Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †
Posted in Uncategorized
✝️ DAILY DEVOTIONAL, March 15, 2021
All This and A Crown Too
Failing Christian Leaders
By Pastor Cornelius R. Stam
Have you been disappointed in your pastor or the officers of your church or perhaps in Christian leaders in general? Have you placed great faith in some spiritual leader only to be disillusioned and to find out that your faith has been misplaced? Have you observed the growing popularity of some evangelist or Bible teacher whom you “know” to be insincere, while noting that another, whose fidelity and sincerity are beyond question, seems to get nowhere?
How it helps, in such situations, to be able to “rightly divide the Word of truth,” and to enjoy “the full assurance of understanding” that comes with “the full knowledge [Gr., epignosis] of the mystery”! (Col. 2:2).
In “this present evil age” we are living under “the dispensation of the grace of God.”
God is not saving good people today, nor even people who will repent and “do works meet for repentance.” Rather, He is saving poor sinners who will come to Him with all their sin. This is God’s gracious response to man’s rejection of the King and the kingdom as offered at Pentecost.
Look at the way believers lived together in love and harmony during the Pentecostal era and you are apt to exclaim: “Why can’t we live that way today? Let’s get back to Pentecost.” But look at the way believers lived together after the raising up of Paul, even among his beloved Philippians, and you will say: “It is no different today.” This is because the believers at Pentecost were all filled with the Spirit in fulfillment of a prophetic promise, while today He has in grace committed His message to failing men and women, who indeed possess the Spirit, but often grieve Him.
https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/failing-christian-leaders/
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Ephesians Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
“This is because the believers at Pentecost were all filled with the Spirit in fulfillment of a prophetic promise, while today He has in grace committed His message to failing men and women, who indeed possess the Spirit, but often grieve Him”
Genesis 1:1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
In scripture, there are two different baptisms with the Holy Spirit. Israel’s prophetic program (to reconcile the EARTH) has Christ baptizing with the Spirit.
Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
The previous two verses describe Christ being the one baptizing with the Holy Ghost. The proof of this was the manifestation of visible, repeatable miraculous signs and gifts. Water baptism was an integral part of the gospel of the Kingdom, for Israel ON THE EARTH:
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
After [national] Israel committed the unpardonable sin by blaspheming the Holy Ghost and lost their “most favored nation” status with God (Acts 7:51-60/ Romans 11/ Eph.2:14); the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ reached down from heaven and saved Saul in Acts 9 and ushered in the dispensation of Grace, where Israel is now numbered with the lost Gentile nations.
Peter was notified of that in Acts 10.
Eph 2:11 ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 ¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
In the present dispensation of Grace, aka the mystery (to reconcile the HEAVENLY PLACES), the Holy Spirit is the one doing the baptizing (of believers into Christ):
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Water baptism is no longer a requirement for salvation and the sign gifts (which belonged to the nation of Israel), were temporary and ceased to exist during Paul’s lifetime:
1 Corinthians 1:17 ¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Psalm 74:9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
The present dispensation of grace in which we live is separate and distinct from the earthly Kingdom for the nation of Israel. The majority of believers today conflate the two, because they want Israel’s earthly blessings today. It was NOT previously made known and revealed only to Paul; otherwise Satan would not have instigated the crucifixion.
1 Corinthians 2:6 ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
We have a heavenly position and calling, Israel does not. Which is why we need a new body, because this one is unable to function in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
When Satan and the fallen angels are cast out of the heavenly places and eventually wind up in the lake of fire, those positions in the heavenly places have to be filled.
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Just like we have “issues” with government running things down here, there are issues in the heavenly places as well.
Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
After the church of this dispensation (described in Romans to Philemon) has been removed, God will return to dealing with the nation of Israel to fulfill his promises to them. You can read about that in Hebrews to Revelation.
Tucker made this curious, nonsense statement:
“if the Chinese decided to close international shipping lanes, it would cripple our economy.”
The only shipping lanes the Chinese can close by occupation are through the Sth China Sea.
He might be confusing that with the Straits of Malacca off Singapore.
Only Taiwan has Sth China problems. Japan, Sth Korea have other maritime route options.
The US couldn’t care less shipping wise, but China closing SCS means 100% trade embargo by the US.
But it also works both ways. If China closes the SCS it also loses it’s access to the rest of the world. Closing it for everyone but Chinese maritime uses assumes that the rest of the world would go along. I suspect instead, that we would see other maritime nations in the region combine to prevent Chinese flagged vessels from leaving the SCS. Big as it is the Chinese navy isn’t big enough to prevent the combined naval forces of threatened nations to allow their economies to collapse without using their combined forces to oppose the disputed international shipping lanes.. That, after all, is why they have ’em. Further, that kind of brinksmanship is deadly dangerous when several of the effected powers have nukes.
It will never happen, Mitch McConnell’s father in law will make sure!
Didn’t the contract to manage the Panama Canal go to a Chinese government owned business?
Not sure who controls the Suez Canal, always assumed it is controlled by Egypt, perhaps they farmed that out to a Chinese firm hiding behind the name of a non-Chinese shell? Had not looked at that. Something to dig into to day. Thanks.
Memories from a better time . . .
One more . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxGb7KJ6DaY
Ah Garrison, one of my favorites. Idk why but the “Willin” lyrics always tickled me and to hear Linda Ronstadt sing it is a surprise. A nice one. Thanks.
Thank you, Garrison.. a truly underrated group. Here is a live clip of one of my favorite Little Feat Songs.. “Dixie Chicken” performed live, along with a little help from some musical icons. I like this version, however it isn’t the full lyric but still fun to hear.
Absolutely love Little Feet!!
One of my favs.
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best song in joe dans’ latest episode “DC vs AMERICA” ?
Similing Faces ..
https://youtu.be/tgf6qGOSkak
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What was Wallis Simpson’s secret to get a British king to abdicate?
According to Eleanor, Wallis learned the “Shanghai Squeeze” in 1924 while in China and married to her first husband.
Wallis looks just a tad uncomfortable there. Wonder why?
Interesting juxtaposition of Wallis and Miss Markle, although I doubt Markle knows anything about a Shanghai Squeeze or anything remotely similar. Way too self-absorbed.
Good morning Treepers. A post here with some advice for helping families prosper. I know that many of you are grandparents, as I am. We have so many opportunities to help our grandchildren develop into strong, good, faith filled young men and women.
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2021/03/strong-families-strong-selves
The decline of real freedom is a feature of modern life. Tolerance is revered as the badge of an enlightened people. But an unwillingness to name evil, to teach right from wrong, and to resist the behaviors wickedness creates, is a recipe for license, not freedom. John Paul stressed that authentic freedom is the ability to do what’s right, not necessarily what we want. Parents need to teach the same. Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, and our responsibility is to Truth. Jesus himself said that “you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”
Excellent article Menagerie. Hits on so many truths. A retired Theology teacher told me she always prayed over her grandchildren for God’s gift of Wisdom. May He grant us all that gift.
Thank you. God bless you and your family.
Thank you, and may the good Lord bless you and yours always.
. . . but deliver us from the Evil One.
Amen ?
Prayer of Saint Ioannikios the Great of Bithynia (+ 846)
My hope is the Father, my refuge the Son, my protection the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
The 50th Psalm Septuagint (Psalm 51 KJV)
The Prayer of Saint Ephraim of Syria (+ 373) is part of daily life during Great Lent.
THE DISCIPLINE OF DISMAY
“And as they followed, they were afraid.” Mark x. 32
At the beginning we were sure we knew all about Jesus Christ, it was a delight to sell all and to fling ourselves out in a hardihood of love; but now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is on in front and He looks strange: “Jesus went before them and they were amazed.”
There is an aspect of Jesus that chills the heart of a disciple to the core and makes the whole spiritual life gasp for breath. This strange Being with His face “set like a flint” and His striding determination, strikes terror into me. He is no longer Counsellor and Comrade, He is taken up with a point of view I know nothing about, and I am amazed at Him. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realize there is a distance between Jesus Christ and me; I can no longer be familiar with Him. He is ahead of me and He never turns round; I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely far off.
Jesus Christ had to fathom every sin and every sorrow man could experience, and that is what makes Him seem strange. When we see Him in this aspect we do not know Him, we do not recognize one feature of His life, and we do not know how to begin to follow Him. He is on in front, a Leader Who is very strange, and we have no comradeship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is essential in the life of discipleship. The danger is to get back to a little fire of our own and kindle enthusiasm at it (cf. Isaiah l. 10-11). When the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is an unspeakable joy.
Oswald Chambers
March 15th Devotional
A day of reckoning is coming…?
Scenes Beyond the Grave – Marietta Davis
Chapter XIX – Centre Dome of Infant Paradise
19:1
“Marietta, this is the city where thou hast beheld the infant nurseries, to which, from scenes of sorrow and death thou art permitted to return. From this position above the centre dome of the infant nursery, thou canst behold the order and use of this temple of education. Here are congregated the schools of Infant Paradise, and here they are instructed in the higher degrees of useful employment.”
As the spirit closed, suddenly the great dome below us opened, and presented at one single view its glory and magnificence. In it I saw united all the grandeur, variety and order of the entire paradise. Again, I saw in the centre, the Cross. Around it were twelve spirits, in each of whose hands was a lesser cross and a harp. Upon their heads were crowns bright with gems. Below these and filling the broad arena encircled with magnificent galleries, were convened the members of schools from the different temples and wards throughout the city. Over each was a presiding spirit whose movements were closely observed by those below them. As I looked I beheld unnumbered bands of infants, whose shining robes presented every imaginable hue. In the hand of each was a rose, in whose folds was combined every variety of flower that blooms upon the plains. Upon each rose rested a small white dove, and across its wings was written, “Holiness to the Lord.” Before each infant was an open scroll, upon which appeared to be written, in characters I could in no wise understand, that which was their first lesson here. All having their position, were motionless as they poised composedly in the light near their protecting spirits. Each infant appeared to expect directions from the twelve spirits who were around the Cross, upon whom they now fixed their attention. O, how blissful the silence that prevailed and which revealed the perfect order and Divine harmony of the place.
To be continued…
Breathtaking. In the cemetary where my youngest sister is buried, there is an entire section of infant graves. It made such an impact on me so many years ago, but has been dormant until reading this. Thank you.
Did you see what each infants rose had between the petals? Every flower that blooms…mind blowing! I cannot even comprehend that!
It’s as vast as the Lord’s universe and number of stars. Our mortal minds cannot comprehend.
“What our senses fail to fathom, let us grasp through faith’s consent.”
https://twitter.com/AnimalsWorId/status/1371012293627047940
One week ago today, at 10:45 am, I had a TIA. Transient Ischemic Attack. Commonly called a mini-stroke. My left arm, left side of tongue and jaw, went numb. They still worked and I could still talk. Drove to hospital. Symptoms peaked to where had trouble talking during 11:20 am intake at hospital. MRI showed no brain damage and symptoms abated by discharge next day at 3:00 pm.
Diagnosis based on above was TIA. However, tests found 40% blockage of carotid artery, right side, in brain. Also possible AFIB. Am wearing heart monitor for next 30 days. The TIA, 40% blockage, and possible AFIB put me at elevated risk for full blown stroke, especially in next 30 days.
Certified (key word) hospitals can administer drug TPA to break up stroke caused blood clots in brain, thus restoring blood flow and preventing worse damage. TPA works in minutes. People can go home and live an independent, somewhat normal life, instead of being paralyzed, unable to swallow, speak, see, or bathe/dress/brush their teeth. A beloved family member is in such state from stroke. They aren’t living. They die all day long, every day, and will until they leave this earth.
TPA has a 4 hour window. Given after 4 hours it can cause brain bleeding, guaranteeing much, much worse outcome than if not given.
This is a heavy blow. Afraid to be more than 1, 2 hours at most, from local hospital that’s qualified to give TPA. Dreams of traveling America by RV, hunting Alaska, backpacking Yellowstone, and more are shattered. A stroke in any of those places guarantees the worst possible outcome. Have follow up appts with neurologist and cardiologist. Am contemplating Him and why in all this.
Praying for you.
Thank you. My paternal grandfather passed in 1984. Wonderful guy. Miss him still.
I am sorry to hear about your TIA. You need to make sure the neurologist looks for clotting disorders and inflammatory conditions that can lead to blood clots. If you are over 55, make sure you are tested for giant cell arteritis.
Boots, bummer about the summer. Time to get out the local events calendar and plan a great summer at home with friends/family. I did it one summer with my mother in law and had the best time. We went to concerts in the parks and watched the trains ride by. Such an awesome slice of Americana I will never forget. Went to the local parades, saw the local talent, did wine tastings, and lots of porch sitting. Took her grandkids to the park and watched them play in the water features. You are active, so plan moonlight bikerides or hikes, jumping off a rope swing into the river (if one in town) or whatever is near you. Do some volunteer work for the local shelters, church or whatever.
I recommend watching the movie, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. I just saw it, it was a joy.
Hi Elle;
Thank you for reminding me of the simple joys of what’s around our own home towns.
Best,
Boots
No, thank YOU. Had a few issues of my own this year and sharing that with you made me pull out a calendar and start to fill in specific events for the summer. The key is to plan it out in advance, or before you know it the summer is gone and you pi**ed the time away. Life is short.
Dad had a similar story to flyovers below. TIA late 50’s and lived and active life into his 80’s. He was a pill in the restaurants when we went out to eat….always lecturing the poor server on how he wanted his food, like that scene in When Harry Met Sally. Have a friend who had to lower her salt intake and says she is ultimately dissatisfied with the choices within her restrictions, so now she just orders a vodka and OJ and enjoys the company instead.
Do you drink, here’s a little tip your doctor won’t tell you (see #3) https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/a18825988/vodka-health-benefits/
In moderation….of course 🙂
Am praying. Grace to you. ✝️
Thank you, Frank.
Job. A thunderous book. Thank you.
Clean Monday follows Forgiveness Sunday (which commemorated the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden).
The beginning of Orthodox Great Lent is the start of the Great Fast. This is accompanied by increased prayers to lead one’s soul to repentance, to compunction.
The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete is prayed in parts on this evening and for the next several this week. Each line is drawn from or inspired by the Holy Scriptures in a masterpiece of perfect unity and coherence.
Kontakion. Plagal of Second Tone.
“My soul, my soul, arise! Wherefore dost thou slumber? The end is drawing nigh, and thou shalt be troubled. Arouse thyself, that Christ God may spare thee; for He is present and filleth all things.”
Mornin’ infidels!
Mornin’ WeeWeed.
That sums up Western medicine.
Succinct and profound..
Some great insights on intercessory prayer today.
Verse of the Day for Monday, March 15, 2021
✟
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Thank You, .Jesus, for blessings received and prayers answered!!!
BE MY VOICE
PRAYING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD
Father God, I now follow your command to put on the full armor of God, because my battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the unseen world.
I first pray on the Belt of Truth that it may be buckled around my waist, may I be centered and encircled by your truth dear Lord. Hem me inside all that is true and right, and may I be protected and held up by the truth of your living word, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Breastplate of righteousness, please protect my vital organs and my inner man, cover my integrity, my spirit, and my soul. Guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life, please strengthen and guard the most vulnerable places in my life with that which is right, good, and noble that I might not receive a fatal blow from the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Gospel Shoes of Peace. I choose to stand in the shoes of your good news, and on the firm foundation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the solid eternal rock. All other ground is sinking sand, I pray that I will not slip or fall, but that my feet would be firmly fitted on your lordship, my Lord Jesus. I choose to stand on you, so that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, the eternal Rock of Ages. I receive your holy peace now my Lord, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray the Shield of Faith into my hand now. As I take up the shield of faith, I ask that you might extinguish every dart and arrow, that is launched from the enemy to take me down spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and every attempt of the enemy to destroy my joy. I ask that my faith in you would make it flame out. Extinguish every flaming arrow that would come against me, my life, my family, my home, or my ministry. May my faith always be out in front of me like a shield. Give me the courage to “faith my fears” by choosing to walk by faith and not by sight, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Helmet of Salvation, that you might protect my mind from the thoughts that can lead me astray. I choose to take every thought captive, and arrest all intentioned ideas and motives that would harm others, or distract me from your holy will for me. I submit every captured thought to the Lordship of my Lord Jesus Christ, and ask that you would imprison those thoughts that are not of you my Lord. Transform my mind and renew my thinking that I may think God thoughts, and have a sober mind that is focused on your glory. Please protect me from being double minded that I may allow my mind, I reject to live an earthly life, because I choose to live a holy one, governed by you My Lord Jesus, the prince of peace, please have my mind to be saturated with the holy mind of Christ, in my Lord Jesus name.
Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the holy word of God, I pray this powerful offensive weapon into my hand, and ask that your holy word would be fitting for every encounter I face. As the enemy gets close to me, please give me the insight, wisdom, and skill to wield the word of God to drive away the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
May the enemy and his team flee from me, upon hearing the word of God spoken by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the sword of the spirit to cut through the wiles of the devil, so that I may discern the schemes of the enemy when he is near.
With all kinds of prayers, supplication, and intercession I pray to you my Lord God as the one who fights my battles. Now that I’m in your holy powerful armor, I walk away covered and ready to face my day as you go before me, and please protect me in the midst of the spiritual warfare in this unseen world, in my Lord Jesus name.
Thank you my Lord, for the spiritual weapons of armor and prayer that you have given me. It is written no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses me.
