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

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

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“…there shall come a Star out of Jacob,

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and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel….”

Numbers 24:17

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Cross/Scepter Constellation

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What does this ancient prophecy have to do with the stars of heaven? What does this prophecy have to do with us today? Read this article and find out!

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

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WICKED BALAAM & HIS WONDERFUL PROPHECY

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If ever there was something of comedy in Scripture, it truly would be the story of Balaam: a prophet, who is willing to do just about anything for money. A talking donkey with whom Balaam gets into a heated exchange! A king that hires Balaam to curse God’s people, but when Balaam opens his mouth to curse, only blessings come out!

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This story might seem to be a genuine comedy-of-errors! If it were not for the tragic consequences which resulted from his ambitious greed, and the horrible prophetic implications for us today, this story would be funny…really funny!

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But it’s not funny!

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At last, Balaam stands on a ridge, overlooking the massive camp of Hebrews, ready to curse the Israelites. The king builds 7 altars, complete with animal sacrifices, to enhance the curses. But when Balaam attempts to call down curses on the unsuspecting Israelites, no curses, but only the most lovely and poetic and prophetic blessings come out of his mouth!

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But here is the point to this story. At the end of these blessings, Balaam finally ends with the very mystifying but wonderful words… “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.”

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Gustav Jaeger Bileam Engel wikipedia   US public domain

tissot-the-seven-alters-of-balaam- www.jesuswalk.com  US public domain

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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 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 (in the pre-dawn hours), and continuing through the warmer months, they might locate the star, Arcturus.

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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.

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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, Arcturus, 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.

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And no, this has nothing to do with the Zodiac. Nothing!

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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/pagan-cultures interpretations.

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Tissot-the-seven-alters-of-Balaam – cropped photo – www.jesuswalk.com  US public domain

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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A STAR & SCEPTER ARISES IN THE NIGHT SKY

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“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.” Psalms 45:6 

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Now, this 3rd brightest star in the night heavens, Arcturus, seems to very nicely fulfill the prophecy,  “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel” Numbers 24:17.

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But where would the scepter be in this prophecy? After all, it speaks not only of a star rising, but also of a scepter.

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Sceptre and Orb and Imperial Crown of Austria – Wikipedia – photo by Michal Maňas  US public domain

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NOT THE NORTHERN OR SOUTHERN CROSS

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This is not the Northern Cross, nor is it the Southern Cross. This cross is made of stars from both the Serpens Constellation and the Ophiuchus Constellation. Here is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Cross/Scepter Constellation. The stars in this star-chart are accurately placed, and this Cross/Scepter Constellation stands out in brilliance, among the other stars in the night sky.

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The sketch below is the Summer Constellations, as seen when looking west. Well, if you look just to the south (south is to the left in this sketch) of Arcturus, you will see what appears to be a scepter. But this scepter also appears as a Cross. And this constellation has been named, the Cross/Scepter Constellation. It can be seen in January, in the pre-dawn hours. Each night, it appears a little earlier, as it slowly inches its way westward. Finally this constellation dips below the western horizon, in the fall, not appearing again till January, back in the eastern sky.

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Now, as earlier stated, this wonderful prophecy, (“there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”) has its greatest fulfillment in the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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Jesus is represented by that glorious Star.

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And His death on the Cross is truly His scepter of authority. Jesus died to save a world of rebellious sinners.

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Cross-Scepter Constellation – Also known as the Ophiuchus and the Serpens Constellations Website has taken liberty of drawing in this Cross-Scepter Constellation upon a star-chart found on Wikipedia

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ARK OF THE COVENANT CONSTELLATION

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

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As you look to the south (to the left in this sketch), you can see this constellation known as Sagittarius. But if you look at it carefully, it begins to appear as a giant box with stars on either side of it. Just to the north, there appears this Cross/Scepter rising out of the Ark Constellation. Now, the Cross coming out of the Ark Constellation represents the essence of the law (self-sacrificing charity towards this fallen world). As this Cross/Scepter heads directly towards the Revelation 12 Woman, it shows that the Scepter represents the direction of God’s self-sacrificing love: His redeemed people, represented by the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation. This scenario of that Woman grasping for it, has great Biblical implications….concerning us!

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But now, in these last days, the Lord is revealing these symbols in heaven, which proclaim the everlasting Gospel, and lighten the world with God’s glory, as is written… “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory.” Revelation 18:1.

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These Signs of Heaven appear to be a fulfillment of this prophecy, as well as this next prophecy…  “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25.

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These signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars do literally enlighten the world with God’s glory, seemingly fulfilling Revelation 18:1 (But the real true glory eminates from God, Himself!). The angel coming down from heaven represents this message found in this website, which proclaims the everlasting Gospel, and that Babylon is fallen!  

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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

Ark Constellation in Heaven – (aka Sagittarius) – Summer – Wikipedia Star-chart with ark drawn in by this website 

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“A SIGN OF THE LORD…IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE”

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 “Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above…And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David…Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:11, 13, 14 (condensed)

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Now when God first proclaimed this prophecy regarding a virgin with child, whose name is called Emmanuel, he asked whether He should give a sign, “in the depth, or in the height above”. Signs Of Heaven shows this sign in the heavens of this woman with child.

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This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is of a woman with child, symbolizing the Christ.

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“AARON’S ROD THAT BUDDED”…

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“And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” Numbers 17:6-8

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Here is seen that Aaron’s rod which budded, symbolized that God put His divine approval on Aaron’s authority to be high priest. So too, the righteousness of Christ is His scepter of authority. Likewise, the Cross is a symbol of Christ’s authority. The Cross is the symbol of Christ’s righteousness.

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Picture of Aaron’s rod that budded, Wikipedia – US public domain 

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ESTHER ENTERS KING’S THRONE ROOM

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The following verse is from Esther, and shows how important was a king’s scepter… “All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I (Esther) have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.” Esther 5:2

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As for the Scepter, it also appears that this is what the Revelation 12 Woman may very well be trying to grasp. This of course, reminds us the story of Esther. Esther represents God’s people in these last days. This story carries a very important message for God’s people. The story of Esther has to do with these last times we are now in. Just as Esther went into the king’s throne room to plead for her people, so also must we enter into God’s Most Holy Place in these last days as New Testament priests with Christ, to plead for a Church all caught up in Laodicean lukewarmness and worldly affections!

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

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WE TOO MUST ENTER THE KING’S THRONE ROOM

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

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Both the story of Esther as well as this constellation group in the summer skies ring out the same startling message. God is wanting His people to enter into His Throne Room…the Most Holy Place in Heaven. But though we are encouraged at any time to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, there is a further calling. Once we are saved, we are not to be content to remain in our wretched and worldly condition. We are commanded to be… “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” Hebrews 6:1.

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

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

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

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Christ is currently in the Most Holy where He, “ever liveth to make intercession” for His people. And so are we to ever live to make intercession for God’s people.

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Tissot – Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle – Wikipedia – US public domain

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“GOD IS LOVE”

1st John 4:8, 16

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But love does not stop here. It ultimately reaches out to every lost soul…

(“For God in this manner, loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16).

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So this verse plainly shows God’s love for a planet of rebels, who have turned our backs on God! This Cross/Scepter is coming out of this Ark in the direction of this Woman of Revelation 12. But it also goes out to any and every one who is willing to take hold of it. To you! To me! 

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Yes, God is just now sending out His servants into the highways and hedges, trying to compel anyone willing to come to Him, that they might have life…and life-everlasting!

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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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THE END

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NEXT ARTICLE

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WOMAN OF REVELATION 12 (WOMAN IN TRAVAIL)…

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This is a companion article to this above Cross/Scepter article, which you have just finished reading.

This page deals with this most lovely constellation, but which constantly goes in circles. When you fully understand this constellation, you will realize that you have probably been taught some doctrinal errors over the years. Read, study and discover! (In order to see this constellation, you may need to have good star-visibility…preferably in the country.)

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.

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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.

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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!

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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.

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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.

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Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

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ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain