#How to Intercede for your Nation

[firesnap]

Rambling about bad c!Crime takes in 2024.

I think the struggle with being a c!Crime fan during peak DSMP was having to deal with the people who would unironically use "vilbur" like it was a badge of honor and the ones who legitimately thought c!Tommy was 8-years-old at the beginning of L'Manberg.

Like, I don't need to rehash a lot of this. A hundred meta essays were about how Tommy was not responsible for Wilbur's mental health, that he was a front row audience member watching Wilbur's decline and begging people to intercede because he was a damn teenager with zero tools in his kit for "help my brother is frightening me and he's ten feet from me but I think I've lost him in this cave."

But you can still see people go "Ok Tommy helped make Wilbur worse."

No. Just no Tommy's worst behaviors didn't impact Wilbur because Wilbur was so far into his own spiral at that point that it just didn't even phase him if Tommy called him insane. You can't put that on Tommy. When Wilbur came back he even said he could recognize the man he was back then was frightening and beyond what Tommy should have had to see.

But, saying Wilbur acted on violent delusions on Tommy or emotionally abused him or isolated Tommy on purpose... Girl this isn't exile arc and you're not getting c!Crime.

Wilbur and Tommy at their best were moments were like... Tommy with a shield in front of Wilbur, Wilbur with a hand on Tommy's shoulder saying to be better than Wilbur ever was, Tommy and Wilbur running through a small nation and dancing on beaches and laughing at how fucking much the other one sucked with every bit of affection in the world tied behind those words. It was a loop of I'd die for you, I'd die for anything but especially you and Who the fuck ever asked you to die??

At their worst they were a negative feedback loop that fed each other. Tommy was possessive of Wilbur, from even the early L'Manberg days, to the point where Wilbur often neglected other relationships to give Tommy attention. He was angry at Wilbur for falling off the pedestal that Tommy put him on. Wilbur was just as dependent on Tommy being always behind him and took advantage of the fact that Tommy wouldn't leave. He dumped his own fears and paranoia and self-hatred at Tommy's feet and then assumed that this person younger than him could sort through it.

And if you can't handle hearing how they fed the worst parts of each other, then maybe you aren't really here for that dynamic. Maybe you've made something else up in your head that you like more. And that's fine, man. Do whatever the server is gone. Just don't act like your personal version is what canon gave us.

Also, something something it's totally fine to dislike Wilbur's finale btw, but as imperfect as the execution was, it was right on board with what they were telling us about c!Crime from right when Wilbur was revived to Wilbur telling Ranboo that, essentially, Tommy would never leave him and Wilbur knew that wasn't healthy. They needed to break the cycle to save themselves and whatever brotherhood was between them.

They were about acknowledging they were tied to each other in fucked up and unhealthy ways, but needing that sense of brother so much that they were both afraid to do anything about it.

[artandthebible]

The Temptation of our Lord

Artist: John Runciman (Scottish, 1744-1768)

Date: Mid 1760's

Medium: Oil on panel

Collection: National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meaning and Purpose of Jesus' Temptations

The three temptations by Satan in the wilderness were not the only temptations our Lord ever suffered on Earth. We read in Luke 4:2 that He was tempted by the devil for forty days, but He was undoubtedly tempted at other times (Luke 4:13; Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 22:42), and yet in all this He was without sin or compromise. Although some have suggested that the Lord’s period of fasting compares with that of both Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), the main point is how the Lord deals with temptation in the light of His humanity.

It is because He is human, and made like us in every way, that He could do three vital things: 1) destroy the devil’s power and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:15); 2) become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God and atone for our sins (Hebrews 2:17); and 3) be the One who is able to sympathize with us in all our weaknesses and infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Our Lord’s human nature enables Him to sympathize with our own weaknesses, because He was subjected to weakness, too. More importantly, we have a High Priest who is able to intercede on our behalf and provide the grace of forgiveness.

Jesus’ temptations follow three patterns that are common to all men. The first temptation concerns the lust of the flesh (Matthew 4:3–4). Our Lord is hungry, and the devil tempts Him to convert stones into bread, but He replies with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. The second temptation concerns the pride of life (Matthew 4:5–7), and here the devil uses a verse of Scripture (Psalm 91:11–12), but the Lord replies again with Scripture to the contrary (Deuteronomy 6:16), stating that it is wrong for Him to abuse His own powers. The third temptation concerns the lust of the eyes (Matthew 4:8–10), and if any quick route to the Messiahship could be attained, bypassing the passion and crucifixion for which He had originally come, this was the way. The devil already had control over the kingdoms of the world (Ephesians 2:2) but was now ready to give everything to Christ in return for His allegiance. But the mere thought almost causes the Lord’s divine nature to shudder at such a concept and He replies sharply, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

[allegraforchrist]

If you are a leader in the church; and your instinct is to preach politics against specific influencers and support a country, and not preach against the policies that threaten unborn life, elderly safety, and human dignity and repentance and yielding to the Holy Spirit and interceding on behalf of nations whose people are martyred and slaughtered... the anointing has left you. You are not speaking on behalf of God, you are not evangelizing scripture or bringing souls to salvation: you are a false teacher, a false prophet, a false evangelist - you are the heretic. You're playing church, and winning in the race to hell. To eternal condemnation.

And if you as a Christian are in a church, and feel guilty enough to lean into or overlook this absolute blaspheme, you are not in Christ. Christ might be in you, but you are not in Him. Stop listening to commentary and read the Word. Stop listening to lectures and listen to sermons from God-Fearing men and women. You will very easily see how much scripture is left out, or false scirpture is added in, and how much Christians have been playing along in these political socially-skewed ideological games. We are to be Holy, not politically correct. We are to be discerning, testing every spirit, not getting into the spirit of things. We are for Christ, not whoever attaches Christ to whatever. We are for the death to ourselves, not the livelihood of theology.

We are for the Kingdom, not the applause.

[laughter-of-the-rose]

I was brought to tears reading this hadith in Imam al-Haddad's The Lives of Men. How beautiful is it to be that which Musa (as) made dua to Allah (swt) for himself and when he couldn't have it he made dua to become it. No matter our difficulties we have each been blessed by the virtue of our existence in the ummah of rasoolullah (pbuh). Without knowing or even asking for it. How could we ever be grateful enough for such honour? Subhanallah.

Wahb ibn Munabbih, may God show him His mercy, said: 'When Moses, upon whom be peace, read the Tablets, he found mentioned in them the merits of the nation of Muhammad, may blessings and peace be upon him, and he said: "O Lord! Which is this mercy-given nation that I find in the Tablets?" God answered: "It is the nation of Ahmad, whose people are content with whatever little provision I give them, and I am content with whatever little good works they do. I make each one of them enter the Garden by his testimony that La ilaha illa'Llah". 'And then Moses said: "I find in the Tablets a nation of people who shall be resurrected and assembled on the Day of Rising with their faces like full moons. Let them be my nation!" But God replied: "They are the nation of Ahmad, I shall gather them resurrected on the Day of Rising, when their forefeads and limbs shall be blazing white from the effect of their wudu'—ablutions and their prostrations." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people whose clothes are on their backs and whose swords are on their shoulders, people of certitude and dependence [tawakkel]; they glorify God from minaret-tops, and they do battle against the Dajjal. Let them be my nation!" But He said: "They are the nation of Ahmad!" 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people who pray five times each day and night, at five hours of the day, for whom the gates of Heaven are opened and upon whom mercy descends; let them be my nation!" But He said: "They are the nation of Ahmad!" 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation for whom the [whole] earth is a place of worship and ritually pure, and for whom booty is lawful; let them be my nation!" But He replied "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people who fast the month of Ramadan for You, and whom You forgive all they had done before; let them be my nation!" But He replied: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "What will You give them for that?" And God said: "I shall grant them more forgiveness, and shall allow them to intercede for those who come after them." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the tablets a nation of people who ask forgiveness for their sins; when they raise their food to their mouths it does not reach their stomachs before they are forgiven; they start [eating] with Your Name and end with Your praise; let them be my nation!" But He replied: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people whose gospels are held within their breasts and they recite them; let them be my nation!" But he answered: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people among whom, when one of them intends a good deed but does not perform it, it is written as one good deed for him, while if he does not perform it, it is written as ten to seven hundred times its worth; let them be my nation!" But God said: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation among whom, when one of them intends a sin but does not commit it, it is not recorded against him, while if he does commit it, it is written as a single sin; let them be my nation!" But He replied: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation who are the best of people, who exhort to good and forbid evil; let them by my nation!" But He said: "They are the nation of Ahmad." 'Moses said: "O Lord! I find in the Tablets a nation of people who will be resurrected and brought on the Day of Rising as three groups. One group shall enter the Garden without reckoning, another's reckoning will be easy, and another will be rigorously judged, then made to enter the Garden; let them be my nation!" But He said: "They are the nation of Ahmad."

'Moses said: "O Lord! You have spread out all this goodness for Ahmad and his nation; let me be a member of his nation!" But God told him: "O Moses! I have chosen and preferred you over other people with My Message and My Speech; take what I have givenyou, and be one of the thankful."'

[vodika-vibes]

Once Upon A December

Summary: 20 years ago a coup in a neighboring nation led to the entire royal family getting executed. Captain Keeli of the ARC Knights of Mandalore has been tasked with investigating the rumors of the survival of the youngest Princess.

Pairing: Captain Keeli x Reader

Word Count: 3164

Warnings: Mentions of child death, but nothing detailed

A/N: This is an Anastasia twist. The title explicitly stated from the movie.

Tagging: @trixie2023

Divider by Saradika

Once there was a small kingdom that bordered Mandalore. It was a small, landlocked, kingdom that was very wealthy due to the abundance of natural minerals and ore that were found there.

And, for a time, the wealth was shared. Miners were treated with all of the respect that they were due, treated with the same reverence as the King himself. 

But slowly, over time, things changed.

Safety measures were cut, paychecks were cut, more mines were opened, and the miners were less trained…and all of that money flowed up to the ruling class.

The Kingdom still looked wealthy, but the people suffered. There was not enough food or houses for everyone to thrive. Schools were shut down, and businesses were handed over to the government, and then one of the mines collapsed, killing over 2 dozen people.

It really was only a matter of time before there was a coup.

The people, led by disenfranchised soldiers, broke into the palace. They killed indiscriminately. Men, women, children…it didn’t matter, all members of nobility fell to the blade.

And the following morning, the sun rose over blood-soaked halls, and a people who dreamed of freedom. It became known as the Night of the Bloody Banquet.

Of course, that’s not exactly what happened. And slowly the people who supported the coup, realized that things aren't getting better. In fact, things started getting worse. And, eventually, Mandalore was forced to intercede, absorbing the kingdom into its borders.

And though the kingdom no longer exists, one rumor from the old kingdom persists. The rumor is a simple one, that the youngest princess of the Old Regime survived the massacre somehow, and is just waiting for the day she can return to retake her throne.

Of course, the rumors had been investigated time and time again, and the results were always the same. The Crowned Princess died with her family on the Night of the Bloody Banquet. 

That had been almost twenty years ago, and still the rumors persist, in spite of everything the Royal Family of Mandalore has done to put the rumors to rest.

***********

“So, have you heard?”

You glance away from your textbook, your pen halfway to your mouth, as your best friend leans over the table and into your personal space, “Have I heard what?” You ask.

“King Jango is assigning a group of his sons to investigate the Lost Princess.” 

“The Lost Princess? The one who died twenty years ago with her family?” You ask with an arched brow, “Come on, Pansy. We both know that she died with the rest of her family that night.”

“They never found her body,” Pansy counters.

“They never found a lot of bodies, Pans. It doesn’t mean that they’re all alive.” You reply, “Come on, Pans. That coup orphaned both of us, shouldn’t you be hoping that one of your parents survived instead of a Princess?”

“Ooh.” Pansy sweeps her hand through her hair, ignoring your words, “Maybe I’m the lost princess,” She poses dramatically, “I’m ready for my close up!”

You let out a laugh, and lean across your desk, and hold your pen out like a microphone, “Tell me, princess, how do you plan to end the war with Serrano?”

“Oh, ew…responsibility.” Pansy replies with a scrunched up nose, and you dissolve into laughter, and Pansy grins at you, “Come on. Be real now, what little orphan girl doesn’t dream of being a princess?”

“Uh, this little orphan girl.” You reply easily, “It sounds a lot like work.”

“Says the lady studying for vet school,” Pansy says with a laugh, “But, seriously babe, you never once dreamt about a family member coming to adopt you? I mean, I did.”

You shrug, “I mean, sure. Who doesn’t? But…no one was ever going to come.”

Pansy sighs deeply, “How is it that you open your mouth and Sister Matilda pops out.”

“It’s my super power.”

Your best friend grins, “That’s a dumb super power.” She throws a ball of paper at you, “Now, go back to your studying, and stop chewing on your pen! You’re going to ruin my portfolio!”

“That’s my other super power,” You quip, and then you yelp when Pansy pushes you out of your chair.

Later, much later, after Pansy has left to go on a date with her girlfriend, you’re still at the cafe, with your nose buried in your textbook. You like studying at the cafe, it’s not quite so deafeningly quiet as it is in your apartment. 

Surrounded by people, yet totally alone. Story of your life.

You look up when there’s a knock on the table, “Room for one more?” You smile up at the familiar figure of Captain Keeli, who’s favoring you with a small grin.

“What are you doing here, Keeli?”

He drops a kiss to the top of your head and then pulls out the chair next to you, “I am a Captain in the Mandalorian Army, I can go where I want.” Keeli replies.

“I mean, I thought you had a meeting with your dad today,” You counter.

“Oh. That.” He pauses and swipes your mug, which was just refilled, and he folds his hands around it, “I did, it was a very interesting meeting.” He takes a sip of your caf, “Mm…hazelnut?”

“Yeah. It’s my favorite.” You reply, “So, what did you guys talk about? Are…uh…are you being deployed?”

He flashes a soft smile, “No. No deployment, you don’t have to worry about that.”

“...wasn’t worried.” You mutter.

He laughs and reaches out to tap your nose twice, and then the spot between your eyes once, “Were too. It’s okay, it’s cute.”

You duck your head and shake it once, “You always say that.”

“That’s because you’re always cute. It should be illegal how cute you are.” He rests his elbow on the table and then rests his chin on the palm of his hand and just stares at you.

You flush and slide down in your seat a little, “Keeli, you’re staring.”

“Yup.”

You flush a little deeper, “So,” you say, “So if you’re not being deployed, then what job do you have?” 

Keeli doesn’t take his gaze off your face, “I was asked to look into the Lost Princess of Zoist.”

“Oh not you too,” You lean back in your chair, “You have to know that she must have died with her family, right?”

“I know that. And you know that. And literally everyone else knows that, but some people don’t, so I have to investigate it.” Keeli replies with a shrug, “It’s a pretty easy job, all things considered. Easy enough that I’m going on my own.”

You frown thoughtfully, “well…good luck then.”

He grins, “I’m not leaving until tomorrow, cyare. How about we get this cleaned up and you cook me dinner.”

“Why do I have to cook dinner for you?”

He grins, “Because you love me.”

You narrow your eyes at him, “Fine.” You sniff, “But only because you’re leaving tomorrow.”

Keeli grins and quickly cleans up the table, “And maybe a kiss? For luck.”

“You don’t need luck, Keeli.”

“Okay, then a kiss because I love you and you love me?” He shoves all your books into your bag, and swings it over his shoulder, all the while pinning you with a hopeful look.

“You know, Keeli. One day you’re going to say stuff like that and I’m going to believe you, and then what are you going to do?”

“Uh…take you out on a week-long date, and kiss you until you’re breathless.” Keeli replies promptly.

You shake your head with a laugh, and get to your feet, “Come on, Keeli. I need to buy some food if I’m going to feed you.”

He sighs and his shoulders slump slightly, “How much more obvious do I need to be?” He grumbles under his breath, before he chases after you, “Hey, wait for me!”

“Keep up, Captain!” You call from the door, a bright grin on your face.

He falters, and a curse falls from his lips, unheard, “Stars, I love you so much-” He says quietly, before he shakes his head and chases after you. “I want to choose what we’re having for dinner.”

“Ugh, bossy!”

Keeli just laughs and falls into step next to you, “My going away dinner, my choice, cyare.”

*************

Three weeks later, Keeli decides that he hates this investigation.

Actually, he just hates the Capital City of Ziost in general. It’s nestled right up against a mountain range, and it’s miserable. All of the precipitation must fall on the other side of the mountain range, as Ziost is largely desert. 

Which means hot and miserable…or cold and miserable. With no inbetween.

“I can’t believe King Jango is still humoring those madmen,”

Keeli smiles politely at the stern older woman he’s following through the orphanage, “Well, he’s just doing what he has to to keep people happy.” He replies, “And we do appreciate your assistance in this matter.”

“Yes, yes.” She waves her hand, and side steps a child, “What do you need to know?”

“You were the Matron here twenty years ago? The night of the coup?”

“Indeed I was,” The woman replies, “A horrifying night, we saw the fires from here.”

“Did any young girls show up the following morning?” Keeli asks.

The woman hums thoughtfully, “We had a bunch of children delivered over the following days, so many people died…but…hm…” She casts a thoughtful gaze out the window, looking at an old swing set, “However, two days after the coup, a guardsmen brought a young girl, around the right age, here.”

“What was her name?” Keeli asks.

“She didn’t remember. She had no memory of her name or her parents or what happened.” The Matron replies, “Mouthy little thing. I regretted taking her in within days of accepting her-”

“Did you ever name her?” Keeli interrupts.

The matron blinks, and then rolls her eyes, and offers him a name. And Keeli blinks in surprise. He knew, of course, that his cyare was an orphan. That was never a secret, but he hadn’t known that she was an orphan of Ziost.

“Thank you,” Keeli says, distracted, as he turns and leaves the orphanage. He pulls his comm mirror out of his pocket and he automatically finds the link that allows him to call his cyare.

There’s no response for a moment, and then the screen blinks to life, and a grin crosses his face when he sees your sleepy face on the screen, “Mm….Keeli?”

“Did I wake you, cyare?” Keeli asks warmly.

“S’early, Keel-” You yawn, and bury your face in your pillow, “How’s Ziost?”

“Hot and miserable. I hate it.” Keeli says with a grin, “I’m about to check out the palace and then I’ll be coming home.”

“Did you find anything?” You ask as you slowly wake up.

“Mm…I met Sister Matilda at the Orphanage you grew up in.” Keeli says, “Charming woman. She called you mouthy.” He pauses, “Didn’t know you were from Ziost, cyare.”

You sit up slightly, “Didn’t seem important.” You yawn again, and Keeli smiles softly.

“I’ll let you get some rest, cyare.”

“Mm, I’m awake now.” You sit up fully and stretch your arms over your head, and then you grab your mirror and smile at him, “Happy hunting, Keeli. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah, have a good day.” You beam at him and the connection cuts, and Keeli sighs as he stares at your name, “I love you.” He pockets the mirror, and turns to his guide, “Alright. All I need to do is see the palace.”

The guide beams, “Perfect! I love exploring the palace. Most everything of value has been removed, but the paintings of the royal family remain.”

“Why’s that?” Keeli asks as he climbs into the carriage next to the older man.

“Felt wrong after the massacre. Removing the paintings was like…pretending they never existed.” The older man shook his head, “I know people like to think that the Princess survived,” He adds, after a moment of silence, “but I hope she didn’t.”

“Oh? You’re the first person I met with that thought.”

“Yeah…she was a good kid. Kind, peaceful. She loved animals and plants and that’s about it.” The old man says with a laugh.

“You knew her?”

“Oh, aye.” The old man smiles wistfully, “My wife was her nanny. She used to bring her out of the palace and we’d pretend, for an afternoon, that she was our daughter.”

“Can I ask…?”

“My wife? She died in the massacre. Her and the other nannies tried to shield the children when the soldiers came.” The old man shakes his head, “The kids didn’t deserve that.”

“None of them did,” Keeli replies.

“True enough,” The old man nodded, “But that little girl…she was so sensitive. The idea that she lived that last twenty years knowing that she was the only survivor of the massacre…it would kill her as surely as a blade.”

“I see…” Keeli murmurs thoughtfully.

Several minutes later, the old man comes to a stop, “Here we are.” He nods at the worn gate, “I’ll let you explore on your own.” He pauses, “But the most recent painting of the royal family is at the top of the grand staircase.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, lad.” The old man pauses once more, and then he shakes his head, “I’ll be waiting here for you.”

Keeli watches him, curiously, for a moment and then he nods, “Alright. Thanks.” He hops off the carriage and walks up the overgrown driveway.

The palace doors swing open effortlessly, and in spite of the passage of time, everything seems to be in good working order. Mostly in the sense that he doesn’t have to worry about falling through the floor.

He activates his light orb and directs it to float over his shoulder, and he heads for the staircase. Keeli hurries up the stairs, and his gaze is immediately drawn to the massive painting covering a whole wall.

The King and his Queen, and their seven children.

Keeli searches the faces in the picture for a moment, before his gaze lowers to the youngest daughter. And his breath catches in his throat. Slowly, automatically, he pulls a photo out of his pocket, unfolds it, and holds it up to compare to the painting.

He didn’t need the picture to confirm what he knew as soon as he saw the painting though. Keeli would recognize his cyare even as a formless infant. 

His cyare. His clever, beautiful cyare is the lost princess of Ziost.

Fuck.

Keeli’s eyes squeeze shut. He should tell his father what he discovered. His cyare would be moved to the palace of Mandalore. She would get the training she should have gotten as a child. She would be given a place in court-

Her life would stop being her own. She’d have to drop out of vet school.

She’d stop smiling. She’d hate him.

And it’s that last thought that stops Keeli in his tracks. He had the power, right here and now, to completely ruin her life. And she’d hate him for it.

He stares at the painting, and something in his gaze hardens. He pulls a lighter out of one of his pouches and he steps towards the painting…and he lights it on fire.

He watches the painting burn for ten minutes, and then he turns and walks away.

The Lost Princess of Ziost died when she was 6 years old. Let her stay that way.

***************

You’re bored. You’re also supposed to be studying, but for some reason, you’re not able to focus. Instead you tap your pen against your books and stare out the window.

You know why you’re distracted. You’ve not heard from Keeli since that one call when he was in Ziost, and you’re worried.

Oh, you’re sure he can take care of himself. He’s very competent, but you still worry about him. Ziost has a long and bloody history after all-

You jump when your doorbell rings. 

Though you aren’t expecting any company, so you’re careful about opening the door, though a bright grin crosses your face when you see who’s on the other side.

“Keeli!” You open the door more and allow him into your home, “Welcome back! I was worried-”

Your words are cut off, as he drops his bag at your feet, and then pulls you into a deep kiss. His arm slides firmly around your waist, and his free hand tangles in your hair, holding you tightly against him. Your hands press against his chest, your fingers curling into his shirt.

“Keel-” You aren’t even able to finish saying his name when he breaks the kiss for breath, before his lips are back against yours. This time he walks you backwards into your home, and you’re vaguely aware of him kicking the door shut behind him.

Your back bumps against the wall, and his grip tightens around you, and you whine, low in the back of your throat. Your hands move from his chest to cup his face.

Your touch, and the noises escaping from you, seem to snap him out of whatever daze he’s in, because he breaks the kiss, and presses his forehead heavily against yours, “Keeli?”

His gaze locks with yours, “Cyare.”

“What-?”

“I love you.” He murmurs, his lips just barely brush against your own, “But you never seemed to believe me, so I decided to show you instead.”

“I thought you were just teasing me,” You breathe out as you try to lean into his lips, but his firm grip around you keeps you from moving.

“Not about this.” Keeli says, like it’s a promise. His gaze is serious, “Stars, you have no idea how much I love you.”

“I think I’m beginning to,” You whisper.

He grins and kisses you again and again, “I love you,” Keeli murmurs.

You smile shyly at him, “I love you too.” You try to lean into him again, and release a huff of air when you realize that you still can’t move.

His grin is mischievous, “I’m not done just yet.”

“W-what about,” His lips steal your words again, “your-” and again, “Investigation?” You manage to gasp out.

Keeli pauses, something serious flickering through his eyes, “You were right. The Lost Princess is dead, she died with her family.” He says quietly, he tilts your head back, “My cyare. My beautiful princess,” His lips quirk into a small smile, “I love you.”

You smile up at him, lovingly, and he chuckles and slowly scoops you into his arms, slowly enough that you could stop him if you wanted. But you have no desire to stop him.

He kisses you again, and carries you through your home until he gets to your bedroom. You still have no desire to stop him.

As it happens, Keeli doesn’t leave until the following morning. And soon after, he’s essentially living with you.

[moreapples]

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10 

~~~~~

Out of the Darkness

By Jennifer Kane

Out in the shadows,

I stumbled,

groping through the haze—

a life veiled in darkness,

the weight of my blindness pressing heavy.

The world around me,

a shifting gray,

offered no shape, no meaning—

only the echo of my own steps.

But then, a call—

not harsh, not cold,

yet piercing through the void.

A voice wrapped in mercy,

a summons I could not refuse.

My Lord named me

when I had no name.

He claimed me

when I was not claimed.

He clothed me in light

when all I wore was the night.

The veil finally lifted,

and there it was—

His marvelous light.

Colors I had never known danced before me;

the truth I had never grasped filled my soul.

I saw the scars on His hands,

the love in His eyes,

and I understood—

I was chosen.

Now I proclaim

the One who called me

out of the darkness and silence,

into the radiance of belonging.

No longer lost,

no longer blind,

I walk in His light—

a child of mercy,

a beloved child of God.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

In this passage, Peter reminds us of the extraordinary privilege God has given to believers. Once, we were far from Him, wandering in spiritual darkness, without identity or hope. But through Christ, we’ve been called into His marvelous light. We are no longer aimless or unseen; we are now His chosen generation, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, His treasured possession.

These titles were once reserved for Israel, but through Jesus, they now include all believers—Jew and Gentile alike. This honor isn’t because of anything we’ve done; it’s because God chose us intentionally as part of His plan. Like a priceless artifact gains value because of its owner, we are made precious because we belong to Him.

Through Christ, we’ve been given a dual identity: we are kings and priests. In ancient Israel, these roles were strictly separated, but in Jesus—our King and High Priest—they are united. We now have direct access to God and the responsibility to intercede for others.

Why has God bestowed such an incredible calling on us? So we may proclaim His praises—the praises of the One who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Our lives are meant to reflect His mercy and grace. Once, we had no identity, but now we belong to Him. Once, we had not received mercy, but now we stand under the abundance of His compassion.

This truth calls for action. Gratitude should overflow into worship, and worship should lead to lives that testify to His goodness. How are we proclaiming His praises? Do we live in a way that reflects our identity as chosen, royal, holy, and treasured?

Let us boldly shine His light in a world still shrouded in darkness, offering the hope and love of Christ to those who desperately need Him.

~~~~~

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. When I was lost and without identity, You claimed me as Your own. I praise You for the mercy that reshaped my life and for the truth that fills my soul with joy. Help me live out my identity as Your chosen child, reflecting Your light to a world in need. Teach me to proclaim Your praises boldly, in both my words and actions. May my life bring You glory and lead others to experience Your love and grace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

[jfarvin]

https://youtu.be/M-0QXi7cLwI?si=MSxRipwmcqRs_R_P 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

Romans 8:31-3931 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long;     we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Everywhere you turn there are needs, those who are ill, some life and death situations, fears, present and future.  There are difficult decisions to be made, divided nations, wars rumors of wars, confusion,  grief, and pain.  The word reminds us that the Holy Spirit prays for us and Jesus is forever on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf.  Whatever you're facing just know, that when it is all said and done, someone prayed, yes someone prayed. To Da, Abba, To Da JESUS&jfa

[mariacallous]

We are in the final days of a momentous presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Do you know whether your elected officials will accept the outcome?

WIRED reached out to every single senator and member of the US Congress asking whether they would accept the results of the election as called by the Associated Press. Why the AP? Because in the absence of a national election authority, calls made by the AP—a nonprofit cooperative—have long been accepted as authoritative. We wanted something politically neutral, particularly because some local and state-level officials have indicated that they may not certify the results.

You can look up your zip code or state in the search bar below to find your congressional representative and senator, as well as their response to our question about whether they will accept the AP’s results. In some instances, your zip code may not match your current congressional district, as district boundaries can change over time.

We organized the legislators’ responses into three categories: those who will accept the results of the elections as reported by the AP, those who won’t, and those who have not responded. This is a living document, and we will continue to update it with responses from representatives as we continue to receive them. When possible, we are also including the full responses from lawmakers to add further context to their responses. For instance, some lawmakers may say that they will accept the results when states certify but not based on the AP call.

A note is attached to the results of all lawmakers who signed the "Unity Commitment" in September, vowing to certify the results after "all legal means" to challenge the outcome "have been exhausted." Additionally, the results indicate if a lawmaker previously declared a commitment "to certifying the election results" as part of a USA Today poll conducted in mid-October.

It’s the first presidential election since the January 6, 2021, insurrection, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and baselessly claimed the election had been stolen.

In the interceding years, election denial has gone from being the purview of fringe conspiracists to a staple of major figures on the American right. Trump has already indicated plans to challenge election results this year, and hundreds of Republican candidates for office have cast doubt on them as well. Senator JD Vance of Ohio, the Republican vice presidential candidate, has said that he would not have certified the 2020 election unless states had sent alternative pro-Trump electors.

Election officials across the country have delayed or refused the certification of state and local election results. Conspiracy theories about the results of the 2024 election have already flooded the internet, as election denial groups, the Trump campaign, and people such as billionaire and X owner Elon Musk have spread falsehoods about election fraud.

In the face of the proven willingness of Trump and his allies to attempt to seize power after losing an election, a statement from elected officials that they will accept the results of the election as declared by a neutral arbiter is critical information for voters preparing to cast their ballots.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Prophet Laments

1 I’m doomed! I’ve become like one who, even after the summer fruit has been gathered, after the ripened fruits have been collected, has no cluster of grapes to eat, no ripe fig that I might desire. 2 Faithful ones have perished from the land; there is no righteous one among humanity. All of them lie in wait for bloodshed; they hunt each other with nets. 3 Their hands are skilled at doing evil. Official and judge alike ask for a bribe; the powerful speak however they like; this is how they conspire. 4 The good among them are like a briar; those who do the right thing are like a thorny thicket. (A day for your lookouts! Your punishment has arrived. The confusion of the wicked is nearby.) 5 Don’t rely on a friend; put no trust in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from she who lies in your embrace. 6 Son disrespects father; a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; the enemies of a man are those of his own household. 7 But me! I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Zion Speaks

8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy, because when I fall, I will rise; if I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light. 9 I must bear the raging of the Lord, for I have sinned against him, until he decides my case and provides justice for me. He will bring me out into the light; I will see by means of his righteousness. 10 Then my enemy will see; shame will cover her who said to me: “Where is the Lord your God?” My eyes will see her ruin; now she will become something to be trampled, like mud in the streets.

Micah responds to Zion

11 A day for the building of your walls! On that day, the boundary will be distant. 12 On that day, they will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, from Egypt to the River, from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. 13 And the earth will become desolate because of her inhabitants, because of the fruit of their actions.

Micah Intercedes for the People

14 Shepherd your people with your staff, the sheep of your inheritance, those dwelling alone in a forest in the midst of Carmel. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as a long time ago.

God Agrees

15 As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show Israel wonderful things.

The Prophet Continues

16 Nations will see and be ashamed of all their strength; they will cover their mouths; their ears will be deaf. 17 They will lick dust like the snake, like things that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling from their strongholds to the Lord our God; they will dread and fear you! 18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity, overlooking the sin of the few remaining for his inheritance? He doesn’t hold on to his anger forever; he delights in faithful love. 19 He will once again have compassion on us; he will tread down our iniquities. You will hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will provide faithfulness to Jacob, faithful love to Abraham, as you swore to our ancestors a long time ago. — Micah 7 | Common English Bible (CEB) Common English Bible Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Cross References: Genesis 3:14; Genesis 4:7; Genesis 24:27; Genesis 49:18; Exodus 3:20; Exodus 34:10; Leviticus 27:32; Deuteronomy 32:24; 1 Samuel 24:15; 2 Samuel 22:43; Psalm 4:3; Psalm 10:9; Psalm 12:1; Psalm 20:8; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 37:6; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 42:3; Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 4:16-17; Proverbs 17:23; Proverbs 30:32; Isaiah 3:10-11; Isaiah 10:3; Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 19:23; Isaiah 22:5; Isaiah 24:13; Isaiah 26:11; Isaiah 28:4; Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 38:17; Isaiah 54:11; Jeremiah 25:11; Amos 9:11; Micah 3:7; Haggai 2:22; Matthew 10:21; Matthew 10:35; Luke 1:72; 2 Corinthians 4:9; Hebrews 8:12

[albertfinch]

DOING BUSINESS WITH GOD

As Believers who are seeking to advance His Kingdom we have the right and privilege to do business with God.

Why does we need us to do business with Him?

1. God has given mankind dominion over the earth. Therefore, we have the authority to release Him to work when we pray. God has never violated the free will that He gave humankind.

Psalm 8:4-8 says: "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas."

He does not violate the authority He has given us. To do so would be a violation of our free will. Understanding how Kingdom authority works is absolutely essential if you want to walk in the fullness of God's purpose for your life.

Why authority and dominion matter in our prayer closets: It matters because God has given dominion over the earth to men. Therefore, if we want Him to move on the earth, we must ask. History is full of stories of God moving when there was prayer. If we want God to move, we must pray.

PRAYER OPENS DOORS AND PROVIDES A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY

Father is so serious about our prayer assignment that He actually gave us the Helper to help us pray! The Holy Spirit of grace and supplication has several specific jobs, but one of them is to move through us in prayer. Romans 8:26-27 says: "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the Saints according to the will of God."

We have dominion over the earth. If we desire to see God move on the earth, we must pray.

God has always desired to converse and even reason with mankind. God desires the best for us now. Even if some things are stored up for the future, they can be pulled into the present by the prayer of faith.

PULL ON GOD THROUGH FAITH-FILLED PRAYERS

Then remember Moses, who interceded before God for the lives of the children of Israel. It was God's plan to wipe them out and raise up a new nation from the offspring of Moses. But Moses reasoned with God, and He changed His mind.

God's reasoning is the kind of reasoning that God encourages us to logically present His Word back to Him in prayer. Psalm 138:1-3, "I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You. I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your Word above all Your name. In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."

When we reason with God His way, we search out the deep things of His Word to discover His will for our lives individually and for the whole earth. Then, we go boldly before God's throne of grace as the kings over the earth that we are. From that position, we are to present our requests to Him with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving—based on His own Word. When we pray God's own Word back to Him, we have assurance that we will receive whatever we request.

1 John 5:14-15 tells us this: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF:

Starting in 2024, will I set myself apart to seek Him morning, noon, and night?

Will I go boldly before His throne of grace, praying specific prayers with the expectation that He will answer me?

Will I accept the challenge to do business with God on purpose?

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[orthodoxadventure]

Prayer to Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul

How indebted we are, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, that you have pastored the Holy Church for all nations after the teachings of Jesus Christ. How miraculous your labors for the sake of our instruction, and how harmoniously your footsteps merge with the sufferings of Christ for the sake of our faith. Cease not, O holy Apostles, to intercede for us and to raise us up from avarice and idolatry that we may be of one heart and mind. Lead us daily to the Gospel that we may always live in Christ and in fellowship with all the disciples, prophets, and righteous men and women. We pray, let nothing separate us from the love of God. Amen.

[crigil-blog]

GOD SPEAKS TO OUR LIFE (61625)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Cry out for your nation

If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves and pray, and seek me and abandon their bad conduct, I will hear them from heaven, forgive their sin and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

We live times full of serious crises and problems of different kinds around the world. There is a crisis of values and moral principles that is degenerating into all kinds of corruption, abuses of power, influence games, crime and so many other social prejudices that we have lived. The people suffer the consequences of a problem that is not only of the government, but of an entire nation very much in need of Christ.

It's time for God's people to rise up in clamor and repentance for their sins! May he come to him with humble and persevering prayer, turning away from all that is bad so that the Lord intervenes with grace and mercy in favor of his country.

Begin today to intercede for your nation!

*Pray confessing to the Lord the sins of the nation, asking him to forgive us and purify us.

*He crys out to God asking his children to make a difference where they are, to be more like Christ.

*Intercede for leaders and rulers.

*Look for guidance in the Bible to know how to be more like Christ, how to be a son who is not corrupted or negotiate his values.

*Gather other brothers in Christ and together assume the commitment to pray constantly for your country.

To pray:

Dear father, our country is going through difficult times, but I trust you that you can transform this situation. Forgive the faults of our people, the bad decisions of our rulers and save those who have not yet had a real encounter with you. Amen.

[uncle67037]

How could an Old Testament person understand the idea of the Messiah dying for his people’s sins—actually bearing the punishment that we deserve? The system of sacrifices pointed to this idea, but killing a lamb is one thing; thinking of God’s chosen servant as that Lamb is quite different. But God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah’s day look ahead to see the suffering Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all people.

His Pain, Our Gain

Isaiah 53 is a stunning chapter in the Bible—in what is now commonly referred to as the “Old Testament.”

Approximately 700 years before Jesus walked the earth, Isaiah prophesied about a suffering servant who would also, somehow and in some way, be exalted. A coming Savior, a future Redeemer, the long-awaited Messiah—whose death would ultimately bring life.

A portion of Isaiah 53 says this:

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

So, who was this man who would be pierced, crushed, and wounded because of someone else’s sins? Whose undeserved punishment would be the catalyst for healing? Whose life would be given as an offering—so that others might live?

Jesus Christ not only fits the description of the suffering servant who paid the ultimate price to buy His people back, redeem them, and set them free—He also fits the description of many other inspired predictions about the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation…

The Messiah was prophesied to come from the lineage of David (Isaiah 9:7) and be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). He would do astonishing miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6). Though innocent (Isaiah 53:8), He’d be betrayed by a close friend (Psalm 41:9), beaten and spit on (Isaiah 50:6), pierced in the hands and feet (Psalm 22:16), and ultimately killed (Daniel 9:26). But because He would intercede for rebels (Isaiah 53:12), many would be counted as righteous (Isaiah 53:11).

Just as a soldier would give his life for his fellow countrymen, Jesus gave His life for the world.

Today, consider the consequences of Jesus’ decision. Consider the abundant life you have access to because Jesus took on your suffering and shame. Reflect on Jesus’ crucifixion as you go about your day.

Let's Pray: Jesus, thank You for becoming “God with us.” Thank You for taking the brokenness of the world off of our shoulders. It’s because of Your selfless sacrifice that I can now experience eternal life with You. Today, I receive Your free gift of salvation, and I invite You to heal me. I want to spend the rest of my life becoming more like You. Amen.

[prju77]

Invitation!

I WILL USE YOU FOR BREAKTHROUGH.

Would you let Me break your heart for the things that break mine? Would you allow Me to shift your focus from yourself so that I can reveal to you the emotions of My heart? Let Me show you what I am interceding for right now as I look upon the earth.

I feel the physical battles of those fighting cancer and other illnesses. I sense the anguish of displaced families and the worries of parents desperately trying to provide safety, shelter and food for their children. I feel the sorrow of those grieving the loss of loved ones.

I witness the devastation of those whose lives have been ripped apart by war—lost homes, stolen futures, and every possession taken from them. I see the hopelessness and despair that grips many people, disillusioned by their governments. I sense the anger and hate of those persecuted because of their ethnicity, gender or faith.

I feel the deep despair of people struggling with their mental health. I see those chasing fleeting worldly ambitions, unaware that they are in deep spiritual bondage. I see how the enemy deceives so many.

I died for every one of them and I love them all. My heart aches for them to come and to run to Me. I am everything they seek and chase after.

Will you stand in the gap for them? Will you intercede on their behalf? Will you let My burden become yours? In shifting your focus, you will discover that joy will fill your heart, My presence will surround you and you will be strengthened with renewed hope. I know your needs, My child, and I have promised to take care of them. Today, I ask you to feel what I feel, to allow your heart to be moved by My emotions for others, and to work with me to see My Kingdom come.

Activation:

In your quiet place ask Jesus what is on His heart as He looks at the world. Ask Holy Spirit to lift any hardness or numbness from you. Allow yourself to feel His emotions. Who is He calling you to stand in the gap for and intercede on behalf of? Maybe it’s a sick neighbour, refugees in your city, or a certain people group or nation. Ask Him to give you specific prayer points for that person, people group, region, or generation. Let your heart be moved and filled with His deep compassion and love. Pray from that place, with deep groans of your spirit, as you bring it all before Him.

Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NIV) “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus!"

[theprayerfulword]

April 26

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 119:103 The psalmist wrote, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Psalm 121:3 He will not let your foot slip — He who watches over you will not slumber…

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

John 14:18 Jesus said to his disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

May you accept the Lord's designation for you, as Gideon did, and walk as the Spirit leads, doing the work He assigns, so that His judgment is executed, His people are freed, and His glory is proclaimed. Judges 6

May you understand that when God moves in your heart to bring you up higher in His Spirit and draw you deeper in His love that it is not enough to no longer worship at the “altars” in your life, but know that they must be thrown down and rebuilt into a true altar of God, though your choices and actions raise controversy among others, for it will bring conviction to their hearts. Judges 6

May you be encouraged to know and understand that God is able to distinguish the “fleece” that is you among the vastness of the threshing floor to bless you and not overlook you, and will make a difference between you and all whose hearts are not toward the Lord as He did in Egypt when He passed over His chosen. Judges 6

May the joy of the Lord be your strength to stand in the face of opposition, lest you feel that the strength of man can be your joy, for then you would fall, as Peter did. Luke 22

When you find yourself in the midst of failure, may you know that the Lord is looking at you, not in condemnation or surprise, but in acceptance and understanding for He knows your frame, in loving rebuke and conviction for He loves you too much to leave you where you are, and in compassion and grace for He has made the way for your repentance and return. Luke 22

May you stand strong and confident without fear in obedience to God, humbly relying on His care, meekly accepting without defense that which comes, following Jesus' example, answering only the authority of God, not the authority of man, knowing the righteous judgment of God will supersede the unjust judgment of man. Luke 23

May you be assured that God hears and answers each humble request made in honesty and based in necessity, but He resists the proud and will not hear requests made to gratify curiosity. Luke 23

   Feel My supporting grace, My child, and know that I am always with you, never leaving you or forsaking you.    Receive My peace of mind, My dear one, and understand that the depths of My love have never been plumbed and the width of My compassion has never been discovered.    There is always sufficient abundance for your needs as you seek Me and desire to know Me better, nearer, more intimately. Mistakes and missteps made in your approach to Me are forgiven and corrected as My guidance is accepted with a humble heart and a contrite spirit.    Fear of man departs as you trust in Me and accept My love, for you will see that My embracing arms, so tender and gentle to your wounded heart, are strong to defend like shielding walls against any who would touch you, My treasure, without love as their motive.    Anchor your heart in Me, My beloved, and be settled in your spirit. I will send you out to do My work, but you must wait on Me.    Do not let the perceived needs draw you from My sheltering wings to go on your own or do in yourself, for that is a distraction. Be My sent-one, and see My Spirit and My Word accompany you to teach all nations, baptizing them in My name, and make disciples.    I do not send you to settle disputes and divide inheritances and to be, unto them, God, but to point them to Me that they may have their needs met through their relationship with Me.    Stay within My sheltering arms, My loved one. Do not wander off on your own, but go where I send you, and you will never be out of My loving sight or My protective reach.

May you sing for joy to the Lord and shout aloud to the Rock of your salvation as you come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song for the Lord is the great God and King above all gods, possessing the mountain peaks and the seas which His hands have made, and holding the depths of the earth in His hand. Psalm 95

May you bow down in worship, kneeling before the Lord your Maker, for His is your God and you are one of the people of His pasture, part of the flock under His care. Psalm 95

May you hear His voice and yield your heart, following His ways, that you may enter into His rest. Psalm 95

May you sing to the Lord a new song as all the earth praises His name, and may you proclaim His salvation day after day, declaring His glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds among all peoples, for the Lord is great and most worthy of praise – He is the One to be feared above all gods for He made the heavens, splendor and majesty are before Him, and strength and glory are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96

May you ascribe to the Lord the strength and glory due His name as you bring an offering and come into His courts, worshiping the Lord in the splendor of His holiness as all the earth trembles before Him. Psalm 96