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TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL, APRIL 11th

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The Abomination of Desolation,

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Part 2

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE… “April 10th (The Abomination of Desolation, Part 1)”

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“Let no man deceive you by any means:

for that day shall not come,

except there come a falling away first,

and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,

or that is worshipped;

so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,

showing himself that he is God.”

2nd Thessalonians 2:3-5

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Here in this above passage, the Apostle Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, who were confused about just when the Day of the Lord should take place.

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But from this above passage has arisen a general consensus among theologians, that the “man of sin” and the Antichrist Beast of Revelation 13 are both speaking of the same evil entity: a literal human being, known as “Antichrist”.

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After all, 2nd Thessalonians Chapter 2 calls him “that man of sin”!

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

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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

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So how much plainer can God be about, “the man of sin”?

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A man is a man!

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Correct?

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The discussion is over!

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Right?

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But the problem with this kind of thinking is that “no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation” 2nd Peter 1:20.

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That’s right! No one scripture stands all alone!

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Every scripture must be compared with every other related scripture on any particular topic, in order to rightly be understood.

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

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SO, WHO IS THAT MAN?

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So in order to find out just who this “man” is, who takes his seat in the temple of God, let’s look at Isaiah…

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning…

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee,

saying, ‘Is this THE MAN that made the earth to tremble…

that opened not the house of his prisoners?'”

Isaiah 14:12-17 (Condensed)

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And so, this above passage from Isaiah 14, defines Lucifer as a “man”.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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ISAIAH 14 & 2nd THESSALONIANS 2:3 ARE PARALLEL

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Yes, yes, this above passage from Isaiah 14, defines Lucifer as a “man”.

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But it also defines Lucifer’s great ambition…

“I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation,

in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;

I will be like the most High.”

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Thus, this above passage also parallels 2nd Thessalonians Ch. 2…

“and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition…

so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,

showing himself that he is God.”

2nd Thessalonians 2:3, 4

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Therefore, these two passages say almost exactly the same thing: Satan is “the man” who wants to sit in God’s temple!                                                                                                                                           

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The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

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

 

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CONCLUSION

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And so, the bottom line to this discussion is that we need to keep in the Word, to gain a fuller understanding of these things!

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And this site offers many articles which further illuminate the Bible passages concerning these truths.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER:

Lord, there are so many Bible prophecy teachers out there, saying so many different things.

Christendom has become a city of confusion, it seems!

Give me strength to merely study for myself, and not be so dependent on having others tell me what to believe…

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

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READ MORE…

May 30th (Flee To The Mountains!)…

…or you may also read…March 23rd (1st Beast of Revelation 13)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!

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First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco, AKA Ursa Minor).

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This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized.

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But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it.

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Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

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THE DRAGON OF REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION.

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The star-charts below are from Wikipedia and are combined into one chart to show these three constellations, which the editor has sketched over with these three constellations, as they appear when in the west.

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Hopefully, this will be an assist in locating these constellations in the night-sky.

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LOCATION…

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

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The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield.

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This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull.

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The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces.

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Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape.

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The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus .

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The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

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BODY HARD TO SEE

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The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night.

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The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus.

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FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

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This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Revelation 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured in this chart).

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The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga.

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There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth.

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These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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READ MORE…

The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 12th (Look For The Light At The End of the Tunnel?!)” 

Spider Web – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #101 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #101

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

 

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Today’s Devotional – April 10th

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The Abomination of Desolation,

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Part 1

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“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation,

spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,

(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

Matthew 24:15, 16

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So, it says here in the above passage, “when ye…shall see the Abomination of Desolation standing in the Holy Place”, those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains.

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Here is a photo of the mountains of Judea.

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But exactly what is the “Abomination of Desolation” which requires God’s people to “flee to the mountains”?

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

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“But people who are unspiritual don’t accept the things from God’s Spirit…because they can only be comprehended in a spiritual way.”

1st Corinthians 2:14 (C.E.B. Version…Condensed) 

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The fact is, the Bible is a spiritual book, and the Bible plainly says…

“Which things also we speak,

not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches,

but which the Holy Ghost teaches;

comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

1st Corinthians 2:13.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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THE BIBLE HAS THE ANSWER!

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So, just what is this abomination which causes desolation?

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There are many who attempt to define the Abomination of Desolation either by searching through history books or by perusing the daily newspapers!

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The Bible must be its own interpreter. 

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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LOCUSTS & BLACK HELICOPTERS

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But it is much easier and more exotic to merely look out into the world and try to find something that resembles the allegories and images which so often appear in Revelation!

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For example, some try to interpret the Revelation, Ch. 9 “locusts” as being some new black helicopter!

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But by simply studying locusts in the Bible, in such places as Joel, Chapter 1, it is soon discovered that locusts were a means by which God chastised His people!

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In other words, locusts represented the various ways that God allowed the earthly riches and pleasures of His disobedient people to be eaten up and consumed!

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Black helicopters – Wikimedia – US Army – Public Domain

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DESOLATIONS IN CITY & SANCTUARY

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And this idea of the Abomination of Desolation is no different!

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We must search the Scriptures to find the correct understanding!

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So maybe this prayer for his people by Daniel will help define all this…

 “O my God, incline Thine ear, and hear;

open Thine eyes, and behold our desolations…”

Daniel 9:17

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So, Daniel here is pleading for God to have pity on “the city called by Thy name” (verse 18) and upon the sanctuary and upon the people of God, which have all become desolate, because of their disobedience!

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Poynter’s – Daniel’s Prayer – 1865 – public domain

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THE TRUE TEMPLE OF GOD

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Now the Bible foretells that the Son of Perdition will take his seat in the temple.

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Listen… “Let no man deceive you by any means:

for that day shall not come,

except there come a falling away first,

and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,

or that is worshipped;

so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,

showing himself that he is God.”

2nd Thessalonians 2:3, 4

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Now the general consensus among the radio and TV preachers seems to be that this temple of God will be a literal temple, which will be rebuilt over in Jerusalem in Palestine. 

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Martin, John – Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – 1824 – Wikipedia – public domain

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“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God…?”

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But could a brick-n-mortal temple ever really be considered, “the temple of God”?

Really?

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Listen to Scripture…

 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

1st Corinthians 3:16, 17

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Yes. Here is the true temple of God!

God’s Elect Church!

God and His people are the true temple of the Lord! 

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THE PARROTS OF PROPHECY!

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But it must be remembered that today’s teachers and theologians agree because they read and listen one-another’s books/lectures.

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That’s why they agree so much.

To a large degree, many merely parrot one-another’s teachings!

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And furthermore, most of today’s eschatology is based on Cyrus I. Scofield, an unbiblical heretic of the previous century.

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This man had the presumptuous audacity to publish his very own fallible/erroneous opinions on the pages of his very own study Bible, The Scofield Bible!

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Just one of Scofield’s many heretical teachings was, that before Adam, there existed a previous creation!

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And this heresy was parroted by the likes of such men as J. Vernon McGee, who finally (and somewhat reluctantly) admitted this error in Scofield’s “Pre-Adam Creation” teaching.

Sentinal Parrots – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

1917 Scofield Bible – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

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And so, the question is…

“Just how can the man of sin take his seat in the temple of God, if that temple is the body of Christ?” 

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

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FOR THE ANSWER TO THIS PUZZLING QUESTION, PLEASE READ THE COMPANION ARTICLE IN TOMORROW’S PART 2… 

“Who is the Man of Sin?” (click here)

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council- Wikpedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a true understanding into all these things…

Marine Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1″…

…or you can also read… “April 11th (Who is the Man of Sin?)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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(REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!)

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First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco, AKA Ursa Minor).

.

This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized.

.

But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it.

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Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

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LOCATION…

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

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The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield.

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This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull.

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The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces.

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Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape.

.

The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus . 

.

The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

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BODY HARD TO SEE

.

The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night.

.

The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus.

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FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

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This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours…

…as he spews his flood-waters northward toward the Revelation 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured in this chart).

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The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. 

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There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth.

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These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 11th (The Abomination of Desolation, Part 2)”

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council- Wikpedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #100 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #100

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

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Today’s Devotional – April 9th

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The Two Turtledoves Constellation!

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Part 1:

“The Two Flying Epistles”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THIS WEBSITE’S ARTICLE… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

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“And He (Jesus) called unto Him the twelve,

and began to send them forth by two and two…

And they went out, and preached…”

Mark 6:7, 12

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Photo of two turtle-doves by Yuvair for Wikipedia – share-alike license, click here for link.

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TWO DOVES SYMBOLIZE WITNESSING

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“And He (Jesus) called unto Him the twelve,

and began to send them forth by two and two;

and gave them power over unclean spirits;”

Mark 6:7

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This above verse from the Gospel of Mark presents this idea of the number “two” symbolizing witnessing (see “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast“).

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The painting shows Jesus sending out His Disciples, two-by-two, to proclaim the Gospel to anyone willing to listen.

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Brooklyn Museum – Jesus sends disciples out two by two – by James Tissot – US Public Domain

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“GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD”

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And capitalizing on the number “two”, God has created this Two Turtle-Doves Constellation,

These two doves symbolize God’s people, who are freed from death, so that they can carry the message of God’s love to fallen humanity.

(fallen humanity is symbolized by the Flower of the Field Constellation. As this star chart shows).

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Since the number “two” is the number of “witness” in Scripture, then this constellation speaks of the “witness” of these “Two Turtle-Doves”.

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And speaking of sending messages, this “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation” is definitely sending us a very vital message from God! “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

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“TWO” = “ME & HOLY SPIRIT”

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These Two Turtle-Doves have a greater meaning, when we really get down to the core message of the number, “Two”.

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That is, the only true witness for Christ there can be is when “my witnessing” is empowered by the Holy Spirit. If I try to witness without God’s Spirit, there is no genuine witness. Nothing good can ever hope to be achieved.

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Listen… “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:7, 8.

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Yes, a double-minded Christian is in no condition to witness.

That man (or woman) needs to be thoroughly reformed: completely changed by the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

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And so, these Two Turtle-Doves symbolize the real true witness, “the Believer & the Holy Spirit”, as they go through life together, witnessing at all times, and in every situation of life!

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LIVING EPISTLES

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And thus it is with this entire “Summer Constellation” Group.

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As the Disciples followed Jesus, they preached the Good News in every city.

And it seems that God has given us this constellation group to remind us to do the same: to preach the Gospel to a world covered in “gross darkness”. (See Isaiah 60:1, 2).

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And we in this affluent society, can financially support various faithful Gospel ministries, here, and abroad.

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NUMBER 2 & 2ND COMMANDMENT

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But there is even a further aspect to the number 2.

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After all, the 2nd Commandment is all about images. And every true worshiper of God is to spend his or her life seeking to be transformed into the image of Christ. And this is the true witness, as we are a book, known and read of all those around us. In other words, if the Believer has truly become changed into the glorious image of Christ, then his or her likeness to Jesus will become a witness in itself!

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Listen…“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,

but rather reprove them…

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light:

for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”

Ephesians 5:11, 13

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And so, here is the true witness to a world lost and groping in the darkness of sin and unbelief: the light of Christ!

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

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“KNOWN & READ OF ALL…”

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And even though the Gospel has been heavily preached right here in our land, there is much we can do right in our own home, neighborhood and town.

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Yes, even though our fellow town’s people have heard about Jesus, they nevertheless need to SEE Jesus.

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And that’s what this society needs now: for us to purify our hearts that we will be more and more a “living epistle, known and read of all Mankind” (2nd Corinthians 3).

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And so, by so-doing, our transformed lives will be a living testimony which proclaims to all, “that God is in you of a truth.” 1st Corinthians 14:25

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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GOD’S LAST CALL

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Therefore, these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of witnessing to a lost and dying world.

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And it may just be that these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of God’s last message to the world!

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Yes, the Bible says…

“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;

Men’s hearts failing them for fear,

and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth:

for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming

in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Luke 21:25-27.

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And so, if these signs are a fulfillment of Luke’s prophecy, then this Two Turtle-Doves Constellation is a symbol of God’s last message of mercy to this world!

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ABOVE PICTURE: summer constellations with Two Turtledoves

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

April 29th . . . . Two Turtledoves Constellation! Part 2: “Mourning Doves & Us”

ABOVE STAR-CHART (with doves drawn in by this website: Summer Constellation – Two Turtledoves (aka: Sagittarius) – Wikipedia Star-chart

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let my life be a living epistle, which tells the Gospel of Jesus…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…April 11 (Two Turtledoves Constellation! Part 3: “Forsaking All to Follow Jesus!”)…

…or you may also read… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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LOCATING THE TWO TURTLE-DOVES CONSTELLATION…

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This constellation appears in early spring in the south.

It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall.

It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)

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Sagittarius Constellation star-chart from a wikipedia. Editor of this site has sketched in the Turtle-Doves. Star-chart is under Share-alike license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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TOMORROW…

“April 10th (The Abomination of Desolation, Part 1)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who now in these last days destroys the churches via a world-loving prosperity-driven false gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

.

THIS STUDY #99 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #99

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 8th

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The True Nature of Evil

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THIS WEBSITE’S ARTICLE… “Television & The Image That Speaks” (click here)

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Hasn’t the Devil has done a masterful job of erasing himself out of existence?

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And even those who still believe he exists, mostly think of him as some red-suited, pitchfork-wielding “dude”, who hangs out primarily with the occult!

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And to this misunderstanding is this daily devotional dedicated…

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Devil-goat – Wikipedia – public domain

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A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL A ROSE…

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(AND THE DEVIL, BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL THE DEVIL)

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Lucifer knows that in order to have himself worshipped, doesn’t require the world to believe that he even exists!

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It only requires for people to love his attributes.

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The Bible points out, that a mere name has no power!

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It’s the qualities of character that determine just who our God is.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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“YOUR FATHER, THE DEVIL”

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When the children of Israel claimed to be children of Abraham, Jesus plainly pointed out that it is useless to invoke a name, and yet deny the character behind that name. 

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Listen…“They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father.

Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children,

ye would do the works of Abraham…

Ye are of your father the Devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.”

John 8:39, 44. (Condensed)

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These were God’s professed people, whom Jesus called the children of the Devil!

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Because even though they invoked the name of God, they possessed the selfish attributes of the Devil.

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

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LOVING THIS WORLD IS TO LOVE “THE gOD OF THIS WORLD”

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And so, Satan works undercover, erasing himself out of existence, then creating a world filled with tokens of his attributes.

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By so-doing, he accomplishes his grand scheme.

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Listen… “And they (the people of the world) worshipped the dragon

which gave power unto the beast:

and they worshipped the beast,

saying, Who is like unto the beast?

who is able to make war with him?”

Revelation 13:4.

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And so, this passage is fulfilled, simply by the people of the world, loving this antichrist world-system, with all its selfish wares and ways.

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And by their friendship with the world, they are, in reality, friends with Satan!

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WHOSE CHARACTER DO WE LOVE?…

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So, we don’t need to bow down to a statue of a pagan idol, in order to pay homage to Lucifer.

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Simply by pursuing the things of this, the Devil’s world…

…by conforming ourselves to the customs, vanities and selfish behaviors of this unbelieving world…

…are we not worshiping the author of this present evil World-System…Lucifer, whom Scripture refers to as “the prince of this world” John 14:30?

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“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.”

James 4:4  

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New york times square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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ANTICHRIST IS THE WORLD-SYSTEM

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There are many who mistakenly believe that the Antichrist Beast is going to be one single individual: perhaps a businessman or religious leader.

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And because they are so locked into this idea, they tend to ride rough-shod over this passage from Revelation Chapter 17, which explains what this Beast actually is.

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Listen… “The beast that thou sawest was…

And here is the mind which hath wisdom.

The seven heads are seven mountains,

on which the woman (Mystery Babylon) sitteth.

And there are seven kings…

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings…”

Revelation 17:8-13

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So, this Antichrist Beast, which, by the way, is in the image of the Dragon of Revelation 12, is a composite of various kingdoms and various kings. 

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ABOVE PICTURE – The whore city, Babylon, the apostate church-world – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST NOT GROTESQUE MONSTER

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And this is what the Mark of the Beast is actually all about, when you really think about it.

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This present World-System, and all its loyal citizens comprise Satan’s Antichrist Beast.

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Listen to Scripture…

“Little children, it is the last time:

and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,

even now ARE THERE MANY ANTICHRISTS;

whereby we know that it is the last time.”

1st John 2:18.

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From this verse it becomes evident that an Antichrist is not some hideous monster. 

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Just listen…

“and this is that [spirit] of antichrist…

They are of the world:

therefore speak they of the world,

and the world heareth them.”

1st John 4:3, 5.

Okay, so antichrists are of the world, speak of the world, and the world listens to them.

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Monster – Wikimedia – US public Domain

 

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WHO IS CHIEF OF SINNERS?

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“This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;

of whom I am chief. ”

1st Timothy

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Notice in this above verse, that Paul says… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation”.

Paul just wasn’t talking of himself, as the chief of sinners.

No, this is a saying worthy of my own acceptation (and yours too!)

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God knows our hearts, each and every one! He sees the wickedness within. 

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And as Jeremiah put it…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeemiah 17:9.

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Now Jeremiah is speaking in general terms.

He’s not speaking of one heart.

Nor is he speaking of some hearts.

God here is speaking of every heart. 

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

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AND SO, THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES WITH A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ILL EFFECTS OF TELEVISION UPON THE HEARTS OF CHRISTIANS. AND THE READER CAN READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE… “Television & The Image That Speaks”

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TV – highquality – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. But give me a greater and greater understanding of these things, by studying my Bible more carefully…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… March 1st (A Designer Jesus!)…

…or you can also read… SEPTEMBER 20 (A Form of Godliness: “Humanitarianism”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD IN HEAVEN

 

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This Flower of the Field Constellation graces the summer night sky, reminding us of the vanity of this life.

The opening verse are the words of the “voice in the wilderness”.

Listen…

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?

‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:

because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it:

surely the people is grass.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:

but the word of our God shall stand for ever.'”

These verses tell us that all the glory of Mankind is as a fading flower.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 9th (Two Turtledoves, Part 1: Two Flying Epistles!)”

Zechariah-flying-roll-Zech-5-1-by-www.breadsite.org-public-domain-300×203

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #98 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #98

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 7th

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1 Preacher! 2 Sermons!

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“And they come…and they sit…as My people,

and they hear thy words,

but they will not do them:

for with their mouth they shew much love,

but their heart goeth after their covetousness.”

Ezekiel 33:31

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A Christian was very excited about an up-and-coming evangelist!

“You just have to hear this guy! He’s incredible”, said this friend.

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But another friend, speaking of the same evangelist, said just the opposite…“He’s no good! He’s the Devil incarnate!”

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So what was the problem?

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Why did these two people see this evangelist in two entirely different ways?

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Thumb up icon – svg – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

Thumbs Down – Wikimedia – Public domain

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VERY CHARISMATIC!

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Now it’s true that this preacher is very popular, especially among young people, college-aged and older.

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Well, upon listening to this evangelist, it’s not hard to understand why he is so popular.

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After all, he’s a great speaker, a charismatic personality, full of emotion, full of energy!

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And this evangelist is rather unconventional, not being afraid to speak against the so-called “orthodoxy” of Christendom.

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SPEAKING WITH FORKED-TONGUE!

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So what’s the problem with this evangelist?

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Why did one person love his message, while the other hated his message?

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The problem was, this popular evangelist was preaching two sermons at the same time!

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You see, in the garden of Eden, Lucifer came speaking to the woman through a serpent (Old English, for “snake”).

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And the Bible has forever connected Satan with the serpent (snake).

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But also notice its tongue!

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Observe how the snake has a forked tongue!

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Brown tree snake Boiga – Wikipedia – public domain

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“EARTHLY, SENSUAL, DEVILISH”

James 3:15

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In other words, I can say all the right things!

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I can talk about Jesus!

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I can tell of His great love!

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I can encourage my audience to follow Him!

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But if my words are not accompanied by a life in harmony with His life, then I am preaching two entirely different sermons! .

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In other words, if I speak about the glories of Heaven, but most everything about my delivery of that message speaks of earthiness and sensuality, then I am like that forked-tongued snake.

Or perhaps like this two-headed serpent in the above photo!

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Double-headed Aztec Snake – British Museum – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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SPIRITUAL WORDS, SENSUAL MUSIC!

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If my chosen music presentation has somewhat Christian words, and yet is accompanied with a very earthy, sensual musical genre, then my words and music are each preaching a different sermon!

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After all, aren’t we supposed to transform ourselves into the heavenly image?

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And doesn’t all Heaven and its music reflect the solemnity and reverence of Jesus?

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And can I not imagine the celestial music emanating from the courts above?

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And haven’t there been many joyful, yet reverent songs and hymns written over the centuries?

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Can I imagine David, strumming his harp in reverent, joyful tones, as he watched his flocks by day and by night? 

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David Playing Harp www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

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REVERENT SPEECH!

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If I swoon and even fawn all over Jesus, but then I speak in hip-talk, and be cute and funny and appeal to my audience’s carnal nature, what good is that?
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And so, my very speech, by its own qualities, can indeed preach two entirely different sermons!

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Do you suppose that Jesus had his audience all in stitches, like so many of today’s preachers?

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Did Jesus need to be some sort of stand-up comic in order to entertain His audience?

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Lowie From The Laugh Factory in Hollywood – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

 

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“False teachers handle holy things rather with wit and trifling…”

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Listen to Thomas Brooks, in his 1676 treatise called, “7 Characteristics of False Teachers”…

“They preach more to please the ear than to profit the heart…

False teachers handle holy things rather with wit and trifling,

rather than with fear and reverence.

False teachers are soul-murderers.

They are like evil surgeons, that skin over the wound—but never heal it…

False teachers are Hell’s greatest enrichers.”

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But Peter rather, exhorts us to reverence… “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;” 1st Peter 4:11

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Laughing – (color added) – Fotothek df roe neg – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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EMOTIONALLY-CHARGED GOSPELS

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Much of today’s gospels are emotionally charged: the music, the speakers, the lighting, even special effects and false miracles, quite often are designed to bring the audience into an electrifying experience! 

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But today, such emotionally charged church-services often leave a vacuum in the hearts of the attendees, actually bringing many down into emptiness and sadness, a day or so after the excitement wears off.

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 “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools”.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 

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But our divine role-model, Jesus, did not present the Gospel in such an earthy, sensual manner.

Just the opposite!

Listen to Isaiah…

“He (Jesus) hath no form nor comeliness;

and when we shall see Him,

there is no beauty that we should desire Him…

He shall not cry, nor lift up,

nor cause His voice to be heard in the street…”

Isaiah 53:2 & 42:2, 3 (Condensed)

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These above verses describe a very low-keyed individual who never played upon the emotions of His hearers in attempt to win them over through passionate presentations.

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Church Worship Music – Wikipedia – Share-alike-license

Jesus over Jerusalem – Enrique Simonet Flevit – 1892 – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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IMITATION: THE HIGHEST FORM OF PRAISE!

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People are not dumb! They perceive many things.

And they instinctively know the difference between the way Jesus behaved, and the way the world behaves. 

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And so, when we Christians profess to be followers of Jesus, but behave like the world, the world takes it as a compliment to their own worldly behavior!

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To imitate the world, is to praise the world.

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But we are to be, “ambassadors for Christ” (2nd Corinthians 5:20).

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And the more truly we reflect His glorious image, the greater will be our witness to the world; and the more that God will bless our efforts!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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Well, the Good News is, that there is still time to change my worldly ways!

I can turn away from this form of hypocrisy, and bring my lifestyle into harmony with my words, and with Christ!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a desire to find the true Jesus. Give me the grace to become transformed into His holy image…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “January 19th (Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?)“…

…or you can also read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters…

I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me….”

Psalm 23:1, 2, 4

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 

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This star-chart from Wikipedia, has Orion sketched in by the editor of this website.

Basically, Orion the Good Shepherd is made of the Orion Constellation, plus stars from the Gemeni Constellation forming his shepherd’s rod.

Orion the Reaper Constellation now becomes the 5th personality of Orion: The Good Shepherd (sketch below right).

And this is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as is written…

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars – with the Shepherd drawn over by this website) – www.signsofheaven.org

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 8th (The True Nature of Evil)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #97 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 6th

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Wrestling With God!

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from an article from this website… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

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“Ask ye now, and see

whether a man doth travail with child?

wherefore do I see every man

with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail,

and all faces are turned into paleness?

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it:

it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

but he shall be saved out of it.”

Jeremiah 30:6, 7

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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What in the world could this above verse be speaking of?

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How can a man travail with child?

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And how can ALL faces be turned into paleness?

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And what in the world is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?

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And how does this verse apply to me as an individual Christian?

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

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TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE

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Okay, so by examining that story of Jacob wrestling all night with an unknown man, there can be seen a great picture of just what we must endure in the coming trial before us.

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Listen… “And Jacob was left alone;

and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.

And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me…

Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel:

for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men,

and hast prevailed.”

Genesis 32:24, 26-28

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

 

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JACOB REPRESENTS TRUE-WORSHIPPERS

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Jacob represents all Christians.

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Esau represents the man of flesh.  

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And there still exists in every Christian a struggle between the spirit and the flesh.  

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Listen to Scripture… “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Galatians 5:17.

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So it now is evident that there exists a struggle in the life of each and every Christian.

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James Tissot – The Mess of Pottage – Wikipedia – US public domain.

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LET US FLEE “THE OLD MAN”

Ephesians 4:2

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And just as Jacob was trying to escape Esau, so the Christian is trying to flee from his or her own fleshy desires.

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Oh, the Christian wants very much to have a consistent walk in the Spirit.

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But it seems that so many of us sincere Christians are, all too often, falling into our fleshly lusts: pride, anger, pharisaism (prideful judging), lusting, gluttony, worldliness…

…and a host of other sins are constantly rising up, making us to doubt our Salvation.

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We need to escape from our “Esau” within.

And this, “Old Man”, still wants to “run the show” so to speak.

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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“THE DAY DAWN”

2nd peter 1:19

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Jeremiah says concerning the Day of the Lord, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble” Jeremiah 30:7.

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The coming conflict will be a time in which each Christian will wrestle for the victory.

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And though like Jacob, the Christian will think he or she is wrestling with the enemy.

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But when the “dawning of the day” arrives, it will be discovered that our struggle was actually with the Lord.

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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“CRUCIFIED”

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And at that time, we will, like Jacob, lose our old name, “Jacob, the Deceiver”.

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And we will be forever pronounced with our new name, Israel.

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Just like Jacob, we will have prevailed with God.

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And like Jacob, we will be able to say, “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30.

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At that time we will have completely overcome the “Old Man with his deeds” Colossians 3:9

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And the Lord shall say to us, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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And O Soldier of the Cross, let us armor up!

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Because, if you haven’t noticed, that time of Jacob’s Trouble has already begun!

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand just what is my duty in these last days. Give me grace and strength to strive for Christ’s character in my own life…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…May 16 (“THE DAWNING OF THE DAY”)…

…or you can also read… July 13th (Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Part 1: “Alone With God!”)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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

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

This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky.

The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south.

To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations.

Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus.

Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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TOMORROW…

” April 7th (1 Preacher! 2 Sermons!)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

.

THIS STUDY #96 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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CLICK HERE TO LISTEN – – Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #96

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #96

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

 

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Today’s Devotional -April 5th

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Following Jesus!

The following devotion is an excerpt from this website’s article… “Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)”

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“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee,

saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And He said unto them, ‘Follow Me,

and I will make you fishers of men’.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.”

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus Calls Disciples – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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

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

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

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Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“CAN YOU GUIDE ARCTURUS WITH HIS SONS?”

Job 38:32

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But among the various questions asked Job, were some very curious ones about the stars. And one of those questions about the stars was… “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.

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Now Job, like many ancient wise-men, probably realized that Arcturus was that very bright star in the night skies.

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But what in the world was God talking about, when He asked Job if he could “guide Arcturus WITH HIS SONS“?

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How could a star have sons?! And how could Job, a mere man, possibly guide a star?!?

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What strange questions for God to be asking a mere man!!

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Job – Wikimedia – US public domain

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“THEY FORSOOK ALL AND FOLLOWED HIM”

Luke 5:11

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“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee,

saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And He said unto them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.”

Matthew 4:18-22

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

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations with Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) & Flower of the Field (aka: Scorpio) & The 12-Star Crown (aka: Corona Borealis) & The Cross-Scepter (aka: Ophiochus & Serpens) & Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) & Arcturus Star – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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THROUGH THE HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS OF ISRAEL

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Jesus, standing on the shore…called His Disciples in their fishing boat, to “Come and follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

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And then He led them on a 3-1/2 year adventure through the highways and byways of Judea and Galilee.

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Just picture Jesus in your mind’s eye, patiently leading about His faithful Disciples…to the wedding at Cana…to the shores of Genesaret! By the Jordan! And onward to Jerusalem!

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Sleeping under the canopy of the starry black sea of the heavens: His faithful ones listening to Jesus telling his picture-stories; walking along the dusty roads of Israel; joyfully following their beloved Master, wherever He led them.

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

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COST OF DISCIPLESHIP…

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

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When the twelve Disciples began to follow Jesus, this above passage was fulfilled. “They forsook all to follow Jesus!”

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But this verse is not just speaking of those 11 faithful ones. No this was also a prophecy concerning each and every follower of Jesus throughout time.

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Every True Worshipper of God ultimately forsakes all to follow Him. This “forsaking” is an action of the heart, and not a literal dispensing of all material goods.

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It is the new desires of the heart for the things of Heaven, which eventually cause the treasures of the world to lose their luster and their importance.

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The Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94-by James Tissot – Wikipedia – public domain

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TO FOLLOW HIM REQUIRES ALL…

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“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me,

let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.

Luke 9:23.

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If a man, woman, or child decides to follow Jesus, it requires one to give all.

Jesus accepts no half-hearted service.

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And only those who are willing to let God purge their heart from all selfishness, will ultimately overcome the world.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME!”

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Yes, Salvation is a gift.

But only those who have truly received that gift will gain that victory over self, and over the world, with all its glittering tinsel-like allurements.

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“Then said Jesus unto His disciples,

If any man will come after Me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow Me.”

Matthew 16:24.

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The Cross is that symbol of self-sacrificing love for humanity.

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And such love as this, the world cannot know!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to forsake this selfish world, to become a disciple and follower of Jesus…

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

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READ MORE…

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

…or you can also read…AUGUST 1 (A Heavenly Hobby!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

 

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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

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This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky.

The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south.

To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations.

Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus.

Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 6th (Wrestling With God!)”

Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #95 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #95

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 1- April 4

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PAUL’S FUN & RECREATION

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“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

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Have you, O Christian, ever felt overwhelmed with the Christian life?

Have you ever felt that you needed something from this world to help you escape the Christian warfare?

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Maybe you thought that you needed a glass of wine, so that you can unwind?

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Or maybe a secular novel, or TV show?

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Maybe you thought of taking up some hobby?

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Or maybe a night on the town?

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Offering a toast with sparkling wine flutes – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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PAUL’S ENCOURAGEMENT 

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So, just what does Scripture say about all this?

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“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Yea doubtless,  and I count all things but loss

for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,”

Philippians 3:7, 8

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So, is Paul being a little extreme and severe?

After all, society tells us not to take our religion too seriously!

You might say that Paul is what society calls ‘a religious fanatic’!

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Well, shouldn’t we live a life more like the people of this world, with worldly dreams, aspirations, and even some pleasures? (see Jeremiah 45:5)

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

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FIRE IS NEVER SATISFIED!

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The fact is, a Christian will never be satisfied with just a little worldly fun (see Ecclesiastes 1:8).

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There will always be a clamoring and a fire burning within, for more and more of this world!

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Listen… “There are…things that are never satisfied…a fire that will never say, ‘It is enough'”. Proverbs 30:15, 16 (condensed).

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Yes, the desires for the things of the world are like a raging fire, that burns to the depths of the human soul.

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

Hands Toasting Drinks – Cheers! cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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PAUL’S FUN & RECREATION

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But how did Paul enjoy himself? How did Paul unwind?

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Did Paul ever just go do secular things to get some “R & R”?

After all, Paul was not under the letter of the law!

“All things are lawful!” Right? (1st Corinthians 6:12, & 10:23)

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But Paul had a whole different attitude about the things that brought him fun.

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Just listen… “According to my earnest expectation and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness, as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,

whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:20, 21.

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Here was Paul’s “fun”!

To become Christ-like was Paul’s greatest joy:

to walk along the dusty roads, and sing, pray and meditate on God’s Word;

to go into a synagogue or forum, and begin to preach the Gospel;

to go into this or that city, and work, day and night, on behalf of the church in that city;

and yes, even to suffer for the Name of Jesus!

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These kinds of activities were Paul’s joy and recreation (of course, all this was only possible through the miraculous power of the indwelling of the Spirit of Holiness).

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

Paul Preaching in Athens (Raphael, 1515) – Wikipedia – US public domain

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THE JOYS OF HEAVEN

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To those who are the Elect of God, there’s no need for the amusements of the world, in order to be fulfilled…

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Listen… “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

my soul shall be joyful in my God;

for He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation,

He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Psalm 61:10.

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Does this verse sound like the Christian life is a total bore?

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On the contrary, God gives the Christian more joy in prayer, Bible study, and witnessing than from all the hobbies and entertainments of the world (see Luke 14:33).

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And the Holy Spirit in-dwelling the Believer can give great joy to that Christian in ways that the world just cannot understand!

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

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

DECEMBER 1 (Apostle Paul’s Fun & Recreation, Part 2: How Should I Unwind?)

Hands Toasting Drinks – Cheers! – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may also have joy in all matters of Heaven…

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)”…

or you can also read… “Running The Christian Race (Part 1: Paul & John: Our Role Models)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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“Lift up your eyes on high,

and behold Who hath created these things;

that brings out their host by number:

He calls them all by names

by the greatness of His might,

for that He is strong in power;

not one faileth.”

Isaiah 40:26

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Signs Of Heaven”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

” April 5th (Following Jesus!)”

Jesus Calls Disciples – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

.

THIS STUDY #94 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #94

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

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