Signs Of Heaven

Children’s Street basketball during a church fair – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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SECULAR ASSOCIATIONS

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And as the child grows older, Christian parents often allow their children to make friends with children of unbelievers, enabling them to learn the godless ways of the world.

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Instead, we should have been crying out for the Lord’s deliverance from harmful environments.

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SECULAR INDOCTRINATION

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Next, we Christian parents often send their children to secular institutes to learn, “the three ‘R’s'”.

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A recent survey found that most Christian children attend public schooling!

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And of course, along with the “three R’s”, they also get a thorough indoctrination into godlessness, from less-than-wholesome peers, and from the atheistic curriculum which is a normal undercurrent at such places.

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Homeschoolers playing Dutch Blitz at picnic gathering – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS”

1st Corinthians 15:33

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And then, when the children return home from school, many Christian parents permit the children to watch TV and Internet and listen to radio, allowing Satan to further fill their minds with less-than-wholesome talk and often even vile images!

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SEEKING EARTHLY RICHES

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And then, to top it all off, many of us Christian parents often encourage our youth to pursue some high-paying career, not remembering Paul’s admonition…

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“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1st Timothy 6:8-11.

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Do we somehow think this above advice is not for us? It says here, “having food and raiment, let us therewith be content”.

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college grads – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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STRANGERS & PILGRIMS?

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Now, is this the normal position that the Christian-community takes today?

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Are there not many Christians today, exerting and expending much energy, all in effort to amass great stores of earthly Mammon in their pursuit of self-indulgent lifestyles?

Now of course, the unsaved people of the world are perfectly right in pursuing their earthly dreams.

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After all, this world will be their final home and eternal resting place.

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But Christian pilgrims have a calling to, “come out from among them and be separate”.

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And yet, Christians have been called out to follow Jesus, not to seek after the self-indulgent pleasures and proud pursuits and the vain dreams of this selfish world!

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But we are called to sojourn to a better place.

The Pilgrim’s Progress – by Byam Shaw – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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OUR BIBLE ROLE-MODELS!

Look at Jesus!

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Was this what His life on earth was all about?

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Or just look to Paul! Was Paul trying to live out his declining years in a leisurely pursuit of personal pleasure?

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No, but both of these men expended all their time and energy for the love and Salvation of all souls before them! And these two, Jesus, and even Paul, are to be our role-models, as Scripture plainly commands!

And listen to Paul’s declaration of what his life was all about… “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20, 21.

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Do these words sound like they come from a man who sought to enjoy the pleasures and pursuits of this present life?

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

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SINS OF SODOM REPEATED!

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Through the centuries past, Christian parents encouraged their children to become evangelists.

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Young people were content to live a life of poverty, working menial jobs, in effort to get out the soul-saving Gospel to all those who were starving for the bread of life. No sacrifice was too costly! No hardship too great, if only they could take the Gospel to the world!

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But nowadays, Christian parents follow the self-seeking ways of the world, to a great degree, encouraging the same opulence and the same self-indulgence which ultimately destroyed the people of those wealthy cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other surrounding cities!

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And of course, along with a high-paying career, comes all the time-consuming, energy-sapping, and spirituality-draining obligations.

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And by the time that young college grad finally gets his or her self on an even-keel with their careers and family life, perhaps as much as ten or twenty years may have passed by; long ago leaving Jesus Christ back somewhere along the dusty trail!

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Girl with a Bible (Faith of Our Fathers) – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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SOME VERY GOOD NEWS!

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Well, none of us can hold our heads up high, since we’ve often ‘dropped the ball’, so to speak, in our own parental responsibilities! None of us can judge any other human, since our own wisdom, like the ostrich, has been faulty and deprived in times past, and may even be still!

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**Ah, but in all this bad news report, there has been discovered some extremely Good News, O stranger and pilgrim in the earth! Yes, we have a very merciful and pitying God who loves happy endings!**

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Yes, if we will turn back to Him with all our heart, putting away all our earth-loving pleasures and worldly idols, then who knows if God might just begin to bring our grown-up children back to a rich and dedicated life in Christ!?

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morning prayers Ebenezer_Newman_Downard_Morning_prayer_1860 – Wikipedia – public domain

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NEVER GIVE UP…NEVER!!!

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And even the grandparents who have “blown it” in the past, can certainly rededicate our lives to a 100% devotion to Christ. And who knows if our rededication and prayers may save our loved ones?

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Listen to this hopeful promise…“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?” Joel 2:13, 14

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Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to repent of my backsliding and ease-loving ways before it’s too late! Give me the wisdom that accompanies a new heart: a heart that desires to follow Thee, whithersoever Thou goest. Help me to pray unceasingly for my family.

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

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

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“Gavest thou…wings and feathers unto the ostrich?….What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.” Job 39:17, 18

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Here in the above condensed passage is revealed a tremendous Bible prophecy! Here the ostrich (being a symbol of the Church-Apostate) is going to lift up herself and scorn the horse and his rider.

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

Holy-Ghost-Rider on Goodly Horse (above western horizon)

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And so, this above passage speaks of the time of the end (which we are just now in). And sadly to say, there will be many in the Church who will scorn this last message, just as the wisdom-deprived ostrich scorns the Horse and His Rider, who symbolize God’s Church in battle, being ridden by the Spirit of Christ! Such a sad ending for the Church-Apostate, to scorn the Holy Spirit: the same Spirit that they so often exulted in praise, with their lips!

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This constellation group is made up of a number of smaller constellations: the horse’s head, made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation. The Rider is made primarily from the Camelopardalis Constellation.

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TOMORROW…

August 7 (The False Prophet, Part 26: “The Perfect Pastor?”)

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

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 25 – Gods Law Immutable

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #76

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 5 (5th Head of Antichrist: The Man of Sin?)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 5

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5th Head of Antichrist:

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“The Man of Sin?”

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“And the angel said unto me,

Wherefore didst thou marvel?

I will tell thee the mystery of the (harlot} woman,

and of the beast that carrieth her,

which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not;

and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit,

and go into perdition:

and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder,

whose names were not written in the book of life

from the foundation of the world,

when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

And here is the mind which hath wisdom.

The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

And there are seven kings:

five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come;

and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth,

and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings,

which have received no kingdom as yet;

but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.”

Revelation 17:7-12

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“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”

Hosea 4:6

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It gives no pleasure to disparage any particular denomination. But for the sake of declaring the whole truth, it must be done.

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And because our public school systems have long ago been taken over by secularists, Satan has had a free hand in scrubbing the history of the Church from history books. Additionally, our public schools from the mid-twentieth century, have discarded all those reading books which once offered Bible stories, only to replace them with atheistic/socialistic reading material.

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And so, a large segment of the populace has little or no knowledge of the oft bloody history of the Church, as well as ignorance of many other aspects of our western culture.

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By the way, the Reader can prayerfully go on You Tube and view some very good accounts of the history of the Church. And all Christian children should have a good knowledge of the past 2,000 years of Church history.

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Burned at the stake – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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

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But today’s devotional will address the issue of the Man of Sin.

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So, just who is this Man of Sin?

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Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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^“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition”

2nd Thessalonians 2:3

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Well, most Christians are told by their teachers that some lone individual will rise up in the last 7 years of history (after the supposed “Rapture”) and deceive the whole world into believing that he is some sort of deliverer.

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But really, when we read the 17th Chapter of Revelation, we discover that this composite Beast is made of mountains, kings, and kingdoms, as well as a body of four beasts, which Daniel explains are kings as well as kingdoms. (read and study Daniel, Chapter 7)

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Now, to keep this devotional brief, let it be stated that the 4th head of this Beast and onward is concerning the ruling authorities during the New Testament era:

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The 4th Head: civil Rome,

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The 5th Head: spiritual Rome (Catholicism, which arose out of the ashes of the demolished civil Rome),

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The 6th Head: atheism,

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And the 7th Head: apostate Christianity.

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Now the reason for bringing these things to mind is for the sake of those who insist that this beast is a single individual.

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Satan – Lucifer – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

ABOVE ENGRAVING: Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – this old engraving shows that the Church once realized that the Babylon Mother of Harlots was actually the apostate churches – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.”

Daniel 11:37

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But is the foretold Antichrist a single individual?

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Well, in a sense they are correct.

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This is because, for most of the New Testament era, the Church of Rome (the 5th Head of the Beast) was ruled over by a single individual, The Pope. And any legitimate historical account will confirm that the Church of Rome, under the Pope’s rule, became a tyrannical beast as it persecuted, tormented, tortured, imprisoned, and murdered many thousands, or perhaps even millions of Christians through the centuries of the New Testament churches. And additionally, that same religious body aggressively attempted to destroy every Bible as well as those who possessed that beloved Book of books!

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As one well-known reformationist wrote, “I know that the Pope is Antichrist himself!” (Martin Luther)

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

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^“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time:

1st John 2

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Now to be accurate, this composite beast, made up of various kings and kingdoms, represents Satan’s Antichrist world-system throughout history.

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And yet, for most of the New Testament era, the papacy dominated the nations of Europe, persecuting God’s people.

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Unfortunately, today’s theologians mostly have abandoned this understanding, and have become adherents to the Roman Catholic “Futurist” doctrine thought up by a Catholic theologian from the 1500’s, named Francisco Ribera. This idea was invented to bring the vast majority of Revelation down to the last 7 years of history, thus denying the office of the Papacy as being the Beast of Revelation.

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“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:”

Revelation 14:13

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**But having said all these things, let it also be stated that Lucifer is the true “Man of sin”, as it is revealed in Isaiah, Chapter 14.**

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In that chapter, Lucifer is spoken of…“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! They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, IS THIS THE MAN that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms…” Isaiah 14:12

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**Yes, the true “Man of sin” is Lucifer. But it would be a dereliction of duty to not mention the role of the Papacy in the long bloody history of the Church**

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

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Now, as we begin to understand these things, we can see just how complicated the Bible can be!

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But for all those who are “Wise Men” on the upward Heavenward sojourn, we look upon all these things “narrowly” as Isaiah 14 counsels us.

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And truth-be-told, the entirety of the churches and denomination have been swallowed up by Babylon, the World.

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And so, we don’t want to single out any one particular denomination, but realize that we must “Come out of her My people, that ye not partake of her sins, nor receive of her plagues”. Revelation 18:4

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This above verse speaks of the entire structured and corporate church-world, only to flee to the spiritual mountains of safety and refuge found in a full surrender to Christ and His Word!

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

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

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“Flee out of the midst of Babylon,

and deliver every man his soul:

be not cut off in her iniquity;

for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance;

HE will render unto her a recompence.”

Jeremiah 51:6

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Strengthen my faith that I may endure the fiery trials which are just now coming upon the horizon for God’s people…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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

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

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This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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TOMORROW…

**August 5 (*Ostriches & Us!***)

Female Ostrich by Sandy Cole for Wikimedia share-alike license

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 24 – In The Holy Of Holies

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #75

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 4 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 20: “Can America’s Cancer Be Cured?”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 4

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Taking Back This Nation For God!

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Part 20:

“Can America’s Cancer Be Cured?”

To read Part 1, click here… “March 28th (Taking Back This Nation For God!)”

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“The wicked shall be turned into hell,

and all the nations that forget God.”

Psalm 9:17

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“The Heavens Declare The Glory of God!”

Psalm 19:1

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God has created this universe to be a wonderful physical realm and home to all who dwell in the heavens. (see Revelation 12:12)

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A beautiful universe! A marvelous and orderly cosmos! From the tiniest particle to the greatest galaxy and even beyond, this amazing Creation proclaims the glory of God! (see Psalm 19:1)

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

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“O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!”

Psalm 34:8

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This Planet Earth is likewise filled with many beautiful and wonderful things for people to enjoy!

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And yet, the entrance of sin has marred that beauty, to a great extent. Grass and trees and plants now wither away and die over the course of time. People and animals too. The incredible beauty of this world’s pre-sin paradise, originally created for mankind’s peace and enjoyment, has now become a mere remnant of its original glory!

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But, in His mercy and grace, God has allowed a certain amount of that original beauty to remain. Just go through the Internet and behold all the beautiful photos of nature! Nothing short of amazing!

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Child & Dandelion – Wikimedia – Public Domain

South American Butterfly – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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“AN ENEMY HATH DONE THIS!”

Matthew 13:28

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But amidst all this lingering beauty are reminders of the evil which dominates much of God’s Creation. The spider is hideous and frightful, and presents a remarkable illustration of how wickedness desires to entangle, entrap, and destroy its victims! The little fly believes it is flying into a tunnel leading to some interesting place. But this optical illusion is merely a deadly trap resulting in its victims’ bondage and eventual destruction.

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Spider Web – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Web- Spider – Signs Of Heaven

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“THE PLAGUE THAT WALKS IN DARKNESS”

Psalm 91:6

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Disease is another product and reminder of mankind’s fall from Heaven’s grace. All through the earth, both man and beast suffer from diseases of various types.

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Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases, not only because of its almost certain death sentence, but also because it is so prevalent in today’s world. Yes, people all over the planet are suffering the painful results of cancer, in whatever form it comes.

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Lady in sling – Photo by Liz Roll – FEMA – Elderly cared for in Louisiana – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“WHICH THINGS ARE AN ALLEGORY…”

Galatians 4:24

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But as with many various things in fallen nature, cancer too, can provide a metaphoric portrait of how sin can destroy a once-thriving society.

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Currently, The United States is suffering a type of spiritual cancer, which has progressively grown through the many decades of our history!

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Yes, even though this once God-blessed nation began as an experiment in liberty of conscience and freedom of political/religious speech, it has become increasingly mired in sin.

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And though the original pilgrims journeyed here to escape the tyranny of the corrupt church/state system of Europe’s Dark Ages, to live here freely under Heaven’s rule, Satan began working quickly and tirelessly to undo God’s original blessings on the fledgling nation of the USA.

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Pilgrims & Mayflower Harbor by William Halsall 1882 wikipedia US public domain

Pilgrims & Thanksgiving – Brascome – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“SILENCE LIKE A CANCER GROWS…”

(Lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel mega-hit, “Sounds of Silence)

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And just as cancer begins as a tiny and unnoticeable spot, so also did the cancer of sin on this nation. Secularists and false Christians moved in and began to populate this new promising haven, alongside the Christian pilgrims. And instead of worshiping God with the pilgrim Christians, those godless men greedily sought new ways to enrich themselves from the earth’s vast pristine natural wealth.

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One means which thousands of unbelievers living in the southern states employed, was to imitate what other nations were doing at that period in history. And slavery was one way in which various nations could prosper. And before long some godless men (and false brethren in the church) were importing slaves by the thousands to work in their fields, and farms, and homes.

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But God had blessed the USA with a constitution and Bill of Rights which declared that every human has equal rights under the law. And eventually, multitudes of men and women with a conscience began a movement to free all those held in bondage.

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And eventually the USA achieved equal rights for all men, due to the excellence of our God-given Constitution. And today, the ancestors of those slaves are now enjoying equal rights and protections under the law, and many are excelling to great positions of leadership and power in various fields…even becoming world leaders!

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Slavery – Legree-Wikipedia-Public-Domain (2)

President Barack Obama – Wikipedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“YE HAVE HEAPED TOGETHER TREASURE FOR THE LAST DAYS!”

James 5:3

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But alas, this nation eventually fell into sin of another stripe. Yes, because of the rise of the industrial age, the US began to prosper beyond anything the world had ever seen! Even many lower-income people began to enjoy a higher standard of living than even the rich of centuries past! Automobiles, television, radio, Internet, over-abundant and low-cost food, alcoholic beverages, recreational drugs, time-saving appliances, and just about any invention one could imagine were now manufactured cheaply and abundantly!

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Americans had more than the “heart could wish!” Psalm 73:7

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And not only the USA, but the whole world began to prosper, because of the industrial age!

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And even the church-world joined in with the prosperity-boom of America!

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

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“THE KISSES OF AN ENEMY ARE DECEITFUL!”

Proverbs 27:6

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**And America’s church-communities enjoyed much “peace and safety”, now able to build countless houses of worship, free from assault by antichrist forces!**

(“peace and safety”, 1st Thessalonians 5:3)

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At last, the secular world was seemingly embracing the church-world!

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And so, one could say that this entire nation became a “cornucopian super-society”! And yet, little did we realize that the cancer of sin was silently, stealthily, but steadily growing.

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Clueless to this malignancy, America was now in, “full party mode”!

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Television offered endless varieties of programs, mostly with, “a form of godliness”, and yet, void of true godliness. Oh yes, Christians could find shows which they imagined had enough goodness to entertain them and their children.

(See 2nd Corinthians 4:4 for “a form of godliness” reference)

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But through the decades, television steadily devolved, as well as radio, and Internet.

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And the church-communities devolved along with them!

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And the much-distracted church-community had ere-long fallen into a death-like slumber, and all the more as their leaders told them they would be “raptured away” prior to the tribulation.

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Mega Church – Wikimedia –

ABOVE PICTURE: TV indoctrination – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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WE BECOME A MIND-CONTROL INDOCTRINATION MACHINE!

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And while we were asleep, secularists silently took over the public school system. And all the Bible storybooks were quickly eliminated from the schools, replaced by atheist publications, teaching socialism, evolution, psychology, and even “new-age spiritualism” instead.

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Every last drop of Christianity was soon squeezed out of public schooling, causing history books to omit the bloody history of the Church!

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Nazi Stabs Bible – Wikimedia commons – US Public Domain (2)

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“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you”

1st John 3:13

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And as atheists and secularists continued to grow in power over the government, they began to become increasingly intolerant of Christianity.

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And through the decades, America’s cancer increased until it finally reached a “stage-4” level!

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And all those nice secularists who previously slapped Christians on the back, inviting them to parties and social events, now began to greet them with frowns, disapproval, criticism, and censure.

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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“AND HE (the 2nd Beast of Revelation 13) SPAKE AS A DRAGON”

Revelation 13:11

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And with all that political power, aided by a compliant and corrupt media, the United States began speaking as a dragon. A brand-new America was emerging. A totalitarian dystopia! And no more were they going to tolerate living under even the basic principles of godliness!

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Just as “stage-4” cancer rapidly spreads, so too, America’s cancer was reaching its final moments, now spreading like a wildfire!

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TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter”

Isaiah 59:14

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“All Hell finally broke loose!” God’s “cup of fury”, causing pandemic madness, was given to all nations to drink!

(See Jeremiah 25:15 for “cup of fury” reference)

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Crazy and unexplainable laws and maxims began to be thrust upon the populace. Hateful ideologies began to be forced onto school children. Racism, gender confusion, suicidal government spending, national self-loathing, unchecked mob violence in cities, governmental bullying of the citizenry, over-run borders, media censorship of opposing opinions. Courts greatly disregarding the Rule of Law.

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America was seemingly now in free-fall, morally, religiously, politically, financially, and socially.

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A once great nation became like a gravely ill man on his death-bed, suffering his final moments before death!

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And a large class of the citizenry, who still professed to love and believe in this nation, sadly and helplessly looked on, witnessing their once beloved nation, dying before their very tear-filled eyes!

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Other nations also looked on, confounded and bewildered by this once great nation’s current tragic demise.

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Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

Gay Parade – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

Lady Justice – Not-so-blindfolded – Wikimedia & www.openclipart.com – Public Domain

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“IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME…”

2nd Chronicles 7:14

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But many are asking, “Is there any hope for this cancer-ridden nation?”

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Well, theoretically, should there be a mass repentance, then perhaps God just might turn and allow this nation to continue on for a few more years.

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But the chances of that happening are extremely slim.

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People praying – by Sergei Frolov – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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“In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold…They will flee to caverns in the rocks…away from the terror of the LORD…when He rises to shake the earth”

Isaiah 2:20, 21

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But one thing is for certain! If God’s Elect will, “cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold” and run to the safety of those ragged rocks of refuge, found within the pages of God’s much-neglected Bible, then perhaps they might find safe-haven from this imminent storm now looming large over the horizon!

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

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“By the Word of His lips have I kept me from the paths of the Destroyer”

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And don’t imagine for one moment that we will be raptured out of all this pandemonium which Satan has prepared for us!

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We have been caught in his giant trap! And the only path to safety is through living “by every Word which proceeds from the mouth of God!”(Matthew 4:4)

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Yes, it is the “exceeding great and precious promises”, found throughout Scripture which will guide us step-by-step through the fiery furnace now prepared! (2nd Peter 1:4)

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Listen…“By the Word of His lips have I kept me from the paths of the Destroyer. Hold up my goings forth that my footsteps slip not!” Psalm 17:4, 5

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And truth-be-told, this is exactly why God is allowing this coming time of trouble: (1.) to purify His people so that they learn to trust in His Word, and (2.) to allow that Word to guide their every footstep, even through the firestorm of Great Tribulation, just now beginning!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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“For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me;

He shall set me up upon a Rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up

above mine enemies round about me:

therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Psalm 27:5, 6

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to escape this awful and fearful judgment which seems to be falling on this society. Let me hide myself in Thy secret pavilion until the indignation be overpast…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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DRAGON’S WAVE OF WATER

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In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created this wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically comprised of ten stars.

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The main body of the wave has seven stars (#’s 1 thru 7, in the sketch), and the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars, (#’s 8, 9, 10).

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So in this wave, we see the same 7/10 numbering found in the Revelation description of the heads/horns/crowns of the Dragon.

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And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).

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Listen again… “When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN made me afraid. The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.

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ATHEISM AND THE NUMBER “6”

And so, without going into a lengthy discussion, let’s just say that of all the 7 heads of Antichrist, the head which most closely aligns with atheism would logically be the 6th head. And why the 6th head? The Book of Revelation, Chapter 13 warns that the Antichrist Beast has a number of 666. And it describes this number as being the “number of a man”. The number “6” in Scripture has to do with “Man”. It is a number which reminds of the 6th Day of Creation; the day that Man was created. Man was created on the 6th day. And so, Mankind is very much connected with the number “6”

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And since atheism is the religion which holds Mankind as the supreme ruler of Earth, then the number “6”, being the number of Man, seems to correspond to the 6th head of Antichrist, very well.

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Now these ideas may not be “written in stone”, as the saying goes. And nothing hinges upon, nor falls apart, with or without these theories. But sufficed to say, there is strong evidence that these concepts have biblical support.

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And so, this 6th star in the Revelation 12 Dragon’s wave of water, would correspond to the 6th head of the Antichrist Beast. And as already said, “waves” in Scripture, represent the many false ideologies which Satan has flooded the world with, throughout time. So that is why this Signs Of Heaven website believes that atheism was the 6th head of Antichrist.

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But if the reader wishes to explore these things in more depth, please go to “Floodwaters of Satan-Introduction”.

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TOMORROW…

August 5 (5th Head of the Beast: The Man of Sin?)

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 23 – What Is The Sanctuary

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth)are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #74

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Today’s Devotional, Year 4 – January 21 (Mark Now Given? Part 4: “Internet Censorship”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Today’s Devotional, Year 4 – January 21

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Mark Now Given?

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Part 4:

“Internet Censorship”

To read Part 1, go here…Today’s Devotional – April 3rd (Mark Now Given!)

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“And that no man might buy or sell,

save he that had the mark,

or the name of the beast,

or the number of his name.”

Revelation 13:17

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In the years following the establishment of the New Testament Church, many Christians were forced to pinch off a tiny amount of incense and sprinkle it upon a small portable altar dedicated to the queen of Heaven.

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If an individual refused, he or she suffered a cruel death in the Roman arena.

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“THE PROUD HAVE DIGGED PITS FOR ME”

Psalm 119:85

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But today, Satan is much more sophisticated in his assault against Christians!

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Right under our noses, “the god of this world” is now implementing unjust laws and economic strategies which will test each and every church, ministry, and individual regarding “who do I truly serve and worship?”

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

mark of the Beast – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“Buy The Truth And Sell It Not!”

Proverbs 23:23

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One such stratagem appears to be the black-listing of those websites which attempt to go against today’s dominant ideology.

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In other words, Satan is now working to ensure that all websites which do not conform to the image of the Beast (Satan’s antichrist world-system), will become almost impossible to find on the Internet search-engines, thereby sinking them into obscurity.

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And by this means, the prophecy becomes fulfilled…“And that no man might buy or sell (the true Gospel), save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:17 (parenthetical comment by this website editor)

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mark of the Beast – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“THE SERPENT WAS MORE SUBTLE THAN ANY BEAST OF THE FIELD”

Genesis 3:1

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Now, the reason why this website does not want to get too dogmatic about the details of the future is that Satan can change course at any time he wishes. In other words, Satan is like a side-winder. He never moves in a straight direction!

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What looks like truth today, can change instantly tomorrow if it better suits his purpose.

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Brown tree snake – Boiga – Wikipedia – Public Domain

mark of the Beast – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE TRUE GOSPEL BEGINNING TO BE CUT OFF

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On the other hand, the Bible tells us…“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

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In this above verse is the true essence of what it means to “buy or sell” in Revelation’s prophecy concerning the Mark of the Beast. And even though Satan may also impose severe economic sanctions on Christians in the near future, he most definitely will cut off the true Gospel from being publicly preached, as far as possible.

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mark of the Beast – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 5. CLICK HERE…

January 22 (Mark Now Given? Part 5: “Freedom of Speech, An Endangered Right!”)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to prepare myself to stand in the coming evil months ahead. Help me to be fully armored…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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The Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is the very same constellation that comprises the head of Taurus the Bull. In other words, Hyades is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. And Hyades is the mouth of this Dragon.

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The tip of the Dragon’s tail is composed of that star-cluster known as The Pleiades. The Pleiades is actually in the shape of a lion’s furry tassel tip of his tail. The sketch below shows this Pleiades as the tail tip.

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Now with aid of a dark starry night, you may begin to connect this mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are very well-defined with stars. The front legs are made partially of Taurus. The back legs and rear fin are made of the Cetus Constellation. But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus. This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail). The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. The are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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TOMORROW…

January 22 (Mark Now Given? Part 5: “Freedom of Speech, An Endangered Right!”)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 19 – Light Through Darkness

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #70

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4: January 19 (Noble Bereans, Part 41: “God’s Prophetic Timeline”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4: January 19

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Noble Bereans,

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Part 41:

“God’s Prophetic Timeline”

To read part 1, click here…”September 2nd (Noble Bereans?)”

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“I HAVE APPOINTED THEE EACH DAY FOR A YEAR”

Ezekiel 4:6

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Unfortunately, the apostate portion of today’s church-world has not been taught to think of Bible prophecy in terms of prophetic time.

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In other words, when they read in Revelation about “seven years”, all they can conclude is a literal 7-year period of time.

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Revelation – cropped image – www.pri.org for Wikimedia –

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“I HAVE APPOINTED THEE EACH DAY FOR A YEAR”

Ezekiel 4:6

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But the Bible speaks repeatedly about prophetic time in such places as Ezekiel 4:6 …“And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”

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This above verse is merely one example of how God prophesies. And to miss this great truth is to make the same mistake which Old Testament Israel made in so many ways: to try to interpret Scripture literally when in truth it is a very spiritual Book!

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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“THE LORD…SENT…TO SHOW…THE THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY BE DONE”

Revelation 22:6

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And so, those who “stumble at the Word” will ignore Revelation’s warnings, such as…“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND.” 1st Peter 2:8 & Revelation 22:10

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This and similar warnings have been ignored by modern-day theologians, causing great error and confusion as to the prophetic time-line of the Church. In other words, theologians of the past correctly understood how Revelation was written for the Church throughout all ages. Not just for a seven-year period!

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But today, this correct understanding has been mostly lost sight of, being replaced by the “futurist” doctrine (which doctrine has been attributed to Francisco Ribera, a Catholic theologian from the 1500’s in attempt to counter the common accusation that the office of the Pope was the prophesied antichrist beast of Revelation).

“In the late Middle Ages and the Protestant Reformation, some commentators sought to identify the Antichrist with the Pope, so that figures from the Book of Revelation might not only be interpreted as representing figures in the past (such as the Emperor Nero) or in the future (in the Last Days), but also in the present. Francisco Ribera (a Catholic/Jesuit theologian) in 1585 began writing a 500-page commentary on the Book of Revelation, titled In Sacrum Beati Ioannis Apostoli, & Evangelistiae Apocalypsin Commentarii, proposing that the first chapters of the Apocalypse applied to ancient pagan Rome, and the rest referred to a yet future period of 3½ literal years, immediately prior to the second coming. During that time, the Roman Catholic Church would have fallen away from the pope into apostasy…”

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

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Burned at the stake – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

“Futurist” author, Theologian – Francisco de Ribera – 1886_ Wikimedia – Creative Commons Atribución 2.0

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“MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE!”

Hosea 4:6

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Unfortunately, part of the problem is the lack of historical knowledge of the Church throughout the past two-thousand years.

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Had the average Christian been thoroughly schooled in our Church history, they might have been more open to the truth that Revelation was written for every century of the past two-thousand years.

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But sadly, too many Christians are not very aware of the long and bloody history of the Church!

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And so, as the student of prophecy attempts to decipher the various allegories and time-prophecies of Revelation, it must be interpreted through the corridors of the past two millenniums and not only for some mere 7-year period.

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

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“WOE TO THEM…THAT PUT FAR AWAY THE EVIL DAY!”

Amos 6:1, 3

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And one thing which must be kept in mind, is that the Bible was written by God to have a sense of urgency about it.

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Yes, God knew how easy it is for His people to become complacent and lethargic.

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But also, in a very real sense, it has always been the Day of the Lord. People do not realize how short time is in their individual lives.

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And many lackadaisical Christians have not understood that the spiritual battle was and is raging all around us! Thus, we have not entered into the battle, nor fully armored up with the armor of God!

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This is one reason why God has veiled many of His prophecies within the prophetic day/year principle.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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GOOD NEWS!

But the very Good News is, that God has mercifully and graciously allowed His professed people some time to put that armor on, and enter into the warfare which is raging all around us!

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And any man, woman, or child who wishes to overcome this evil world has the opportunity to do so!

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Don’t waste that opportunity!

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ANY NOBLE BEREANS?

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And also, when Ellen White wrote about the history of the Church, she correctly assigned the various prophecies from Revelation to the Church-apostate and the Church-faithful.

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And so, instead of trying to wrestle with Scripture concerning the Antichrist beast, making him into some human individual, she was shown that this beast was symbolic of Satan’s Antichrist world-system.

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**And the “Noble Berean” is encouraged to listen to audio Chapter 17 (almost at this page bottom) from her book, The Great Controversy, with these things in mind.**

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Ellen G. White – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TO READ PART 42, CLICK HERE…

January 20 (Noble Bereans, Part 42: “Harold Camping and William Miller”)

Harold-Camping – courtesy Family Radio

William Miller – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be an Noble Berean, that is, an open-minded seeker of truth, even if it means giving up a very highly regarded Church opinion! Let me be willing to investigate any seemingly new teaching if it appears to have some biblical validity…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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WHAT THIS PAGE IS ABOUT…

This page is concerned with the Glorious Crown (a.k.a. Corona Borealis Constellation), as is written… “And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” Revelation 12:1.

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**This rather dim constellation follows behind that bright and beautiful star, Arcturus , as Arcturus leads a heavenly ambassage through the heavens each night in summer.**

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many crowns happen to be studded with precious jewels. Well this heavenly crown is no exception! And though these “jewels” are stars, they represent the precious jewels spoken of throughout Scripture, when speaking about God’s people.

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**But this constellation is not nearly as high-profile as, say, the 7 Stars Constellation (a.k.a., The Big Dipper). It is relatively dim, compared to those two bright constellations.**

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Corona Borealis – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus (crown drawn in by this website)- All rights by Roberto Mura

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LOCATING THIS CROWN…

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This constellation begins to appear in late December (just before dawn), but is best seen, mid-sky when this group of constellations can be seen when facing west. In March-April, very late in the pre-dawn hours, this Summer Constellation group begins to be seen when facing west, and continues to be seen in the west until fall.

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**The Crown follows almost directly behind that great star, Arcturus, as you can see in the sketch.**

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Repeat: it is somewhat easier to study the 12 stars of this constellation when it is in western half of night-sky (when you have to see it as you face westward). So when these Summer Constellations are in the western half of the sky, simply follow the handle of the Big Dipper till you locate Arcturus. Then the Crown is following Arcturus. You will only see the wreath-like 7 stars plus 1 star (in middle) until you get away from all city lights. Then you can make out the other 5 stars, which makes it appear like a full crown.

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***COMBINATION OF BOTH* *CORONA BOREALIS & BOOTES***

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This constellation is a combination of both Corona Borealis plus several stars from the Bootes Constellation.

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The stars, Alkalyroos-Bootis and the Delta-Bootis Star are both combined with the other stars from the Corona Borealis community, to make this 12-star (plus 13th star in middle).

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Wikipedia Star-Chart – Corona Borealis (Crown and Five Wise Virgins drawn in by this website)

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TOMORROW…

January 20 (Noble Bereans, Part 42: “Harold Camping and William Miller”)

Harold-Camping – courtesy Family Radio

William Miller – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 17 – Heralds Of The Morning

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #68

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 18 (The False Prophet, Part 25: “Roger Williams & The Two Horns of the False Prophet Beast”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 18

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The False Prophet,

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Part 25:

“Roger Williams & The Two Horns of the False Prophet Beast”

To read Part 1 of this series, click here… “JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet, Part 1: Lying Eyes!)”

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A name which has little familiarity in today’s world is that of Roger Williams. (No, not that pop pianist recording artist.)

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But perhaps only in Rhode Island is the name, Roger Williams, a familiar name, since he was the founder of that colony, later becoming that state.

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Roger Williams statue by Franklin Simmons – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

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But Roger Williams discovered that the New World of America was fast becoming a place of religious oppression and intolerance by the rulers of the Puritan denomination.

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And this was an unthinkable situation, since escaping religious persecution was a major reason why the European pilgrims came here in the first place!

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Return of Roger Williams – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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FLEEING FOR HIS LIFE

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But Roger William’s plea for religious freedom was not well received by those in power. And soon, this righteous and principled product of God’s amazing grace had to escape for his life from the Puritan leadership for advocating these, “diverse and new and dangerous opinions” (info source: Wikipedia).

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Thus, Williams had to suffer for nearly three months while escaping from authorities through the harsh winter in Massachusetts. At times, a hollow tree became his nightly shelter from the frigid, snow-covered wilderness.

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Finally, Williams was mercifully taken in by the Narragansett native Americans, no doubt enjoying his time with them until the spring thaw.

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Roger Williams and the Narragansetts – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ROGER WILLIAMS: DEFENDER AND ADVOCATE FOR LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE

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Well, the rest is history!

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Williams eventually rose up to become a well-known and highly respected defender of religious freedom, as well as a friend, defender, and evangelist to many Native Americans.

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Roger Williams Statue at Roger Williams University (photo has been cropped by this website) – photo courtesy of Bill Price III and Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

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ATHEISM: 6TH HEAD OF THE ANTICHRIST BEAST

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Now in yesterday’s devotional, (click here), it was discussed how secularism/atheism took control of the Reformation nations of Europe, and ultimately put to death that great Christian Reformation movement in those states.

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And this website has many devotionals which focus on how secular atheism and its related ideologies are actually the 6th head of the 7-headed Antichrist Beast of Revelation, Chapters 13 & 17.

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

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APOSTATE PROTESTANTISM: THE 7TH HEAD

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Nevertheless, Roger Williams encountered another Beast power, a religious one in the form of the apostate “Christian” leadership of that day.

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And so, even though Satan, through the centuries, persecuted true Christians via the tyrannical church-system of Europe (which was the 5th head of the Antichrist Beast), Williams was now encountering the progenitor of the 7th head of the Antichrist Beast: apostate Protestantism.

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Oh yes, God worked through Williams to squelch this new beast-power, but only for a time! Because the False Prophet Beast power was to eventually rise up once again, however at a later time.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel

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Well, if the Noble Berean will scroll down to almost the page bottom, he or she can listen to the audio chapter on Roger Williams, and his valiant stand for religious freedom of conscience in the new world of America.

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**This is Chapter 16 from Ellen White’s book, “The Great Controversy”.**

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Ellen G. White – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 26, CLICK HERE…

January 30 (The False Prophet, Part 26: “Many Shall Say…Lord, Lord!”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

Dear Lord, Give me an understanding of all these things. Make me to be wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove in this dangerous and deceptive world…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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7 HEADS, 10 HORNS, & 7 CROWNS OF THE DRAGON

“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.” Rev. 12:3

In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars. The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7). And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10). So we have this 7 and 10 numbering. And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).

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TOMORROW

January 19 (Noble Bereans, Part 41: “God’s Prophetic Timeline”)

Bible prophecy chart – Wikipedia – Public Domain in US

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book , a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 16 – The Pilgrim Fathers

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #67

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 17 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 3: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy” CONTINUED)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 17

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The First Shall Be Last!

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Part 3:

“The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy”

CONTINUED

To Read Part 1, click here…September 5th (The First Shall Be Last!)

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“The wicked shall be turned into hell,

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and all the nations that forget God”

Psalm 9:17

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**In yesterday’s devotional (click here to read), it was lamenting the greatest tragedy ever witnessed by mankind: how Europe turned its back on the Gospel of Jesus, for the most part.**

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And it was mentioned that these nations which once lovingly embraced the Christian Reformation finally became secular societies, to now allowing themselves to be filled with false and dead religions, and how it is evident that God’s judgment has fallen upon those once-highly-favored nations.

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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BLOODY HISTORY OF ROME’S RULE OVER EUROPE

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And an American can only imagine how absolutely fed-up Europeans were with the apostate, corrupt, and even tyrannical churches, which ruled Europe for so many centuries, during the Dark Ages.

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

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NO EXCUSE FOR TURNING AWAY FROM REFORMATION

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On the other hand, Europe had no excuse for their turning their backs on Christianity.

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No, with the Reformation bringing in true Christianity, the people of Europe now could see what true Christianity looked like. And they did see. And they could hear those joyful hymns echoing through their villages each Sabbath. And they could rejoice that the true Gospel was being faithfully preached from the pulpits. And they could realize that Christians were meek and lowly of heart, and did not oppress others as did the apostate churches.

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And God gave these nations Reformation heroes to whom they could look up to and even read their writings. It was a time of victory for Christ and His Church in Europe!

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John Wesley preaching – cropped and colored picture – Wellcome – the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

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

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“GIVE ME NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES”

Proverbs 30:8

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Now, instead of famine and disease and governmental oppression, Satan would flood the Reformation nations with excess and humanism with all its fleshly lusts. Formerly, the oppressive church-state system had received its deadly wound by a sword (the “sword of the Spirit”, the Bible, via the printing press).

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But now, this new system thrives by means of opulence.

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And so, both Europe and America began to go through a great transformation.

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This new oppressive system was now rising to power, causing the Christian community to once again become apostate, because of all the materialism and hedonistic pleasures and ambitious pursuits made possible by the industrial revolution along with the high-tech revolution.

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People on Times Square – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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THE TWO BEASTS OF REVELATION 13

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Now these two forms of oppression (privation/opulence) which this website describes as the 1st and 2nd beasts of Revelation 13, with their various heads and horns can be quite confusing to newcomers of this website.

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But there are many articles to read which can clear of all this confusion, such as…March 23rd (1st Beast of Revelation 13)

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

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ATHEISM: MANKIND IS GOD!

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And simultaneous to this, Charles Darwin absolutely shook both continents with his theory of evolution.

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And Freud also shook the world with his ideology of “mental illness” which replaced the biblical truth of demon possession.

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In other words, atheism was gradually gaining power over the world and even over Christianity.

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

Sigmund Freud – LIFE – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE TWO BEASTS OF REVELATION 13

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Well, this rather complicated subject of history of Europe and America can be further explored by reading many daily devotional articles on this website, such as March 23rd (1st Beast of Revelation 13), and also…March 24th (2nd BEAST of REVELATION 13)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the strength and resolve to shun the excesses which prevail in this opulent and hedonistic society, and run the race to the top of heavenly Zion…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE THIRD MOUNTAIN…CHOICE ‘C’…

“Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” Jeremiah 51:25

These three mountains are called “The Valley of Decision Constellation Group”. The first two mountains on the left in this sketch are known are the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing, as found in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 & Chapter 28. The valley between these two mountains is called the Valley of Decision, as is written… “Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the Valley of Decision.” Joel 3:14. The Valley of Decision is not a physical place, but a spiritual valley in which each person of the world will make up his or her mind, as to just whom they will serve: God or Satan; God’s kingdom or this world (Satan’s kingdom). From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessings which result from serving God. From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curses which result from disobedience to God’s will. And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve. A very simple choice, right? Wrong!

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TOMORROW:

January 18 (“Roger Williams & The Two Horns of the False Prophet Beast”)

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 15 – The Bible And The French Revolution

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #66

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 15 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 1: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 15

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The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation,

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Part 1:

“Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!”

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“Behold, I come quickly:

hold that fast which thou hast,

that no man take thy crown.”

Revelation 3:11

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This above verse is probably one of the most important passages in the Bible!

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And probably one of the least obeyed!

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Because, isn’t it true that it’s so easy in this world, to let go of good habits?

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New Year Resolutions list – cropped image – Wikimedia – Public domain photos.com

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MAKING AND BREAKING OUR VOWS

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Yes, we make vows, and then we break vows!

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Maybe we fall off our New Year’s diet!

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Or we go back to smoking!

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Or we begin to have “just one glass” of wine again.

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Or we begin again to engage in gossiping!

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Or fall off our daily workout at the gym!

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Well, the list is seemingly endless regarding the things that we let slip away!

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Gluttony – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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

two young girls laughing behind another girls back – cropped image – wikimedia

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“A LITTLE SLEEP…SO SHALL THY POVERTY COME!”

Proverbs 6:10, 11

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And so, it’s also in the Christian’s daily warfare!

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Maybe we fall off our daily Bible study.

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Or we begin again to watch “just a little television”.

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Or we begin hanging out with the old crowd again.

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Or whatever other old habit we might be inclined to fall back into.

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This is perhaps, the greatest single danger to our Christian walk. This is the ultimate slippery slope that the Christian may inadvertently fall!

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And when the Christian falls back into one old habit, you can just guess that the Devil has a few more old habits for that Christian to fall back into!

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Lunch Break – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

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THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN

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**God has placed a marvelous set of constellations in the night-sky to illustrate just what is at stake in the Christians, “good fight of faith”.**

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Yes, there is a constellation named “The Glorious 12-Star Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation” (scroll to this page’s bottom to see more detailed information about this constellation)

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And right next to this constellation is the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, which features a woman-with-child grasping for that Glorious Crown!

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**Well, there is much more to all these heavenly signs, which can be explored by going to the “Signs Of Heaven” website.**

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“…THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN!”

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But needless to say, these heavenly signs give us a pictorial scenario of what today’s signature verse is all about…“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11

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Yes, this crown represents our Salvation. And even though we do not fully understand all the details of this crown, nevertheless, Revelation 3:11 is a fearful warning that the Christian should exercise great care that he or she does not take their Salvation for granted!

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

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“KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE!”

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The Christian must maintain vigilant watchfulness at all times! The eternal destiny is nothing to take casually.

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Listen…“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27

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And so, as this above passage warns, the Christian must be watchful, vigilant, circumspect at all times!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH!”

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Here is a stark warning from Jesus…

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Listen…“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:35-37

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Here again is yet another fearful warning to God’s professed people, which should not be lightly regarded! “WATCH!”

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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“BECAUSE I CALLED…AND NO MAN REGARDED”

Proverbs 1:24

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One amazing aspect to the Glorious Crown Constellation is that it is a rather dim constellation compared to most of the other constellations on this website. This, no doubt, is because God wants us to realize how little regarded that the Christian Crown is to most church-goers! Yes, we rarely think about the importance of winning this crown as we go about our day-by-day routines! This great truth shines very dimly in the minds of most of us, as we often get so overcharged with our mundane daily duties.

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And yet, the kingdom of Heaven and Heaven’s Jesus are the absolute most important aspect of our lives! And it would be better to be a homeless and poverty-stricken but a prayerful Bible student, than to be wealthy, but without the heart and mind fixed upon God’s Word and prayer!

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Corona Borealis – cropped image – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Homeless man reading Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia share-alike license

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DON’T FORGET THESE THINGS!

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Listen to Peter…“For if these things (God’s promises, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, Charity) be in you, and abound…But he that lacketh these things is blind…give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall…Wherefore I will not be negligent TO PUT YOU ALWAYS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THESE THINGS…Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up BY PUTTING YOU IN REMEMBRANCE…Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to HAVE THESE THINGS ALWAYS IN REMEMBRANCE.” 2nd Peter 1:8, 9, 12, 13, 15

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Three times in the 1st Chapter of 2nd Peter, he repeats the importance of not forgetting about these virtues, to have them in us and do them! Three times!

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So by God’s thrice repetition through Peter, it can be assumed that the Lord wants us to know how easily we can let these things slip away from us if we’re not careful!

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News is, that this is still the Day of Salvation!

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And there is no better day to turn away from our indifference and spiritual lethargy, and begin to beg the Lord for repentance and heart revival!

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After all, we have everything to gain, and everything to lose in our Christian Race before us!

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

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“Therefore we ought to give

the more earnest heed to the things

which we have heard,

lest at any time we should let them slip.”

Hebrews 2:1

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

April 7 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 2: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!” CONTINUED)

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 hold fast to any good thing that I have…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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FIVE WISE VIRGINS STARS

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This constellation was identified on May 22nd, 2014. It is simply five stars, two from the Serpens Constellation, and three from the Hercules Constellation.

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What gives this constellation impetus and significance is that it appears as five evenly positioned stars, in a slight oval pattern, as if they were sitting in a meeting, listening, or perhaps watching someone.

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Second, they appear to be gathered in front of The Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation. (just below Corona Borealis in this Wikipedia star-chart, in which the editor of this site sketched in these two constellations)

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Five Wise Virgins Stars & The Glorious Crown – Corona Borealis – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses! – Wikipedia Star chart with constellations drawn in by this website.

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GATHERED AROUND GLORIOUS CROWN!

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The position of these stars is significant in a number of ways. The first, being that these Five Wise Virgins are gathered around the 12-star Crown of Revelation 12. And the obvious message here is, that these wise virgins represent the faithful portion of God’s Church. And as wise virgins, they understand the importance of winning the glorious crown of victory, which Jesus promised.

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Listen… “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1st Corinthians 9:24, 25.

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And so, God is showing us the difference between the wise and the foolish in His Church. While the wise are gathered around this crown of victory, the foolish are nowhere to be found.

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Corona Borealis/Bootes & Five Wise Virgins – Wikipedia

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TOMORROW:

January 16 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 2: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy”)

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Jesus in Jeans by Peter Royle – U.K. – WIKIMEDIA SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 13 – The Netherlands And Scandinavia

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #64

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 16 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 2: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 16

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The First Shall Be Last!

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Part 2:

“The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy”

To Read Part 1, click here…September 5th (The First Shall Be Last!)

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“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world

through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

they are again entangled therein, and overcome,

the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them

not to have known the way of righteousness,

than, after they have known it,

to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”

2nd Peter 2:20, 21

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Perhaps, the greatest tragedy ever witnessed by mankind is how Europe turned its back on the Gospel of Jesus.

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From once lovingly embracing the Christian Reformation to finally becoming a secular society, to now allowing itself to be filled with false religions, it is evident that God’s judgment has fallen upon those once highly favored nations.

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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REJOICING IN THE REFORMATION

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Just think about how those nations once rejoiced in the truth!

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Just think about how they once risked life and limb to get the Gospel out to the common people!

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Remember how the invention of the printing press opened up the Bible and filled the hearts of the people with the soul-saving truths of God’s love!

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Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster – Wikipedia – US public domain

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NO MORE REJOICING IN THE TRUTH

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But now, those same nations are no more filled with the joyful message of Salvation.

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No longer do the people rejoice to hear those soul-saving words from the pulpit.

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No longer do the valleys and hills of Europe resound with bright and happy Gospel hymns.

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Not many church buildings fill up with excitement and laughter each Sabbath day.

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And instead of embracing the living Gospel of Jesus, these same nations are now beginning to embrace dead religions.

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Thus is the fate of any nation which turns its back on the true Gospel. And Europe is a sad monument to the tragic results of turning its back on the truth.

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

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APOSTASY NOW COMING INTO FULL

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And so, those nations which were the first to joyfully receive the Gospel, are now losing everything God once blessed them with.

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So what are we to do? What are we to say to an angry, yet merciful God?

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Here are the words that we are to say… “the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger…Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up.” Jeremiah 1:12 & Hosea 6:1

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Skateboarder Jesus in Jeans – Church in the U.K – by Peter Royle – cropped image – WIKIMEDIA – SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

January 17 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 3: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy” CONTINUED)

skateboarding Jesus in Jeans – Church in the U.K – by Peter Royle WIKIMEDIA SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the strength and resolve to shun the excesses which prevail in this opulent and hedonistic society, and run the race to the top of heavenly Zion…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE THIRD MOUNTAIN…CHOICE ‘C’…

“Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” Jeremiah 51:25

ABOVE PICTURE – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision Constellation

These three mountains are called “The Valley of Decision Constellation Group”. The first two mountains on the left in this sketch are known are the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing, as found in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 & Chapter 28. The valley between these two mountains is called the Valley of Decision, as is written… “Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the Valley of Decision.” Joel 3:14. The Valley of Decision is not a physical place, but a spiritual valley in which each person of the world will make up his or her mind, as to just whom they will serve: God or Satan; God’s kingdom or this world (Satan’s kingdom). From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessings which result from serving God. From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curses which result from disobedience to God’s will. And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve. A very simple choice, right? Wrong!

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – Wikipedia Star-Chart with constellation drawn in by this website – Not for commercial profit use!

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TOMORROW:

January 17 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 3: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy” CONTINUED)

skateboarding Jesus in Jeans – Church in the U.K. – by Peter Royle WIKIMEDIA SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 14 – Later English Reformers

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #65

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 4: January 24 (The Devil Made Me Do It, Part 33: “Mass Psychosis or Devil-Delusion?”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4: January 24

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The Devil Made Me Do It

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Part 33:

“Mass Psychosis or Devil-Delusion?”

To read Part 1, click here…October 13th . . . . The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 1

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Mask Mandate – Aufruf_zur_Maskenpflicht_auf_Spielplätzen_Park_Bismarckturm_Hof – Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license

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Back in the 1970’s, a certain saying was popularized…“The Devil made me do it! The Devil made me do it!”

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And this was merely mocking Christians, who were seemingly obsessed with pointing the finger at the Devil.

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Then they could all joke and mock “the silly and absurd notion” that Satan is a very active and powerful force controlling the peoples of this world, by laughingly saying…“The Devil made me do it! The Devil made me do it!“

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Flip Wilson – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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SATAN, “THE GOD OF THIS WORLD”

2nd Corinthians 4:4

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But the horrifying fact is, the Devil does indeed cause the vast percentage of the world’s inhabitants to do a great amount of things!

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After all, Ephesians, Chapter 2 reveals a truth that practically nobody realizes or accepts! It is perhaps the most egregious truth in all of the Bible!

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And this verse is, “…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

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And let’s face it! The idea that the entire world’s inhabitants are filled with this evil, antichrist spirit is more than anybody is willing to accept, much less even admit!

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

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TODAY COMPARED TO NAZI GERMANY

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A leading doctor in the field of vaccines was being interviewed about all the lies, embellishments, cover-ups, and misinformation coming forth from the government and corporate media during the pandemic.

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And during the interview, this virus-expert noted the obsessive, even fanatical behavior of a vast percentage of the populace in regard to covid lockdowns/masking-mandates.

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And he then compared it to the fanatical/irrational behavior of Germany as they blindly and zealously followed all the Nazi extremism during the early part of the Twentieth Century.

Nazi Youth – Wikimedia – Commons – Share-alike License

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TODAY’S FANATICAL ZEAL

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In other words, this doctor/scientist was amazed that so many have become extremists in their handling the current lockdowns and mandates.

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And all this fanatical extremism is accepted, when it should be obvious that the government and media have been dishonest about so many aspects of the pandemic. The German population went from “very rational to ‘barking-mad’ in their allegiance to Hitler’s political insanity”, said the virologist. (a paraphrase of his comment)

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And this doctor/scientist further noted that the current radical behavior of so many of today’s politicians and major-media operatives is also akin to the radical Nazi madness of that former era.

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And this same virologist fully agreed with one of his colleagues who recently suggested that what we’ve been seeing is what he called “Mass Formation Psychosis”. This is a mental condition in which a society becomes entirely obsessed over one issue to the degree that societal behavior becomes fanatical and even irrational.

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Coronavirus: Investigation launched over anti-mask arrest | 7NEWS – YouTube

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EXAMPLES OF MASS PSYCHOSIS

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And as an example, that notable virologist cited such things as people wearing masks while driving all alone in their vehicle or walking all alone in a forest while still wearing a mask!

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And another observer also noted that in one U.S. state, the hospitals are firing “non-vaccinated” employees who are covid-free, and instead, hiring vaccinated employees WITH COVID, to fill the void! “This is absolute madness!”, said the observer (also a paraphrase).

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And one conservative news-site reported that a 3-year-old was refused a much-needed heart surgery by three countries, simply because his parents were not yet vaccinated!

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Posters against anti-Covid measures and vaccinations in France – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

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“The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil”

John 7:7

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Well, as one might imagine, many attackers immediately appeared throughout the media, denouncing that virologist’s “Mass Formation Psychosis” diagnosis as “Baseless and false!” They even began a campaign to have that entire website censored, simply for giving out information not approved by government authorities!

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Of course, most psychiatrists will affirm that it’s only to be expected that “mentally deranged” people will adamantly deny their own psychosis, and instead ardently defend their irrational behavior.

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And so, it’s not surprising to see the proverbial “knives have come out” against any such notion that the general populace and their leaders are suffering from “Mass Formation Psychosis” or at least “mass hypnosis”(as one well-known rock musician described all this current-day societal “obsessive behavior”).

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Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do…and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast…”

John 8:44 & Revelation 13:4

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**Well, many in the Christian community might rather analyze this pandemic phenomenon as being of a spiritual origin, just as these two above verses reveal…*“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do”***.

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After all, Ephesians 2:2 says concerning the earth’s inhabitants…^“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”

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**This passage reveals that the unsaved masses are indwelt by an antichrist spirit, “the Prince of the Power of the Air”.**

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

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“…and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast…”

Revelation 13:4

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So, why should Christians be surprised to see these massive societal movements? If Satan is “the god of this world”, is it any wonder that the unsaved multitudes are so willing to follow their leaders?

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**And not only on this one issue of being vaccinated/masked/locked-down/terminated, but willingly compliant in so many other areas of today’s societal issues!**

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ABOVE PICTURE: The Pied Piper of Television – www.signsofheaven.org – commercial use only by permission

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“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?”

Psalm 2:1

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But in light of all this, just why is there a large segment of the population who are not “drinking the Kool-Aid”, as the saying goes? Why are there so many who reject this feverish, obsessive frenzy concerning vaccines and masks and lockdowns and buying/selling restrictions?

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Well, one explanation is that Satan loves division. In other words, if Satan can pit one group of people against another, then anger and hatred will undoubtedly ensue! And this is exactly what we’re seeing, is it not?

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Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

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“And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand”

Mark 3:24

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Yes, it is a very divided world today. And of course, the Bible foretold of this very day…“and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” Matthew 24:12

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And the Book of Daniel likewise foretold of a divided world, as it spoke of a symbolic statue which was made of various minerals and became divided down at its legs, feet, and toes.

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And this statue represented the devolution of society throughout history, eventually ending up as a divided world. (See Daniel, Chapter 2)

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Minneapolis Riots – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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“…but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

Matthew 16:3

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And so, what’s the bottom line to all this information? How are we Christians to respond to this pandemic mass-insanity?

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Jesus rebuked God’s chosen people by saying…“O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3

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It should be obvious that there now is a growing movement to turn this world into a totalitarian police-state. And there are enough deluded people in the world who are following after the leaders of Lucifer’s antichrist world-system, who are taking us there.

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And those who are lending their support to this movement ARE NOT doing so because of some mass psychosis nor of some mass hypnosis.

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.Judgment Day – by sweet media – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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“For the great day of HIS wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

Revelation 6:17

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No, in reality, it is Lucifer, now called the Devil and Satan, who is preparing the world for the final conflict, in which God’s remnant people will seemingly stand-alone against the world. But prior to all this, each and every human must decide which side he or she will stand on: Heaven’s side? Or Hell’s?

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And today’s encouragement is for God’s people to plead for the blessings of copious Bible-study and contemplation, that we may be able to walk by all the “exceeding great and precious promises” found throughout Scripture in our quest to overcome the flesh, the world, and “the god of this world”, the Devil. (See 2nd Peter 1:4 & 2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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And all those who choose to renounce this increasingly evil world-of-selfishness, and begin their sojourn up the heavenward pathway, will soon enter into the wonderful Promised Land, “the Land flowing with milk and honey” in which we will never grow old, but rather shall be forever young!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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TO READ PART 34, CLICK HERE…

February 1, Year 4: (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 34: “The Hour Of The Hypocrite!”)

The Hypocrisy – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Lord, Help me to fully understand this kingdom of selfishness, this present antichrist world-system…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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***FINALLY WALKING UPWARD* INTO THE HIGHWAYS *OF ETERNITY***

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Day by day, you will find yourself walking, like the Disciples, spreading the precious Gospel seed wherever the Spirit leads.

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Taking the lovely name of Jesus, with every word spoken. Walking through this sin-darkened world, witnessing to those who take notice that of a truth, Jesus is present within you. Even like faithful Enoch, walking through the highways and byways of life in this world, spreading the Gospel-seed of unpretentious love.

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Day by day, you will become more and more closed in with God. Moment by moment, your heart will become intertwined with God’s heart, eventually two hearts beating as one heart.

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And just like Enoch, when the appointed time of sojourning on earth is finally done…you will walk onward…and upward…and into the highways and byways of eternity. (“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24).

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

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TOMORROW…

January 25 (Upward, Into the Promised Land! Part 4: “Cleansing the Sanctuary” CONTINUED)

Priesthood – the Holy of Holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 22 – Imprisonment and Death of John

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #73

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 24 (The True Message of Revelation! Part 2: “Do Ye Not Hear The Law?” CONTINUED)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 24

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The True Message of Revelation!

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Part 2:

“Do Ye Not Hear The Law?” CONTINUED

To read Part 1, click here…January 24th (The True Message of Revelation!)

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“Therefore speak I to them in parables:

because they seeing see not;

and hearing they hear not,

neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,

which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand;

and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:”

Matthew 13:13, 14

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**In Part 1 (click here to read) it was mentioned that nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave to the apostle, John, a revelation while John was on the island-prison called the Isle of Patmos.**

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**And the name which God gave this message is The Revelation of Jesus Christ.**

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And indeed, it is a revelation of Jesus, and how He works with His people, in overcoming the world and the god of this world, the Devil.

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And so, Part 1 (click here to read) highlighted a few notable verses out of Revelation, which may give us the key to understanding that marvelous message.

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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7 CHURCHES: US!

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Now in the Book of Revelation is found the messages to the 7 churches of Asia.

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And in those messages are found two common threads, which occur in each message. In each letter, is found the following two messages…

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1. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches”

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2. To him that overcometh…” Revelation 2 & 3

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These two proclamations are found in each of the 7 letters.

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

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SPIRITUAL EARS REQUIRED TO UNDERSTAND ALLEGORIES

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But today’s devotional will only take our magnifying glass to the verses in Revelation which repeat the line…

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“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29 & 3:6, 13, 22

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In these messages to the 7 churches, this admonition was given to each church, which seems to be the foundation of the Book of Revelation. In other words, in the Book of Revelation, those 7 churches each received a personalized message from Jesus, in which allegorical language was used.

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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NEWSPAPERS & HISTORY BOOKS

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But the problem is, that instead of studying the Bible, in hopes of unlocking the allegories, the vast majority of theologians and Bible teachers often study history books, or peruse newspapers in hopes of deciphering Revelation.

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But rarely do they rely solely on the true Bible method of comparing scripture with scripture, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” to find out the true hidden manna veiled within the Book of Revelation. If they did, by the ear-opening power of the Holy Spirit, they would discover that Revelation is all about the Church and its relationship with Christ! (See 1st Corinthians 2:13)

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Newspaper vendor – Wikipedia – public domain

Old book bindings by Tom Murphy VII & Wikipedia – cropped image – Share-alike License

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NO EARS TO HEAR

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So this is why today’s church-world has become spiritual Babylon, the City of Confusion. It is because of our world-loving hearts, we do not have ears to hear so much of what the Bible truly has to say, not only in Revelation, but also in so much of the Old and even in the New Testament.

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

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STUDY, BEREAN, STUDY!

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Well, the Good News is, that it is not too late for any Bible student who considers his or her self to be a “Noble Berean” to begin to pray for ears to hear what God is speaking to His people at this present hour.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Open my ears and eyes to rightly understand this very personal message which is found in all 22 chapters of Revelation. Help me to search the Scriptures for all related passages which give spiritual insight into that unsealed book…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“ARCTURUS AND HIS SONS”

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So what does this verse, “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”, have to do with us today? After all, this prophecy of Balaam (left) was fulfilled in the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ!

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Well, if a person will go out at night, starting in January, and continuing through the warmer months, they might locate the star, Arcturus. This star was spoken of in Job… “Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32. This star is the host star for this Signs Of Heaven website. And the star, Arcturus, also seems to fulfill the previous verse as well…“…there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel….” Numbers 24:17.

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As earlier stated, this passage seems to find a double fulfillment, not only concerning Jesus, but also, as we look into the heavens. This star just happens to lead an entourage of constellations, which span the spring, summer, fall and winter skies, telling the beautiful, wonderful Gospel story. This is the only known place in all the Earth and heavens in which God has created a pictorial account of the Gospel. And no, this has nothing to do with the Zodiac.

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But this revelation showcases the biggest and brightest constellations in the heavens, revealing an entirely different interpretation of those constellations from that of the ancient Babylonian and other pagan culture interpretations.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations with Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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TOMORROW:

March 25 (Dawn of the Dead! Part 5: “Cannibalizing Our Children!?”)

Cannibalism in Russia and Lithuania 1571. – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 39 – Give Ye Them to Eat

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #133, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes his stance on the end of the church age teachings…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – May 9 (The Straw-Man! Part 8: “Aleister Crowley: Satan’s Wing-man or Just His Straw-man?”)

By admin On March 24th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – May 9

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The Straw-Man!

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Part 8:

“Aleister Crowley: Satan’s Wing-man or Just His Straw-man?”

To read Part 1, go here…June 14th (The Straw-Man, Part 1)

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“As it is written,

There is none righteous, no, not one!

There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good, no, not one!”

Romans 3:10-12 (Read entire passage by clicking here)

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On the front cover of that revolutionary Sergeant Pepper album by The Beatles is a photo of Aleister Crowley (along with many other photos of various infamous persons): Crowley being a well-known Satanist from England, active during the 1st half of the Twentieth Century.

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And through the last decades since then, Crowley has become a true cult hero (or better described, “an OCCULT hero”!)

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Yes, Aleister Crowley has been the inspiration for rock-n-roll groups such as The Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Black Sabbath, etc., and also the role-model for many hallucinatory drug advocates over the past decades.

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Aleister Crowley – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

2nd Timothy 3:13

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Now, most people familiar with Crowley’s life will concede that this was truly an evil individual.

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But because of his colorful life and his innovative development of occultism and magic, combined with his use of hallucinogens, and other moral debaucheries, Crowley still maintains the reputation of being a man of intrigue and even a wizard in occultic powers.

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Aleister Crowley, Golden Dawn – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“For what saith the scripture?”

Romans 4:3

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But the focus of today’s devotional is not on Aleister Crowley’s fame & magnetism, nor on his literary productions, nor on his occultish religion, and certainly not on his drug-use!

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**But let’s instead put on our heavenly Son-glasses and examine this demented and self-deceived individual through the prism of the Word of Truth, The Bible.**

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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CROWLEY, “THE BEAST”?

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The greatest evil of Aleister Crowley and other similar individuals throughout history, is that those who are unlearned and unskilled in the Word of Life, The Bible, tend to look at all this black magic and think to themselves, “Well, Crowley was truly an evil dude! And he was definitely Satan’s ‘Wing-man!'”

(“Word of Life” found in 1st John 1:1 & Philippians 2:16)

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**Why, even Crowley’s own mother referred to her son as “The Beast”, a title which Crowley is said to have enjoyed, even as a young boy!**

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Aleister Crowley – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“…for we are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) devices. “

2nd Corinthians 2:11

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But those who are indeed skilled in the Word, realize that men and women like Crowley are merely Satan’s “straw-men”, designed to deceive naive souls and even naive and unlearned church-attendees.

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After all, let’s remember what the Bible has to say about this present world…“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

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Now, this above verse doesn’t say that SOME or even MOST of the world lieth in wickedness. No, but rather, the Apostle, John, reveals that “the WHOLE WORLD lieth in wickedness”!

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Straw Man – cropped photo – attributed to Larch – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license

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BY COMPARISON, EVIL CROWLEY MAKES THE WORLD LOOK GOOD!

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And let’s face it! Such evil men as Aleister Crowley make most other people look pretty good by comparison! And so, Crowley and other similar characters become an evil “Straw-man”, causing people to erroneously believe that there are a lot of “good people” in this world, when compared to Crowley’s wickedness.

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And so, there is a general consensus in society, that evil only reigns in the wicked hearts of all despicable, lost souls such as Aleister Crowley!

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But the Apostle, Paul, reveals the true condition of Mankind…“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…there is none that doeth good, no, not one…Destruction and misery are in their ways…” Romans 3:10, 12, 16

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As this verse reveals, “there is NONE that doeth good, NO, NOT ONE!”

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.Judgment Day – by sweet media – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPTETH GOOD MANNERS”

1st Corinthians 14:33

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At this point, many will ask…“So, what’s the big deal anyway? Why in the world does it matter whether I believe that the WHOLE world or just SOME of the world is evil?”

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Well, for one thing, if I believe that there are a lot of seemingly “good people” in the world, then I will probably mix freely with those whom society considers to be “morally upright”.

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

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***“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE* *SEPARATE!”***

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But the Bible warns us concerning the unsaved people that they “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:5

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**This above verse is a stark warning from God NOT to freely mingle with unbelievers just because they seem moral, “Having a form of godliness”.**

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And combined with similar passages such as 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 (which warns against having fellowship with the unsaved), we realize that God really means business when He commands us to “come out from among them, and be ye separate!”

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News in all this is that today is still the day of Salvation!

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And any man, woman, or child can unceasingly plead for grace to turn away from our misguided conception of the world and divine strength to begin our Heavenward spiritual sojourn out of this evil world.

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Then we can begin traveling on that ascending pathway to the true Promised Land…“a good land and a large…a land flowing with milk and honey” Exodus 3:8

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Upward Pathway – cropped and altered photo – by böhringer friedrich for – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial?

or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said, I will dwell in them,

and walk in them; and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be My sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty”

2nd Corinthians 6:14-18

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TODAY‘S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to escape from this deadly deception by that Master-Deceiver, Satan! Let me not be deceived into thinking that good exists in this dark and evil world…

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION

WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ). However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen. It is actually a headless woman in childbirth. This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward). The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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

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TOMORROW:

May 10 (The Weapons of Our Warfare! Part 2: “Fighting Our Own Battles)

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

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 85 – By the Sea Once More

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #180, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Daily Devotional, Year 4, August 18: (Mark Now Given? Part 12: “The Internet Mob’s ‘Cancel-Culture'”)

By admin On March 23rd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 18

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Mark Now Given?

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Part 12:

“The Internet Mob’s ‘Cancel-Culture'”

To read Part 1, click here...January 20th (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day)

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Isn’t it amazing how fragile and even hysterical our societies have become!? And one might even describe much of today’s turmoil as “Mass Insanity”!

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Yes, it seems as though the Internet has become the breeding ground for a whole lot of anger, hatred, and finger-pointing! Many even describe all this current evil rhetoric as “The Internet Mob”, or “The Cancel Mob”. And it’s truly amazing to see how cruel a large mob of people can get when they join forces under the cloak of anonymity, which the Internet so easily provides!

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The name-tag given for this current-day phenomenon is, of course, “The Cancel Culture”.

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Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

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“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Matthew 24:12

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People are even losing their lucrative careers and often having their entire lives destroyed over some thoughtless comment they might have made in past times.

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Quite often, the “Internet Mob”, not satisfied with facts, will even twist and embellish some individual’s words in attempt to destroy that person’s reputation. And all this evil being carried out merely for the sick pleasure of destroying another human being!

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It’s really quite frightening to see all this insidious and venomous evil now sweeping through the Internet like a giant and deadly tsunami!

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And while many are happily applauding and encouraging this Internet hate-fest to continue, yet other, saner voices on the Internet/television, are pleading…“This raging, hate-filled madness has to stop!”

Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

Minneapolis Riots – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but…against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Ephesians 6:12

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Well, of course, many Christians “are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) devices”. 2nd Corinthians 2:11 And they fully understand that all this societal hate-fest is actually being fueled and orchestrated by none other than that “that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan“! Revelation 20:2

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Just listen to Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

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This verse reveals just who our true enemy is: it is none other than Satan, the unseen ruler and master orchestrator of this fallen, evil world!

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

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

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“And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark…”

Revelation 13:17

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Yes, it now appears that Satan has been permitted by God to fulfill Bible prophecy which foretold of this very hour in which the entire world will be subjected to the final test.

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And all this cancel-culture appears to be merely the preparatory precursor for the ultimate cancelling, which Revelation 13 prophesies of, using the following language…

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“And he (Satan working through unsaved men) had power to…

cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed…

And that no man might buy or sell,

save he that had the mark…”

Revelation 13:15, 17

(Parenthetical comment by website Editor)

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Yes, this above prophecy will be the ultimate cancelling, in which Satan, working in and through the unsaved multitudes, will ultimately turn their weapons against God’s faithful remnant people.

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And all those who refuse to bow down to this present-day world-order will be cancelled!

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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But in spite of this terrifying report, there is still much Good News! Yes, there is a way of escape from all this pandemic madness! We don’t have to get swallowed up by all this societal hate! And God is now calling to His people, “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

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And so, the call is now going out to “flee to the mountains”. Matthew 24

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And truth-be-told, the actual mountains we must flee to, are spoken of in many such places as Habakkuk 3:19…“The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

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And did you know, the spiritual mountains to which we must flee are actually spoken of in Ephesians 2:6, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”?

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

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place within the heart – Signs Of Heaven

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TO READ PART 13, CLICK HERE…

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 20 (Mark Now Given? Part 13: “The Cancel Culture & the Beast’s Mark”)

Covid – Mark Hand – Home quarantine stamp – cropped and altered Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

***“Dear Lord, Help me to prepare my heart for that day. Let me hide all those great and precious promises in my heart, so that I may walk by these through the* *soon-coming fire and tempest…***

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

Do you see an angry look? His right eyebrow is raised as if he is judging.

This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn.

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Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad look of shock and awe (click here to see and read about); this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below. He is very moral, you see.

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

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THE PHARISEES…

“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverbs 21:24

Yes, this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd. They were the finger pointers. They were the scorners. They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved of the world.

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TOMORROW:

August 19 (How To Keep The Sabbath, Part 5: “The Mark of the Beasts”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 29 – The Sabbath

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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This recording #123, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry..

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 13 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 7: “Snowflakes”)

By admin On March 23rd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 13

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A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day,

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Part 7:

“Snowflakes”

To read Part 1, click here…January 20th (3 Fingered Judgment-Day)

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GOD THREATENS US ABOUT JUDGING!

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God tells us plainly… “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1

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With such an indictment as this above verse points out, how can we still point the accusing finger at others? Yes, whenever we point the accusing finger at somebody else, there are indeed, three fingers pointing right back at us!

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And of course, the number “three” is the very number of the Godhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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Finger-pointing icon – Wikimedia – Share-alike-license

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“I KNOW YOU ARE, BUT WHAT AM I!?”

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In the fiery political wars now occurring, there is a whole lot of name-calling going on between the two major ideologies commonly referred to as the “Left” and the “Right”.

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“He’s a modern-day ‘Hitler'” is often growled in this red-hot partisan battle now raging.

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Berkeley protests – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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SNOWFLAKES

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Another derogatory tag which has emerged, is to call someone a “snowflake”. And this term is used to describe college students who cannot tolerate hearing any opposing political viewpoint.

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In other words, calling some student a “snowflake” is to say that they will simply “melt away” (not literally, but figuratively) whenever confronted by an opposing opinion.

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SNOWFLAKES: NATURE’S LITTLE WONDER!

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Well it’s too bad that society often hijacks so many good and wonderful aspects of Creation, and stains them with a bad connotation.

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After all, we are told that no two snowflakes are alike. Yes, it seems as if these little wonders have an endless variety of unique geometric designs: each of them beautiful in their own special way.

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Snowflakes – Wilson Bentley – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“…THE EARTH, IT SHALL TEACH THEE”

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Well of course, setting aside the sheer beauty of the snowflake, these unique little creations can teach us lessons too!

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Listen…“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

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Here is a great revelation about nature: that it can be enjoyed on multiple levels. Not only can we just revel in nature for its sheer beauty, but also, we can learn more about our Creator from the countless objects of Creation.

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Yes, the Gospel is written throughout nature; from the tiniest atom to the greatest galaxy, God’s love is there to be discovered!

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Snowflake – Aaron Burden 2017-02-01 (Unsplash) – Wikimedia – Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

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So just what can we learn from the tiny snowflake?

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

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GOD, A LOVER OF VARIETY

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Well, the obvious lesson is that God is a lover of variety. Yes, the seemingly infinite variety of snowflake designs are a reminder that all of Creation is filled with variety.

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From rocks, to trees, to mountains, to valleys, to rivers and lakes and oceans, to flowers, and to animals, we instinctively understand that God is a lover of variety.

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Four seasons – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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Now this brings us to the point of today’s devotional.

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A ‘ONE-COOKIE-CUTTER’ GOD?

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Although this website has attempted to lay down biblical principles concerning how people should live, especially Christians, nobody should get the idea that God has only one cookie-cutter design for all humans.

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Especially when it comes to one’s employment, or his or her choice of living quarters, none of us can make “a hard-and-fast rule-of-thumb”. We’re just not smart enough nor are we wise enough to be the judge of such matters!

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Gingerbread man – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST

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Only our infinite Heavenly Father knows what’s best for each of His children. Every personal need and circumstance of each individual is as varied as the unique little snowflakes! Only God knows the particular needs of each human.

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For example, one person may require a much higher paying career than the next person. Or one person may require a new home, while another can be happy with just a little shanty. One person can be a veritable “Apostle Paul”, traveling afoot through the land, while another requires a cottage by a pond.

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John Constable – The Hay Wain Cottage by a river – Wikipedia – US public domain

Paul Tentmaking – cropped – La Vista Church of Christ – Creative Commons License

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“JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME!”

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We just cannot limit how God works in the lives of others. That’s why we are counseled to “Judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1st Corinthians 4:5

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And so, the bottom line is just this: let’s just prayerfully seek out God’s will for our own self, and leave the remainder of humanity in His capable hands!

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TO READ PART 8, CLICK HERE…

January 1 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 8: “Judgment Day: What Did We Expect?”)

Finger pointing – Wikimedia – Public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to leave all judgment to Thee…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn.

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Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad look of shock and awe (click here to see and read about); this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below. He is very moral, you see.

Moon – 2nd face Scorner – highlighted photo – Blue moon of 31.08.2012 – by Cezar Popescu – Wikimedia – Creative-Commons – CC0-1.0-Universal-Public-Domain-Dedication

THIS BEAST WITHIN

Well, the Bible has much to say about Pharisees. And the Bible has much to say about wolves, and foxes, and dogs. And this wolf-face inscribed in the Moon has much to tell us about ourselves. So if you are a truth-seeker, then this article will be an eye-opener, as we explore just what the Bible has to say about these things. And the fact is, this Pharisee Moon-Beast is in the heart of each and every human. And so, if you (or me) find that this wolf-man has some things in common, please don’t despair. For God is giving us these signs, while there still is time. While there still is hope.

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THE PHARISEES…

“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Prov. 21:24

Yes this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd. They were the finger pointers. They were the scorners. They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved of the world.

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TOMORROW:

January 14 (Babylon = Baby-Land! Part 3: Jesting)

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

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book is a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 11 – The Netherlands And Scandinavia

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE 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 #378 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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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 10 (Mark Now Given? Part 10: “Mark of the Beast: Visible or Invisible?”)

By admin On March 23rd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 10

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Mark Now Given?

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Part 10:

“Mark of the Beast: Visible or Invisible?”

To read Part 1, click here… April 3rd (Mark Now Given!)

“My son, keep My words,

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and lay up My commandments with thee.

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Keep My commandments, and live;

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and My law as the apple of thine eye.

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Bind them upon thy fingers,

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write them upon the table of thine heart”

Proverbs 7:1-3

There are a multitude of theologians, Bible teachers, and evangelists who, as Scripture warns…“O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12

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This is not speaking of just the Old Testament teachers of the law. No, but it is likewise speaking of today’s churches in which Jesus warned…“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Mathew 24:24

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Yes, in these last days, the deception has become so close to the truth, that even the very Elect can be deceived (but not to the point of losing their Salvation).

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

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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And so, the question must be asked…“How are God’s Elect, as well as many “make-believers” in the churches being deceived?”

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Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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False Doctrine of, “Grammatical, Historical Method of Interpretation”

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Well, besides being taught many false doctrines such as “Eternal Torment”, and the so-called, “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”, today’s most vocal and popular personalities have been deceived by the false hermeneutic that says, “You must interpret the Bible as literal as possible, unless context demands an allegorical interpretation”.

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But this commandment is from men, and not from the Bible!

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And this heretical church-doctrine has greatly stunted the spiritual growth of God’s people by locking them out of an understanding of a great portion of Scripture, including Revelation!

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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IS THE MARK IN, OR ON THE HAND AND FOREHEAD?

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One example of this is found in Revelation 14, concerning the Mark of the Beast…“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand” Revelation 14:9

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The King James version says this mark will be “IN”, not “ON” a person’s hand or forehead.

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But most, or all the modern versions say it will be “ON” a person’s hand or forehead.

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And so, in today’s fallen and apostate church-world, far too many teachers insist there will be a visible mark given.

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But does this idea carry any scriptural validation?

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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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“A SIGN UPON THINE HAND…AS FRONTLETS BETWEEN THINE EYES”

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To examine this debate, let’s examine a similar Bible issue…“And these words, which I command…thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18

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Here above, the Lord is commanding His people to “bind” His law, “for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”

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“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries…”

Matthew 23:5

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Now, God’s people of that day took this command literally, even making “phylacteries” containing the commandments which were worn of the forehead. They just couldn’t see the spiritual nature of Scripture, much like today’s situation.

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But God was actually encouraging His people to write His law upon the tables of their heart (which is in the forehead), that His law might be the dominating force in what think, but also, what we do with our hands.

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Phylacteries – Israel – Religious Jew on a Daily-Market – Wikipedia – Share-alike Lic.

Phylactery on Yemeni Jew 1914 wikipedia US public domain

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MARK OF THE BEAST: POLAR OPPOSITE DEUTERONOMY 11:18

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Contrariwise, the Mark of the Beast works by the same principle. Those who fill their hearts with worldly ideas, actually have written the ways of this selfish world upon the tables of their hearts. And this in turn will result in selfish and worldly behavior.

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This is the essence of the Mark of the Beast. Satan’s character “IN” the heart, and “IN” the right hand. And we know what his character is all about…“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:” Galatians 5:19-21

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This above list from Galatians gives a partial rendering of Satan’s character. And as one can readily discern, these are the very traits which the world freely exhibits daily.

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TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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NEVER SAY, “NEVER”!

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Now having said all these things, we must not get dogmatic about the future, for it may well be that there will also be a visible mark given.

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**But as the expression goes, “Don’t hold your breath!”, because it will be so easy for many churchgoers to be deceived when these things begin to happen. And along with the false doctrine of the Pre-tribulation Rapture, so many will insist that “It cannot be happening yet! We haven’t been raptured yet! The time hasn’t come, neither can we see a visible mark! And the Revelation 13 Beast hasn’t yet appeared!”**

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Satan has masterfully caused these prophecy misinterpretations in such a way, that the vast majority of churchgoers will completely be deceived, when the time does come.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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GOOD NEWS! A WAY OF ESCAPE!

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Well, there indeed is Good News! Because God, in His amazing grace, has allowed all those who wish to escape this awful judgment, a way in which to escape. And we may plead with Him for that grace to begin to lock out the pollutions of the world and begin hiding His soul-saving words in our hearts and right out through our fingertips!

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And so, let’s use our remaining time here, shutting out as much of the vanity and wickedness of the media as we can, and instead, contemplate His Words of Life throughout our day!

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We have everything to gain, and everything to lose!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 11, CLICK HERE…

January 19 (Mark Now Given? Part 11: “The Golden Image of Daniel 2”)

Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and The fiery furnace – Daniel 3-12 – www.thebiblerevival.com

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

Dear Lord, Give me an understanding of just what a deceptive religious world it is today. Give me wisdom and knowledge to see through the lies…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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7 HEADS, 10 HORNS, & 7 CROWNS OF THE DRAGON

“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.” Rev. 12:3

In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars. The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7). And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10). So we have this 7 and 10 numbering. And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).

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TOMORROW…

January 11 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 8: “And He Spake As A Dragon!”)

Giant Cuttlefish – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book is a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 8 – Luther Before The Diet

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #59

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 23 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 6: “What’s Your Delusion?”)

By admin On March 23rd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 23

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Television and The Image That Speaks,

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Part 6:

“What’s Your Delusion?”

To read Part 1, click here…October 27th (Television and the Image that Speaks)

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“And he (the 2nd Beast) had power

to give life unto the image of the (1st) beast,

that the image of the (1st) beast

should both speak, and cause

that as many as would not worship

the image of the (1st) beast should be killed.”

Revelation 13:15

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The 2nd Beast, the False Prophet who now in these last days destroys the churches via a world-loving prosperity-driven false gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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This above verse from Revelation has never found its truest fulfillment until this very era in which images have now begun to speak.

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**Yes, television and Internet have now been given the power to speak while presenting images which promote the qualities of this Luciferian-antichrist-world-system.**

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LUCIFER: “THE GOD OF THIS WORLD”

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Listen…“They (antichrists) are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:5 (Parenthesis added by website editor)

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Yes, this world has been under the invisible rulership of Lucifer since the fall of mankind. And the qualities of this fallen rebel angel are the qualities which this world lives by.

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Oh yes, there is a form of godliness in the world. And yet, it is not of God, but is designed to deceive people into believing that good exists here. (see 1st John 5:19 & 2nd Timothy 3:5)

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

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THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST: SATAN

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Now, back to the subject of television and the World-Wide-Web.

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These inventions were designed to conform mankind into the image of Lucifer.

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But not everyone has the same type of lusts. And so, “the god of this world”, Lucifer, now called the Devil and Satan, understands this and has designed these mediums to appeal to the varied minds of humans.

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For little children, foolish talk & joking may be more appealing. (see Ephesians 5:2, 3)

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For teens, sexuality may have a greater appeal.

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For others, it may be killing and revenge.

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For still others, romance may be their desire.

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Or various dramas for differing appetites.

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Or faith-killing nature shows promoting evolution.

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Or the hateful political news programs.

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

Girl Texting – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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HEAVENLY ROLE-MODELS or HELLISH ROLE MODELS?

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As most everyone in the Christian community understands, the Bible uses, not only Jesus, but mere mortals, such as Paul, to be role-models for Christians to admire and emulate.

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But Lucifer, now called Satan, fully understand this, and has given us his own role-models, for us to conform to. And now, with the advent of television, radio, the printed page, and high-tech devices, like never before this Master-Destroyer has perfected his mind-control machinery in which to conform the world into his own selfish image!

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And so, the many ‘superstars’ seen and adored by the lost multitudes on a daily basis, become firmly etched upon the tables of the human hearts of all those adoring fans of these ‘ministers of (Satan’s counterfeit) righteousness’!

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And as a result, they eventually begin to emulate them in their own personal daily lives!

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James Bond – by SteveBancroft – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 4.0 – cropped photo

Poster – Gone With the Wind – US Public Dom – Wikipedia

Super Bowl XLIII Thunderbirds Flyover Feb 1 2009 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Elvis Presley – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“A FORM OF GODLINESS”

2nd Timothy 3:5

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Well, on and on it goes. The Devil knows how to appeal to humans! And under the cloak of “a form of godliness” he can make even the vilest sins to appear good and desirable!

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But don’t be deceived. Selfishness and sin permeate today’s media. And those who allow ourselves to be captivated by these devices are playing with fire.

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

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Yes, do not be deceived. These mediums will change us. And Satan has a special programming selection just for you, and just for me.

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Tupacgraffiti – Rio de janeiro – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons 2.0 License

Girl Texting – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News is, that there is still time to turn off the world, and instead, tune in to Heaven!

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As far as possible, let’s fill our hearts with the precious words of life, filtering out as much of this world’s selfishness and deceit as possible, begging and pleading for God’s empowerment to do just that!

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And may God be gracious to each and every one of us who are struggling to overcome!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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Psalm 101:1-7

“A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment:

unto Thee, O LORD, will I sing.

Verse 2: I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.

O when wilt Thou come unto me?

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Verse 3: I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:

I hate the work of them that turn aside;

it shall not cleave to me.

Verse 4: A froward heart shall depart from me:

I will not know a wicked person.

Verse 5: Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:

him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Verse 6: Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land,

that they may dwell with me:

Verse 7: He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house:

he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.“

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TO READ PART 7, CLICK HERE…

April 15 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 7: “Do Not Rich Men Oppress You?”)

TV – Television, the Image that Speaks – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only- copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the understanding, conviction, and strength to eliminate television and secular radio, etc., out of my life…

Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right 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 (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

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

Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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TOMORROW

January 24 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 12: “Woke Christians & Heaven’s Cancel-Culture!”)

Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 21 – A Warning Rejected

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #72

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – April 15 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 7: “Do Not Rich Men Oppress You?)

By admin On March 23rd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – April 15

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Television and The Image That Speaks,

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Part 7:

“Do Not Rich Men Oppress You?”

To read Part 1, click here…October 27th (Television and the Image that Speaks)

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“And he (the 2nd Beast) had power

to give life unto the image of the (1st) beast,

that the image of the (1st) beast

should both speak, and cause

that as many as would not worship

the image of the (1st) beast should be killed.”

Revelation 13:15

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TELEVISION, THE IMAGE THAT SPEAKS

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**Just think about it! For the very first time in history, Mankind is directly linked up with “the god of this world”, via television, radio, and now, Internet.**

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And these remarkable devices have become his advertiser-in-chief, so to speak, presenting his kingdom of sin and selfishness in the most glorious and attractive light!

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AN OUTER CLOAK OF GOODNESS, BEAUTY, AND CHARM

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And even though the faces are constantly changing on these media, nevertheless they each present some sinful aspects of Satan’s character, while cloaked within a thin outer veil of goodness, beauty, and charismatic charm.

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In other words, each viewer of these media will find some enviable actor, or some attractive singing idol, or some dynamic sports star, businessperson, writer, etc., to look up to and admire.

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And as we all know, there is no shortage of admirable and enviable faces and characters on television to choose from.

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**These are among the “rich men” that oppress us, as it states in James 2:6.**

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Oh, they may or may not be rich monetarily. But they are rich in other ways too: charm, wit, “coolness”, beauty, fame, mental and physical abilities, etc…. These qualities are likewise very much considered to be one’s riches.

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James Bond – by SteveBancroft – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 4.0 – cropped photo

Elvis Presley – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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LUCIFER’S CHARACTER MINGLED IN

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But beneath the thin outer veneer of beauty, strength, and goodness of these mega-stars, is mingled a few of the various aspects of Satan’s character: greed, revenge, unbelief, sensual lust, violence, sarcasm, comedy (“foolish talk and jesting” Ephesians 5), pride, arrogance, selfishness, cold-hearted indifference, lacking brotherly love, and often lacking other heavenly qualities as well.

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Yes, this list is just a partial sampling of the many ungodly characteristics of Lucifer, “the Prince of the Power of the Air”, which he sends through the airways, via the modern-day media. (Ephesians 2:2, 3)

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“Do not rich men oppress you?”

James 2:6

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**But as a very big “spoke in the wheel” of Satan’s many weapons of warfare, television has become increasingly oppressive.**

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And this brings us to the purpose for writing today’s devotional.

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Listen to the Word of God, as given by James…“Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy Name by the which ye are called?” James 2:6, 7

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Here above, God reveals that it is the rich who oppress His people.

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“the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.”

Habakkuk 1:4

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Both in the Church and out in the world, Christ’s followers are daily subjected to the overwhelming voices of the world, all in unison, demanding that everyone must stay on board this Titanic ship called, The World!

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From fellow townspeople to church-members, to schools, to the media, to billboards and department store signage, to just about any and every other means of communication, God’s people are daily bombarded with the same spoken (or unspoken) message: “You gotta love this world, in spite of all its problems and evils! You must fit in!”

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Store window mannequins – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License 3.0

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THE RICH OPPRESS THE CHILDREN!

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And the most vulnerable of all people-groups are children!

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**Yes, these TV spokespeople (who are rich in beauty and charisma) present a message to children, that for the most part, causes them to join in or be scorned.**

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And combined with peer-pressure from fellow school classmates, it’s almost impossible for young children to maintain faithfulness to Jesus.

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And let’s face it! None of us enjoy being ridiculed, laughed at and mocked for being different!

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And so, the daily pressure is on: to be cool, to wear the latest fashions, to talk “hip”, to be “sexy”, etc….

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But television and Internet are more powerful than all the rest. Because beautiful and charismatic spokespeople are constantly presenting this tragic world in the most favorable light possible!

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two young girls laughing behind another girls back – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News is, that there is still time to turn off the world, and instead, tune in to Heaven!

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As far as possible let us fill our hearts with Christ’s Words of Eternal Life, filtering out as much of this world’s selfishness and deceit as possible, begging and pleading for God’s empowerment to do just that! (See John 6:68 for “Words of Eternal Life” reference)

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And may God be gracious to each and every one of us who are struggling to overcome!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 8, CLICK HERE…

June 13 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 8: “The Many Faces of Satan”)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the understanding, conviction, and strength to eliminate television and secular radio, etc., out of my life…

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right 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 (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

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

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TOMORROW

April 16 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 5: “The False Prophet’s Counterfeit Compassion”

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

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 61 – Zacchaeus

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #155, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 11 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 8: “And He Spake As A Dragon!”)

By admin On March 22nd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – January 11

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Cuttlefish & The False Prophet,

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Part 8:

“And He Spake As A Dragon!”

To read Part 1, go here…April 1 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet)

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“And I beheld another beast

coming up out of the earth;

and he had two horns like a lamb,

and he spake as a dragon.“

Revelation 13:11

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

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God originally created this world to be a beautiful home for Mankind.

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Yet when we fell from grace, this world began to change in many respects.

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Nature, to a great extent, began to take on some changes. Many creatures and plants, etc., gradually took on different aspects, eventually becoming dangerous to other animals, and some even dangerous to people.

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Cuttlefish komodo – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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CUTTLEFISH: THE ULTIMATE IMPOSTORS!

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One of the most amazing creatures ever created is the Cuttlefish!

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The reason why this creature is so incredible, is that it can just glance at its environment and instantly change its body to imitate that environment!

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As a matter of fact, whatever the Cuttlefish passes over, it instantly begins to change into the same color and shape of that undersea object!

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Cuttlefish.ogv – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons License

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CUTTLEFISH: SYMBOL OF SATAN

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Well, God has created this little predator to give us further insight into the inner working of the kingdom of Satan.

(As this little 26 second video below shows, the Cuttlefish has the ability to paralyze his potential victims, by using his hypnotizing strobe-light effect! Amazing!)

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Certainly, Satan and his unseen armies love to make themselves invisible! That way, they can work their misery and woe upon this unsuspecting world, without its inhabitants becoming alarmed, causing us to rebel against Satan’s kingdom, as we flee to God!

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And isn’t true that the pleasures and riches of this world, like the cuttlefish’s strobe-hypnotizer, have a mesmerizing effect upon us?

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“THE KISSES OF AN ENEMY ARE DECEITFUL!”

Proverbs 27:6

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Truly it can be said, we live in a “Cuttlefish World”.

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Yes, like that incredible impostor, this world has been changed into a seemingly benign and beneficent society to a great degree. Oh yes, there are many underlying dangers and evils lurking out there!

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But just look around at all the humanitarianism going on today! Why, it just seems as if this is such a caring and compassionate world!

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And it’s just about impossible to watch television without a social justice advertisement coming on, promoting some aspect of human kindness!

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Giant Cuttlefish – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

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“…AND HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON”

Revelation 13:11

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But in recent decades, this Revelation 13 False Prophet has begun speaking openly like a dragon (Satan), as he is now using the mass media to provoke various people-groups to hate one-another, persecute one-another, as he transforms this entire world into his hateful totalitarian dystopia.

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Yes, this Revelation 13 False Prophet is nothing less than the Spirit of Antichrist, spreading its deceptive & hateful tentacles into the four corners of the globe!

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TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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“and all the world…worshipped the dragon…that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan”

Revelation 13:3, 4 & 20:2

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**We must understand that the False Prophet of Revelation 13 now “speaks as a dragon”, that is, like Satan, as this above passage reveals.**

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And just how does this False Prophet speak like Satan? Well, just listen to the television, radio, and Internet!

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What do we hear each day? Lust? Violence? Revenge? Hate? Perversion? Lies? Hypocrisy? Greed? Pride? Murder? False witnessing against others? Atheism? False religions? Yes, yes, yes!!! We are inundated with all these characteristics of Satan on a moment-by-moment, 24/7/365 basis! Satan and his vast invisible armies of fallen, evil angels, control the media to a great extent, and use unsaved and unwitting men, and women, and sometimes even children to be his mouthpiece through these various media goliaths.

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TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar”

Romans 3:4

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One very clear evidence that Satan’s hand is in all this, is seen by all the lies, hypocrisy, and cheating going on in the media and by the leaders of the land. Much of the mass media has become so jealous for power, that they will purposely mis-report news stories to dishonestly advantage their cause. And the greater portion of the unsaved masses willingly accept the lies, cheating, and corruption. Because all unsaved humans are indwelt by “the spirit of error…antichrist”, who also is called, “…a liar, and the father of it”. (1st John 4:3, 6, & John 8:44)

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And yet, Satan realizes he must cover all his hatred with a thin veneer of pretentious goodness. And so, the media is populated with countless fresh-faced, squeaky-clean spokespeople, light-hearted programs, intriguing dramas, and colorful scenery, presenting his dark kingdom of this selfish world in the best light possible!

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ABOVE PICTURE: TV indoctrination – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

TV – Family watching television – c. 1958 – Wikipedia – public domain

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A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY

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The United States of America came into being, rising up “out of the earth” in the wilderness of what is now called North America. And God gave it a constitution based on biblical principles, as a gift of His grace, following the long, hard, and cruel centuries of religious persecution of the peoples of Europe by the cruel tyranny of the corrupt Antichrist Beast-like church-state system.

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But in response against Europe’s centuries of tyranny, this fledgling nation was, instead, founded upon the belief that all men were created equal, and were given the right to freely speak, in regard to religion and politics.

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Pilgrims & Thanksgiving – Brascome – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by H.C. Christy – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WHAT HAPPENED TO THE USA!?

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But along with the incoming ships of pilgrims, fleeing Europe, Satan and his evil host likewise came across the waters to extend and establish his wicked kingdom in America. And working through many secularists and even some false-brethren in the Church, Satan began persecuting various people-groups, even engaging many of them into slavery, just like most all the other nations of the world were doing in that same time-period.

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And this “Prince of the Power of the Air”, working in and through these “children of disobedience”, began to slowly establish himself as the False Prophet, with two lamblike horns. And over the span of centuries, these two horns became the two power-centers of the west, very similar to The Lamb of God: “mercy & truth…righteousness & peace”, howbeit, bad counterfeits, to say the least. These are largely made up of the two major political powers.

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

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SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY!

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But in spite of these terrible atrocities which marred our nation, the United States strove to overcome her failings. And thanks to the efforts of caring Christians, this nation became a leader and example to the entire world in overcoming racial inequality.

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After all, our constitution demanded that we must overcome. And caring men and women (a great percentage, Christians) fought to end slavery and even eventually, to bring about justice and equity for all color-groups. Maybe not perfectly, but tremendously better.

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Nowadays, those oppressed peoples are greatly prospering, even becoming the leaders in various fields of this society, now even world leaders!

Yes, there was much good about The United States, in spite of Satan’s cruel oppression. The American Constitution eventually triumphed over evil!

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Abolition of Slavery – 1st of August 1838 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

President Barack Obama – Wikipedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“Every kingdom divided…shall not stand”

Matthew 12:25

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Yet, in spite of this nation’s achievements over its injustices, Satan is now on the march, spreading his hatred, lies, and deceptions, largely through the corporate-major-media goliaths, to stir up and divide the unsaved masses against one-another! And it appears that this once great nation is finally destined to fall, as he morphs it (as well as the entire world), into his fiery furnace of totalitarianism and religious persecution!

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Yes, just like the deceptive cuttlefish, which disguises itself until the right moment, just before it strikes its victim, Satan has transformed this False Prophet from his former lamb-like façade, into the maniacal beast which now speaks openly as a dragon!

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And even though this 2nd Beast of Revelation 13 (The False Prophet) is just beginning to show his sharp teeth, it just may be that he will eventually bully all humanity to choose: “Either bow down and capitulate to the tokens of my antichrist world-system…or be killed.”

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And so, the Time of Trouble has only just begun. And it appears that Satan has removed his cuttlefish mask of pretentious beneficence. And this Arch-Deceiver is now marshaling his forces (invisible evil angels working in and through “the children of disobedience”) to carry out his last attack on God’s people.

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Cuttlefish – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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

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GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, with all this negativity, it’s hard to imagine that there could be any Good News found here!

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But the fact is, there’s much Good News! Yes, God is only allowing all these horrible events and dystopian paradigm shifts for a number of wonderful and eternal purposes!

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First, God is very painfully aware that He must finally take away our comfortable blissful lethargy, so that His people will at last let go of our tight grip on this Kingdom of Selfishness, which is controlled by “the god of this world”, Lucifer, now called “Satan” and “The Devil”.

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Yes, many Christians in the western societies have been enjoying the abundant life of earthly prosperity, more or less. And as a result, the greater portion of churchgoers are not properly armored-up, nor prepared for the final conflict!

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**But God will have a people to, “withstand in the Evil Day” (Ephesians 6:13). And all that is coming upon the world will require us to put on our spiritual armor and be fitted up for battle!**

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And each and every circumstance coming our way will require each and every soldier of Christ to walk by all the, “exceeding great and precious promises”, which we have stored up in our hearts: each promise will become a stepping-stone on our upward, Heavenward pathway through the fiery trials ahead!

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Barbecue – Dutch family – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

ABOVE PICTURE: The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

ABOVE PICTURE: The True Upward Pathway www.signsofheaven.org

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And we need not despair of these soon-coming trials,

because God has promised…

“For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me;

He shall set me up upon a Rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up

above mine enemies round about me:

therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD….

He is their Strength in the Time of Trouble…

When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee; and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Psalm 27:5, 6 & 37:39 & Isaiah 43:2

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TO READ THE CONTINUATION OF THIS ARTICLE CLICK HERE…

January 29 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 9: “And He Spake As A Dragon!” CONTINUED)

Giant Cuttlefish – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

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WATCH THIS SHORT BUT AMAZING VIDEO ON CUTTLEFISH…

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to not be fooled by this very deceptive world…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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7 HEADS, 10 HORNS, & 7 CROWNS OF THE DRAGON

“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.” Revelation 12:3

**In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not.**

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But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars.

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The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7). And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10). So we have this 7 and 10 numbering. And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).

But before we explore the floods, let’s look at one more number from that same passage in Revelation…

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TOMORROW…

JANUARY 12 (How a Joke Killed! Part 2-b: “An Antichrist Spirit”)

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, is a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 9 – The Swiss Reformer

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #60

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 22 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 26: “The Invisible War”)

By admin On March 22nd, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 22

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Apocalypse NOW!

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Part 26:

“The Invisible War”

To read the first part of this topic, go here…AUGUST 3 (Apocalypse Now! Part 1: Silencing the Gospel!)

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Like never before in the history of this world, the two great warring factions, Heaven and Hell, have all but completely erased themselves from visibility. And as a consequence, the citizens of this world are now immersed in stark unbelief! As a matter of fact, even the very mention of a literal Devil brings out chuckling jests and eye-rolling unbelief from most persons.

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And as far as they are concerned, if there is a literal God, He merely sits out there in deep space looking down through some giant telescope, monitoring the goings on here on “good ol’ Planet Earth”.

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

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THE INVISIBLE WAR

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But nothing could be further from the truth! Actually, the battle between Heaven and Hell is raging all around us! But the two opposing armies are keeping a very low profile, each for their own particular reasons.

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First, Heaven keeps silent and invisible in attempt to insure that only those who come to Jesus, do so by faith alone. Oh yes, Salvation is by grace alone. But God still desires His followers to live by the yet-to-be-fulfilled promises of the Bible.

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Now on the other hand, Satan knows that if the world understood that he does indeed exists, and is actually called, “the god of this world”, many would turn to the Lord out of abject terror. And so, Satan can do much more evil here, without revealing the true hellish source of that sin, misery, and desolation.

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Christ battles satan www.thebiblerevival.com-public domain

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6th HEAD: ATHEISM

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And it must be remembered that we are now living in the era in which the 6th and 7th head of the Antichrist Beast of Revelation 13 have now arisen to world dominance.

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And the 6th head is atheism: “man, who is the supreme being of the universe”.

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And so, that is why atheism, and its related ideologies are so powerful in today’s world. And that is also why there are so many abject unbelievers in today’s societies.

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And even the many world-citizens who do believe in a god of one type or another, do not believe that the war between Heaven and Hell is actually raging all around us.

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ABOVE PICTURE – The whore city, Babylon, the apostate church-world, as she rides the Beast, the antichrist world-system – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“…the spirits of devils, working miracles…”

Revelation 16:14

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Nevertheless, Satan and his vast invisible armies are working around the clock, deceiving this modern high-tech world, with various deceptions, all in a concerted effort to cast doubt upon the veracity and certitude of God’s Word, the Bible.

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And because Satan and his countless unseen evil angels keep such a low-profile, the people of this planet are deceived and disarmed by these deceptions, attributing them to natural causes, saying such things as, “Oh yes, the unlearned and ignorant people of past centuries attributed these things to Satan, but our present-day knowledge of science has now proved these things to be nothing more than the results of natural occurrences!”

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Thus, Satan lulls the world’s citizenry into sleepy-eyed unbelief and unwary ignorance of this invisible spiritual battle now raging all around us, between the angels of Heaven, and the angels cast out of Heaven to Hell (Hell, “Tartaroo”, in this verse speaks of the spiritual darkness of this world).

And as a result, the vast multitudes, both in the world, and even in the Church, continue on, “deceiving and being deceived”. 2nd Timothy 3:13

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

Sigmund Freud – LIFE – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARMOR UP!

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Well, the very Good News is that today is still the day of Salvation.

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And all those who desire everlasting life are invited to armor up and join in the joyful battle, the Good Fight of faith, in which Jesus has already conquered the enemy on Calvary’s Cross.

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ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – Orion & The Revelation 12 Dragon constellation (comprised of Hyades & Pleiades and other constellations) – www.signsofheaven.org

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TO READ PART 27, CLICK HERE…

June 22 (Apocalypse Now! Part 27: “Satan Now On the March”)

Gay Parade – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

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TODAY‘S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Strengthen my faith that I may endure the fiery trials which are just now coming upon the horizon for God’s people…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE WOMAN ON THE ALTAR CONSTELLATION

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“Let my prayer

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be set forth

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before Thee as incense;

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and the lifting up

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of my hands

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as the evening sacrifice.”

Psalm 142:2

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION…

This “Golden Altar” Constellation is only seen in winter through spring, in mid-sky. It is to the south of the “Fleeing Woman Constellation” (AKA Ursa Major or The Big Dipper).

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The “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12” Constellation is in the northeastern sky in this sketch. You would be facing east and looking very high up almost to mid-sky to see this constellation group this way. The altar is farther south but still in the eastern sky. This altar itself is commonly known as “Leo Major“, with the smoke rising being “Leo Minor“.

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A little farther down this page is the sketch of this same constellation in the latter part of winter, when you look at them facing westward. You will notice that what looked like Gospel seed being cast from her left hand and left foot (see “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman” article for explanation of casting “Gospel Seed”) now appears like smoke or incense rising from the altar. It is not clear why the altar is sideways in back of the Woman. It would make more sense if it were directly under the Woman. However, the Lord must have some spiritual truth to convey concerning this odd positioning of the Altar. The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

It is not the purpose of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

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TOMORROW…

March 23 (How To Keep The Sabbath, Part 5: “The Mark of the Beasts”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 37 – The First Evangelists

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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This recording #131, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry..

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today’s Devotional, Year 4 – January 22 (Mark Now Given? Part 5: “Freedom of Speech, An Endangered Right!”)

By admin On March 22nd, 2021

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Today’s Devotional, Year 4 – January 22

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Mark Now Given?

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Part 5:

“Freedom of Speech, An Endangered Right!”

To read Part 1, go here…Today’s Devotional – April 3rd (Mark Now Given!)

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“And that no man might buy or sell,

save he that had the mark,

or the name of the beast,

or the number of his name.”

Revelation 13:17

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This nation was founded upon the principle of “Freedom of Speech”.

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This was a response which this nation’s founding fathers implemented to be a safeguard from the same kind of oppression that went on for centuries in Europe in which freedom of speech was not allowed.

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And this very critical component of this nation’s liberty has survived for over two centuries now.

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Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by H.C. Christy – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“BUY THE TRUTH AND SELL IT NOT!”

Isaiah 23:23

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But nations rise and nations eventually fall. And it is no surprise that Satan’s purpose is to bring the nations back under totalitarian control.

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And so, we are beginning to see a growing intolerance of freedom of speech.

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Duct Tape Mouth – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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FREE SPEECH ENDS WHERE IT BEGAN?

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But now, 200 years later, it is more than just a little ironically strange and weird that in the very place which became the current-day centerpiece for protecting freedom of speech, has now become the centerpiece to stamp out freedom of speech!

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And perhaps even stranger, it is the very same political party which had long prided themselves as being the arbiters and protectors of that freedom who are now applauding any media outlet or angry shouting mob which successfully squelches the free speech of their political foes!

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Even some of the 1960’s freedom-protest songsters have now switched from singing songs in favor of freedom to shouts in favor of free-speech suppression!

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Mario Savio Berkeley Protest – WIKIPEDIA – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Berkeley protests – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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HATE SPEECH?

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Now of course, in this day and age, society cannot come right out and ban freedom of speech; at least, not at this moment in time.

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No, but rather, Satan has craftily worked in the shadows to enact seemingly “good laws” which supposedly “help people”, by banning what has become known as, “Hate Speech”. Yes, in the name of so-called, “brotherly kindness”, our governments are attempting to “protect” us by banning any speech deemed to be harmful in some way.

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The problem is, just what is the definition of “Hate Speech”?

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Duct Tape Mouth – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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PRETENTIOUS GOODNESS

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Yes, much of this anti-free-speech movement is spearheaded by the same political party which once claimed to be the great defenders of freedom-of-speech.

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But now, this same political party has become the greatest enemy of freedom of speech whenever that speech disagrees with their so-called “politically correct” agenda.

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In other words, “hate speech” is little more than “speech we hate!”

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Censored rubber stamp.svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE WORLD “FRAMES MISCHIEF” BY ENACTING UNJUST LAWS

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Listen to God’s Word…“Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?” Psalm 94:20

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Here is a prophecy which is just now finding its grand fulfillment, as society begins to enact unjust laws which will ultimately be used to silence the true Gospel!

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Duct Tape Mouth – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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“THE GOSPEL OFFENDS, SO LET’S GET RID OF IT!”

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Unfortunately, it appears that so-called, “Hate Speech”, is probably going to eventually eliminate the true and unvarnished Word of God. In other words, because the Gospel of Christ offends many people, and even causes a few individuals to suffer supposed, “anxiety”, the movement is now afoot to outlaw the Gospel from being publicly preached.

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Even right now on the Internet, the major websites are already putting machinery in motion which will eventually ban any website that “offends” the general public.

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And amazingly, a large segment of the population actually thinks this is a good idea!

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But sadly and tragically, people have forgotten what happened in Europe during the Dark Ages. Schools do not teach this historical truth anymore to any significant degree. Satan loves a “dumbed-down” populace who are ignorant of past oppression and persecution through history. And our public schools are willing accomplices, keeping students greatly ignorant of history.

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Burned at the stake – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News is that those who realize that this great paradigm shift is actually Bible prophecy coming to fulfillment, can do something about it.

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Oh no, don’t expect some church-wide mass repentance to solve our problems!

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Rather, true repentance and genuine spiritual restoration is something very personal and private! It starts in the heart of any individual who truly feels the burden of his or her soul, and begins to seek a deep abiding relationship with the Lord.

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This is the only way to successfully walk through the soon-coming fires of tribulation now being heated up…“Concerning the works of men, by the Word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalms 17:4, 5

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 6, CLICK HERE…

February 21 (Mark Now Given? Part 6: “Killing The Messenger”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to prepare myself to stand in the coming evil months ahead. Help me to be fully armored…

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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The Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is the very same constellation that comprises the head of Taurus the Bull. In other words, Hyades is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. And Hyades is the mouth of this Dragon.

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The tip of the Dragon’s tail is composed of that star-cluster known as The Pleiades. The Pleiades is actually in the shape of a lion’s furry tassel tip of his tail. The sketch below shows this Pleiades as the tail tip.

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Now with aid of a dark starry night, you may begin to connect this mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are very well-defined with stars. The front legs are made partially of Taurus. The back legs and rear fin are made of the Cetus Constellation. But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus. This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail). The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. The are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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TOMORROW:

January 23 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 5: “What’s Your Delusion?”)

ABOVE PICTURE: Television, the image that speaks – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 20 – A Great Religious Awakening

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year-long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #71

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 21 (Daniel 2:41: “A Kingdom…Divided…Cannot Stand!” CONTINUED)

By admin On March 21st, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 21

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Daniel 2:41:

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“A Kingdom…Divided…Cannot Stand!”

CONTINUED

To read Part 1, (Daniel 2:45: A Kingdom…Divided…Cannot Stand), click here

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“And whereas thou sawest

the feet and toes,

part of potters’ clay,

and part of iron,

the kingdom shall be divided…

And if a kingdom be divided

against itself,

that kingdom cannot stand.”

Daniel 2:41 & Mark 3:24

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A DIVIDED KINGDOM

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Listen again to today’s signature verses of Mark 3:24, and how it fits together with Daniel 2:41…“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided…And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Daniel 2:41 & Mark 3:24

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So, in both verses it speaks of a divided kingdom at the very end of time.

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And all it takes is a quick glance around to see that this entire world is very much divided. And if that should tell us anything, it would be that this divided world cannot stand!

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Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – www.freebibleimages.org

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THE GREAT POLITICAL DIVIDE

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Yes, it truly looks as if Satan’s Kingdom of selfishness is about to fall.

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Take for example the current political divide. Oh yeah, things are getting so heated up that it is just a matter of time before these two factions begin killing each other! As a matter of fact, there are already many incidents in which violence has almost taken the lives of numerous political activists and leaders! And many on the opposing side rejoice when such tragic things occur!

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And isn’t it amazing to see these two opposing factions so jealous for power that they actually wish for things to go so badly for the other side, that they can gain control of the society. In other words, they are happy to see our country fail, so that they can regain control.

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And so, if you think your favorite political faction is looking out for you, you had better rethink your naïve notions! They are out for themselves. And in many instances, they would gladly see you suffer or completely fail, if it means that they will resume and regain their power and authority!

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Anti Trump Protests in Baltimore – CROPPED IMAGE – Elvert Barnes PROTEST PHOTOGRAPHY elvertbarnes.com – protestphotography

Berkeley protests – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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“A KINGDOM DIVIDED…CANNOT STAND”

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And so, the Bible is correct when it prophesy’s...”And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Daniel 2:41 & Mark 3:24

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Yes, God is just now giving us a close-up view of the hypocrisy and selfishness of these so-called leaders of the land!

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The lies, the abject hatred, the verbal attacks and insults, the double-tongued hypocrisies, the underhanded dealings that we are now witnessing within the political power groups is nothing less than incredible!

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Protesters – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License 3.0

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, there is some really Good News, even in these very unnerving and trying times!

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Yes, God is now offering an escape plan for any and every sad and disheartened soul who is longing to rise above all this pandemic madness and insanity.

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Glory, glory: that Jesus left His kingdom of love and goodness to come down here into this crazy and hopeless world, and offer His own Self upon the Cross, that we might be saved!

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And any man, woman, or child is greatly encouraged to fall before that man-cursed Cross and plead for Salvation! And one day soon, we will cross that Black River of Death, only to come up on the other side, to the long-awaited Promised Land in which there will not be the slightest trace of the crazy madness and insanity of this present world system.

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The River Of The Water Of Life by H. Melville – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Open Thou my eyes, that I might clearly see all these things that are now occurring in this world of sin and selfishness…

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE WOMAN ON THE ALTAR CONSTELLATION

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“Let my prayer

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be set forth

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before Thee as incense;

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and the lifting up

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of my hands

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as the evening sacrifice.”

Psalm 142:2

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION…

This “Golden Altar” Constellation is only seen in winter through spring, in mid-sky. It is to the south of the “Fleeing Woman Constellation” (AKA Ursa Major or The Big Dipper).

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The “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12” Constellation is in the northeastern sky in this sketch. You would be facing east and looking very high up almost to mid-sky to see this constellation group this way. The altar is farther south but still in the eastern sky. This altar itself is commonly known as “Leo Major“, with the smoke rising being “Leo Minor“.

.

A little farther down this page is the sketch of this same constellation in the latter part of winter, when you look at them facing westward. You will notice that what looked like Gospel seed being cast from her left hand and left foot (see “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman” article for explanation of casting “Gospel Seed”) now appears like smoke or incense rising from the altar. It is not clear why the altar is sideways in back of the Woman. It would make more sense if it were directly under the Woman. However, the Lord must have some spiritual truth to convey concerning this odd positioning of the Altar. The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

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TOMORROW…

March 22 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 26: “The Invisible War”)

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

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 36 – The Touch of Faith

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

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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This recording #130, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry..

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

February 1, Year 4: (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 34: “The Hour Of The Hypocrite!”)

By admin On March 20th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4: February 1

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The Devil Made Me Do It!

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Part 34:

“The Hour of the Hypocrite!”

To read part 1, click here…October 13th (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 1)

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“Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it. “

John 8:44

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Back in the 1970’s, a certain saying was popularized…“The Devil made me do it! The Devil made me do it!”

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And this was merely mocking Christians, who were seemingly obsessed with pointing the accusing finger at the Devil.

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Then they could all laugh and mock the notion that Satan is a very active and powerful force controlling the peoples of this world, by sarcastically chanting…“The Devil made me do it! The Devil made me do it!“

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Flip Wilson – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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SATAN, “THE GOD OF THIS WORLD”

2nd Corinthians 4:4

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But the horrifying fact is, the Devil does indeed cause the vast percentage of the world’s inhabitants to do a great amount of things!

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After all, the above signature verse reveals a truth that practically nobody realizes or accepts! It is perhaps the most egregious truth in all of the Bible!

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And this above verse from Ephesians reveals that Satan is indeed… “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

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And let’s face it! To admit that the entire world’s inhabitants are filled with this evil spirit is more than anybody is willing to accept, much less admit!

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

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PANDEMIC CRAZINESS!

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Perhaps, the greatest proof that an actual, literal Devil (Satan) exists, is the pandemic insanity which is currently causing the craziest world-wide movements.

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From the abject lies, hypocrisy and deceit coming from our politicians, to the cover-ups and deceit regarding the pandemic economic shutdowns, to the cancel-culture in which everything, from basic human biology, to even our very language is being canceled, lied about, and manipulated, all in attempt to destroy the very foundations of the western nations. These are just a few of the countless crazy occurrences now happening!

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It seems to many people, that the world is going crazy!

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And just look at all the hypocrisy and dishonesty in this nation and around the world! We’ve never seen such a display of hypocrisy, lying and deception as we are now witnessing!

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It almost seems as if the news media and government lie even when they don’t have to, simply because lying has become so habitual for them! And the public has come to expect such dishonesty, no longer even raising an eyebrow!

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March – Protest – Thank God For Satan – cropped photo – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or later version

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But the question to be answered in today’s devotional is, “Why is there so much lying and hypocrisy going on in this nation?”

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

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TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION

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No, we cannot normally see Satan nor his evil angels. But we can indeed see the trail of destruction that follows in their wake.

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And the current waves of evil which are now overtaking the world are clear evidence that a literal personality known as Lucifer, or Satan, or the Devil, is truly responsible for the tidal waves of evil now sweeping across the nations.

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Gustave Dore – Paradise Lost illustration – Lucifer becomes Satan – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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LUCIFER, “THE GOD OF THIS WORLD!”

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The point is, much of this current pandemic societal metamorphosis is so insane, that only such madness could happen by the finger of “the god of this world”, the Devil! (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4).

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In other words, mere humans could never collectively cause such a grand-scale transformation of morality and ideology by their own power!

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No, this has to be the efforts of that unseen Antichrist spirit who “now worketh in (the hearts) of the “children of disobedience”! (Ephesians 2:2 Parenthetical comment by website Editor)

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

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MADNESS IN OUR HEARTS

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Oh yes, the Bible reveals concerning the human race…“also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” Ecclesiastes 9:3

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As this above verse reveals, madness exists in the hearts of humanity.

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Burning Man – 2013 -Chapel – cropped and altered photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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THE SPIRIT OF MADNESS

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And yet, we must realize that it is only because the spirit of Antichrist is now working in the children of men, as is written…“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2

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Yes, it is that satanic Antichrist spirit who now works in the hearts of mankind on an individual basis. And where the spirit of Satan is, there exists madness.

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And this same madness is what causes these current-day paradigm shifts which seemingly make no earthly sense!

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

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A NEW LEVEL OF INSANITY!

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**Well, this is merely one example of how “the god of this world” is causing such unthinkable paradigm shifts, that would have been laughed off as “impossible”, just a few short years ago!**

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Well, no one is laughing now!

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ABOVE PICTURE: The Pied Piper of Television – www.signsofheaven.org – commercial use by permission only

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GOOD NEWS: “A PLACE OF REFUGE!”

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But is there any Good News to be gleaned in this seemingly hopeless world?

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Is there any way of escape from this pandemic madness which is now sweeping through our land like a giant tsunami?

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Yes, there is a, “place of refuge, and…a covert from (this approaching) storm!” Isaiah 4:6

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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“HIDE…FOR A LITTLE MOMENT”

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As a matter of fact, the Bible counsels us to…“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…” Isaiah 26:20, 21

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Here is revealed a hiding place from the approaching storm.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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GOD IS OUR CHAMBERS!

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However, many will say…“But where are these chambers? Because I don’t have any chambers, do I?”

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Well, the chambers spoken of here are also spoken in Psalms 27:5, 6 and also in Psalms 32:7…“For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me…Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Selah.

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Here we have some wonderful promises, for all those who are willing to forsake this present world, and live the rest of our life in grateful, loving service to Christ!

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Johann Heinrich Füssli – Woman Sitting, Curled up Google Art Project – US public domain

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And just what does that service consist of?

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

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“PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE-MINDED!”

James 4:8

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Listen to 1st John 2:28 & 3:3…“And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming…And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.”

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Here is the secret hiding place where we may abide in the coming tempest.

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The purification of our heart!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE; THOU SHALL PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE…WITH SONGS OF DELIVERANCE”

Psalm 32:7

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To cooperate with God’s chastening process, that we may become transformed into His likeness!

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To hide His great and precious promises in our heart.

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To faithfully endure the purifying trials which God lovingly allows to come into our lives.

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To contemplate His Word and engage in unceasing prayers, throughout our day.

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To shun every ungodly influence and time-wasting pursuit which Satan uses to corrupt us and divert us.

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To allow our light of purity and warm, agape love to shine brightly before the onlooking world!

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These are the duties which all those seeking to hide themselves in God’s secret pavilion, will perform each day.

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

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TO READ PART 35, CLICK HERE...

July 9 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 35: “Why Do the People Vote for Destruction?”)

Minneapolis Riots – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be wise as a serpent regarding this very deceptive world. Let me not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, nor of his power over this world…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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REVELATION 12 DRAGON CONSTELLATION

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LOCATION…

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The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces. Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus . The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

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

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FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

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

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The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water, but are not part of the Auriga Constellation.

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THE ZODIAC NAMES

It is not the purpose, nor the desire of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity or recognition to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But unfortunately, the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

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TOMORROW…

February 2 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 9: “How To Stop the Growing Lawlessness in the Land”)

Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.

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THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this 44 chapter audio book, a brief history of the Church, from the Cross of Christ forward to the Return of Christ.

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Chapter 30 – Enmity Between Man And Satan

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year long series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #82

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 20 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 14: “This World is Not My Home!”)

By admin On March 20th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – March 20

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Taking Back This Nation For God!

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Part 14:

“This World is Not My Home!”

To read Part 1, click here…“March 28th (Taking Back This Nation For God!)”

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“If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.”

John 15:19

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Jesus spoke these above words to His faithful disciples, just prior to going to the Cross.

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He told them that,

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.”

John 15:19

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

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ARE WE REALLY “JUST A -PASSIN’ THROUGH”?

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Remember that old song…

“This world is not my home,

I’m just a-passin’ through.

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door.

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore”?

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Well, most faithful church attendees would probably wholeheartedly affirm this song’s faithful sentiment: “We’re just a-passin’ through!”.

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Church worship music – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life”

2nd Timothy 2:4

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So, if we agree that this world is not our home, why then do so many Christians get ourselves all caught up in this current political civil-war which is now raging, as if the world actually is our home?

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**Even some Christian radio stations are now taking their respective sides in this political battle, and encouraging (often even badgering) their listeners to do the same.**

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims…”

1st Peter 2:11

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If we really believe we are strangers and pilgrims in this world, then why are we behaving like the people of the world in this regard? Why are we so jealous for this antichrist world-system? Don’t we realize that Satan is “the god of this world”? 2nd Corinthians 4:4

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Oh yes, the Bible commands us to offer, “prayers…for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority…” 1st Timothy 2:1, 2

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But does the Bible ever command or even encourage us to go any further into politics, than this?

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Pilgrim in a Rocky Valley by Carl Gustav Carus – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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“…ye (His unsaved listeners) are of this world; I (Jesus) am not of this world.”

John 8:23

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Certainly we never read of Jesus getting involved in the politics of His day on earth? Or Paul? Or Peter, James and John?

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Much to the contrary, Jesus’ great concern was (and is) for the Salvation of souls. And this was also Paul’s great mission: his own Salvation, as well as daily care of the Church. Neither Jesus nor Paul, nor Peter, nor the others had any time to get involved in politics!

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They were 100% focused on their heavenly-ordained mission for the lost souls of this world!

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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POLITICAL TALK SHOWS

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One big problem is that too many of us have allowed ourselves to get caught up in the daily soap-opera of politics, via radio, Internet, and television talk shows.

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But Paul warns us, in Galatians 5:9…“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

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Yes, when we allow ourselves to begin listening to these intriguing shows, it’s like yeast working its way through the dough until the entire loaf has been leavened!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Time course of magnetic attraction of yeast – journal – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license

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“…look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh”

Luke 21:28

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There are many issues in the world which seem to have great relevance and even great importance for our lives. And it becomes very easy to get all caught up in such events/disputes/fears/injustices.

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But as “Strangers and Pilgrims”, we must keep our eyes on the things unseen, heavenly things, as is written…

“While we look not at the things which are seen,

but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen are temporal;

but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2nd Corinthians 4:18

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Yes, while we must constantly be praying for God’s blessings and deliverance from the many evils which assail us, we need to keep our focus on eternal issues.

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

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JOHN THE BAPTIST

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The Bible really gives us no encouragement to get politically active, nor to even vote for this or that candidate for public office. Nevertheless, Bible teachers, especially on radio and Internet, might vainly attempt to justify political activism, by saying such things as, “Well, John the Baptist preached to King Herod and even rebuked him for his unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife!”

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Such a weak and hollow argument, by means of their wrestling with the Scriptures, in attempt to justify political activism, should make manifest the complete lack of biblical encouragement to all those who vainly desire to become zealous for politics!

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Rather, the Bible condemns such worldly activism, with passages like this one…

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;

that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

2nd Timothy 2:4

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This and similar admonitions actually encourage Christians to stay away from politics, that we might wholeheartedly devote ourselves to the good and necessary works of Salvation, such as warning the world (just like John the Baptist) to “flee from the wrath to come!” Matthew 3:7 & Luke 3:7

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John the Baptist by J. Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, the Good News is that it is still the day of Salvation. And there is still time to beg and plead for the grace and mercy of God to release us from our idolatrous bondage to this world, with its many enticing pleasures and pursuits.

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And having won the victory over this world, we then will be able to say along with Paul…

“For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified…

For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.”

1st Corinthians 2:2 & Philippians 1:21

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

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“But God forbid that I (Paul) should glory,

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save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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by whom the world is crucified unto me,

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and I unto the world.”

Galatians 6:14

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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TO READ PART 15, CLICK HERE…

April 6 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 15: “Why All The Lawlessness?”)

George Floyd protests – Portland Oregon – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Lead me onward and upward on that heavenly Highway of Holiness, and out of this dark world below…

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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“Multitudes, multitudes in the ‘Valley of Decision’…

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for the day of the Lord is near in the ‘Valley of Decision’.”

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“The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining…

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“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem…

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“And the heavens and the earth shall shake…

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“But the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

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Joel 3:14-16

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing. In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left. In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward. It resembles a pyramid.

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Then find the second pyramid to its right (south).

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Then go a little further south to the next third pyramid. The third snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation.

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These three pyramids are the snow-capped portion of these three mountains in this sketch. (of course, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

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THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP.

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They appear in mid-summer in the eastern skies in pre-dawn hours. These are made of Cassiopeia (mount on left), and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell). The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.

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The above Wikipedia star-chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears from June to fall, just prior to the winter constellation group. Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in early summer in the pre-dawn hours. (Editor of this website has sketched in this constellation group onto this above Wikipedia star-chart.)

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TOMORROW…

March 21 (Daniel 2:41: “A Kingdom…Divided…Cannot Stand!” CONTINUED)

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – www.freebibleimages.org

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THE DESIRE OF AGES, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.

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Chapter 35 – Peace Be Still

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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This recording #129, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry..

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 22: (He That Hath An Ear To Hear, Part 5: “Truth Falling On Deaf Ears!”)

By admin On March 20th, 2021

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Daily Devotional, Year 4 – August 22

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He That Hath An Ear To Hear,

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Part 5:

“Truth Falling On Deaf Ears!”

To read Part 1, go here…February 1 (“He That Hath An Ear To Hear”)

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“My pastor is a great Bible teacher! Our church is growing and thriving! God’s Word is being freely preached each week around here! So don’t give me that lie that God is through with the local congregations!”

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Most churchgoers are unwilling to even consider that God is through with the local congregations!

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Yes, many in today’s local congregations are very much like old Mr. Obstinate, a character from Bunyan’s amazing allegorical tale, “Pilgrim’s Progress”.

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Old Mr. Obstinate just wouldn’t hear anything which contradicted his church traditions.

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Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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..

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“Babylon the great is fallen…Come out of her, My people”

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And such is the condition of today’s church-world!

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Yes, today’s obstinance by a multitude of today’s churchgoers is all too common, even as the clarion call has begun to go out…

“Babylon the great is fallen…

And I heard another voice from heaven,

saying, Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:2, 4

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This above passage has been greatly misunderstood by the church-world. Confusion abounds as today’s pastors attempt to assign this prophecy to Iraq or Dubai, or some other city of the world. But the fact is, spiritual Babylon is and always has been the name given to the apostate church-world.

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ABOVE PHOTO: church evangelist – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“A FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORDS OF THE LORD”

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But this website has many articles devoted to this subject. And the reader is encouraged to study those articles in the light of the Bible to gain a solid understanding of these truths.

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But what about this commonly heard debate concerning whether or not the true Gospel is still being faithfully preached in today’s congregations?

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Listen to this…“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11, 12

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Here is revealed that the time will come when God’s people will be cut off from hearing His Word.

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ABOVE PHOTO: church evangelist – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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HEAR WITH EARS BUT NOT WITH HEART

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But has that day of spiritual famine finally arrived? After all, the Bible is still an open Book, or so it seems.

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But listen to Jesus…“Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My Word.” John 8:43

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Here Jesus was speaking to those who claimed to love and serve God. And yet, they could not hear His Word. Oh yes, they could audibly hear Him. But they could not comprehend the spiritual truths He was presenting!

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Even the well-respected teachers of the law, who thoroughly studied the Scriptures, could not truly hear the Word, because they had no spiritual ears to hear to the saving of their soul!

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

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“EVER LEARNING, BUT NEVER ABLE TO COME TO…TRUTH”

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Listen again…“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2nd Timothy 3:6, 7

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Here is described, in allegorical language, that false teachers are leading “silly women” astray. Now of course, this must be understood allegorically to make any logical sense. The silly women spoken of here are congregations who are ever learning from the Bible, but never able to truly come to the knowledge of truth.

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And now that the Holy Spirit has vacated the churches and denominations, it is impossible for parishioners to truly comprehend the deep spiritual message which the Bible teaches!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Foolish Virgins – James Tissot – US Public Domain

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TRUTH NOW MINGLED WITH WORLD-LOVING LIES!

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And let’s not forget that the truths being presently taught in today’s church-world are being mingled with the prosperity-driven gospels!

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And so, parishioners leave the church service, all revved up to begin a new week of going headlong after the selfish pleasures and ambitious attainments of the world!

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

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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

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Well, there is Good News for all those who perceive that they are in need of repentance and restoration!

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Our heavenly Father says…“turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…?” Ezekiel 33:11

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Yes, God calls us to return back to Him. And we can enter onto that Heaven-bound highway, as we turn our backs to this sad and selfish world, and begin to look up!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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And then, we can say along with David…

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“And He hath put a new song in my mouth,

even praise unto our God:

many shall see it, and fear,

and shall trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 40:3

David the Shepherd Boy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TO READ PART 6, CLICK HERE…

March 1 (He That Hath An Ear To Hear, Part 6: “Strong Delusion!”)

Audience hands – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me two ears to hear Thy Fatherly reproofs and corrections. Let me take account of my life each and every day, and turn away from my love for this present world, and begin to look steadfastly Heavenward…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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This newest Signs Of Heaven Constellation (Fall, 2013) is by far the faintest of constellations, but is a very incredible and awesome one in a number of ways (which this article will explain).

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horses mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions.

The above picture is not a totally accurate, but hopefully close enough to locate these constellations in the night-sky. Scroll down this page to see actual star-charts.

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“HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR”

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“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;” Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22

Holy Ghost Rider (above western horizon)

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As you can easily see, this horse has some very big ears. Of course, this presents a very big concept. And since this Rider represents the Holy Spirit, it is obvious that He is leaning close, as if to whisper His words in the horses’ ears. And so what is He (The Spirit) whispering in this horses ears? Well, primarily the messages to the 7 churches, found in Revelation Ch.’s, 2 & 3.

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But not everyone has ears to hear. Listen to Ezekiel… “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.” Ezek. 12:2. Yes, the rebellion amongst God’s professing people was great, and they had all but closed their ears from hearing truth.

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Well it’s the very same problem in the New Testament. Listen to Jesus… “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 7:16.

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So this Rider whispering into this Horse’s ears is a heavenly picture of this concept… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;” Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.

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Now the great lesson to be learned, is that there are certain truths, which those who are rebellious in God’s house, will not be able to hear. And these messages to the 7 churches are those very types of messages, that many “Christians” just do not like to hear.

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And so, what is the bottom line. Well, it would be a very good idea, for each and every one of us to humble ourselves before God, and plead with Him to give us spiritual ears to hear these deeper truths which God is trying to tell us.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation – later winter in the west

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TOMORROW…

August 23 (Noble Bereans? Part 58: “Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth”)

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

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CHRIST OBJECT LESSONS, BY ELLEN G. WHITE

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this sampler of the audio book about the Bible’s parables in which Ellen White relates them to every day practical living…

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Chapter 1 – Teaching in Parables

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The Five Wise Virgins – www.thebiblerevival.com– US Public Domain

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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #183, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons

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Y4

By admin On March 20th, 2021

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS, YEAR 4

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A new devotional is presented for each day of the year.

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Directly below each day’s devotional, is a short “location guide” to one particular sign in the Sun, Moon, or stars.

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JANUARY, YEAR 4

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January 1 (Noble Bereans, Part 32: “Killing The Messenger”)

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January 2 (Noble Bereans, Part 33: “Killing The Messenger” CONTINUED)

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January 3 (Noble Bereans? Part 34: “Killing The Messenger” CONTINUED FURTHER)

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January 4 (Noble Bereans, Part 35: “Killing The Messenger” CONTINUED FURTHER)

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January 5 (Noble Bereans, Part 36: “Harold Camping vs. Ellen White”)

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January 6 (Noble Bereans, Part 37: “The New Waldenses”)

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January 7 (Noble Bereans, Part 38: “John Wycliffe & Harold Camping”)

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January 8 (Noble Bereans, Part 39: “Huss & Jerome”)

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January 9 (Noble Bereans, Part 40: “Martin Luther & Harold Camping”)

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January 10 (The False Prophet, Part 24: “Woe unto You, When All Men Shall Speak Well of You!”)

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January 11 (The Natural Man & Bible Prophecy, Part 2: “Ellen White & Harold Camping”)

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January 12 (A World of Lies, Part 13: “When The World Turns Ugly”)

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January 13 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 7: “Snowflakes”)

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January 14 (Keeping 1 Day Holy, Part 7: “The Dumbing Down of Society”)

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January 15 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 1: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!”)

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January 16 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 2: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy”)

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January 17 (The First Shall Be Last! Part 3: “The Tragic Tale of Europe’s Apostasy” CONTINUED)

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January 18 (The False Prophet, Part 25: “The Two Horns of the False Prophet Beast”)

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January 19 (Noble Bereans, Part 41: “God’s Prophetic Timeline”)

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January 20 (Noble Bereans, Part 42: “Harold Camping and William Miller”)

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January 21 (Mark Now Given, Part 4: “Internet Censorship”)

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January 22 (Mark Now Given, Part 5: “Freedom of Speech, An Endangered Right!”)

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January 23 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 5: “What’s Your Delusion?”)

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January 24 (Noble Bereans, Part 43: “Re-Thinking Ellen White Concerning the Adventist Apostasy”)

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January 25 (Upward, Into the Promised Land! Part 4: “Cleansing the Sanctuary” CONTINUED)

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January 26 (Upward, Into the Promised Land! Part 5: “Cleansing the Sanctuary” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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January 27 (Noble Bereans, Part 44: “God’s Law & The United States”)

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January 28 (Noble Bereans, Part 45: “God’s Law & The United States” CONTINUED)

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January 29 (Noble Bereans, Part 46: “God’s Law & The United States” FURTHER CONTINUED )

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January 30 (The False Prophet, Part 26: “Many Shall Say…Lord, Lord!”)

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January 31 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 20: “O Lucifer, Son of the Morning!”)

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FEBRUARY, YEAR 4

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February 1 (Noble Bereans, Part 47: “Do Ellen White and Harold Camping Agree?”)

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February 2 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 9: “How To Stop the Growing Lawlessness in the Land”)

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February 3 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 10: “How To Stop the Growing Lawlessness in the Land” CONTINUED)

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February 4 (Noble Bereans? Part 48: “Eternal Torment?”)

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February 5 (Noble Bereans? Part 49: “Dead People Speaking!)

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February 6 (Noble Bereans, Part 50: “Liberty of Conscience Now Threatened!”)

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February 7 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 11: “How To Stop the Growing Lawlessness in the Land” CONTINUED FURTHER)

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February 8 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 12: “It’s Only A Movie”)

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February 9 (Noble Bereans, Part 51: “Come Out of Her My People!”)

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February 10 (The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Part 11: “Ellen White on “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”)

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February 11 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 24: “Ellen White On God’s People Being Delivered”)

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February 12 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 58: “The Final Destruction of Babylon”)

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February 13 (The Devil Made Me Do It, Part 21: “The Dumbing Down of Society About History”)

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February 14 (By Beholding Jesus…Changed! Part 2: “Ellen White’s Book on Jesus’ Life”}

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February 15 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 25: “Is the Holy Spirit Being Removed From the World?”)

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February 16 (The Orion Phenomena, Part 2: “Ellen White On Orion”)

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February 17 (The Orion Phenomena, Part 2: “Ellen White On Orion” CONTINUED)

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February 18 (A Form of Godliness, Part 5: “3-dollar-bill Love!” CONTINUED)

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February 19 (Arcturus, The Star That Wise Men Follow, Part 2: “We Have Seen His Star!”)

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February 20 (We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood! Part 6, “Satan’s Psycological War Against Our Children!” CONTINUED)

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February 21 (Mark Now Given, Part 6: “Killing The Messenger”)

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February 22 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 4: “Planet Earth, An Experiment In Selfishness”)

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February 23 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 23: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: His Gravitas!”)

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February 24 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 5: “Planet Earth, An Experiment In Selfishness” CONTINUED)

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February 25 (Noble Bereans, Part 52: “Dead People Speaking!?” CONTINUED)

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February 26 (By Beholding Jesus…Changed! Part 3: “Ellen White’s Book on Jesus’ Life” CONTINUED)

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February 27 (“Ellen White’s Book, The Desire of Ages: A story For the Whole Family”)

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February 28 (O Taste and See That The Lord Is Good! Part 1: “The Wedding At Cana”)

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February 29 (Flee To The Mountain! Part 24: “Pillar of Salt Churches”)

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MARCH, YEAR 4

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March 1 (He That Hath An Ear To Hear, Part 6: “Strong Delusion!”)

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March 2 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 22: “It’s A Gad, Gad, Gad, Gad World!”)

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March 3 (Sodom Rising, Part 16: “Gender Confusion & the Devil’s Destruction of Society”

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March 4 (Planet Earth, Devil’s Island, Part 17 – “A World of Terror”)

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March 5 (Noble Bereans?, Part 53: “Ellen White’s Views On the Final Conflict”)

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March 6 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 8: “Judgment Day: What Did We Expect?”)

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March 7 (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church! Part 3: “John the Baptist”)

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March 8 (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?! Part 8: “Cancer, a Faith-building Experience?”)

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March 9 (A World of Lies, Part 14: “It’s a Cuttlefish World! Yellow Journalism Today!” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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March 10 (Arcturus, The Star That Wise Men Follow, Part 4: “The Call By The Sea”)

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March 11 (The False Prophet, Part 27: “Many False Prophets”)

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March 12 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 13: “Sinking Into The Bottomless Pit” CONTINUED)

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March 13 (How To Breeze Through The Coming Crisis! Part 6: “Great And Precious Promises!”)

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March 14 (How To Keep The Sabbath, Part 3: “Ellen White’s & Harold Camping’s Views of the Sabbath”)

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March 15 (How To Breeze Through The Coming Crisis! Part 7: “Rejoice Evermore…Pray Without Ceasing…In Every Thing, Give Thanks!”)

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March 16 (He That Hath An Ear To Hear, Part 6: “Harold Camping’s Ears To Hear!”)

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March 17 (The False Prophet, Part 28: “The 6th Head: Cruel Compassion”)

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March 18 (The Commandments of God, Part 4: “Christians & The Old Testament Law”)

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March 19 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 15: “Black Holes In Inner-Space: Romantic Idolatry!”)

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March 20 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 14: “This World is Not My Home!”)

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March 21 (Daniel 2:41: “A Kingdom…Divided…Cannot Stand!” CONTINUED)

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March 22 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 26: “The Invisible War”)

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March 23 (My Yoke Is Easy! Part 6: “Come Apart & Rest A While!”)

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March 24 (The True Message of Revelation! Part 2: “Do Ye Not Hear The Law?” CONTINUED)

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March 25 (Dawn of the Dead! Part 5: “Cannibalizing Our Children!?”)

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March 26 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 23: “Romance: The Real Thing or Just A Devilish Delusion?”)

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March 27 (Dawn of the Dead! Part 6: “The Time of Trouble”)

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March 28 (How To Keep The Sabbath, Part 4: “How To Quit Working On The Sabbath”)

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March 29 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 9: “Will The Real Nazi/Fascist/Racist Please Shout the Loudest!”)

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March 30 (Noble Bereans? Part 54: “Ellen White’s Views On The False Prophet”)

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March 31 (Noble Bereans? Part 55: “Ellen White’s Views On The Two Beasts of Revelation 13”)

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APRIL, YEAR 4

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April 1 (Noble Bereans? Part 56: “Ellen White’s Views On The Two Beasts of Revelation 13” CONTINUED)

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April 2 (Noble Bereans? Part 57: “Ellen White’s Views On The Two Beasts of Revelation 13” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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April 3 (The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner, Part 7: “God Is No Respecter of Persons!”)

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April 4 (A World of Lies, Part 15: “Rascals Then, and Rascals Now!”)

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

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April 6 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 15: “Why All The Lawlessness?”)

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April 7 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 2: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!” CONTINUED)

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April 8 (“And Just Who is My Neighbor?” Part 2: Good Samaritan)

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April 9 (Satan’s Number 8, Part 3: “Caught in Satan’s Web”)

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April 10 (“Blessing The Children”)

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April 11 (Two Turtledoves Constellation! Part 2: “Forsaking All to Follow Jesus!”)

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April 12 (It’s A Rosie The Riveter World, Part 6: “1st Head of the Beast: Pride!”)

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April 13 (It’s A Rosie The Riveter World, Part 6: “1st Head of the Beast: Pride!) CONTINUED!”

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April 14 (A World of Lies, Part 16: “It’s a Cuttlefish World! Yellow Journalism Today!” CONTINUED)

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April 15 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 7: “Do Not Rich Men Oppress You?”)

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April 16 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 6: “The False Prophet’s Counterfeit Compassion”

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April 17 (The False Prophet, Part 29: “The 6th Head: Cruel Compassion Regarding Abortion”)

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April 18 (We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood! Part 7, “How To Catch A Serial Killer”)

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April 19 (Upward, Into the Promised Land! Part 6: “The Temple Cleansed Again”)

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April 20 (The False Prophet, Part 30: “Misguided Mercy”)

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April 21 (How Shall the Moon Be Turned Into Blood? Part 5: “Mark of the Beast in the Moon? 2nd Face: The Pharisee-Scorner”) CONTINUED

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April 22 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 24: “Satan, the Great Puppet-Master!”)

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April 23 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 25: “Satan, the Great Puppet-Master!” CONTINUED)

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April 24 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 8: “Every Man…His Labor…(Is) The Gift of God” CONTINUED)

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April 25 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 9: “Every Man…His Labor…(Is) The Gift of God” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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April 26 (Finding Perfect Peace, Part 11, “Why Did God Take Away My Spouse?”)

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April 27 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 10: “Every Man…His Labor…(Is) The Gift of God” STILL FURTHER CONTINUED)

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April 28 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 26: “Who Really Blew Up The Twin Towers?”)

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April 29 (The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Part 10: “Peter’s Conversion”)

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April 30 (Hands That Shed Innocent Blood: “God’s Providence in the Womb”)

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MAY, YEAR 4

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May 1 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 24: “Romance: The Real Thing or Just Another Devilish Delusion?”) CONTINUED

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May 2 (Add Thou Not! Part 6: “Babylonian Sun Worship”)

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May 3 (Add Thou Not! Part 7: “Babylonian Sun Worship” CONTINUED)

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May 4 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 7: “Mob Anger & Justice!”)

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May 5 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 14: “Butterflies: God’s Little Witnesses In Nature”)

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May 6 (Global Warming Alert! Part 2: Why Is There Global Warming?)

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May 7 (Arcturus, The Star That Wise Men Follow, Part 5: “The Walk To Emmaus in Today’s World”)

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May 8 (Prayer In A Fragile World! Part 6: “Praying Yourself To Sleep”)

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May 9 (The Straw-Man! Part 8: “Aleister Crowley: Satan’s Wing-man or Just His Straw-man?”)

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May 10 (The Weapons of Our Warfare! Part 2: “Fighting Our Own Battles)

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May 11 (Revelation 12 Woman, Part 2: “Why Are Things Getting so Crazy Terrible?”)“

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May 12: The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 28: “The Robin Hood Conspiracy!”

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May 13 (“He That Hath An Ear To Hear”, Part 8: “Ellen White On Parables”) Also read…(He That Hath An Ear To Hear, Part 5: “Truth Falling On Deaf Ears!”)

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May 14 (Noble Bereans? Part 58: “Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth”)

May 15 (The 4 Winds of Revelation 7:1 Now Blowing! Part 2: “Separating The Wheat From The Chaff”)

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May 16 (“The Dawning of the Day!”)

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May 17 (Look Up, Lift Up Your Heads, Part 6: “Don’t Look Down!”) or also read…”Over The Rainbow, or Stay Down Here?”

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May 18 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 29: “When The Devil Whispers ‘Murder!’”)

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May 19 (The 7 Stars, Part 2: “7 Stars & The 7 Bowls of Wrath”)

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May 20 (Mark Now Given, Part 8: “Masters of the Universe or Just Useful Pawns of Satan?”)

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May 21 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 15: “A World of Wilting Flowers?”)

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May 22 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 8: “The Dragon’s 6th Head & The 6th Commandment”)

May 23 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 16: “It’s a ‘Lose-Lose’ World!”)

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May 24 (The False Prophet, Part 31: “The False Prophet’s Two Horns Concerning Capitalism VS. Socialism!”)

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***May 25 (A 3-Fingered Judgment-Day, Part 13: “How To NOT Take The Long Road Home!”) or you can also read …3-Fingered Judgment Day, Part 14:* *(A “Careful What You Wish For” Story)***

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May 26 (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?! Part 9: “…Until I Met a Man Who Had No Feet!”)

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May 27 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 18: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow?”) Also Read, (“A New Heart For The Tin Man”)

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May 28 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 3: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!” CONTINUED)

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May 29 (The Revelation 12 Crown Constellation, Part 4: “Hold Fast To What Thou Hast!” FURTHER CONTINUED)

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May 30 – (Noble Bereans, Part 59: “Go Into The Highways & Hedges!”)

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May 31 (Seared As With A Hot Iron, Part 2: “It’s A Totalitarian World!”)

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JUNE, YEAR 4

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June 1 (Damsels & Dragons, Part 2: “The Revelation 12 Dragon’s Floodwaters!”)

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June 2 (Who is the Rich Young Ruler? Part 2: “Going Through a Needle’s Eye”)

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June 3 (Who Is The Rich Young Ruler? Part 3 – “Going Through a Needle’s Eye” CONTINUED)

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June 4 (Who Is The Rich Young Ruler? Part 4 – “Going Through a Needle’s Eye” CONTINUED)

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June 5 (O Taste and See That The Lord Is Good! Part 2 “Taste & See God’s Delicious Fruit!”)

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June 6 (Habakkuk Says “Run!”, Part 19: “Like Hind’s Feet To Walk Upon Mine High Places”)

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June 7 (Loopholes in God’s Law, Part 2: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?”)

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June 8….(We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood! Part 8, “Political Correctness: Christo-phobia?”)

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June 9 (Sodom Rising, Part 17 “Which Rainbow Will You Cling To?”)

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June 10 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 18: “The Biggest Carrot In The Universe!”)

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June 11 (Noble Bereans? Part 60: “Ellen White On The Ministry of Healing”)

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June 12 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 15: “Ellen White On ‘Nature & Health’”)

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June 13 (Television and The Image That Speaks, Part 8: “The Many Faces of Satan”)

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June 14 (Noble Bereans? Part 61: “Ellen White On The Ministry of Healing” CONTINUED)

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June 15 (What’s An Aristaphagist!? Part 3: “What Did Jesus Eat?”)

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June 16 (The Devil Made Me Do It! Part 30: “Fanatics in the Church!”)

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June 17 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 9: “You Say You Want A Revolution”)

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June 18 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 10: “Satan’s Monster-Making Machinery!”)

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June 19 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 24: “Am I a Lot, or an Abraham?”)

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June 20 (The Return of Elijah, Part 4: “Mothers & Children”)

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June 21 (O Taste and See That The Lord Is Good!, Part 3”)

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June 22 (Apocalypse Now! Part 27: “Satan Now On the March”)

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June 23 (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 11: “Ring Around The Rosies…We All Fall Down!”) ALSO READ (And The Nations Were Angry! Part 12: “Woke Christians & Heaven’s Cancel-Culture!”)

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June 24 (O Taste and See That The Lord Is Good! Part 4)

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June 25 (What’s An Aristaphagist? Part 4 “How To Cure Fibromyalgia”)

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June 26 (The False Prophet, Part 32: “Evangelicalism: The False Prophet?”)

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June 27 (Planet Earth: Devil’s Island! Part 18: “Every Knee Shall Bow!”)

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June 28 (Taking Back This Nation For God! Part 16: “Why Are Our Enemies Taking Over?”)

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June 29 (Flee To The Mountain! Part 25: “Jeremiah’s Cup of Fury! The Removal of the Holy Spirit” CONTINUED)

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June 30 (The Sign Of The Son Of Man In Heaven, Part 2: “Jesus: The True Meaning of Coming Out of Babylon”)

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TO RETURN TO YEAR-ONE DAILY DEVOTIONALS, CLICK HERE

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Today’s Devotional – NOVEMBER 3RD (The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner)

By admin On March 6th, 2021

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Today’s Devotional – NOVEMBER 3RD

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The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner

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“Enter into the Rock, and hide thee in the dust,

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

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,

and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,

and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

For the day of the LORD of hosts

shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty,

and upon every one that is lifted up;

and he shall be brought low:”

Isaiah 2:10-12

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

Listen to the following revelation concerning the evil which exists within the hearts of men…“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23

Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

Do you see an angry look? His right eyebrow is raised as if he is judging.

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

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

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet”

Psalm 22:16

This animalistic face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox.

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Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox?

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Maybe even a dog.

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Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn. Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.

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He is very moral, you see!

Gray Wolf. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service by scott Flaherty

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

THIS BEAST WITHIN

Well, the Bible has much to say about Pharisees. And the Bible has much to say about wolves, and foxes, and dogs. And this wolf-face inscribed in the Moon has much to tell us about ourselves!

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So if you are a truth-seeker, then this article will be an eye-opener, as we explore just what the Bible has to say about these things. And the fact is, this Pharisee Moon-Beast is in the heart of each and every human.

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And so, if you (or I) find that this wolf-man has some things in common, please don’t despair! For God is giving us these signs, while there still is time. While there still is hope!

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THE PHARISEES…

Now listen to this verse concerning proud scorners…“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverbs 21:24

Yes this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd! They were the finger pointers! They were the scorners! They had an evil eye against others! They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved world!

James Tissot – The Pharisee and Publican – Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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PHARISEES & SADDUCEES

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There were two major groups spoken of during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry: The Pharisees and the Sadducees. While the Pharisees were very big on law and justice, the Sadducees were steeped in unbelief.

But that discussion of the Sadducees should be saved for the next section, “Moon Into Blood Part 3”.

But for now, this examination of this 2nd face in the Moon should continue.

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – Replacement Theologian sign added by this site – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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WHICH WAY THE FINGER IS POINTING

**It is true religion that says, “I am chief of sinners.” 1st Timothy 1:15. These are the words of Paul. Paul saw himself for what he really was: a dirty rotten sinner in need of a Savior!**

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It is false religion that says, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Luke 18:11.

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**These are the words of this proud Pharisee in the parable of the Publican & the Pharisee (see Luke 18:9-14).**

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It is true religion that points the accusing finger at ‘myself’. It is false religion that points at the other guy. True religion understands that Satan is the “god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4). But this Pharisee has lost sight of that fact. True Christianity desires to lead others to forsake this world and begin to live for Heaven. False religion wants to clean this world up, not realizing that sin is literally everywhere: because it’s the Devil’s world.

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This scorner forgets what 1st John proclaims… “…and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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PHARISEE SITS ON JUDGMENT-THRONE

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But this Pharisee-Scorner enjoys sitting on his judgment throne and pointing the accusing finger down at others. But what this pseudo-Christian does not realize is, that it is impossible to be Christian, while at the same time, judging others.

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Just listen… “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, Who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11, 12.

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So this passage proclaims that whoever judges others, is trying to be God! Because only God is capable of judging a man’s heart. Of course, this Pharisee excuses himself, by saying that he’s only doing a public service by exposing the sins of others.

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

Pointing to you – Pharisees – Wikimedia – cropped image – the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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“THE HEART IS DECEITFUL…WHO CAN KNOW IT?”

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Just listen to the following passage…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9, 10.

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So as this passage proclaims, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?” But then it goes on to tell us, that God Himself searches the hearts of men (and women). God is the righteous Judge. And God will render back to us, according to our ways.

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Judgment of Sheep & Goats – Fra Angelico – cropped & altered photo – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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SATAN STEALS OUR PERFECT PEACE

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**One great problem with listening to Satan’s whisperings, is that this is how this “Accuser of the Brethren” gains access into our hearts and minds (Revelation 12:10).**

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**And once we allow him access, he often begins to torment us with all sorts of “evil surmisings” about the motives of others. (1st Timothy 6:4)**

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We must remember the Wise Man’s advice…“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:24-27

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Yes, to guard the avenues to the soul, not allowing Satan any access, is our first and foremost duty!

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THE PHARISEE & THE PUBLICAN

Listen to this story of the proud Pharisee and the humble Publican…“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:11-13

That well-known story of the Pharisee and the Publican presents a basic concept between a correct spirit and an incorrect one. In this story, God presents these two characters, which seem to be polar opposites: the proud Pharisee and the self-abasing Publican. The first, the Pharisee, saw himself as self-righteous, while the Publican realized just what a great sinner he was! Pride is quite often hard to detect. But the Publicans were a scorned class of persons. They knew they were sinners!

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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PRIDE ESPECIALLY DISGUSTING TO GOD

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The point to this story is that God abhors human pride. But God contrariwise, presents the proper attitude, by showing us the humility and shame-facedness of the Publican.

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And this little parable ends with the following summation… “I tell you, this man (the publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14.

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Here is a great big, giant concept, which Jesus presented. God loves a humble and contrite heart; but God hates human pride. And because our hearts are so easily deceived, we must exercise constant vigilance against such sins as pride.

Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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TO READ PART 2, GO HERE…

DECEMBER 20 (The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner, Part 2: “Pharisees Today!”)

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face (exaggerated for clarity) – Pharisee Scorner

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand this fearful message, to come out of Babylon! And if it’s true, then help me to make this great modern-day Exodus…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23

Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn. Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.

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He is very moral, you see!

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

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TOMORROW:

“Daily Devotional November 4th (A Rose By Any Other Name)

Red Rose Against Black Background – by Amardipghosh – at Wikipedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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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 IS STUDY #305 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN… Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #305 – YouTube

Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc.. Most Images cropped & reduced in size.

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CHAPTER 21: . “VACATION FROM (or rather, ‘IN’) HELL”

By admin On March 3rd, 2021

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

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Ever had a “Vacation From Hell”?

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Well…I think this one might just out-do yours!

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Because…well…just read the next few chapters, and decide for yourself…

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The Scream of Nature – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ESCAPING THE IRON CITADEL OF ATHEISM

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So now it was February, as I recall. And it was about 120 or so days after being “tossed out on my ear” from that sad and hopeless, “Iron-Citadel”, commonly referred to as “Atheism”.

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Such a dreadfully depressing ideology! And it eventually drowns its captives in hopeless despair, “who, through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:15

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Oh yes, the proponents and hucksters of atheism promise freedom for all who join their ideology. But truth-be-told, if you happen to be a thoughtful and sensitive individual, you eventually realize that atheism only gets more distressing, increasingly hopeless, and really depressing, the older you become!

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And those who live under atheism’s cruel tyranny, like I did, often resort to drinking ourselves into a temporary state of blurry-eyed blissfulness (or perhaps drugging themselves, which was not my chosen means of escape), all in attempt to forget about that eventual, “date-with-fate” and our inescapable, “appointment with The Grim Reaper”! (My means of escape was mostly with a little bourbon/cigarettes/television. And also, of course, managing an all-you-can-eat buffet often allows incredible middle-of-the-night “refrigerator raids”!)

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Atheism – Descent of the Modernists, E J Pace, Christian Cartoons, 1922 – Wikipedia –

Weird Tales – Grim Reaper – The Man Who Lived – Wikimedia – Public Domain (2)

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“THE BIGGEST FOOL TO NEVER HIT THE BIG-TIMES!”

(Word-play on lyrics from the 1963 Buck Owens song “Act Naturally”, changing “ever” to “never”)

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But now I was being given, not only songs from the spirit, but also being told a very glorious narrative on just how greatly God was going to bless me in the music world, which industry, by the way, was largely controlled by God Himself! WOW!!!

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Oh, to think that a short time ago I was being mercilessly tormented in a mental ward by demons, swan-diving onto a hard floor, falling onto sharp objects, and going in and out of hellish illusions and devilish delusions!

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And now…BUT NOW…instead, I was being told just the opposite! I was informed that I was soon to find fame and fortune in the L.A. music scene!

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And if that’s not enough, I was JESUS…in a former life!

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This might possibly make that classic, “rags-to-riches” story about the “Count of Monte Cristo”, look like a mere, “50-cent-burger-joint-pay-raise”!

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Ah yes, this was the turn-about of all turn-abouts! This was the lottery ticket of all lottery tickets!

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This was…uh…it was….sufficed to say, “My prospects for the future were looking much better, thank-you.”

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

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THE BIG TUMBLE!

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But little did I know, nor suspect, that I was once again to be the “butt-end of a cruel joke” by the spirits.

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**Little did I realize or was aware, that I was unwittingly being set up like a “bowling pin” by “Team-Lucifer”, only to knock me down flat, for a strike at the *“Unlucky-Lanes Bowling Alley”!***

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And these super-intelligentsia (who, by the way, were extremely cunning beings), were gonna take me up to the very top of the tallest temple in Belize…That infamous Jaguar Temple, only to kick me down, down, down… about a couple hundred very steep steps…down onto my head!

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**And then thrust me back down into the open-arms of Hell’s awaiting flaming-furnace-inferno, once again!**

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Temple of the Great Jaguar Temple – by Dennis Jarvis from Halifax, Canada – for wikimedia – share-alike license

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But let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

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Let’s leave TIKAL for now, and back up a month or two; back to that day in February, 1980, in Klamath Falls, when a very special person walked into my life…

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CHAPTER 21:

“VACATION FROM (or rather, ‘IN’) HELL”

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“ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NOBODY! (except for the spirits, that is!)”

(First line from the 1964 Sam Cooke hit song, “Another Saturday Night” with parenthetical comment by this website)

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Well, there I was! In a nice little home, all tucked away in a beautiful little woodsy neighborhood in the hills around Klamath Falls.

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No longer was I being terrified with the prospects of being cut up into little pieces! No more was I scorched with the eternal sentence of being, “tormented with fire and brimstone”, for all time and eternity by an angry and vengeful God!

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And so, it’s not hard to imagine that I was beginning to get lonely, especially after getting dumped by my ex-girlfriend, several months earlier, just prior to when “all Hell broke loose” on my life (actually, I believe she was providentially taken away, to spare her from having to deal with what I was soon to be suffering back in that Unit 3600).

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Oh yes, I had the spirit. And he (or they), was constantly communicating with me!

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Nevertheless, I felt I needed companionship…human companionship! Female companionship!

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And so, I began to pray that God might bring someone into my life. “Oh God, please bring me someone!”

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

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ENTER THE LOVE INTEREST…

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Well, one day, not too long after I began praying about this, the phone rang…

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“Hello?”

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There was a female voice on the other end of the phone line. But because of her heavy accent (and her obvious shyness and nervousness), I had trouble understanding what she was saying. Something about singing for someone’s wedding. Finally, after asking her to repeat herself a number of times, I figured out that she wanted to hire me to sing at a family member’s wedding.

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Of course, I said, “Okay”.

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PROBLEMS SOLVED

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I’m not quite sure what happened, but before I knew it, this very pretty lady was bringing pots and pans over to my house, and cooking absolutely great Spanish-style food.

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And so ended my loneliness issues.

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One less thing!

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And now I also had someone to sing my songs to. And she was convinced I was going places with my music! And so ended my lack of an appreciative audience.

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Two less things!

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THE LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING?

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And before I knew it, we were planning a trip to her beautiful little country of Guatemala, which borders southern Mexico and Belize. The trip was to last 30 days. This was in February. And the trip was planned for…I can’t really recall…I’m gonna say…in May. Yeah, I think we left in May till June, 30 days. So now I could take a well-deserved “R & R” away from the horrible, horrible, torment I went through up there in Unit 3600!

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Three less things?!

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“IT AIN’T HEAVY…IT’S MY PENNANCE!”…

(Word-play on the 1969 Holies hit-song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother“)

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When the big day came for us to leave, Becky had managed to fill a large old Army-issue duffel bag with used clothes to take to the people in her father’s church in Guatemala. Her father was a pastor of a Church of God, a somewhat Pentecostal church in Guatemala City. I didn’t know that this heavy bag would have to be dragged for miles…by me!

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The old Army-green bag seemed 4 or 5 feet tall, and as much as maybe 30 inches wide. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Anyway, it was extremely heavy and just as awkward! I couldn’t believe how many clothes she got into that bag! We couldn’t even cinch up the top of the bag for all the tightly packed clothes.

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But bringing clothes to people in need was a good deed! Right? Right! And considering all the condemnation I had gone through for the last 7 months, I figured any check-marks in my plus-column couldn’t do me any harm! So I cheerfully pulled this bag along. Not a problem!

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And anyway, it beats playing organ in Hell! Correct? (see Chapter 15, almost the bottom of that page for explanation)

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

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“THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT !”

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During this time of getting to know Becky, the spirit was still communing with me. And so, at various times my head would nod “yes” or “no”, or rolling my eyes, or even rolling my whole head (Well, I guess that I’ve already mentioned this phenomenon in one of the previous chapters.) But anyway, I tried as hard as I could to suppress this phenomenon. But I couldn’t stop it! I’m not sure whether Becky noticed it or not, but she made no comment about it (But even though it was probably not even a tiny bit noticeable to others, I could really feel him make my head nod, making me apprehensive when in their company.)

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And to add to this really annoying phenomenon, the spirit would sometimes use my head to make his own commentary on what Becky was saying. So he would involuntarily roll my head back and forth in a circular motion (ever-so-slightly, remember), as if to say he was challenging the veracity of what she was saying. You know, kind-of like when rolling one’s eyes in doubt, at something someone is saying. Only he was doing it… not me! And sometimes I could just barely keep from laughing, because the spirit would make me laugh with his incredible sense of humor.

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“THANK YOU…THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!”

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The spirit gave me a song one day when Becky was visiting me. The song came all of a sudden. Just spontaneously. Oh yes, it was a simple song. I suppose it’s not too much to expect that a musician could easily do this. But anyway, here it is…

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When I look into your eyes, I find myself in love—-

And when I look into your eyes, I find myself in love—

Hold me close…hold me tight…always stay with me.

Hold me close…hold me tight…say you’ll stay by me.

When I… etc, etc…

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It was a nice little song, but bothered me because it vaguely reminded me of that old Presley song, “Love Me Tender”, (same tempo, but somewhat different chords and melody).

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THE VACATION FROM HELL

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(or should I rather say, “in Hell”?)…

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DOUBLE PENNANCE POINTS…

800px-United_b777-200_n772ua_arp wikipedia public domain

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And soon came the day to depart for Guatemala. From Reno Nevada to Miami Florida. Then from Miami Florida to Guatemala City, Guatemala. And oh yes, me dragging that large, clumsy, and very heavy duffel bag through the concourse of both airports. But my “heavenly brownie points” were adding up fast (or so I surmised), with every huff and every puff I made. There went me… facing backwards…pulling this Army-issue monstrosity through the airports, and Becky leading the way!

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Photo: jetliner – Wikipedia – public domain.

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NEW REVELATION…

Adolph Hitler - Wikimedia - Public Domain

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The spirit soon began something very new with me. This fresh new insinuation began like this… “Oh Chuckie-Me-Schmucky, have you ever considered that maybe…just maybe you weren’t Jesus Christ in a former life?”

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The spirit now had my full and undivided attention at this point… “I thought that might get your attention, Me-Chucko.”

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I was now getting really afraid. The needle on my terror-meter was now hitting a solid 10 out of 10! The spirit was being very threatening with these kinds of taunts… “Did you ever consider that you might not be Jesus after all? Did you ever consider that you might have been somebody else in a former life? Somebody such as…say…like…uh…Adolph…uh… Hitler?”

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Okay, I was now in full-throttled fear at this new allegation via my spirit “friend”.

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Anyway, this suggestive torment (or maybe I should say, ‘torment-via-accusations’) lasted through most of the plane trip with me sinking lower and lower into my seat (or I might better say, “sinking into my hot-seat“).

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Photo: Guatemala birds eye view – Wikipedia – public domain.

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PREPARE FOR ROUGH LANDING…

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But finally, many of the passengers no doubt looked intensely out their window to get their first glimpse of Guatemala. And we buckled our seat belts to get ready for landing (And I buckled my “mental seat belt”, to get ready for what I feared to be, the ultimate “Vacation From Hell”: or better said, my, “Vacation IN Hell”, in spite of the fact that we were going to such a beautiful little tropical country.)

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Photo of Hitler courtesy Wikipedia. Public domain.

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“ ONE PERSON’S PARADISE IS ANOTHER PERSON’S PURGATORY”

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We arrived in Guatemala City in the afternoon. We somehow found a municipal bus to take to her parent’s house.

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I don’t know how I got the duffel bag on this crowded bus. But I must have… somehow.

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And in a few moments, we were rolling through the crowded streets of that great place…Guatemala City!

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Guatemala the land of Eternal Spring!

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But for me, it would be the land of ETERNAL TORMENT!

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“A MOTHER & CHILD REUNION”

(Title of the 2009 song by Paul Simon)

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I remember that we were standing up on the packed bus. I don’t know. Maybe we were sitting down. No, standing as I recall, holding on tight to the vertical hand-rails, as the bus kept stopping to let passengers on and off.

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While at one stop, as new passengers got on, all of a sudden, Becky cries out, “Mamasita! Mamasita!” I was startled. I looked to see who this person was. It was a somewhat middle-aged lady. The woman began politely (but excitedly) hurrying her way through the crowded bus to get to Becky. Obviously it was Becky’s Mother. The lady began crying and hugging Becky. (Wow! I’m a little teary-eyed right now, just recalling that joyful reunion!)

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Transmetro Guatemalan bus – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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TRIPLE OR EVEN QUADRUPLE HEAVENLY PENANCE POINTS !!!!…

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We got off the bus. I managed to get the duffel bag off the bus, still hoping for some more heavenly penance points for my efforts. Still being taunted by the spirit as to just, “Who I was in a former life”.

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After getting off, we began walking through this older neighborhood toward Becky’s parent’s home. I can’t remember how I managed to get that duffel bag down the rough sidewalks. I don’t know. Maybe someone helped me (at least the airports had smooth floors! And actually, I probably used a cart through those places, now that I think of it). But at this point, the duffel bag was “light duty”, compared to the heavy burden this spirit was now laying on my shoulders, about me “maybe” being Hitler in a former life.

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Photo of Guatemala City – courtesy wikipedia – share alike license. Click here for link.

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“DORCAS NO HABLARA CON EL GRINGO’”…

In the Foyer

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We soon arrived at the home. It was an older town house in a humble, but fairly nice Guatemalan neighborhood in which each house was about 25 or 30 feet wide, and somewhat long, eventually leading out to small backyards. And each house adjoined one-other. Kind of “shotgun style” floor plans, if you’re familiar with those types. Long and narrow houses with a hallway down the middle. But this townhouse had an open-air foyer inside the front door (of course, the temperature never much fluctuated here, so an open air foyer works in Guatemala. They sure wouldn’t work back in K. Falls!). This foyer had plants (photo on left). And there was a big parrot named “Dorcas” in the foyer.

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And this large flower-laden foyer with a big parrot perched in the middle, made for a dramatic entry. They first introduced me to Dorcas, and tried to get him to talk. But Dorcas was being shy. No talking from Dorcas! This shy parrot was not in a cage. He was just sitting on a perch in the garden-like foyer. Pretty cool!

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But Dorcas was determined to give me no greeting, try as we did to encourage him to do just that (however, little did I know that this now speechless parrot would give me a very loud, vocal farewell on the day of my departure!)

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(Parrot photo courtesy Brian Snelson for Wikipedia. For Brian’s link, just click here.)

Photo on left of foyer. Photo is greatly damaged.

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PAPA FELIX

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Now as far as being shy and not talking, Becky’s father was a different story. I met Becky’s family, and Becky had to translate for me and for them. Her brothers spoke fluent English, however. Her family was very gracious. Her father (“Papa”) however, was a Pentecostal pastor, and very serious-looking. Not that he was ill-tempered. But he was much too stern-looking for me. He made me somewhat really uncomfortable. Kind-of like, say, for example, my old high school vice-principal, an ex-marine with a crew-cut…Mr. Edigar (who btw, one day, picked me up by my shirt and held me up against my locker, and asked me, “Don’t you think your hair is getting a little too long?”, to which I no doubt answered, “Uh, yeah, I guess so”).

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There are just some people who make ya wanna do a wide swath in order to avoid them.

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Oh it’s not that Papa was impolite. But what did I expect? After all, I was a perspective son-in-law, who, by the way, was going on a vacation with his daughter! Totally unbiblical! But I was oblivious to all these things. “ethically challenged”, someone might euphemistically put it. Perhaps “morally clueless” might be an even more accurate assessment. Actually, “A full-blown idiot” probably hits the proverbial “nail on the head”!

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“AIN’T GOT NO CIGARETTES!”…

(Lyric from the 1965 Roger Miller song “King of the Road”)

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Now I was a heavy smoker, and I apologized for my habit. I told them I would like to quit. I told them that I was hoping the Lord would help me quit.

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**Becky’s dad instantly latched on to that comment! He told me that the Lord could help me RIGHT NOW! “Uh…uh…Yeah…uh..I guess so”, I said.**

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“Drats!” I knew I had been caught in my words! And before I could get another word out, he began to pray for me right then and there (not more than few minutes into our arrival!). I couldn’t understand what he was saying in his prayer for my smoking. But even though he spoke in Spanish, I nevertheless could tell he was a “professional pray-er”!

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And so, after the short prayer, I was asked to forfeit my cigarettes. I suppose I reluctantly forfeited my pack of Marlboros (I had extra packs in my suitcase).

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Marlboro – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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“SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME”…

(1926 song composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin)

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But soon I wanted a cigarette. So I went into my newly-assigned bedroom and smoked (Remember this was back in 1980. Attitudes have changed since then about smoking indoors).

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Now, this bedroom only had one window. And this window was close to the ceiling. Outside the window was a stairway which led to the roof (which roof also served as a patio). And before long, Becky’s Dad climbed the stairway and peeked through the window to see if I was smoking. So I just held my cigarette by my side whenever he peeked in at me. This went on each time I smoked a cigarette. And he would peek at me three or four times each cigarette. I got used to it. It was actually kind-of funny and cute. I would see this head slowly rise up and look at me. I would simply hold my cigarette down until his head disappeared. Then about 30 seconds later his head would slowly re-emerge in the window. This went on for, oh, I don’t know how long. But Papa was no fool! He knew!

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Marlboro – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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“OKAY…WARM COLA I CAN DEAL WITH…BUT THIS!!!…”

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As with many smokers, I liked to drink cola when I smoked. So after a few days, upon running out of American smokes, I found a little neighborhood quick-mart. Actually it was just a little wooden shed that faced the sidewalk. It was like a hot-dog stand you might see at a carnival, only more primitive. Anyway, they sold my brand of cigarettes and Coca Cola in small bottles. The cola was warm, however, and I, being a spoiled Americano, had to suffer this inconvenience.

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But the cigarettes? No! They were NOT tolerable!

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Even though they had my brand, they were specially made differently for Guatemalans. They were like puffing on a pencil! “NO TASTE!”

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Coca Cola ad – ca. 1943 – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Photos of Marlboro logo and Coke glass – Wikipedia – public domain.

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“TEN DOLLARS FOR A CARTON OF CIGARETTES!?! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!?!”…

Photo of Guatemala City post office courtesy wikipedia public domain.

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So it wasn’t too long till I asked Becky if there might be somewhere we could get American cigarettes. So we took buses into the city. And this trip for cigarettes turned into a great sight-seeing tour through Guatemala City.

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We came to the city center, and found an import-shop in the nicer section of the metro area. They had my brand! “Far out!” So I went to pay for a carton. But I couldn’t believe what they wanted for a carton of Marlboro’s. “Ten dollars?!” I said. “What a rip-off!” This was about two or three times what I paid for a carton of Marlboro’s back in the U.S. (remember, this was 1980). But I knew I was stuck.

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So I reluctantly paid the ten dollars for each carton. (I won’t let this little story end without telling you about my bout with Emphysema. Emphysema is appropriately nick-named the “Living Hell”. This was how God finally cured me of smoking.)

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Photo of Guatemala City post office – courtesy wikipedia – public domain.

Street fair wikipedia & Elvind share-alike license.

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“TO BE OR NOT TO BE (ADOLPH)?”

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“THAT IS THE QUESTION!”

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We managed to rent or borrow a little car, a little old “Hillman” station-wagon (a station-wagon was the old-school forerunner of the SUV). And so began a tour through Guatemala City. We went to a giant street-market. We went to restaurants. We bought tostadas from street-vendors. This all would’ve been great, except for the spirit’s insinuations regarding my “past life” as Adolph. Or not Adolph. The spirit would constantly taunt me. Sometimes he would present me with evidence that would lead to the conclusion that I was Jesus in a former life.

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I remember going to a restaurant one evening (while under a heavy barrage of devilish taunts, assaults and condemnations), where a marimba ensemble was playing in this rather overdone, flower-laden but dark establishment. The whole scenario began to take on a really devilish aura to it! And the very adept marimba player began sounding really evil, playing satanic music like something skeletons might like to dance to! You know, kind-of like the theme music-intro to Alfred Hitchcock’s old TV show, if you’re old enough to remember that.

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As I recall, that entire dinner experience seemed as if I was in the pit of Hell!

800px-Hitler-car wikipedia public domain

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At other times he would present evidence that suggested that I was indeed Adolph. “Yes Adol…I’m mean, Chuck, you were born in 1950, Just a few years after Adolph died. Did you ever think that maybe God is bringing you back to pay for the 3 million Jews that you killed. If you were Adolph Hitler. But I’m not saying you were. I’m just supposin’.” So you can just imagine how these kinds of ominous and foreboding taunts made miserable, what should have been a wonderful vacation! This kept up pretty much day and night! Life was Hell on Earth! Literally! It was like finding out that you had a terminal illness, and only had a few weeks to live!

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“…and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

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**As this above verse reveals, “no rest, day nor night” was the fate which I was now suffering!**

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Sometimes however, the spirit would show his sense of humor. Really funny stuff! But these were greatly outnumbered by the constant barrage of attacks he was making concerning my being Adolph Hitler in my last life. “Now suppose, just suppose what kind of punishment which you, or should I rather say, Adolph would deserve, for those 3 million Jews you/he killed. I suppose, Chuck, that God would have to bring you back three million times only to suffer three million horrible deaths. Just like Adolph made three million Jews to suffer.” With every new charge the spirit made, I sank lower and deeper into despair.

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Hitler-car – wikipedia – public domain

Antigua, Guatemala – by Pedro Szekely from USA for Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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THE SIGHT-SEEING TOUR OF ANTIGUA…

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Becky had an itinerary worked out for me to see her country.

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**We drove to a town called Antigua one day. It was an old town, the original capital of Guatemala.**

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Antiqua!

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A town rich with history!

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A city of quaint beauty!

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A place of historic intrigue!

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A town that might sprain the trigger-happy finger of any photo-snapping tourista!

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And we were gonna see it close up!

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**But little did I know that the only thing that was gonna get “sprained” on this little excursion was MY POOR LITTLE BRAIN!**

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Antigua guatemala_- 2009 – by chensiyuan for wikipedia – share-alike license. Click here for link.

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C.I.A. SERENADE FOR MANUEL…

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OR…

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“HEY, WHY DON’T YA PLAY, ANOTHER SOMEBODY DONE SOMEBODY WRONG SONG?”

(line from the 1975 B.J. Thomas song of the same name)

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Do you remember that famous South American drug-lord…Manuel Noriega? Remember how, like the CIA had him trapped in some strong-hold? And in order to get him to surrender, they began playing loud and blaring non-stop heavy-metal, or perhaps some other kind of music as well? And eventually he did surrender.

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He probably couldn’t take hearing any more of that Heavy-Metal “music”!

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Photo of Manuel Noreiga – Wikipedia – Public domain.

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“EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’ AT ME…ONLY THE ECHOES OF MY MIND”…

(line from the 1968, Nillson song, “Everybody’s Talkin'”)

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Well, I soon found out that the spirit had a similar little serenade planned for me! This was truly an unforgettable day! The entire day, the spirit (or spirits?) were making all sorts of noises in my head. It sounded like bombs exploding, screams, sirens, bells, whistles, chipmunks singing in 3-part harmony, etc…! You name it! I heard it!

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This went on for the entire tour through Antigua. All the while, Becky led me to various sightseeing destinations there in Antigua. We went to an ancient church that was some sort of museum. It maybe even had a dead person, a cardinal or someone like a cardinal. He was enclosed in glass. Embalmed I think! Why, I know not?

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Anyway, it was impossible for me to enjoy this tour. My head had become a veritable “torture chamber”! The spirit(s) could quickly drive any person to suicide with these torturous plague of noises, especially if the person didn’t know the source of such noises!

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But I knew.

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And yet, when we returned home that evening, the sounds went away. And I’ve never had that phenomenon occur since, to this day. Thank God!

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Other phenomena? Oh yeah! Just not that particular one!

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

The Scream – by E. Munch – Wikipedia – public domain – by edvard munch – c.1893

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YOU CAN KEEP THE CHANGE…

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As a matter of fact, there were constant torments and spirit-induced phenomena which I went through during this month-long “vacation”. I’m just relating the more memorable and dramatic ones.

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Anyway, one such phenomenon occurred in the form of the spirit having me perform deeds of “faith”. For example, at a very crowded neighborhood restaurant/bar (somewhat similar to this photo), when I paid for something that cost a few dollars, I gave a cashier a $20.00 bill and the $18.00 or so as a tip. Believe me, the Devil made me do it! (maybe $60.00-$80.00 in today’s money, and probably $200.00 in Guatemalan value back then!). Of course, the cashier remained completely straight-faced, as if she didn’t know how much I was giving her!

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Las Puertas, Flores Guatemala – Wikimedia – Creative Commons license

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MORE TORMENT…

379px-Hitler_1928 public domain wikipedia

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The spirit presented me with more logic that I was Hitler (in my last life). For instance, one of his big arguments in favor of the “Hitler theory” was that I was being brought to the last place that Hitler lived before he died: Guatemala (I know the prevailing rumor was that he actually hid out in Argentina). But who was I to argue? This was a spirit talking to me, maybe God himself! Regardless, the intelligence of this spirit-being far surpassed that of any human. “Oh Chuck, doesn’t it make sense that Hitler escaped here after the war. And doesn’t it make sense to bring you back to this place, in order to pick up where you left off?”

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All his arguments seemed flawless. He not only talked to me, but also put thoughts into my mind. So he seemed to have control of both the front and rear doors of my mind (as they say in the computer world). How could I resist the logic and power of this vastly superior being!

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Snake eyes wiki…pub. dom.

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”OUR EX-SEVEN”…

800px-Mazda-rx7-1st-generation similar wikipedia GNU free user license

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The spirit was constantly taunting me about my sports car. “Ya know ‘Chuckie-me-#%$&’y!, your RX-7 could mean that you’ve just plain run outa luck! The number “seven” being the symbol of luck. Maybe that’s just your ex-number. Maybe your new number is “two”. You know, like…snake-eyes.”

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I never really played the game, “craps”. But I knew that snake-eyes (two) meant, “you lose!” So I got his point really well about my Rx-7. But what about the “LTD” at the end of my license plate? “Yes, yes, Chuckie-ex-lucky, that’s right. It says “LTD”. And that means ”limited”. Maybe that’s because this Judgment Day is just “limited” to you. Think about it. You, Adolph Hitler (maybe). You being the worst human to ever live. You killed three million Jews! Think about it! Three million Jews! But maybe you’re not Adolph. I’m just sayin’.” It’s really hard to describe the horror that the spirit was putting me through. If you, the reader, have ever experienced a time of complete hopelessness and death, then maybe you can kind-of understand.

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Photo of RX7 courtesy Click here for link.

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LAKE ATITLAN…

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Not every day was filled with torment. There were some days, which I call my “Jesus Days”. This was when the spirit was telling me that, “No I was not Adolph Hitler in a former life. But I was Jesus in a former life.”

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**Sounds crazy? Yes indeedy! But this was not at all the torment of my own making. NO, NO!! I was merely enduring the torment which was being dished out to me… by these unseen spirits!**

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But as I said, there were some days which were tolerable. There was one day in particular, which was one of my best days there in Guatemala.

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With rented car we drove over really bumpy, sometimes dirt roads to Lake Atitlan. Hemingway, (somebody told me), once called this lake, “perhaps the most beautiful lake in the world”. I think the key word here is, “perhaps”. And maybe it was the most beautiful lake back in his day. But I would like to have invited Hemingway to some Oregon’s mountain lakes.

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Anyway, we drove into a Mayan Indian village (similar to this photo). The town was very primitive, with little home-made brick huts. There were a few conventional buildings, such as a tavern and store.

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Becky and I found a lady making tapestry in front of her little hut. Becky worked out a deal with her on a number of tapestries to give to friends and relatives. The Guatemalan Indians have their own special pattern. It’s easy to spot a Guatemalan tapestry as this photo shows.

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Volcanoes at Lake Atitlan – wikimedia – share-alike license

guatemalan weaving – wikimedia commons

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MESSIAH MOMENT…

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This happened to be one of the days in which the spirit was presenting “Jesus” logic to me. “Oh Chuck, why would I give you all those nice songs if you were Hitler?”

Becky at Lake Atitlan with tierra

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Since this was a good day I decided to get my guitar out and sing some of those nice songs which he gave me, to the locals. Becky, at the same time had bought a beautiful hand-made tier. And as soon as I started singing and playing, a large crowd of people collected. I’m not sure if it was more for Becky that they collected, or for me. And with her vivacious personality, they probably were more attracted to her (as this old photo shows).

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Becky had purchased a “tier”, and the large crowd was intent on watching the lady help Becky put it on. It kinda felt like we were famous, the way they crowded around us. I sure wish I could’ve stuffed this really great and appreciative audience with me in that Army duffel-bag, to every gig I performed at, back here in the States.

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“I KNOW YA ARE, BUT WHAT AM I!?!”…

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Just one more little incident of interest.

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You see, while playing before this happy crowd, I happened to notice a young American lady maybe in khaki shirt and shorts and braided hair, and possibly a red bandanna, walking by about 30 yards away. As she passed by she gave me a big scowl, as if to say “You ugly American”. It kinda took the edge off the moment for me. But I just kept playing and singing. And hey!… I’ve dealt with crowds of hecklers at gigs back home! I just kept right on singin’!

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As we drove our little rented 1960′s “Hillman” away from this quaint village, we waived goodbye to our “fans”, and in a moment, this experience became just a little vibrating blur in our rear-view mirror.

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And oh yes, I might add that the spirit was very well-behaved on this great day as well!

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**Makes ya wonder, “What’s he got cookin?”.**

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***“Chuck Roast”, no doubt! “Yeah, and burnt to a crisp!”***

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Photo of lake Atitlan courtesy wikipedia & Emilio Piovasan. To link, click here.

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To go to the next chapter just click here:

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Ch. 22 “Fantasy Island”…

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Fantasy Island always made people better by the end of the show. This Fantasy Island was no exception!

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CHAPTER 23: “ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NO-WHERE”…

By admin On March 3rd, 2021

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

Have you ever wondered why one nation rises to power…while another crumbles?

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Why does a great kingdom fall, just like a castle made of sand down by the seashore?

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Perhaps this chapter will be of interest.

“At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.” Jeremiah 18:7, 8

Anyway, let’s get back to the story…

Sand castle at Cannon Beach Oregon. Cropped image – Wikipedia share-alike license. Click here for link to Photographer’s web page.

CHAPTER 23…

“ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NO-WHERE”…

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

We were dropped off at the train depot in Guatemala City. We found a place on this very old train. The seats were just wooden benches, and most of the windows were broken out! But primitive as it was, this little locomotive was filled with passengers! Excitement filled the morning air! People were chattering! Chickens were clucking! And the spirit still talking at me…NON-STOP!!!

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Each person going to his or her own special destination. And we were no exception! And Becky, being a very gifted conversationalist, no doubt had already found someone to chat with and to laugh with, along the way.

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We were just about to embark on a trip to the Eastern Guatemalan Coast. Our big destination was Tikal, to see the Mayan temple ruins. The ancient temples! The jungles! The tropics! Mystery and exotic intrigue!

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**And fortunately, this train-ride happened to be one of my “Jesus days”. And the spirit didn’t let up! He didn’t get tired!**

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But on this particular day, his rhetoric was all about me…being Jesus in a former life!

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Yeah, this spirit was all about talk, talk, talk! He just didn’t let up with all his talking! I was exhausted, to say the least! But thankfully, he wasn’t condemning me for being Hitler at the moment! And so this was definitely a step up from that! I mean a HUGE step up!! I mean…I’ll take being Jesus in a former life, rather than Hitler, AAANY ol’ day of the week, thank you!!!

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The Scream of Nature – by E. Munch – Wikipedia – public domain by edvard munch c.1893

Guatemalan train station by Nils Oberg share-alike license.

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“GOOD MORNING GUATEMALA…HOW ARE YA?”…

(Wordplay on the 1972 Arlo Guthrie great train eulogy, “City of New Orleans”)

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This old relic of a train began to roll down the rickety tracks, taking us to an otherwise wonderful and colorful adventure within that tiny but beautiful little country… Belize (I say, “OTHERWISE wonderful and colorful adventure”, because this excursion would also be part of my “Vacation From Hell”).

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A BUMPY RIDE

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Before long, this bumpy train-ride became very uncomfortable. Wooden benches for seats, after all! But we stopped at various times, and I was no doubt glad to get off the train for a few minutes of relief!

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At one lingering stop, I remember that Becky befriended a little boy, who followed us everywhere on that 30-minute stop.

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Photo of Guatemalan train courtesy Wikipedia. click for link to photographer – Nils Öberg.

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PRIMITIVE, PRIMITIVE, PRIMITIVE!!!

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But we were soon back on the train, and the big steel wheels were rolling once again, down those rickety old tracks, chugging steadily closer to our final destination.

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But as morning turned into afternoon, the passengers began to thin out. We looked at all the scenery. I was kind-of disappointed that there weren’t more trees in Guatemala, at least in the parts that I saw. Oh yeah, there were lots of fields! But I had Guatemala figured for jungle-like terrain. Guess I was wrong!

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There were big grass huts in some of the fields. I was a little surprised at how primitive some of these country-folk were.

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As I looked out the train window, my eyes “bugged-out” as I saw one peasant lady outside of her grass hut, just standing there, with not one stitch of clothing, looking at us rolling by! As I said, these country folk were very primitive (This photo I got from the Internet shows a grass hut which was similar to what I remember seeing along the way).

“WE WERE BOTH TOO TIRED TO SLEEP”…

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

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As the day wore on, the passenger cars became desolate. It was kind-of eerie, being pretty-much the only souls on this antique machine, except for perhaps a few others. Yeah, most all the passengers had already gotten off at their appointed destinations. But we still had a long way to go, till we reached our final destination.

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At some point it started raining. And not just your average rain! This was an incredible torrential down-pour! It was like someone upstairs decided to dump a giant bucket of water down onto the earth!

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And just now, as I’m writing this, an old childhood memory is flashing back in my mind: Yeah, I can still recall asking my beloved Grandpa Frank, one day as we both walked along (probably after one of those proverbial Willamette Valley, Salem Oregon rainstorms), “Grandpa, does God pour out a bucket of water when He wants it to rain?” Well, all I remember is, he gave me some nonsense about “atmospheric conditions” or something! But still, that answer didn’t convince my little 4 year-old mind! No, I confidently held fast to my “God’s rain-bucket theory”!

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But that was years ago! And right at the moment, I’d have to say, this Guatemalan rainstorm we were now riding through, quite possibly made those rainstorms back home in Salem, merely seem like a bad drizzle! And this wouldn’t have been much of a problem for Becky and me, except that most of the windows were broken out on this little old relic of a train, as already stated! So we were forced to search the cars for a seat with windows. But since mostly all the passengers had already gotten off the train, we pretty much had our choice of where to sit!

By now it was dark. Can’t remember if the train had stopped, but it probably did, to let off the last few remaining passengers (or, at least I thought it let off the last passengers!) But somehow, we made it to another train-car. And we found a dry seat. And though there was no way to escape from those hard wooden seats, we were just happy that we had found a DRY wooden seat!

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**But even though we solved the water-through-the-windows problem, a new dilemma now arose!**

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A dilemma in the form of a mystery!

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This is because, when we did finally find a seat with windows in-tact, we immediately glanced up to notice this big dark silhouette looming about four or five seats in back of us. Other than this dark lone figure, there was probably not another living soul on the train (not counting the Engineers of course!)

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Hard Rain – wikimedia – public domain

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“I MET UP WITH A GAMBLER”…

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers hit song, “The Gambler”)

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Okay, okay, so this was no gambler (like the above title suggests). Actually, he looked like a man who didn’t like to take chances. From his appearance, he looked like a guy who made sure the job got done, whatever that job happened to be! And even though the dim lights inside this train-car were possibly kind-of flickering, as I vaguely recall, I glanced back to get a more detailed perspective of this foreboding-looking “mystery man”.

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His out-of-place apparel appeared like he was an American. He had on a dark business suit and an overcoat. He was wearing a Dick Tracy style hat. He just sat there, kind-of intently looking down. Very morose! I thought to myself, “This guy has to be CIA or Mafia! One or the other!” He somewhat resembled Luca Brazzi (remember that “hit-man” in “The Godfather”).

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Definitely the destroyer-type! A real Apollyon! A formidable Abaddon!

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Becky and I were both nervous with this mystery man in back of us.

BECKY GOES RIGHT TO WORK TO GET INFORMATION!

**After a while Becky said, “I’m going to talk with him”. So she went back there and sat down in the seat just in front of him, as I recall.**

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As I said, Becky was a gifted conversationalist. But I couldn’t hear what she said. I suppose the rain was making such a loud sound on the roof above us, that it would have been impossible for me to hear (not to mention, the sounds of the steel wheels rolling down and stressing against those rickety old tracks below).

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When she returned, I whispered, “What did he say?”

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But to my disappointment, when she came back she didn’t have much to say about her conversation with this stranger. She probably did most of the talking.

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Nevertheless, this mystery-man was most likely on a mission! That seemed for sure! I didn’t need anyone to tell me that! And it didn’t look good for somebody! But just who was that “someone” gonna be? That was, “the $64.00 question!” (as my old high school math teacher, Mr. Finneran (who btw, didn’t like me too much), always used to say!)

“SOMEWHERE IN THE DARKNESS”…

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers mega-hit song, “The Gambler”)

Eventually we arrived at the end of the line, which was the eastern seacoast of Belize. It was about 10 pm or so. About 14 hours of travel. Hooray!!! No more wooden benches!!!

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The rain had finally stopped.

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**And as we got off the train (my entire body, no doubt, still vibrating from those hard wooden seats), I immediately noticed that this part of town was dark and completely deserted.**

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Well, maybe it was completely deserted. Hopefully so!

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From all appearances, we were probably in an old industrial section of town. Or maybe the docks and fish canneries, by the ocean.

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Yeah, it was the fish canneries, no doubt!

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We walked through the dark, wet, empty streets. And beside us, the only sounds were probably the echoing of our shoes, as we nervously (and hurriedly) made our way through this (hopefully) desolate area, on the other side of town.

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And all the while, I probably listened intently, so as to make sure there weren’t an extra pair of shoes echoing!

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But fortunately, the long row of tall buildings probably amplified every little sound. Thus, I would have immediately known, had there been somebody following us!

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But maybe still, a cold chill ran through my already-adrenaline-laced veins! On such occasions, it always did! And I’ve been beaten up in similar surroundings. And robbed as well!

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And really, what are ya gonna do, even if there were an extra pair of shoes echoing? Do you look back? Ya really can’t run! You’d feel stupid doing that! And ya just can’t hide! That would look even stupider! And so we simply…kept…walking. Quickly, quickly!! (maybe occasionally glancing behind us, like this above drawing attempts to portray.)

ABOVE DRAWING: Chuck and Becky hurry through the dark streets, Chuck glancing behind them.

“SOMEWHERE IN THE DARKNESS, I MET UP WITH A…A PIZZA PARLOR!?!”

(Wordplay on the lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

We finally found a room. Fantastic!

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The night-clerk told Becky about a nearby restaurant.

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Shortly we found it; a large pizza parlor, miraculously still open!

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First of all, I was astonished that there was an Italian restaurant here, much less being open at this late hour in an seemingly deserted section of that town! So we were happy about that! The old building which currently housed this large Italian restaurant had big rooms and tall ceilings and totally void of patrons; and there were only several employees, at this late hour.

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“I MET UP WITH A GAMBLER”…AGAIN!!!

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

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But as we entered, we were somewhat shocked at what we saw inside! Yeah, over in the corner, sitting at a table, was the Destroyer (the CIA/Mafia man)! Alone, still looking down, this time at his table, as if he were waiting for his next contact, to give him his final instructions!

man in the corner

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Now Becky could liven up any room, and I’m sure she did…to a certain extent in this mostly empty restaurant, talking to the one or two employees still working.

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But still, “The Destroyer” just sat there, off in the distance…still looking down. The shadows in the far corner of this restaurant possibly providing him with an extra cloak of darkness. Even the light above some persons seems to emanate only Darkness. Either he was trying to find something or someone….or trying to not be found! But if he was trying not to be found, he probably wouldn’t look so CIA-ish! The business suit and hat made him stand out like a pit-bull at a poodle-picnic! So logic would insist that he must be trying to find something…or someone!

“THE GAMBLER HE BROKE EVEN”…

(Lyric from the 1978 Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

Well, happily, we never spoke to, nor saw that mystery man again.

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But that’s not quite the end of the story. Yeah, as that wonderful old radio story-teller always used to say, “Now, for the rest of the story!”

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You see, one day, some time later, upon mentioning that incident, Becky informed me that she had heard “There was a murder in that sea-town…at that very same time!”

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Okay, so I guess my gut instincts were right about that guy! Sometimes you can tell about someone by just looking him in his eye!

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AN INCIDENT LONG AGO: “DOS MUY MALO HOMBRES!”…

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And speaking of getting the “heebie-jeebies” about someone, I recall one time, a few years earlier, at our all-you-can-eat-buffet, when two guys walked in. I could tell that they were from out-of-town. But the moment they walked in, they just stood in the hallway, glaring at my N.C.R. cash register like it was a New York Steak!! Medium Rare!! I knew that these two cool customers wanted to cash-in on my cash register, real bad! But since I was standing there like a Rooster, guarding the hen-house…well… they probably just figured they’d have to fight me for it, and gave up on that idea! So nothing happened that day!

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**But those two bad hombres had hungry eyes! And not merely for the buffet!**

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Yeah, sometimes ya just get the chills…when ya realize that a man’s got murder in his eye!

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And this guy was no exception! This Destroyer was sent. He was following orders… orders from the Boss! His orders were to get the job done and apparently he did get it done! I guess this Apollyon has been getting the job done for a long, long time!

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So now that his job was finished in this town, where would this hit-man go to next? To the next job, no doubt! This Abaddon would find the next person… or group of persons who weren’t holding up their end of the bargain…with the Commander!

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NCR cash register – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

The Destroyer on a “Train Bound For Nowhere”

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“The lion is come up from his thicket,

and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way;

he is gone forth from his place

to make thy land desolate;

and thy cities shall be laid waste,

without an inhabitant.”

Jeremaih 4:7

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To go to next chapter, just click here…

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Chapter 24: “The Lost Isle of Thunderbolts”

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Chuck turns into a “Right-Turn” extremist, and also, buys the world’s costliest gum!

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CHAPTER 24 . “ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NOWHERE”, . CONTINUED: . “THE LOST ISLE OF HOT THUNDERBOLTS!”

By admin On March 3rd, 2021

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

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As told in the previous chapter, Becky and I boarded a little “choo-choo train”, taking us from the hustle-bustle of Guatemala City to the east coast, and onward to the tiny, but beautiful tropical country of Belize.

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Our ultimate destination was Tikal and the incredible temples of the ancient and mysterious Mayan civilization.

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But as the title of this and the previous chapter reveal, we were actually riding on “A Train Bound For Nowhere”…

Photo of Guatemalan train courtesy Wikipedia. click for link to photographer – Nils Öberg.

“THUNDER AND LIGHTNING…OH YEAH!”

(“Thunder and Lightning” is a 1972 Chi Coltrane song)

**But little did I know, that this, my “bound for nowhere” experience would be preceded by a strong warning from Heaven!**

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A warning to not wander away from home!

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An ominous threat in the form of, “Thunder and Lightning…Oh Yeah!”

Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

CHAPTER 24 “ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NOWHERE”,

CONTINUED:

“THE LOST ISLE OF HOT THUNDERBOLTS!”

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Lightning FL courtesy Craig O’neal for wikipedia creative commons license 2.0

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“They kept not the covenant of God,

and refused to walk in His law;

And forgat His works…

Therefore… their days did He consume in vanity,

and their years in trouble…

and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

He cast upon them the fierceness of His anger,

wrath, and indignation, and trouble,

by sending evil angels among them.”

Psalm 78:10, 11, 33, 48, 49

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“MERCY? SORRY, I’M FRESH OUT!”

The next day, after that dark and mysterious night, and running into that darker and even more mysterious stranger, Becky bought two tickets for a commuter boat.

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**I had absolutely no idea where we were going. I was kind-of “in my own little world”. I was preoccupied with the spirit and his incessant talking.**

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The boat was filled with passengers. Maybe 30 people! Maybe 50! (It looked similar to this Wikimedia photo, but possibly about twice the size, or more, with a walking-isle down the middle, with seats on either side of the middle-isle, as I recall).

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Now, the spirit was really coming down on me hard, at this moment! I distinctly remember that this was definitely a Hitler Day! And as I said, I was in my own little world. This was because, on this particular day, the spirit condemned me really heavily that, “You just might have been Hitler in your last life”. The spirit was probably coming on stronger than on any previous day, except maybe for that day back in Antigua, when I was bombarded with noises all day. But once again, he was literally crushing me under the weight of his accusations and con-damnation!

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Photo of Belize commuter-boat courtesy wikipedia & Mrcveliz share-alike license. Click here for link.

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“MERCY’S JUST A LADY WHO LIVES DOWN THE STREET!”

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As the boat cruised across the water, I just couldn’t take his threats and condemnation any longer! It became way too much! Finally, out of sheer desperation, I pleaded for mercy… “God please have mercy!!”, I silently cried out!

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“Oh you want mercy, do you?” said the spirit, pointing me to a rather large Belizean lady passenger, squeezed into this crowded boat, “Well that’s Mercy sitting over there! You see, Chuck, Mercy’s just a lady who lives down the street!”

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But I still kept pleading for mercy (silently of course…in my thoughts). But each time I did, the spirit kept repeatedly pointing me to that same heavy-set middle-aged lady, saying, “Mercy’s just a lady that lives down the street!” Well at the time, I took this to mean that God had no mercy left for the likes of me! You know, just like saying, “Mercy? Sorry, I’m fresh out!”

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But it wouldn’t be till much later, that I would find out what that was all about. I was to eventually meet the real Mercy! And lo and behold…she actually did live just down the street! But I’ll have to tell that story much later.

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Lightning FL courtesy Craig O’neal for wikipedia creative commons license 2.0

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”I SEE EARTHQUAKES & LIGHTNING…

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I HEAR THE VOICE OF RAGE & RUIN!”

(Lyrics from the 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival incredible mega-hit song, “Bad Moon Arising'”)

After some time, the boat landed on an island. I guess they call them “cays” here in Belize. Anyway, about a dozen skinny little jet-black, bare-foot boys, only wearing shorts, come running up to the boat, all fighting to take our luggage. I looked at all the very big wide eyes, staring at us…obviously working for tips! But there are no smiles. They’re all business! Vying for our luggage! A bunch of little right-wing capitalists, no doubt!

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Anyway, we gave the two or three of the “winners” our luggage, and they led us to a motel on this island. It actually was a pretty nice two-story motel in an otherwise primitive looking…uh…jungle island-village, I guess you might call it.

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Our motel room was very well-kept, complete with a great balcony overlooking the beautiful ocean! Actually, nicer than most modest-priced motels back in the States!

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To tell you the truth, under different circumstances, this could be a dream place to hole-up in, for a while!

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Dinosaur lightning – Wikipedia – Photo by Hallie Larsen, National Park Service – Public Domain

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“HOT THUNDERBOLTS”

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But before long it grew dark. And the rain began to fall again.

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But this time it wasn’t just rain, like on the previous night’s train-ride!

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No, this time, the rain was accompanied by thunder and lightning. And not just yer run-of-the-mill flash of lightning, followed by a delayed peal of thunder! No no NOOO! This thunderous lightning-flash is super bad! And super loud!

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”KARRACK!!!” “KABOOM!!!”…

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It sounded directly over our heads! I can’t think back of ever hearing thunder as loud as it thundered that night! Perhaps it was amplified by the sea which surrounded this little cay.

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This went on for much of the evening as I recall. It’s so loud, we have to cover our ears! And even the walls shook, as I recall! And because of the intensity of this lightning and thunder, it really seemed like God was angry with me!

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”KARRACK!!! “KABOOM!!!”

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Okay, okay, I can just hear you (the Reader), thinking to yourself, “This guy is bending everything against himself…now even the thunder and lightning!”

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Alright, alright! I get it! I get it! But let me just say this: if you ever go through such an intense lightning storm, while at the same time, an unseen spirit entity is accusing and condemning you…then you’ll probably understand why I felt the way I did!

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And even listen to Scripture…“Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out Thine arrows, and destroy them…The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of Heaven shall He thunder…” Psalm 144:6 & 1st Samuel 2:10.

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So, see!? I’m not so crazy, after all! As these above verses reveal, thunder and lightning are used in the Bible as pictures of the arrows of God’s wrath upon His enemies! (I’m sure glad I didn’t know about these two verses back there in that motel room!)

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Lightning FL courtesy Craig O’neal for wikipedia creative commons license 2.0

Lightning 1882 – Wikimedia – US public domain commons

Chariot of Orion – copyright of www.signsofheaven.org

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“FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD”…

In the morning, the forgiving sun came out once again, as if the previous night’s storm had never even happened!

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I guess the tropics can be very like that! Because now the ocean was a peaceful and beautiful turquoise blue. The sand was white. The breeze was soft. The air warm.

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It was as if that previous night’s storm was just a bad dream!

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And this tropical place, or island, or whatever… could’ve been used on a “Gilligan’s Island” episode. (Pretty much like this Wikipedia photo!)

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Island photo courtesy wikipedia. click for link.

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“As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place”

Proverbs 27:8

And so I decided to go for a walk, to get the lay of the land…to survey the world. The beautiful sunny new morning made me forget the severe warnings which I got from the previous night’s thunder and lightning. And on this very pleasantly warm and seemingly friendly day, it was very easy to simply wander away from home-base…

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But that was my first mistake!

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I should never have wandered off by myself!

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Not knowing where I was going, I found a path, not too far from the light blue sea. And so I began to follow that path. It led into a thick jungle. But where it would take me, I just didn’t know!

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Maybe some adventure!

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Who knows, maybe I’d run into Ginger or Mary Ann (of Gilligan’s Island fame)!

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Yeah…who knows?

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Dawn (Mary Ann) Wells Gilligan’s Island 1964 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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***“DEFINITELY A* *RIGHT-TURN EXTREMIST !”***

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But no sooner than I set foot on my new journey, the spirit began a really odd phenomenon with me!

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At this moment, the spirit began leading me to believe that this little excursion was some kind of quest to find something valuable. A kind of mystery hunt for hidden treasure or something. And for some reason, he made it impossible for me to turn to the left. I simply could not turn left. I could only turn right. As I walked through this very primitive little jungle village (much like this photo), I had to turn right. If I wanted to make a left turn, I soon realized I could only do so by turning right for a three-quarters turn. The problem was, I had to do it inconspicuously, so no one else would notice! Because, there were other people, local villagers, also walking along this pathway!

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Now if I wanted to turn right, this was no problem. But to turn left—that was a different story! So I would kind-of hesitate, as if I was just examining something off in the distance. You know, like a tourist might do. Then I’d turn right a little more. And then a little more. Still pretending to be examining. And finally I would make that three-quarter turn necessary to go left. Ah-ha! I did it! Nobody thought me strange! LOL!

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This jungle was very beautiful, and very overgrown! With just a beaten path to walk along. The residents of this island were walking back and forth, going about their daily business, no doubt. Some more capitalist-right-wingers, I suppose!

“YOU CAN KEEP THE CHANGE!”

Right Turn Extremist

Anyway, the various little huts were interspersed within the thick jungle. I finally found a “Seven/Eleven” quick-Mart. Well not exactly a “Seven/Eleven”. Okay, so it was just a grass hut with one side open with a little counter. But I couldn’t be choosy at this moment! IT WAS THE ONLY STORE IN TOWN!! So I bought what ever it was I bought. Actually just a pack of gum. Why gum? I just wanted to buy something! And after making a rather quick inspection of her inventory, I opted for the gum! 5 or 10 cent gum!

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(EDITOR’S NOTE: This “7-ONCE” drawing to the right does not depict nearly as much foliage as the actual island had. The artist (me) was just too lazy to draw in all the extra trees and bushes!)

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WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE GUM!

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Okay, so 5 or 10 cents for gum! Not a problem, right? Well, there was a problem! You see, this otherwise simple transaction became complicated, when the spirit overwhelmed my mind, insisting that I “show my faith”, by not getting my change! A five dollar bill (about $15.00 or $20.00 in 2020 money, and maybe as much as $50.00 or more in theirs!) For 10 cent gum! With a straight face, the lady accepted the rather large tip.

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But I suppose I was purchasing goodwill from these quaint folk. Probably not! They, no doubt, decided they were dealing with just another idiot or something! Imagine that!!

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But whatever this lady thought of me, one thing was for sure! The gum that I bought from her was the most expensive gum I would ever buy! And she unflinchingly took my money as if she were taking my soul!

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“Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. But whoso commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul.” Proverbs 6:30, 31

(This verse seems irrelevant and will not make sense until You read “Part 2” of this e-book, should the Lord graciously permit me to write it)

But then having bought that gum, I proceeded forward on this treasure hunt, or whatever in the world it was! By now I knew better than to trust this unseen being! He was just too changeable to put any confidence in!

Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit – Wikipedia – share-alike license

“YELLOW BRICK ROAD IN REVERSE!”…

And so, after this 2-minute pause, I resumed my quest to find whatever it was I was searching for. Still only making right turns. It kind-of started feeling like I was in that old movie, “The Wizard of Oz” walking along that infamous “Yellow Brick Road”.

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But unlike that brainless Scare-Crow in that old movie classic, I was going backward…away from OZ! Me more brainless!

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**And instead of the road getting larger, the road only got narrower and narrower! Eventually, my right turns became sharper until my path finally came to an abrupt end.**

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This not-so-yellow-brick-road ended and I could go no further!

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Was there a pot of gold here?

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Was this the end of my rainbow?

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Wizard of Oz – wikipedia – US public domain

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“YOU GOTTA KNOW WHEN TO HOLD EM,

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KNOW WHEN TO FOLD EM”…

(Lyrics from the Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

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Well, as I said, I finally came to the end of the path! And was I ever surprised at what I found there! No, there was no OZ! No, there was no Wizard! No, there was no rainbow! And no, there was no pot of gold either!

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So where was this?

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What was this?

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

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DESOLATION

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The place I came to, looked like an ancient ruins. It was obvious that some structure had once been here…long ago! But now, only the crumbling foundation-footings remained (somewhat like this photo I found on the net). I sat down on the stone footings, lit a Marlboro, and contemplated what this building might have been at one time. Maybe this was once part of an ancient civilization!

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But now, only the ruins remained, crumbling by reason of the moist, salt-laden air from the surrounding sea!

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Well, whatever it once was, one thing was for sure. It was now long gone! Now only this monument of a broken foundation remained as a reminder of its former days of glory! And even that was mostly destroyed! I felt like all this time I spent getting here was a waste of valuable time! And all these right turns! It was a lose-lose situation! What nonsense! The building was long gone! It was too late! A civilization gone…or destroyed! Too late to revive it!

The cards were all laid out on the table as far as this treasure hunt on this unknown Island!

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As the songster sang, “Ya gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em!”

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**IT LOOKS LIKE THE “DESTROYER” (the mystery man on the train) HAD ALREADY BEEN HERE TOO!**

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I guess this group of people hadn’t been holding up their end of the bargain either!

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You know…their bargain with “the Commander”!

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They hadn’t held up their bargain with the Commander!

Jungle covered ruin (4374410534) wikimedia share-alike license

“KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY,

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KNOW WHEN TO RUN!”…

(Lyrics from the Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

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So after deciding that there was nothing more that I could do here, I knew it was time to walk away, back to home-base. I guess I should never have wandered off, away from home-base! And so I went back to home-base.

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**I could once again turn right or left. Whichever way was more reasonable. That’s the way I once again turned. And hopefully, this strange phenomenon would never ever plague me again!**

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Oh yeah, I lost precious time. And though it all lasted only 20 minutes or more, looking back it seemed like 20 years lost! But I was forever cured of wanting to turn to the right (or even to the left!) The experience taught me a valuable lesson I’ll never forget!

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And the thing that must be remembered is this: even if I could have only made left turns, instead of right turns, I would no doubt have ended up in this very same place! And though this may have once been a great society, now it was just a No-Wheres-Ville, no matter which way you turn!

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Truly, truly, our train ride the previous day was only just a “train bound for nowhere”!

Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Tourist train at Alto Mire Olga by Nils Oberg – cropped image – wikipedia – share alike license

“But Nothing Can Change The Shape of Things To Come”

(Main lyric from the 1968 song by Max Frost & The Troopers, “Shape of Things To Come”)

So yes, truly this Lost Isle of Thunderbolts experience cured me forever! Yeah, I never ever wanted to turn to the right again! (or even to the left, for that matter!)

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And truly, this little experience turned out to be, “the shape of things to come!”

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Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

Lightning FL courtesy Craig O’neal for wikipedia creative commons license 2.0

“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life…

Ponder the path of thy feet,

and let all thy ways be established.

Turn not to the right hand

nor to the left:

remove thy foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23.26, 27

*“TIME ENOUGH FOR COUNTING…WHEN THE DEALING’S DONE”***

(Lyrics from the Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”)

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity…

One generation passes away, and another generation comes:

…and there was no profit under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 4 & 2:11

Jukebox – Wikimedia – cropped image – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Global license

-Sand castle, Cannon Beach Oregon – Wikipedia – share-alike license. Click here for link.

To go to next chapter, just click here…

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Ch. 25 “Return, O Promised One”…

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The Mayans would’ve been proud! NOT!”

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CHAPTER 25: . “ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NOWHERE” CONTINUED: . TIKAL… . ”RETURN O PROMISED ONE!”

By admin On March 3rd, 2021

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

**Well, our “train bound for no-where” delivered us to the door-step of the little tropical paradise of Belize.**

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And up to this point in time, my “Vacation From (In) Hell” was going, so-far, about as enjoyable as perhaps… say… for instance, A SWIM IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!!!

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…All the various tormenting experiences I suffered through here in Guatemala/Belize:

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The tour of Antiqua (the insane noises),

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**…or, the “Right-Turn Only” phenomenon. .**

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**…or the “Lost Isle of Hot Thunderbolts”.**

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**…or the “Fantasy Island” accusation of me murdering Mother Mary!**

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Etc…etc…

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But why was all this happening?

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I had absolutely no explanation, except for the constantly changing stories which my unseen spirit “companion” was telling me!

Tourist train at Alto Mire Olga by Nils Oberg – cropped image – wikipedia – share alike license

The Scream of Nature – by E. Munch – Wikipedia – public domain by edvard munch c.1893

WHY THE CHANGE?

And here’s another question: “Why did the spirit change his explanation of ‘Eternal Torment in Hell’ to ‘Re-Incarnation’?”

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I was getting assaulted by these spiritual “Fiery Arrows”!

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**And besides being agonizing beyond belief, it was confusing, to say the least! It was like being taken up in a “Whirlwind”… a “Hellish Cyclone”!**

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But it wasn’t a whirlwind or even a cyclone of my own imagination! Oh no! This all became so real, because of the manifestation of these spiritual powers, which were in full control of this cyclonic tempest which I was now caught up in!

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110413 – NOAA – tornado -National Weather Service/F. Smith – 02 – public domain

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CHAPTER 25:

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“ON A TRAIN BOUND FOR NOWHERE” CONTINUED:

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TIKAL…

”RETURN O PROMISED ONE!”

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THE ROLLER-COASTER RIDE TO HELL-AND-BACK!

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We continued on our journey toward the Tikal ruins.

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But Becky had set up another side-adventure. This little excursion began when we climbed into a long narrow boat.

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Our guide was taking us to… somewhere.

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But, instead of enjoying this boat-ride, I was so preoccupied with the spirit, I really didn’t know nor even care where I was going! Either I was Jesus, or I was Hitler. Hitler or Jesus! Jesus or Hitler!

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These were his on-going assertions and assaults whirling about in my head like a Midwest tornado!

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And so, as our guide took us up and down the channel of some river, the spirit was taking me up and down on a spiritual roller-coaster ride, to Hell and back!

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