Deceived, Deluded, Occupied & Entranced

Time is short and we must make speedy preparations for doing the work that is essential for this time. We know not how soon the crisis will come. It is stealing gradually upon us, as a thief. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God while we’re pursuing our usual courses of eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage; merchants are still engaged in buying and selling; publications are still issuing one upon another; men are jostling one against another, seeking to get the highest place (just as the apostles did right up till the end); pleasure lovers are still attending AMC, Regal & Cinemark Theatres. The Grand National, The Kentucky Derby, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Disney, Magic Kingdom and Reno still stand defiant as the cities of the planes while probation’s hour is fast closing. Every case is about to be eternally decided. How few of us believe with heart and soul that we have a heaven to win and a hell to shun; We show our faith by our works.

Do you perceive the birth pains? Do you hear be beginings of the trumpets? Do you feel the winds beginning to blow as the angels of the four corners loos their grip? The signs of Christ’s coming are fast fulfilling. Satan sees that he has but a short time in which to work, and he has set his agencies to work to stir up the elements of the world, that men may be deceived, deluded, and kept occupied and entranced until the day of probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.

We are in the Last Great Awaking. And in this time truth and error battle for the heart and mind. The Father of Light and the father of lies are playing out the end game. The Prince of Peace and the prince of darkness vie for the throne of your heart and mind. We will be either sealed for eternal life or marked for destruction. There are no thousand years of peace upon this world. The nations will never be one under an earthly government. That kingdom will only come after this earth and the kingdom of darkness have been made to take their thousand year sabbath while we are in Heaven reviewing the cases of men and angels. Only when we return to this earth from our time in Heaven, and the wicked are finally destroyed, and all things are made new, and Jesus is truly King of Kings can we breath a sigh of relief.

        I have seen that many, while praying, used careless and irreverent expressions which grieved the tender Spirit of the Lord and caused their petitions to be shut out of heaven. I also saw that many did not realize what they must be to live in the sight of the Lord, without a High Priest in the Sanctuary, through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

 I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of the “refreshing” and “latter rain” to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in his sight. O, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore, they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and do not purify their souls in obeying the whole truth and are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building.  But there will be no time then to do it; and no Mediator to plead their case before the Father. Before this time, the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” I saw that none could share the “refreshing,” unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, all pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord, and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy, and none but holy beings can ever dwell in his presence.

The kingdoms of this world have not yet become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Do not deceive yourselves; be wide awake and move rapidly, for the night cometh in which no man can work.

The questions were asked, “Do you believe the truth? do you believe the third angel’s message? If you do believe, then act your faith.” … Probationary time will not permit long-protracted years of drill. God is calling; Do you hear His voice as He says,
“Go work today in My vineyard.” – Matthew 21:28.

Compiled, Adapted and modernized from sources https://egwwritings.org/relatedsearch?query=occupied%20entranced&start=0&langs=en&type=basic&period=both&snippet=full&queryType=prefer_exact&order=wrel&dictionarySearchType=exact&isSuggest=false&onlyText=false&tab=related&queryFull=occupied%20entranced

Health Nugget

amazingdiscoveries.org

CHOCOLATE	CAROB POWDER
Methylxanthines and contributing factors in breast cancer and possibly prostrate cancer. Caffeine is a methylxanthine. It is wise to discontinue the use of coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and all forms of methylxanthines.	No methylxanthines
Tannin is present in all brands of cocoa from which chocolate is made, and can have harmful effects on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.	No tannin
Theobromine causes headaches, central nervous system irritation, itching, depression, anxiety, and fibrocystic disease of the breast.	No theobromine
Sugar in large amounts is required to mask the bitter flavor and make it palatable.	Naturally sweet
Fat makes up a minimum of 50% of chocolate’s calories. Oil, cream, or milk is often added which makes it extremely rich, heavy oily, and difficult to digest.	Low in fat (about 2% of its calories)
Contamination often occurs during the processing of cocoa beans. The bean pods are left in piles outdoors to ferment for several days. Fermentation is essential to develop the chocolate flavor. Aflatoxins, which are cancer promoting toxins produced by molds, are produced in the beans. In addition, insects, rodents and small animals may make nests in the piles. Though the beans are later cleaned, roasted, and shelled, contaminants can be present. Some individuals thought to be allergic to chocolate may actually be allergic to the contaminants in the chocolate.	No fermintation necessary; no known allergic reactions
Caffeine Caffeine is the world most widely used drug, and affects the psychological state of those who consume it. The continued use of the narcotic results in headaches, insomnia, heart palpitations, indigestion, irritability, mental feebleness, depression, and numerous other harmful effects on both mind and body. Caffeine is not only considered a habit forming drug, but also addictive. Abuse results in symptoms of caffeinism which is comparable to morphinism, and includes agitation, disorientation, loss of self control, and a syndrome which may be mistake for anxiety/neuroses. Caffeine is found in coffee, non-herbal tea, cola and soft drink beverages, chocolate, and cocoa.	No caffeine

Facts on Carob

• Commonly called “John’s bread”, Honey Locust.
• Comes from pods that are finely ground and made into a flour.
• Rich source of nutrients: Thiamine-B1, Riboflavin-B2, Niacin, Vit A, Calcium
• Also contains Iron, Silicon, Magnesium, Phosphorus
• Low in starch
• Contains only natural sugars
• Low in fat
• Delicious in brownies, pudding, hot drinks, cakes

Source: Ten Talents Vegetarian Cookbook (pg. 27)

“One shall be taken, and the other left”

A Brief Study of Matthew 24:40-41 & Luke 17:34-36

Taken = paralambano: to take with oneself

Left = aphiemi: to send away, put away, leave, abandon, divorce

In English, both “taken” and “left” can have positive or negative meanings:

*taken into heaven by the Bridegroom vs taken in death

*left with His glorious inheritance vs left with all the debts of your ex-husband

However, in the Greek, “taken” and “left” are given a more specific meaning than in the English.

“one shall be taken” (paralambano: to take with oneself)

“and the other left” (aphiemi: to send away).  See Mt 24:40, 41; Lk 17:34, 35, 36

taken: #3880 paralambano: to associate with oneself in a familiar or intimate manner, to receive (near to oneself), to take unto oneself, to take with oneself

This is a wonderful experience when Jesus takes us to Himself!

The same Greek word, paralambano, is used in the following passages: 

John 14:3 “ I will come again, and receive you unto Myself” 

Matt 1:20 “fear not to take unto thee Mary”

Matt 26:37 “Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John”

Col 2:6 “as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord”

1 Thess 2:13 “when ye received the word of God”

left: #863 aphiemi: to send away, put away (forgive or put away sins), leave, abandon, divorce 

This is a horrible experience when Jesus sends the wicked away from Him.

The same Greek word aphiemi is used in the following passages:

Matt 13:36 “Jesus sent the multitude away”

Matt 4:11 “then the devil leaveth Him”

Matt 8:15 “the fever left her”

Matt 26:56 “the disciples forsook Him and fled”

Mark 2:36 “they had sent away the multitude” 

This is why the disciples asked Jesus, “Where, Lord?” 

In other words, “Where will You leave them?” or “Where will You send them away?” Jesus answered, “Wheresoever the body is, 

thither will the eagles be gathered together.” Luke 17:37

“The time of the judgment is a most solemn period, when the Lord gathers His own from among the tares. Those who have been members of the same family are separated. A mark is placed upon the righteous. “They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels: and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Malachi 3:17). Those who have been obedient to God’s commandments will unite with the company of the saints in light; they shall enter in through the gates into the city, and have right to the tree of life. The one shall be taken. His name shall stand in the book of life, while those with whom he associated shall have the mark of eternal separation from God” (9MR 137).  

 [Note: In Matthew 24:39, Jesus used airo when He said that the Flood “took” them all away: airo: remove, lift up, take away. Airo has a different meaning than paralambano. This is why sometimes it is helpful to look at the original Hebrew or Greek words used in the Bible. I did this whole study using the Strong’s Concordance and The Englishman’s Greek Concordance of the New Testament.]

How often have you read or heard these familiar words from the beloved 91st Psalm?

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

Have you ever wondered just what that ‘secret place’ is?

The Bible has more to say about it; look here at Isaiah 26:20, 21

“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.” Here again as in the 91st psalm, we are told of a terrible time of destruction on the world and about a hiding place where God’s people are safe and protected. Notice what the messenger of the Lord has to say about this same scenario in Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-17-01

A Time of Trouble

“Satan claims the world, but there is a little company who withstand his devices, and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Satan sets himself to destroy this commandment-keeping company. But God is their tower of defense. He will raise up for them a standard against the enemy. He will be to them “as an hiding place from the wind,” and “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” He will say to them, “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.”

WHERE IS THE PLACE?

We see here that God is that ‘Secret Place’ where His people are to find shelter. But what exactly does that mean? The following paragraph sheds more light on the subject: “Some of these agents of Satan were affecting the bodies of some of the saints—those whom they could not deceive and draw away from the truth by a Satanic influence. Oh, that all could get a view of it as God revealed it to me, that they might know more of the wiles of Satan and be on their guard! I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling. Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, and the covering drawn over God’s people, and they left out, without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues.” Early Writings of Ellen G. White Pg. 44.

Here we see people that God wants to place in His secret place, but they are not co-operating with Him. Instead they are unsure and doubting, fearful and unbelieving. So we realize that the true ‘Hiding Place’ must be the opposite of this, instead of doubting and fearing, those in this safe state will be believing and trusting. This is confirmed in Isaiah 26:3. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Their minds are focused on the Lord, and they are in perfect peace because they TRUST in Him. Another meaning of peace is rest; Hebrews 4:9-11, talks about a rest that we must enter into. By the way, the Sabbath is a symbol of that special rest, that sure hiding place that we must be in, to be secure in the trials and darkness of the last days. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath 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.” Notice again that unbelief prevents them from entering into that rest, just as we see the fearful, doubting ones in the quote above, “Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth” In Revelation we are shown those who make it through; Revelation 14:12 “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the

commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Notice they have the faith OF Jesus, it is not merely faith in Jesus. It is the very faith Jesus had, that He triumphed with in the battle with evil. It is a sure faith, tried in the fire of affliction and proven successful. It is that “Gold, tried in the fire,” Revelation 3 talks about. Jesus sells it to us without money, we buy it by giving Him our wretched, sin-polluted hearts, making that total surrender to His will.

That total surrender, that choice to absolutely believe in Jesus, that decision to Trust in Him though the heavens fall, is what it means to enter into the Secret Place of the Most High. It takes time, study, heart searching and much quiet meditation to obtain that Perfect Peace. As the trials thicken around us we must reach up for more and more Faith and Trust. Remember, true Faith can only be “planted firmly on the truth” that is, on God’s Holy Word. This kind of faith can not be obtained in an instant, it takes effort and time, just like any other science, it is not mastered overnight. Satan’s work is to keep us busy and distracted so that the time available to us to perfect this saving faith, to search our own hearts as it were with a lighted candle and find every sin, then confessing them and obtaining not only pardon but power and victory over it. You don’t learn to trust perfectly in Jesus in an instant. Day by day as the trials of the daily life hit us, are we standing stiffly for truth? Are our feet riveted firmly to that Rock?

DEVIL’S PLANS

I urge you that if you are not experiencing real victory in your daily life right NOW, that you rearrange your priorities to learn how, and seek the Lord until you do have it. The last hours of earth’s allotted time are slipping though our fingers and we are so often “too busy” for spiritual things. Satan would keep us that way. Did you realize that he does not need to get you to do something ‘bad’ for you to be lost? Oh, no! He just has to keep you too busy to gain that spiritual preparation until it is too late. You may be ‘too busy’ with good work, with things not wrong in themselves; but if you are not daily growing in spiritual strength, Satan will have you in the end. We all tend to think, ‘I am just in this situation for now, I know I am not spending time enough on my personal salvation and my family’s spiritual health is not good, but I just have to finish this course; or get this paid for; or accomplish this project; and then I’ll be OK and will make up for it’. That my friends, is the devil’s best lie; put off salvation until tomorrow! And do you know what he does? He lets you finish one thing and he gets you launched into another or some kind of trouble and before you know it you’re doing the same thing all over again! Millions will wake up when it is too late and say “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved”. Jeremiah 8:20

Please take time to ponder these tragic words! What if you do buy all the things you want? What if you do get all the honors or complete all the projects? But lose your own soul? The Bible has simple advice that will beat the devil at his evil game, it says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Yes, friends, sort out your priorities until you are having time for real communion with your Lord, until the Bible becomes a power in your life, until you are truly experience VICTORY in your daily walk. How did Enoch walk with God? He WITHDREW frequently from society and spent time alone with God. Jesus did the same. We don’t gain anything worthwhile in this earth without effort, do we? Art, music, science, skills, it all takes practice and time to perfect them. Why do we think that we can gain the GREATEST PRIZE of all, eternal life, with only a half-hearted effort once in a while?

FINDING TIME

There are so many frivolous things we waste time on, and money and energy also. Sometimes you have time, but are so exhausted you can’t even think. That is why you put God first—in the morning give him the best not the dregs. Let’s look at some of the frivolous time wasters: Long, meaningless chats with friends, TV, worldly music, sports, many hobbies, excessive time used in preparing fancy food or learning fashions, worldly holiday activities, attending meetings where the present truth is not being taught (Meetings where the truth is attacked are not frivolous, they are deadly!), computer games, videos, we could go on and on. I urge each one that we seriously analyze HOW we are using our precious last hours of preparation time. The sands will soon run out, we don’t know how soon, but we do know that most will not be ready!! Don’t let it be you.

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:20

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Revelation 22:15

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Revelation 22:16

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:18

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Revelation 22:21