#Author of salvation

[take-note-of-this]

A Family Christmas

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash  It’s Christmas morning. Families around the world will take up a tradition passed down by generations and read the story of Jesus’ birth. Some will go to Matthew 1-2, others will go to Luke 1-2. Whichever gospel one chooses, both contain passages most will likely skip over: the genealogy of Christ. Luke’s genealogy is easier to avoid; he waits to include his until…

[theprayingteacher]

#Strength

[skrutskie]

THE SALVATION GAMBIT is out today!

And boy, what a weird time it is to be releasing a book in which con artists face off against an artificial intelligence. When I started drafting this book, AI was nowhere near the front of most people’s minds. On this, the day it released, many authors (myself included) are discovering their books were scraped in the Books3 data set. WGA leaders are voting on a historic deal today that will protect screenwriters from the use of generative AI to devalue their labor. And just two weeks ago, a casino was hacked, not via a complicated algorithm that wormed into their systems, but by someone impersonating employees using information found on LinkedIn to gain access via the casino’s own help desk.

I thought I was writing a HAL-9000 sendup, a throwback to the diabolical AI villains we know and love, but THE SALVATION GAMBIT’s take on AI turned out to be far more relevant than I ever dared to dream. THE SALVATION GAMBIT is all about the seductive nature of outsourcing your thinking to a machine that has its biases baked in. About how the natural ally and natural enemy of artificial intelligence in equal measure is the con artist. And about how, if you can think your way around the version of reality that an AI has constructed, you might just be able to beat it.

Murdock and her crew of cons are loose in the world, and I’m so grateful for every single person who’s given them a chance to steal their hearts. Strap in folks. This one’s a wild ride.

Get your copy today!

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

God's Grace Brings Salvation

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; — Titus 2:11-12 | Authorized King James Version (AKJV) The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version; Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK. All rights reserved. Cross References: Psalm 67:2; Matthew 12:32; Acts 17:30; Acts 24:25; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 3:3; James 1:27

[fallingbyjuleecruise]

i think most art that tries to critique christianity, and specifically american charismatic christianity, is shallow and honestly corny unless it comes from someone who has experience w that institution

[rawliverandgoronspice]

ganondorf in descant: okay sure I snapped at fate a few times but I am also very understandable + tragic so can you really blame me

gerudos in the background: *on the verge of tears, stress-drinking and trying to prevent him from getting murdered every 5 seconds while avoiding literal extinction themselves* sure my king whatever you say

[archduchessofnowhere]

[Grand Duke] Leopold who had abdicated, a few weeks before the family fled [Tuscany], in favour of his eldest son Ferdinand, bought Schloss Schlackenwerth in Bohemia where he lived in retirement until his death in 1870, apparently making no effort to influence his children or to direct their lives. For all practical purposes Ferdinand, now in the terminology of the Almanack de Gotha a 'ci-devant regnant' was the head of the family. 'Nando', a handsome amiable man, made his headquarters in excessively uncomfortable grace and favour apartments provided by the Emperor in Salzburg, and built himself a small villa at Lindau on Lake Constance. At first he refused to renounce his claim to Tuscany, an attitude which caused the Emperor, forced after Koniggratz to improve his relations with the King of Italy, considerable embarrassment. Finally, in 1870 Ferdinand yielded and signed an act of renunciation, whereby he retained the title of Grand Duke for his lifetime but promised never to return to Italy. Having given his word he kept it, but he remained a Florentine at heart and always spoke Italian to members of his immediate family. He detested Court and appeared there as little as possible, but he got on well with Franz Joseph for he was cheerful and good tempered, never betrayed a confidence or attempted to exert influence, and shared the Emperor's passion for shooting.

Archduke Karl Salvator, Ferdinand's brother, also disliked Court life. An excellent craftsman and a first class locksmith, in Vienna his favourite amusement was to travel incognito on buses and trams, a pastime which the Emperor deprecated, but found harmlessly eccentric compared with the behaviour of the third Toskaner brother Archduke Ludwig Salvator. Ferdinand and Karl Salvator avoided Court as much as possible: Ludwig Salvator simply went away from it. Known as 'the learned Archduke' he wrote and spoke fourteen languages, and when not voyaging round the Mediterranean, spent most of his time in Majorca writing books about the geology and natural history of North Africa and the Balearic Islands. Many stories about his strange behaviour filtered back to Vienna. He was alleged to be a sun worshipper, and it was said that when in Majorca he dressed like a peasant in linen trousers and sandals, his shirt cuffs tied together with string. He appeared to have some curious companions, amongst them an exquisite young man with curly hair and a small moustache who died at the age of twenty-three, and to whom Ludwig Salvator dedicated a very large marble memorial showing his friend wearing a species of toga falling off his shoulders, leaning on one arm and gazing up at a beckoning angel. On the other hand there were also rumours that some of the crew of the Archduke's yacht, whose meals and sleeping quarters he shared, were beautiful girls in disguise. On his rare visits to the Monarchy Ludwig Salvator occasionally appeared at Ischl, where his dishevelled appearance caused some dismay. He possessed only one uniform tunic which he wore on the Emperor's birthday, and, although at times a witty and brilliant conversationalist was, with the exception of the Empress who had a penchant for eccentrics, regarded as odd by the Imperial Family.

Altogether from Franz Joseph's point of view the return of 'Die Toskaner' to the Monarchy was not an unmixed blessing. Having lost Tuscany they were short of money, their appanages had to be paid for by the State, they were an additional charge on the Family Fund, but neither Ferdinand nor his next two brothers were prepared to earn their keep by swelling the ranks of the Archdukes on ceremonial occasions. However, they did not attempt to meddle in politics and if (to the Emperor's annoyance) Ludwig Salvator failed to conform to the family rules and keep Franz Joseph informed of his whereabouts, at least he indulged in his curious, and it must be feared scandalous, behaviour outside the frontiers of the Monarchy. [Archduke] Albrecht's views on the failure of the three elder Toskaner brothers to conform to their status may be imagined, but he agreed with the Emperor that much might be expected from the youngest member of the family, Johann Salvator, the responsibility for whose upbringing had been assumed by Franz Joseph. By the time he was twenty it was evident that this young man had a great deal of talent and both the Emperor and the Archduke hoped that, under their direction, this might be canalised to the service of the dynasty.

Cassels, Lavender (1973). Clash of generations: a Habsburg family drama in the nineteenth century

[subjectsix]

A splendid WIP list! Who is the old friend Dylan is looking for? Who is Justo and why are they your favorite >:]

Gracias, gracias!

Dylan starts chasing answers and things he finds interesting, which coalesce when he starts hearing local rumors and stories about some sort of monster in the greater area where Ordinary was. The more he hears about it, the more he wonders if Neil ever survived....

JUSTO. I could write essays about Justo. Justo only ever appeared in one prequel novel to the not-very-well-received movie Terminator Salvation, and he is in the top 3 when it comes to my favorite Terminator characters. He's so expertly written-- a sergeant in the American military, working with the Mexican military when they watch bombs hit both LA and Mexico City, now living in the ruins of (what was) a fancy place for the LA socialites to live. He tries to keep the people there alive and well, and is equal parts gentle and no-nonsense. The old businessmen that run the place are stupid, and he knows it, but he encourages 16 year old Kyle to talk about them respectfully anyway. He wants to keep Kyle (and 9 year old Star) from what horrors he can but arms them to face them anyway, because its inevitable. He risks his own life and rank to save them both, he cries for them, he lives for them, and ends up being one of the few survivors defending their home (he finds a group of smart kids who holed up somewhere and they all decide to stick with him).

He's humble he's smart he's tired. He'd probably never call Kyle and Star his children (maybe "his kids", in a broad sense), and Kyle would never call him anything other than His Sergeant (he and Justo get made fun of for being 'too paranoid' and their desire to join the Resistance). if he and Star or even Kyle never have a tearful reunion I'll cry. But nobody is ever gonna toy with Terminator Salvation canon again and Mr. Jim Cameron and I have beef anyway so it's my city now.

[impoliticwestie]

Distanced from everything, a pane of glass between her and the world sliding by outside, she is half-conscious that happiness can only be constructed out of the things within one's reach. But then religion has played its role in her life. And religion can make even good people do bad things. Her own father is the proof and she is her father's daughter.

[papirouge]

your pinned post but i’m a pro-choice pro-death penalty centrist #killallpedophiles

At least you're consistent ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

Morally wrong & corrupt....but consistent - I can respect that.

[theprayingteacher]

#Prayer Against #Negativity

[cherisunn]

1 Corinthians 15:12-14

King James Version

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Inspiration

Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as Paul says, since Jesus rose from the dead, we need to pay attention to what he said and to the promise that one day we too would rise if only we remain faithful. Doubt? Okay, but in the end, trust and belief.

Prayer

Dear God, we believe that you have sent your son into the world to fulfill the promise of salvation. We trust in you in spite of those who would try to turn us away from you. We do believe, help our unbelief. In Jesus name, Amen.

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

The Remnant of Israel

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith * of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were  blinded, 8 (according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. — Romans 11:1-10 | The Cambridge Paragraph Bible of the Authorized English Version (CAMB) The Cambridge Paragraph Bible of the Authorized English Version, by Scrivener, Frederick Henry Ambrose, 1813-1891. Published by Cambridge University Press. Cross References: Deuteronomy 29:4; 1 Samuel 12:22; 1 Kings 19:10; 1 Kings 19:14; 1 Kings 19:18; 2 Kings 19:4; Psalm 69:22-23; Psalm 94:14; Isaiah 4:3; Isaiah 29:10; Jeremiah 31:37; Jeremiah 33:24; Matthew 16:23; Mark 6:52; Luke 6:13; Romans 4:4; Romans 9:18; Romans 9:27

[leeannauthor]

[tmarshconnors]

"Since the Bible is God's Word, we shouldn't be surprised if Satan tries to convince us otherwise."

William Franklin Graham Jr. was an American evangelist, ordained Southern Baptist minister and civil rights advocate whose broadcasts and world tours featuring live sermons became well known in the mid- to late 20th century.

Born: 7 November 1918, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Died: 21 February 2018 (age 99 years), Montreat, North Carolina, United States

Renowned Evangelist: Billy Graham was one of the most influential Christian evangelists of the 20th century. He preached to over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories, spreading his message of Christianity and salvation through large-scale revival meetings and crusades.

Advisor to Presidents: Graham served as a spiritual advisor to several U.S. presidents, from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. He was often called "America's Pastor" and provided counsel to leaders during times of crisis, including offering prayers at presidential inaugurations and national events.

Television and Radio Pioneer: Graham was a pioneer in using media to spread his message. His radio program, "Hour of Decision," began in 1950 and reached millions of listeners weekly. He also launched a television ministry that brought his crusades into homes across the United States and around the world.

Founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA): In 1950, Graham founded the BGEA, which became a major force in global evangelism. The organization produced numerous films, publications, and television programs aimed at spreading the Christian gospel.

Author and Writer: Billy Graham authored 33 books, many of which became bestsellers. His writings covered a range of topics, from spiritual growth to personal testimonies and reflections on his life and ministry. Notable works include "Just As I Am," his autobiography, and "Peace with God."

[e-c-i-m]

Dear Child of God,

Jesus is our portion!

Love, ECIM

Video: Canva Music: Jesus is Mine - Kaleb Brasee cover