#Exodus ROM

[bonefall]

going to the star spoilers thread and seeing that icestar make owlnose of all cats deputy was certainly ..... something. who's the leading candidate for bb icestar's deputy?

This is actually going to depend a lot based on how I overhaul the politics of RiverClan. It is getting a MASSIVE shakeup, because BB!ASC is going to explore power vacuums.

Canon!RiverClan is full of "nobody" warriors who haven't been characterized, both because we've spent very little time with them historically AND because the writers made the choice to spend barely any time with them in this arc too. This is an issue.

Instead of how canon made it so that RiverClan couldn't find a leader so they all forgot how to do the chores they did their whole lives, THIS time, I'm going to show a bunch of highly qualified warriors breaking up into cliques and descending into in-fighting.

To do this, I have two objectives;

Revamp my RiverClan Family Tree a bit to base a finalized allegiance list on... plus pad it out some more so I can handle the mass exodus that will be happening at the end of the arc.

Characterize extra competitors for RiverClan's leadership, mostly from scratch, along with their key supporters.

Splashtail will be ending up on top through a mixture of imitating Curlfeather and utter luck. My plan is to portray him as someone others might think is manipulative and charismatic, when in reality, he's coasting off the waves of someone who had victory within reach and gave it all up to save her daughter.

(and tigerHeartstar's occupation will be the turning point, as Splashtail unites RiverClan against their common enemy to put himself in power. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT)

I also want to make ASC's attempted theme of "connecting to the past" more meaningful by drawing parallels to this and the Collapse of the River Kingdom.

In fact (been waiting a while to share THIS little idea!) I'm heavily considering that BB!ASC is the end of RiverClan as we know it, and from here on, it's the RiverClan Republic. Give it a slightly different ruling system and allow its culture to change significantly, like how I approach BB!SkyClan.

So... the short answer is that I don't have the pieces for the proper list of "candidates" yet, because a LOT more cats are gonna become eligable.

The parallel short answer is that if I had to pick NOW, it would be Minnowtail, who is going to be receiving her boyfriend Mousewhisker early in this arc and has a very long history with Icewing as an ex-DF trainee. Curious, bold, and insightful, she's someone they can trust as an organized deputy.

(Mousewhisker running across the border rom-com style because he's decided that the time is now to finally be with his secret lover of many years, only to arrive just after a major battle like "oh... is this a bad time?")

[primus-why]

Rom-Com Cliché -- Saying the Wrong Name at the Wedding

Idk why but I just imagined some post-war bonding ceremony shenanigans. Imagine the war has ended, and all Cybertronians are invited back to the planet to rebuild...

The tentative situation they're calling "peace" between Autobots and Decepticons is under constant strain, which was to be expected, but the returning NAILs don't seem to like the factions either. With tensions on the rise, Optimus and his advisors decide their best bet is to try and forge a fresh relationship with the NAILs-- after all, Optimus only ascended to the role shortly before the exodus. He'll show them that he's different than his predecessors! By extending a servo in genuine trust and a desire to understand, the Autobots and NAILs may find new allies in one another.

(Which, as Prowl points out, is a strategic military maneuver as much as it is a political one. By bolstering their allied numbers, it will make the 'Cons think twice about breaking the treaty and restarting the war.)

However, to their credit, Megatron and the 'Cons appear to throwing themselves into rebuilding efforts as much as anyone else. They even agree to share resources with the NAILs-- in exchange for labor or something of equal value, of course. Optimus can respect that. He knows Megatron believes actions speak louder than words, so it's encouraging to see the Decepticons making the effort to unify as well.

Slowly Optimus is put more at ease-- the three primary factions fall into a rhythm which sees the return of buildings for shelter and science, free-flowing energon, and nature reserves. As a result, he feels much lighter. The Matrix practically sings when he sits on a Council where they are productive!

Ironhide: Careful there, Prime. I think that grin might become infectious.

Optimus: Ha-- I keep forgetting how easy I am to read without my mask.

Megatron snorts. He was always able to read Prime just fine, even with a battle mask. The mech is too open and honest-- a quality the bit-brained Autobots admired in their leader.

But, even he had to admit, it's hard not to stare when the fool is practically beaming. It comes as a shock to no one that joy was not an emotion he often saw in his encounters with the Prime on the battlefield. 'It's natural to be curious,' Megatron reasons with himself; he simply isn't used to that bare face-- especially when it isn't weighed down by sad optics... or lips set in a hard line...

'... Scrap, what were they saying?'

Windblade: Is everyone excited for the festival?

'Ah.'

Starscream: Ughhhh...

Metalhawk: It doesn't have to be perfect.

Starscream: Yes it does. There's less than a deca-cycle to complete the spires. If they're not-- nevermind. I won't get into it here.

Megatron: Isn't the point of this Council to communicate our collective needs? I daresay Winglord-- there's no better audience to hear your party-planning woes.

Starscream: Hmph. Perhaps. But I'd sooner scan another Earth altmode than accept your aid... no offense, Prime.

Optimus: None taken.

Ironhide: In all seriousness, if you need materials--

Windblade: --or even more flightframes to assist in construction..?

'There we go.' Megatron huffed to himself in satisfaction, 'That prideful idiot.' He knew Starscream would never have allowed himself to ask for help unless he gave him a poke.

A festival. He hadn't been to one in many years-- never in Vos, and never as a free mech. The last time he attended had been on those rare occasions he snuck out of the Pits. A handful of times he had been lucky and stumbled upon a festival. Once he deliberately snuck out to orate a speech, before the authorities broke up the crowd and spoiled the atmosphere of the event.

'... Maybe I should give a speech, for old times sake-- with the added bonus that Starscream would absolutely abhor it.'

Optimus stole a glance at Megatron, who had begun to help himself to the snacks brought for the meeting. The two faction leaders were certainly on better terms with one another than at the start of the rebuilding efforts, though Optimus would hesitate to call themselves anything more than acquaintances. Which felt strange, considering how intimately they'd come to understand one another in the context of war.

'He did it again...' For someone normally so prone to posturing, Megatron was not opposed to a display of subtlety, especially when in service to others. Of course he continues to lean into grand gestures, and always makes sure he gets the credit he is owed for his work in rebuilding Cybertron... but in these small, almost inconsequential moments, he still looks out for others in his own roundabout way. He'd cede his floor time to someone who spoke on an issue he agreed with, essentially handing them a platform; he'd do what he did just now-- toss out some snarky jabs to get a conversation flowing; Optimus once even saw him purchase fancy fuel at a market, then hand half to a sparkling who had been eyeing the goods... though he tried to hide gesture.

The duplicity fascinated Optimus. Has he always been this way? Surveillance of Decepticon command and years of combatting the mech head-on suggested this was not the case. However, they held different roles now. Optimus knows he's changed since the end of the war... he can't help but wonder how Megatron has been changed too...

'... Wait, oh no, did Metalhawk just say something?'

Metalhawk: Speaking of Earth, I've been meaning to ask you about it for a while.

'Ah!'

Optimus: Yes, of course! What would you like to know?

Metalhawk: Having never been myself, I'm curious about your affection for it. You must hold it in high regard if you've maintained your altmode all this time?

Optimus: Oh! That's... well, yes. Despite the many unpleasant memories, I also made many fond ones that I will treasure. Even when I chose it, this alt just felt... right.

Metalhawk: I see. Would you be open to sharing some of those fond memories with me? Perhaps... at the festival?

'... Holy scrap. Is he asking what I think he's asking??' Despite his efforts Optimus can feel energon begin to rise to his face-- he hasn't been asked out since before he was a Prime! Distantly he is aware the room got quieter, save for Megatron coughing on a sweet that went down the wrong pipe.

Optimus: I should think there would be plenty of time, if we attended together.

Metalhawk: Then it's a date?

Optimus: Looking forward to it..!

Metalhawk takes his leave with a warm wave and a smile. Windblade and Ironhide gawk until he is gone before rushing to Optimus.

Windblade: Did you know that was going to happen??

Optimus: No, not at all!

Windblade: You handled it pretty well!

Optimus: Oh thank Primus. I don't know why I got so nervous all of a sudden. I speak to him nearly every day...

Ironhide: Ooooo, I'm telling Ratchet...

Optimus: Go ahead, it's not like I wasn't planning on telling my amica... preferable he knows before the press.

Ironhide: I was thinking more-so that he'd wanna squeeze you in, to check if your firewalls are up-to-date--

Optimus: -- 'HIDE!

Starscream: *ehem* Congratulations, Optimus Prime, you two make a handsome match. Now, if we could get back to planning the biggest event of the stellar cycle...

Fast forward-- past the festival, past the tabloids speculating on the nature Metalhawk and the Prime's relationship. The Autobots meet with Optimus once again. This time, some propose... a proposal.

That is to say-- a political bonding ceremony between the leader of the Autobots and a leader of the NAILs.

Ratchet thinks it's a bad idea-- much too soon for something so dramatic. It will seem farcical, an echo of a time long past where higher castes bonded to better their social standing. Optimus tends to agree.

But Prowl argues their festival date generated a lot of public approval. Having the people's high regard and trust is important in unstable times...

Prowl: Not to mention we'd secure our relationship with the NAILs. If the 'Cons ever stir up trouble, we'll be ready for them.

But Optimus isn't so sure of that argument anymore. Why would Megatron put so much effort into rebuilding, to personally have a servo in shaping their new world, only to destroy it again?

Optimus: ... Jazz? What do you think?

Jazz: ... *sigh* Honestly? I think a big, public-facing, cross-factional bond would go a long way towards helping things solidify. Feels more permanent... and obviously the 'Cons are off the table. So... why not Metalhawk? He's a nice guy, right?

Ratchet: Being 'nice' isn't all there is to it! Optimus has every right to bond with someone he loves..!

The 'Bots bicker, and Optimus has a moment to mull it over.

Finally, he speaks.

Optimus: ... I think... I could grow to love him. In time.

Ratchet: Optimus...

Optimus: It's okay, Ratchet. I accepted long ago that being Prime would require personal sacrifices.

Ratchet: ...

Optimus: Prowl, please prepare correspondence to Metalhawk. I want him to make an informed decision, so that I don't take this choice from him under false pretenses.

Ratchet exits without another word and doesn't return to the meeting.

Fast forward again-- to the day of the bonding ceremony. Metalhawk agreed (after making sure Optimus was of sound mind) to bond for the unification of Cybertron.

Anyone who is anyone is at this wedding. Councilmech, visiting dignitaries and ambassadors, the rich and famous. Sprinkled among them are genuine friends of the couple. Across Cybertron the event is broadcast live, and everyone waits with baited breath as the ceremony draws closer and closer to its conclusion.

Megatron made sure to sit on the end so he could beat the crowds to the open bar. In fact, he doesn't even stick around for the latter half-- why bother? He's already made his required appearance. Might as well crack open some high grade and head home early.

He eyes the solid fuel as well-- energon goodies and foreign sweets piled high for guests to choose from to their sparks content-- but he doesn't have an appetite. Hasn't for quite some time. He inspects his cube and spots the broadcast on a nearby holoscreen.

He sneers, frighteningly enough that the staff lingering in his line of sight make themselves scarce.

Megatron: I thought you were better than this. All that talk about forging our own bright future, and yet here we are. Lining up for the honor to dance in the shadows of a gilded past. Disgraceful.

On screen the couple turns to face each other, ready to recite the last portion of their fictitious vows before sealing the deal. Optimus, the self-sacrificing idiot-- still all too easy to read even in times like these if one knew where to look-- is putting on a brave face out of a sense of duty.

... He can't watch them do this. Instead, he turns back to lean against the bar and contemplate how far back this puts his plans for a free Cybertron... a world where high caste couplings are a thing of the distant past, and Primes can bond whomever they please...

Clergybot: To love and to cherish...

Metalhawk: To love and to cherish...

Clergybot: ... Until all are one.

Metalhawk: ... Until all are one.

Clergybot: ... And now I, Optimus Prime...

Optimus: I, Optimus Prime...

Clergybot: ... Take thee, Metalhawk...

Optimus: ... take thee, Megatron...

Megatron spits out his fuel and glares at the cube like it offended him.

'What the frag is in this--?!?'

But the gasps and murmurs of the crowd replacing the dull recitation alerted him to the fact that the ceremony... had stopped.

Optimus: I... I mean...

'Oh Primus...'

Cameras zoom in even closer, showing the Prime frozen in shock. The cube slips from Megatron's servo, shattering on the floor.

'Did he actually...??'

Metalhawk was stroking the Prime's servos that were still held in his own, whispering something blessedly inaudible, but the other mech eventually twisted them free.

Optimus: ... I'm sorry, I-I have to go.

Murmurs grew into a scandalized uproar as the Prime bolted from the altar and out the back of the temple. Metalhawk and the clergy attempted to placate them, but in time Metalhawk would leave to join the search party who had ran after Optimus.

Not before Megatron downed the rest of his drink and stole some snacks for the road (the reception wouldn't be needing them anyway.) He takes to the skies-- an advantage not many Autobots had on hand that would take too long to mobilize-- and opens a private comm channel.

Megatron:: Soundwave! Get me visual reports from the Westside of New Iacon, near the temple! Prime has escaped!::

After a beat, he realizes how that sounded. Old habits certainly do die hard.

Megatron:: He's fled the scene. Can you tell me which direction he's headed?::

Soundwave pings an acknowledgment. It doesn't take long to get his answer.

Soundwave:: Prime: headed towards Archives.::

Megatron:: The Archives? That's halfway across--::

Soundwave:: Clarification: The Old Archives.::

'Ah, that makes more sense.'

Megatron:: Thank you, old friend. What would I do without you?::

Soundwave:: Megatron: remain single forever.::

Megatron:: You-- wh-- that is not why I am pursuing him!!::

Soundwave:: ;) ::

Megatron hangs up and focuses on his flight instead, the impending conversation he'll need to have with the Prime looming ominously like a cloud.

[theguywithaplan]

List of Films Turning 10 Years Old in 2024

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

American Sniper

Annie (the remake starring Jamie Foxx)

As Above, So Below

The Babadook (we stan a gay icon)

Batman: Assault on Arkham (a direct continuation of the Batman: Arkham games)

Big Eyes

Big Hero 6

Birdman (won the Best Picture Oscar for this year)

The Book of Life

The Boxtrolls

Boyhood (filmed over the course of 12 years)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Chef

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead

Dear White People (the basis for the TV series on Netflix, and made by the same guy)

Dracula Untold (this was Universal’s second attempt at launching the Dark Universe)

The Drop (a crime drama starring Tom Hardy)

Edge of Tomorrow/Live Die Repeat

The Equalizer

Exodus: Gods and Kings (a biblical epic directed by Ridley Scott)

The Expendables 3

The Fault in Our Stars

Foxcatcher

Fury (the war movie with Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf)

Get on Up (the James Brown biopic starring Chadwick Boseman)

Godzilla (the 1st film in the MonsterVerse)

Gone Girl

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1

The Guest

Hercules (the one starring The Rock)

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (did you guys know the working title for this movie was “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”?)

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

If I Stay

The Imitation Game (the movie where Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing)

Inherent Vice

Interstellar

The Interview (the movie that almost caused World War 3)

Into the Woods

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jodorowsky's Dune (a documentary about the Dune movie that we never got)

Joe (one of Nic Cage's best movies)

John Wick (the 1st one)

Kill the Messenger

Left Behind (one of Nic Cage's worst movies)

The Lego Movie

Life After Beth

Lucy ((the “humans only use 10% of their brain” movie. Which has since been proven false. Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/ )

Maleficent

The Maze Runner

A Million Ways to Die in the Weset

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Muppets Most Wanted

Need for Speed (Aaron Paul's first project after "Breaking Bad" ended)

Neighbors

Night of the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (the third one. Also one of Robin Williams’ last movies)

Nightcrawler

Noah (a biblical epic directed by Darren Aronofsky)

Non-Stop

The Nut Job

Obvious Child

Oculus (one of the 1st projects from Mike Flanagan)

Ouija

Paddington

Penguins of Madagascar

The Purge: Anarchy

The Raid 2

RoboCop (the reboot that was actually decent)

Selma

Sharknado 2

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Son of Batman

St. Vincent

The Taking of Deborah Logan

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the one produced by Michael Bay. It’s also the one where the Turtles look like aliens)

The Theory of Everything (the movie where Eddie Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking)

Third Person

300: Rise of an Empire

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Tusk

22 Jump Street

Veronica Mars (the film continuation of the TV show)

A Walk Among the Tombstones

What If? (a rom-com starring Daniel Radcliffe)

What We Do in the Shadows (the film that was the basis for the TV show)

When Marnie Was There

Whiplash

X-Men: Days of Future Past

[shirishaaaaaaaaa]

YOUNG CHRISTIAN – TEEN YEARS ARE YOUR TITHE TO GOD. (PS 90:10)

God wants to put salt (Christians) at the source (schools). (2 Kings 2:19-22)

1. Prioritize your spiritual life above everything else.

You came from God, therefore you need God. (Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:20,Genesis 1:26)

We need God the way fish needs water and trees need soil.

If you believe you came from a monkey, you will behave like a monkey! You are not a sexual being; you are a spiritual being.

2. Take care of your spiritual life by reading the Bible and helping others. (Genesis 2:15)

There are many examples in the bible we can refer to, who read the bible and lead the spiritual life with the fear and obedience in God.

Timothy learned Scriptures since he was young. (2 Timothy 3:15)

Miriam saved her baby brother. (Exodus 2:7-8)

Samuel served the Lord. (1 Samuel 2:18; 3:10)

A girl told a general about God. (2 Kings 5:2-3)

Jesus taught in the temple. (Luke 2:49)

A teenage boy helped Jesus feed a large group. (John 6:9-10)

3. Be mindful of attractions that can become distractions.

Remember to rest physically in order to be alert spiritually. (Genesis 2:21) In Song of Solomon 2:7, it is mentioned that an attraction might turn into a distraction.

4. Don’t listen to lies. (Gen 2:15-17) (John 8:44)

We are deceived innumerous times with lies that state no fact and makes no sense.

The enemy’s lie: You are an accident. (Jeramiah 29:11) You are not any accident. You are beautifully and wonderfully made in his image.

The enemy’s lie: You are a victim. (Rom 8:37) You are not sufferer instead god has given you strength to stand in your struggles so that you claim the Victory.

The enemy’s lie: You are born in the wrong body. (Gen 1:26) You are his creation and you are Beloved. Many times we overhear struggles and start to declare that – why me, why this body, why this struggles, why this family, why this path. Trust me, these are the questions raised by the defeater and you are called to defeat those in the glorious name of our GOD.

The enemy’s lie: Love is love. (1 John 4:8) Love is following instructions of God, having heart like his, Fear in God is nothing but Love. We get this Love from no physical being. In search of love with physical standards in physical being with not following the commandments and laws – we tend to fall into the trap with is not TRUE. He will pair couple in his will for his glory. Discerning this is Love.

The enemy’s lie: You are what people say. (2 Cor 5:17) You are not what people say, instead it is your life that needs to testimonial on building your life on rock. Let people say whatever but remember you are more precious then what they say.

The enemy’s lie: Suicide is the solution. (John 10:10) Killing yourself is escaping the reality or letting the defeater own the victory. We face struggles only to lead the faithful life. At times, these struggles could be terrible to tolerate but “the people who know their God will be STRONG and will RESIST him.

[jeusussavearmyveteran1205]

Evil is not innocent just bc you invite children to the party. Children need to know that regardless of what everyone else is doing, if YHVH is NOT honored, & if evil IS honored/celebrated, we WON'T participate!

Eph 5:11-12 "Take no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them, for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that are done by them in secret."

Deut 18:9-14 "There must not be found among you... a fortune-teller, soothsayer, omen reader, sorcerer, one who casts spells, a medium, a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead... All who do these things are an ABOMINATION to YHVH."

3 John 11 "Do not imitate what is evil"

Rom 13:12 "Put off the works of darkness & put on the armor of light"

1 Thes 5:21-22 "Test all things, CLING to what is good, stay away from EVERY kind of evil."

John 4:23 "The hour comes, & now is, when the TRUE worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit & in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him, & they that worship Him MUST worship Him in spirit & in TRUTH."

