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Today’s Devotional -April 30th

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Man In The Iron Cage!

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“If ye continue in My word…

ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free…

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin…

If the Son therefore shall make you free,

ye shall be free indeed.”

John 8:31, 32, 34, 36

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In John Bunyan’s wonderful allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, the Pilgrim went with the man named, The Interpreter, to view living tableaus (object lessons).

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And among these numerous object-lessons, was a “Man in an Iron Cage”.

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This man was symbolic of all those who have spurned the gift of Salvation.

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Pilgrim’s Progress 15 p. 45 – There Sat A Man In An Iron Cage – wikipedia – public domain

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“SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE”

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Now does the Bible support this idea of humans being in a cage?

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Yes, it absolutely does!

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Listen to the very words of Jesus… “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me…to preach deliverance to the captives…” Luke 4:18, 19

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So here is seen that Jesus came, “to preach deliverance to the captives”.

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

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SATAN, THE PRISON-MASTER

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Yes, to Lucifer was granted power to hold Mankind in his prison-house…

“How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!…

that opened not the house of his prisoners….”

Isaiah 14:12, 17.

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Now there are other passages which further confirm this truth.

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And so, we can see that this selfish world has become Satan’s prison-house.

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

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THE PRISON-HOUSE OF SIN

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But just how are people held in bondage to Satan?

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After all, the people of this world seem to be free!

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We seem to go where we want and do what we please!

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So how are we in some sort of a prison?

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The short answer is, of course, we are held in bondage to sin, and to the gross spiritual darkness that blinds us to the truth and brings us to our ultimate sentence…eternal death!

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

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THE BONDAGE OF OUR LUSTS

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But if we look around at the people of the world, it is not difficult to see just some of the ways in which people are held captive.

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For instance, isn’t it obvious that “we the people” seem to be prisoners of our desires?

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Yes, the average person is quite often a slave of various desires and affections.

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And there are multitudes who are taken captive by Satan in the form of drug and alcohol addiction.

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Others become slaves to computer games, and TV watching.

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Still other become slaves to gluttony, pornography, or related perversions.

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And virtually every living person is constantly bombarded (by demonic spirits) with evil thoughts, regardless of whether they act on those thoughts or not!

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Internet addiction prisoner – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons lic.

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SIN NOT ALWAYS THE UNCLEAN SINS

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Now just because a person becomes a slave of our own thoughts, lusts, and affections, does not necessarily mean that all these thoughts, lusts, and affections are innately evil.

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No, rather many are actually slaves to things that aren’t even considered evil.

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And that is the focus of today’s devotional.

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“HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS…FROM SUCH TURN AWAY!”

2nd Timothy 3:5

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Just look around, and it is not difficult to see that many are prisoners of desires which are even considered good.

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For instance, some are addicted to certain sports and hobbies.

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A few even rise to “the top of their game”, as they say, becoming famous because of their obsessive passion.

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Others become willing slaves to their career, even becoming very successful.

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And there are many who become servants to, either performing, or listening to certain types of music.

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And still others become bondservants to their wanderlust, having an inordinate affection to constantly go places.

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Fans music festival in Germany – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

Music – photo-psychic – Ganzfeld – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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INORDINATE AFFECTIONS BRING GOD’S WRATH!

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Now the question becomes, “Well what’s wrong with such harmless things?”

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Okay, that’s a fair question.

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The Bible speaks to this, in such passages as this…

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;

fornication, uncleanness, INORDINATE AFFECTIONS,

evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”

Colossians 3:5, 6.

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The fact is, a person can make a god out of just about anything! And inordinate affections become idols in our hearts!

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So, when God commands the world… “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”, this also includes whatever inordinate affection which finds a preeminence over the true God of Heaven.

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And thus, we become servants of our selfish desires and lusts, and thereby, enemies of Heaven’s unselfish government!

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We remain in league with Lucifer’s selfish character, and footmen in his vast army of rebels!

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

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LUCIFER, THE PRISON-WARDEN

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And so, when we consider the world, being prisoners of Satan, we must also realize that even supposed good things can become our taskmaster. 

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And let’s face it! Satan doesn’t care if a person goes to Hell as a drug addict or as a king!

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He’s only concerned about keeping us very busy in the world, until our probation ends at death!

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And this is the essence of our prison cell, in Satan’s kingdom of darkness!

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

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CRUCIFYING SELF

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The life of the Christian should be devoted to purifying our hearts, and freeing ourselves from all worldly affections and lusts, which will eventually destroy our relationship with God, unless we overcome them. 

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Listen again to the words of Paul…

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,

which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man,

which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24

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Yes, this is the greatest commission given us by God: to overcome our fleshly desires and become transformed into the likeness of our unselfish and loving Lord, Jesus Christ!

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

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KEEP THE MIND STAYED UPON CHRIST

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And the Lord commands us to be contemplating His Word, both day and night!

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And needless to say, those who are held fast in bondage to earthly pleasures and pursuits are too absorbed in earthly thoughts to ever contemplate God’s Word, day & night!

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Jesus said… “Then said Jesus…If ye continue in My Word,

then are ye My disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:31, 32, 35, 36.

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As this passage reveals, we must continue in God’s Word if we truly desire to be free from sin, forevermore!

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And a life of seeking that wisdom and knowledge will ultimately lead us to a joy-filled victory over every inordinate affection!

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Braet von Überfeldt – woman with bible 1866 – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

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“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”

Philippians 2:13

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Of course, all these Christian duties and goals do not come to us naturally. On the contrary, they go against our fallen, selfish, human nature!

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But God is very willing to give us “A new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you”. Ezekiel 36:26

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This is the essence of what it means to be “born again”. John 3:7

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And with this brand-new heart, our likes and our desires will become radically changed!

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Thus, we will increasingly and joyfully follow in the footsteps of our loving Lord, as His disciples and goodwill ambassadors to this lost and dying world!

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

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me freedom from every besetting sin and addiction. Let me not be deceived into thinking that my so-called “good” habit must be an asset. But give me a love for studying the Bible, so that I can properly discern good from evil, according to Thy Word…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…April 27 (Planet Earth, Devil’s Island, Part 5: “Name Your Prison!”)…

…or you can also read… “October 23rd (When A Good Thing Becomes A Bad Thing!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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“By His (God’s) Spirit

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He has garnished

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the heavens;

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His hand has formed

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the crooked serpent.”

Isaiah 26:13

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!

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

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

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

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Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

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LOCATION…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BODY HARD TO SEE

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

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

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

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“May 1st (Dinosaurs & Nimrod)”

Dinosaurs – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #120 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional, Year 1 – April 29th

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Two Turtledoves Constellation!

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Part 2: 

“Mourning Doves & Us”

To read Part 1, click here…April 9th (Two Turtledoves Constellation, Part 1)

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“But they that escape of them shall escape,

and shall be on the mountains

like doves of the valleys,

all of them mourning,

every one for his iniquity.

All hands shall be feeble,

and all knees shall be weak as water.”

Ezekiel 7:16, 17

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Mourning dove – (cropped photo) – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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THE TWO TURTLEDOVES CONSTELLATION

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A most amazing and wonderful constellation appears in early spring in the south.

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

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The ancient Pagan cultures referred to it as Sagittarius.

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

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

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TWO TURTLEDOVES IS ALSO THE ARK CONSTELLATION

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Yes, if you look at it in the southern sky in springtime or summertime, you can easily see it as two twin birds flying westward.

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But amazingly, this Two Turtledoves Constellation (left) can also be seen as, The Ark of The Covenant Constellation (right)!

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This, of course, is a bit of an optical illusion.

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“And there shall be signs in the sun…moon, and…stars…”

Luke 21:25

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So, just why would God place this particular sign in the night-heavens?

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Why is a constellation of two birds flying westward so significant to the Gospel…

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…why so significant, that God thought it important enough to arrange the very stars in the night-heavens in such a way that they depict this heavenly phenomenon?

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Well, the Reader is highly encouraged to go to and study the article, “What Is The Meaning of the Two Turtledoves Constellation?” (click here to read)

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It gives a more comprehensive explanation of this constellation and all that it means to us.

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

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“Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes”

Job 42:6 

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But today’s devotional will deal with just one important aspect to this amazing constellation.

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And today’s signature Bible passage gives us a great biblical truth.

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Listen once more…

“But they that escape of them shall escape,

and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys,

all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

All hands shall be feeble,

and all knees shall be weak as water.”

Ezekiel 7:16, 17

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The entire Chapter 7 of Ezekiel lays out God’s complaint against the apostasy of His wayward people, who have loved this present selfish world more than they loved the Ways of Heaven.

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But this above passage reveals that some of God’s people will escape that apostate organization, only to begin to deal with their own personal apostasy.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“like doves of the valleys…mourning…for his iniquity”

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But then, God uses cooing doves to illustrate how those escapees of the apostate churches will finally face the truth of their own past waywardness, and the resulting sins which separated them for such a long season away from their God.

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And just as the Mourning Dove sings its woeful song, so also, we Christians will…

…”escape and shall be on the mountains

like doves of the valleys,

all of them mourning,

every one for his iniquity”

Ezekiel 7:17

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Mourning dove – (cropped photo) – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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“This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

2nd John 1:7 

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Yes, we are sorrowful because we allowed ourselves to be deceived by the Master of Deceit, as he brought in antichrist deceivers into the church-world, who led us to commit spiritual adultery with the world.

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ABOVE PHOTO: speaker with audience raising hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“Flee out of the midst of Babylon”

Jeremiah 51:6 

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But now, our eyes have been fully opened to discern our perilous situation, and we understand that we must flee out of the midst of Babylon (the apostate churches), and escape to the mountain of God, just as Lot fled Sodom on the night before her destruction!

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

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“As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing”  

2nd Corinthians 6:10 

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Now there is a further truth concerning the mourning sound of doves.

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You see, the dove which makes such a sad cooing is actually joyful, as she calls for her mate.

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And thus, it is, with Christians as we cry out after our Lord.

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That is, even though we are sorry for our miserable past, we nevertheless are, “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” 2nd Corinthians 6:10 

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Yes, it is only through the miraculous power of God’s Spirit that the Christian actually finds joy, even in his or her times of tearful sorrow and heartfelt repentance before the Lord!

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This is just one more wonderful aspect to being a Christian!

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Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“Come out of her, My People!”

Revelation 18:4

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Oh yes, the hour is late. And we must hurry along!

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And so now, O trembling child of faith, it is high time we escape from the apostasy of the fallen church-world and…

…”be on the mountains,

like doves of the valleys,

all of them mourning,

every one for his iniquity”

Ezekiel 7:17

 

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Rock pigeons on cliffs – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

April 11 (Two Turtledoves Constellation! Part 3: “Forsaking All to Follow Jesus!”)

Jesus Calls Disciples – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Lord, open my eyes that I might realize how I have been deceived by the great harlot who has put the bottle to my mouth to drink of the wine of her fornications…

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE

For further study, you may wish to read… April 29 (The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Part 10: “Peter’s Conversion”)…

…or you may also read…December 12 (The Gospel According To Pollyanna, Part 5: “Sorrow Is Better Than Laughter!?!”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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“But they that escape of them shall escape,

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and shall be on the mountains

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like doves of the valleys,

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all of them mourning,

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every one for his iniquity.”

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Ezekiel 7:16

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION

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THE TWO TURTLEDOVES CONSTELLATION…

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This constellation appears in early spring in the south.

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

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It is commonly known as Sagittarius.

(The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtledove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)

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

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “What Is The Meaning of the Two Turtledoves Constellation?“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 30th (Man In The Iron Cage!)”

Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #119 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 28th

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The Key To Victory!

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“Blessed is the man that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psalm 1:1-3

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This above Psalm, the very first Psalm, reveals the key to victory for the Christian!

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Isn’t that amazing?

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And if a man, woman, or child orders his or her life according to the various precepts of verses 1 & 2, then verse 3 has a wonderful promise for that Christian!

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Yes, God gives us a metaphorical picture of that victory…

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psalm 1:3

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Willow by J D Forester – Wikipedia

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So, today’s devotional will break down the various components and examine them for a few minutes…

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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FIVE DUTIES MORE FULLY DEFINED

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1. “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

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This first admonition counsels us to cease from living as the world lives.

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To no longer live according to the faithless and selfish ways of the world!

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To reject the vain, man-made philosophies, music, literature, etc., which offer little or no hope!

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Certainly, no hope for everlasting life!

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Sigmund Freud – LIFE – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Mark Twain – 1909 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

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2. nor stands in the way of sinners,

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This next admonishment is to begin to separate from the corrupting influence of unbelievers.

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Whether it’s the old crowd we hung out with, or even our television associations!

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After all, the Bible clearly warns… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

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3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 

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To sit in the seat of scorners, is to place ourselves on God’s throne!

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After all, He’s the only true (and righteous) Judge.

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And the Book of James, 4:12 (click here to read) makes it very clear that we cannot be both judge of the Law and a doer of the Law at the same time!

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We have to choose one or the other!

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And so, we must put away all finger-pointing, and gossiping, and whispering, and back-biting, if we ever hope to have God be a Father to us!

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Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany. – Sally Kennison – share-alike license – cropped image – Wikimedia commons

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4. But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

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Now if we have truly received the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have been given a love for the Bible.

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But if we ever expect to delight in God’s Word, we really need to put away all those exciting and over-stimulating indulgences such as TV, or computer games, or whatever worldly pleasure or pursuit eclipses our interest in Bible study.

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5. and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

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And last, and most importantly, we are commanded here to meditate (contemplate) on the Bible, day and night!  

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That’s right! It’s not enough to merely read the Bible.

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But we must think on God’s Word throughout our day, and even into the night, if we ever hope for God’s Word to be of any benefit!

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We have to cement His life-giving words into the deep recesses of our heart and mind!

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

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

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THESE 5 COMPONENTS TO BE OUR FOCUS!

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Notice that there is no mention here of doing charitable deeds.

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And neither is there any mention of talking to others about Salvation!

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Well, that’s because these five components are all that is needed to win the victory crown!

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These are the only things that we need to focus on, if we want to win the Christian Race!

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Now having said this, it must be also stated that if we successfully perform all five of these admonitions, then everything else will come in due season!

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Yes, charitable deeds will be performed.

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And we will be a living witness to all around us.

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And we will be in constant prayerful communion with God!

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These are the fruits of our labors in God’s vineyard.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) reaches for Crown (Corona Borealis + other stars) – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses! summer constellations

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand Psalm 1 much more than I now do! Fill me with the desire to seek for these principles to be my great quest…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace)”…

…or you can also read… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Precious Promises)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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FOURTH SOLAR SYSTEM MEMBER

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Counting the Sun as the 1st heavenly sphere, the Earth is the 4th heavenly sphere.

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If we extend our theory (and it’s just a theory) that God created our solar system to correspond to the commandments, then planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment.

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And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “rest” and “peace”, there exists very little peace.

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And very little rest. Ironic, isn’t it?

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Picture: Solar System NASA public domain

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THE MOON…THE SILENT WITNESS…

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“It (God’s covenant to David, i.e., Christ)

shall be established for ever as the moon,

and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”

Psalm 89:37

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SHOCK AND AWE… And along with this “commandments = planets” theory, then it seems fitting that the “Man in the Moon” encircles the Earth each night as a silent witness…“as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in Heaven”.

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And almost appearing as a man in the state of “shock and awe”, the Moon is a nightly witness to all the sadness and horrific crimes that occur.

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Just look at a photo of the Moon.

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His eyes look sad.

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His mouth wide open, in shock at the many horrors he must endure in his nightly sentry.

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Just think about it! Millions of savage murders each year occur on this planet (6th commandment-Thou shall not kill’).

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And he must witness so many of them committed under the cloak of darkness which evening provides.

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And just think about all the rapes and robberies committed in the nighttime darkness (7th & 8th & 10th Commandments- adultery, lying, coveting’).

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And if you look carefully, you just might notice the tears streaming down the cheeks of the “Man in the Moon” as he must endure all the modern “high-tech” slave-trading and kidnapping that has resurfaced on this sad planet (8th commandment).

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“and mine eye shall weep sore,

and run down with tears,

because the LORD’s flock is carried away captive”.

Jeremiah 13:17

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Moon – Blue moon of 31.08.2012 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

The Scream – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

ABOVE PICTURE: 1st Face in moon at eagle ridge

ABOVE MOON PHOTO: 1st face – Night-watchman – moon and stars – noao – nasa – Composite Image Credit: T.A. Rector, I.P. Dell’Antonio

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ““Planet Of Rest”…4th Sphere & 4th Commandment”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 29th (Two Turtledoves, Part 2: “Mourning Doves & Us)”

Mourning dove – (cropped photo) – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #118 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 26th

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Television: “Enchanted Ground!”

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“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you,

that ye should not obey the truth,

before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth,

crucified among you?”

Galatians 3:1

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“Beware! Ye Are On Enchanted Ground!”

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In John Bunyan’s earth-shaking allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, there was an episode in which the two pilgrims crossed over the Enchanted Ground.

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Afraid of becoming sleepy from the narcotic-producing plants, they began a conversation to keep from falling asleep.

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On Enchanted Ground – Pilgrim’s Progress – Public Domain

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TV VERY INFECTIOUS!

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Now of course, this book by John Bunyan was so prophetic, that this allegorical episode has even more relevance today, than it did back in Bunyan’s day!

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Take, for example, television (and Internet, etc.).

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After just one day of watching all the fun and entertaining programs, the Christian is little more ready for Jesus to come, than maybe a secular person!

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As The Preacher warned…“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business…” Ecclesiastes 5:3.

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Just as this above verse warns, it is easy to allow all the earthy pleasures and proud pursuits of this busy-busy work-a-day world to begin to eclipse our relationship with our Lord.

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ABOVE PICTURE: TV indoctrination – www.signsofheaven.org

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VIGILANCE LOST BY WATCHING T.V.

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The Bible clearly warns…

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

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Yes, as this verse warns, there are many who try to tell us that evil communications do NOT corrupt Christian character.

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But “be not deceived”, O Pilgrim of the Cross!

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Even the most amiable programs will put the viewer into a totally disarmed spirit!

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The spirit of watchfulness is quickly lost!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – companys-coming 

 

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“CHRISTIAN” TELEVISION NO BETTER!

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And just a short viewing of “Christian” TV networks reveals that the same giddiness and spiritual lethargy of the world has even infiltrated into the ranks of the Christian Community!

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And all one has to do, is to look at how well Christians have merged with unbelievers!

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Yes, today’s average Christian shares much the same entertainment: comedy, sports, news, dramas, talk shows, and a vast array of other types of social intercourse with unbelievers!

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

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TELEVISION: OPIATE FOR THE MASSES!

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And by mingling ourselves with the world, and even with worldly Christians, we will catch that “enchanted-ground” spirit, and quickly fall into a narcotic-like stupor! 

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And that is one very big reason why Paul warned the Church…

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?…

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 (condensed)

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This above passage shows that we cannot assume that God will even treat us as His children until we are ready to separate ourselves from every unnecessary worldly association!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE!

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O fellow Christian! If you or I are in a situation which demands that we must watch television, such as family or career situations, we really need to pray for wisdom and grace, to help us solve such a great dilemma!

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After all, souls are hanging in the balance!

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Listen again to Paul’s warning… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness…” 1st Corinthians 15:33, 34.

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Did you notice that this passage compares evil communications with being spiritually asleep?

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Do you think that perhaps God had the modern high-tech devices in mind when He spoke these words through Paul?

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Of course He did!

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ABOVE PICTURE: television & the image of Satan – www.signsofheaven.org

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“WATCHMAN, WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?”

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We are to be watchmen on the walls of Zion!

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And that’s why Satan invented the TV!

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To put God’s watchmen to sleep!

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Listen to this prophecy… 

“His watchmen are blind… sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber….

and they are shepherds that cannot understand…

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine,

and we will fill ourselves with strong drink;

and to morrow shall be as this day,

and much more abundant.”

Isaiah 56:10-12 (condensed for brevity and clarity).

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This prophecy seems to have a dramatic application for today!

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And so, if ever there was a time to beware that we are standing on Enchanted Ground, it is now!

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We are to be spiritually alert!

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We must wake up and trim our lamps!

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There is not a moment to lose!

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARMOR UP! THE HOUR IS AT HAND!!!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the strength to walk away from the high-tech devices that so easily put Christians into a spiritual slumber. Wake me up Lord, and make me a vigilant watchman….

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Television & The Image That Speaks”…

…or you can also read… “February 10th (Television in a Perfect World!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

And there appeared another wonder in heaven;

and behold a great red dragon,

having seven heads and ten horns,

and seven crowns upon his heads…

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, 15

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The Revelation 12 Dragon’s Wave of Water Constellation…

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The Wave Constellation is primarily comprised of the Auriga Constellation plus one star from Taurus, plus one more star.

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The Winter Constellations are depicted in this below sketch to the right, and shows this constellation group as they are seen in early winter, as they rise in the eastern skies.

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The Woman is in the north.

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The Dragon and Orion are farther south from the Woman.

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FLOOD WATERS…

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No matter where this constellation is in the night sky, this wave of water is always going towards the path of the Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness).

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This wave of water is made of the Auriga Constellation plus two fainter stars closer to the Dragon’s mouth.

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Let’s see what Scripture has to say about flood waters.

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“And the serpent cast out of his mouth WATER AS A FLOOD after the woman,

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

Revelation 12:12.

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So, what do these flood waters represent?

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Does the Bible have anything to say about Satan’s flood-waters?

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW….

“April 27th (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 5: ‘Law & Order’)

Stylised Lithium Atom – Share-alike Lic. – Wikimedia Commons

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #116 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 25th

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Pilgrim’s Progress –

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“The Wicket Gate! – Part 2”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE

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“OVER-CHARGED WITH THE CARES OF LIFE”

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And in this very opulent society, many Christians are so busy seeking after the various pleasures and aspirations, that we have little time nor inclination to engage in copious Bible study and meditation.

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And so, we must rely on what we are taught. 

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Knowing this, Satan now comes through false shepherds, teaching a gospel which obscures the true Doorway to Salvation.

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ABOVE PICTURE: The False Prophet – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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MR. VAIN CONFIDENCE

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But this is nothing new! John Bunyan wrote about this condition in his book Pilgrim’s Progress!

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In his story, the Pilgrim ran into various characters who did not enter the Pilgrim’s Pathway via The Wicket Gate (symbolizing Christ).

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One such character was Mr. Vain Confidence, a man who came in “some other way”.

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This Wicket Gate of course refers to the passage from John…

…”Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold,

but climbeth up some other way,

the same is a thief and a robber.”

                                                                       

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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APOSTASY THEN!

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Now there is an interesting parallel to what is happening today, and what happened in centuries past.

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You see, during the Dark Ages, the apostate churches of Europe caused the Bible to be a banned book.

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And many Bibles were confiscated and even burned.

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And so, the Bible was out of reach for most people. 

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Well, as we all know, the Reformation finally put an end to that.

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And with the invention of the printing press, Bibles began to be produced by the thousands and soon flooded Europe with the truth!

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And the Bible was eventually in the hands in the masses.

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Book Burning – Santo Domingo y Los Albigenses – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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APOSTASY NOW!

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But after the reformation, Satan began a new strategy against God’s people.

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Yes, Satan flooded the Christian nations with the earthly Mammon of materialism.

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Material wealth, time-consuming, energy-sapping careers, various amusements, along with the manufacturing of countless goods, and houses, fertile lands, cars, boats, planes, resorts, TV, radio, games…

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…and all the many other inventions which the abundance of money could buy!

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And thus began the mad rush to gather as much of this opulence as we possibly could! 

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And as a result, the Christian world became mired in much the same opulence and decadence that the secular world was mired in.

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New York Times-Square – terabass – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

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VERY GOOD NEWS!

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So, just what is the remedy for this extremely great dilemma?

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The very Good News is, there is time to repent of this deadly error!

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But such a repentance can only be accomplished on an individual basis.

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The first step is found in James…

…”Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up.”

James 4:8-10.

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Yes, as this above passage reveals that the individual Christian must work a thorough work of repentance, concerning these things.

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But we shouldn’t be discouraged!

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After all, the true spirit of Christianity is a spirit of daily repentance, as we see our un-Christlike behavior each day!

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This is the ongoing life of a true worshipper of God.

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The spirit of contrition and repentance is always present in the life of a Believer!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – public domain

 

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

FEBRUARY 22 (Pilgrim’s Progress: Vain Confidence, Part 3: Eternal Insecurity!)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the power and desire to diligently study Thy Word for myself, not relying on today’s Bible teachers to feed me…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“February 4th (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work?)“…

…or you can also read…“May 28th (George Whitefield: Ye Must Be Born Again!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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CASTOR AND POLLUX = THE NARROW WAY…

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LOCATING THIS GROUP…

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These two sketches below are the same picture, one with stars only, the other with embellishments.

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These stars appear more or less like this when they are in the western sky, just before they sink below the western horizon

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At the top of the sketches in the center is the Big Dipper.

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But with other surrounding stars, the Big Dipper is known as Ursa Major or the Great Bear.

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But as this website points out, Ursa Major is actually the Revelation 12 Woman.

(Ursa Major appears much larger in the sky than this sketch shows. But in order to fit her into this drawing, the artist had to depict her much smaller)

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IN THE WEST

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.

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It is seen best when it is the western part of the sky.

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

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And at this point it is apparent that the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the Narrow Gate Stars as you can see just to the left of the mountain.

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A dark night is best for seeing this.

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It begins with the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation going towards these two doors.

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The doors are each composed of two bright stars.

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

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

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The stars that make up the Narrow Gate are about one-third less the width of the Wide Gate.

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The two bright stars which symbolize the Wide Gate are Capella and Menkalinan.

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These are the brightest two stars of the Auriga Constellation. (For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here, “Orion The Reaper”. )

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(Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. But they are close enough to find them in the night sky.)

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Castor and Pollux & The Mystery Ship of Scripture”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 26th (Television: Enchanted Ground!)”

Pied Piper of Television – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #115 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 24th

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Pilgrim’s Progress, Part 1 

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“The Wicket Gate!”

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“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

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A certain radio talk show host gave an admonition to a particular caller, regarding the simplicity of the Gospel…

…”Jesus told the women who came to His tomb,

‘But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter…'”.

Mark 16:6, 7

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He pointed out that this verse shows the simplicity of sharing the Gospel.

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And thus, he told this caller that it’s not necessary to go to Bible college, in order to qualify one’s own self to become a witness for Jesus.

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The only requirement for Salvation is found in this next verse… “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

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Brooklyn Museum – Jesus Appears to the Holy Women – James Tissot – US public domain

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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“…BUT BY EVERY WORD…”

Matthew 4:4

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And of course, this talk show host was correct.

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A Believer doesn’t need anything else, but to tell what he or she knows about Jesus.

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And to believe on the Lord Jesus is the only requirement for Salvation. 

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These are two very simple and very true concepts!

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The problem comes in when Bible teachers attempt to make these two concepts the sum and entirety of the Gospel, without any further precepts.

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And that’s the topic of this day’s devotional.

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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THE WICKET GATE

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John Bunyan presented his uncanny insight of the Gospel, in his several books, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, “The Holy War”, and “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”.

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But in the book, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, Bunyan presented several characters who neglected to enter the pilgrim’s pathway via the Wicket Gate.

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Of course, the Wicket Gate represented the Narrow Gate, i.e., Jesus Christ.

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

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MANY ARE LIKE MR. VAIN CONFIDENCE

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The point is, that this talk show host has decided that the verse, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31, cannot be expanded upon.

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In other words, if one of his callers makes the simple statement, “I believe on the Lord Jesus”, the talk show host assures him that he is a true Believer!

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And here is one of the deceptions which brings many such men like Vain Confidence into the pilgrim’s pathway, via “some other way”!

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE!

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The fact is, there is no passage of Scripture that stands alone, or is to be interpreted by itself.

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Listen… “Knowing this first,

that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation….”

2nd Peter 1:20

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As this passage from Peter points out, no scripture stands alone.

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It’s all connected!

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And just like a jig-saw puzzle, all verses of the Bible must fit together in order to correctly see the big picture.

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You cannot lift your favorite passage out of it, and form a “private interpretation”, independent of the rest of the Bible.

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Jigsaw puzzle – Wikimedia Commons – public domain

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FORSAKING ALL

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For instance, just take this following passage… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

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Now this verse is one of those “orphans” in the Bible: “hard sayings” that are mostly neglected in today’s pulpits.

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And why are they neglected?

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Because, most parishioners would simply not tolerate such Bible truths for very long.

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

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CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST

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And this next passage is very similar in that it is another “hard saying”… “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24.

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Today’s pastors cannot dwell on these kinds of a “hard saying” found in Scripture for any length of time, or they may have a rebellion on their hands!

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Because, they have unwittingly filled their pews with those who are like Mr. Vain Confidence.

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

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GOOD WORKS THE RESULT OF SALVATION!

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Now it must be stated, that Salvation is a total gift.

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And there is nothing that can be added to that gift.

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No, we can’t even choose Christ, without Him putting that desire in our heart beforehand, via His Spirit!

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But when the Holy Spirit begins to indwell a human heart, that man, woman, or child begins to desire to perform all those various spiritual good works which the Bible commands.

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And the love of Jesus makes any such sacrifices a veritable joy for the Christian to perform!

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The Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94 – by James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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This devotional will be concluded tomorrow. To read tomorrow’s devotional, just click here…

“April 25th (Pilgrim’s Progress – The Wicket Gate! – Part 2)” 

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to study Thy Word. And clear my mind of all preconceived notions about what is truth. And let Thy Word dwell in me in all wisdom…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… November 22 – (The Greatest Jig-saw Puzzle Ever!) =…

…or you can also read… April 2 (ABC Christianity)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.

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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).

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Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (this sketch is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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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).

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

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

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches.

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The stars are not in their exact place.

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However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky.

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But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 25th (Pilgrim’s Progress – The Wicket Gate! – Part 2)”

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #114 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 23rd

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The Pioneer Spirit!

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“Call unto Me (God), and I will answer thee,

and shew thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not.”

Jeremiah 33:3

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High atop the Oregon Capitol Building is a golden image of “The Oregon Pioneer”.

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And it stands as a reminder of the pioneer spirit that once caused those men and women and children to carve their way out west, to make the land of Oregon their new home!

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Oregon state capitol building pioneer on top – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THE PIONEER SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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But this pioneer spirit was actually the foundation of this entire great nation…

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…a foundation based on the hope that men and women might achieve the political, religious and economic freedom of assembly and speech…

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…freedoms which were denied their parents in the European nations for so many centuries!

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Oregon State Capitol – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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MANY EARTHLY FRONTIERS!

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But now, centuries later, there are no more real frontiers to conquer!

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The entire world is now accessible!

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And the freedom of assembly and freedom of speech are quickly becoming more difficult.

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And yet, the pioneer spirit continues on, in a very real sense!

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Yes, there exists in humans the desire to achieve personal accomplishments in their own sphere.

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Oregon Capitol Steps – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE NEW PIONEERS

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And there still exists enough economic freedom in today’s world, to allow the possibility for Americans (and some other societies) to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be!

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Many pursue their dream of carving out an empire, little or big, in whatever career they have chosen.

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Many desire to build a very nice home for their self: their very own dream home!

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Others choose to become pioneers in the various arts: musicians and artists and writers and actors, etc..

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Still others pursue discoveries in the various sciences.

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And still others pursue achievement in the discovery of new inventions.

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And of course, there are many other areas of life, in which the pioneer spirit still thrives, (although the governing powers are making these possibilities increasingly difficult)!

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Young business people – Cropped Photo – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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SPIRITUAL PIONEERS!

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Yes, in a very real sense, the pioneer spirit is still alive and well!

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But what is the point to all this?

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Well, God understands all this! After all, He is our Creator! He created us in His image.

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But how does all this relate to the Christian?

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Well, in a very real sense, we too have been chosen by God to become pioneers!

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You see, Christians have been called out of this self-seeking world, to become builders of a brand new frontier, a spiritual empire!

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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THE BIBLE: MANY UNEXPLORED TERRITORIES

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Yes, we have been called to become explorers of the vast unconquered territories of God’s kingdom!

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For instance, the Bible is a book of infinite truth!

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Oh yes, our forefathers have already discovered many truths, which we now take for granted.

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But there are so many other truths just waiting to be discovered!

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And we just cannot comprehend what treasures, mysteries, and wonders which await all those who strive to conquer this new Promised Land! We just do not now know exactly what awaits us!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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THE HOLY WAR OF THE HEART!

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But this is not the only area of undiscovered territory!

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You see, the human heart was conquered and possessed by Satan and his armies, back in the days of the Garden of Eden.

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Yes, the angels of Satan have long ago taken possession of the hearts of Mankind!

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But when a person gets the call to come and follow Jesus, there is the great commission given us by God, to go into our hearts and reconquer that land, to make it a new territory for the kingdom of God!

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(For a closer exploration of this concept, the Reader is encouraged to listen to John Bunyan’s “Holy War”.)

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

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OTHERS WILL BECOME PIONEERS TOO!

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And so, as the Christian begins his or her pilgrimage into these spiritual frontiers, the great awareness comes, that there is an eternal purpose to all this!

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Not only does the Christian strive for personal victory, but there is an even further reason for achieving victory: the salvation of other souls!

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That’s right! Other souls are hanging in the balance!

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Listen to Paul… “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2nd Corinthians 5:20

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Here Paul speaks of Christians as ambassadors to this lost world!

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Pilgrim’s Progress 62 – p159 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GO IN AND CONQUER YOUR HEART!

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And so, Stranger & Pilgrim, it is high time we put away our vain, earthly dreams and really strive for that one and only dream that has any true meaning!

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Yes, let’s remember that all earthly dreams will eventually crumble.

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Yes, all earthly pioneers and all earthly frontiers, will eventually return to dust!

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But only those who catch the heavenly pioneer Spirit, will conquer the new frontier, which is an everlasting frontier!

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And of course, God has not yet revealed just what unconquered frontiers await us, once we enter the everlasting corridors!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to have that pioneer spirit as I search Thy Word, and as I engage in the purification of my heart. Give me the desire to discover the vast storehouse of Heavenly riches, and mysteries, and wisdom that I will find, when I finally overcome this flesh and this world…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

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

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP

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“CORDS OF VANITY“

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“Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:” Isaiah 5:18

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Look at the slope of this third mountain (Babylon Mtn. on right) and notice that it goes straight down to the Dragon Constellation.

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This slope belongs to the constellation commonly called “Pisces“.

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Doesn’t it almost look like the Dragon is towing this Mountain?

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It almost looks like the Dragon is transporting this “False Mountain” from the south… from Hell!

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And he has pulled it northward…next to these other two mountains.

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This would almost seem like a comical idea…if it weren’t for the destruction and death and woe caused by Satan for many-a-millennium.

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Just listen to this verse…

“Woe unto them that draw iniquity

with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:”

Isaiah 5:18.

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 24th (Pilgrim’s Progress – The Wicket Gate!)”

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #113 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #113

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

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Today’s Devotional -April 22nd

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Almost All Is Vanity (Meaningless)!

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Part 1

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“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2.

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After a long life of seeking after the things of the world, Solomon was brought back to his spiritual senses, in which he finally concluded about this present life… “all is vanity.”

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Yes, Solomon finally realized the ugly truth about this vain and fallen world, that indeed, “All is vanity!”(All is meaningless)

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

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“ALL IS VANITY!”

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And this is the great message of the Book of Ecclesiastes, that, “All is vanity and vexation of Spirit!” And the word, “vanity” is just the Old English word for “meaningless”.

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Yes, life in this rebellious world is meaningless and futile!

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Because the end of this life is death, in which all memory is finally perished.

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Utterly obliterated!

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

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THIS WORLD IS EVERYTHING

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Nevertheless, it’s understandable that the people of this world place so much importance on this present world!

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After all, this world is all they know!

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And sad to say, this world is all they ever will know, unless they turn to Jesus!

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

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BUT CHRISTIANS TOO!?

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But the Christian who places so much importance on the things of this life, is even more sad and tragic to behold!

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Such Christians need to read Ecclesiastes, until we let its salvational words sink way down deep into our consciousness… “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 1:2.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE ONLY MEANINGFUL THING!

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This little book of Ecclesiastes goes on to point out the different reasons for why all things are vanity (meaningless).

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And one would do very well to spend much time searching out this little book, to gain a greater understanding about why this life is “vanity of vanities”!

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

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WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT?

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But in that book dedicated to exposing the meaninglessness of life, there is a giant contrast made!

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You see, at the very last of this book, the Preacher finally reveals the only thing that is truly important…

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God, and keep his commandments:

for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment,

with every secret thing,

whether it be good,

or whether it be evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

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As this passage points out, the one thing that each and every man, woman, and child needs to keep within focus, is Judgment Day!

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ON THAT DAY…

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Yes, the bottom line to all things in this hopeless and meaningless life is just this: Salvation!

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That’s the only thing that matters!

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Everything else is meaningless without it!

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Let’s repeat that! Without Salvation, nothing has any true and lasting relevance!

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Because everything else will perish, as if it never even existed!

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Our children will perish without it!

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Our grandchildren will perish without it!

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And even all our memory of them will perish, without it!

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And even if we do attain eternal life, all earthly achievement will, as Paul puts it, be considered as dung!

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And all the worldly treasures and earthly glories that any of us might have had, will be totally meaningless and useless on that Day!

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Christ Coming – by Julian Osley – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share alike License

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“THE DAY SHALL DECLARE”

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Yes, every thing under the Sun is destined to perish and to be forgotten!

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And on that final Day, every member of the human race will be resurrected to stand and give account of his or her life in the light of eternity!

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All our children and all our children’s children will be standing there as well, to give account of how they spent their time on this earth, in the light of eternity!

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

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SHINE AS THE STARS!

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But those who are wise, “shall shine as the stars forever and ever!” Daniel 12:1, 2

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Yes, those who finally see the utter futility of this life and turn and seek after Salvation as if it is the most important thing, (yea the only important thing), such wise ones will escape this hopeless world!

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And they will shine like glistening diamonds for ever and ever!

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

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

December 9th (Almost All Is Vanity! Part 2)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully comprehend what Solomon is saying to us today! Help me to keep my eyes looking ever-upward, so that the things of earth will grow strangely dim…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation: Part 2-”All is Vanity””…

…or you can also read…November 21 (Planet Earth, Devil’s Island, Part 12: “Planet Earth: The Devil’s Slaughter-house!”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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“THE GLORY OF MAN,

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AS THE FLOWER…

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FALLS AWAY”…

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1st Peter 1:25

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Wilted Rose – Wikimedia – public domain

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WHY IS THIS FLOWER POINTING UPWARD?

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To the right is a star-chart from Wikipedia.

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The editor of this site has sketched in the Flower of the Field Constellation on this constellation commonly referred to as the Scorpio Constellation (plus a few other close-by bright stars).

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Do you see the long blade of grass growing from the base of the Flower of the Field?

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This is made of the two highest stars of the Lupus Constellation, and the two lowest stars of the Libra Constellation.

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As this sketch shows, the flower appears to be pointing to Arcturus and the Revelation 12 Woman (shown in sketch below).

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Arcturus represents Jesus, as He leads His sons (and daughters) on a spiritual journey up a heavenward pathway, as is written…

“Canst you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?

or can you guide Arcturus with his sons?”

Job 38:32.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer (Flower drawn in over Wikipedia star-chart)

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READ MORE…

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

…or you can also read… “Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 3: “Signs of the World’s End””

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“April 23rd (The True Pioneer Spirit!)”

Oregon state capitol building pioneer on top – wikipedia – share-alike license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

.

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

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THIS STUDY #112 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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