Thank you Father God, my Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, that I am more than a conqueror in my Lord Jesus. I pray all of this in the mighty name of my Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, amen.
A kind of a test to see what a long text post look like. From John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Sect. 9:
The Flatterer
So they went on, and Ignorance followed. They went then till they came at a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, and seemed withal to lie as strait as the way which they should go; and here they knew not which of the two to take, for both seemed strait before them: therefore here they stood still to consider. And as they were thinking about the way, behold a man black of flesh, but covered with a very light robe, come to them, and asked them why they stood there. They answered, they were going to the Celestial City, but knew not which of these ways to take. “Follow me,” said the man, “it is thither that I am going.”
So they followed him in the way that but now came into the road, which by degrees turned, and turned them so far from the city that they desired to go to, that in a little time their faces were turned away from it; yet they follow him. But by and by, before they were aware, he led them both within the compass of a net, in which they were both so entangled that they knew not what to do; and with that the white robe fell off the black man’s back. Then they saw where they were. Wherefore there they lay crying some time, for they could not get themselves out.
Christian: Then said Christian to his fellow, Now do I see myself in an error. Did not the shepherds bid us beware of the Flatterer? As is the saying of the wise man, so we have found it this day: “A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet” (Prov. 29:5).
Hopeful: They also gave us a note of directions about the way, for our more sure finding thereof; but therein we have also forgotten to read, and have not kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Here David was wiser than we; for saith he, “Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the Destroyer” (Psa. 17:4).
Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net. At last they espied a Shining One coming towards them with a whip of small cords in his hand. When he was come to the place where they were, he asked them whence they came, and what they did there. They told him that they were poor pilgrims going to Zion, but were led out of their way by a black man clothed in white, who bid us, said they, follow him, for he was going thither too. Then said he with the whip, It is Flatterer, a false apostle, that hath transformed himself into an angel of light (Dan. 11:32; 2 Cor. 11:13, 14). So he rent the net, and let the men out. Then said he to them, Follow me, that I may set you in your way again. So he led them back to the way which they had left to follow the Flatterer.
Then he asked them, saying, Where did you lie the last night? They said, With the shepherds upon the Delectable Mountains. He asked them then if they had not of the shepherds a note of direction for the way. They answered, Yes. But did you not, said he, when you were at a stand, pluck out and read your note? They answered, No. He asked them, Why? They said they forgot. He asked, moreover, if the shepherds did not bid them beware of the Flatterer. They answered, Yes; but we did not imagine, said they, that this fine-spoken man had been he (Rom. 16:17, 18).
Then I saw in my dream, that he commanded them to lie down; which when they did, he chastised them sore, to teach them the good way wherein they should walk (Deut. 25:2; 2 Chron. 6:27), and as he chastised them, he said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:19). This done, he bids them to go on their way, and take good heed to the other directions of the shepherds. So they thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly along the right way, singing,
Edited to add italics.
Malaysia’s government seems to want a restriction on Christians using ‘Allah’ to describe God. They want to JoeBama the court to overturn the current freedom Christians have right now. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-government-appeal-ruling-christians-allah-publications-14412310
He finally remembered that he’s Catholic.
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https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1371446172230029312
This, after coming out with that “SEND MONEY WE ARE BROKE!” message this past weekend?
lol….
A fundraising stunt, nothing more.
More US troops in Afghanistan than publicly announced, news report says
https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/more-us-troops-in-afghanistan-than-publicly-announced-news-report-says-1.665857
“Where empires go to die….”
That is nasty………………………………but funny.
lilbirdee12’s prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, Your children come to you tonight to ask for healing and peace throughout our country so that we may return to being One Nation Under God. Guide us to be leaders in Your Kingdom, spreading Your Love and Salvation to all. Forgive us our sins and deliver us from evil.
Lord, we ask for a blanket of protection over all our troops and law enforcement who serve to defend and protect us. Bless our representatives with the strength and wisdom they need to achieve the path You have chosen for us.
Please place Your Guardian Angels of Protection around Donald Trump and his family as they seek to lead America back to You. Also, we pray for Angels to protect and support our Sundance as he works for justice and peace.
Grant us patience, Lord, as the evil ones try to anger us and cause us to fall.
Spread blessings over Israel and Netanyahu.
We humbly ask that You please comfort those who are grieving and in pain.
Thank you Father, for Your Love and the gift of Life.
In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLY
Ruh Roh , Scooby Doo! 😉
.