_America.jpg

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This above passage presents a concept which is totally foreign to modern-day thinking.

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This concept is that blood is spoken of in relation to hearing, as this above passage declares…

…”Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire?…

He that…that stops his ears from hearing of blood”.

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So, Scripture is now speaking of blood in terms of violence.

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And the hearing of violence might just be akin to, say, watching movies with gratuitous violence, or revenge, or abuse, etc

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Even the nightly news makes its bread-n-butter by capitalizing on stories about war and murder and rape, and every other form of violence.

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ABC-Good Morning America – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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“JERUSALEM ABOVE” & “JERUSALEM NOW”

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https://theheavensdeclare.net/31582/As this website declares, there are three faces in the Moon: one of a Watchman (to left)…

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…one of a predator-beast (wolf, etc. ) (to right)…

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…and one of a field-beast of prey (rabbit or mouse, etc.) (below left).

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And these three faces represent the church: both the church-faithful and the church-apostate. 

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Secondly, what we do find is, that these three faces in the Moon symbolize the two Jerusalem’s…

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…1: the Jerusalem above, the mother of us all”…

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…2: and the “Jerusalem which is now”.

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That is, these two Jerusalems represent the Church-Elect, and the Church-Unsaved.

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This was a horrible and bloody message which has everything to do with the Mark of the Beast.

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And so, even though the Moon does not have all this information expressly written out in Hebrew or Greek upon its surface…

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…yet these three faces point to the Bible and what the Bible says about these pictorial images inscribed by God, on the Moon’s surface.

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For more on the subject of a spiritual eclipse, just go to “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 1st Face: The Night Watchman”

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Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge – 1st Face – full moon image

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

Moon – by James Bowe – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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“MOON INTO BLOOD TRILOGY: THE HEARING OF BLOOD

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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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So having said all this, there is an answer to this perplexing question, regarding just how the Moon will be turned into blood, prior to the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. The message presented in this Moon Into Blood Trilogy is a very fearful concept, to say the least!

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2nd Face in Moon-wolf-www.signsofheaven.org

1st Face: Night Watchman – full moon looking down

3rd Face in Moon-scavenger-www.signsofheaven.org

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MARK OF BEAST WRITTEN IN THE MOON!

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Now, if the Reader will go to the articles titled, “Moon Into Blood Trilogy”, this most fearful message can begin to be explored more fully and more deeply!

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In a very real sense, the Moon is a fulfillment of the following prophecy…

“And the third angel followed them,

saying with a loud voice,

If any man worship the beast and his image,

and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,”

Revelation 14:9, 10

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Perhaps you could say, that the Moon itself, presents the Message which reveals that bloody “Mark of the Beast” message of Revelation 14!

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“Good News from a Far Country”…

Proverbs 25:25

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Okay, so it appears that the Moon turning to blood has a number of different fulfillments.

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And so it is with many Bible prophecies.

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But there is some very Good News, to all this doom & gloom information.

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Yes, the Lord is graciously giving us this message in an hour when there is still just enough time to repent and prepare for the final Judgment!

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And while most of the world may ignore God’s final warning, yet those who take heed, must begin to put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand in the evil day. 

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THE END

.picture - soldiers of the cross - armor up!

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

“Lift up your eyes on high,

and behold Who hath created these things;

that brings out their host by number:

He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might,

for that He is strong in power;

not one faileth.”

Isaiah 40:26

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgthings.

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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 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgworries, 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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summer w/woman & doves

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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

.Orion Constellation

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 Chur7 stars as Crossch (7 Stars).

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

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

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

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

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

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THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION: “Martha, the ‘Doer’ & Mary, the ‘Hearer'”

By admin On November 6th, 2012

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

The info and pics of the constellations on this site are all taken from Wikipedia and from The Internation Astronomical Union (click here to view their site)

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THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION:

“Martha, the ‘Doer’ & Mary, the ‘Hearer'”

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GOD PROMISED “A SIGN…IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE”

.woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org

Long ago, God made a promise in the Book of Isaiah, Ch. 7… “Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.”

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Now just what sign could this be, that was either in the depth or in the height above?

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Well, Isaiah continues… “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

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Oh, OK. So we know this sign was fulfilled in the depth, with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But God also promised this very same sign in the “height above”. So where is the fulfillment of this sign, in the “height above”?

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SIGN “IN HEIGHT ABOVE” NOW BEING REVEALED

woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org

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You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful. In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail. But in the winter, she flips upside down, to appear as the fleeing woman of Revelation 12. But whether this Virtuous Woman is in labor pains, or fleeing to the mountains, she is the heavenly icon of God’s bride, His Church!

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But no discussion of God’s bride would be complete, without discussing two sisters, Mary of Magdala and her sister, Martha. These two sisters lived in Bethany, just a Sabbath Day’s journey from Jerusalem. And they both had a special relationship with the Lord. But Mary had a closer relationship with Jesus than did her sister.

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And this article will discuss the reason why she did.

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So please read this short account of how Mary excelled in her relationship with her Lord, above her sister, Martha.

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MARY, THE “HEARER” & MARTHA, THE “DOER”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johannes_(Jan)_Vermeer_-_Christ_in_the_House_of_Martha_and_Mary_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

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One of the most well-known and beloved stories of the Bible is the account in Luke Chapter 10, of Mary and her sister Martha, on the day when Jesus was a guest at their home for dinner. As the story goes, Martha was slaving in the kitchen, while her sister, Mary, was, “sitting at Jesus’ feet, hearing His Word”.

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This made Martha angry. Listen… “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” 

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Now the Bible makes it very clear, that, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, Mary…” John 11:5.

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But Mary was definitely a Hearer, while Martha was more of a Doer. Martha, today, might be called a “multi-tasker”, or perhaps a “Type-A personality”, or even a “workaholic”. 

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Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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“THE LORD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART”

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johannes_(Jan)_Vermeer_-_Christ_in_the_House_of_Martha_and_Mary_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

“…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1st Samuel 16:7

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Now for most of us it would be Martha we would commend, for her business, and Mary we would scold, for her laziness. This is because our human nature is not so nearly concerned about the spiritual condition of the heart, as we are with good works. Everyone loves an industrious person. 

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But surprise, surprise! It was not Martha, the Doer, which Jesus commended, but it was Mary, the Hearer “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art care-filled 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.” Matthew 10:40-42

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Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

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NOT TO STOP GOOD WORKS

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Holy_bible.jpgIn this little story, the Bible is not condemning good works. The big point of this story is, that the Lord places a higher value on His people spending much time, listening to the life-giving words of the Bible, than in the performance of good works. 

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Listen… “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy word.”  Psalm 119:105, 148.

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Now God is not calling for Christians to cease from good works. Good works are not necessarily bad, unless of course, they begin to eclipse a Christian’s relationship with the Lord. But God is saying, that what Mary was doing was the best work. And let’s face it, Martha’s bad attitude about her sister showed, that her good works were mingled with anger, jealousy and pride. Yes, Martha’s bad behavior was proof-positive that she needed a change of heart. 

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

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MARY’S FAITH SHOWS

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Martha’s heart was not right with the Lord, to the degree that Mary’s heart was right. Martha’s anger and judging made clear that her heart was not so right with her Lord.

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But Mary’s desire to hear Jesus, eventually proved to be a blessing for Mary, as later Biblical events showed. It was Mary, ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johannes_(Jan)_Vermeer_-_Christ_in_the_House_of_Martha_and_Mary_-_Google_Art_Project.jpgnd not Martha who showed  faithfulness to Jesus, during and after Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection. And it was Mary, not Martha, who sought for Jesus at His tomb on Resurrection Morning. It was Mary’s faith which beautified her life, above her sister Martha.

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Just as it is written… “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

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It is the words of the Bible which beautify the life of the Christian, causing faith to grow and flourish, within the heart of the Believer.

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And beside this, Mary knew the depths from which she came. She knew her unworthiness. And this self-awareness was the catalyst which finally caused Mary’s deep gratitude for the One who came to this sin-cursed Earth to save its lost inhabitants. 

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Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain.

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THE BEAUTIFICATION OF THE SOUL: OUR HIGHEST PRIVILEGE & DUTY!

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Braet_von_%C3%9Cberfeldt_woman_with_bible_1866.jpgThe Christian has no higher privilege and duty, than to be immersed in God’s Word, throughout the hours of the day and night, allowing that Word to fill even to the deepest recesses of his or her heart.

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And of all the different aspects of Bible study, the day and night meditation on the Bible is perhaps, the most important part of all. For this is where the words of God become permanently embedded within the heart and mind and life of the Christian!

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Just as it is written of Mary… “and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  

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

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OVERCHARGED HEARTS

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“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with…cares of this life” Luke 21:34

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Multitask.jpg

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But too often, we get all caught up in many religious aspirations and duties, to the detriment of our Soul. And the Devil doesn’t care how he entangles the Christian: religious or non-religious duties; it’s all the same to Lucifer; the Devil considers anything far better than to have a Christian who actually meditates on God’s life-giving words, through the day and into the night.

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And let’s face it, good works are often applauded by the world; and so it’s a real temptation for people to perform good works for the praises of Men. Listen… “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43.

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But God takes no greater delight than to rejoice over a Believer who fills his or her Soul-Temple with God’s Word. Let’s repeat this statement: God takes more delight over one Believer who fills his or her heart with God’s Word, than ninety-and-nine who are busy, busy, to the disregard of this duty.

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Multitask – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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“THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES”

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And so, the Devil works overtime to deceive the child of God into a lifestyle which eclipses a rich communion between that Believer and his or her Lord. And for those who have become so entangled in the affairs of life, and overwhelmed by their own busy-ness, this will most likely take nothing less than unceasing prayer and a daily crying out to God for deliverance from such bondage.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpg

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Listen to Jesus, as He explains this excerpt from the “Parable of the Sower”, found in Matthew’s Gospel…

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“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower….He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.” Matthew 13:18, 22.

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All too often, those who begin to attend church, eventually get sidetracked in some earthly enterprise, only to by-and-by lose their love for spiritual things! Oh yes, the Gospel-Seed was planted in their heart. But the cares and pleasures of this world, just like noxious weeds, choked that good seed, making them unfruitful!

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Photo-Shoppers_on_Dundas_near_Yonge-by-Ian-Muttoo-for-Wikipedia-share-alike-license

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“HEARING HIS WORD”

(see Luke 10:39)

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“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jesus_Christ_in_prayer.jpg.

As this above verse proclaims, the Bible is a powerful book. And those who seek to become changed into the image of Christ, will find that life-transforming power.

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Listen… “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18.

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If our purpose for reading God’s Word, is to get to know Jesus, and make Him our divine Role-Model, then God’s Spirit will open our eyes to behold wondrous things out of the Bible. By hiding that Word in our hearts, and by shutting out the vain words of Man, we will be changed, imperceptibly, into Christ’s Image, by-and-by.

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Listen… “O how I love Thy Law (Word). It is my meditation all the day” Psalm 119:11.

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This should be our daily mantra: to go about our day, meditating on God’s life-giving Word, as we work, as we sit down, as we engage in recreation. This kind of a life can only be achieved by the grace of God, and not by mere human effort. And we must seek this as our goal, as though we are seeking for lost treasure!

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Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BUSY, BUSY, BUSYhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Multitask.jpg

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“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 

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This above passage stands as a warning against getting busy with various church duties to the neglect of one’s own Salvation. Such people quite often will be the first to volunteer for various ministries, parties, fundraisers, etc., but have little time for prayer, and the study and meditation upon God’s Word.

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Multitask – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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“THE MULTITUDE OF BUSINESS”

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“For a dream comes through the multitude of busy-ness;” Ecclesiastes 5:3.

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This above passage from the wise man, Solomon warns us that when we get too busy with the affairs of life, we can become worldly-minded, worldly-oriented.

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Yes, and when a Christian becomes over-entangled with duties, it is possible to grieve the Holy Spirit, to the poverty of the Soul.

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These should take a lesson from Daniel’s example. Daniel, when involved in the business of his office, maintained a rigid habit of kneeling three times daily in prayer. Such a habit would be a great safeguard for all who are overwhelmed with duties. However, many of us get so busy, that we couldn’t stop to kneel and pray thrice-daily, even if we wanted! We must humble ourselves before God, daily, and not stop until this great gift is achieved.

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Daniel’s thrice-daily prayers. Wikipedia public domain

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“THE WORDS OF THE WISE

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ARE HEARD MORE IN QUIET…”

Ecclesiastes 9:17

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Most “workaholics” fall into the deception that their many good works are the evidence of their Salvation. And it becomes all but impossible for them to see the poverty of their own soul. And while we are not to sit upon the Judgment Throne against these; it is often difficult not to notice their impatience, judging, coarse conversation, or a host of other fleshly sins, which they are not even aware of; all because they are too busy for self-examination.

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Listen to what God says through Paul… “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

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And if only they would just slow down, and begin to redirect their focus upon their own undone condition, they just might eventually find their way out of the jungle of Satan’s deceptions.

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Multitask – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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“JUDGE NOT!”

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The child of God should be very sympathetic and prayerful for anyone caught in Satan’s prison-house, remembering the words of God, in 2nd Timothy…

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Listen… ”And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:24-26.

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When a person is held fast in chains of darkness, it is very difficult to make them see the error of their ways. Prayer and gentle nudging may be all that one can do, on their behalf. As the above passage says, it’s only God who can open a person’s eyes to their undone condition. And we must also be very humble, because we too might likewise be caught in our own web, not even aware that we too are Satan’s “house-guest”. Sin is very deceitful! 

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“THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE”

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“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2nd Timothy 2:3, 4

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The Bible warns Christians not to get entangled in the affairs of this life, as the above passage says. And if ever there was a time in history when Christians should maintain a double vigilance against letting ourselves become entangled, it is now! We are standing at the very threshold of eternity.

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Just listen to Jesus, as He warns all Christians against becoming engrossed with the affairs of this world…

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

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This fearful warning by Jesus, against getting too caught up in the duties, ambitions, and pleasures of this world, must be emblazoned upon the heart of every child of God.  

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Multitask – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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THE FLOODWATERS OF SATAN

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgSatan knows how close we are to that Day, and he is just now flooding the world with all sorts of diversions, hoping to keep everybody busy, just long enough for us to enter that Day of the Lord totally unprepared.

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Television, computer games, sports, hobbies, careers, romance, vacations, expensive vehicles, needlessly expensive insurance premiums, expensive lifestyles, expensive toys, expensive homes and upkeep, and even many so-called “Revelation seminars”, and a host of other similar earthly Mammon, are all designed by Satan to keep the world and the Church over-committed as long as he can. And among Satan’s chief targets in this assault, are those who profess to love Jesus.

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

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“WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG”

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

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Those of us who are low-energy type individuals, or are in a bed-fashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Munch_Det_Syke_Barn_1896.jpgt condition, or in confinement, often look with envy at those who are industrious. But as that popular saying goes, “Careful what you wish for!”

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Quite often, those who are considered high-energy people, have little time nor inclination for sitting at the feet of Jesus, and hearing His Word. They are frequently so busy with the affairs of life, that it is all but impossible for them to spend quiet-time with Jesus.

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Listen to God’s assessment… He delights not in the strength of the horse: He takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:10, 11.

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So such verses as this reveal to us, that God is not all that impressed by good works.

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Just listen to this next passage… “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not…done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…” Matthew 7:22, 23

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

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“BE STILL…”

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On the other hand, we who have little strength, may use our “handicap” to our advantage. In the quiet hours of our infirmity we can fulfill God’s desire for us… “Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10.

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We can sit at Jesus feet, and spend quiet time in His Word, using our disability or confinement to good account.

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And so, in that sense, our low-energy or our disability can actually become our greatest asset to our spiritual pilgrimage, as we fill up our heart with the words of life. 

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

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Brooklyn Museum-La_Roche Guyon by Theodore Robinson wikipedia US public domain

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LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Braet_von_%C3%9Cberfeldt_woman_with_bible_1866.jpg“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16

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As the above passage says, when the heart and mind is totally focused upon Jesus, there is a certain holy light which shines forth from the Believer. The following passage from James is not only how God deals with humanity, but likewise is how the Christian should deal with others…

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“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17, 18.

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When Christians become engrossed with the cares and pleasures of the world, it is our Christ-like behavior which suffers. And then, because we have lost the true witness of Jesus, shining out from us, we then want to fulfill our obligation to evangelize others with vain words. We then become like a, “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” (1st Corinthians 13:1).

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

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“REPENT AND DO THE 1ST WORKS”

Revelation 2:5

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But what is truly needed is that we once again return to our, “first love” (Revelation 2:4): to keep Jesus with us every moment of our day, through unceasing prayer and unceasing meditation upon His Word.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22However_pressing_his_duties_STM2-c_James_Lee_Frazer_always_finds_time_to_read_a_few_chapters_from_his_Bible_each_day._I_-_NARA_-_520675.jpg

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Listen… “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;” Revelation 2:4, 5

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Then and only then will the world behold and take notice, that of a truth, we have been with Jesus! And yes, God knows that the Christian must work and provide for his family. But like busy Daniel, we too can set aside specific times for daily Bible study, meditation and prayer. The secret is to not allow ourselves to take on unnecessary burdens or pleasures, to the detriment of our study-time and prayer-time. 

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

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JUST LIKE MARY,

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THIS REVELATION 12 WOMAN ALSO EXCELS

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And so we now have a greater understanding of this heavenly symbol of God’s bride, the Church-Faithful. And though she is best represented by Mary Magdalene, she also is represented by busy Martha. We just need to keep in mind what is our greatest priority as Christians. And to hide God’s Word in our heart is the greatest work that a Christian can do.

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But whether we are sitting at the feet of Jesus, just like Mary; or we are busy in service to the Lord, like Martha, we should never become so busy that we do not meditate upon God’s Word, as it says in David… “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

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THE END

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

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

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgthings.

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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 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgworries, 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

.Orion Constellation

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 Chur7 stars as Crossch (7 Stars).

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain