Planet Of “Rest” – Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace)

By admin On December 29th, 2010

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599px-The_Earth_seen_from_Apollo_17 wikipedia, NASA, public domain

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You may go to Part 1 or Part 3  of this “Planet Of Rest” series.

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“For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6 

 

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NO JESUS, NO PEACE…

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KNOW JESUS…BUT STILL NO PEACE?

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Do you find that your life is filled with too much turmoil and struggling with sin?

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Too much confusion? Sadness too?http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Human_stress.jpg

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Perhaps you’re one of those who has fits of anger?

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Or maybe you are given to worldliness, appetite, or bad behavior?

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Whatever our weaknesses are, there is one thing lacking. No, actually two things lacking:

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1. we don’t have perfect peace…and…

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2. Our witness to others is damaged, because of our lack of Christ-likeness. 

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And so, the result is, we have not the “Rest unto your souls”, which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:28-30.

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Human stress – cropped and colored image –  by Becky Wetherington for Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

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These next five passages each present seemingly different pathways to spiritual peace and rest…

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magnifying glass on puzzle – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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1ST PASSAGE…MATTHEW 11:28-30

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(3 COMPONENTS FOR REST TO YOUR SOUL)

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1. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 2. Take My yoke upon you, and 3. learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

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The three components spoken of are:  1. To come to Jesus 2. to take on His yoke as a Follower 3. To learn of Him through His Word and by experience. 

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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2ND PASSAGE…HEBREWS 4:9-11

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(“CEASE FROM MY OWN (FAITHLESS) WORKS”)

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“There remains therefore a REST to the people of God. For he that is entered into His REST, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:9-11.

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This passage tells us we must cease from our own “works from unbelief”, and cling to His “precious Bible promises” in order to enter His rest.

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Now the works we are to cease from are the works which result from a lack of trust in the Bible. 

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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3RD PASSAGE…PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

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(5 QUALITIES LEADING TO PEACE OF MIND)

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1. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 2. Let your moderation be known unto all men. 3. (watchfulness) The Lord is at hand. 4. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; 5. but in every thing by prayer and supplication (asking for needs) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the PEACE of God, whichhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elakala_Waterfalls_Swirling_Pool_Mossy_Rocks.jpg passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (read whole chapter)

And so we are commanded to: 1. Rejoice always 2. Moderation or temperance 3. watchfulness 4. put away self-will and worry 5. constant prayer and thankfulness

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EDITOR’S COMMENT: One very important ingredient listed here is that of being “anxious for nothing”. Being anxious for nothing is the quality of putting away our own desires and self-will. So much sin could be eliminated, if only we would submit ourselves to this command. This virtue of being anxious for nothing is one very important element to being dead-to-self. Being anxious for nothing means that we in a position to let the Lord lead, instead of going after our own self-will.

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

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 4TH PASSAGE…PSALM 1:1-3

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(5 INGREDIENTS TO BECOMING LIKE TREE BY WATERS)

"And he shall be like a tree, planted by rivers of waters." Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the man that 1. walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 2. nor stands in the way of sinners, 3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 4. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and 5. in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 1.

Here God tells us to: 1. put away all worldly philosophies & ungodly influences 2. Separation, as far as possible, from evil influences 3. cease from judging and malicious gossip 4. making God’s Word your first love 5. Keeping the mind on God’s Word, day and night   (Note: this passage does not mention rest or peace, but does speak of being like a tree planted by rivers of waters, which arguably is the same idea as rest or peace)

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Photo courtesy Wikipedia  Share alike license. Click here for link.

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5TH PASSAGE…ISAIAH 26:3, 4

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(TOTAL FOCUS ON CHRIST BRINGS PEACE)

 

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“Thou (God) will keep him in PERFECT PEACE, whose mind is stayed (fixed) on thee (God): because he trusts in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3, 4

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“ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR”… All the different precepts presented in the above verses could be reduced to the one passage listed here above, in Isaiah 26:3.

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So how does the Christian keep his or her “mind stayed upon Thee (totally focused on Christ)?

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Paul puts this same concept (or Commandment) in these more stringent terms...“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2nd Corinthians 10:5

Photo of Wildwood trail, Port. Ore. courtesy Wikipedia share-alike license. Click here for link.

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“NO TIME LEFT FOR SELF”…

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“Thou [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Braet_von_%C3%9Cberfeldt_woman_with_bible_1866.jpg.

If the Christian can do as this above verse exhorts, then that Christian will finally achieve total spiritual rest. If one can keep the mind stayed upon God’s Word, then all the other principles found in the verses listed above will be fulfilled. It’s like that old song says, “you can’t have one without the other”.

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In other words, if the mind is fixed on Jesus, you won’t have time to worship the beast or his image. If the mind is fixed on Jesus, you will also be engaged in a prayerful state. Focused on Jesus, you won’t have time to scorn others. You will be watchful, rejoicing, trusting. Perfect Peace will be found.

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And so, totally fixed on Jesus (The Word) brings about all these other Christian qualities. You can’t have this one virtue without the other virtues being also present.

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

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“ALL IS VANITY & VEXATION OF SPIRIT”

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“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Proverbs 17:1 http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:'The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon',_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter,_1890,_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg

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The wisest mortal man who ever lived was Solomon. The above passage is typical of the advice which he gave in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Had he followed his own advice, Solomon’s tragic life might have been far different!

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The Book of Ecclesiastes is a testament to the vanity and vexation which results from the pursuit of earthly attainments.

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The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’, by Edward Poynter, 1890, Art Gallery of New South Wales US public domain 

 

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THE SLEEPLESS RICH

.http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_274698/Jacopo-Bassano-(Jacopo-da-Ponte)/Dives-and-Lazarus

Perhaps the biggest detriment to peace of heart is that most of us in today’s world have far too many material possessions. The Bible says “the abundance of the rich will not allow them to sleep” Ecclesiastes 5:12.

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To this idea, Jesus added… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:24.

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It is the Devil’s evil plan to bombard Christians with so much materialism, and worldly cares and pleasures, that they crowd out our preparation time necessary to purify our hearts, and grow into the likeness of Jesus.

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Rich Man & Lazarus Wikigallery Public Domain

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SOLOMON’S SAD ENDING

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dore_Solomon_Proverbs.pngThe wise man (Solomon) found out the hard way, just how much grief and uselessness comes from Mammon (materialism). 

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In his old age he looked back on his long life of materialism and frankly confessed...“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11. 

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Have you ever noticed that when you travel light, it seems to go better than when you take “everything but the kitchen sink?” It’s the same with the Christian life.

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

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“NO REST FOR THE WICKED”

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 “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” 494px-De_Windstoot_-_A_ship_in_need_in_a_raging_storm_(Willem_van_de_Velde_II,_1707)Isaiah 57:20, 21

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Have you ever heard people jokingly say “No rest for the wicked!”. Well, actually, they are quoting the Bible, whether they know it or not. And though they are simply making a joke concerning their busy work schedule, there is a much deeper meaning to these words of God. And though the people of the world try to put on their best face, when in public, they cannot escape the Judgment of God.

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Just listen… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21.

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This rebellious planet believes they can escape the judgment of God, and do their own thing, as the saying goes. But this verse will be fulfilled. When God pronounces that, “there is no peace (or rest)…unto the wicked”, then nobody is going to get let off the hook. Nobody!

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A ship in need in a raging storm (Willem van de Velde II – 1707) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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DOUBLE-MINDED MAN

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In the little letter by James, this New Testament writer added… “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8.

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So here we have New Testament clarity, as to why many church-goers do not have perfect peace: they are divided in heart.

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And Jesus makes this simple statement regarding the Christian life… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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WHY WE HAVE TORMENT

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http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_198722/William-Brassey-Hole/The-sorrow-of-king-DavidNow there are two ways in which people are going to be like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.

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First, the people of the world (and the worldly Church) will not enjoy, “the peace that passeth all understanding”, which comes about, when a Believer has entered into God’s “rest unto your souls”.

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On the other hand, that truly believing person will enjoy sweet communion with God, through the power of God’s Spirit of Peace.

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Old_Man_in_Sorrow_(On_the_Threshold_of_Eternity).jpgA SEA OF TURMOIL

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But the second way people are not going to have perfect peace, is when people have decided to do things their own way, instead of the Bible way: there will be consequences! There will be a price to pay! Things just aren’t going to go right in http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Weeping_Woman_(F1069).jpgtheir daily life. Oh some things will go OK. But when people insist on doing things according to their self-will, instead of humbly praying for God’s divine wisdom, then they will find themselves in a sea of turmoil and trouble.

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Listen to Revelation… “And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11.

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This verse is not talking about horrible monsters, like Adolph Hitler. This verse is speaking of all those who simply live by the standards of the world, instead of filling their hearts and minds with God’s Word, and living by that Word. And all through their lives, they have no “rest unto your souls”.

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Listen again to Isaiah… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace (or “rest”), saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21.

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

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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NO HELLISH TORTURE CHAMBER

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The smoke of Mankind’s torment is not speaking of some underground torture chamber, in which Jesus and His angels will be eternally nodding in approval as unbelievers continually roast in burning flames for all eternity.

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Just listen… “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb” Revelation 14:10.

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So it says here that the unsaved will be tormented in the presence of the Lamb and His angels. This passage is speaking of the torment which rebellious Mankind suffers here on Earth. We suffer because of our rebellion and unwillingness to live by the Bible. Our suffering is here and now. We are like “the troubled sea, when it cannot rest”. And the results of our tumultuous lives will reverberate throughout eternity. Like smoke rising for ever, this world’s suffering will be a lesson book throughout eternity.

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To read more on this subject of the nature of Hell, just click here “Planet Of “Rest”- (Part 4-The Doctrine Of “Eternal Torment”)”

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain (2)

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OBEDIENCE BRINGS PEACE

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But when a person decides to do things God’s way, that person will find his or her life beginning http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_040327-N-1261P-058_Navy_Chaplain,_Lt._Marc_Massie_assigned_to_Naval_Mobile_Construction_Battalion_Seventy_Four_(NMCB-74)_studies_his_Bible_for_an_upcoming_service.jpgto be more peaceful. Things will just naturally go smoother for that person.

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In other words, God does not lay down His Law and His wisdom simply for His own pleasure.

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But God wants His children to enjoy life. And by following His Law, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments, there will be a natural result of things beginning to go better for that person. Life will naturally become more and more harmonious for that person.

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Of course, if a person wants to enjoy total peace, then they must go all the way with the Lord, to find that “rest unto your souls”. So please keep reading the rest of this article…

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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“GO, SELL WHAT THOU HAST” 

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“And he (The Rich Young Man) was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoffman-ChristAndTheRichYoungRuler.jpgpossessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:22, 23    

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The above passage concerning the Rich Young Ruler stands as an admonition for we who live in this rich and decadent society today. 

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In contrast to that young ruler, who left Jesus to return to his life of earthly attainments is this very powerful verse concerning Jesus’ disciples… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11.

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Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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DISCIPLES FORSOOK ALL!

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Yes, in contrast to that rich young ruler, the disciples of Jesus immediately left all, in order to follow Jesus. And the Christian today has the wonderful privilege of following Jesus, just like the disciples of old. No, he won’t physically see Jesus. No he won’t literally walk the streets of Jerusalem or the highways and byways of Israel.

http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_65895/Edward-Armitage/Christ-Calling-the-Apostles-James-and-John--1869.

But there will be a spiritual, supernatural experience as the Christian goes about his or her daily life. When we witness to others, we are with the 70 Disciples, who went door to door, proclaiming the Kingdom of God. When we pray, we are there with Jesus in the garden. When we give, we are with the Twelve, feeding the multitudes. When we suffer, we are there in the Judgment Hall with Jesus, suffering as if from being beaten, mocked, and spit on.

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When we are sick, and yes, even dying, we are there on the Cross with Jesus. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24, 25

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

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THE SON OF PERDITION…

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the christian race

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“The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” Isaiah 59:8

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But following Jesus requires all. The only disciple who didn’t forsake all was Judas Iscariat, the ‘son of perdition’.  

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So too, all those who claim to follow Jesus, and yet are still trying to hold on to this world (lusts of the flesh, material goods, self-interest & pride), are sadly in the same condition as Judas. Such will never find the peace that passes understanding, until they are ready to forsake all and follow Jesus.

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DON’T TRASH BELONGINGS!

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http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/File:The_Pilgrim%27s_Progress_by_Byam_Shaw05.jpgThis doesn’t necessarily mean the Christian takes all his or her belongings and gives them away.

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But those who choose to forsake all and follow Jesus, begin to lose interest in this selfish world.

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It’s like that old song… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…Look full in His wonderful face…And the things of this world will grow strangely dim…In the light of His glory and grace!”

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Yes, there is a steady moving away from the pursuit of earthly attainments… and a moving toward the, “simplicity that is in Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3.

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

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WHERE DO I BEGIN?

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But the obvious question is, “How do I forsake all?” God is not necessarily asking us to start giving away our earthly possessions. Especially if we are given to impulsiveness, we might be tempted to do this. No, the starting point for us is what God requires, found in Malachi…  
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“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 (read entire passage) 

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This would be a great starting point for Christians. But Jesus is the end of the law, and so we need to continue on, walking that Christ-like pathway.
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Man walking into sun – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – Share-alike-Lic.

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”…

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 The following passage is perhaps one of the most powerful exhortations in the New Testament.

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Just listen… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath lighhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Braet_von_%C3%9Cberfeldt_woman_with_bible_1866.jpgt with darkness?…Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18. (Condensed for brevity) 

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Notice the way that God puts this? He says here, that if we come out from among them and be separate, and touch not the unclean…God will receive us. So, you could say… this is pretty strong language! So if we want God to be a Father to us… we need to make an exodus…from “Egypt”…and be separate, as far as possible.

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Of course, this kind of obedience can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because it is not in our human nature to do many of the works of God. But when empowered by God’s Spirit of Holiness, such obedience becomes our delight.

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

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SATAN’S PRISON HOUSE

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“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26 

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Most Christians have not yet come to this point in their Christian experience. The Church of God has become so intertwined with the worldly elements of this society, that many are hopelessly caught in Satan’s web of deceit. Many have become paralyzed by Satan’s malignant poison. There is an awareness that something’s wrong. But they just can’t quite put their finger on it, as to how to get themselves free.

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But here is the remedy. “Come out from among them”. 2nd Corinthians 6:17 

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STEP #1: STOP WATCHING TV, SECULAR RADIO, ETC….

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But someone will ask the question, “How do I come out from among them?” 

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Probably the first step for most Christians would be to turn off the TV and secular radio and secular Internet, etc… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33. 

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Don’t think that these communication devices are harmless to Christians. Besides being time-stealers, the worldly chatter and faithless ideologies work like yeast to permeate through the soul. making the Christian weak and ineffective in his or her spiritual life. And really! How can we have our minds, “stayed upon Jesus” when we are watching unbelievers on TV? Or listening to un-Christ-like chatter on radio? Or listening to sensual singers on DVDs? 

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For a closer look at this subject, just click here…   “Television and The Image That Speaks”

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“IN THIS WORLD YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION”

John 16:33

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“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribu507px-Elisha Raising Shunammites Son Wikipedia Public Domainlation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33

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There is a great big monkey wrench, as they say, in all this peace and tranquility. It’s that one thing Jesus promised would come upon all Believe800px- Elijah finds cake of bread Artist Daniele da Volterra 1509–1566 Wikipedia Public Domainrs. Tribulation. Persecution. Trials. Unless you have the faith of Elisha (not to be confused with Elijah), you will not experience perfect peace. While the prophet Elijah often became discouraged, the prophet Elisha (picture on left) never seemed to ever become discouraged. They both had very similar experiences. But Elijah (picture on right) just seemed to crumble under pressure. On the other hand, Elisha (who had a double-portion of faith) never ever crumbled during times of discouraging circumstances.

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Elisha Raising Shunammites Son Wikipedia Public Domain.

Elijah finds cake of bread Artist Daniele da Volterra 1509–1566 Wikipedia Public Domain.

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THE SECRET OF ELISHA’S POWER

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Elisha knew something that Elijah found out too late! You see, when Elijah was taken up to Heaven, Elisha realized that Elijah was given to be part of God’s Word. And all the various stories of the Bible have been given to strengthen our faith.

.Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

The Bible says… “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

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This little verse reveals a powerful concept: that God’s Word builds up our faith! The various stories are like the fiery chariot of Elijah! These stories come to our remembrance in times of trouble and doubt! These are the chariots which come to our aid and rescue us from the attacks of the enemy!

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And so, by hiding the precious promises found all through both the Old and New Testaments, the Believer begins to have all these “chariots of promise”, that will come to mind just when they are needed!

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Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

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PURIFIED BY FIRE…

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Listen to Paul’s attitude toward suffering and afflictions… “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:” Colossians 1:2

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Paul had that same double-portion of faith, which Elisha had!

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Listen to Paul…  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10.

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Paul just seemed to not let anything discourage him! When stoned, he just got up, dusted himself off, and returned to the work at hand!

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

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PURIFYING OUR HEARTS

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http://article.wn.com/view/2013/09/06/Bets_on_US_jobs_data_could_lead_gold_south/

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We must allow Jesus to purify our hearts, so that we “come forth as gold”, as it says in Job 23:10. In other words, God sees our hearts  and desires to purify us from all defilement of the soul.

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Listen… “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi  3:3.

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God is not just speaking of one of the lost tribes of Israel here in this passage. Just as the sons of Levi were appointed to be priests of God… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9.

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God has elected His people, us, to be the New Testament priesthood. What a high and holy calling God has elected us to be partakers of!

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gold smelting – Public Domain – wn.com 

Goldkey logo removed – wikipedia – public domain

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THE TRUE SABBATH

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“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

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The Sabbath Rest that God offers us transcends merely ceasing from physical labor one day a week.  It is 24/7/365 Sabbath. Please study Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews ch. 3 & 4. The Sabbath rest that Jesus offers, is a rest that extends to the depths of our souls. It is a calm abiding trust in God’s Word. It is knowing that He will deliver us from each and every problem and satanic assault that comes our way.

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This Sabbath rest spoken of in Matthew 11:28-30, and Hebrews 4 can only be found when we seek God with an undivided heart. 

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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WINNING THE RACE

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Winning the Christian Race (you are free to share)

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When we finally decide that we no longer want to waste our precious time and energies seeking after the cares and pleasures of the world, will we find that peace. Then we will find ourselves winning that “Christian Race”.

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Then we will find ourselves agreeing with Paul as he proclaims, “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   

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For further exploration on the true Sabbath, just click here… “Planet of Rest: What is the True Sabbath?”

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THE END

.picture - soldiers of the cross - armor up!

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PART 3, “PRECIOUS PROMISES”

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Have you ever heard that little song, “How Can You Stand On God’s Promises, If You Don’t Know What They Are?”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bible_paper.jpg

This next section deals with, not only the importance of knowing those precious promises, but also the importance of realizing that God is in total control.

You are encouraged to go to the next part of this series, “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 3, Precious Promises)”

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Bible_paper dave bullock wikimedia share-alike license

 

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

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

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

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgthings.

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgworries, and habits, to name just a few.

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

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.summer w/woman & doves

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

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

.Orion Constellation

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

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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Chur7 stars as Crossch (7 Stars).

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marines_at_Prayer_by_Alex_Raymond.jpg.

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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