Today’s Devotional – May 31st (The Light of the World!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 31st

.

The Light of the World!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM BOTH… “Signs in the Sun” AND ALSO… ““Sun Shall Be Darkened…””

.

“But unto you that fear My name

shall the Sun of Righteousness arise

with healing in His wings;”

Malachi 4:2

.

Photo: Wikipedia – cropped photo – share alike license 2.5 – by Adam L Clevenger. Click here for link

.

There are so many beautiful things in nature…

.

…The green grass…

…the pretty flowers of the field…

…the blue sky…

…the ocean’s roar…

…and a newborn baby’s cry!

.

“And God said, Let there be light…And God saw the light, that it was good”

Genesis 1:3

.

But perhaps one of the most beautiful of all, is “Light”…

.

…From the simple light of a candle…

.

…to the soft glow of a full moon…

.

…to the sparkling starry night…

.

…Yes, light, in all of its various forms is a faithful witness of God’s beauty and love!

ABOVE PICTURES:

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

Robert Salmon – Moonlight Coastal Scene – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

THE SUN

.

The world appreciates the Sun, with all its benefits. Its beauty. Its warmth. Its life-giving properties.

.

And just look at this photo to the left!

.

“Sunlight on King Street”. What an appropriate name!

.

Do you think this bicycler was having a nice day in the Sun?

.

The Sun can be very healing, and God has given the Sun for Mankind’s needs: for his health, and for his happiness.

.

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

.

Sunlight_on_King_Street – cropped photo – wikipedia – share-alike – stefan powell

.

THE SUN AND THE SON OF GOD

.

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

…“For the LORD God is a SUN and shield:

the LORD will give grace and glory:

no good thing will He withhold

from them that walk uprightly.”

Psalms 84:11.

.

God here, compares Himself to the Sun in relation to His dealings with His children.

.

Solar System – NASA – public domain

.

GOD LOVES BEAUTY AND POETRY

.

Here’s another passage referring to God being likened to the Sun…

…”Arise, shine; for THY LIGHT is come,

and the glory of the LORD IS RISEN upon thee.

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

and gross darkness the people:

but the LORD SHALL ARISE upon thee,

and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to THY LIGHT,

and kings to THE BRIGHTNESS OF THY RISING.

Isaiah 60:1-3.

.

Isaiah is one of the most poetic books of the Bible. And this above passage is no exception! The Lord obviously loves poetry.

.

And nature is filled with beauty and poetry, and wisdom and truth!

.

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

.

GOD IS LIGHT

.

And Jesus spoke of Himself as the Sun…

…”And Jesus said unto them,

“I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD:

he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the LIGHT OF LIFE.”

John 8:12.

.

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

.

Listen… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee:

the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.”

Psalm 76:10.

.

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

.

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

.

EVERLASTING LIGHT

.

Now listen to Isaiah speaking…

…”The sun shall be no more thy light by day;

neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto you:

but the LORD shall be unto you an everlasting light,

and thy God thy glory.

***Thy sun shall no more go* *down;***

neither shall thy moon withdraw itself:

for the LORD shall be your everlasting light,

and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”

Isaiah 60:19, 20.

.

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

.

sunrise on Biwa_Lake – cropped – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

GOD’S BRIGHTNESS

.

Listen to this description of the 2nd Coming as the Son of God…

…”And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth,

and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming,”

1st Thessalonians 2:8.

.

Not only will “that Wicked” be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s Coming, but when that Daystar arises in our heart, “the man of flesh” within Believers will likewise be consumed by the Spirit of God’s Word.

.

**Because when the Daystar really begins to shine within the Believer, “self” and all selfishness will melt away as does morning frost under the dawning Sun.**

.

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

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

April 5 (“The Light of the World!” Part 2)

Sunrise from Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge, Somerset – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to see the wonderful metaphors in nature. And help me to understand the metaphorical nature of the Bible…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

1st ORB: THE SUN = 1ST COMMANDMENT

.

“Thou shall have no other gods before Me”

.

One great clue that if the Sun would correspond to the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me”, is that the names which Mankind has given to the planets, all named after pagan gods.

.

Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, etc… are all names of ancient pagan deities.

.

**Then begin to relate the Sun corresponding to the first Commandment… “You shall have no other gods before Me”, which just so happens to be surrounded by planets named after pagan gods!**

.

So God has set up this solar system to present this concept of the Sun (Christ) being surrounded by our many other gods (i.e., the 9 planets, named after pagan gods).

.

Solar System – NASA – public domain

.

TOMORROW:

” June 1st (The Pied Piper of TV!)”

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #149 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 31st (The Light of the World!)

Today’s Devotional – May 30th (Flee To The Mountain! Part 1)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 30th

.

Flee To The Mountain!

.

Part 1

.

“And it came to pass,

when they had brought them forth abroad,

that He said, ‘Escape for thy life;

look not behind thee,

neither stay thou in all the plain;

escape to the mountain,

lest thou be consumed.'”

Genesis 19:17

.

This above verse from Genesis is the command and warning from God to Lot, that he must flee Sodom (Lot being the nephew of faithful Abraham.)

.

Yes, God was going to destroy Sodom and its surrounding cities!

.

Because Sodom had spurned God’s warnings, it had reached its day of the fierce judgment of Almighty God!

.

And Lot and his family had unknowingly moved to that wicked city, merely for the sake of convenience and prosperity!

.

And their consciences became blunted by the daily association with sin, as is written…

“Be not deceived:

evil communications corrupt good manners.”

1st Corinthians 15:33.

.

The Sodomites are smitten with blindness – wikipedia – US public domain

.

FAITHFUL ABRAHAM

.

Now in contrast, Lot’s uncle, faithful Abraham, lived with his family in the mountain strongholds.

.

No, they didn’t have all the conveniences of city-life. But those inconveniences actually proved a blessing for his people, developing good work habits in them.

.

And because of his strong spirituality, there was a constant reverence for his God! Daily worship took a prominent place in their day-to-day routine.

.

And so, on the eve of the judgment of Sodom, the Lord Jehovah (pre-incarnate Jesus), made His appearance to Abraham, pronouncing the following summation of Abraham, but also of the impending judgment on Sodom.

.

**Listen…*“For I (God) know him (Abraham),***

that he will command his children and his household after him,

and they shall keep the way of the LORD,

to do justice and judgment…”

Genesis 18:19-21

.

Tissot – Abraham and the Three Angels – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

SODOM & GOMORRAH WORLD TODAY!

.

Well, just about everybody knows the outcome of Sodom.

(You can still find balls of brimstone today…click here to watch people finding brimstone around the area where Sodom & Gomorrah once was).

.

But the point to today’s devotional is, that God wrote that story for our spiritual benefit.

.

And, at ground level, the story of Lot and Abraham is a strong warning to Christians against moving our family to a corrupt environment, which are so prevalent today!

.

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

.

SEPARATION: A PREREQUISITE!

.

But there is another level to that story. Just as Lot was to flee to the mountain, so also are we to flee to the mountain.

.

“What mountain?”, you ask. Well, just listen to this command/warning from God…

…”Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean [thing];

***and I will receive you,* *And will be a Father unto you,***

and ye shall be My sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.

.

Now this a shortened version of the entire passage (To read this above passage in its entirety, go here…2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.)

.

Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

FLEEING TO MOUNTAINS OUTLAWED TODAY

.

Laws are now being enacted which only further empower Satan’s totalitarian control over Mankind as well as over God’s people!

.

Listen to how Satan uses laws to do his mischief…

…”LORD, how long shall the wicked triumph?

How long shall they utter and speak hard things?…

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee,

which frames mischief by a law?”

Psalm 94:3, 4, 20

.

Now we begin to see that God is every bit as concerned about our social environment as He was back in Lot’s day!

.

But most of us cannot flee to the mountain, in a literal sense. Satan has been hedging up the way against that possibility, making it more and more expensive and more difficult.

.

So, what can we do?

.

But praise God! He has not left us in a helpless condition!

.

No Trespassing sign – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

GOD IS JUST NOW PREPARING THE WAY

.

For one thing, we can pray and cry out for God to remove us from any unwholesome situation that we, or our children might be in.

.

And unceasing prayer is not optional! It’s a commandment of the Lord! (1st Thessalonians 5:17)

.

This website warns Christians to flee to heavenly Mount Sion!

.

That’s right!

.

Heavenly Mount Sion is what God was really concerned about, when He wrote the story of Abraham and Lot!

.

ABOVE PICTURE – Constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture.

.

HEAVENLY MOUNT SION

.

Listen… “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…

But ye are come unto mount Sion…

the heavenly Jerusalem…”

Hebrews 12:18, 22, 23

.

So, this above passage lets us know that Mount Zion was just an earthly picture of a heavenly place!

.

And this spiritual concept is further confirmed by such passages as this next one…

…”They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion,

which cannot be removed,

but abides for ever.

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem,

so the LORD is round about His people

from henceforth even for ever.”

Psalm 125:1, 2

.

Yes, the Bible is a spiritual Book, and must be understood spiritually, before it actually makes sense!

.

Oh yes, God would have His Believers take their families out into country places, if possible.

.

But unless we flee to that heavenly mountain, Zion, it is a waste of our time to try to physically escape evil!

.

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

.

STUDY, CHRISTIAN, STUDY!!!

.

So the reader is encouraged to study God’s Word carefully and learn as much as possible.

.

And as the Reader begins to flee to heavenly Mount Sion, then he or she will be able to say along with the Prophet Habakkuk…

…”The LORD God is my strength,

and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet,

and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

Habakkuk. 3:19

.

**Yes, as this above verse indicates, “mine high places” is really where Mount Sion is located!**

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

JUNE 28 (Flee To The Mountain! Part 2: Am I A Pillar of Salt?)

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to flee from all the unwholesome influences. Bless my family too! Teach us to hide ourselves under the shadow of Thy wings…

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

..

Well, as just stated, the Lord has created a constellation which shows a woman fleeing.

.

Picture to right: Ursa Major, also known as The Big Dipper

.

TOMORROW:

“May 31st (The Light of the World!)”

Sunlight on King Street wikipedia share-alike license stefan powell

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #148 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 30th (Flee To The Mountain! Part 1)

Today’s Devotional – May 29th (The Unforgiveable Sin)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 29th

.

The Unforgiveable Sin

.

“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost

hath never forgiveness,

but is in danger of eternal damnation:”

Mark 3:29

.

This above passage has caused great fear and consternation about one’s Salvation.

.

And it seems that those who are the most troubled over this passage are the very ones who are truly seeking a relationship with God!

.

And, no doubt, God allows the Devil to torment certain people with this passage, in hopes that they will strive even harder to truly seek and find Salvation.

.

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

JOHN BUNYAN

.

**In the wonderful book, “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”, John Bunyan recounts the time when he was just beginning to seek a solid relationship with God.**

.

And during that early period in his Christian life, the Devil began tempting Bunyan to renounce Jesus.

.

And after weeks or months of struggling against this temptation, Bunyan finally gave in, uttering the words… “Let Him (Jesus) go, if He will”.

.

And no sooner did Bunyan mutter this sentence, Satan began to torment Bunyan with the fear that he had committed the unpardonable sin!

.

But after two years of this devilish torment, Bunyan finally came to the knowledge of the Bible, which finally gave him confidence that merely saying those words does not constitute the unpardonable sin.

.

John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler – 1684 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

CONGREGATIONS, NOT INDIVIDUALS

.

Now here is another passage which has troubled and tormented many sincere Christians over the past millennium…

“For it is impossible for THOSE who were once enlightened,

and have tasted of the heavenly gift,

and were made PARTAKERS of the Holy Ghost,

And have tasted the good Word of God,

and the powers of the world to come,

If THEY shall fall away,

to renew THEM again unto repentance;

seeing THEY crucify to THEMSELVES the Son of God afresh,

and put Him to an open shame.”

Hebrews 6:4-6

.

But notice that this passage is totally in the plural sense.

.

In other words, this passage is speaking to “they”, “them”, “those”, “themselves”. And notice that it never says “you”, or “he”, or “himself”. It is clearly addressing a group of people.

.

Perhaps, the explanation which makes the most sense is that this passage is addressing congregations, and not individual persons.

.

Now this is not to say that the individuals within that congregation might never find repentance.

.

But even though an individual church-member may find repentance, that particular church, as a whole, will never revive itself.

.

Tibidabo Church – cropped photo – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation license

.

THE FLICKER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

.

Well of course, for a congregation to ever reach such a total apostate condition would require a complete, “blowing out of its candlestick”, so to speak. Listen to the message to the church at Sardis…

.

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write…

‘I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,

and art dead…

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard,

and hold fast, and repent….

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis

which have not defiled their garments;

and they shall walk with Me in white:

for they are worthy.”

(To read entire passage, go here…Revelation 3:1-4)

.

So even though God called them a dead church, the light of God’s holy candle still just barely flickered within that church of Sardis! There was still a tiny possibility of repentance for that church!

.

Holy bible – cropped photo – wikimedia – creative commons lic.

.

CHURCH-WIDE APOSTASY FORETOLD

.

The Bible speaks of a time when, finally, the churches will fall into a total apostasy.

.

Listen…

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”

2nd Timothy 4:3, 4.

.

And so, combining this passage with Hebrews 6:4-6, it can be the first evidence that the great apostasy which is now occurring, will not be repented of, by those apostate congregations.

.

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

.

FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS!

.

Now just what Good News could there be in all this?

.

Well, the fact that God is still saving individuals, is very Good News!

.

And though we may no longer be able to depend on congregations for a place of refuge, we can still depend on God to lead His true Church (His Chosen & Elect) to the living waters!

.

Listen to this very encouraging passage… “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

.

Yes, though I may have fallen away from the Lord, yet I do not need to think that it is impossible for me to find forgiveness and repentance.

.

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to comprehend the great truths of the Bible. Let me study for myself, and not rely on the teachings of others…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

ARK OF THE COVENANT CONSTELLATION

.

This sketch is this same Summer Constellation group, when they are in the west.

.

As you look to the south (to the left in this sketch), you can see this constellation known as Sagittarius.

.

But if you look at it carefully, it begins to appear as a giant box with stars on either side of it.

.

**Just to the north, there appears this Cross/Scepter rising out of the Ark Constellation.**

.

**Now, the Cross coming out of the Ark Constellation represents the essence of the law (self-sacrificing charity towards this fallen world).**

.

As this Cross/Scepter heads directly towards the Revelation 12 Woman, it shows that the Scepter represents the direction of God’s self-sacrificing love: His redeemed people, represented by the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation. This scenario of that Woman grasping for it, has great Biblical implications….concerning us!

.

TOMORROW:

“May 30th (Flee To The Mountains!)”

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #147 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 29th (The Unforgiveable Sin)

Today’s Devotional – May 28th (George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 28th

.

George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!

.

George Whitefield is heralded by many as perhaps, the greatest preacher of the New Testament Church.

.

But it’s hard to imagine that this pudgy-faced, cross-eyed man could accomplish so much, having a tremendous impact which still echoes through the corridors of time!

.

George Whitefield GNU Free Documentation License, Wikipedia

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

George was known for his incredible speaking voice, which some said could be heard as far as half a mile, enabling Whitefield to preach to vast crowds of up to 30,000 spiritually hungry hearers!

.

But this devotional is going to focus on just one aspect of Whitefield’s message.

.

And that one aspect is that which Whitefield constantly preached… “Ye must be born again”.

.

In fact, Whitefield preached this message so much, that one person could not help but question him, saying, “Why do you preach so much on ‘Ye must be born again?'”

.

To this, Whitefield replied, “Because…ye must be born again!”

.

George Whitefield preaching by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org – US public domain

.

JESUS AND NICODEMUS

.

Of course, these are the very words that Jesus once spoke to Nicodemus, a ruler among the Pharisees.

.

Yes, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, because he needed to find out whether or not Jesus was really the Messiah.

.

But Jesus, instead of patiently answering Nicodemus’ questions, began to take control of the conversation, going right to the heart of Mankind’s great need… “Ye must be born again”, Jesus told Nicodemus.

.

Henry Ossawa Tanner – Nicodemus – Wikimedia – US public domain

.

CHRISTIANITY: NOT JUST A COUNTRY SONG!

.

And thus, it is today! Yes, we live in a world in which much of Christianity has lowered the bar, as to what constitutes being a Christian.

.

**There are country songs which mention “the Good Book”, and “the Good Lord”, and living by a code of ethics which come from “The Good Lord’s Good Book”.**

.

**And such messages as this have “dumbed down” just what it means to be a Christian!**

.

To this, George Whitefield’s booming voice still cries out today from the centuries past… “Ye must be born again!”

.

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

.

PEACE AND SAFETY

.

And there are many voices which reverberate through Christendom today, assuring all naive parishioners that… “Come to church each week, and pay your tithes, and live a nice moral life…and…all will be well with your soul!”

.

And the vast multitudes of gullible attendees today believe such a lie from Hell!

.

But to this vast throng of lost and misguided souls, the trumpet-like voice of Whitefield still echoes down through the corridors of time, that old familiar mantra… “Ye must be born again!”

.

Laughing – (color added) – Fotothek df roe neg – cropped/colored photo – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

EVIDENCES OF BEING “BORN AGAIN”

.

**Now being “Born Again” is a concept that a person cannot fathom, unless that man, woman, or child truly becomes born again!**

.

And there are spiritual qualities which should be present in one who claims to be born from above.

.

First, the person who has become born again, has received the Holy Spirit.

.

And this Spirit entirely and radically transforms the goals and purposes of the life of the Christian…

.

…with an upward Heavenward trajectory!

.

Now that Christian has the desire to follow Jesus with all his or her heart.

.

No longer does the neophyte Believer want to merely go to church once or twice a week, living the rest of the week in the vain pursuit of earthly dreams and worldly affections.

.

And his (or her) realization of how unchristlike they really are, causes an inner desire to become Christlike!

.

BIBLE STUDY!

.

**Second, the true worshipper of God (who is truly born again) desires to soak in everything there is to know about Jesus.**

.

The Believer yearns more than anything, to become transformed into the image of Jesus!

.

And such a passion as this, causes that Believer to study the Bible and pray that God will graciously change that Believer’s heart into the heart of Christ!

.

And now, that Believer strives to live according to the “exceeding great and precious promises” which become that spiritual pathway which leads upward and onward to the celestial City of the Lord! (See 2nd Peter 1:4)

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

A HATRED, EVEN FOR “TINY” SINS!

.

Third, the born-again Believer begins to loathe all sin. A hatred even for small sins!

.

And this loathing causes the child of God to study and pray. Pray and study!

.

Yes, the Christian longs to get any and all hateful sin out of the heart, and out of the life, as soon as possible!

.

And every unfaithful act fills the Believer with sorrow and grief!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

A SERVANT’S HEART!

.

Fourth, the born-again Believer increasingly becomes aware, that Christians are to be, “ambassadors for Christ”. 2nd Corinthians 5:20

.

And so, that Christian takes a responsible attitude toward his or her family, working hard to provide a happy, healthful, and comfortable environment for them.

.

Listen…“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:

for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law….

therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Romans 13:8, 10

.

That Christian now joyfully receives a servant’s heart, and cares like a faithful shepherd for the needs of others!

.

Ebenezer Newman Downard – Morning prayer – 1860 – wikipedia – public domain

.

TRIALS & AFFLICTIONS

.

Now, last but not least, the believer realizes that he or she must allow God’s chastisements to assist in the purification of the heart… “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; ” Hebrews 5:8

.

And through all such trials, the Believer becomes joyfully and ever-so-gradually transformed into the glorious image of Christ!

.

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

.

WHITEFIELD NOT ALONE!

.

And so, as true worshippers, we must begin to come out of this Babylon of confusion, which is our current condition, and truly become Born Again!

.

And then, with hearts anew, we will be able to join George Whitefield, with his booming and echoing voice, as we also begin to cry out to the lost sheep of spiritual Israel…

.

Ye must be born again!”

.

“Ye must be born again!”

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

George Whitefield preaching by John Collet www.wikigallery.org US public domain

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

“JANUARY 18 (George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 2: Futile Preaching!)”

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to cry out to Thee continually, for that wonderful gift of truly being “Born Again”…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

Then Job answered and said…

but how should man be just with God?…

Which alone spreads out the heavens…

Which makes Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades,

and the chambers of the south.

Which does great things past finding out;

yea, and wonders without number…

Can you bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades?

Or loose the bands of Orion?”

Job 9:2-10 & 38:31

.

The photo to the right is the Pleiades Cluster.

.

Does it appear to you like an angel?

.

Well, if it does, then you are encouraged to keep reading.

.

The above two verses concerning the Pleiades is what the Bible has to say about the Pleiades.

.

But if you will read this article, you will discover that the Pleiades represents concepts which span much of the Bible.

.

This is partly because Pleiades is a constellation within a constellation.

.

And this double-entendre constellation is perhaps the greatest truth regarding the Church, found in the Bible.

.

The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo). NASA photo by Robert Gendler

.

TOMORROW:

“May 29th (The Unforgiveable Sin!)”

Moses – Ten Commandments – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #146 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 28th (George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!)

Today’s Devotional – May 27th (Through Jesus’ Eyes!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 27th

.

Through Jesus’ Eyes!

.

A very nice couple happened to be going through a time of terrific troubles with their marriage!

.

After several years of mutual grief and heartache, one spouse finally confessed… “I need to quit looking at my spouse through MY eyes, and begin to look at my spouse through JESUS’ eyes!”

.

This simple statement was really a very profound concept, if you think about it!

.

Yes, if only a believing husband, or a believing wife could prayerfully continue in such a gracious spirit toward their spouse, then probably, most all the problems in that marriage would eventually dissipate!

.

Divorce – cropped photo – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

TRIALS MAKE US LOOK UP!

.

The Bible says it this way… “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25.

.

Now of course, this is easier said than done!

.

And let’s face it! Quite often, God allows marital problems in order that the husband and wife will each begin to look upward, hoping and waiting for God’s help!

.

And really, the only true solution to various problems in everyday life, comes when a Christian finally reaches the point of “forsaking all”, so that he (or she) can truly become a disciple of Jesus!

.

This is the great secret to the victorious life in Christ!

.

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

DISCIPLES FORSOOK ALL

.

Listen… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

.

This above verse reveals the prerequisite to becoming a true follower and disciple of Jesus: to forsake all, to follow Him!

.

When Jesus called His disciples, they immediately forsook all, to follow Him.

.

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

.

And as they journeyed with Jesus for over the next three-and-one-half years, they listened and learned all about His great love and goodness!

.

What a privilege that God bestowed upon those first disciples!

.

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

.

WE TOO, CAN BECOME FOLLOWERS OF JESUS!!!

.

But being a disciple and follower of Jesus can still happen in today’s world!

.

This is because, as the Believer finally lays all his life down on the altar, then can that Believer begin to learn of Jesus through His Word.

.

And in time, that child of God will gain the same “servant’s heart” experience which Jesus had.

.

And as a result, the Christian will learn to lavish Christ’s love on the other partner in the marriage!

.

Yes, by continuing in Christ’s Word, we can become disciples and followers of Jesus!

.

And though we cannot literally see Jesus, His presence will be with us, just as close as He was to Peter, James, and John….and even Paul!

.

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

.

LOOKING AT ALL, THROUGH CHRIST’S EYES

.

**Surely, this statement, “I need to quit looking at my spouse through MY eyes, and begin to look at my spouse with JESUS’ eyes”, can and should be applied to all areas of life!**

.

In other words, what we really need to say is, “I need to quit looking at LIFE through my eyes, and begin looking at EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE through Jesus’ eyes”.

.

Now such a life as this does not mean that we need to quit our job and begin trashing all our belongings! That’s not what it means, “to forsake all”!

.

No, but rather, just as the words to that popular old song says… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

.

Yes, when we finally decide to follow Jesus, fully and unreservedly, the things of this world will gradually lose their importance, as we, more and more taste of Heaven’s sweet nectar!

.

And we will realize that true love, joy, and contentment can only come from Jesus abiding within!

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

.

THE UPWARD PATHWAY

.

And so, O Stranger and Pilgrim, both you and I need to walk up that heavenward pathway, ever looking to Jesus, our great Role-Model in all matters of life!

.

And as we prayerfully contemplate the life and words of Jesus as we go about our daily duties, not only will we look at our spouse, but we will look at all whom we come in contact with, through Christ’s eyes.

.

Yes, to look at all of life through the loving eyes of Jesus!

.

This is the essence of what it means to be a Christian!

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to have this experience. Let me become Thy Disciple and follower. Help me to think on Thy Word, as I go about my daily tasks…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

***LOCATING ORION* *THE ARCHER***

.

“He hath bent His bow,

and set me as a mark for the arrow.

He hath caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my reins.

I was a derision to all my people;

and their song all the day.”

Lamentations 3:12-14

.

Orion travels through the night skies, starting about late September in the pre-dawn hours.

.

This 1st office which Orion holds, as an Archer, is fairly easy to see.

.

His bow is pointed and bent as if ready to shoot his arrows.

.

But why astronomers have never noticed this Dragon to his left, is truly a puzzle!

.

It’s so obvious; at least his crocodile mouth is obvious. (Perhaps God is sending the message that Satan (the real Dragon) is so obviously real, and yet so few in this world are ready to recognize him.)

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

TOMORROW:

“May 28th (George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!)”

George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org US public domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #145 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 27th (Through Jesus’ Eyes!)

Today’s Devotional – May 25th (What’s An Aristaphagist?)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 25th

.

What’s An Aristaphagist?

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE… “Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)”

.

BE AN ARISTAPHAGIST (Choose the very best)

(see 1st Corinthians 10:31)

.

It was Herbert Shelton who coined the word, “aristaphagist”.

.

It is composed of two Latin words which mean to “choose what is best”.

.

Of course, Herbert Shelton was perhaps the greatest health reformer in the twentieth century, and possibly of all time.

.

So, he applied the term in regard to diet and health.

.

Herbert M. Shelton – Wikipedia – Non-Free media rationale

.

WESLEY’S ARISTAPHAGIST QUOTE

.

It was Luther, or maybe Wesley, who once said to the effect, “I will do nothing, except that which brings a Heavenly profit.”

.

A Christian just needs to do what will bring the highest benefit for himself, and not so much dictate to others what is good for them.

.

And if those around us have different opinions on these or other matters, then silence is usually the best course to pursue, on such questions which the Bible does not directly address.

.

Fruit_Stall_in_Barcelona_Market – by Daderot – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

.

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

.

**But the point to this little section, concerning being an aristaphagist is just this: The life of Jesus was all about choosing what was best.**

.

And so, the Christian should try to imitate Jesus in this regard as well.

.

Whether it’s the type of music we choose; or it’s choosing a healthy diet; or it’s deciding what is to be the very next duty of the day.

.

**That’s all that needs to be said about this word and about the concept behind this word, aristaphagist.**

.

USMC prayer before study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

.

TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

July 29 (What’s An Aristaphagist!? Part 2: “Eat For Strength!”)

Family eating meal – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Strengthen me, that I may become like Jesus in every way…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman….

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

And she being with child cried,

travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven;

and behold a great red dragon…

And there was war in heaven:

Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle,

that she might fly into the wilderness…

And the serpent cast out of his mouth

water as a flood after the woman,

that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”

Revelation 21:1-3, 14, 15

.

**This Woman of Revelation 12 is definitely fleeing to the mountains.**

.

**As you can see in this sketch, The Dragon of Revelation 12 is spewing out his water of falsehoods…**

.

…the water of false gospels, false ideologies, various temptations, false brethren who will embrace her with the poisonous wine of the The Great Harlot of Babylon.

.

These are what comprise this wave of water coming forth from the Dragon’s mouth. (see “Flood Waters of Satan”)

.
.

.

TOMORROW:

May 26th (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 6: “The Poetry of Nature”)

Worker ant carrying leaf – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #143 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 25th (What’s An Aristaphagist?)

Today’s Devotional – May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 24th

.

A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!

.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him (Christ)”

2nd Timothy 2:12

.

In the first few chapters of the Book of Revelation, Christ sent out messages to the 7 churches of Asia.

.

And Christ capitalized on the strengths and weaknesses of each church, as He either praised or criticized each church.

.

But it is interesting, that the only two churches of which Christ had nothing negative to say, are the very two churches who were suffering persecution!

.

Yes, the Church of Smyrna and the Church of Philadelphia were the two exceptions.

.

Torture devices – The Wheel – Calas Chapbook – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

Well, what do these facts have to do with today’s devotional?

.

After all, the title of this devotional is called, “A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!

.

So, let’s explore why this title is a true statement…

.

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

.

THE EARLY CHURCH

.

If we take just a brief look at history, it is not hard to see that persecution by Antichrist forces made God’s people strong.

.

This was seen in the days of the early Church, as they were persecuted by the Roman Empire.

.

Yes, the early Church was heavily attacked, but as a result, was greatly strengthened during those early centuries.

.

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE PERSECUTION DURING THE DARK AGES

.

But also, during the following centuries, when the apostate churches of Europe became a tyrannical beast-power…

.

…this new tyranny once again brought trouble and persecution upon the true Church.

.

And as a result, the “true worshippers of God” had to separate themselves from the established congregations. (John 4:23)

.

**And for centuries, God’s “true worshippers” had to “flee to the mountains”, in which they lived separated lives, in the mountain strongholds of Europe.**

.

Did God’s people enjoy such suffering?

.

Of course not! But that persecution only made the Church of God strong!

.

Waldensians hunted by the armies of Rome – Courtesy Gutenberg.org – Public Domain

.

SATAN’S NEW & IMPROVED ASSAULT WEAPON

.

But Satan realized that physical attacks were not the most effective means to destroy God’s people.

.

Just the opposite! The Church only grew stronger!

.

And so, at the time appointed, God permitted Satan to implement a new strategy against God’s Elect.

.

Yes, Satan had a seemingly new war-machine, waiting in the wings!

.

Avvakum (burned 1682) – by artist, Myasoyedov – 1897 – Wikimedia – Pub Dom.

.

SATAN’S NEW STRATEGY: OPULENCE AND HEDONISM!

.

And so, in the very nations which he had so greatly persecuted, he was now permitted to bring out this new and improved war-machine!

.

Thus, physical violence against God’s people came to a halt.

.

And instead of war, famine, persecution and poverty, Satan employed the very opposite assault on those nations: peace and prosperity, materialism, leisure, novelties, amusements, entertainment, etc…

.

Yes, the Devil began to flood the western nations with every kind of diversion imaginable!

.

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

.

FALSE BRETHREN BEGAN TO INFILTRATE

.

And so, once the physical attacks ceased, the churches once again became filled with false brethren.

.

While false brethren stayed far away from God’s churches during the times of physical persecution, now the churches filled up with worldly-minded professors of Christ!

.

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

.

PROSPERITY-DRIVEN GOSPELS, TODAY

.

And so, here we are today.

.

Satan’s flood of earthly Mammon continues. The Church has become bloated with worldly-minded “make-believers”.

.

God’s house is in a state of spiritual free-fall into its total apostasy!

.

Worship services have become more and more appealing to the carnal heart.

.

Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

FUTURE REVIVAL WILL BE INDIVIDUAL

.

Now for those who want to believe that God is going to revive the various churches and denominations, it should be answered, “This will not happen! That day shall never come!”

.

Nevertheless, God is just now going to purify His people in such a way, as never before witnessed!

.

But it will be only on an individual basis! And that is why the Book of Jeremiah refers to this day as “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.

.

Yes, just as Jacob wrestled through the night and did not give up until he received the victory blessing…

.

**…so also, we must not give up, until the “Sun of Righteousness” has fully arisen in our heart!**

(see Genesis Chapter 32:24-28, when Jacob wrestled through the night with God)

.

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

.

PERSECUTION OF ANOTHER TYPE

.

And so, persecution will come to God’s people! But it may not be the kind that is visible to others.

.

There may not be any bloodhounds chasing us. There may not be black helicopters with tracking-devices searching for us.

.

No, we should not be surprised if our persecution comes from invisible evil angels, to either discourage us to the point of renouncing our Christianity altogether, or at least to the point that we throw up our hands and join ranks with the apostate churches.

.

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

.

HEART PURIFICATION IS EVERYTHING!

.

But two things are for sure, regarding the conflict!

.

First, it is almost guaranteed that we will be taken by surprise, as far as the details of the coming crisis.

.

And secondly, the only preparation that must be made on our part, is to begin hiding God’s “exceeding great and precious promises” in our hearts! 2nd Peter 1:4

.

Yes, it is totally worthless to think that food storage, or weapons arsenals or storing of gold, or building of bunkers will be of the slightest help, for the coming Day of the Lord!

.

Only those who have cooperated with the Lord in personal heart purification will be able to walk through the fires of persecution which is just before us!

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

WHY ME LORD?

.

And so, dear child of God, we should not be surprised if our lives become filled with trials and suffering.

.

Listen… “And He said unto me,

‘My grace is sufficient for thee:

for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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.”

1st Corinthians 12:9, 10

.

God realizes that trials and suffering are often necessary for His people. These are the means which God has chosen to purify and strengthen His people!

.

Yes, the trials which the Christian might now be enduring, may very well be his or her own personal, “Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.

.

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

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

May 23 (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church! Part 2: “Our Favorite Party: The ‘Pity-Party’!”)

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to joyfully accept the trials which come upon me, knowing that they keep me looking up to Thee…

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

A SIGN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven;

a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

Revelation 12:1

.

**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.**

.

**This is the constellation, Ursa Major.**

.

And this article will introduce you to this amazing sign of Heaven, and what it means to you and to me.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 25th (What’s An Aristaphagist?)”

Herbert M. Shelton – Wikipedia – Non-Free-media-rationale

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #142 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!)

Today’s Devotional – May 23rd (Who’s In Your Mirror?)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 23rd

.

Who’s In Your Mirror?

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast”

.

Many people love to look into a mirror!

.

And then, there are many others of us who like to avoid mirrors whenever possible!

.

This young lady of yesteryear seemed to be happy with what her mirror revealed to her (at least she was, back in that year!)

.

Mabel Normand with round mirror – wikimedia – US public domain

.

THE MIRROR OF THE BIBLE

.

But there is one mirror which each and every one of us should love to look into!

.

It is the mirror of the Bible!

.

Yes, the Bible is a mirror! And it reveals two images: one image is the Christian and the other image is that of Christ.

.

And believe it or not, the Second Commandment has a lot to do with mirror images.

.

And so, today’s devotional will explore this idea…

.

Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

.

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

.

Exactly what does this Second Commandment say to the human race?…

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,

or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,

or that is in the earth beneath,

or that is in the water under the earth:

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them.”

Exodus 20:4,5

.

This Commandment is about worshiping engraved images.

.

But that’s just the starting point of this Second Commandment!

.

idolatry – exodus 32 – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain.

.

MORE THAN WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT…

.

You see, this particular Commandment goes much deeper in meaning, just as Psalm 119 states.

.

Listen… “…but Thy Commandment is exceeding broad.” Psalm 119:96.

.

Yes, God’s Commandments go far deeper in meaning than just the letter of the Law.

.

Dore – Moses breaks stones – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

“THY COMMANDEMNT IS EXCEEDING BROAD!”

.

**When Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount, He used the Old Testament Law as the centerpiece for this beautiful sermon, and showed how the Commandments are pictures of deeper spiritual principles…**

.

…principles which define the thoughts and intents of the human heart.

.

Ten Commandments National Museum of Scotland – cropped images – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

MIRROR IMAGES…

.

It seems there is a very good reason for God to choose this “image” Commandment to be the 2nd Commandment, and not making it the 3rd or 4th or any of the other Commandments.

.

The number “two” seems to be the number that speaks of “reflection”. (Just like this giant globe photo to the right.)

.

As this mirror globe reflects the images of the people around it, so too, we each reflect an image to the world around us (whether we like it or not.)

.

When you look in the mirror, there becomes two images; 1. You. 2. And the reflection of your image… in the mirror!

.

Listen… “Can two walk together except they be in agreement?” Amos 3:3.

.

**To “be in agreement”, as this verse says, with another person, seems to speak of one person reflecting the opinions of another.**

.

And our image is a product of our life-experiences; we are a “mirror” so to speak, of the people and things which have influenced us throughout our lifetime.

.

Mirror globe picture – cropped image – courtesy of Wikipedia & Arpingstone.

.

THE INFLUENCE OF ASSOCIATIONS

.

But the above Scripture from Amos 3:3 makes it clear that we can’t “hang around” with someone without being influenced by that person; especially if we admire that person whom we’re associating with.

.

**The Bible says “companionship” reveals a lot about who we are!**

.

But this next verse seems to be an answer to this problem of our influential associations.

.

Just listen… “…we…beholding…the Lord…are changed into the same image.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18.

.

This verse confirms that associating with Jesus has a positive influence on a person.

.

Thus, by walking with Jesus, we become in agreement with Jesus.

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

ALSO WORKS IN THE NEGATIVE SENSE

.

But this principal of “who we walk with”, also works in reverse… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

.

By associating with bad influences, we begin to take on those evil attributes.

.

“Be not deceived”, this last verse states.

.

“(Jesus) Who being the brightness of His (God’s) glory, and the express image of His person…”

Hebrews 1:3

.

And speaking of images, the above verse states that Jesus, being the eternal Son of God, was the express image of God.

.

But these things concerning the Godhead are far higher than any human can understand.

.

Just listen again to 2nd Corinthians 3:18…

…”But we all, with open face

beholding as in a glass (mirror, NKJV) 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

.

As does the 2nd Commandment, this incredible verse likewise speaks of image-making…the image of Jesus!

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

“YOU ARE OUR EPISTLE, KNOWN AND READ OF ALL MANKIND”

2nd Corinthians 3:2

.

Now here’s just one more verse, which gives real purpose to becoming Christlike…“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2nd Corinthians 5:20).

.

Yes, God has called us out of this world, in order that we show and tell of Christ to this fallen world.

.

Christians in this modern society must reflect the image of Christ, so that the world can finally see Jesus…not just hear about Him!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to reflect the image of Jesus, as I grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him through His wonderful Word…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

“CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER, EXCEPT THEY AGREE?”

Amos 3:3

.

#2 HEAVENLY SPHERE & #2 COMMANDMENT… As discussed elsewhere in this website, the Sun seems to correspond to the First Commandment.

.

Likewise, Mercury, which is the second heavenly sphere in our solar system, seems to correspond very nicely to the Second Commandment.

.

Both the second heavenly sphere (Mercury) and the Second Commandment (no images) are closest to the ‘Sun’.

.

That is to say, just as planet Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, so is the Second Commandment right next to the First Commandment (God compares himself to the Sun many times in Scripture).

.

Jesus says to us today…

…”I am the light of the world:

he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”

John 8:12

.

**For a more in-depth look at this argument about the Sun comparing to God, just click this link… “Discovering Bible Signs In Our Solar System”, or this link… Signs in the Sun .**

.

Mercury orbit solar system – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

TOMORROW:

” May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!)”

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #141 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 23rd (Who’s In Your Mirror?)

Today’s Devotional – May 22nd (TAKE UP YOUR CROSS)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 22nd

.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “’7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’”

.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who…humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the Cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him…

that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:5-11 (condensed).

.

This above verse not only proclaims the self-denial which Jesus lived, but also shows us what God expects out of us…

.

…His great desire is for us to have the mind of Christ within, as also is proclaimed in 1st Corinthians 2:16… “But we have the mind of Christ.”

.

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

.

“GO AND SELL… “

.

The Church of God…His elect…has been chosen to follow Him. We are to take up our Cross and follow Jesus!

.

**But to a great degree, we have become like that “Rich Young Ruler” in Matthew 19, to whom Jesus lovingly bids…**

…”Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him,

‘One thing thou lackest:

go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor,

and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:

and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and follow Me.'”

Luke 10:21, 22 .

.

Yes, that rich young ruler didn’t want to forsake all!

.

He merely wanted to perform some good works, while still hanging on to his carnal life in this selfish world.

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – wikimedia commons – US public domain.

.

***FORSAKING ALL* *IS DENYING ‘SELF’…***

.

The Rich Young Ruler had just too many talents and attainments and desires to give up for Christ!

.

But not so for the disciples of Jesus!

.

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

.

This verse speaks of Christ’s disciples, who, upon receiving the call to follow Jesus, forsook all this world and followed Him.

.

In essence, the forsaking of this world with all its seductive enticements is akin to taking up the Cross.

.

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

.

JOHN IMITATES CHRIST

.

“He that saith he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1st John 2:6

.

God has given us a wonderful example of what a Christian can become! And that example is the Apostle, John!

.

John was not at all the product of higher education.

.

He was not even trained in the school of the Pharisees, as was Paul.

.

Being a lowly fisherman indicates that John probably had not even read books on history, or philosophy, or theology, or science.

.

No, the secret to John’s success was his burning desire to imitate his Lord Jesus, in every way!

.

(And in this old painting of John, the artist seemed to really ‘get it’, concerning John’s desire to be Christ-like. This painting depicts John as very much like the typical paintings that we normally see of Jesus.)

.

John The Apostle by Alonzo Cano 1635-1637 – wikipedia – public domain

.

“LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT”

Hebrews 12:1

.

And like John and the other disciples, we also have the great privilege of taking up our Cross and following our Lord!

.

But we can’t follow Him while trying to drag along a hoard of earthly treasures…

…”And he that takes NOT his Cross,

and follows after Me,

is not worthy of Me.

He that finds his life shall lose it:

and he that loses his life for My sake shall find it.”

Matthew 10:38, 39.

.

When we receive the “New Heart”, we receive also a “Brand New Life”!

.

No longer do we desire to go after the things of the world. We have left the world behind us!

.

We now desire to be faithful followers of Jesus…just like John and James and Peter…and Paul!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – companys-coming – revised

.

“TO THE MOLES AND TO THE BATS!”

.

And so, the question of the day is just this: “Will we cast away our idols to the moles and to the bats?”

.

Listen… “In that Day a man shall cast his idols of silver,

and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship,

to the moles and to the bats;

To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks,

for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty,

when He arises to shake terribly the earth.”

Isaiah 2:20, 21.

.

This prophecy of Isaiah is speaking of this very moment in history!

.

The False Prophet (the Devil, as he comes through unsaved people, both in the world but also in the churches), has filled our society with all types of materialism, careers, amusements, and aspirations.

.

But now more than ever, God’s people must cast off these heavy burdens, and flee to the clefts of the ragged rocks of God’s Word and prayer-unceasing.

.

“Cast Idols to Moles”_mole by Michael David Hill, cropped photo – wikipedia – share-alike license

Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that whole-hearted desire to follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE CROSS OF ORION

.

This constellation is the same as Orion, but can also be seen as this cross on a hill.

.

It is best seen in mid-winter, traveling east to west through the night in mid-sky.

.

Orion begins to appear in August, in the pre-dawn hours.

.

However, Orion does not look like a Cross, until it stands upright, later in the season, in pre-dawn hours.

.

Go out in the clear dark night and behold Orion in his four offices!

.

Then show a friend!

.

NOTE: The three stars at the top of the cross, are fainter than the other stars that make up this cross. So if you are in the city, you will have to look carefully to observe them.

.

The Cross of Orion Constellation Wikipedia star-chart. Cross and hill sketched in by editor of this website.

.

And so the great message written in the heavens, which God is now revealing to us, is a wonderful message.

.

It is the message of the Cross of Christ. It is the Gospel of self-sacrificing love for a planet in rebellion.

.

And it is an encouragement to those who have been called and chosen…

.

…an exhortation to cast off this present world and follow Jesus, as He leads us up a Pathway to a heavenly city…

.

…a city built on a foundation of selfless love for fallen humanity and a holy reverence for a wonderful God.

.

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

.

TOMORROW:

” May 23rd (Who’s In Your Mirror?)”

Girl with round mirror – Wikimedia – US public domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #140 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 22nd (TAKE UP YOUR CROSS)

Today’s Devotional – May 21st (The Church That Moved To Higher Ground!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 21st

.

The Church That Moved To Higher Ground!

.

Did you ever hear the true account about “the little church

that was moved by the hand of God”…to higher ground?

.

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:

and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven,

and among the inhabitants of the earth:

and none can stay His hand,

or say unto Him, ‘What are You doing?'”

Daniel 4:35

.

THE PLAN

.

Well, back in 1874, a group of Christians in the town of Swan Quarter, North Carolina, on the Atlantic Coast, decided to build a church to replace their temporary meeting place.

.

Now if one will look at a map of this Swan Quarter area, it’s quickly noticed that this community is almost surrounded by water!

.

And with this in mind, the church leaders decided the best place to build was on a vacant property on the highest ground in town.

.

That way they would be less likely to be flooded, because of the high tides and storms that were so common to their community.

.

And there was one property, which met their needs.

.

It was the highest spot in that area.

.

But when they approached the owner of the property, one Mr. Sam Sadler, he flatly refused to sell!

.

THE GIFT OF ANOTHER LOCATION

.

And there was no doubt, much disappointment over Mr. Sadler’s refusal!

.

But before long, those faithful Methodists then accepted a most generous gift…

.

…given by a Mr. James W. Hayes: a vacant lot, located some thousand feet in the rear of the present courthouse.

.

Well, in a short time the construction commenced!

.

**These church members would soon have their little church, howbeit, on not-so-higher-ground!**

.

And finally the joyful day arrived!

.

The church was almost completed!

.

**And in their excitement, when the church (a modest structure on brick piers), was barely shut in, people began to worship in it.**

.

**At that time, it was called, The Methodist Episcopal Church South.**

.

THE STORM

.

But it seemed that God was not entirely satisfied with this humble little church building!

.

No, apparently, God did not want this church sitting on such a low level of ground!

.

So, on September 16, 1876, the fateful eve of the dedication of the church, a storm broke out and began to brew.

.

The rain fell and the wind blew until on the morning of September 17, 1876!

.

The wind had reached such a strength, and the tide had risen to such heights!

.

And the force of the water actually began to lift up that little Methodist Church from off its brick foundation!

And slowly but surely this little church began to float from its present location into the road–now called Oyster Creek Road.

.

THE FLOOD

.

Yes, it seemed that a miracle was now happening!

.

The little church was now floating down the road, as if guided by an unseen Hand!

.

It went straight down the road to a corner.

.

And then, it actually bumped into a general store owned by George V. Credle.

(The corner where this happened is now known as Oyster Creek Road and U.S. 264 Business.)

.

Then a curious thing happened!

.

The building took a sharp right turn!

.

And now it was headed down that road!

.

The church continued on for about two city blocks!

.

And like a pilgrim on a quest, it proceeded onward and upward!

.

It was moving to higher ground!

.

And no doubt, the amazed and curious eyes of onlookers watched this incredible phenomenon until it reached the corner of what is now called Church Street.

.

Then again, as if by the hand of divine Providence, it moved slightly off its straight-line course, and took another turn to the left!

.

Still there were, no doubt, many curious onlookers, waiting to see the terrible fate of this church, not realizing that it was on an upward sojourn!

.

Finally, this church had reached the climax of its journey!

.

It then crossed the Carawan Canal directly in front of the higher-ground vacant lot!

.

The very place, on higher ground, where the church members originally desired their church to be!

.

And this little church ultimately settled exactly in the center of the Sam Sadler property, the very site which Mr. Sadler had once refused to give up!

.

THE HAPPY ENDING

.

After seeing the mighty work of Providence and realizing there was a mightier power than man ruling the universe, Mr. Sadler set about to secure the title for the land.

.

**When the church was dedicated years later, it was renamed, “Providence”.**

.

TIME TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND!

.

Okay, so what can we glean from this incredibly apparent miracle?

.

This Website is dedicated to encouraging readers to move to higher ground.

.

Yes, just like that church in Swan Quarter moved to higher ground, so too must God’s Church today, seek for higher ground.

.

Yes, it seems as though the whole world is being flooded by wickedness, as never before seen in history.

.

The enemy is coming in like a flood!

.

This once great Christian society is falling into the dark abyss of Satan, with such rapidity, that nobody can actually believe what is happening!

.

But God has His hand on His Church! The gates of Hell shall not prevail against God’s chosen and faithful remnant!

.

And God is now giving us another flood!

.

Yes, God is giving us flood of heavenly light!

.

And this heavenly light will guide us upward, to our desired haven…on higher ground!

.

And if the Reader will explore this site, he or she might find that light which has been mostly obscured by the great darkness in today’s world!

.

If you care to see a picture of that church, and read the complete story, you can click here… “The Church Moved By The Hand of God”

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help us, Thy Church, to forsake our worldly ways, and hide the knowledge in our hearts which will bring us to higher ground…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN

.

***FLEEING WOMAN* *OF REVELATION 12…***

.

“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle,

that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place,

where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time,

from the face of the serpent.

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water

as a flood after the woman,

that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”

Revelation 12:14, 15.

So this Revelation 12 Woman Constellation gives a heavenly portrait of a woman fleeing from the Dragon, who is spewing water in her pathway.

.

***FROM WHERE &* *TO WHERE DOES SHE FLEE?***

.

WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

.

**This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).**

.

However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.

.

It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.

.

This is seen in springtime, in the northern skies.

.

But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).

.

The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

.

The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars.

.

But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

.

These are star charts from Wikipedia, with sketches of the Woman added.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 22nd (Take Up Your Cross!)”

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #139 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 21st (The Church That Moved To Higher Ground!)

Today’s Devotional – May 20th (Jeremiah & The Two Jerusalems)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 20th

.

Jeremiah & The Two Jerusalems

.

The prophet, Jeremiah, is known as the “Weeping Prophet”.

.

Well, of course, the Bible doesn’t call him that. But the fact is, Jeremiah did do a lot of weeping and mourning for his people.

.

And that is because, Jerusalem, the chosen city of God, had given herself over to idolatry.

.

Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

.

CLASSICAL PROPHECIES!?!

.

**Now, most theologians look at Jeremiah (and Lamentations) as they do all the rest of the prophets in the Old Testament.**

.

They fail to see the great spiritual application to today’s Church, which those prophetic books foretold of!

.

And so, today’s theologians concoct terms, such as, “Classical Prophecies”, to denote that those Old Testament books were fulfilled with the literal nation of Israel.

.

But the Bible knows no such thing! Rather, the Bible transfers these Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament Church.

.

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

THE TWO JERUSALEMS

.

One such revelation is found in the Epistle to the Galatians, in which Paul makes a very bold interpretation…

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,

the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;

but he of the freewoman was by promise…

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia,

and answers to Jerusalem which now is,

and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free,

which is the mother of us all.”

Galatians 4:22-26.

.

So right here, the Lord, through Paul, is revealing a great concept!

.

Yes, Paul revealed that there are two Jerusalems, spiritually speaking: the apostate Jerusalem, and the faithful Jerusalem.

.

Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – wikipedia – US public domain

.

JEREMIAH RELEVANT TODAY!

.

**Now the great point to today’s devotional is just this: if we take this concept of allegories, and apply it to the Book of Jeremiah (and Lamentations), that Book begins to come alive, so to speak!**

.

That is, with the understanding that Jeremiah is speaking either about the “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children”…

.

**…or it is speaking concerning, “Jerusalem above is free, and is the mother of us all”, then the Book of Jeremiah really begins to make sense!**

.

Because, there has always been an apostate portion to the Church.

.

And there has always been a faithful portion to the Church.

.

Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins – c 1616 – wikipedia – public domain

.

MANY ARE LOCKED OUT!

.

Listen… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.”

1st Corinthians 2:13

.

Even though this above passage requires a careful examination, to properly understand it…

.

…the essence of this passage is, that the “natural man” cannot and will not comprehend the deeper truths of the Bible…

.

…truths which are veiled by spiritual and allegorical language.

.

This is because those who are yet carnal, are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

.

And there are many radio and TV Bible teachers who adamantly reject these truths, for the simple reason they are yet carnal, and cannot and will not see the spiritual nature of the Old Testament books.

.

And they scoff at those who see the spiritual nature of the Old Testament, deriding them with the unbiblical derogatory tag, “Replacement Theology heretics”…

.

…not realizing the Apostle, Paul, was chief of spiritualizing the Bible and chief advocate of the spiritual nature of Israel.

.

“COME UNTO ME”

.

The Good News is that it is still the day of Salvation!

.

And the call still goes out…

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

.

Everything necessary for Salvation, for daily grace and strength and for everlasting life is available to each and every one of us.

.

If I find the Bible to be a closed book, there still is great hope!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to see the spiritual nature of the Bible. Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

.

“Gavest thou…wings and feathers unto the ostrich?….

What time she lifteth up herself on high,

she scorneth the horse and his rider.”

Job 39:17, 18

.

Here in the above condensed passage is revealed a tremendous Bible prophecy!

.

Here the ostrich (being a symbol of the Church-Apostate) is going to lift up herself and scorn the horse and his rider.

.

**Well, if we look in the winter-night skies, we might possibly have our eyes opened to see a most incredible constellation group, known as the “Horse and His Rider” Constellation Group.**

.

And so, this above passage speaks of the time of the end (which we are just now in).

.

And sadly to say, there will be many in the Church who will scorn this last message, just as the wisdom-deprived ostrich scorns the Horse and His Rider, who symbolize God’s Church in battle, being ridden by the Spirit of Christ!

.

Such a sad ending for the Church-Apostate, to scorn the Holy Spirit: the same Spirit that they so often exulted in praise, with their lips!

.

**This constellation group is made up of a number of smaller constellations: the horse’s head, made from the Perseus Constellation.**

.

**The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation.**

.

**The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.**

.

The Rider is made primarily from the Camelopardalis Constellation.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 21st (The Church That Moved to Higher Ground!)”

Germany Bavarian church – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #138 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 20th (Jeremiah & The Two Jerusalems)

Today’s Devotional – May 19th (Pilgrim’s Allegories)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 19th

.

Pilgrim’s Allegories

.

“Which things are an allegory…”

Galatians 4:24

.

Beside the Bible, perhaps the greatest book ever written was Pilgrim’s Progress.

.

Yes, John Bunyan seemed to have Divine help in writing that little book, about a pilgrim’s sojourn from this world to the Celestial City.

.

Now, one of the greatest aspects to Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, are the many allegories of which that book is comprised.

.

The Lord had graciously opened Bunyan’s eyes to see the spiritual nature of the Bible, and had given him such a well-grounded understanding of how those allegories were the inter-weavings of the Gospel fabric.

.

Pilgrims Progress title page third edition 1679 – Wikimedia Commons – public-domain

.

SPIRITUAL THINGS

.

Now what makes this book so important is that by reading and even re-reading and even studying this particular book (Pilgrim’s Progress)…

.

…one might come away from reading it with a basic understanding of the Bible and of what the biblical allegories actually mean.

.

Yes, Pilgrim’s Progress can really give both Bible-newcomers and seasoned Christians alike, a real forward boost, in their heavenward pilgrimage.

.

It’s a book that should be read and reread. And nowadays, one can listen to a number of audio versions online.

(but sadly, the 2-hour movie versions may not be worth watching as they are a greatly cut-down version from the original book, which is about 6 hours of audio dialogue)

.

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

WHY ALL THE METAPHORS?

.

“And He said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:

***but* *to others in parables; that seeing they might not see,***

and hearing they might not understand.”

Luke 8:10

.

Yes, as it says in this above verse, it is not God’s intention to open up all the truths of the Bible to just anyone and everyone.

.

But it is the privilege of God’s Elect, to search out the many parables found in the Testaments, both Old and New.

.

For instance, when the Bible speaks about riches, so often, those who are without, will look at such passages as pertaining merely to earthly riches.

.

But for those who are seeking a better, “heavenly country”, it is not difficult to understand that God is not speaking at all of earthly, but of heavenly riches: the treasures of wisdom, and agape-love, and patience, and self-denial, etc….

.

Man with world behind his back – public domain

.

BACK TO THE TRUE PATHWAY

.

Not only does this book, Pilgrim’s Progress, give great insight into the meaning of many Bible metaphors, but helps clear up all the confusion out there in Christendom about what we should be doing, and how we should be living.

.

Pilgrim’s Progress ever-so-rightly directs us back to the true pathway to the Celestial City, the Heavenly Mount Zion!

.

I Saw A Man Clothed With Rags – Pilgrims Progress – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. (Psalm. 119:18).

Prayer at Day’s End – Angelus by Jean-François Millet – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

.

**That world-shaking allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, picked up the theme of the Narrow Gate.**

.

**The hero of the story was Christian, a man who was warned to flee from the City of Destruction (the world), and to embark on a journey to the Heavenly City.**

.

And along the way, Christian encountered many adventures and dangers.

.

**This first of its kind allegorical book absolutely rocked the western world, and became perhaps the first million seller book (along with the Bible).**

.

But God has also given this same Narrow Way parable in the night heavens! Incredible?

.

Yes, incredible…and amazing too! And though these two stars can hardly be considered a constellation, but when sitting next to the two stars which comprise the Broad Gate, well, it makes a powerful statement, for the people of God.

.

So please come along on this journey and find out just why this pathway graces the night heavens, and perhaps you might find yourself embarking on your own pilgrimage up that very same Narrow pathway.

.

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – public domain

.

LOCATION

.

This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.

.

**Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story).**

.

Orion, the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon.

(sketch is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

.

**And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left).**

.

**But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan.**

.

**The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.**

.

This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark).

.

**While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions.**

.

It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

.

The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars.

.

**The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle.**

.

The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here).

.

**The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).**

.

(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here, “Orion The R eaper”. )

.

TOMORROW:

“May 20th (Jeremiah & the Two Jerusalems)”

Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #137 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 19th (Pilgrim’s Allegories)

Today’s Devotional – May 18th (Dealing With An Unbelieving Spouse)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 18th

.

Dealing With An Unbelieving Spouse

.

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;

that, if any obey not the word,

they also may without the word be won

by the conversation of the wives…

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge,

giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel,

and as being heirs together of the grace of life;

that your prayers be not hindered.”

1st Peter 3:1, 7

.

One of the greatest problems that a Believer must face, is that of trying to maintain peace and harmony in the home.

.

And for those who live with an unbelieving spouse, this can be quite difficult at times!

.

Nevertheless, this little devotional cannot tackle all the various problems.

.

But there are just several general principles, which must be discussed.

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE ROARING LION

.

**First, if the Christian is among the “True Worshippers of God”, then he or she must be aware that Satan is our adversary…**

.

…and in his hatred, Satan will try his best to make life as discouraging as he can for that household.

(See John 4:23 for “true worshippers” reference)

.

Listen…“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1st Peter 5:8

.

Most Christians understand this truth: that Satan is an unseen, yet vigilant foe.

.

Constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 (Concept Picture only – Not a star-chart)

.

“LEAN NOT UPON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING”

.

“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage,

but being ensamples to the flock.”

1st Peter 5:2-4

.

This above verse by Peter lays down a principle, which the Christian should always keep in mind: to lead gently in the home, not attempting to force others into submission!

.

But probably where most of us have gone wrong, is when we try to make things happen.

.

This can be the source of many, or perhaps most of our troubles in the divided home.

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

FORCING OTHERS

.

For instance, many newer converts will often try to compel the entire household to go to church, or have daily worships together.

.

Or maybe the Believer will try to get rid of the TV, or secular radio, etc..

.

Or maybe the Believer will try too hard to convince the family of the veracity of the Bible.

.

Or maybe the Believer will try to convince the family that, for instance, going to the circus is evil, or any number of other questionable amusements.

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Garbage – Hollygrove1 TV Typewriter CurbTrash – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“BE GENTLE…PATIENT”

.

“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

.

One big mistake that sincere Christians make, is to think that our family must also live our self-denying lifestyle.

.

But if they are still unsaved, the Christian simply must try to make their lives as enjoyable as possible in this world…

.

…though it breaks his or her heart to see them seeking after the things of the world!

.

And so, we may even allow them to watch secular shows, or take them to the circus, or allow other secular pursuits.

.

We may even have to work longer hours, so that they can enjoy their earthly lives more prosperously.

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Braet von Überfeldt woman with Bible – 1866 – Wikimedia – US public domain

.

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

.

Oh yes, as we watch them, we will be crying silently for God’s mercy and blessings for them!

.

And we will be clinging to God’s precious promises, as we allow them such worldly freedoms.

.

**In a very real sense, we will be like the father of the Prodigal son, as we long for their return to the Lord. (see Luke 15:11-24)**

.

The problem is, we can’t force others into Heaven!

.

A person must be “born again”, in order to understand and appreciate true Salvation.

.

And without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Believer just cannot expect his or her family to enjoy making spiritual sacrifices.

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

.

So, what should the Believer do, to bring along the rest of the family?

.

Well, this brings us to the second principle.

.

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

.

“But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none…”

1st Corinthians 7:29

.

Now just because a Christian should be gentle with his little flock, he or she must be steadfast and uncompromising in his own personal ‘walk even as He (Jesus) walked’. 1st John 2:6

.

In other words, the Christian will be occasionally tempted to violate his conscience as a means of maintaining supposed “peace and harmony”.

.

But such compromises will only result in future troubles.

Family Portrait – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

“WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED!”

.

The Believer must try to treat his or her spouse as Christ-like as possible.

.

And this takes much prayer, and a constant growth in the wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word.

.

The Believer needs to spend much time contemplating what Jesus would do, in the everyday situations of life.

.

Listen to the Word of Christ… “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1st John 2:6.

.

**God’s Spirit of Holiness can do “exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think”, to fashion us after the image of Christ!**

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1

.

Yes, to live with an unsaved spouse and even with unsaved children requires much prayer for Bible wisdom…

.

…wisdom to know how to handle everyday problems and situations in the home.

.

But one thing is for sure! Jesus was gentle, even as a gentle shepherd with His lambs.

.

Jesus did not force others to do His every bidding.

.

Jesus was like a gentle breeze, not a gale-force wind!

.

Jesus did not engage in shouting matches.

.

Even with the proud and defiant Pharisees, Jesus did not need to shout.

.

Jesus lived by faith, knowing that God was in full control.

.

He was not a manipulator in the least bit!

.

He was a servant of servants.

.

He exercised great patience and forbearance. He held his peace, and His words were few.

.

He didn’t demand fair and equal treatment. Rather He patiently endured all unfair treatment.

.

He looked at all such trials as opportunities to witness for Heaven, by allowing His Father in Heaven to bring solutions to problems!

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

.

PRECIOUS PROMISES!

.

Now, if a Believer can grow more and more like Jesus, these same wonderful attributes will begin to be witnessed by the various members of the household.

.

And with such a blessed environment, the Lord can begin to move ever-so-gently in the hearts and lives of the unbelieving members of the household.

.

And even though the Believer may have to wait long and patiently for his or her family to finally follow Jesus…

.

…we have many promises in the Bible such as this to cling to…

…”Blessed is every one

that feareth the LORD;

that walketh in His ways.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

happy shalt thou be,

and it shall be well with thee.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine

by the sides of thine house:

thy children like olive plants

round about thy table.”

Psalm 128:1-3

.

Rings Anillos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves in the west

.

TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

October 19 (Dealing With An Unbelieving Spouse, Part 2: “Can I Save My Spouse?”)

Man Husband & Married Wife on swing – Fraternal love (Prehispanic sculpture from 250–900 A.D., of Huastec origin) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me wisdom to know how to lead my family like a gentle shepherd. Give me great knowledge of Thy Word. Give me great patience. Give me great faith. Mold me and make me into Thy likeness…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS

.

5 CONSTELLATIONS PLUS THE STAR, ARCTURUS…

.

The Summer Constellations tell the story of Jesus as He calls His Disciples to “Come and follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

.

These heavenly symbols also present the principles of God’s Salvation plan.

.

The Summer Constellations are made of five different constellations plus the star known as Arcturus .

.

This big, bright, and beautiful star, Arcturus (representing Jesus) goes in front of these five constellations, as though He is leading His Disciples, just as He did back in Israel, 2,000 years ago.

.

From left to right…

1. the first constellation is the Ark of the Covenant Constellation (AKA Sagittarius).

2. The second is the Cross/Scepter Constellation (not previously recognized)

**3. Under the Cross/Scepter is the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpio).**

4. The fourth is the Glorious Crown Constellation (AKA Corona Borealis).

5. The fifth is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA the Big Dipper).

.

These are the basic five constellations that make this Summer Constellation phenomenon.

.

DOUBLE-ENTENDRES

.

But if this is not already complicated enough, there are even more complicated aspects to this.

.

**In this sketch, if you look on the far left, you will notice that the Ark of the Covenant Constellation now appears as Two Turtle-doves.**

.

And at the top right, you will notice that the 7 Stars Constellation now appears as the Revelation 12 Woman With Child (Actually, this Woman is made of the Big Dipper, plus the addition of more fainter stars, which together comprise what is commonly known as Ursa Major).

.

So, these two constellations are each double-entendres.

.

**And with the addition of these two extra constellations (the Turtle-doves, and the Woman), we now have 7 Summer Constellations, plus the star, Arcturus guiding them.**

.

So maybe the best way to tell this story is to take each constellation individually…

.

TOMORROW:

”May 19th (Pilgrim’s Allegories)”

Man with world behind his back – public domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #136 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 18th (Dealing With An Unbelieving Spouse)

Today’s Devotional – May 17th (The Marinated Christian!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 17th

.

The Marinated Christian!

.

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Colossians 3:16

.

The Orientals really know how to make chicken taste good: marinating them!

.

Yes, by completely and thoroughly soaking raw chicken overnight in specially prepared sauce with seasoning, makes the chicken filled with flavor!

.

And doesn’t this photo look really tasty?

.

Well, there are countless recipes for marinated chicken.

.

Marinated chicken at Asian supermarket in New Jersey – Wikimedia – Public domain

.

THE MARINATED CHRISTIAN!

.

Okay, so just what does this have to do with the Christian life?

.

Very simple! Marinated chicken (or beef) can easily be translated into the spiritual realm!

.

That’s right! The Christian has the ability to prepare his or her life in much the same way as chicken is marinated!

.

You could say that each of us are marinated, in the spiritual sense, by whatever we soak ourselves in, on a daily basis.

.

Korean BBQ marination – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

COUNTLESS INFLUENCES IN A HIGH-TECH WORLD!

.

This high-tech world we live in affords us the opportunity to choose many different options, as to what we may marinate ourselves in, each day.

.

There are many listening devices, which offer us countless choices of music for example: from Classical to Hip-Hop! From Country to Oriental! From Reggae to Rock-n-Roll! Choices, choices, choices!

.

And then, there are varieties of Christian music: from Christian Rock to Celestial Choirs! Choices, and more choices!

.

And then, there are many talk-shows we can listen to: from political, to entertainment, to Christian news, to dramas!

.

And then there are Bibles on audio. Any version we wish!

.

Or there are Christian books, and audio sermons!

.

There are conservative sermons or liberal sermons!

.

There are get-rich gospels, and get-poor gospels! The choices are seemingly endless!

.

Then there are daily choices we make as to just who we are going to associate with: friends, and family, and even strangers!

.

And so, just as there are seemingly endless choices of what ingredients we use in our marinated chicken, so too, there are endless choices in our daily recipe of how we ourselves will be marinated.

.

Black Berrymultiple – wikimedia – creative commons license

.

HOLINESS IN – HOLINESS OUT!

.

The Bible commands us… “And every man that hath this hope in Him (Christ) purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3.

.

Yes, this verse proclaims the great commission given to each and every Christian: to purify our hearts even as Christ is pure.

.

Now for those who have determined to become as Christ-like as they possibly can, then there is just one recipe to be marinated in: in purely Christ-like influences!

.

It’s that simple!

.

GARBAGE IN – GARBAGE OUT!

.

Conversely, the more compromised our daily influences, the more compromised will be our character!

.

Listen to Paul… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

.

Okay, so here is a New Testament admonishment to “keep yourself pure”(1st Timothy 5:22).

.

swine feeding – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THE DAILY BATTLE!

.

Now, at this point, someone will say… “But we have to be in this sinful world, and “rub elbows” with unbelievers on a daily basis!”

.

That’s right, O Christian! And that is a large part of the Christian’s warfare!

.

Yes, the Christian must be fully armored up each and every day, in order to go out and do battle against the forces of evil!

.

Daily Bible-study, unceasing prayer, and constant contemplation of Scripture, shunning all ungodly audio and visual: these are the preparations and these are the weapons of our warfare!

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

UNGODLY INFLUENCES LIKE YEAST!

.

The Christian must not allow the worldly elements to work themselves into our hearts!

.

Listen… “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Purge out therefore the old leaven,

that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.

For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”

1st Corinthians 5:6, 7.

.

As this passage reveals, the Christian must purge out the worldly yeast which permeates the soul!

.

Unleavened bread from Jerusalem – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!”

Philippians 4:4

.

The things discussed in today’s devotional are what comprise the joyful life we live!

.

Yes, that’s right! This Christian battle is a joyful battle!

.

David Playing Harp – www.thebiblerevival.com – US public domain

.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good”

Psalm 34:8

.

And the really Good News is this: If Christians will only marinate ourselves in the pure Word of Christ.

.

If Christians will begin to eliminate every ungodly influence, trying to only allow heavenly influences to enter their minds…

.

…then it won’t be long until God’s people will have a rich Christ-like savor, which the world will experience in their presence.

.

**Yes, the world will “taste and see”, that those Christlike Believers have been with Jesus!**

.

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to purify my surroundings. Help me to only allow heavenly influences to enter into my ear-gates, and eye-gates. Help me to fortify myself by unceasing prayer and meditation on Thy Holy Word, as I go through this wicked world. Help me to rejoice in this battle, because you have overcome the world, and have assured me that I too, can overcome the world…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

“Can you bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades?

Or loose the bands of Orion?”

Job 38:31

.

The photo to the right is the Pleiades Cluster.

.

Does it appear to you like an angel?

.

Well, if it does, then you are encouraged to keep reading.

.

The above two verses concerning the Pleiades is what the Bible has to say about the Pleiades.

.

But if you will read this article, you will discover that the Pleiades represents concepts which span much of the Bible.

.

This is partly because Pleiades is a constellation within a constellation.

.

And this double-entendre constellation presents perhaps, a picture of the greatest truth regarding the Church, found in the Bible.

.

And The Heavens Declare.net will attempt to unravel this mysterious phenomenon in the night-sky, and will, hopefully, also interpret these two verses to show just what all this means, and how it might apply to our lives.

.

The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo). NASA photo by Robert Gendler

.

TWO WOMEN IN PLEIADES

.

Just who are these two women?

.

And how can this be, that nobody has ever seen the Pleiades as a constellation of a woman?

.

This article will discuss this great paradox of these two women, found in the Pleiades, and what it means scripturally to us: we who comprise the global community of Christians.

.

Because this constellation, or should we say Constellations, plural, have very much to do with us: those of us who are living right now on the threshold of eternity.

.

And as you might expect, the Bible holds the key to understanding all this.

.

TOMORROW:

“May 18th (Dealing With An Unbelieving Spouse)”

Man Husband & Married Wife on swing – Fraternal love (Prehispanic sculpture from 250–900 A.D., of Huastec origin) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #135 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING …

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 17th (The Marinated Christian!)

Today’s Devotional – May 16th (Revelation 11:18: “Why Is This Box Tipping Over?”

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 16th

.

Revelation 11:18:

.

“Why Is This Box Tipping Over?”

.

“And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come,

and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,

and that thou shouldest give reward unto Thy servants the prophets,

and to the saints, and them that fear Thy name, small and great;

and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth

And the temple of God was opened in heaven,

and there was seen in His temple the Ark of His testament…”

Revelation 11:18, 19

..

.

This above passage from Revelation, Chapter 11, speaks of the temple in Heaven being opened, and the Ark of God’s Testament being seen.

.

And in conjunction with this, God is now revealing these Gospel Constellations which begin with this Ark Constellation, commonly known as Sagittarius.

.

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

.

TIPPING OUT UPON THE FLOWER CONSTELLATION

.

Now the reason for highlighting this constellation is to focus on one aspect of this constellation, and its relationship to the other constellations.

.

You see, God has designed this constellation in such a way, that as the earth rotates, very slowly through the summer, it begins to appear as if it is tipping more and more to one side.

.

It actually appears to be tipping its contents out upon the Flower of the Field Constellation (which represents fallen Mankind).

.

“Ark of the Covenant” and “Flower of the Field” Constellations (1st picture in springtime & 2nd in fall) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT”

.

Now this pouring out reminds us of the passage from Joel which informs us concerning these last days…

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,

I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh:

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams:

And on My servants and on My handmaidens

I will pour out in those days of my Spirit;

and they shall prophesy:

And I will show wonders in heaven above,

and signs in the earth beneath;

blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood,

before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Joel 2:17, 21

.

Okay, so here is a great big statement, or we should rather say, “Here is a great big PROPHECY!”

.

Yes, God promises to pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh; followed by signs in the heaven above, dreams and visions, the sun darkened, the moon into blood before that great and notable day of the Lord come.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

“WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL ON…THE LORD”

.

But here is the really great part…“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Joel 2:21

.

Okay, so here is revealed that in these last days there will be a huge pouring out of God’s Spirit upon all flesh.

.

And this pouring out will be in conjunction with a great number of humans reaching out for Christ’s Salvation.

.

At least this above passage seems to imply that a great number will be saved in these last moments of time.

.

People on Times Square – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

.

Now right here, many will point out that this prophecy from Joel was fulfilled back in the days of the early church…

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting…

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said…

‘this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;'”

Joel 2:1, 2, 14, 16

.

Well yes, this prophecy was indeed fulfilled back in Peter’s day.

.

Pentecostés (El Greco, 1597) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

SIGNS OF HEAVEN REVEAL A DUAL FULFILLMENT

.

But God is now revealing this heavenly phenomenon in which the Ark Constellation appears to be pouring itself out upon that Flower of the Field…

.

…and this starry phenomenon symbolizes God pouring out all Heaven upon fallen Mankind, even as this flower appears to bend down.

.

And so, we can know for a certainty that God is getting ready to fulfill this prophecy on a much grander scale than back in Peter’s day!

.

THE CROSS-SCEPTER & CROWN

.

Now, what gives all this even greater impetus, is that it also appears as if the Cross-Scepter Constellation is coming out of this Ark Constellation, along with the Glorious 12-Star Crown.

.

The original Ark contained Aaron’s rod that budded, which was a type of scepter.

.

And though there was no crown in that original Ark, yet the lid of the Ark had a crown of gold embedded around it…“And they shall make an ark…with…a crown of gold round about.” Exodus 25:10, 11

And so, these Signs Of Heaven present a dramatic fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy concerning pouring out of God’s Spirit upon all flesh.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

.

Now this is very Good News!

.

And it should inspire God’s people to double up our prayers for our family and friends, as well as increased supplications for the Salvation of each and every lost soul in this fallen world!

.

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to respond to this incredible and momentous occasion and opportunity in history, by turning to the Lord with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind…

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE ARK IN THE HEAVENS

.

Well, if a person goes out at night, beginning in April (earlier in southern-most latitudes, and later in northern-most), in the pre-dawn hour, they just might locate the constellation commonly referred to as the Sagittarius Constellation .

.

It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)

.

At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward.

.

But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left.

.

The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible (for instance, “the seven stars are the angels…” Revelation 1:20).

.

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

.

TOMORROW…

” May 17th (The Marinated Christian!)”

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #134 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 16th (Revelation 11:18: “Why Is This Box Tipping Over?”

Today’s Devotional – May 15th (People of the Low-Mart)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 15th

.

People of the Low-Mart

.

“Surely He (God) scorns the scorners:

but He gives grace unto the lowly.”

Proverbs 3:34

.

There is at least one Website dedicated to mocking all the funny and strange looking people while they are shopping.

.

And so, these sites are filled with photos, mostly taken secretly, making fun of fat, weird, old and funny-looking customers.

.

And there are many people who don’t even like to shop in those kinds of stores, just so they can avoid these so-called “societal unfortunates”.

.

Overweight People – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THE LOST BEHAVING NORMALLY

.

Now, for the people of the world, this proud mockery is to be expected.

.

After all, that’s just the world behaving as you would expect the world to behave!

.

Yes, mocking those who are the “undesirables” is what inhabitants of the world do so well, and quite often!

.

But on the other hand, the Christian can turn many unfortunate circumstances into blessings!

.

Yes, there are several aspects to all this, which a wise Christian can turn around to his or her benefit.

.

The Mockers by Illarion Michajlowitsch Prjanischnikow – Wikipedia – public domain

.

CHRISTIANS TO MINGLE WITH THE LOWLY (AT “LOW-MART”?)

.

Listen to Paul’s admonition…

“Mind not high things,

but condescend to men of low estate.

Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Romans 12:16

.

This above verse reveals much about Christ’s character, and about our own personal commission from God.

.

Christ, when on Earth, didn’t seek after the company of the wise, or of the rich, or of the mighty, or of the noble.

.

No, as this above verse reveals that Christ condescended to the lowly, to the unwise, to the poor, etc.

.

**In other words, Jesus would be very apt to be seen at such places in which the unfortunate, the poor, the undesirable, etc., would be found!**

.

Oh yes, Christ witnessed to the rich and noble, too.

.

But most of his followers were the lowly of society!

.

Yes, Christ definitely condescended to the lowly of the world.

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

.

“NOT MANY WISE…MIGHTY…NOBLE…ARE CALLED”

.

Listen… “For ye see your calling, brethren,

how that not many wise men after the flesh,

not many mighty,

not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world,

and things which are despised, hath God chosen,

yea, and things which are not,

to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in His presence.”

1st Corinthians 1:26-29

.

So, this above passage reveals that it has been God’s good pleasure to do exactly the opposite of what the world does!

.

Yes, instead of choosing those whom society admires, God mostly chooses those who are not highly esteemed by society!

.

**Well, in a sense, you could say that God ‘pokes the world in the eye’, by choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the worldly-wise!**

.

And God chooses the weak things of the world, to confound the things which are mighty!

.

And He has chosen the base things, and the despised things to bring to destruction, the things which are highly esteemed by this world!

.

Homeless woman in Toronto Wikipedia – public domain

Homeless man reading Bible – Wikimedia share-alike license

.

“FOLLOW THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES”

Revelation 14:4

.

And so, dear Christian, don’t we want to be wherever Jesus will be? Of course we do!!!

.

Then we simply need to follow the Bible admonition, “condescend to those who are of low estate”!

.

Yes, those societal miscreants are exactly the types of people who have very little to lose, by becoming followers of Jesus!

.

And one of those places which attracts those so-called lower elements of society, just might be a good place to hand out evangelistic tracts!

.

And those places, if safe, would definitely be the perfect place to walk through and pray for each of the various lost souls, who might be humble enough to respond to the call of Jesus, to, “Come follow Me”.

.

Yes, the world may not desire their company.

.

And the world may mock them, but Jesus would take them to be His sheep, in a heartbeat!

.

Homeless and cold – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

.

“Mind not high things,

but condescend to men of low estate.

Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Romans 12:16

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a humble and lowly heart, as You are meek and lowly. Help me to condescend to those who are considered lowly in the eyes of Mankind…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE PLEIADES

.

Then Job answered and said…

but how should man be just with God?…

Which alone spreads out the heavens…

Which makes Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

Which does great things past finding out;

yea, and wonders without number…

Can you bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades?

Or loose the bands of Orion?”

Job 9:2-10 & 38:31

.

The photo to the right is the Pleiades Cluster. Does it appear to you like an angel?

.

Well, if it does, then you are encouraged to keep reading.

.

The above two verses concerning the Pleiades is what the Bible has to say about the Pleiades.

.

But if you read this article, you will discover that the Pleiades represents concepts which span much of the Bible.

.

This is partly because Pleiades is a constellation within a constellation.

.

And this double-entendre constellation presents perhaps, a picture of the greatest truth regarding the Church, found in the Bible.

.

And The Heavens Declare.net will attempt to unravel this mysterious phenomenon in the night-sky, and will, hopefully, also interpret these two verses to show just what all this means, and how it might apply to our lives.

.

The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo). NASA photo by Robert Gendler

.

TOMORROW

“May 16th (Revelation 11:18: “Why Is This Box Tipping Over?)”

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #133 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 15th (People of the Low-Mart)

Today’s Devotional – May 14th (The Greatest Mission-Field: My Soul!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 14th

.

The Greatest Mission-Field: My Soul!

.

There are thousands of Christian evangelistic ministries today.

.

From Internet ministries to humanitarian outreach ministries, to health ministries, to children’s ministries, and even to foreign evangelistic ministries.

.

There are music ministries. And of course, there are many TV and radio ministries.

.

There are plenty of ministries in the world today.

.

And yet there are so many souls still in Satan’s prison-house of sin and spiritual darkness.

.

With all the thousands of ministries, one would think that the inhabitants of the world would have fallen, by now!

.

Church worship music – cropped photo – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

GREATEST MINISTRY: A TRANSFORMED LIFE!

.

But Signs Of Heaven endorses this one ministry above all others: the ministry of a transformed life.

.

Yes, there is nothing so effective as a totally converted soul!

.

Such an individual has a far greater influence for Heaven than a whole army of humanitarians!

.

Listen to the very words of Jesus…

“Not every one that saith unto Me,

Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in 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.

.

So, this passage reveals that on the Day of Judgment, there will be many who were heavily invested in various ministries…

.

…but who will sadly be surprised to learn that their so-called “good works” were regarded by Jesus as evil works… “depart from Me, ye that work iniquity…I never knew you!”

.

Braet von Überfeldt – woman with bible 1866 – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

.

BELIEVER OR MERELY A “MAKE-BELIEVER”?

.

Now there is one glaring difference between a Believer, and mere “false brethren”.

.

And Solomon’s Proverbs brings out this distinction….

“Such is the way of an adulterous woman;

she eats, and wipes her mouth,

and says, I have done no wickedness.”

Proverbs 30:20

.

Yes, this above proverb explains that those who are of the adulterous and apostate churches, are very content to remain in their self-indulgence. They have no heart to die to self!

.

But to purify our hearts and conform our lives into the likeness and holiness of Jesus, is the great desire of every true worshipper of God…

…”And every man that hath this hope in Him

purifieth himself, even as He is pure.”

1st John 3:3.

.

The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

.

Now what does this truth concerning the purification of our heart have to do with today’s devotional?

.

After all, today we are discussing the best type of ministry outreach.

.

Question Marks-At a loss svg – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

.

FIRST CAST THE LOG OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE!

.

Well, you see, to overcome the flesh is our greatest outreach ministry!

.

We can’t think that God is going to bless our efforts to save others, if we ourselves are neglecting the purification of our own heart!

.

Yes, Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees… “

…”Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte,

and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”

Matthew. 23:15

.

As this verse reveals, a worldly Christian cannot bring in true sheep into the fold!

.

No, the world-loving Christian will only bring in more, “wolves-in-sheep’s-clothing”!

.

Brooklyn-Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US-Public-Domain – Wikimedia

.

But even though none of us have already reached Christlike perfection, yet those who strive to make their own “calling and election sure”, will be able to give a true witness to others. (2nd Peter 1:10)

.

And this is the greatest commission we have from God: to evangelize our own soul, becoming a living, walking example of Christ to the world!

.

David’s sorrow – wikigallery – public domain

.

TEACHING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS

.

Now, there is a certain ministry outreach that God might approve of.

.

And that is a teaching ministry, which requires us to read and study the whole Bible for our own selves.

.

Yes, in these last moments of time, the trembling child of God can begin an outreach to others…

.

…a ministry which necessitates that he or she studies the Bible to find out more and more about just who is Jesus…

.

…and how we can become more and more changed into His perfect and glorious image!

.

And so, by studying the Bible to find out more and more about Jesus, not only will we be helping others, but we will be helping our own selves in the process.

.

Bible Study Group – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

Now someone might object to this, saying, “Well, Bible study about Jesus and Salvation is just not my gift!

.

I’m more adapted to humanitarian projects, or to Revelation seminars, or to health ministry!”

.

Well, that’s all the more reason for such a Christian to begin a ministry which requires much salvational Bible study!

.

Studying God’s precious promises is not optional!

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

ARMOR UP!

.

And so, dear soul, we must redeem the time, while there still is time! While there still is hope!

.

We need to be filling our hearts with the wisdom and knowledge that only comes from prayerfully and carefully searching the Scriptures, with the intent of becoming changed into the image of Christ!

.

And it is now high time, that we get any and every unnecessary roadblock out of the way which interferes with our day and night meditation upon the Word of Christ!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to keep the main thing the main thing! Help me not to get side-tracked by things which interfere with my own spiritual growth…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

***CASTOR AND POLLUX = THE NARROW WAY…***

.

“And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.” Acts 28:11

.

Most theologians interpret this verse to be speaking of two pagan gods known as Castor and Pollux. Beyond that, they are puzzled as to what significance do these twin gods have.

.

Some believe these gods to be the patrons of safe ocean travel. Certainly God would never want His people to board such a pagan ship!

.

**But there is much significance to Castor and Pollux.**

.

No, not to those twin-gods.

.

But there are two stars named Castor and Pollux.

.

They are twin-stars, and not twin-gods.

.

They are the two bright stars of the constellation commonly known as Gemini.

.

But as “Signs Of Heaven” points out, these two stars also happen to be the two brightest stars on Orion’s sickle.

.

And these two stars are also known as The Narrow Gate Stars.

.

And if you will explore this concept, you will see that Castor and Pollux possess great significance…

.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14.

Castor and Pollux represent this Biblical concept of the Narrow Way.

.

TOMORROW:

.

” May 15th (People of Low-Mart)”

People – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #132 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 14th (The Greatest Mission-Field: My Soul!)

Today’s Devotional – May 13th “Do One Thing!”

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 13th

.

“Do One Thing!”

.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 3:13, 14

.

There was a man from Brazil.

.

Brazil Indiana, that is!

.

His name was Orville. And Orville had a lifetime devotion to one thing:

.

Popcorn!

.

Yes, even as a boy on his parents’ farm, Orville sometimes sold popcorn from the back of a truck to the locals in that area.

.

After agriculture college, Orville, went on to start his own popcorn company in 1970.

.

**An advertising agency charged him 13,000 dollars for advice: “Name it Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn”, they counseled him!**

.

And this superior popcorn took off like a rocket!

.

Orville Redenbacher – 1979 – Wikipedia – Public domain

.

ORVILLE’S PHILOSOPHY: “DO ONE THING!”

.

And Orville used a successful slogan, which he told his children and grandchildren… “Do one thing, and do it better than everyone else!”

.

Of course, that was all he sold: popcorn!

.

“Do one thing, and do it better than everyone else”, certainly sounds like a great business philosophy, doesn’t it?

.

Orville Redenbacher – 1979 – Wikipedia – Public domain

.

ORVILLE’S WISDOM TRANSLATED!

.

Now, the Bible tells us that the people of the world are wiser in their generation “…than the children of light.” Luke 16:8.

.

Yes, if only God’s people would translate Orville Redenbacher’s philosophy into our spiritual life…

.

…we might be miles ahead in our walk with the Lord, than we now are!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – company’s-coming – revised

.

THE WORLD HAS NOT FALLEN!

.

Listen… “We have been with child,

we have been in pain,

***we have as it* *were brought forth wind;***

we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth;

neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.”

Isaiah 26:18.

.

Yes, this prophecy from Isaiah is especially given for us today!

.

We have not brought forth Jesus Christ!

.

Instead, we have been so busily pursuing the prosperity of earthly riches, and self-indulgent pleasures, that our Christianity is often put on the proverbial “back burner”!

.

Woman of Revelation 12 In Travail – www.signsofheaven.org

.

SOME VERY GOOD NEWS!

.

But there is hope! Yes, God is still willing for His chosen ones to get busy and finish up the work…

.

…to get fully engaged in the task of filling up our hearts and minds with the pure words of wisdom and truth, from the Bible!

.

“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

.

And then, when His chosen and elect ones fully reflect the life and likeness of Jesus…

.

…the world will then see the terribly awesome light and power of Christ shining out from His people…

.

…and only then will the world’s inhabitants fall, as Isaiah 26:18 speaks about!

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them;

and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:

for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to get busy with the task of crucifying the “Old Man” within…

…give me the desire to put away any pleasures, pursuits or even the energy-sapping ministry that might be interfering with the purification of my heart…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE 7 STARS IMITATE ORION

LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

.

This phenomenon begins in October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night.

.

This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in.

.

**You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west.**

.

You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south.

.

Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill.

.

**The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill.**

.

**The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.**

.

**Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward.**

.

It stands upright a little later in the night.

.

**Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross!**

.

**Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.**

.

**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

.

ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – wikipedia star-chart with orion drawn in by this website – not for commercial use

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

.

TOMORROW:

“May 14th (The Greatest Mission-Field: My Soul!)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place within the heart – Signs Of Heaven

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #131 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 13th “Do One Thing!”

Today’s Devotional – May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 1)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 12th

.

Come Out of Her, My People!

.

Part 1

.

For those who are familiar with this website, there is a message to “Come out of Babylon”.

.

**And as this website explains, Babylon not only represents this fallen world, but also (and primarily) the fallen world-loving churches.**

.

**Now the articles on this website seem to be very dogmatic about this subject. God is literally calling His people to vacate the various churches, i.e., the local congregations.**

.

And, just like this concept picture, we are to flee to the mountains (in a spiritual sense).

.

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

.

FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS!

.

The great problem for many churchgoers, concerning this present truth, is that God has veiled this message in allegorical language.

.

For example, in Mark, the Lord calls…

…”But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation,

spoken of by Daniel the prophet,

standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,)

then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:”

Mark 13:14.

.

This above verse is written in such a way, that it requires spiritual discernment. It is cloaked in parabolic language.

.

So, this verse needs to be understood in the light of the Book of Daniel.

.

Picture–Lot Escapes Sodom-Genesis3-www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart-public domain.

.

REVELATION 18 COMMAND

.

Likewise, the message from Revelation, Chapter 18 is very much veiled…

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…

Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:1, 4.

.

This passage also requires spiritual discernment, to rightly discern just what the Lord is actually saying here.

.

Church Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain.

.

TRUTH-SEEKERS WILL SEEK THE TRUTH!

.

But one thing is for sure!

.

Those who are genuinely seeking after a greater and greater knowledge of truth, will continue to study for his or her own self…

.

…studying to fully understand just what our duty is concerning these critical matters!

.

**And this website (and more importantly, the Bible) is an excellent place to begin one’s search for truth, concerning this subject!**

.

And by so-doing, those who do continue to prayerfully and carefully study all these things, will undoubtedly become increasingly aware that the churches are growing more and more apostate.

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

“LIFT UP THY VOICE LIKE A TRUMPET!”

.

So, the more we know of the truth, the more that our responsibility increases to warn those who sit in darkness, within God’s house.

.

And as we increase in understanding, we will more and more “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1.

.

Tissot – The Seven Trumpets of Jericho – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

A CHRISTIAN WORLD-VIEW?

.

**Dr. George Barna, a Christian pollster (click here to read), found that only 4% of Americans possessed a Bible-based worldview.**

.

There were seven biblically fundamental beliefs which this survey asked participants.

.

And the results weren’t that much better for churchgoers!

.

For example, one of the questions asked “Born-Again” churchgoers was this:

.

QUESTION: “You have a unique, God-given calling or purpose for your life”

.

Yes, 88% (asked prior to the pandemic in 2020)

.

No, 46% (asked this year, 2023)

.

These two responses showed a drop of 42 points in churchgoer’s belief of being called and used by God, since prior to the pandemic!!!

.

Dancing woman – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

“THE DAY…WHEN THE TOWERS FALL!”

.

But the very Good News is, that we will be delighted when we discover that God has provided an abundance of spiritual waters…

…”upon every high mountain,

and upon every high hill,

rivers and streams of waters

in the day of the great slaughter,

when the towers fall.”

Isaiah 30.

.

Yes, God is just now beginning to shower His people with living waters, and heavenly bread…

…”He shall dwell on high:

his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks:

bread shall be given him;

his waters shall be sure.”

Isaiah 33:16

.

Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

To continue studying this critically important subject, please continue to Part 2…

(click here)… FEBRUARY 1 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 2 Vain Dogmatism!)

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a thorough knowledge of these matters. Help me to be a “good Berean”, keeping an open mind and a meek and humble spirit…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

***REVELATION 12* *TAKES PLACE IN HEAVEN***

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven;

a woman…And she being with child cried,

travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven;

and behold a great red dragon…

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven,

and did cast them to the earth…

And the woman fled into the wilderness…

And there was war in heaven:

Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle,

that she might fly into the wilderness…

And the serpent cast out of his mouth

water as a flood after the woman,

that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood…”

Revelation 12: 1-4, 6, 7, 14, 15 (condensed)

.

This above passage is a very condensed version of Revelation, Ch. 12. (To read entire Chapter 12, click here)

.

From time to time, the Book of Revelation mentions stars.

.

But when we get to Revelation Chapter 12, it speaks of two “great signs in heaven”.

.

First, it speaks of the sign in heaven of a woman with child.

.

Then it speaks of the sign in heaven of a great red dragon, with a tail that sweeps one-third of the stars and casts these stars down to the earth.

.

So we get the sense that this phenomenon that the Apostle John was seeing, was closely intertwined with the starry host of the heavens.

.

**And these two signs in heaven, a woman, and a dragon, are a big part of this website, Signs Of Heaven.**

.

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

.

What really gives validity to this idea, is that God created the Universe in such a way, that if one looks at the major constellations, then this Revelation 12 scenario can be seen.

.

So please read on. And if you really want to see this heavenly battle, you just might. It will take some real effort on your part.

.

But through prayer, faith, and study of the site, God may just graciously open your eyes to see this amazing story written on the heavenly scroll above.

.

But don’t wait! This heavenly scroll will soon be rolled up, just as it is written… “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together;” Revelation 6:14

.

TOMORROW:

“May 13th (Do One Thing!)”

Orville Redenbacher – 1979 – Wikipedia – Public domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #130 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 1)

Today’s Devotional – May 11th (Thy Will IS Done in Earth!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 11th

.

Thy Will IS Done in Earth!

.

“Man’s goings are of the LORD;

how can a man then understand his own way?”

Proverbs 20:24

.

Jesus stood before His disciples and prayed thus, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”.

.

Whenever the words are discussed, “Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in Heaven”, someone will undoubtedly say, “Well, someday, God shall be able to do His will for us!”

.

But it is the belief of this website that God is right now doing His own will down here on earth!

.

But also, that all things which may happen to us, both good and bad, are also the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning us!

.

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

.

***JOSEPH’S* *TROUBLES***

.

Now let’s take a look at Joseph, the son of Jacob.

.

Should Joseph have given thanks for how his brothers mocked him, because of his dream?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks to God for when his brothers threw him into a pit?

.

Or should Joseph have given thanks for when he was sold into slavery in Egypt?

.

Or how about when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife? Or how about his getting thrown into prison?

.

Were all these things the will of God concerning Joseph?

.

Well, no doubt Satan had a hand in all these mishaps, the same as he did in Job’s mishaps! (Read the Book of Job)

.

Joseph Faithful in Prison – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

.

“all things work together for good to them that love God”

.

But let’s face it! Hasn’t God spared us many times from some evil thing?

.

And couldn’t He prevent all evil? Yes, He could! But He doesn’t, does He?

.

Yes, sometimes God does permit evil in our lives.

.

But that is why God gave us the Bible: to show us that even the evil things will work together for good, to those of us who love God.

.

And we all are familiar with that wonderful promise…

…”And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THY WILL IS BEING DONE…HERE!?!

.

But we have an even more revealing promise.

Listen… “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:”

Ephesians 1:11.

.

Now this almost sounds like God is saying that all things are His will! How could that be?

.

Well, God is even more clear in this next statement.

Listen… “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:

and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven,

and among the inhabitants of the earth:

and none can stay His hand,

*or say unto Him, ‘What doest Thou?'”***

Daniel 4:35.

.

Now at this point, many are probably getting ready to leave the room! Or perhaps they’re wanting to say… “You’re not trying to tell me that God is doing His own will in this horrible, horrible world are you?”

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

GOD EVEN CHOOSES OUR RULERS!

.

That little book of Daniel presents some pretty big truths!

.

Another such truth is found in Chapter 4…

“…that the living may know

that the most High rules in the kingdom of men,

and giveth it to whomsoever He will,

and sets up over it the basest of men.”

Daniel 4:17

.

Yes, we actually think that we choose our earthly leaders. And so, we go and vote.

.

But this verse reveals that God is the One who chooses which leader will rule this, and every other kingdom on Earth.

.

And God even sets up the basest of men!

.

And so, it’s no wonder our leaders are so corrupt, quite often!

.

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzars Dream – www.wikigallery.com – Public Domain

.

THIS WORLD: GOD’S GOLD-SMITH SHOP!

.

And so, as strangers and pilgrims in this unhappy world, let’s take heart that the things which happen in this world are no accident!

.

No, this world is God’s silver & gold-smithing shop!

.

And God is sitting as a purifier of gold and silver… the gold of faith, love, and the silver of purity in the hearts of His Chosen Ones: us!

.

You see, God’s ultimate will is for His creation to be happy throughout all eternity!

.

Yes, that’s God’s ultimate will!

.

And His will shall be accomplished, even though things seem really out of control here.

.

gold smelting – public domain – wn.com

.

TO READ PART 2, GO HERE..

.September 22nd (Thy Will IS Done in Earth! Part 2)

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully grasp this concept of giving thanks in both the good as well as the bad things that happen. Help me to understand that nothing can happen to me, either good or bad, unless you allow it to happen…

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

GRASPING FOR SCEPTER AND A CROWN…

.

This page however just deals with the Woman travailing in child-birth.

.

**When she is in labor, she appears to reach out her hand southward to grasp a The Cross/Scepter, which is coming from the South, out of an ark-like box.**

.

**There also is a Crown of 12 Stars (13 counting a star in the center).**

.

**But the Crown (the Corona Borealis Constellation) is not yet on her head.**

.

**The crown is to the south of her. So she is grasping for the Cross/Scepter.**

.

She doesn’t yet wear the crown.

.

This reminds us of that well-known passage in Philippians

which states…

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13, 14

.

And also another verse of the apostle Paul…

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day:

and not to me only,

but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

2nd Timothy 4:8.

So, this woman with child is grasping, either for that Cross/Scepter, or perhaps that crown, or both.

.

This is such an incredible scenario in the heavens!

.

But this is a very complex concept.

.

Because this headless woman-with-child, which turns upside down in winter to become the “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12″…

.

**…and combine this with that Crown and that Cross/Scepter, of which she appears to be grasping for in summer, and these various aspects present a great portion of what the Bible is about.**

.

TOMORROW:

“May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People?)”

Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Genesis19-17.jpgiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #129 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 11th (Thy Will IS Done in Earth!)

Today’s Devotional – May 10th (Luther’s Penitence & Paul’s Toughness)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 10th

.

Luther’s Penitence & Paul’s Toughness

.

..

.

“Thou therefore endure hardness,

as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth 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

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

.

Martin Luther was a very dedicated monk in the apostate church of Europe.

.

Unfortunately, the Bible was not in the hands of the people of those days.

.

And so, Luther’s ignorance of grace caused him to go about his Salvation as if it depended on being earned by his own good works and self-deprivation!

.

**Therefore, Luther, as well as many other monks of those days, would perform various acts of penance, types of fastings and self-denial, and other such, “self-cleansings”.**

.

And by these means, he hoped to eventually merit Salvation.

.

Luther – 95 theses – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

LUTHER DISCOVERS GOD’S GRACE

.

Now, of course, as his own writings revealed, Luther finally discovered the Bible!

.

And through its knowledge, he eventually came to understand the concept of Salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

.

Yes, one day, as he was crawling up the “steps of penance”, it came to him like a bolt of lightning… “The Just shall live by faith!”

.

And this Bible verse became the mantra for his future ministry.

.

And as a result, the world finally came out of the dark religious fog of ignorance, which lay heavily upon Europe in those days!

.

Luther – Wikipedia – public domain

.

PAUL’S LIFE OF SELF-DENIAL

.

**Now, the Apostle, Paul, only after his conversion, fully comprehended, “Salvation by grace”.**

.

Yes, God has chosen Paul, not only to be the human role-model for the Church…

.

**…but also, to properly define what it means to be, “saved by grace”, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ.**

.

And yet, in spite of his knowledge of grace, Paul also denied himself many of the pleasures and comforts of life.

.

No, Paul didn’t crawl over broken glass, or flog himself, like those misled Christians in the Dark Ages.

.

But Paul did engage in much fasting, many sleepless nights in prayer, and generally lived a life of self-denial.

.

Yes, Paul lived a life of many hardships, most brought on by natural circumstances, as he journeyed thousands of miles, to spread the Good News in foreign lands.

.

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

.

So, just what was the difference between the Apostle, Paul, and the misguided monk, Martin Luther?

.

After all, both men were dedicated to God.

.

And both men believed in living a life of self-denial.

.

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

Luther – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

PAUL’S MASTERY OVER HIS FLESH

.

Well, let’s allow Paul to speak for himself…

…”Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,

but one receiveth the prize?

So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery

is temperate in all things…

But I keep under my body,

and bring it into subjection:

lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others,

I myself should be a castaway.”

1st Corinthians 9:24-27

.

So, Paul here is stating his purpose for denying himself many, “creature comforts” of life…

…”But I keep under my body,

and bring it into subjection:

lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others,

I myself should be a castaway.”

.

Yes, Paul compared the Christian life to a race that must be run.

.

And an important part of that race is to be “temperate in all things”.

.

And so, Paul knew the importance of keeping control over his body, lest he became a slave to his fleshly appetites.

.

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

.

LIVING IN A CORNUCOPIAN SOCIETY

.

So, how does all this translate into modern-day Christianity?

.

Just how do we relate to Paul and his many admonishments to…

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth 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

.

Well, as Christians today, many of us live in a very affluent society.

.

Becoming a true disciple of Jesus requires all.

.

Those who presume that they can continue to enthusiastically pursue the pleasures and cares of this life will eventually find themselves spiritually bankrupt!

.

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

.

THE UPWARD PATHWAY

.

Through daily contemplation of the Bible, through unceasing prayer, and through fiery trials, we become imperceptibly changed.

.

And little-by-little, our lives become more and more in harmony with Christ.

.

And then, one morning, we will awaken to realize, that we are now living that same self-sacrificing life that Christ (and Paul) lived!

.

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,

in much patience, in afflictions,

in necessities, in distresses,

In stripes, in imprisonments,

in tumults, in labours,

in watchings, in fastings;

By pureness, by knowledge,

by longsuffering, by kindness,

by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

By the word of truth, by the power of God,

by the armour of righteousness

on the right hand and on the left,

By honour and dishonour,

by evil report and good report:

as deceivers, and yet true;

As unknown, and yet well known;

as dying, and, behold, we live;

as chastened, and not killed;

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;

as poor, yet making many rich;

as having nothing,

and yet possessing all things”

2nd Corinthians 6:4-10

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be a follower of Paul, even as he was a follower of Jesus. Let me not be deceived to think that any good works will merit Salvation in any way…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

.

This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.

.

**Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story).**

.

Orion, the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon

(This sketch is the Winter Constellations descending into western horizon.

This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

.

**And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left).**

.

**But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan.**

.

**The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.**

.

This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark).

.

**While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions.**

.

It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

.

The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars.

.

**The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle.**

.

The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here).

.

**The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).**

.

(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here, “Orion The R eaper”.)

.

TOMORROW:

“May 11th (Thy Will IS Done in Earth!)”

Joseph Faithful in Prison – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #128 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #128

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 10th (Luther’s Penitence & Paul’s Toughness)

Today’s Devotional – May 9th (Vain Dogmatism!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 9th

.

Vain Dogmatism!

.

“but to this man will I look,

even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,

and trembleth at My word.”

Isaiah 66:2

.

The Bible makes every truth that is necessary for Salvation, as clear as noonday!

.

Yes, every essential doctrine is available to all.

.

“some things hard to be understood”

2nd Peter 3:16.

.

But as we know, there are many other things in Scripture which are hard to be understood.

.

Listen to Peter… “As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles,

speaking in them of these things;

in which are some things hard to be understood,

which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest,

as they do also the other scriptures,

unto their own destruction.”

2nd Peter 3:16.

.

Yes, there are many who must wrestle with many scriptures, so that they can hold on to their world-loving ways!

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped photo – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

LITERAL OR SPIRITUAL?

.

Now there are many truths which God has concealed.

.

And as we all should be aware, there are many truths concealed in metaphorical language.

.

One of those hard-to-be-understood truths is the role of Israel in these last days.

.

Just like so many future prophecies, God has spoken many things concerning Israel, which make it very difficult to know exactly what God is speaking of.

.

Declaration of State of Israel 1948 – Wikimedia – public domain

.

SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

.

In other words, God speaks of literal Israel, but also speaks of a spiritual Israel, which consists of all true worshippers of God.

.

For instance, listen to this…

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:

but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

That is, They which are the children of the flesh,

these are not the children of God:

but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”

Romans 9:6-8

.

So this is just one of many similar passages which speak of spiritual Israel.

.

Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

CHRIST, THE TRUE TEMPLE

.

So now, the big question to be asked is this: “How can we get dogmatic that God is going to begin working again with literal, national Israel, in the future, in the light of all the passages which speak of a spiritual Israel?”

.

Listen to 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.”

John 2:19-21.

.

It seems that the Old Testament people had the same problem that we now do!

.

They could only think in literal terms, while Jesus here was trying to open their eyes to spiritual truth!

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

.

IT’S A STUBBORN WORLD!

.

It seems as if hard-headed closed-mindedness is every bit as prevalent in today’s church-world as it was back in Old Testament times.

.

Listen to God’s assessment of His people…

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;

Behold…they have hardened their necks,

that they might not hear My words.”

Jeremiah 19:15 (Condensed)

.

**This is just one of many similar passages in which God is warning His people of their refusal to listen to his “Word of Life”.**

.

And likewise, it is today. Just like old Mr. Obstinate here, from Pilgrim’s Progress, many of us are stuck in our ways, and mostly refuse to give up our hard-heartedness.

.

But Jesus said…“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Mark 10:15

.

Children are much more receptive to seemingly new teachings, and Jesus here admonishes us to be childlike in our faith!

.

Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

.

The very Good News is that today is still the day of Salvation!

.

And those of us who realize our necks are much too stiff and unbendable, can yet fall to our spiritual knees and cry out for God’s meek and mild Spirit to infill us with childlike belief in His Word.

.

And with this accomplished, the indwelling Holy Spirit will dispel our proud defiance and cause us to turn from this rebellious and hard-hearted and stubborn world, and allow the “meekness of wisdom” to fill our needy souls.

.

And then, with childlike willingness, we can begin to look at God’s Word with fresh eyes, as the Psalms 119 encourages us…“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“At that time Jesus answered and said,

‘I thank thee, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth,

because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,

and hast revealed them unto babes.”

Matthew 11:25

.

To read more on spiritual and literal Israel, go to…

March 14th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!)

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be humble, meek and teachable! Let not my pride make me “puffed up” concerning my understanding of Bible truth…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

REVELATION 12 WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven; a woman…

And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven;

and behold a great red dragon,

having seven heads and ten horns,

and seven crowns upon his heads…

And the woman fled into the wilderness,

where she hath a place prepared of God…

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman,

that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”

Revelation 12:1, 3, 6, 15

.

**Here is a sketch of this Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12.**

.

**This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven.**

.

**Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.**

.

**This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing. As you can see, the Dragon Constellation is spewing a flood of water in her direction, as is written…**

…“And the serpent cast out of his mouth

water as a flood after the woman,

that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”

Revelation 12:15.

This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.

.

GOD’S MESSAGE: FLEE!!

.

**Beholding the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation in winter, it seems that God is trying to get a very important message across to His people: that His Church is to flee!**

.

But what are they to flee from?

.

Well, you can go to the article titled “The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation”

.

TOMORROW:

“May 10th (Paul’s Hardness or Luther’s Penitence?)”.

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #127 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 9th (Vain Dogmatism!)

Today’s Devotional – May 8th (The Darby/Scofield Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 9: The Church Hidden)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 8th

.

The Darby/Scofield Pre-Trib Rapture,

.

Part 9:

The Church Hidden

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”

.

“Because thou hast kept the word of My patience,

I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,

which shall come upon all the world,

to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Revelation 3:10

.

Popular theology has assigned this above verse to the so-called “Rapture” of God’s people out of this world, just prior to this coming Great Tribulation.

.

But while it is true that there will be some whom God keeps from the “hour of temptation”, it nowhere says anything about rapturing them out of the world, just prior to the man-concocted event, the so-called, “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”.

.

**The true event has the God-given name, “The Coming of the Lord”, as named in 1st Thessalonians 4:15, James 5:7, and James 5:8.**

.

**This “coming of the Lord” occurs on “the last day, as spoken of four times in John, Chapter 6.**

.

Nevertheless, concerning God’s faithful ones, Revelation merely says that they will be “kept from the hour of temptation”.

.

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

.

HAS GOD KEPT HIS FAITHFUL ONES FROM PERSECUTION?

.

It must be remembered here that God was speaking to the Church of Philadelphia, which existed back around 100 AD.

.

**Did God literally Rapture them out of the world, or did He merely keep them from the hour of temptation which came upon the whole world?**

.

The Christians in Europe, during the Dark Ages, were more or less persecuted by the apostate ruling church of Europe, who enlisted the support of the civil governments of Europe to apply physical violence against those who loved the Bible, and even waged war against the Bible itself!

.

Did God keep these faithful ones from persecution?

.

Avvakum (burned 1682) by artist, Myasoyedov 1897 Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

“THE RIGHTEOUS PERISH”

.

Now, to be sure, there is coming one last climactic finale to this world.

.

But while it’s true that some may be spared this great testing of the world, there may be another manner in which God spares His people from all this.

.

One way, of course is through death.

Listen…

“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart:

and merciful men are taken away,

none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”

Isaiah 57:1.

.

So, as this verse reveals, God in His foreknowledge, will take people away in death, to spare them from much greater evil, lurking just beyond the horizon!

.

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

.

“HIDE THYSELF…FOR A LITTLE MOMENT”

.

But there is yet another way in which God keeps His people from the evil to come.

.

Listen… “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.

.

Notice that this passage doesn’t say that God’s people are permanently removed from the Earth.

.

It merely says that they are to hide themselves, “for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past.”

.

This passage definitely concerns Judgment Day, and yet it says nothing about the Church being removed from the Earth! It merely says to hide in their chambers.

.

This merely conveys the idea of going into a shelter till a storm passes over.

.

Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“THOU (GOD) ART MY HIDING PLACE”

Psalm 32:7

.

Now listen to Psalms…

“For in the time of trouble

He (God) shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle

shall He hide me;

He shall set me up upon a Rock.”

Psalm 27:5.

.

**As this Psalm reveals, God is our refuge, and He is our “hiding place“.**

.

God doesn’t need to remove a Christian from the face of the Earth, in order to keep him safe from the hour of trial and testing.

.

There are so many other passages which reiterate this same concept.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“A thousand shall fall at thy side…but…Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked”

Psalm 91:7, 8 (Condensed)

.

This above passage from Psalm 91, gives God’s people comfort and assurance that they will be safe during the coming Time of Trouble!

.

And this same assurance is recorded in the Book of Exodus, in the true account of how God sent ten plagues upon the land of Egypt.

.

But though God’s people remained in that land, yet God kept the children of Israel safe…

“And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt…

both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field,

and brake every tree of the field.

*Only…where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.”***

Exodus 9:25, 26 (Condensed)

.

No, God didn’t need to remove His people from earth to keep them from the plagues!

.

Holman Bible – Plague of hail – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

A TIME OF STRENGTHENING

.

The coming time of trouble will be an experience which God will send His people through as a means of strengthening their faith and trust in God.

.

They will have little if any earthly support!

.

Their only option will be to place their trust wholly upon their God…

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

TO READ PART 10, CLICK HERE…

“July 25 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 10: “The ‘Behold, I Come as a Thief’ Hoax!””

Thief – Bewickthief big – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings. Let me take refuge in Thee…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

LOCATING THE DRAGON

.

This star-chart from Wikipedia shows this constellation group as they appear above the eastern horizon.

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

Then with aid of a dark & 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 somewhat defined with stars.

.

The front legs are made partially of Taurus.

.

**The back legs and rear fin are made of the Cetus Constellation.**

.

But 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.**

.

**This Dragon Constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours.**

.

This Dragon is spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured here).

.

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

.

There are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth.

.

**These two dimmer stars near to the Dragon’s mouth, are also part of this Wave of Water.**

.

TOMORROW:

“May 9th (Vain Dogmatism!)”

Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #126 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 8th (The Darby/Scofield Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 9: The Church Hidden)

Today’s Devotional – May 7th (Ostriches & Us!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 7th

.

Ostriches & Us!

.

“Gavest thou…wings and feathers unto the ostrich?

Which leaveth her eggs in the earth,

and warmeth them in dust,

And forgetteth that the foot may crush them,

or that the wild beast may break them.

***She is* *hardened against her young ones,***

as though they were not hers:

her labour is in vain without fear;

Because God hath deprived her of wisdom,

neither hath he imparted to her understanding.

What time she lifteth up herself on high,

she scorneth the horse and his rider.”

Job 39:13-18

.

Ostriches in a farm, Thailand – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation license

.

In the last few chapters of the Book of Job, God asks Job some pretty tough questions.

.

And in this above passage from that wonderful book, God is scolding Job because Job’s pride caused him to think that he was righteous, when actually, he was not! Yes, Job had covert wickedness hidden within his heart.

.

So, God was putting Job in his rightful place, as a sinner who desperately needed God’s grace.

.

Job by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) Wikimedia – US public domain

.

***“the ostrich…Which leaveth her eggs in the earth,* *and warmeth them in dust, And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them”***

Job 39:13

.

But this little critique by God regarding ostriches, from the Book of Job, presents an allegory that should not escape our attention!

.

Because in today’s world, WE Christians have far too often conducted our lives in accordance with this passage (which by the way, is not so much about ostriches, than it is about God’s Church.)

.

For instance, this passage speaks of the haphazard manner in which the ostrich cares for her soon-to-be-born babies. She takes no precautions for their safety! She merely leaves her eggs in an open place, even in pathways where they are easy targets for travelers to crush, or beasts to devour!

.

And of course, God is not nearly so concerned about ostrich eggs here!

.

No, this is an obvious comparison to how we Christians so often handle our own young ones.

.

Ostrich nest – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES

.

Just think of how many ways that we Christians have been careless with our young ones!

.

Pregnant mothers quite often don’t take good care of themselves during those nine months. Constantly eating less-than-wholesome food, and sometimes taking possibly harmful medications.

.

And after delivery, nursing Christian mothers are often too quick to begin feeding them formula milk instead of her own milk, merely for convenience’s sake.

.

And a little later, the Christian mother needlessly returns to work, leaving them in the care of others for four or five days a week, often for the sake of maintaining a self-indulgent lifestyle that financial affluence affords.

.

Parents often divorce, leaving children without one parent in the home.

.

Junk Food – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

.

“SPIRIT…WILLING, BUT…FLESH…WEAK”

Matthew 26:41

.

Of course, the Lord fully understands that extenuating circumstances often make our choices limited, in the whirl of everyday business and in the varying circumstances of this present life.

.

Nevertheless, all these things have both a direct, and indirect bearing on the future health and happiness of our children!

.

And Christian parents need to make every possible concession and sacrifice in OUR own lives, to accommodate the health needs of our developing children.

.

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

SECULAR ASSOCIATIONS

.

And as the child grows older, Christian parents often allow their children to make friends with children of unbelievers, enabling them to learn the godless ways of the world.

.

Instead, we should have been crying out for the Lord’s deliverance from harmful environments.

.

Children’s Street basketball during a church fair – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

SECULAR INDOCTRINATION

.

Next, we Christian parents often send their children to secular institutes to learn, “the three ‘R’s'”.

.

A recent survey found that most Christian children attend public schooling!

.

And of course, along with the “three R’s”, they also get a thorough indoctrination into godlessness, from less-than-wholesome peers, and from the atheistic curriculum which is a normal undercurrent at such places.

.

Homeschoolers playing Dutch Blitz at picnic gathering – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS”

1st Corinthians 15:33

.

And then, when the children return home from school, many Christian parents permit the children to watch TV and Internet and listen to radio, allowing Satan to further fill their minds with less-than-wholesome talk and often even vile images!

.

SEEKING EARTHLY RICHES

.

And then, to top it all off, many of us Christian parents often encourage our youth to pursue some high-paying career, not remembering Paul’s admonition…

.

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things;

and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

1st Timothy 6:8-11.

.

Do we somehow think this above advice is not for us? It says here, “having food and raiment, let us therewith be content”.

.

college grads – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

STRANGERS & PILGRIMS?

.

Now, is this the normal position that the Christian-community takes today?

.

Are there not many Christians today, exerting and expending much energy, all in effort to amass great stores of earthly Mammon in their pursuit of self-indulgent lifestyles?

.

Now of course, the unsaved people of the world are perfectly right in pursuing their earthly dreams.

.

After all, this world will be their final home and eternal resting place.

.

But Christian pilgrims have a calling to, “come out from among them and be separate”.

.

And yet, Christians have been called out to follow Jesus, not to seek after the self-indulgent pleasures and proud pursuits and the vain dreams of this selfish world!

.

But we are called to sojourn to a better place.

.

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

.

OUR BIBLE ROLE-MODELS!

.

Look at Jesus!

.

Was this what His life on earth was all about?

.

Or just look to Paul! Was Paul trying to live out his declining years in a leisurely pursuit of personal pleasure?

.

No, but both of these men expended all their time and energy for the love and Salvation of all souls before them! And these two, Jesus, and even Paul, are to be our role-models, as Scripture plainly commands!

.

And listen to Paul’s declaration of what his life was all about…

“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.

.

Do these words sound like they come from a man who sought to enjoy the pleasures and pursuits of this present life?

.

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

.

SINS OF SODOM REPEATED!

.

Through the centuries past, Christian parents encouraged their children to become evangelists.

.

Young people were content to live a life of poverty, working menial jobs, in effort to get out the soul-saving Gospel to all those who were starving for the bread of life. No sacrifice was too costly! No hardship too great, if only they could take the Gospel to the world!

.

But nowadays, Christian parents follow the self-seeking ways of the world, to a great degree, encouraging the same opulence and the same self-indulgence which ultimately destroyed the people of those wealthy cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other surrounding cities!

.

And of course, along with a high-paying career, comes all the time-consuming, energy-sapping, and spirituality-draining obligations.

.

And by the time that young college grad finally gets his or her own self on an even-keel with their careers and family life, perhaps as much as ten or twenty years may have passed by; long ago leaving Jesus Christ back somewhere along the dusty trail!

.

Girl with a Bible (Faith of Our Fathers) – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

SOME VERY GOOD NEWS!

.

Well, none of us can hold our heads up high, since we’ve often ‘dropped the ball’, so to speak, in our own parental responsibilities! None of us can judge any other human, since our own wisdom, like the ostrich, has been faulty and deprived in times past, and may even be still!

.

**Ah, but in all this bad news report, there has been discovered some extremely Good News, O stranger and pilgrim in the earth! Yes, we have a very merciful and pitying God who loves happy endings!**

.

Yes, if we will turn back to Him with all our heart, putting away all our earth-loving pleasures and worldly idols, then who knows if God might just begin to bring our grown-up children back to a rich and dedicated life in Christ!?

.

morning prayers Ebenezer_Newman_Downard_Morning_prayer_1860 – Wikipedia – public domain

.

NEVER GIVE UP…NEVER!!!

.

And even the grandparents who have “blown it” in the past, can certainly rededicate our lives to a 100% devotion to Christ. And who knows if our rededication and prayers may save our loved ones?

.

Listen to this hopeful promise…

“And rend your heart, and not your garments,

and turn unto the LORD your God:

for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,

and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil.

Who knoweth if He will return and repent,

and leave a blessing behind him;

even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?”

Joel 2:13, 14

.

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

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to repent of my backsliding and ease-loving ways before it’s too late! Give me the wisdom that accompanies a new heart: a heart that desires to follow Thee, whithersoever Thou goest. Help me to pray unceasingly for my family.

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

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

.

THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

.

“Gavest thou…wings and feathers unto the ostrich?….What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.” Job 39:17, 18

.

Here in the above condensed passage is revealed a tremendous Bible prophecy! Here the ostrich (being a symbol of the Church-Apostate) is going to lift up herself and scorn the horse and his rider.

.

Well, if we look in the winter-night skies, we might possibly have our eyes opened to see a most incredible constellation group, known as the “Horse and His Rider” Constellation Group.

Holy-Ghost-Rider on Goodly Horse (above western horizon)

.

And so, this above passage speaks of the time of the end (which we are just now in). And sadly to say, there will be many in the Church who will scorn this last message, just as the wisdom-deprived ostrich scorns the Horse and His Rider, who symbolize God’s Church in battle, being ridden by the Spirit of Christ! Such a sad ending for the Church-Apostate, to scorn the Holy Spirit: the same Spirit that they so often exulted in praise, with their lips!

.

This constellation group is made up of a number of smaller constellations: the horse’s head, made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation. The Rider is made primarily from the Camelopardalis Constellation.

.

TOMORROW…

“May 8th (The Church Hidden)”

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #125 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 7th (Ostriches & Us!)

Today’s Devotional – May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 6th

.

Who Are The Sons Of Levi?

THE FOLLOWING DEVOTIONAL IS MADE OF EXCERPTS FROM THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

.

GOD’S EVERLASTING RESTING PLACE

.

Listen… “For the Lord hath chosen Zion;

He hath desired it for His habitation.

This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell;

for I 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.

.

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

.

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

.

“THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER”

.

But it doesn’t stop merely with heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Zion!

.

As if that’s not incredible enough, God reveals more to us!

.

Because, 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.

.

Here is established an everlasting priesthood with Christ, the eternal High Priest.

.

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

.

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD…US

.

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!

.

“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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

WE, THE TRIBE OF LEVI

.

Now listen to this passage concerning New Testament believers…

“But who may abide the day of His (Christ’s) 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.”

.

This above passage 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.

.

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

.

WE ARE THE SACRIFICE TO GOD!

.

And so, since priests must offer sacrifices, just what 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.

.

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!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

SHUTTING OURSELVES IN WITH GOD

.

“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.

.

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 of holiness, God’s people continually speak of His glory!

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

PETER SAID IT PLAINLY…

.

Peter said it more bluntly, concerning our service to God.

.

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.

.

Well this passage certainly raises the bar for Christian conduct, doesn’t it?

.

Rembrandt_van_Rijn_-_St__Peter_in_Prison_The_Apostle_Peter_Kneeling_-_Google_Art_Project – Wikimedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to bring honor to Thy holy name, as I engage in my priestly duties…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

.

LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

.

Look eastward in the early summer through fall.

.

Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing.

.

In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left.

.

In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward.

.

Then find the second snow-cap to its right (south).

.

Then go a little further south to the next third snow-cap.

.

The snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation.

.

(of course, obviously, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

.

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP.

.

They appear in mid-summer in the eastern skies in pre-dawn hours.

.

These are made of Cassiopeia (mount on left), and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell).

.

The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.

.

The above Wikipedia star-chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears from June to fall, just prior to the winter constellation group.

.

Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in early summer in the pre-dawn hours. (Editor of this website has sketched in this constellation group onto this above Wikipedia star-chart.)

.

TOMORROW…

“May 7th (Ostriches & Us)”

Female Ostrich by Sandy Cole for Wikimedia share-alike license

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #124 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?)

Today’s Devotional – May 5th (The Proper Way To Wash Dishes)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 5th

.

The Proper Way To Wash Dishes

.

It seems that our culture has become almost obsessed with outward cleanliness!

.

And of course, cleanliness is good!

.

Much of the advertising on TV has to do with cleaning products: soaps, cleaning tools, and other new products designed to enhance the appearance of the home.

.

Kitchen 1937 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

CLEAN THE INSIDE FIRST!

.

And speaking of cleaning, several of the Gospels tell the story of when Jesus and His Disciples attended a dinner “in their honor”.

.

Well, when it came time to sit down, some of the Pharisees took note and complained to Jesus, that the disciples did not first wash their hands.

.

And Jesus used this incident as an occasion to reprimand these Pharisees for, not only their rudeness, but also about their outward cleanliness.

.

Listen… “ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups:

and many other such like things ye do….

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter,

but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter,

that the outside of them may be clean also.”

Mark 7:28 & Matthew 23:25, 26.

.

**And so, Jesus used this metaphor of “first clean the inside of the cup” to reveal the undone condition of their hearts!**

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

.

***CLEANLINESS IS OFTEN* *NEXT TO PHARISEEISM!***

.

**John Wesley is purported to have coined the phrase, “Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness”.**

.

Well, John Wesley was a great man of God, to be sure. But he really should have used the phrase, “Cleanliness is quite often next to Pharisaism”.

.

Because, outward cleanliness is actually next to worthless, unless it is combined with INWARD cleanliness of the heart!

.

ABOVE PAINTING:Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley-1703-1791

.

FIRST CLEAN THE INSIDE

.

No doubt, if you have a chance to visit those proud Pharisees, you would have found their houses “swept, clean, and put in order”. Luke 11:25 NIV

.

But God “looks upon the heart” of Man. 1st Samuel 16:7.

.

And Jesus proclaims what was in the heart of those Pharisees…

.

“And He (Jesus) saith unto them…

That which cometh out of the man, that defiles the man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,

adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness,

wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Mark 7:18-23

.

This Pharisee in the forefront of this above picture to the right, has cleaned up himself outwardly.

.

And yet, inwardly he remains in his sins.

.

Tissot The Pharisee and publican – Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia – US public domain

.

JUST ANOTHER SIN

.

While it is very commendable to be neat and clean and moral and hard-working, these virtues must be accompanied by the other Christ-like virtues, as well, to be of any true value!

.

Otherwise, all we end up with is proud pharisaism.

.

Just listen… “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Proverbs 21:4.

.

This verse not only declares that a high look and a proud heart are sin.

.

**But also, it declares that even “the plowing (the labor) of the wicked is sin“.**

.

REGARDS HIS LIFE AS THE STANDARD

.

You see, the Pharisee has set himself up as the standard of excellence, instead of Christ.

.

The Pharisee never ever judges others who have his own particular weaknesses!

.

But in the areas where he’s strong, these are the traits he judges the world by.

.

After all, it’s no fun to scorn others who share “my own” sins!

.

It’s only fun to scorn the sins which are not so noticeable in “my own” life!

.

drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – public domain

.

BIBLE IS THE TRUE STANDARD

.

But if only this Pharisee would take his eye off others, and begin to look at his own self, in the mirror of the Bible, he might start to see that, in spite of his good qualities, he doesn’t measure up to the true standard, which is Jesus Christ.

.

This is because, along with that good work ethic, and so on, he has some other qualities which are not so Christ-like.

.

Besides being a hard worker, and neat and moral, Jesus was also patient, non-aggressive, kind, slow-to-wrath, gentle, humble, sympathetic to the needs and even the desires of others; qualities which those proud moralists simply do not possess!

.

Quite the contrary, Pharisaism is often subject to foolish-pride, fits of anger, judgmental-finger-pointing, impatience, selfish-opportunism, greed, sarcasm, lacking-in-sympathy, rudeness, and a host of other qualities which are normally associated with Satan’s character, and never with Christ’s.

.

Mirror globe – by Arpingstone for Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”

Mark 7:28 & Matthew 23:25, 26.

.

And so, O sorely tried and tempted soul, if my life is out of control in this area, or other areas, it may just be that God is humbling us, to drive out that “the Old Man” of sin, who is a proud Pharisee.

.

Yes, God has to humble His children outwardly, in hopes that they will begin to cleanse the inside of the cup first, their own heart and soul.

.

And then, after a while, He can help them to begin to clean up their outward life.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place within the heart – Signs Of Heaven

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully engage in the daily purification of my heart. Remove all proud Pharisaism from my heart…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

.

Please tilt your head slightly to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose?

(Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

.

Do you see an angry look? His right eyebrow is raised as if he is judging.

.

This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox.

.

Or maybe a wolf.

.

Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox?

.

Maybe even a dog.

.

Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn.

.

**Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn.**

.

As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.

.

He is very moral, you see!

.

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

.

TOMORROW…

“May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?)”

High-Priest – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #123 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 5th (The Proper Way To Wash Dishes)

Today’s Devotional – May 4th (Mark of the Beast & Seal of God)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 4th

.

Mark of the Beast & Seal of God

.

“…this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard that it should come;

and even now already is it in the world…

They are of the world:

therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them…

We are of God…he that is not of God heareth not us.

Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

1st John 4:3, 5, 6

.

There is no shortage in today’s Christian community, of ideas about just what is this “mark” which Revelation 13 speaks of.

.

Yes, the Bible says… “And he (the 2nd Beast) causes all,

both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,

to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

And that no man might buy or sell,

save he that had the mark,

or the name of the (1st) beast,

or the number of his name…

Six hundred threescore and six.”

Revelation 13: 16-18

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

BELIEVER OR MAKE-BELIEVER?

.

Some say it is a literal mark on one’s forehead or right hand.

.

Others say it is some world-wide computer, that keeps track of everyone’s business and doings.

.

Still others believe it has to do with the day of one’s worship.

.

Still others say it is a type of bar-code which will be placed on the forehead.

.

And yet, still others say it will be a micro-chip embedded in one’s hand, or forehead.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

A MUCH DEEPER ISSUE INVOLVED

.

But there is a deeper issue to all this.

.

And that issue is this: just what is it that distinguishes a “true worshipper of God”, from the “false brethren”?

.

This is the great question which needs to be understood!

.

After all, God is not going to alter His everlasting covenant!

.

No, God’s Word has spelled out all that is required for Salvation.

.

And these principles are not negotiable, nor changeable.

.

So let’s take a few moments to quickly lay out the difference between a Believer, and, as one preacher puts it, a “make-believer”.

.

Magnifying Glass – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

.

WHO SITS ON THRONE OF THE HEART?

.

Now if one goes to the core of the issue, Salvation is a matter of the heart!

.

Merely going to church each week, or paying tithes, or serving in a church office does not save anybody!

.

Jesus plainly says…

…”Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you,

***saying,* *This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth,***

and honoureth Me with their lips;

but their heart is far from Me.”

Matthew 15:7, 8.

.

So Jesus lays out here a basic principle: true Salvation has to do with the thoughts of the heart.

.

Yes, it is in a person’s forehead that the thoughts occur.

.

This is the location of the heart.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

THOUGHTS OF THE HEART!

.

Next, Jesus revealed to His disciples, just why the Pharisees, which were outwardly righteous, were actually inwardly wicked!

.

Listen… “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,

murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

These are the things which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

Matthew 15:19, 20.

.

Yes, the Pharisees were outwardly very moral and very neat and clean and organized.

.

But in heart, they were filled with the attributes of Satan!

.

And Jesus plainly stated here in this above passage, that it is the evil thoughts of the heart that defile a person.

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

PURIFY YOUR HEARTS YE DOUBLE-MINDED!

.

Now, on the other hand, the Bible is filled with many passages which reveal that the Christian must put away all evil in the heart.

.

Listen to the words of James… “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8.

.

So in this above verse, James reveals where the wickedness is: in the hands and in the heart and mind.

.

And as he says, we Christians must cleanse our hands of all wickedness, and purify our hearts and minds of all divided allegiance! (Here is a veiled reference to the Mark of the Beast, which is in the right hand or in the forehead!)

.

In other words, there is no room in God’s kingdom for those who profess to love God, while at the same time serve the gods of this world!

.

And it is with the hands and with the mind that we serve other gods!

.

Mark of the beast – public domain – Wikipedia

.

THE DAY SHALL DECLARE!

.

And the Bible reveals that at the end, it will be made manifest, just who worships God, and who worships Satan, as he comes through this beast power.

.

Listen…

…”and all the world wondered after the beast.

And they worshipped the dragon (Satan)

which gave power unto the beast:”

Revelation 13:3, 4.

.

Yes, as this passage indicates, to worship the beast, is to worship the dragon, Satan!

.

And so, it is imperative that every man, woman, and child, who makes a profession of loving God, begins to do the work of purifying the heart, and eliminating all selfishness which manifests itself in the works of our hands.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

.

“Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience,

when your obedience is fulfilled.”

2nd Corinthians 10:5, 6

.

Now there are many Christians who have been taught that such an admonition as Paul makes here, is impossible!

.

But listen again to Paul…

…”Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly

above all that we ask or think,

according to the Power that worketh in us,”

Ephesians 3:20.

.

Yes, as this verse reveals, God can do exceeding abundantly more in our hearts than anything we have asked for, or even believe is possible!

.

And that statement, dear Christian, opens very big and very real possibilities, does it not?

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to engage in the process of purifying my heart. Please give me the trials which will cause me to look up and keep my mind stayed upon Thee…

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

LOCATING THE DRAGON

.

REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!

.

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.

.

Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

.

THE DRAGON OF REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION. 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.

.

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

.

LOCATION…

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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.**

.

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.

.

TOMORROW…

“May 5th (The Proper Way to Wash Dishes!)”

Washing dishes at LGC wikipedia share-alike license

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #122 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 4th (Mark of the Beast & Seal of God)

Today’s Devotional – May 3rd (True Bullet-Proof Faith!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 3rd

.

TRUE BULLET-PROOF FAITH!

.

“That the trial of your faith,

being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,

though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise and honour and glory

at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

1st Peter 1:7

.

Have you ever seen bullet-proof combat gear?

.

Well, here’s a medal-of-honor soldier wearing the bullet-proof gear which kept him alive, as he kept on fighting bravely, thus inspiring his fellow soldiers to also keep fighting through the overwhelming barrage of deadly gunfire from the enemy!

.

But how does this bullet-proof gear help us to understand our Salvation and our faith?

.

Well, read on to find out…

.

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

WAR IN HEAVEN

.

Listen to this little verse which presents a giant truth about this present world…

.

“And there was war in heaven:

Michael and his angels fought against the dragon;

and the dragon fought and his angels,”

Revelation 12:7

.

The Bible tells us that there was war in Heaven.

.

Yes, there was a great rebellion by Lucifer, who desired the same homage that only belongs to God.

.

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Paradise Lost – by G. Dore – wikipedia – public-domain

.

REBELLION MOVED TO PLANET EARTH

.

And in the process of time, this rebellion found its way to planet Earth.

.

And as a result, we now have, not only the angels who rebelled, but also an entire planet of humans in rebellion.

.

Yes, generation after generation of the human family have lived in defiance against the government of Heaven!

.

Bullet-proof gear –

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

.

GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE

.

Now listen again to this, our signature passage for today…

…”That the trial of your faith,

being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,

though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise and honour and glory

at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

1st Peter 1:7

.

Here Paul makes the analogy between our faith, and the purification of gold by fire.

.

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

FAITH THROUGH THE FIRE!

.

Now, listen to this next passage about a, “third part” of God’s people, who will be purified by fire…

…”And I will bring the third part through the fire,

and will refine them as silver is refined,

and will try them as gold is tried:

they shall call on My name, and I will hear them:

I will say, It is My people:

and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”

Zechariah 13:9

.

Here again, this above passage makes a similar proclamation! God will purify His people, even as gold is purified by fire!

.

Goldkey (logo removed) – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE: TO PURIFY A PEOPLE

.

You see, God, in His infinite wisdom, is using this great rebellion on planet Earth for His own glory.

.

He speaks of this truth in such places as the Epistle to the Romans…

.

Listen… “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creature

waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,

but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope,”

Romans 8:18-20

.

So, this above passage reveals that the entire Creation is waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God, and the glory which shall be revealed in them.

.

Goldkey (logo removed) – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

MOCKED, SCORNED, AND DERIDED

.

**The children of God can expect to receive a whole lot of non-verbal abuse by “The Prince of the Power of the Air”, that is, Satan and his evil angels.**

.

**Especially in these coming hours of great tribulation, Satan, “the Accuser of the Brethren” will put condemning and discouraging thoughts into the minds of Christians.**

.

And it may get so intense at various times, that the Christian will be fiercely tempted to totally give up!

.

But God is purposely allowing us to go through all these trials to strengthen our shield of faith.

.

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE

.

Perhaps it could be said that God is raising up a people to replace those angels which rebelled.

.

Now, the Bible doesn’t use that exact language, so we shouldn’t speculate.

.

But one thing is for sure! Those who go through the fires of tribulation, will be so strengthened, that their love and faith will be “bullet-proof”, so to speak.

.

Gold bars – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

“LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS”

Luke 21:28

.

Now listen to this passage in which Jesus restored the blind man’s eyesight…

…”After that He (Jesus) put His hands again upon his (the blind man’s) eyes,

and made him look up:

and he was restored…”

Mark 8:25.

.

Here, Jesus put His hands upon the blind man’s eyes, and made him look up.

.

And by so-doing, the man’s eyes were opened!

.

Christ and the blind Pauper – cropped photo – Mironov – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

WE TOO MUST, “LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS!”

Luke 21:28

.

And the healing of that blind man is a wonderful picture of what Jesus does to all who call on Him for Salvation!

.

So when we see God’s people going through very painful experiences, let’s keep in mind that God is allowing such trials to strengthen their faith in God.

.

And the many trials Christians often go through are given, so as to make them look up!

.

He wants to make them forever-faithful!

.

He desires to instill in them an unshakable faith which will last throughout all eternity!

.

Munch – Det Syke Barn (The Sick Child) – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

LOOKING UP AT ETERNAL THINGS!

.

And so, as we step back and look at our seemingly desperate circumstances from the heavenly vantage-point, we begin to realize that…

“…our light affliction, which is but for a moment,

works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen,

but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen are temporal;

but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2nd Corinthians 4:17, 18.

.

Yes, in the light of eternity, our afflictions down here are very little, in comparison to the exceeding glory that will soon be revealed in God’s people!

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped & altered photo – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

OUR DAILY BATTLE

.

Perhaps at the end of each day, maybe while lying down in bed (and at any time during the day), we need to spend much time thinking back on how we might have overcome that big or little attack by the Devil.

.

**Just what “exceeding great and precious promises” could have been employed, which would have given us the victory over the temptations which assailed us in our daily warfare?**

.

Listen…Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

(2nd Peter 1:4)

.

Constant learning and hiding of the many Bible promises into our hearts is a critically important part of our daily walk in the Lord!

.

The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Lord, Help me to endure these trials which plague my life! Help me to look up and fix my eyes heavenward. Give me that bullet-proof faith necessary to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil…

.

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

GOODLY HORSE IN BATTLE CONSTELLATION

.

“With the hoofs of his horses

shall he tread down all thy streets:

he shall slay thy people by the sword,

and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.”

Ezekiel 26:12

.

THIS STAR-CHART: Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon.

.

Also notice his eye is a star.

.

It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky.

.

It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.

.

In January, it is in the west after midnight.

.

As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening, a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation.

.

**It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.**

.

**And as already stated, this Glorious Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west.**

.

**The nose and head of this horse is partly made from the Perseus Constellation.**

.

**The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation.**

.

**The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.**

.

TOMORROW…

“May 4th (Mark of the Beast & Seal of God)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #121 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 3rd (True Bullet-Proof Faith!)

Today’s Devotional – May 2nd (Faith That Overcomes!)

By admin On January 18th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 2nd

.

Faith That Overcomes!

.

“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

.

The story of Job (pronounced with a long “O”) is a very important part of the Bible.

.

You see, it is the fulfillment and expansion of the concept of what it means, “to overcome the world”.

.

Let’s go to 1st John to get our signature Bible passage, concerning this concept…

.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:

and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Who is he that overcometh the world,

but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

1st John 5:4, 5

.

Now this passage is a bit confusing, the way it is worded. And as a result, many ask the question…

.

…”Is ‘overcoming the world’ merely God’s legal pronouncement that is figuratively attributed to the Believer, as a result of faith?

.

…Or does the Believer truly overcome the world?”

.

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922)wikimedia public domain

.

OVERCOMING AS JESUS OVERCAME

.

**Now this idea of overcoming is one great theme of the Book of Revelation, in which God repeats the phrase, “He that overcomes…” in each of His messages to the 7 churches of Asia.**

.

Now, fortunately, this somewhat confusing concept of overcoming the world is greatly clarified by the message to the church at Laodicea, when Jesus declares…

…”To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with Me in My throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

Revelation 3:21.

.

Now here is a big revealing statement, that God truly expects us to overcome the world, “even as I (Jesus) also overcame” the world!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

But this devotional began with a statement regarding Job.

.

So where does the Book of Job fit into this question?

.

Exactly what does the Book of Job have to do with overcoming the world?

.

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

.

GOD ALLOWS DEVIL TO TEST JOB

.

Well, the story of Job is the story of the interaction between God and the Devil, in the life of Job!

.

Yes, God really pulls back the curtain, so to speak, and shows us how He actually uses the Devil to accomplish His (God’s) own divine purposes in purifying His people!

.

First, God almost goes to the point of provoking the Devil into sending trials upon Job.

.

And thus, a great test begins, in which the Devil brings a number of different devastating tragedies upon Job, all in the hope of getting Job to curse God, resulting in Job giving up his faith in God.

.

PAINTING – Blake – 1793 – Jobs Tormentors – Wikipedia – US -Public Domain

.

JOB FINALLY OVERCOMES!

.

Now God won this challenge concerning Job’s faith!

.

But in the process, some inward evil in Job’s heart became manifest, as a result of these trials.

.

Yes, as Job’s three “friends” continually accused Job, Job eventually reacted with proud anger.

.

And in the end, when God rebuked Job for his pride and anger against God, Job realized that indeed, he (Job) was harboring hidden pride and self-righteous rebellion in his own heart!

.

And as we all know, Job finally confessed and renounced his own wickedness, and humbly acknowledged that God was true and righteous and gracious and merciful to him.

.

Job and his friends – Wikimedia – public domain

.

JOB REPRESENTS ALL BELIEVERS

.

Now here is the great point to all this: God and the Devil have a controversy with each and every Christian who professes to be a child of God.

.

And he (The Devil) brings similar accusations against each and every one of us.

.

And this is why Christians go through so many trials and temptations.

.

Make no mistake, O child of God, the Devil is trying his very best to discourage us into giving up our faith!

.

Because God is making sure that there will never ever be another rebellion in Heaven, such as Lucifer’s rebellion!

.

And so, God brought Job through all those heavy trials, for the purpose of purifying his heart, and strengthening Job’s faith!

.

Listen… “But He (God) knows the way that I take:

when He hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.”

Job 23:10.

Yes, in the midst of his trials, Job made this confession concerning God, that he (Job) would ultimately be victorious!

.

David’s sorrow – cropped photo – wikigallery – public domain

.

GOD SITS AS A PURIFIER OF GOLD…

.

“And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:

and He shall purify the sons of Levi (Believers),

and purge them as gold and silver,

that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

Malachi 3:3.

.

This verse reveals that God is a purifier of hearts.

(For explanation of Believers being “sons of Levi”, read such articles as Today’s Devotional – May 6th (Who Are The Sons Of Levi?).

.

And likewise, God also sat as a purifier of Job’s heart.

.

And likewise, God sits as a purifier of every Christian’s heart!

.

And this is the life of every true worshipper of God!

.

And though there are many who actually do go through very great trials, such as Job’s trials, God doesn’t necessarily put us all through such great trials as Job suffered.

.

Goldkey logo removed – wikipedia – public domain

.

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

.

And so now we begin to understand that overcoming the world, is akin to becoming purified.

.

Yes, it is God’s desire that His children become totally purified in heart!

.

Listen…

“And every man that hath this hope in Him

purifies himself,

even as He (Christ) is pure”

1st John 3:3.

.

As this verse reveals, God has given the commission to each and every true worshipper of God, to fully cooperate with Him in the process of purifying our heart!

.

Listen…

“These are they which follow the Lamb

whithersoever He goes.”

Revelation 14:4

.

As this verse indicates, the Book of Revelation depicts, in metaphorical language, a purified people who will be so meek and so dead-to-self-will, that they will joyfully follow Jesus wherever He desires to lead us!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

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

Psalm 4:4

.

Perhaps at the end of each day, maybe while lying down in bed, we need to spend much time thinking back on how we might have overcome that big or little attack by the Devil.

.

**Just what “exceeding great and precious promises” could have been employed, which would have given us the victory over the temptations which assailed us in our daily warfare?**

.

Listen…

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

2nd Peter 1:4

.

Constant learning and hiding of the many Bible promises into our hearts is a critically important part of our daily walk in the Lord!

.

The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

.

“And what shall I more say?

for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon,

and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae;

of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

Who through faith subdued kingdoms,

wrought righteousness, obtained promises,

stopped the mouths of lions,”

Hebrews 11:32, 33

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me, not only the desire, but also the strength and power to overcome this world of selfishness. Mold me and make me into Thy likeness…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION…

&

THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance.**

.

It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle.

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation.**

.

This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures.

.

This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run…

…“Know you all not,

that they which run in a race run all,

but one receives the prize?

So run, that you all may obtain.”

1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1)

.

Photo: Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo with crown drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Laurel Wreath – Lorbeerkranz_Zypern – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

.

“A CROWN UPON HER HEAD” …

.

But upon a closer examination if you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle.

.

This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars.

.

**This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.**

.

Just listen to Revelation…

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven;

a woman…

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

Revelation 12:1.

.

**But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major).**

.

It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it. Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing).

.

Okay, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel.

.

But also, we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church. So, this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

.

“CROWN LAID UP FOR ME”

2nd Tim. 4:8

.

But as far as this article is concerned, the concept to remember is that this Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) appears to be grasping for this 12-star crown.

.

It represents the prize which God has promised to all who finally overcome the world.

.

Listen…

“To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with Me in My throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

Revelation 3:21

.

And so, with this in mind, one can see that there’s a prize to win: a glorious crown!

.

TOMORROW…

“May 3rd (True Bullet-Proof Faith!)”

Bullet-proof gear – cropped photo – Worn by Clinton L. Romesha – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #120 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 2nd (Faith That Overcomes!)

Today’s Devotional – May 1st (DINOSAURS & NIMROD)

By admin On January 17th, 2021

.

Today’s Devotional – May 1st

.

DINOSAURS & NIMROD

.

“In The Beginning,

God Created the Heavens and Earth”

Genesis 1:1

.

So, just where did the dinosaurs come from?

.

Were they the product of evolution?

.

Were they the ancestors of modern-day reptiles?

.

And just where did they go?

.

Did they become extinct when a giant asteroid hit earth and completely wiped out all dinosaurs?

.

And if that asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs, why didn’t it wipe out all the other animals too?

.

Dinosaur – Apatosaurus louisae , Carnegie Museum. – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

.

ANIMALS GOING EXTINCT TODAY, TOO!

.

Well, let’s just use a little logic.

.

Just how do species become extinct today?

.

After all, there are species which have become extinct in modern times.

.

**And our government is designating more and more species as being “endangered species”!**

.

Dodo display – Oxford – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

PALUXY RIVERBED DINOSAUR TRACKS

.

In Texas is an active river, the Paluxy River, in which dinosaur tracks line the riverbed.

.

But the big question is, why does an active river have dinosaur tracks?

.

After all, if these animals went extinct 65-80 million years ago, as we are told, then simple logic would determine that the Paluxy River would have been eradicated millions upon millions of years ago!

.

Paluxy River – Wikipedia – share-alike license (View of river)

.

BIBLE SPEAKS OF “GIANTS” IN THOSE DAYS

.

No, this river is a testament to the Bible account, which says…

“There were giants in the earth in those days…“

.

But it doesn’t specify whether those giants were people or animals, or both.

.

It only says “giants”.

.

And after establishing that fact, that there were giants, it then speaks of giant people intermarrying with God’s people.

.

**And when it says, “in those days”, it is speaking about the days prior to the Great Flood of Noah’s day.**

.

Paluxy River – Wikipedia – share-alike license (River bottom)

.

NOAH’S ARK

.

So just what happened to them?

.

Did they get destroyed in the flood?

.

Did that great deluge completely wipe them out?

.

Or did they board the Ark, and sail to the other side of the flood?

.

Well, all the well-preserved fossils indicate that these titans were mostly buried in the various layers of settling mud and silt that resulted from the receding flood waters.

.

But skeptics scoff at that idea, laughingly saying that the Ark could never hold two of each kind of these great beasts!

.

But just look at these dinosaur eggs in the photo below! They are very small.

.

And Creation scientists remind us, that many baby dinosaurs were about the size of a dog.

.

So, Noah’s Ark could easily have held very young and very small dinosaurs.

.

Noahs ark – Currier & Ives – www.wikigallery.org – public domain

.

COMMON SENSE LOGIC…

.

**And so, the question that remains, was God intelligent enough to know how to bring baby dinosaurs (and other species too) into the Ark?**

.

Obviously, God is infinite in wisdom and understanding!

.

Dinosaur Eggs – Segnosaurus nest – Wikpedia – Creative Commons Lic. 2.0

.

NIMROD

.

But what happened to the various species of animals which went extinct AFTER the flood?

.

The Bible speaks in its usual concise manner concerning this…

.

Listen… “And Nimrod…

began to be a mighty one in the earth.

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD:

wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.”

Genesis 10:8, 9

.

In this little passage is revealed what probably happened to many of the animals that then existed after the flood…

.

…mighty hunters, even as Nimrod.

.

by G. Dore’_The Confusion Of Tongues from www.creationism.org-public domain

.

SATAN AND HIS MASTER-PLAN

.

Now if Nimrod was an adulated individual, and there were many others like him, it’s not hard to deduce that Satan’s hand was not far from all this.

.

With an I.Q. and powers far beyond any mortal, makes it a very real possibility that Satan was the master-orchestrator of this entire business of “prehistoric dinosaurs” which lived millions of years ago.

.

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

.

JUST A PLAUSIBLE SCENARIO

.

And so, just a little simple biblical deduction allows us to surmise what possibly happened to the reptile species, living in those days.

.

But herein was presented a plausible scenario, based on the Bible, that makes a great deal of common sense.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me enough understanding of what the Bible says concerning all these things, not only for my own peace of mind, but that I may direct others to the Bible, to answer their own doubts…

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

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

TOMORROW…

“May 2nd (Faith That Overcomes!)”

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

.

20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #121 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Today’s Devotional – May 1st (DINOSAURS & NIMROD)

.

.

Today’s Devotional – May 31st

.

.

.

.

The Light of the World!

.

.

.

.

.

“But unto you that fear My name

shall the Sun of Righteousness arise

with healing in His wings;”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

There are so many beautiful things in nature…

.

…The green grass…

…the pretty flowers of the field…

…the blue sky…

…the ocean’s roar…

…and a newborn baby’s cry!

.

.

.

.

“And God said, Let there be light…And God saw the light, that it was good”

.

.

…From the simple light of a candle…

.

…to the soft glow of a full moon…<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-62567 alignright" src="https://theheavensdeclare.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/moon-night.jpg" alt="" width="101" height="154" />

.

…to the sparkling starry night…

.

…Yes, light, in all of its various forms is a faithful witness of God’s beauty and love!

.

.

.

.

THE SUN

.

The world appreciates the Sun, with all its benefits. Its beauty. Its warmth. Its life-giving properties.

.

And just look at this photo to the left!

.

“Sunlight on King Street”. What an appropriate name!

.

Do you think this bicycler was having a nice day in the Sun?

.

The Sun can be very healing, and God has given the Sun for Mankind’s needs: for his health, and for his happiness.

.

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

.

.

.

.

.

.

THE SUN AND THE SON OF GOD

<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1176 alignright" src="https://theheavensdeclare.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Solar_sys2-NASA-public-domain-e1429318842654.jpg" alt="https://pics-about-space.com/amazing-solar-system-backgrounds?p=1#img685203040103226961" width="367" height="230" />.

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

…“For the LORD God is a SUN and shield:

the LORD will give grace and glory:

no good thing will He withhold

from them that walk uprightly.”

.

God here, compares Himself to the Sun in relation to His dealings with His children.

.

.

.

.

…to the soft glow of a full moon…

.

***Thy sun shall no more go* *down;***