Today’s Devotional – July 29th (The Chrysalis Christian, Part 3: Afflictions)
By admin On January 31st, 2021.
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Today’s Devotional – July 29th
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The Chrysalis Christian,
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Part 3:
“Afflictions”
TO READ PART 1, JUST CLICK HERE… ” January 7th (The Chrysalis Christian!)”
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In Part 1 (click here to read), the butterfly was presented as a perfect illustration of the “Born Again” experience.
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That is, it was observed that just like the caterpillar that eats the green herbs of the earth, so too, unconverted humans consume the things of this world, as their time on earth passes by.
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THE CHRYSALIS STAGE
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But the caterpillar finally reaches that time, when it finishes its days on earth. And so, it ceases from its pursuit of earthly food, and begins to form a chrysalis, a type of shell-like encasement.
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And this too, compares to the person who is finished with this selfish world. And that person begins to encompass his daily duties with a backdrop total devotion to prayer and study of God’s Word. All this, of course, is actually the work of the Holy Spirit, upon that person’s heart.
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Chrysalis (Pupa) of a Common Crow Butterfly – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License
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THE DYING STAGE
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Now the caterpillar goes into a metamorphosis-stage. It actually turns into liquid, within the chrysalis! 
It completely dies!
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And so too, the Christian goes through a process of dying to self and dying to this selfish world. And this is greatly accomplished by the many trials which come upon him (or her). And God quite often allows the Devil to bring afflictions upon the Christian, via friends, family or even work-related trials. But God also works through natural events as well. Physical illness can also be used by God to cause the suffering Christian to wrestle in prayer.
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So, whether by physical infirmities, or by spiritual warfare brought on by the Devil, God works through all these many afflictions to cause the Christian to fully cease from trying to bring about good, by his own strength. And thus, the Christian, more and more, dies to his self-will. And more and more, the Christian leans on God’s precious promises!
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Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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JACOB’S NIGHT of WRESTLING
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The caterpillar fully transforms into an entirely new creation within that chrysalis! And now begins a struggle to break free of that Chrysalis.
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And of course, this reminds us of the story of Jacob, as he wrestled all night with an unknown assailant. And Jacob wrestled until the break of day.
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And as he beheld his attacker, he realized that it was none other than the angel of the Lord, with whom he struggled all night! And in those morning hours of the rising of the Sun, Jacob received the ultimate blessing of God!
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No longer would he be known as Jacob the Deceiver. But the Angel pronounced his new name: Israel, The Prince Who Prevailed With God!
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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain
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THE NEW CREATION
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Finally, after some days or weeks of this total transformation, the former caterpillar breaks free from its chrysalis, and emerges as a beautiful butterfly! A totally new Creation of God! Now with wings, it departs from its former earthly estate.
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And now, its sole purpose is to seek the sweet nectar from every correct flower! And in this process, the butterfly unknowingly cross-pollinates all the flowers, as it travels back and forth through the air, and from flower-to-flower.
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South American Butterfly – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License
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LIVING THE CHRIST-LIKE LIFE!
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So too, after the Christian has fully crucified the Old Man within, with all his affections and earthly lusts, that brand-new creation by God is now ready to live out the rest of his, or her life for 
the glory of God!
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And unbeknownst to that Born-Again Christian is a constant witness to the world! Whether at work, or at home, or at recreation with spouse and children, the Christian is spiritually pollinating all those around, with the great Agape Love and Purity and Holiness of Christ.
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Yes, that New Creation of God, is now changed into the likeness of the holy Christ!
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And for the rest of that Christian’s days, there is an ongoing ascension on the upward pathway to Heaven!
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ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings
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TAKE HEART DEAR CHILD OF GOD!
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And so, dear child of God, we must not become discouraged by trials, afflictions, or illnesses, knowing that God can and will work through all these unhappy circumstances, for our ultimate good.
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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.”
2nd Corinthians 12:10
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Munch – Det Syke Barn – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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TO READ PART 4, CLICK HERE…
September 27th (The Chrysalis Christian, Part 4: “From Sinner Into Virgin!”)
Chrysalis (Pupa) of a Common Crow Butterfly – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to endure the many trials and afflictions which are coming upon me! Let me not be discouraged, but strengthen me to remain faithful, even unto death, that I may live eternally with Thee…
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READ MORE…
To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “July 20th (Vaccinated Christians!)”
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
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THE END
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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN
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SPRING/SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS = “COME FOLLOW ME”
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This whole Spring/Summer scenario paints the portrait of just what it means to become a disciple of Jesus. We are all called to “go and sell all you have, and give to the poor…and come follow Me”.
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And so the new Christian begins his or her heavenly sojourn. Oh yes, we’re still here on Earth. But we now begin a spiritual pilgrimage, as we follow Jesus in our hearts, and learn of Him. The Woman Constellation giving birth to the Christ-child typifies the Church (all true worshippers) as we struggle to rightly present Christ to the world. “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” Galatians 4:19.
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So Paul was using this idea of child-birth as way of illustrating how a Believer is in spiritual labor pains, waiting for Christ to be formed within.
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READ MORE…
To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail)”
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TOMORROW:
“July 30th (A Heavenly Hobby!)”
Starry Night at La Silla – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license
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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 
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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #208 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain