But the Bible warns us…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33
.
Yes, when we copiously indulge these salacious and impassioned news stories on a daily basis, we are unwittingly allowing the very same passions into our hearts, thereby defiling our conscience…
.
Whenever God adds the words, “Be not deceived”, it is one of those so-called “gray areas” of life which Satan will attempt to deceive us on!
“Dear Lord, Help me to spend my remaining time on earth, studying and meditating on Your Word, as much as I possibly can. Help me to become fully engaged in the purification process of my heart…
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
. .
HOLY-GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION
.
THIS STAR-CHART: This is a Wikipedia star-chart, in which this site’s editor has sketched in these three constellations.
.
Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon.
.
Also notice his eye is a star.
.
It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky.
.
It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.
.
In January, it is in the west after midnight.
.
As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation.
.
It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.
.
And as already stated, this Goodly Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west.
FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT.
Revelation 21:2, 22
.
The New Jerusalem spoken of here is a symbol of God and His church. And there is no brick-n-mortar temple in it because, “God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it!”
Now, for us to become the living stones in that temple requires that we must be hewed & squared. This process is what the Bible calls, the purification of the heart…
.
Listen… “And the king commanded,
and they brought great stones,
costly stones, and hewed stones,
to lay the foundation of the house.
And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them,
and the stone-squarers:
so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.”
1st Kings 5:17, 18
.
Oh yes, this appears to be speaking of a literal brick-n-mortar temple.
.
But the Bible is a spiritual book and must be understood spiritually, even though these Bible stories are literal and historical events which truly happened in the past.
Now that we are nearing the end, it is safe to assume that this temple of God is now almost complete.
.
Every true worshiper of God throughout the church era has been carefully hewed into a precious living stone, to be fitted together to make this wonderful and beautiful spiritual temple of God!
.
And in the days to come, God will silently fit these living stones together to make that glorious 3rd temple which was promised long ago!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to be cognizant of my role as a priest of God. Help me to remember that Thy Holy Place exists also in my own heart, and help me to maintain a priestly reverence for this great commission, which Thou hast given me…
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
THE ARK IN THE HEAVENS
.
.
So, what importance to us is all this information?
.
Well, if a person goes out at night, beginning in April (earlier in southern-most latitudes, and later in northern-most), in the pre-dawn hour, they just might locate the constellation commonly referred to as the Sagittarius Constellation.
.
It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)
.
At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward.
.
But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left.
.
The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible (for instance, “the seven stars are the angels…” Revelation 1:20).
“For by fire and by His sword will the LORD plead with all flesh:
and the slain of the LORD shall be many.”
Isaiah 66:16
.
Well, Ephesians 6:17reveals that God’s sword is His Word.
.
And Hebrews 1:7 reveals that God’s ministers are “flames of fire”.
.
So by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, we now derive the true meaning of the above passage… For by fire (God’s ministers) and by His sword (God’s Word) will the LORD plead with all flesh.
.
ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – Orion & The Revelation 12 Dragon constellation (comprised of Hyades & Pleiades and other constellations) – www.signsofheaven.org
.
.
.
.
.
So, in this case, God’s “sword” and His “fire”needed to be spiritualized in order to rightly interpret the true meaning of this passage.
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
.
FOUR RULES OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION
.
Now, this above spiritualizing ofIsaiah 66:16 brings us to the point of laying down four major principles of proper Bible interpretation…
And so, was Isaiah 66:16 interpreted according to these four principles?
.
1. That all the Bible concerns the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and nothing deals with mere worldly concepts.
.
Yes, that God uses His ministers (flames of fire) to preach the Gospel is certainly part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
.
2. That the Bible is a totally spiritual book, requiring all types and symbols to be spiritually interpreted.
.
Yes! Here again, the types and symbols “fire” and God’s “sword” were spiritualized as meaning God’s ministers (fire) and God’s Word, the Bible (His sword).
.
3. Types and Symbols must be properly interpreted, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual to find the correct spiritual meaning of any particular passage.
.
Oh yes, scripture was used to find the spiritual meaning of “fire” (God’s ministers) and “sword” (God’s Word, the Bible).
.
4. Whatever spiritual interpretation we come up with must be in harmony with the entire Bible.
.
Yes, this finished spiritual statement found in Isaiah 66:16 can stand the scrutiny of any and every other passage in the Bible… “For by fire (God’s ministers) and by His sword (God’s Word) will the LORD plead with all flesh:”
Well, this is just a very quick look at these four basic principles of proper Bible interpretation.
.
But the Bible student can prove this method by engaging in personal Bible study.
.
And instead of ending up with non-biblical interpretations, the Bible student, by applying these four principles, will arrive at an interpretation which will be of a spiritual benefit to him!
.
And of course, we must all be searching God’s Word daily, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
FIVE WISE VIRGINS STARS
.
This constellation was identified on May 22nd, 2014.
.
It is simply five stars, two from the Serpens Constellation, and three from the Hercules Constellation.
.
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.
.
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)
No doubt you have heard the proverb about “a very little pebble, tossed into a still pond, makes very wide ripples, which reach far beyond!”
.
Well, so it is with my Salvation! Yes, by allowing God to purify my heart and mold my life into the likeness of Jesus, will have a ripple effect that will reach far into the world!
“Dear Lord, Help me to really see what a great trade that God is offering. And let me not be deceived into thinking that I can have both worlds! But like the apostle, Paul, let me lose all things, that I might win Christ…
In Yesterday’s devotional (click here) it was established that we have been drinking of Mystery Babylon’s narcotic-laced wine, to the point that we are un-cognizant of our undone spiritual condition!
.
And the attempt was made to point out the tell-tale signs of our apostasy.
.
(Just like David here, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, pleading for forgiveness and restoration!)
Now of course, this spiritual journey away from Babylon can only be accomplished by the help that Heaven can give.
.
Yes, it is only by grace that we can do anything good!
.
(Just like Paul’s conversion to Christianity was by grace, since he wasn’t even looking for true Salvation, when God saved him, on that infamous road to Damascus! (see Acts 9:2))
.
But the mere fact that I have come to the realization that my life is not right as it should be, indicates that maybe, just maybe the Holy Spirit is working on my heart! And that’s Good News!
Yes, it is our privilege and joy to become followers and disciples of Jesus!
.
Here below is a key ingredient to Salvation, which has been all but lost sight of within the churches of Babylon….
.
Listen again to Jesus…“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33
.
Here is what so few are willing to do! To forsake everything!
.
Jesus Teaching – Luke 4:31-32 – jesus talks about heaven – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – public-domain
.
.
.
.
.
A DECISION OF THE HEART!
.
Now this doesn’t necessarily mean that I must immediately trash all my belongings. No, but when a person truly receives a new heart, it is like that old song…
…”Turn your eyes upon Jesus!
Look full in His wonderful face!
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace!”
.
Yes, as we continue up the Heaven-ward Pathway, the things of this present world will lose their importance.
.
Oh yes, we must continue to work hard to supply the needs and comforts for our family.
.
But our heart will now become enlightened, and our eyes opened, as we will be spiritually seated together with Christ in His Heavenly Temple.
And so, the invitation goes out today, to come and follow Jesus!
.
This sad ol’ world is about to be burned up! There is nothing here of any value, except the souls of the lost multitudes waiting to behold the Church shine as the Sun!
.
So, let’s let go of this world, and cry out for deliverance! Let’s get on board the Gospel Ship while it is still taking on new passengers!
Nazi Stabs Bible – Wikimedia commons – US Public Domain (2)
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to come out of this Babylon of confusion, and worship Thee 100%. Restore me and purify me, and help me to be watchful and strengthen those things which remain…
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
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
1st FACE…THE NIGHT-WATCHMAN
.
“MOON IS CONFOUNDED”… The first face, a man’s face, is easy to see.
.
It is that proverbial ‘Man in the Moon’.
.
Most have seen it.
.
Even as little children. (The other two faces are not so easy to see. But let’s concentrate on the first face.)
.
Notice that the ‘Man in the Moon’ appears as though he is looking down at the Earth.
.
‘Shock and Awe’!
.
That’s the look on his face.
.
Sadness too!
.
You might even see the tears running down his cheeks. (“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” Psalm 119:136)
.
The Moon is spoken of as a “faithful witness”.
.
God’s covenanted law is spoken of as a faithful witness as well.
.
Listen to the Psalmist…
…It (God’s covenant with David shall be established for ever as the Moon,
and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”
Psalm 89:37.“
Notice here that God is comparing His Covenant to the Moon as a “faithful witness”.
.
The Moon reflects the light of the Sun, just as Christians should reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus, who should be in their daily lives.
.
And so the Moon fulfills the verse from Psalms which proclaims… “Praise ye him, Sun and Moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.” Psalm 148:3
Island of Chichimen, Cuyos Limones, Guna Yala, Panama – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 29 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 20: “Why Can’t I Escape From Babylon? The Remedy!”)
Many who have heard the call to come out of Babylon are wondering, “Just how can this be accomplished?!”.
.
After all, we live in a world in which the entire populace is held captive to the “god of this world”, Satan!
.
Listen…“But if our gospel be hid,
it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world
hath blinded the minds of them
which believe not”
2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4
.
And so, it is virtually impossible to get free from this deadly and deceitful dragon, Satan, seeing that he has blinded our minds, as this above verse reveals!
.
.
.
.
.
BLINDED CHURCH-MEMBERS
.
And many churchgoers are not even sure that they are truly prisoners of Babylon… “After all, my little conservative congregation is reasonably faithful to the Bible!”
.
Well, today’s devotional will lightly touch on the remedy for this condition.
But having said that, there are tell-tale signs that should be a tip-off that something is wrong with my relationship with the Lord.
.
Maybe I am vaguely aware that my personal conduct is unchristlike in one or more ways…
…Perhaps I am far too worldly…
…I talk like the world talks…
…I behave like the world behaves…
…I enjoy the company of unbelievers…
…I laugh at their crude jokes…
…I often watch TV or listen to secular radio…
…I don’t study my Bible much…
…and I certainly don’t meditate on the Bible through my day…
…my prayer-life is anemic at best…
…I spend time with secular entertainment rather than seeking spiritual devotions.
.
It is these kinds of signs which should, “send up red flags”, as they say.
.
.
.
.
.
I MAY HAVE A “FORM OF GODLINESS”
.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:5
.
Oh yes, I may attend church each week.
.
Maybe I am even an officeholder at church!
.
Maybe I even do a daily Bible study!
.
But when I leave church, or when I close my Bible in the morning, I immediately return to my “first love”: seeking the cares and pleasures of this world!
.
I am like Mr. Vain Confidence from Bunyan’s classic tale, Pilgrim’s Progress!
.
I am confident of my Salvation, in spite of my love for this self-seeking world!
ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture)
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to come out of this Babylon of confusion, and worship Thee 100%…
Prayer at Day’s End – Angelus by Jean-François Millet – Wikipedia – Public Domain
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
FLEEING WOMAN OF REVELATION 12
.
WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…
.
.
This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).
.
However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.
.
It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.
.
This is seen in springtime in the northern skies.
.
But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 28 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 19: “Why Can’t I Escape From Babylon?”)
The Bible pronounces a curse upon all those who refuse to,“Come out of Her (Babylon) My people!”
.
Yes, upon all those who refuse to join the Exodus out of this “City of Confusion”, the apostate churches, the following sentence is pronounced…
“Come out of her, My people,
that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues.”
.
And the reader is encouraged to click on and begin reading this series of devotionals called“Come Out of Her, My People”, to gain a fuller understanding of just why God considers today’s churches to be spiritual Babylon.
Now it’s very coincidental that Revelation 12 speaks of Satan as a Dragon who spews water out of his mouth.
.
Oh yes, he spews his water after the Woman, to carry her away in the flood.
.
But isn’t it true that “the god of this world” has specially designed this world with so many diversions that when embraced, they eventually quench our spirituality!? (See 2nd Corinthians 4:4)
For instance, when a Christian becomes interested in politics, before long that Christian begins to listen to endless political talk shows, or watch endless TV programs focused on politics.
.
And that Christian may become so absorbed in the political fray that he loses his desire for Bible study and prayer.
.
Unwittingly, that Christian has quenched the Spirit….
How about the TV? Do I suppose that I can sit in front of the TV for hours each day, and not quench the Spirit?
.
After all, how much easier is it to just kick back for hours with the TV remote in hand, than to sit down with a concordance and a King James Bible and begin to plow through the various verses on a daily basis?
The Good News is found by pursuing an opposite course! Instead of quenching the Spirit, we must devote our entire life to fanning into flames, the Gift which God has given us!
.
But just how do I do this? How can I stir up that wonderful gift?
.
Well, there comes a moment of truth when the Believer must decide which world to live for: this present world, or the-world-to-come?
.
And once he or she decides to no longer allow this present world to come between a healthy relationship with Jesus, a joyful work will have begun!
And so, as we begin to put away all these unnecessary diversions, God will begin to replace them with those heavenly pursuits which will cause the Holy Fire to glow brightly within
Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to come out of this Babylon of confusion, and worship Thee 100%. Restore me and purify me, and help me to be watchful and strengthen those things which remain…
Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.
There are many groups as well as many individuals who claim that they keep the 10 Commandments…
.
…”Yes, my church keeps the Ten Commandments”, is a boast often heard!
.
But what many of these persons or churches do not consider is that if I cannot even keep the first Commandment, then speaking of the other nine is absolutely futile!
.
So, let’s examine this first Commandment…“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me!”
What many do not consider is that we now live in a world-system in which the Devil, who is the “god of this world”, has multiplied the many selfish attributes of his evil character…
.
…thus, making idolatry an almost impossible sin to overcome! (2nd Corinthians 4:4)
.
This antichrist-world-system is literally dripping in sins!
.
Just think about it! Just consider how many of today’s worldly aspects have one or more of these three basic sins interwoven within!
Just consider how much that pride is involved in the desire to beat one’s enemy.
.
Yes, sports are merely games of war; to beat one’s opponent!
.
And pride is fully interwoven into the battles of life.
.
And this is not even taking into account the other sins of the flesh involved in competition with others, such as selfishness, violence, and indifference!
When we watch TV, we just do not realize how often these three great sins are acted out by the actors!
.
And as we behold all this evil, our hearts are unwittingly embracing these sins!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
$1,000’s SPENT ON IMPRESSIVE CARS
.
The same principles apply to our fashionable vehicles!
.
Christians often spend thousands extra, so as to have an impressive automobile!
.
Behold the advertisements for cars!
.
Pride is one of the big selling points!
.
Some well-dressed, prestigiously attractive person gets into a dazzling vehicle and smoothly glides down some beautiful highway…“This could be you!”, is the unspoken message of such an ad!
And if we could really analyze our daily conversations with others, we might be embarrassed to discover just how much pride, lust, and greed are hidden between the lines of our daily communication!
.
The Phone Call – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
.
EXAMINE OURSELVES!
.
Well, these are just a few areas of life.
.
But if we would examine the other areas of our life, we would be appalled to realize just how much of the three great sins are interwoven into our daily lives!
.
Even our charitable acts can be a great source of pride!
Once we really look squarely at the truth of just how selfish and lustful and proud we are, then we might truly wish to follow our Messiah Lord.
.
And He will lovingly and tenderly lead us out of this lustful, sinful world and up the Heaven-ward pathway of holiness, which goes up, up, up, to the Celestial City of God!
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
EARTH: PLANET OF REST
.
Counting the Sun as the 1st heavenly sphere, the Earth is the 4th heavenly sphere.
.
If we extend our theory (and it’s just a theory) that God created our solar system to correspond to the commandments, the Sun corresponding to the 1st Commandment, then Planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment: the Seventh-day Sabbath.
.
And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “peace” and “rest”, there exists very little peace.
This above verse from Genesis is the command and warning from God to Lot: Lot being the nephew of faithful Abraham.
.
Yes, God was going to destroy Sodom and its surrounding cities!
.
Because Sodom had spurned God’s warnings, it had reached its day of the fierce judgment of Almighty God!
.
And Lot and his family had unknowingly moved to a wicked city, merely for the sake of convenience, safety, and prosperity!
.
But Lot came to despise the wickedness of city life!
.
But by now, Lot was stuck there!
.
His family, no doubt, learned to love the pleasures and conveniences which an opulent city afforded them.
.
And they grew insensitive to the prevailing wickedness of that city!
.
And their consciences became blunted by the daily association with sin, as is written…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
Yes, as the sad account of Lot and his decision to live close to the Sodomites, for prosperity’s sake, one might imagine that Lot was the progenitor of the modern-day prosperity-driven gospels.
.
And while he took his family to that rich fertile valley in hopes of becoming financially prosperous, yet in the end, only escaped as it were through the fire of Sodom’s Judgment Day.
PSALM 73 CONTINUES…”Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish…Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.”
Psalm 73:4-7, 12 (Condensed)
.
Oh yes, these prosperity ideologies may be fine for the people of the world to pursue…
.
…but the Christian’s great focus and chief desire is now to be Heavenward, seeking to be transformed into the image of Christ.
.
Yes, whether it is those so-called “Name-it-and-claim-it” gospels in the liberal churches, or the “entrepreneurial spirit” in the more conservative ones.
But today’s Christians have for the most part gone after all the pleasures and cares and proud pursuits of this present Sodomitish world, instead of taking refuge in the holy mountain of God!
.
And God has rewarded our prosperity-driven ambitions and our pleasure-driven pursuits by allowing Sodom to rise up all around us and our children.
.
How in the world can we and our children escape the evil influences which are creeping into our homes, via television, radio, and Internet?
.
These influences are literally everywhere! At school, in the home, and with our family, friends and neighbors!
.
.
.
.
.
Well, God is faithful and has provided a way of escape!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SAME ADVICE FOUND IN NEW TESTAMENT
.
You see, God gives us the same remedy which He gave Lot…
“Escape for thy life; look not behind thee,
neither stay thou in all the plain;
escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”
Genesis 19:17
.
Here we have the directions of where we can take refuge from the approaching storm.
and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters
in the day of the great slaughter,
when the towers fall.”
Isaiah 30:25 (parenthetical comments by website editor)
.
Yes, we are assured by God that our spiritual needs will be supplied.
.
And so, Dear Stranger & Pilgrim, it is time to make our Exodus out of this Egypt, land of darkness, and go up to the place of refuge which God has abundantly prepared for us!
Campfire Pinecone – Emeldil at English Wikipedia – Share-alike license
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to lift up my eyes from this world and fix them Heavenward. Keep me from going after the vain treasures and pleasures of this life…
and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?”
Habakkuk 2:13
.
.
.
.
.
THIS WORLD A BIG LIE!
.
So, just what is the biggest lie in all world, yea, in all the vast universe?
.
Simple! The universe’s biggest lie is just this: This world!
.
That’s right! This fallen world is the universe’s biggest Lie! It’s all a big fraud! It’s just a great big scam! This whole big bad world is as phony as a Hollywood movie set!
But as Christians, we must strike a delicate balance in this world.
.
That is, while we must live and eat and work in this present world, we must not forget that this planet has been given over to Lucifer and his fellow rebels!
.
It’s all a big counterfeit! It is a big façade!
.
As phony as the proverbial three-dollar bill!
.
This world is Lucifer’s government of lies and selfish lust: false ideologies, selfish pleasures, tinsel-like treasures, and proud-and-ambitious pursuits!
Tragedy is a familiar fiend who lurks in the shadows in every neighborhood, in every town and city, in every nation around the world, just waiting to strike in some household around the corner.
Yes, James here is condemning our wholehearted pursuit of the pleasures and cares of this world.
.
.
.
.
.
“HIDE…UNTIL THE INDIGNATION BE OVERPAST!”
.
Well, just what can we do about all this?
.
What are we to do about our trying to find a nice life while judgments are falling all around us, “as in a day of slaughter?”
.
The Bible tells us…
…”Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers,
and shut thy doors about thee:
hide thyself as it were for a little moment,
until the indignation be overpast.
For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place
to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:
the earth also shall disclose her blood,
and shall no more cover her slain.”
Isaiah 26:20, 21
.
Here above are the instructions which God now is giving to His people.
.
We must hide ourselves. We must attempt to convert our little corner of the world into a little corner of Heaven.
.
ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry
.
.
.
.
.
SILENT AND SECRET PRAYER/BIBLE CONTEMPLATION
.
Yes, to silently and secretly pray and contemplate God’s Word, as we labor, as we lay down, as we walk by the way, and as we engage in recreation with our family.
.
These joyful Christian duties are what, “hiding in our chambers”, is all about!
And so, O Stranger & Pilgrim, we must make a decided departure out from this hellish kingdom and begin that upward journey out of this world!
.
And we must let go of anything that is preventing us from making this journey!
.
We must cut away any unnecessary commitments which eat up our time and needlessly expend our energy, and then begin to make prayer/Bible-contemplation our life’s devotion, throughout our each and every day!
.
We must not believe the lie!
.
A watchful Christian is a happy Christian!
.
Life becomes a true joy when we are truly filled with God’s Spirit!
.
.
.
.
STILL A LITTLE TIME!
.
And though we have all been foolish in the past, God is graciously allowing us time to flee to the Mighty Rock and hide ourselves within the pages of the Bible!
.
There are a multitude of “exceeding great and precious promises” that must be hidden in our hearts if we ever expect to win the race before us!
“Dear Lord, Let me not be carried away in a Devilish dream, and begin to seek after the things of this world. But fix my eyes Heaven-ward, as I continue up the pathway to Heaven…
Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.
a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should show forth the praises of Him
who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:”
1st Peter 2:9
.
We have been chosen to be, as Peter in the above verse put it, a “Royal Priesthood”.
.
Even the Book of Revelation testifies to this heavenly calling… “And (God) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10.
.
Now as New Testament priests, there is no more brick-n-mortar temple.
.
No, today’s New Testament priestly action takes place in our heart.
.
We are now “the Temple of the Lord”…
.
Listen…“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…”
1st Corinthians 6:19, 20.
.
.
.
.
.
“PRAY WITHOUT CEASING”
1st Thessalonians 5:17
.
For the people of the world, there could be nothing as boring and nothing as repugnant as becoming a priest unto God!
.
The natural man would recoil at “such a dreadful commission!”
.
And even when we first come into Christianity, the thought of being priests forever, is more than most of us could ever have the stomach for!
“Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit.”
Psalm 51:12
.
But herein is one of the greatest of all truths: it is only by the indwelling of the Spirit of Holiness could we ever find joy in the thought of being members of an eternal priesthood!
.
But before the Reader recoils at this idea of being stuck in a room, listen…
…”Thus saith the LORD,
The heaven is My throne,
and the earth is My footstool:”
Acts 7:49
.
No, all of Heaven will be our Sanctuary! And when we look up at Heaven, does it look like a boring place?
.
Not really!
.
Yes, many believe that we will be traveling priests, making each new place we visit into our “altar unto the Lord”. (Genesis 8:20, 12:7, 12:8, 13:18, 1st Chronicles, 21:18, 26, etc…)
at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11
.
Yes, even in our times of sadness, we can have that inner-joy, knowing that our time of this earthly sojourn will soon be over, and our future sojourn through the heavens will be forever and ever!
“Dear Lord, Give me the grace to rise to the responsibilities of being a royal priest. Give me the grace to pray without ceasing, no matter where I am. Give me the joy in ministering in Thy Tabernacle, as a faithful member of your royal priesthood…
Prayer – Mother and Daughter – Wikipedia – (cropped image) the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
So, these two events go hand in hand simultaneously.
.
The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.
.
ABOVE PICTURE – summer constellations with Ark (Sagittarius) & Cross/scepter – Arcturus Star – Five-Wise Virgins Stars – Glorious Crown of Revelation 12 (Corona Borealis) – Revelation 12 Woman ( Ursa Major) – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses!
Campfire Pinecone – Emeldil at English Wikipedia – Share-alike license
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
The one thing that Satan fears, more than any other thing, is to see people begin to open their Bibles, with the intent of getting to know Jesus.
.
Listen…“And this is life eternal,
that they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”
John 17:3
.
And so, it is Satan’s purpose to derail any person from seeking that true saving knowledge of God, which converts hearts and transforms lives into the likeness of Jesus.
And in the last few centuries, Satan has attacked the very nations which once embraced the Christian Reformation, by turning this world into a place with many glittering attractions.
.
Yes, this present world is full of many interesting pleasures and pursuits, enough to keep a person busy for a lifetime!
And Satan has a diversionary attack-plan just tailor-made for each and every man, woman, and child, born into his kingdom of the world.
.
*Maybe for one person, he can drown them in alcohol and drugs.
*Another person, he can mesmerize by television watching.
*Another person he can immerse in proud and ambitious career-pursuits.
*Still another, Satan can divert into political intrigue.
.
These, and many more diversions and deceptions, are the ways that “the god of this world” will attempt to keep us from seeking after a saving knowledge of God.
“Dear Lord, Help me to not be so naïve about the true nature of this world! Make me to be as wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove! Let me use my remaining time on earth in pursuit of a purified heart and a transformed life…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven;
a woman…
And there appeared another wonder in heaven;
and behold a great red dragon,
having seven heads and ten horns,
and seven crowns upon his heads…
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman,
that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”
Revelation 12:1, 3, 15
.
.
.
.
.
.
THE FLOODWATERS OF THE REVELATION 12 DRAGON…
.
The Wave Constellation is primarily comprised of the Auriga Constellationplus one star from Taurus, plus one more star.
.
The Winter Constellations are depicted in this below sketch to the right, and shows this constellation group as they are seen in early winter, as they rise in the eastern skies.
.
The Woman is in the north.
.
The Dragon and Orion are farther south from the Woman.
One of the most amazing creatures ever created is the Cuttlefish!
.
And 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!)
.
Certainly, Satan and his unseen minions 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!
.
.
.
.
.
.
NOT A PERFECT COUNTERFEIT
.
Even though the cuttlefish can almost miraculously morph itself to blend into its surroundings, it cannot exactly duplicate its surroundings.
.
If one examines its disguise closely, there are tell-tale signs that it is an impostor!
.
And likewise, it is also with Satan, that master-counterfeiter!
And so, today’s devotional will only make brief mention of some other ways that the Christian can affirm that the churches have truly been vacated by the Holy Spirit…
.
…and realize that Satan, the Abomination of Desolation has moved in to fill the void.
One tell-tale sign of apostasy is the “do-it-yourself-salvation” which has greatly taken over the apostate church-world.
.
In this false gospel is the belief that the churchgoer initiates his or her own salvation by completing some task, or good work.
.
In other words, there are many who believe that Christ did 99% of the work of Salvation.
.
And now, it is up to the human to complete that tiny little last 1% task!
.
Maybe that good work is to become baptized, or to faithfully attend church each week, and pay tithes and take part in communion, or to light a candle, etc…
.
Or perhaps it is to say the Sinner’s Prayer or some similar confession, with great gusto, believing that will guarantee one’s Salvation.
Another great sign of apostasy is when a congregation begins to bring in various elements of the world into worship.
.
Plays, social clubs, sports, amusements, ethnicity, cultural traditions, candle-lighting, bell-ringing, secular ideologies, and many similar non-biblical things.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 19 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 5: “All Power, Signs & Lying Wonders” (continued))
Well, for just one example, one of the most dangerous false doctrines being taught in the fallen churches today is the so-called, “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”!
.
This is the idea that the Church-Faithful will be “raptured” out of the world, PRIOR to the final judgment and tribulation coming on the whole world.
.
In other words, these false teachers insist on, not one return of Christ, but TWO separate returns of Jesus Christ!
.
Of course, there is nothing in the Bible that states such an event will occur!
Listen as Jesus reveals that the dead in Christ will be raised up on The Last Day…
“And this is the will of Him that sent Me,
that every one which seeth the Son,
and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life:
and I (Jesus) will raise him up AT THE LAST DAY.”
John 6:39, 40
.
Four times in John 6, this statement is repeated. And so, the resurrection and the Rapture absolutely cannot occur 7 years prior to the Last Day!
.
Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website
.
.
.
.
.
SATAN WILL “DECEIVE, IF POSSIBLE, EVEN THE ELECT!”
Matthew 24:24
.
And let’s be honest! Satan does not want God’s people to ready themselves for the final tribulation, now saying that there will be TWO separate returns of Jesus.
.
Consequently, if you missed this so-called Pre-Trib Rapture…great news… you’ll get a second chance at Christ’s so-called “Third Coming”…or so they falsely claim!
.
.
.
.
.
“…they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (wrestle), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction”
2nd Peter 3:16
.
And today’s Bible teachers and theologians try their best to deny and cover up the fact historical records give one John Darby of The Plymouth Brethren denomination for inventing this doctrine…
.
…and gives credit to Cyrus I. Scofield for popularizing this false doctrine of the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”.
Now, one tell-tale sign which exposes this deception is found in the very passage that they claim establishes this so-called “Rapture”…
.
Listen to what the proper name of Jesus’ Coming is…
“…we which are alive and remain unto THE COMING OF THE LORD
shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain
shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
1st Thessalonians 4:15-17
.
Now, this passage calls this event, “The Coming of the Lord”.
.
But theologians (beginning with John Darby) have concocted their own name, “The Rapture”, using the verb “caught up” in verse 17 of this very same passage, and have changed it into a proper name.
.
But since the words, “caught up” doesn’t make such a nice-sounding proper noun, one clever theologian (Satan) took the Latin version of that passage from 1st Thessalonians, the word, “Ripere”, and morphed that word further, into the unbiblical name, “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture”.
.
Much more exotic-sounding!
John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
.
REJECTING GOD’S NAME FOR MAN’S NAME
.
And so, in essence, the Christian community has added the name, “The Rapture”, thereby adding to God’s infallible World.
.
Oh yes, they still use the name, “The Coming of the Lord”, correctly applying it to the actual biblical event, the last day Return of Christ.
.
Now they’ve concocted two Returns instead of the one biblical Return of Christ, thus bringing themselves under the curse of Revelation 22:18, 19 by adding another, unbiblical Return.
.
.
.
.
.
“REPEAT A LIE OFTEN ENOUGH & IT WILL BE ACCEPTED AS TRUTH”
A quote by the Nazi propagandist
.
And Satan floods the airwaves with this false doctrine, via television, radio, and Internet, calling down their own curses on anyone who challenges this false teaching.
.
And the result is that multitudes in the Christian community are now set at ease and totally UNPREPARED for the coming time of trouble, thinking that they will be “Raptured” out of the world, prior to this final tribulation!
Now we would have to say that this current unprepared condition of God’s people to be a tragically hopeless situation!
.
But praise God that He is so merciful, and has kept open the door of mercy, so that His people might come out of all the Babylonish confusion, which is the current state of the church-world!
.
So, if the Reader is one of those who has been deceived by this false teaching…
.
…then he (or she) should waste no time in putting on the full armor of God…
.
…to stand against the wiles of the Devil, as he comes against each and every Soldier of the Cross during the final tribulation, even now beginning.
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
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to prepare for the coming tribulation. Help me to put on the armor of God, that I may stand in the coming evil day…
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
ORION THE SOLDIER
.
.
The Orion The Soldier Constellation can best be seen all winter (but even in August in the pre-dawn hours of morning in eastern skies) traveling east to west through the night, in mid-sky.
.
To find the seven major stars of Orion (one star on each shoulder and one star on each foot, plus the three stars which make his belt), you can locate on just about any clear night regardless of the blackness of the night.
.
To find Orion’s other stars, you need more star-visibility…a darker, moonless night, and possibly away from city lights.
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
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truths) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 18 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 4: “All Power, Signs & Lying Wonders” (continued))
It only takes a mere glance at the world to realize that we are in serious trouble!
.
Everything here seems to have gone topsy-turvy!
*From the pandemic rise of Sodomy…
*To our decaying learning institutions…
*To our politically weaponized judicial system…
*To the attempt at globalization by certain Middle East religious/political groups…
*To the bitter wars between the Political Left and Right…
*To the growing hostility and even the wholesale slaughter of Christians and Jews…
*To our suicidal economic policies by the national government…
*To the declining morals…
*To the senseless and bizarre murder accounts each day…
*To the rapidly increasing crime rate…
*To the great apostasy of the church-world!
.
These and other signs of decadence and destruction of societal norms and institutions, which, just a few years ago, were the very societal pillars we thought to be as solid as the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’!
Now of course, the skeptics will always try to convince us that these abominations have always been around…“Oh well, there’s always been wickedness in the world”, they confidently proclaim!
.
But that is simply not true!
.
Oh yes, there has always been crime. But never to the current degree!
.
And how about dishonesty and lying?!
.
And never to the current world-wide dimensions!
.
After all, there has never been a world-wide Jihad!
.
Nor has there ever been a world-wide sanction, promotion, and embracing of sodomy!
.
Nor the ability to prevent all buying and selling!
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
“And I saw another sign in heaven,
great and marvellous,
seven angels having the seven last plagues;
for in them is filled up the wrath of God.”
Revelation 15:1
.
.
.
.
.
A GREAT & MARVELOUS SIGN IN HEAVEN
.
.
So how does this brightest and most well-known constellation relate to the Book of Revelation?
.
After all, the Book of Revelation seems to be closely intertwined with the stars of heaven.
.
And Revelation Ch. 15 is just one of those places in which Revelation speaks of the Signs Of Heaven.“And I saw another sign in heaven…” Revelation 15:1.
.
God here, is dropping this great big clue on us, as to just what the signs in Heaven are all about…
This verse speaks of a “another sign in heaven, great and marvellous”.
.
Okay, so if this prophecy of “seven angels having the seven last plagues” isasign in heaven, then one would have to go back to Chapter 12 to find the other signs in heaven.
.
And together, these signs from chapters, 12 & 15 make up a great portion of this website, Signs Of Heaven.
In September 13th’s devotional, it was observed that there are many who swear that their church is still under the blessing of God.
.
They look around and see new baptisms and hear enthusiastic testimonies from new converts.
.
They listen each week to their pastor preaching from the Bible, and everyone looks so well-behaved.
.
They may even have a Wednesday night Bible study…
…”How can my church possibly be considered Babylon, the harlot church?
How can my church possibly be under the power of the Devil?”
.
What they do not realize is that Satan, just like the deceitful cuttlefish, can imitate the Holy Spirit so close that this great impostor “will deceive, if possible, even the very Elect”, even the chosen people of God!
One of the difficulties in trying to discern the spirits is, that when sitting in church, most parishioners look very well-behaved and even holy!
.
And as they bow their heads together and sing songs, and even close their eyes and wave their hands, such a sight is very convincing evidence that the Holy Spirit is still there!
.
The problem is, as our signature Bible passage explains, Satan now has the ability to come with “all power, signs and lying wonders, to deceive if [it were] possible, even the Elect!”
.
And so, Satan has moved in and carried on church services that can appear almost as authentic as when the Holy Spirit was operating there!
So how can I know for sure that my little congregation has been vacated by the Spirit of God, and that the false holy spirit (the Abomination of Desolation) has replaced Him?
.
Well, as September 13th’s devotionalexplained, there are certain tell-tale signs which will be evidenced, that should send up red flags that something isn’t right.
Now perhaps, one of the greatest pieces of evidence that the churches have become apostate is that the parishioners are still unconverted.
.
And as the true worshipper continues to attend church, it most likely will become more and more evident that the parishioners are not yet converted.
.
Such things as gossiping and slandering will become evident.
.
Perhaps the Believer will begin to perceive that the fellow church-members are inordinately focused on earthly pursuits, such as career-seeking, and amusement-addictions.
.
In other words, the church-members seem absorbed in worldly pursuits more than in engaging in the purification of the heart and the transformation of the life into the image of Christ.
If this is the case, then the Believer will begin to perceive that churchgoing has probably become an idol to those worldly-minded parishioners.
.
In other words, because there is a genuine lack of true conversion, the parishioners idolize their church-attendance as a “good work” which supposedly secures their Salvation.
.
And their weekly church attendance becomes a substitute for a true 24/7/365 communion with God.
.
A virtual social/fraternal order, with a thin outer veneer of religiosity.
.
Each true Christian must learn to stand on his (or her) own two feet, spiritually speaking.
As the true worshiper of God becomes more and more familiar with the Bible, he or she will become increasingly aware of the holiness and singleness-of-heart that those early churches were all about, as the Book of Acts establishes!
.
And then, at some point, the true Believer will realize that he (or she) must also join the end-time Exodus out of Babylon, the apostate churches, and flee to the holy mountain of God.
Yes, though God’s faithful remnant must flee from the destruction of this Sodom-like world…
.
…nevertheless, God promises to each faithful refugee from this Babylonian/Sodomite world, that,
“He shall dwell on high:
his place of defense shall be the munitions of Rocks;
bread shall be given him;
his waters shall be sure!”
Isaiah 33:16
.
Just as Elijah was fed by ravens in the wilderness, so too, God’s remnant people in these last moments will be abundantly supplied with the heavenly bread of life and the waters of grace!
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
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Give wisdom and insight that I may be discerning about the condition of the church-world…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 16 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 3-b: “All Power, Signs & Lying Wonders” (continued))
But the question that today’s devotional would like to ask is this: “So what? What difference does it really make, if I am a bad decision-maker or a good one? Don’t we all go to the same place?”
And so, amidst all the good decisions that a worldly-wise man may make, there is only one good decision that has any true meaning: and that one meaningful decision is the choice, to follow Jesus as His disciple!
.
Every other so-called “good decision” without Jesus,without Salvation, is merely “Dust in the wind!”
Brooklyn Museum – The Rich Man In Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 14 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 7: “How Dieth the Wise? As the Fool!”)
whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth,
and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan
with all power and signs and lying wonders,”
2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 9 (condensed)
.
.
.
.
CUTTLEFISH: THE MASTER-DECEIVER!
.
One of the most amazing creatures ever created is the Cuttlefish!
.
Actually, it is not a fish, but a type of mollusk, like a squid, or octopus.
.
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!
.
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!
.
And so, its enemies cannot detect the Cuttlefish! Or when it lays-in-wait for its victims, perhaps next to a seaweed, its color, and spots, and shape automatically change to imitate that seaweed!
.
It can even instantly grow leaf-like appendages to imitate certain seaweeds!
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!)
.
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!
.
.
.
.
.
SATAN, THE GREAT CUTTLEFISH IMPOSTOR!
.
Like the cuttlefish, Satan has the ability to change form into whatever image he desires. Satan even comes as an angel of light…
“Marvel not, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light,
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;”
2nd Corinthians 11:15
.
And this above verse alerts us to the danger of being deceived by today’s fallen churches.
But God is now calling His people out of Babylon. “Come out of her (Babylon, the Harlot Church) My people”is the cry now being trumpeted through the land! (see Revelation 18:4)
Yes, Satan will come through false teachers and with signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect chosen people of God.
.
Oh no, Satan cannot deceive the elect to the point of damnation.
.
God has given enough truth so that the Elect will ultimately see the apostasy and come out from among them.
.
But he can and does deceive many true sheep into thinking that their own congregation is still under the blessing of God…
.
…when in truth, the Holy Spirit has moved out and another spirit has moved in, counterfeiting nearly every detail of the Gospel!
.
.
.
.
.
RUN CHRISTIAN, RUN!
.
But the very Good News is, that God has graciously left open the door of mercy!
.
And considering the lateness of the hour, we who value the opportunity to live forever, need to quicken our footstep…
.
…making haste in attempt to forsake this selfish and deceitful world of many lusts and flee to the “munitions of Rocks” and hide ourselves “until the Indignation be overpast”!
.
Yes, the Lord is now rising to shake terribly the earth.
.
And all those who enter into the “hiding place” provided will only behold these calamities with their eyes!
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
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Give me wisdom and insight that I may be discerning about the condition of the church-world…
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
CASTOR AND POLLUX & THE NARROW WAY…
.
As the opening verse says…
…“Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction…”
Matthew 7:13-14 (Condensed)
.
So, what are these two gates all about?
.
And how can I choose the right door?
.
But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.
.
(This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.)
.
.
.
.
HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON
.
This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).
.
In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter.
Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies…
.
…which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony…
.
…or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).
.
On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God.
Gravestone icon – .svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain worldwide
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 13 (Cuttlefish & The False Prophet, Part 3-a: “All Power, Signs & Lying Wonders”)
Absalom, the son of King David, knew well how to use flattery to gain the favor of others…
…”Absalom said moreover,
Oh, that I were made judge in the land…
And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him…
he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him…
…so, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
2nd Samuel 15:4-6 (Condensed)
.
Now in addition to Absalom’s pretentious flattery and kissing the hands of all who came to him, it is also written of him…
“But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty…”
2nd Samuel 14:25 (Condensed)
.
Now here we have been given the picture of a man who used his attractiveness and personality and pretentious “slobbering” affection to steal away the hearts of the citizens of Israel away from his father, King David.
Now this true account of David’s son’s rebellion is also a picture of Lucifer’s rebellion in Heaven.
.
Since David often represents Christ in Scripture, it is not hard to relate this story of how Lucifer stole the hearts of those angels who eventually fell from grace, as they transferred their allegiance from Jesus, to follow Lucifer.
Yes, down through the past decades, various TV and radio teachers and evangelists have attempted to win the hearts of their viewers and hearers by means of their personality.
.
Telling jokes, using their folksy wit and charm, using their musical abilities, or behaving in an alluring, sensual manner, these erring men (and women) unwittingly use the same strategy that Absalom used, and even as Lucifer used when back in Heaven to win the affection of others!
Listen to the Lord’s assessment of flattery, as He spoke through David…
“They (the people of the world) speak vanity (empty words) every one with his neighbour:
with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips,
and the tongue that speaketh proud things:”
Psalm 12:2, 3
.
This above passage (and many other similar passages) reveals just how much God hates flattery!
.
And perhaps we might add the following words to that old expression, “Flattery will get you everywhere…but Heaven!”
.
For this above verse from Psalms promises that all flattering tongues will be cut off!
.
.
.
.
.
JESUS DEFINITELY NOT A FLATTERER
.
As we read about the Lord Jesus, we behold a man who came with no flattering words, but spoke the truth plainly.
.
Jesus never once used his personality to win the hearts of His hearers.
.
Listen to Isaiah… “He (Jesus) hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” Isaiah 53:2
.
Jesus did not come into this world with charming wit, nor with outward beauty.
.
He was an average-looking man and used His words sparingly with the sole desire to convict the hearts of His hearers with the plain and cutting eternal truths.
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
VARIOUS SIGNS SPOKEN OF…
.
Now as far as those who search Bible prophecy concerning “signs of the End”, most of us were expecting extraordinary heavenly phenomena; you know, such things as giant asteroids or other colossal cataclysmic occurrences.
The Bible also speaks of other signs in the heavens, and it is the purpose of Signs Of Heaven website, to introduce these wonderful signs and to reveal the many Bible passages which explain them.
.
And if you are one of the fortunate ones to receive this amazing message, then you too can begin to proclaim this heavenly love story to anyone willing to listen.
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
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 2 – SEPTEMBER 12 ( Jeremiah & The Smooth Prophets, Part 2 (“Absalom The Great Flatterer!”)
But how are we to glean spiritual lessons which will help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ?
.
Just how does this account of the two thieves apply to our lives?
.
Well, perhaps the comment of one disgruntled restaurant owner will help us understand our own personal relationship with Christ, just a little bit better…
.
Said the frustrated restaurant owner…“My employees steal from me every day!
Yes, my employees are time thieves!
They like to clock-in early and clock-out late on the time clock.
Malachi says that we rob God in, “tithes and offerings”.
.
Well, robbing God in tithes and offerings is easy to understand in the area of finances!
.
Yes, too many of us are extravagant with our money. We are big spenders!
.
Instead of being careful, that we might give the most, we carelessly spend our money on the new, and on the fashionable, and on the fun and exciting, and on the decadent things of this hedonistic cornucopian super-society!
For instance, isn’t it true that we are time thieves?
.
How often do we fritter away the hours of the day on vain endeavors?
.
How often do we pursue things which have little meaning, when we could instead be using our time in devotion to the service of God?
.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue…
“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light.
See then that ye walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:14-16
.
And so, each one of us needs to ask our self, regarding this admonition from Paul… “Am I being wise concerning how I use my time each day, or am I behaving foolishly?”
For example, when waiting in a check-out line, take a little pocket Bible (or Internet device) and have it marked out in 365 daily readings, and read that particular day’s reading.
.
Or when commuting to work, listen to an audio Bible.
.
Or whenever having a spare moment, say a little prayer for daily needs.
.
Or instead of watching TV, redeem that time by sitting down with a good Bible and a concordance and look up various related verses on any particular topic.
.
Or instead of “yukking-it-up” on my break, rather, spend that break-time reading my little pocket Bible’s daily reading.
.
Or instead of listening to endless radio talk shows, why not listen to an audio Bible or something similar?
.
Or instead of pursuing vain hobbies, take up a hobby that has some true meaning. Maybe engaging in prayer while hiking in nature.
.
Or maybe visiting those who are in nursing homes.
.
Or how about making “The Signs Of Heaven” my hobby?
.
Or why not live a healthy lifestyle, so that by feeling better I can have more energy (and longer life?), to better serve the Lord?
.
When lying in bed, why not listen to audio Bible readings?
.
Or maybe pray.
.
Or just reflect on how I let Jesus shine through me this past day.
Actually, there are countless more ways that we might redeem the time.
.
But one thing is for sure…
..
…when standing before the Judge of the Universe on that fearful Day, we all would hope that we shall not be ashamed when called to account for how we spent our time during our earthly sojourn.
.
But make no mistake, we will be called to account for our time!
.
ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon: “Company’s Coming”
.
.
.
.
.
ONE THIEF REPENTED
.
Now back to the account of the two thieves, one on Jesus’ right and the other on Jesus’ left.
.
Well, as we all know, the one thief began to realize that Jesus was indeed the Savior!
.
And he eventually asked Jesus for forgiveness for his life of thievery.
.
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
.
Well, hopefully this man represents you and me, that we too may repent of our thievery against Heaven.
.
May each of us take to heart this lesson which God is giving us!
“Dear Lord, Help me to see in what areas of my life do I steal time and money from the treasury in Heaven? Lead me away from these thefts and cause me to live for Thy glory…
Prayer – Mother and Daughter – Wikipedia – (cropped image) the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
THE GLORIOUS 12-STAR CROWN
.
.
.
.
.
.
COMBINATION OF BOTH CORONA BOREALIS & BOOTES
.
This constellation is a combination of both Corona Borealis plus several stars from the Bootes Constellation.
.
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).
Laughing – (cropped and color added) – Fotothek df roe neg – Wikimedia – Share-alike License
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
And yet, when the light of Heaven shone down on Paul, he suddenly realized just what a great sinner he truly was!
.
As a matter of fact, Paul came to discover that…
…”This is a faithful saying,
and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.”
1st Timothy 1:15
.
Yes, this hard-hearted Pharisee-turned-Apostle now realized that his heart was, in reality, merely a cesspool of sin!
.
And Paul knew that only the grace of God could clean up that cesspool and make it pure and holy, so it might become a fit house for the indwelling of Christ!
But this above statement by Paul, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief”, was a testimony to us all!
.
And yet, Paul added these words…“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,”
.
In other words, each and every one of us can likewise make the same judgment about our own self: I too am the chief of sinners!
.
I too am desperately wicked and in need of the purifying work of Christ upon the cesspool of my own heart!
.
.
.
.
.
BUT DUNG!
.
But Paul knew another painful truth. And this truth is revealed in today’s signature verse…
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,
and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ,”
Philippians 3:8
.
Here again is a similar statement that Paul makes concerning his past life: that all of his past worldly glories, and all of his former earthly accolades were, “but dung!”
.
This is because Paul came to understand, that the motives of the human heart are so deceitfully wicked, that any supposed “good work” is mingled with our very own corrupt and selfish motives!
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.
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun;
and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14 (Condensed)
Colorized King Solomon in Old Age – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license
.
.
.
.
.
HISTORY OF SUNGLASSES
.
In prehistoric and historic time, Inuit peoples wore flattened walrus ivory “glasses,” looking through narrow slits to block harmful reflected rays of the sun.
.
It is said that the Roman emperor Nero liked to watch gladiator fights with emeralds. These, however, appear to have worked rather like mirrors.
.
Sunglasses made from flat panes of smoky quartz, which offered no corrective powers but did protect the eyes from glare were used in China in the 12th century or possibly earlier.
.
Ancient documents describe the use of such crystal sunglasses by judges in ancient Chinese courts to conceal their facial expressions while questioning witnesses.
.
In the 1940’s, Sunglasses became a fashion statement for many people and even many “movie-stars”.
.
And today, sunglasses are a regular part of everyday life, offering protection from harmful sunlight.
“For He (God) doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men…”
Lamentations 3:33
.
But now with our Son-Glasses on, we can look at life and all its goings-on through the eyes of Jesus.
.
Now, we see a world which is struggling with sin’s sorrowful consequences and heartaches.
.
Now we realize that Jesus looks down with pity upon each and every human, longing to deliver them from their selfish ways, and the misery and sorrow which sooner or later follows.
.
Divorce – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
“to…search…out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man”
Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14 (Condensed for brevity)
.
But only with our Son-Glasses on, do we actually begin to understand that this experiment with sin must be allowed to continue to reach its fullness, before Mankind’s love affair with sin and selfishness will ever finally end.
.
Sin must finally be exposed for its truly evil nature and reprehensible results.
.
Only then will Mankind truly understand and be ready to quit our rebellion.
.
Then and only then will “every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”.
.
Cannibalism in Russia and Lithuania 1571. – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.”
Lamentations 3:40
.
And so, in conclusion, let’s put on our Son-Glasses and keep them on.
.
For through those heavenly lenses, we can clearly see life through the eyes of Jesus.
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
TWO TURTLE-DOVES CONSTELLATION
LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION
.
This constellation appears in early spring in the south.
.
It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall.
.
It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)
So these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of witnessing to a lost and dying world. And it may just be that these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of God’s last message to the world!
.
Yes, the Bible says…
“And there shall be signs in the sun,
and in the moon,
and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;
the sea and the waves roaring…
…And then shall they see the Son of man coming
in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Luke 21:25-27. (Condensed)
.
And so, if these signs are a fulfillment of Luke’s prophecy, then these Two Turtle-Doves are a symbol of God’s last message of mercy to this world!
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.
But by now, Lot was stuck there, and his family, no doubt, learned to love the pleasures and conveniences which that opulent city afforded them.
.
But their consciences became blunted by the daily association with sin, as is written…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
Yes, in a day in which Christians should be watching and praying, the Enemy of Souls has really brought Christians under a heavy yoke of bondage with television and high-tech devices!
.
Yes, quite often, these devices are indoctrinating Christians and their children into this Antichrist world-system!
In this over-complicated economy, most Christians can only afford to send their children where their children are indoctrinated into godless philosophies and licentious lifestyles!
.
And this is like, “sending a lamb to the slaughter”, as the saying goes!
.
And by so-doing, it is almost guaranteed they will come out as God-hating, Bible-hating atheists and maybe even gender-confused, too!
The fact is, we read of the early Church in the Book of Acts, not realizing that those godly men were the example for us to follow!
.
We “Laodiceans” often return from hearing a sermon about the fearful nearness of Christ’s Return, only to once again begin eating and drinking and partaking of the world!
(See Revelation, Chapter 3, for “Laodiceans” reference)
And in the very frightful hour when we see our world “burning”, we spend countless hours on our smart phones, chatting and whiling-away the hours of our day!
And in a day when half of the world is starving for the bread of life, we spend thousands of dollars to beautify our homes to keep them looking up-to-date in the latest fashion!
Instead of using our finances to further the Gospel, we rather invest our money in earthly banks, so that we can maintain opulent lifestyles, even well into our “sunset years”!
.
And by so-doing, we ignore Christ’s pleadings…
“(Little children) Sell that ye have, and give alms;
provide…a treasure in the heavens…
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Luke 12:33, 34
.
.
.
.
.
FIDDLING WHILE SIGNS ARE ALL AROUND US
.
We love to share with others, saying “All the signs of the Lord’s Return are now showing up everywhere!”
.
But then, just like the citizens of Sodom, we continue to eat and drink and plant and build, and marry, and give our children in marriage, as if this world is just going to continue on for another 1,000 years!
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
TWO TURTLE-DOVES CONSTELLATION
LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION
.
This constellation appears in early spring in the south.
.
It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall.
.
It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)
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.
Well, with just one quick look at this world, one can easily conclude that there are many things which could warrant our judgment.
.
Yes, there are countless things that we could be judging, aside from people.
.
Take television for instance.
.
If there were ever a list of inventions from Hell, television would be on the “short-list”, wouldn’t you agree?
.
And certainly, the Christian must make a personal judgment about television, whether or not to watch it.
.
And most likely, there may be times when that Christian may be inclined to watch TV, perhaps for some particular family situation, or maybe for career purposes.
And so, while a Christian may be vehemently against watching television, that Christian must never set himself up as the controlling conscience for everyone else.
.
Oh yes, it may be the Christian’s duty to warn people against the evils of television watching.
.
But any well-seasoned Believer understands that there is a myriad of special circumstances which go far beyond his personal understanding.
.
.
.
.
.
BACK-SLIDERS IN HEART…
.
For instance, every genuine Believer has, no doubt, had “his nose rubbed in his own sins” so to speak, many countless times over his past Christian experience.
.
And so, he is painfully aware of his own weaknesses when he sees another Christian being plagued by television watching, or food addiction, or a host of other garden-variety sins….
.
He well understands the following proverb…“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:” Proverbs 14:14
.
And thus, the Believer is very sympathetic to, not only the daily struggles of fellow Believers, but also to the weakness and struggles of all Mankind.
“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand that God has many reasons for doing what He is doing. And so, help me not to foolishly condemn things that I do not fully understand…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
PICTURE: Nero sings and plays while Rome Burns – Wikimedia -US Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.”
1st Timothy 1:15
.
.
.
John Bunyan wrote a companion book to his earth-shaking tale, “Pilgrim’s Progress”.
.
That second book was a personal testimony about his conversion to Christianity. And Bunyan appropriately titled it,“Grace Abounding To The Chief of Sinners”.
.
Of course, Bunyan’s title was inspired by Paul’s first letter to Timothy, in which he professes…
…”This is a faithful saying,
and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.”
1st Timothy 1:15
.
Yes, both Bunyan and Paul each saw themselves as, “the chief of sinners”!
And we don’t even need to do some elaborate experiment to prove that nobody is capable of understanding their heart.
.
Because most people (or even all persons) would most likely say within their heart that, “I’m a pretty good person!”
.
Oh, we may not be willing to openly admit such a thing, but in our hearts, we just cannot see ourselves as, “the chief of sinners!”
.
And as Jeremiah 17:9 reveals… “The heart is deceitful above all things…” We are hopelessly ignorant of our true condition!
.
.
.
.
.
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, IT MIGHT BE…
.
If we proud humans could fully embrace these aforementioned truths, just imagine how much better would be the behavior of people in their dealings and relationships with others!
.
After all, if I am indeed the chief of sinners, then who am I to be looking down my nose at my neighbor?
.
All sorts of personal disputes (and political disputes too) come to an abrupt end!
Just think about how many, most, or perhaps all of our personal disputes within our own family circle would come to an end!
.
Because all of a sudden, each and every family member would begin to see their own self as the chief of sinners!
.
Well, it might be a worthwhile project to spend some hours contemplating all the differences which would occur if all humanity possessed such a humbling attitude.
And if we joyfully and fully embrace these truths presented here today, then it may just be that God will cause them to root out our foolish pride and self-confidence!
.
And then, we will be able to say along with Paul (and really believe it)…
“This is a saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
“Dear Lord, Help me to understand that these uncomfortable daily tribulations are for my ultimate good, and will help me to allow Christ to live out His humble life through me…
Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.
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.
There are many who are looking around at this topsy-turvy world, and asking the question, “Have we arrived at the day which is called, The Day of the Lord?”
.
Yes, there are many unbelievable events and paradigm shifts going on right now in the world which would make one believe that we have indeed reached that great and fearful day, The Day of the Lord!
2. “that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;
so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,
showing himself that he is God.”
2nd Thessalonians 2:3, 4
.
Now here above is seen that two things must first occur, prior to the Day of Christ: a falling away (apostasy), and the “man of sin be revealed…that he as God sits in the temple of God”.
But most people do not understand who or what is the nature of this Antichrist beast!
.
We have been told, over and over again that this Antichrist Beast is a single individual, as it seems to say in 2nd Thessalonians, calling him, the “man of sin”.
.
The problem is that this verse alone cannot be understood properly unless we allow the Bible to define who is “the man of sin”…
saying, ‘IS THIS THE MAN that made the earth to tremble,
that did shake kingdoms…?”
Isaiah 14:12, 16
.
So here, Satan (Lucifer) is referred to as, “Is this the man…?”
.
Yes, Satan is the true Antichrist as he has waged his warfare against Heaven and God’s elect through the various kings and kingdoms which have ruled in the earth, throughout history.
.
And so, Lucifer, empowering these various kings and kingdoms is what composes this multi-headed, multi-horned beast with various other beasts making up his body.
These old engravings properly depict this multi-faceted Antichrist Beast with the Mystery Harlot Babylon riding upon it.
.
Yes, the Christian community of yesteryear knew who this beast was, who for centuries persecuted God’s elect in the form of the apostate church-system of Europe.
.
And certainly, that apostate church and her popish potentates received the deadly wound by God ‘s sword, the Bible.
.
And it is true, that the Romish church seems to have fully recovered from that deadly wound.
But the Antichrist Beast is far more than just one of its heads.
.
Papessa tiara Harlot rides Beast – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
.
.
.
.
A 7-HEADED BEAST
.
Now this is not to diminish the role that this 5th head of the beast has played in Church history and in the history of the world.
.
And this 5th head (popery) is definitely beginning to re-emerge as a big player in the end-time events!
.
But the true fullness of the 1st Beast of Revelation 13 must be realized by beholding all of its 7 heads.
.
Because in these last moments of Earth’s history, this entire Antichrist Beast will stand upon the world stage in all of its fullness, and in all of its sinister, counterfeit “glory”.
And even though the inhabitants of the world will once again “wonder after the beast”…
.
…God’s elect and chosen followers are, instead, encouraged to study, study, study, so as to gain a much fuller understanding of this 7-headed Beast.
.
But the bottom line to all this is, we can now finally see what 2nd Thessalonians, chapter 2 names as the two events transpiring before our very eyes:
1.the apostasy of the Christian world, and…
2. the revealing of just what is and who is the Antichrist Beast, foretold of in 2nd Thessalonian, chapter 2, concerning what must occur prior to Christ’s coming for His gathered-together people.
.
The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots
.
.
.
.
.
ARE WE THERE YET?
.
And so, to answer the signature question of today’s devotional, “Have we arrived at the day which is called, The Day of the Lord?”
.
Well, this website offers much more information on these things.
.
And so, please keep reading these devotionals (and “Signs Of Heaven.org”) to gain a fuller understanding of just where we are in time!
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
.
.
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.
.
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 7/10 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).
Yes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid being corrupted by such things as the high-tech devices which young and old alike are now addicted to.
.
Believers can now drum up vile images on the Internet which could never before be seen, so easily!
With the advent of television, radio, and high-tech devices, this society has become Satan’s giant mind-control center.
.
The situation in this society has become so incredibly evil, and yet many or even most Christians seem are not spiritually alert enough to realize just what great trouble we are in.
.
.
.
.
.
SCHOOLS: MIND-CONTROL
.
Satan has molded government schools which aggressively attempt to convert them into becoming secularists.
.
And even if a Christian can afford one, most of the private Christian schools have mingled so much of the world into their curriculum, that they are just moderately better than an extension of the world.
.
And the state governments have loaded so many requirements on Christian schools, that the Bible has almost taken a backseat to the overwhelming secular curriculum now being taught!
Tragically, Satan, in his role as The False Prophet, has been permitted to speak, “as a dragon”. (Revelation 13:11).
.
And so, this unseen spirit of antichrist works through the various media Goliaths to force the world to bow down to his unchristlike qualities.
.
And he even is speaking as a dragon in today’s schools, not only pushing various antichrist ideologies, such as atheism, socialism, sodomy, etc….
.
But not content with these ideologies, Satan has begun to rewrite history to make it seem that the US was founded on racism.
.
Such a great lie is not only teaching dishonesty but will undoubtedly create hatred and/or self-loathing in the hearts of schoolchildren!
.
.
.
.
.
A TALKING IMAGE
.
The prophet, Habakkuk, has foretold of this day!
.
Listen to Revelation speak of a talking image…
“And he (the False Prophet) had power
to give life unto the image of the beast,
that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast
should be killed.”
Revelation 13:15
.
Just think of it! From worldly-minded schools to television and radio, to the ungodly music, to sports and amusements, to the high-tech devices, all these are gradually conforming us into his image!
And so, it is just about guaranteed that if a child is allowed to indulge any one or more of these forms of idolatry, it won’t be long until that child is totally unreachable for any heavenward calling!
Listen…“And there shall be upon every high mountain,
and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters
in the day of the great slaughter,
when the towers fall.”
Isaiah 30:25
.
The mountains spoken of here, are the “everlasting hills” (see Genesis 49:21).
.
And these assured waters are the “living waters”which spring forth from God. (see John 7:38)
.
Yes, here is where we must “RUN!”
.
PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture
.
.
.
.
.
.
LEAVING BABYLON
.
The main point to today’s devotional is just this: God is calling His people out of spiritual Babylon, the fallen “towers” (churches and institutions).
.
But more than just calling us out physically, God is calling us to come and purify the Most Holy Place of our heart.
.
And for those who finally and fully overcome, there will be plenty of blessings in store!
.
And just think of it! Could there be anything more wonderful than to one day walk through those heavenly gates and along those streets of gold (streets of “faith & love”), hand-in-hand with our family?
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
WIDE & NARROW GATES IN THE HEAVENS
.
…“Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction…”
Matthew 7:13-14 (Condensed)
.
.
.
.
HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON
.
This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).
.
In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter.
Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies…
.
…which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony…
.
…or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).
.
On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God.
Judgment Bus New Orleans 2011 – Wikipedia – Share-alike License
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
As we stand in the Valley of Decision, the question comes to each of us…
…”How long halt ye between two opinions?
if the LORD be God, follow Him:
but if Baal, then follow him.
1st Kings 18:21
.
Now such a simple question should be very easy to answer,“Of course Lord, I will follow You!”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
“DECEIVING, IF POSSIBLE, THE VERY ELECT!”
.
Unfortunately, the “god of this world”, Satan, has beclouded the issue, making “Baal worship”so close to the real thing, that he might, “deceive if possible, even the elect”.
.
And because the Church has so greatly compromised the truth with worldly ways and earthly attractions, God, many decades ago, finally allowed God’s people to be taken captive in spiritual Babylon.
.
And so, because of our many compromises with the world, the churches became a mere extension of this fallen world, “Babylon the Great!”
.
Because, when Christianity is mingled with worldliness, the result is a false gospel.
So just how do we discern between truth and error?
.
How are we to choose the true God?
.
How are we to know the difference between the true God and the counterfeit?
.
Let’s just think this through for a moment.
.
Let’s ask ourselves the question, “How can I know the difference between those who are truly led by the Holy Spirit, and those who are led by ‘another spirit'”?
After all, if a person is truly led by the Holy Spirit, then it would only make sense that such a Spirit-filled person would be holy.
.
After all, isn’t holiness what the Holy Spirit is all about?
.
That is why He is called the HOLY Spirit!
.
And so, if a man, woman, or child is indwelt by the true Holy Spirit, then that individual will have the desire to be holy and will gravitate toward holiness.
.
He or she will now be filled with the joy of Heaven to be indwelt with the heavenly qualities of goodness and peace and “rest-unto-your-souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Those who are true followers of Christ will desire to, “walk even as He (Christ) walked.” 1st John 2:6
.
And they will be attempting to become pure, “even as He (Christ) is pure.” 1st John 3:3.
.
And the Bible reveals that we can reach a far higher level of holiness than we now think possible…
.
Listen to this promise…
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the Power that worketh in us,”
Ephesians 3:20
.
Yes, as this above promise reveals, Christians have been deceived into thinking that we must continue to live in a semi-diseased spiritual condition, when in truth, God is able to give us far more spiritual victory than we now realize!
.
But just look at the life of John. Or look at the life of Paul! Those two men are examples of what we may become!
The exact same situation exists today, as in Jeremiah’s day! The Christian community for the most part, has embraced much of today’s secular culture.
.
The music has become greatly sensualized. The prosperity-driven ideologies have taken hold of both liberal as well as conservative churches.
.
The pulpits have been largely given over to comedy and giddiness.
.
Sensual dress, and fashionable (“cool” or “hip”) behavior and music are now the-order-of-the-day in church services and in the everyday lives of many churchgoers!
.
And just because they mingle much Bible into their worship, only proves that their deception “will deceive, if possible, even the elect!” Matthew 24:24
And so, as the Christian begins to gain an awareness of the difference between the “Spirit of truth”, and the “spirit of error”…
.
…it becomes increasingly easier to “discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Malachi 3:18
Headsets – France in XXI Century School – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
.
THIS IS STUDY #611 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments,
lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”
Revelation 16:15
.
Now this above verse only confirms that we are on the right track concerning spiritual nakedness.
.
And most likely, all those in this above prophecy, who are caught without their garments are the very ones who previously enjoyed exposing the sins of others, in the form of vicious gossip! Divine Judgement.
.
.
.
.
.
ALL ARE GUILTY BEFORE GOD!
.
Now most every one of us has been guilty of this sin of criticizing and gossiping about another soul, behind his or her back!
.
But make no mistake, O Pilgrim! All such vicious back-stabbing gossip will bring the wrath of God down upon our own heads…
.
Listen…“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18
.
This verse is essentially saying that those who regularly slander and gossip about others are yet unsaved!
.
Yes, according to the Bible, being a fool is the same thing as being unsaved!
.
And those who are true children of God will tremble in fear whenever they fall into this sin, knowing how painful God’s chastisements can be!
.
.
.
.
.
THE DAY OF THE LORD
.
Now listen to these verses from Isaiah concerning the Day of the Lord…
…”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 2:11, 12
.
Yes, the Day of the Lord will be upon the proud, especially proud scorners!
Criticizing others is borne of the spirit of pride.
.
And gossiping privately is a form of cowardice.
.
Instead of back-stabbing another, it would be far better to prayerfully go to that erring individual and gently and lovingly scold him (or her) for their sin.
.
Listen… “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5, 6
Photo–Two dogs seems like fighting wikimedia share-alike lic.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to overcome my wicked tongue, and purify my carnal heart which delights to hear and speak malicious gossip. Get me ready to spend eternity in Thy everlasting kingdom of Heaven…
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS
.
.
A new constellation has been revealed, as of about May 29th, 2014.
.
This constellation appears as a serpent (snake).
.
Its body is comprised of stars from the Bootes Constellation, and its jaws are made of the four stars which Babylonians saw as the head of Draco, the Dragon.
.
It also has a small single star for an eye.
.
Now in this constellation is a group of five stars, which will be called “The Five Foolish Virgins Stars”.
.
These are located on the opposite side of the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars (AKA Corona Borealis), from the Five Wise Virgins Stars.
.
But one big difference between the two is, that The Five Wise are curved around the Glorious Crown, while the Five Foolish are curved away from it!
The Thinker, Rodin – 1902 – Wikipedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.
We parents have at one time or another, hired a babysitter.
.
And what we got was usually less-than the ideal.
.
In other words, the babysitter was most often some teenager, who probably spent most of her time talking on the phone, while our children played under her watchful eyes.
.
And we were content with this, since their physical safety was our main concern!
.
The Phone Call – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
“…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
.
Of course, as Christian parents, our great hope was to find some babysitter who would read Christian stories to our children.
.
Or maybe they would also sing Christian songs, or look at pictures of nature, relating those nature pictures to our Creator-God!
.
Now that would indeed be money well-spent, to find such a godly babysitter!
There are many parents who make the claim, “I would die for my child!”
.
And this is a nice sentiment.
.
And yet, the real question to be answered is:
.
*”But would I live for my child?
.
*Would I lay down my selfish life on the altar of sacrifice for my child?
.
*Would I give up all my selfish ways, so that I can devote myself to raising my child in such a way, that my child will stand for Christ in a world sinking in evil and immorality?”
Far too many Christian parents are caught up in the pursuit of earthly Mammon and decadent luxuries and proud careers and selfish pleasures of this life.
.
But all such vanities will not suffice to raise their children to be fit for Heaven.
.
Far too many families have not “made an hedge”, that is, a wall of protection around their home. (See Job 1:9, 10)
.
And Satan has no problem entering in and causing evil and trouble to abound within such a prayerless home.
.
And as a result, their children are disobedient and given over to passion and evil desires.
.
.
.
.
.
LAYING ALL THE ALTAR
.
What is needed is for the Christian parent to come to the point where he or she decides to lay all upon the altar for Christ.
.
That’s right, the spiritual hedge around the Christian home will only become devil-proof when the parent finally makes a full surrender to Christ!
.
Nothing less than a 100% devotion to the Lord will suffice!
.
A half-hearted commitment to Christ will be futile!
The bottom line to all this is, just what could be as gratifying as to one day see your children coming to the obedience of Heaven?
.
And what could be as joyful as seeing your spouse also coming to the Lord?
.
Oh no, these things will most likely NOT happen immediately!
.
But this is where faith comes in!
.
Yes, “faith is substance of things hoped for! And faith is the evidence of things not yet seen!” Hebrews 11:1
.
All we need to do, is simply offer our entire life to the total service and 100% devotion to Christ, and then walk by faith concerning our loved ones and prayed-for others!
Starlight Sower painting by Hai Knafo who was inspired by Or Zaruaa Synagogue wikimedia creative commons public domain
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to fully surrender to Thee! Help my spouse and children! Help me to live a life of self-sacrificing service and prayer for them! Let me trust in all Thy precious promises…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
FROM WHERE & TO WHERE DOES SHE FLEE?
.
(WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS)
.
.
This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).
.
However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.
.
It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.
.
This is seen in springtime.
.
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).
Gossip – Two Wives – Carl Bloch – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY
.
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.