#CHRIST-exalting gifts

[city-of-ladies]

Guda: a medieval self-portrait

Self-portrait of Guda, homilary, Frankfurt, second half of 12th century.

"The first category of figures we have considered shows the artist present in the work or in the process of creating it. To that category, we add a second type of portrait or self-portrait, in which the artist beseeches a favorable judgment for him-/herself after the work is completed.

Such is the case with the famous signed self-portrait of Guda, who represents herself within a collection of homilies in an initial D[ominus] for the octave of the Pentecost. The inscription reads: “guda peccatrix mulier scripsit q[ue] pinxit h[un]c librum (Guda, a sinful woman, wrote and painted this book).” Of the seven initials in the manuscript, this D is one of only two that contain figures. The other historiated initial comes at folio 196, the opening of the Assumptio Mariae, and contains a portrait of the virgin identified as Maria Virgo. The other five initials display dragons, interlaces, ribbons, or spirals.

Guda represented herself firmly grasping the initial with her left hand and raising her right in a gesture of salutation and expectation. I would argue that Guda carefully and consciously chose to be here. The initial opens the ninth homily of St. John chrysostom, the Sermo beati iohannes episcopi de david ubi goliad immanem hostem devicit (Sermon of the blessed Bishop John, on when David overcame the monstrous enemy Goliath), which explains the election of David. The homily also offers an occasion to meditate on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and its role in comforting the soul. In short, Guda has chosen the perfect spot in which to await the Second Coming of Christ, and this is why she represents herself as a sinner, whose activity as an artist should count in her favor at the end of time.

Guda’s self-representation in this way is analogous to the scene the scribe Swicher has staged (for the reader?) in the frontispiece of his copy of isidore of Seville’s Etymologies. Swicher’s author portrait is most original. In the upper register, Isidore of Seville is depicted in conversation with Bishop Braulio of Zaragoza, the patron of the Etymologies. In the lower register, Christ in propria persona presides at the scribe’s last judgment. Two angels busy themselves at a balance in which is weighed the very manuscript Swicher copied. The work of the scribe counts as a work of virtue: a third angel takes Swicher’s soul away through a thick cloud, whereas the devil turns around empty-handed. The Titulus attests to this: "O god, deign to have mercy on this wretched scribe. Do not consider the weight of my faults. Small though the good things may be, let them be exalted over the bad. Let night give way to light; let death itself give ground to life.”

Guda and Swicher make use of the same patterns of visibility and those patterns are not gender-specific. In both cases, the artists stage their humility and represent their belief that they might reach the heavenly kingdom through the artistic work they have done."

Mariaux Pierre Alain, "Women in the making: early medieval Signatures and artists’ portraits (9th–12th c.)", in: Reassessing the Roles of Women as 'makers' of Medieval Art and Architecture

[exmotranny]

the green carpet scratches at your pink heels. bile rises in your throat.

they talk about womanhood- but it’s not quite right. there is the pink and compliments and talk of boys

i am a beloved daughter

but there is also something else. it digs at your flesh, it feasts on your skin. your mother motions at your chest, bigger than hers and you're not even done growing yet! how lucky.

of heavenly parents

you pray to a man every night, finish it in another’s name. on your knees. you were sent a shady link as a kid. the woman on her knees, tears streaming out of her eyes, i don't want this, she said

with a divine nature and eternal destiny

blood on the inside of your underwear. you were told this meant you were a woman now. you were ten years old. what the fuck did you know about being a woman? your mom said you weren’t allowed to touch between your legs, but it's normal to want to. you didn't know what that meant, either.

as a disciple of jesus christ,

you wanted to be desired. you daydreamed of being the trophy for boys around you, of claiming that role one day as a wife. you came from a long line of women married young. you don’t know their names, but you were taught about their husbands in church.

i strive to become like him.

pressing your breasts down as much as possible, trying to give the illusion of a flat chest. badly cropped jpgs of jesus photoshopped to have top surgery scars are the secret currency you pay to get past the hours of church. you hold them like diamonds.

i seek and act upon personal revelation

you thought god was talking to you. you almost threw away everything you owned. you thought you were a prophet. total fuckin’ ego death! holy shit! god speaks through me!

and minister to others in his holy name

and then the next morning. when your faith crashed, when moroni abandoned you, did it feel unreal to you too, joseph?

i will stand as a witness of god

oh god, no. please. i don’t know what’s real anymore.

at all times

leg hair peeking from under your pretty sunday dress. they all stare. you ignore them and open up to D&C 132.

and in all things

emma, did you love him to the end? i don’t think you wanted him. did you watch as he married a 14 year old? did you tell him you burned the commandment? did you cry when he died for the church that he loved more than he loved you?

and in all places.

blood on the floor of carthage jail. this martyr will be remembered forever. do they talk about you, emma? or are you just joseph’s wife?

as i strive to qualify for exaltation,

when i marry, my husband will be a god, and i shall cleave onto him. when i marry, i will go to his universe and bear more of his children.

i cherish the gift of repentance

heads bowed low as the sacrament is passed. my hands clutch onto the bottom of my skirt. pleasure outside celestial marriage is forbidden. i apologize for loving the wrong way.

and seek to improve each day

i tried to kill myself, last time i got home from girl’s camp. i got home and cried and found the pills and shoved them into my mouth until i cried more and more until i was gagging. i hunched over the toilet. my hands on the grimy floor.

with faith, i will

forced to sing in front of the congregation. my head spun from anxiety. my stomach turned with nausea.

strengthen my home and family,

loving wife beautiful kids loyal husband church once a week work weekdays weekend mom monthly round on the business end of his cock forever and the vomit threatens to make an appearance.

make and keep sacred covenants,

an old man is in a room alone with me. he asks me if i masturbate.

and receive the ordinances and blessings

i tell the man no. i receive a card so i can be ordained.

of the holy temple.

that's just how it goes, isn't it?

all around are paintings of god and jesus. we learned about heavenly mother. why don’t i see her in paintings? did god have plural marriages? did heavenly mother make us? why don’t we pray to her? did she watch god marry a 14 year old? did she cover her eyes? when she saw blood on her underwear, was she told she was a woman? did she touch between her legs? did she ever believe herself better than god? does she cry when she cant talk to us? why do i cry? was heavenly mother scared of singing in public and did she press her chest flat and did she cry when god forced himself into her mouth? did she burn his doctrine too?

i am given flowers on mother’s day. i will be one eventually, after all. and i vomit in the church bathroom quietly like the perfect woman i am supposed to be.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Powerful Name Of Christ

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Psalm 102:17 He will hear his forsaken people and listen to their prayer.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+John 14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

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SUBJECT: Powerful Name Of Christ

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM POWERFUL THROUGH JESUS

I AM CALLING ON HIS NAME

I AM FREE

I AM LOVING

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THOUGHTS:

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  The power that’s behind the name of Jesus is indescribable. It doesn’t matter what you're going through. When you say his name, everything ceases. Jesus gave us the authority to use his name to cast out spirits and to heal the sick and much more, but it's up to us to use it; some people feel this power, or that his anointing can be bought, and it can’t, his anointing can only be used by his children, a lot of times we don’t use it because either we fill we can't use it, or that it’s for a certain type of people.

 The most amazing story I found in the bible, and by the way, I think every story is fantastic, but the one story I love is when they came to arrest Jesus, and he asked who are they looking for, and he spoke, and they fell back because the power that was upon Jesus, he didn’t have to say who he was people knew by his countenance, because of his presence they could feel the power off of him.

John 18: 4-6 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

 See, the power upon Jesus, and in his name, is POWERFUL; he wants us to use it when necessary. When I started praying for people, laying hands, and healing the sick, my mother said, "Lui, you're not healing anyone. Jesus is, and you make sure you use his name, and every time I pray, I use it because there's no power in my name. It's no power in your name, but it's power in the name of Jesus.

   John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

  This confirms that whatever we ask in Jesus' name, we will do so when we use his name and walk in the authority of the almighty Jesus , everything must bow , in Philippians 2:9-11 says this: Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

  That’s why demons would tremble when they felt his presence. One time, Jesus walked on a shore, and a man with demons in him couldn’t be chained, and the demons from within the man asked what do you want from me? Why are you torturing me? See, the anointing that Jesus has is so powerful demons: sickness can't stay in his midst it must leave.

   Still, Philippians tells us that every tongue will confess, every spiritualist, every atheist, every warlock and witch will have to confess that Jesus is lord; they can deny his power now, they can say what they like now, but when judgment day comes, they will see who is the true God.

  •Luke 4:41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Christ.

•Mark 5:7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God; do not torment me.”

• Mark 1:24: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

     The Holy Spirit wants us to know that the gift of healing, casting out demons, and performing miracles isn’t of the old days. It is now; we must take and walk in our authority. We can't do anything without Jesus. A lot of times, we are weak because we don’t eat the word of God, and we don’t use the name of Christ . If you are feeling less and you feel like you are alone, you are not. Jesus is with you, and he gave you the authority to conquer any demonic spirit using his name because of its power in it.

  *** Today, we learned that it is power in the name of Jesus, and when we use it, we are claiming victory through him. The power of Jesus' name will send any spirit back to the pits of hell, but we must be bold every day and pray for the boldness of God so that we can defeat the yoke or chains of the enemy. This week, we also talked about callousness. When we have a callous in our hearts, we can’t walk powerfully in that anointing or power of his name because sin is blocking us from being effective, but every day, we must push forward and tell God that we need him.

  We also talked about keeping the word hidden in our hearts, but to do this, we must read it; that’s why we can use it when we are walking in the light; we can spend our days walking in bitterness, strife, anger ,malice , but those things won’t give us what Christ can, and he will when we study our word to show ourselves approve ,if you are having issues walking in the light give all of your situations to God today, and he will help you walk in the light and the authority he wants to give you. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for everything; we thank you for allowing your son to die for us and to give us life, father we thank you for the freedom and love, and we ask you to continue to help us through our situations, lord we thank you for another week we thank you for the favor and blessings you have blessed us with! Lord, we love you so much, we give you glory and praise, in Jesus' Name, Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ John 16:23-24 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 

+ John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

 

+ Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 18

1 Thessalonians 2

Psalm 53

1 Samuel 17

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[vukovich]

HI THIS IS PRIMA

I formally request: “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande ❤️

The Wrong Sort

Draco half-rolled, half-fell onto his back, his skin sweaty against Harry’s sheets.  He licked his dry lips and exalted the plaster ceiling with, “Jesus fucking Christ.”

Harry’s head settled onto Draco’s chest, and Draco ran fingers through his sweaty curls.  Harry let out a self-congratulatory “mm hm."

“We’re entirely too good at that.”  Draco’s thundering heartbeat came to a canter, and he relaxed into the pillows.  “We should co-author a book.”

Harry hummed again, drowsily, but his breathing didn’t slow.  His jaw muscle pulsed against Draco’s chest.

“Pen names,” Draco said curtly, the solution to the unspoken problem.  “Just two unknown blokes, writing the book on fucking,” he said, confidence waning at the end.  “Just… some… blokes.”

Harry didn’t reply, but he didn’t pretend to fall asleep.  Normally, he fell asleep on Draco’s chest afterward.  But maybe Draco didn’t know what ‘normal’ was yet.  He only had a sample size of a dozen nights, or maybe fifty, but probably closer to a hundred.  Not that he’d been counting.

But tonight was different.

He wiggled down in bed until Harry’s forehead was against his chin.  He kissed Harry’s scar, then spoke against his skin.  “I got your wedding invitation in the post today.”

At that, Harry deigned fit to speak, but not until he’d drawn a full breath from against Draco’s skin.  “I still have yours in my vault.”

Draco scoffed.  “You do not.”

“Mm hm,” Harry hummed again, wrapping an arm and leg over Draco.  “Between the gilding and the misprint, it might be worth something.”

Draco scoffed again and laced his fingers with Harry’s, then pulled until Harry’s arm was tucked fully around his chest.  “Between the gifts, the refunded deposits, and the travel insurance, that wedding was quite valuable.  Even split two ways.”

“How is Astoria, anyway?”  Harry mouthed at Draco’s chest hair.

Draco slapped him lightly on the shoulder.  “Changing the subject.” Harry went still, but was too tense to be sleeping.  Draco let out a sigh that was all but relaxed.  “You told me.”

Harry barely moved air when he whispered, “I know.”

“You specifically said you wouldn’t let it get to invitations.”

“I know.”

“Because invitations means expenses, and they can’t afford it.”

“I know.”  Harry’s arm and leg were dead weight.

“But you said you’d call it off before she picked a date, too, so why did I believe you about the invitations?  Why did I believe you when you said you wouldn’t buy her a ring?”  Draco’s chest and face ran hot, and the tips of his ears burned.  “Why do I always fucking believe you, Harry?”

Harry had the decency to sniffle and hold Draco tighter.  “I don’t know.”

Harry’s tears dropped and smeared against Draco’s shoulder.  Draco wrapped his arm around the back of Harry’s head and pulled him close.  He buried his face in soft curls and whispered, halfway to a smile, “I’ll come, you know.”

Harry said nothing, but his cheek crinkled in a grin, and he rolled his weight against Draco.

“Don’t think I won’t.”  Draco stroked the curls from Harry’s forehead and kissed him again.  “I’ll show up at your wedding on a Thestral.”  Harry tried to hide his smile against Draco’s shoulder.  “I’ll show up stark naked on a bloody Thestral and announce that you, Mister Potter,” Draco tugged his curls with his lips, “are no marriageable maiden.”

“I know,” Harry snort-laughed into Draco’s armpit.  

“No blushing bridegroom here, folks!”  Draco hoisted himself up on one elbow and shoved Harry onto his back.  “Go home, everyone, this man has been sullied!  He is unfit for the marriage bed!”

Harry grinned up at him, his hands clasped behind Draco’s neck, and in a split-second Draco saw his future and his doom written in curls against cotton.

Draco let himself be pulled down, onto Harry, between his thighs, inside him again that night.

After Harry came, and Draco admitted ejaculatory defeat, they lay together again, this time with Harry’s back against Draco’s side.  Draco rolled over, curling himself around Harry.

Draco hated begging, and this felt like begging.  “Owl me as soon as you call it off?”

Harry wrapped Draco’s hand around his, then brought their knuckles to his lips.  “I will.”

--

He didn’t.

Months ticked by, and no Owl message came.  Harry came.  Plenty.  His house became off limits, so he came to Draco’s.  He came to Draco’s bed more than he stayed in his own.

He came with flowers, with candy, and once with a set of cufflinks.

Draco accepted them out of politeness.  “You’re buying me jewelry?”

“I… yeah.”

He also came with excuses.

“I’ll call it off by the end of the month,” he’d say. “Before we pick a venue.”  And then, “Next week.”  

Last night, he’d said, “Tomorrow.”

Tonight, he says, “I”ll just not show up tomorrow.”

Draco is on his side, running one hand up and down Harry’s back.  “Leave her at the altar, hm?”

Harry turns his face towards Draco, a smirk already on it.  “That’s an old joke.”

“What is?”  Draco pinches the bridge of Harry’s glasses and pulls.

Harry lifts his head and lets Draco remove his glasses.  “How could anyone leave a woman like that at the altar?” he says from an old script.

“How?” Draco folds Harry’s glasses and puts them on the nightstand.

Harry smirks again.  “Fuckin’ fast, is how ya leave her.”

“That’s terrible.”  Draco gives him a courtesy chuckle, then turns out the bedside lamp.  “What time do you think you’ll be at the cottage?”

In the moonlight, Draco catches a twitch in Harry’s jaw muscle that wipes his schedule tomorrow clean.  “Depends,” Harry mutters.  “Whether she Avada Kedavra’s me immediately, or gets the whole family to join in.”

Draco’s smile is fake, but he tightens his lips to make his words come out convincingly.  “So, six-ish, then?”

Harry’s face is placid, but he huffs a laugh.  “Eight, at the latest.”

--

There are too many people here for a cancelled wedding.  It’s standing room only on the south lawn of the Burrow.

The invitations said 11 AM, so Draco had shown up at 11:30.  It couldn’t take more than a half hour for a crowd to clear out after Ginevra Weasley’s public embarrassment.

But there are hundreds of people.

Draco lingers at the edge of the field, where it meets the orchard.  He can’t see anything in front of the crowd apart from a sliver of a rose-covered arch.

He stands on tip-toe to no avail, wishing he could elbow someone and casually ask, “Did Potter show up?” and then when they say he didn’t, Draco would reply, “Oh, you don’t say?  And what’s that?  He yelled that he’s bent as a tin nail and that he’s met the love of his life?  Oh, how shocking!”

And then he would exit quietly, stealing himself a piece of cake on the way.  No, two pieces of cake.  And he’d meet Harry at the cottage, and they’d stay in bed and feed each other cake between goes.

But Draco can’t ask that, and he can’t see past the crowd or why they’re all still gathered.  Maybe everyone is still waiting for Harry to show up.  The Weasley groomsmen would be getting restless.  Ginny’s bridesmaids would be cooing platitudes to her.  Granger would be screaming into a Howler and sending it.

Draco bounces on his tip-toes, but still can’t see.

He glances around, into the orchard behind him.  How fun would it be to wait for Harry’s ‘bent as a tin nail’ speech on the bough of a tree, then holler down at him while eating an apple?  For the nostalgia.

Draco hoists himself onto a low branch, the bark rough against his wool trousers.  The apples are still green, but he picks a large one and shines it on his shirt.

Just as he’s about to take a bite, he looks down, into the crowd.

Harry is on the dais.  Not giving a speech.

He’s holding a ring.  But only briefly.  The ring slides home on Ginny’s finger, and Draco’s apple tumbles to the ground.

Draco stares, unbreathing, as Ginny accepts a ring from a frizzy-haired girl.  His brain goes blanks as Ginny takes Harry’s hand, holding it between them, above her belly.

She’s pregnant.

Draco’s feet hit the ground, eyes shut, because he cannot, in his life, see another second of that.  It’s like getting a lifetime dose of radiation.  A single particle more, and it would mean his deathbed.

He has to force his eyes open as enters the orchard at a quick march.  It’s as fast as he can walk without running, and he’ll be damned if Potter ever made him run from anything.

Harry God damned Potter.  And his shit promises.  And his flimsy lies.

Draco passes another tree with hard, green apples, and he rips one off, cracking the branch.  He slows to a walk as the orchard gives way to the west lawn.  A catering team is setting up a buffet under a tent.

Fuck Potter and his lies, and his wife, and his ugly fucking baby. 

On his way past the steam trays, Draco casts a wandless Extinguo along the tray warmers.  His shoes crunch against gravel.  He avoids eye contact with all the people in aprons, his path a straight line toward the gate.

Fuck Potter and his whole fucking life, right down to the Draco-shaped hole in it.

The apple in his hand swings like the morningstar of a mace.

A levitating wedding cake rounds the bend.  Lofty white icing. Five layers.  One for every knuckle.

Draco rears back and punches the apple into the heart of the cake, leaves it there, and hopes it’s rotten.

[godslove]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

The spiritual gift of healing found in 1 Corinthians 12:9 is actually in plural form in Greek. Charismata iamaton is literally translated “gifts of healings.” This spiritual gift is closely related to the gifts of faith and miracles. All spiritual gifts are to be exercised in faith, but gifts of healings involve a special measure of it. This gift is interesting in that there is no guarantee that a person will always be able to heal anyone he or she desires. It is subject to the sovereign will of God, as all spiritual gifts are.

The Disciples were given authority to heal and cast out demons, but they were not always successful. The Apostle Paul was not able to heal himself and was told that God’s grace was sufficient to carry him through his infirmity without removing it from him.

‭And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

—2 Corinthians 12:7-10

This gift is given at various times and places to reveal the God of heaven to the sick and tormented. If healing is not granted, then we can conclude that God has greater plans for letting the person go through the illness or infirmity.

The spiritual gift of healing is an intimate one as it reveals the heart and compassion of God. Jesus is the Great Healer and Physician and during His ministry on earth, He healed countless people and cast out demons.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. ²⁴ Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”

—Matthew 4:23-24

‭“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick”

—Matthew 8:16

‭“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

—Matthew 9:35

“Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.”

—Mark 1:34

Healings reveal that God is near to His people and He cares about their sufferings. Healings are meant to draw people to God through His Son Jesus Christ. God wants those healed to respond in faith with thanksgiving and love as the leper did in:

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, ¹⁶ and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? ¹⁸ Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

—Luke 17:15-19

and as the demon-possessed man did in:

And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. ¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

—Mark 5:18-20

By God’s grace, physical healing should lead to spiritual healing (faith in Jesus) and eternal life with Him in heaven.

Those who have this gift are compassionate toward the sick and pray over them regularly. They have great faith and trust that God can and will heal some, and are not deterred when He chooses not to. They are motivated knowing that God’s revealed power will draw people to faith in Jesus. Their ultimate concern is the spiritual well-being of those being healed and their relationship with Jesus. They yearn for the day that there will be no more pain and suffering, and sin will no longer wreak havoc on the people of God.

“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,”

—1 Corinthians 12:9

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

—1 Corinthians 12:28

“Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

—1 Corinthians 12:30

“‭Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

—James 5:13-16

[rinaforstars]

eurovision acts name meanings bc im bored

please correct me if im wrong

solo artists !

gustaph (stef caers) : crown in a fortress

andrew lambrou : strong and brilliant

reiley (rani peterson) : joyous song sung by the son of peter

alika milova : most beautiful happiness

käärijä (jere pöyhönen) : spear holding ruler

la zarra (fatima-zahra hafdi) : captivating independent flower

iru khechanovi : citizen with strength

victor vernicos : just conqueror

diljá pétursdóttir : born in heart of her parents, feeling

luke black (luka ivanović) : light of his father, ivan

noa kirel : motion on the wall of god

marco mengoni : of mars (mengoni was found at foundations of venice)

monika linkytė : advisor

parsha parfeni : pure admiration

mia nicolai : moon for the victor of the people

dion cooper : follower of dionysus, someone who makes wooden vessels

alessendra mele : charming defender of mankind

blanka : fair

mimicat (marisa mena) : of the sea, mena is a topographic name

theodor andrei : manly gift of god

remo forrer : dweller at the waterfall from rheims

blanca paloma : white dove

mae muller : may miller (yes, literally)

brunette (elen yeremyan) : torch that the lord exalts

loreen (lorine talhaoui) : laurel plant that bares fruit

albina kelmendi : white and merciful

groups/duos !

voyager

daniel estrin : star judged by god

simone dow : listen to the dark haired [girl]

ashley doodkorte : ash meadow (couldnt find doodkorte, but i did find he is like my 4th cousin)

alex canion : defender of humanity on a footpath

scott kay : pure man with a shield

-

teya & salena

teodora spiric : gods gift on a spire

selena-maria edbauer : hesitant moon and star of the sea

-

turalturan x

tural bağmanov : to be alive with creativity

turan bağmanov : dedicated to turan (the goddess of love in etruscan mythology), or the land of tur, creativity

-

let 3

zoran prodanović : to sell till dawn

damir martinović : one who gives peace and is the son of martin

dražen baljak : emotional beloved

matej zec : the rabbit is a gift of god

-

vesna

patricie fuxová : noblewoman

bára šůstková : innocent

olesya ochepovská : girl from the forest (they mean the same thing)

markéta vedralová : pearl

tereza čepková : playful harvester

tanita yanková : giant daughter of yanko

-

lord of the lost

chris harms : bearing christ’s army

class grenayde : peoples victory

gared dirge : rules by the spear, hymn of mourning

pi stoffers : swimming pool, bearer of christ

niklas kahl : bald person of victoy

-

sudden lights

andrejs zitmanis : brave

kārlis zitmanis : strong

mārtiņš zemītis : of mars, samogitian

kārlis vārtiņš : strong giver of roses

-

wild youth

david whelan : beloved & joyful

conor odonohoe : lover of hounds whom is brown haired

callum mcadam : dove, son of adam

ed porter : prosperous guardian of the gate

-

the busker

david meilak : beloved admirer

jean borg : god is gracious in a castle

sean meachen : god is gracious, meachen is topographic

-

piqued jacks

andrea lazzeretti : manly who has help from god

francesco bini : mosest free man

tommaso oliveri : twin olive

marco sgaramella : of mars

-

joker out

bojan cvjetićanin : battle on veliki cvjetnić

jure maček : farmer cat

kris guštin : follower and servant of christ

jan peteh : god is gracious, rock

nace jordan : fire is dissipating

-

tvorchi

jeffery kenny : peace & handsome

andrii hutsuliak : manly outlaw

[orthodoxadventure]

HOLY PASCHA: The Resurrection of Our Lord

Commemorated on May 5

Pascha (Easter)

Enjoy ye all the feast of faith; receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness. (Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom, read at Paschal Matins)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the center of the Christian faith. Saint Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and faith are in vain (I Cor. 15:14). Indeed, without the resurrection there would be no Christian preaching or faith. The disciples of Christ would have remained the broken and hopeless band which the Gospel of John describes as being in hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. They went nowhere and preached nothing until they met the risen Christ, the doors being shut (John 20: 19). Then they touched the wounds of the nails and the spear; they ate and drank with Him. The resurrection became the basis of everything they said and did (Acts 2-4): “. . . for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39).

The resurrection reveals Jesus of Nazareth as not only the expected Messiah of Israel, but as the King and Lord of a new Jerusalem: a new heaven and a new earth.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . . the holy city, new Jerusalem. And I heard a great voice from the throne saying “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. . . He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away (Rev. 21:1-4).

In His death and resurrection, Christ defeats the last enemy, death, and thereby fulfills the mandate of His Father to subject all things under His feet (I Cor. 15:24-26).

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (Rev. 5: 12)

THE FEAST OF FEASTS

The Christian faith is celebrated in the liturgy of the Church. True celebration is always a living participation. It is not a mere attendance at services. It is communion in the power of the event being celebrated. It is God’s free gift of joy given to spiritual men as a reward for their self-denial. It is the fulfillment of spiritual and physical effort and preparation. The resurrection of Christ, being the center of the Christian faith, is the basis of the Church’s liturgical life and the true model for all celebration. This is the chosen and holy day, first of sabbaths, king and lord of days, the feast of feasts, holy day of holy days. On this day we bless Christ forevermore (Irmos 8, Paschal Canon).

PREPARATION

Twelve weeks of preparation precede the “feast of feasts.” A long journey which includes five prelenten Sundays, six weeks of Great Lent and finally Holy Week is made. The journey moves from the self-willed exile of the prodigal son to the grace-filled entrance into the new Jerusalem, coming down as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:2) Repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and study are the means by which this long journey is made.

Focusing on the veneration of the Cross at its midpoint, the lenten voyage itself reveals that the joy of the resurrection is achieved only through the Cross. “Through the cross joy has come into all the world,” we sing in one paschal hymn. And in the paschal troparion, we repeat again and again that Christ has trampled down death—by death! Saint Paul writes that the name of Jesus is exalted above every name because He first emptied Himself, taking on the lowly form of a servant and being obedient even to death on the Cross (Phil. 2:5-11). The road to the celebration of the resurrection is the self-emptying crucifixion of Lent. Pascha is the passover from death to life.

Yesterday I was buried with Thee, O Christ. Today I arise with Thee in Thy resurrection. Yesterday I was crucified with Thee: Glorify me with Thee, O Savior, in Thy kingdom (Ode 3, Paschal Canon).

THE PROCESSION

The divine services of the night of Pascha commence near midnight of Holy Saturday. At the Ninth Ode of the Canon of Nocturn, the priest, already vested in his brightest robes, removes the Holy Shroud from the tomb and carries it to the altar table, where it remains until the leave-taking of Pascha. The faithful stand in darkness. Then, one by one, they light their candles from the candle held by the priest and form a great procession out of the church. Choir, servers, priest and people, led by the bearers of the cross, banners, icons and Gospel book, circle the church. The bells are rung incessantly and the angelic hymn of the resurrection is chanted.

The procession comes to a stop before the principal doors of the church. Before the closed doors the priest and the people sing the troparion of Pascha, “Christ is risen from the dead...”, many times. Even before entenng the church the priest and people exchange the paschal greeting: “Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!” This segment of the paschal services is extremely important. It preserves in the expenence of the Church the primitive accounts of the resurrection of Christ as recorded in the Gospels. The angel rolled away the stone from the tomb not to let a biologically revived but physically entrapped Christ walk out, but to reveal that “He is not here; for He has risen, as He said” (Matt. 28:6).

In the paschal canon we sing:

Thou didst arise, O Christ, and yet the tomb remained sealed, as at Thy birth the Virgin’s womb remained unharmed; and Thou has opened for us the gates of paradise (Ode 6).

Finally, the procession of light and song in the darkness of night, and the thunderous proclamation that, indeed, Christ is risen, fulfill the words of the Evangelist John: “The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

The doors are opened and the faithful re-enter. The church is bathed in light and adorned with flowers. It is the heavenly bride and the symbol of the empty tomb:

Bearing life and more fruitful than paradise Brighter than any royal chamber, Thy tomb, O Christ, is the fountain or our resurrection (Paschal Hours).

MATINS

Matins commences immediately. The risen Christ is glorified in the singing of the beautiful canon of Saint John of Damascus. The paschal greeting is repeatedly exchanged. Near the end of Matins the paschal verses are sung. They relate the entire narrative of the Lord’s resurrection. They conclude with the words calling us to actualize among each other the forgiveness freely given to all by God:

This is the day of resurrection. Let us be illumined by the feast. Let us embrace each other. Let us call “brothers” even those who hate us, And forgive all by the resurrection. . .

The sermon of Saint John Chrysostom is then read by the celebrant. The sermon was originally composed as a baptismal instruction. It is retained by the Church in the paschal services because everything about the night of Pascha recalls the Sacrament of Baptism: the language and general terminology of the liturgical texts, the specific hymns, the vestment color, the use of candles and the great procession itself. Now the sermon invites us to a great reaffirmation of our baptism: to union with Christ in the receiving of Holy Communion.

If any man is devout and loves God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. . . the table is fully laden; feast you all sumptuously. . . the calf is fatted, let no one go hungry away. . .

THE DIVINE LITURGY

The sermon announces the imminent beginning of the Divine Liturgy. The altar table is fully laden with the divine food: the Body and Blood of the risen and glorified Christ. No one is to go away hungry. The service books are very specific in saying that only he who partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ eats the true Pascha. The Divine Liturgy, therefore, normally follows immediately after paschal Matins. Foods from which the faithful have been asked to abstain during the lenten journey are blessed and eaten only after the Divine Liturgy.

THE DAY WITHOUT EVENING

Pascha is the inauguration of a new age. It reveals the mystery of the eighth day. It is our taste, in this age, of the new and unending day of the Kingdom of God. Something of this new and unending day is conveyed to us in the length of the paschal services, in the repetition of the paschal order for all the services of Bright Week, and in the special paschal features retained in the services for the forty days until Ascension. Forty days are, as it were, treated as one day. Together they comprise the symbol of the new time in which the Church lives and toward which she ever draws the faithful, from one degree of glory to another.

O Christ, great and most holy Pascha. O Wisdom, Word and Power of God, grant that we may more perfectly partake of Thee in the never-ending day of Thy kingdom (Ninth Ode, Paschal Canon).

The V. Rev. Paul Lazor New York, 1977

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

The Books of the Bible: New Testament The Books of the Bible in order with introductions and summaries for the New Testament.

The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Matthew Matthew's main purpose in writing his Gospel (the "good news") is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.

Mark Since Mark's Gospel (the "good news") is traditionally associated with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the Roman church in the period c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers for such suffering by placing before them the life of our Lord.

Luke Luke's Gospel (the "good news") was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God's kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus.

John John's Gospel (the "good news") is rather different from the other three, highlighting events not detailed in the others. The author himself states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Historical: Acts of the Apostles

The Book of Acts The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the New Testament. As a second volume to Luke's Gospel, it joins what Jesus "began to do and to teach" as told in the Gospels with what he continued to do and teach through the apostles' preaching and the establishment of the church.

The Epistles (or letters): The Pauline Epistles - Romans through Philemon

Romans Paul's primary theme in Romans is presenting the gospel (the "good news"), God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.

1 Corinthians The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians' problems, revealing a true pastor's (shepherd's) heart.

2 Corinthians Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind: to express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter; to let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia; and to explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry.

Galatians Galatians stands as an eloquent and vigorous apologetic for the essential New Testament truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—by nothing less and nothing more—and that they are sanctified not by legalistic works but by the obedience that comes from faith in God's work for them.

Ephesians Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, Ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

Philippians Paul's primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires: (1) to report on his own circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to exhort them to humility and unity.

Colossians Paul's purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy. To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.

1 Thessalonians Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.

2 Thessalonians Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul's purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord's return, and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living.

1 Timothy During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy to care for the church at Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant. This is the first of the "Pastoral Epistles."

2 Timothy Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it, and, if necessary, to suffer for it. This is the second "Pastoral Epistle."

Titus Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete, to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. This is the last of the "Pastoral Epistles."

Philemon To win Philemon's willing acceptance of the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions.

The Epistles (or letters): The General Epistles - Hebrews through Jude

Hebrews The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God's grace. A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the Old Testament Scriptures.

James Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its familiarity with Jesus' teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.

1 Peter Although 1 Peter is a short letter, it touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties. It is not surprising that different readers have found it to have different principal themes. For example, it has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.

2 Peter In his first letter Peter feeds Christ's sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution from outside the church; in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.

1 John John's readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to expose false teachers and (2) to give believers assurance of salvation.

2 John During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers.

3 John Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected in one of the churches in the province of Asia by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John's messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.

Jude Although Jude was very eager to write to his readers about salvation, he felt that he must instead warn them about certain immoral men circulating among them who were perverting the grace of God. Apparently these false teachers were trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin since their sins would no longer be held against them.

The Book of Revelation (or the Apocalypse of John)

Revelation John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

[faith-avenue]

Dear Christians,

We already know the world is full of sin. Stop focusing on commenting, sharing and giving attention to sin, and focus on sharing the Word of GOD, using spiritual gifts to build the Kingdom to exalt the Name of our Savior LORD JESUS CHRIST🧡

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 5/6

What am I feeling today?

I’m feeling pretty lazy to be honest. I finished my semester and I’m not going to be working for a month. I realize that when I have no outside motivation, I have no drive or desire to actually live my life. I just kinda waste away and I don’t want to live like that but I really have a hard time pushing myself beyond my body because I feel so numb and empty with no purpose.

Create and Make His Name Great!

here’s the link to the sermon!

This sermon was mainly talking about the influence that we have in this world and how to use our creative talents to glorify God. God is already famous!! However, not many people know Him, they just know of Him. The two big points I got from this are to be aware of my ambitions: am I doing things to glorify God or to glorify myself? Also, we should have the goal of making the gospel attractive in order to bring more people to it! (this doesn’t mean compromising our values or what the word says though!)

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Genesis 11:4-9 NIV

“Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”

2 Timothy 4:10 NIV

“for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Matthew 24:14-30 NIV

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. “Immediately after the distress of those days “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”

Titus 2:10 NIV

“and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

Habakkuk 3:2 NIV

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

Joshua 6:27, 9:9 NIV

“So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.”

“They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt,”

Mark 1:28 NIV

“News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”

1 Chronicles 14:17 NIV

“So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him.”

1 King 10:1 NIV

“When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.”

Ezekiel 16:14-15 NIV

“And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord. “ ‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his.”

John 4:39-42, 15:8 NIV

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.””

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

1 Peter 3:4-6 NIV

“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her Lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.”

Proverbs 22:29 NIV

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”

1 Corinthians 12:31 NIV

“Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”

For His glory

All about influence

Make more disciples

Excellent

(Spells out FAME)

[themomsandthecity]

200+ Gender Neutral Baby Names, From Adrian to Zion

There are plenty of reasons you might want a shortlist of gender neutral baby names. For instance, if you're not finding out the gender of your baby before they're born, but you want to have a name decided on ahead of time - picking a name that works for any gender is the perfect solve. Or maybe you just prefer gender neutral names to baby names that are more traditionally masculine or feminine (although, of course, we love using a baby boy name for girls!) Gender neutral baby names cut across categories. You can find gender neutral names among Victorian-era baby names, trendy names, and more unique picks, which means you can find the perfect gender neutral baby name no matter what "vibe" of name you're going for. And to get your creativity going, we rounded up more than 200 unisex names with their meanings, according to Nameberry. Ahead, find some of our favorite unique gender neutral names for babies, from A to Z. Related: Arya, Orion, Zaire, and 147 Other Cool Baby Names Gender Neutral Baby Names Gender Neutral Baby Names Starting With A * Adair: Scottish and Irish - oak tree ford * Adan: Spanish - son of the red earth * Addison: English - son of Adam * Ade: Yoruba - crown * Adrian: Latin - man of Adria * Aiden: Irish - little; fiery * Ainsley: Scottish - one's own meadow * Albie: German - noble; bright * Alex: Greek - defending men * Ali: Arabic - supreme; exalted * Amari: Hebrew - eternal * Andy: Greek - strong * Angel: English - angel * Ari: Hebrew - lion of God * Ariel: Hebrew - lion of God * Aries: Latin - a ram * Ash: English - ash tree * Asher: Hebrew - fortunate; blessed; happy one * Atlas: Greek - bearer of the heavens * Aubrey: English - elf ruler * August: Latin - majestic * Austen: Latin - great; magnificent * Avery: English - ruler of the elves Gender Neutral Baby Names Starting With B * Bailey: English - law enforcer * Bali: Sanskrit - strength * Banks: English - one who lives on the hillside * Bellamy: English and Irish - fine friend * Beckham: English - homestead by the stream * Berkeley: English - where birches grow * Billie: English - protection * Blaine: Irish - slender * Blair: Scottish - dweller on the plain * Blake: English - dark; fair-haired * Bobby: English and German - bright fame * Bowen: Welsh - son of Owen * Brett: Celtic - from Brittany * Briar: English - a thorny patch * Brighton: English - bright town * Brinley: English - burnt meadow * Brooklyn: Dutch - marshland * Bryce: Scottish - speckled; freckled Gender Neutral Baby Names Starting With C * Caelan: Irish - slender * Cairo: Arabic - the strong * Camden: Scottish - winding valley * Cameron: Scottish - crooked nose * Campbell: Scottish - crooked mouth * Carey: Irish - dark; black * Carson: English and Scottish - son of the marsh dwellers * Carter: English - cart maker or driver * Casey: Irish - brave in battle * Cassidy: Irish - curly haired * Celyn: Welsh - holly * Chandler: English and French - candle maker * Charlie: English - free man * Chris: English - one who carries christ * Cody: English - helpful; pillow * Colby: English - coal town * Cole: English - swarthy; coal black * Collins: Scottish, Greek, and Irish - pup; people of victory * Corey: Irish - from the hollow * Cove: English - small bay Gender Neutral Baby Names Starting With D * Dakota: Sioux - friendly one * Dale: English - valley * Dallas: Irish - skilled * Dana: English, Slavic, Persian, and Arabic - gift; wise * Dane: English - from Denmark * Darryl: French - dear one; beloved * Declan: Irish - man of prayer * Delta: Greek - letter; island * Devin: Irish - poet * Dorian: Greek - from Doris * Drew: English - strong; manly * Dylan: Welsh - son of the sea Gender Neutral Baby Names Starting With… https://www.popsugar.com/family/Gender-Neutral-Baby-Names-34485564?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[anastpaul]

Thought for the Day – 25 December – The Feast of the Nativity

Thought for the Day – 25 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) The Feast of the Nativity “The first people to pay homage to Jesus Christ, are not men of exalted rank but humble shepherds.They come to offer their poor gifts but, above all else, they offer Him their simple and innocent hearts. We also should approach the manger with humility and simplicity.Foremost among…

[walkswithmyfather]

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” —Psalm 34:1 (NASB)

“What Does Psalm 34:1 Mean? By Knowing-Jesus.com:

“Verse Thoughts: We have been saved by grace through faith, not of works. Our salvation is a free gift of God to all who believe. We have been declared righteous by the Lord and showered with every spiritual blessing, simply because we have trusted in the shed blood of Christ for the remission of sins and life everlasting.

Is it any wonder that David was so willing to cry out with his whole heart, "I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise shall be continually on my lips." When we praise our Heavenly Father and glorify His holy name, the focus of our attention is removed from our own, limited life and petty predicaments. It gives balance to all we say and do.

God Himself knows the immense benefits that we enjoy when we turn our eyes away from ourselves onto the Lord Jesus and look full into His wonderful face - which is why Paul reminds us in first Thessalonians to, "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks to the Lord, for this is God's will for us."

When we turn the attention of our inner heart onto Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Sustainer of our life, and our Blessed Hope, circumstances of life and matters of living fall into their correct perspective. When the inner focus of our heart, soul, and mind is on the Lord Jesus, there is no room for a self-centred attitude of mind, or the petty preening of our own individual wants.

The Lord is worthy of our ongoing worship and devoted praise. He deserves our grateful thanksgiving and whole-hearted trust in every area of our life. And when He is the centre of our lives, we look to HIM and HIS power and abilities rather than our own inabilities... as we know that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our dependent reliance upon HIM.

If it is our desire to bless the Lord at all times and under all circumstances, our heart needs to be right before the Lord. We need to be men and women after God's own heart - saying and doing only those things that honour His name, for He alone is worthy. And the more we spend time in His presence, in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word, the greater we will discover the benefits of blessing the Lord at all times and continually praising His holy name.

Knowing that we have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, let us bless the Lord at all times. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears...O taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you saints of God for to those who fear Him there is no want."

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the truths it contains. I pray that like David, I would bless You at all times and in all circumstances. I pray that I may develop an attitude of grateful thanks and worshipful praise in every area of my life - no matter how mundane the task may be. I pray that in all things and at all times I would seek to glorify You. In Jesus' name, AMEN.”

[childofchrist1983]

The LORD God Almighty is our Savior and King – We should forever praise His name! When we stop to consider all God has done and all God will do, we should be filled with love, wonder and awe. The Holy Bible tells us example after example about God's strength and power. He defeated our enemies and Satan and even death itself. He is ever-present, all-knowing and all-powerful.

When we are tempted to rely on our own strength, we must resist. When we question God's ability, we must remember who He is and His greatness. God is almighty! There is nothing He cannot do. His strength knows no limits. He guides and protects His children and fights for them. No one compares to Him and His majesty. When we begin to rely on anyone or anything other than Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, may He help us to remember who He is and that all our strength comes from Him and Him alone. May we live a life of obedience and humble and joyful praise for our God, Savior and King. We must begin and end our days by living for Him and exalting His holy name! Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[catenaaurea]

The Roman Catechism

Part Two: The Sacraments

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM (cont.)

Ceremonies of Baptism

Their Importance

It now remains to explain, clearly and concisely, what is to be taught concerning the prayers, rites, and ceremonies of this Sacrament. To rites and ceremonies may, in some measure, be applied what the Apostle says of the gift of tongues, that it is unprofitable to speak, unless the faithful understand. They present an image, and convey the signification of the things that are done in the Sacrament; but if the people do not understand the force and meaning of these signs, there is but little advantage derived from ceremonies. Pastors should take care, therefore, to make them understood and to impress the minds of the faithful with a conviction that, although ceremonies are not of absolute necessity, they are of very great importance and deserve great veneration.

This the authority of those by whom they were instituted, who were, no doubt, the Apostles, and also the object of their institution, sufficiently prove. It is manifest that ceremonies contribute to the more religious and holy administration of the Sacraments, serve to place, as it were, before the eyes the exalted and inestimable gifts which they contain, and impress on the minds of the faithful a deeper sense of the boundless beneficence of God.

Three Classes Of Ceremonies In Baptism

In order that the pastor's instructions may follow a certain plan and that the people may find it: easier to remember his words, all the ceremonies and prayers which the Church uses in the administration of Baptism are to be reduced to three heads. The first comprehends such as are observed before coming to the baptismal font; the second, such as are used at the font; the third, those that usually follow the administration of the Sacrament.

Ceremonies That Are Observed Before Coming To The Font: Consecration Of Baptismal Water

In the first place, then, the water to be used in Baptism should be prepared. The baptismal font is consecrated with the oil of mystic unction; not, however, at all times, but, according to ancient usage, only on certain feasts, which are justly deemed the greatest and the most holy solemnities in the year. The water of Baptism was consecrated on the vigils of those feasts; and on those days alone, except in cases of necessity, it was also the practice of the ancient Church to administer Baptism. But although the Church, on account of the dangers to which life is continually exposed, has deemed it expedient to change her discipline in this respect, she still observes with the greatest solemnity the festivals of Easter and Pentecost on which the baptismal water is to be consecrated.

The Person To Be Baptized Stands At The Church Door

After the consecration of the water the other ceremonies that precede Baptism are next to be explained. The persons to be baptized are brought or conducted a to the door of the church and are strictly forbidden to enter, as unworthy to be admitted into the house of God, until they have cast off the yoke of the most degrading servitude and devoted themselves unreservedly to Christ the Lord and His most just authority.

Catechetical Instruction

The priest then asks what they demand of the Church; and having received the answer, he first instructs them in the doctrines of the Christian faith, of which a profession is to be made in Baptism.

This the priest does in a brief catechetical instruction, a practice which originated, no doubt, in the precept of our Lord addressed to His Apostles: Go ye into the whole world, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. From this command we may learn that Baptism is not to be administered until, at least, the principal truths of our religion are explained.

But as the catechetical form consists of many interrogations, if the person to be instructed be an adult, he himself answers; if an infant, the sponsor answers for him according to the prescribed form and makes the solemn promise.

The Exorcism

The exorcism comes next in order. It consists of words of sacred and religious import and of prayers, and is used to expel the devil, to weaken and crush his power.

The Salt

To the exorcism are added other ceremonies, each of which, being mystical, has its own clear signification. When, for instance, salt is put into the mouth of the person to be baptized, this evidently means that, by the doctrines of faith and by the gift of grace, he shall be delivered from the corruption of sin, shall experience a relish for good works, and shall be delighted with the food of divine wisdom.

The Sign Of The Cross

Next his forehead, eyes, breast, shoulders and ears are signed with the sign of the cross, to declare, that by the mystery of Baptism, the senses of the person baptized are opened and strengthened, to enable him to receive God, and to understand and observe His Commandments.

The Saliva

His nostrils and ears are next touched with spittle, and he is then immediately admitted to the baptismal font. By this ceremony we understand that, as sight was given to the blind man mentioned in the Gospel, whom the Lord after He had spread clay on his eyes commanded to wash them in the waters of Siloe, so through the efficacy of holy Baptism a light is let in on the mind, which enables it to discern heavenly truth.

[bosses-stay-flawless]

Resurrection Sunday: Lord, you are the Alpha & the Omega, the beginning and the end, the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. I AM GRATEFUL for the things that you have done, continue to do and will do in my life!!!

Jesus taught his disciples many things about the signs of his second coming. Though no man knows the time in which he will come, ( bo, not even the angels in heaven) he made it known that he will come again, and that watchful & preparedness and purposeful are wise actions. There were many similarities and differences between the 5 wise virgins and the 5 foolish ones.

The parable about the 10 virgins is symbolic, 10 representing the church and the individual believer’s journey. 10 set out to meet the bridegroom (Christ) The had to watch and wait during the night (end times) the wise virgins and the foolish all had lamps and oil ( the body is the vessel) the wise had extra oil, ( the Holy Spirit) they all fell asleep waiting) The trumpet (or call came) they all awakened and lit their lamps the wise had extra oil in reserve, the foolish had to run out to get more oil, it would not have been smart for the other 5 to give them of their oil.

The oil represents the power of the Holy Spirit in dwelling in our bodies. Our bodies being made of water, and the oil make up the spiritual nature. In that sense…

Oil and water will not intermingle: the old man is not bettered by the new, nor is the new corrupted by the old. Oil cannot be made to sink beneath the water, but always floats on top; so grace in the believer is indestructible, and at the end it will be seen to have fully triumphed over sin. Oil is a super-eminent liquid, for it will not incorporate itself with anything lighter; it will have the highest place above all other liquids. So the graces of the Spirit are of a superior character as far above the gifts of nature as spiritual blessings excel earthly things. Oil quietens troubled waters, giving relief to a ship in a storm: so grace often subdues the turbulent workings of sin. What a blessed promise is that in Psalm 92:10, “But my horn shalt Thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil”: new supplies of grace, blessed revivings are granted God’s tried people. Yes, there is “oil in the dwellings of the wise” virgins (Prov. 21:20.