Celebrating Halloween @ church, labelling it "Trunk or Treat" doesn't make it ok NOR less SATANIC. SYNCRETISM is blending worship of YHVH w pagan worship & traditions. He alone determines how we are to worship Him. The most well-known incidence of syncretism is found in Exodus, Aaron called it "a feast to YHVH." The Israelites constructed a calf & labeled it YHVH. They used a pagan image & tradition (accepted in their culture) in their "worship" of YHVH. Exo 32:5. Many died as a result. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" Pro 14:12

Research what Halloween means in witchcraft, occultic & satanic circles. It doesn't matter that it doesn't mean that to you! By participating you open yourself & ESPECIALLY your children to evil in the unseen, spiritual realm & YHVH hates it. We must love what He loves & hate what He hates! There is NO safety contrary to what He says!

Can any of you truly say that MessiYah would have participated in such evil? Since He would never have done so, I will never again do so, as I am a follower of Him & Him alone, not this world or any of its evil traditions & customs! Satan disguises himself as an angel of light & is proficient @ making evil SEEM harmless! "2 Cor 6:14 "Be not unequally yoked together w unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness w unrighteousness? & what communion has light w darkness?"

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 3rd of june 2025 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Book of Revelation, Chapter 16 • The Book of Job, Chapter 22]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 3 and Psalm 3 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 76 for the 76th day of Astronomical Spring, and Psalm 4 for day 154 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

The Kingdom Within You...

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, namely, the Spirit of truth (רוּחַ הָאֱמֶת), whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you..." (John 14:16-18). Note that Yeshua asks the Father for the parakletos (i.e., the one “called alongside”), whom he calls the “Spirit of Truth,” to "dwell within" the hearts of his followers so they will be fortified in their mission, and he furthermore identifies himself with the Spirit by saying that he would not leave us as orphans but would come to come to be with us...

I have written before about how Shavuot is called “Atzaret Pesach” (עצרת פסח) or the “culmination of Passover.” Just as the Passover reveals "God with us" (עִמָּנוּ אֵל), as the Word made flesh, and "God for us" (אֱלהִים לָנוּ), as the sacrificial Lamb of God, Shavuot adds yet another dimension by revealing "God within us" (אֱלהִים בְּתוֹכֵנוּ), as the indwelling Presence, the “breath of God” that forever abides in our hearts. Yeshua was eager for us to partake of this miracle: “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (i.e., ὁ παράκλητος, one "called alongside to help) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

As it is written, "By this we know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13). Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you (רוּחַ הַקּדֶשׁ בְּתוֹכֵנוּ), whom you have from God? “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom. 8:14). Thank God for the help we attain through the Spirit’s heartfelt ministrations: “For the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26).

Amen, thank you Lord Yeshua for the gift of the Holy Spirit within our hearts...

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Ezekiel 36:26 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/ezek36-26a-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/ezek36-26a-lesson.pdf

6.2.25 • Facebook

from Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

[jdgo51]

Daily Devotion

Hearing the Call

"The call of God is a wonderful opportunity to see Him work powerfully through you."

February 18, 2025

Related Scripture

Acts 6:1-4

Exodus 3:1-22

Isaiah 6:1-13

Jonah 1:1

Jonah 3:1

Mark 10:28-30

Numbers 28-30

Acts 6:1-4

God has issued some dramatic calls to service. Moses heard His voice from a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22), whereas Isaiah saw a vision of heaven’s throne room (Isaiah 6:1-13). However, a spectacle is the exception rather than the rule. For many who go to the mission field, God’s call is a persistent tug on the heart. It is a whisper in their spirit, asking, “How can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Rom. 10:14 NLT).

People can try to ignore the feeling, block the ever-present call with activity, or quiet it by giving money. Some say no outright. But the call persists; God’s will is set and His plan is steadfast. Jonah’s life serves as an example of how we may try to run but cannot escape His call to serve (Jonah 1:1; Jonah 3:1).

The road of obedience will certainly be marked with challenges. But thankfully, the rewards of serving are greater than any hardship, and the Lord promises never to leave or forsake us. Remember that Jesus promised Peter a hundred-fold return on his investment in the kingdom (Mark 10:28-30).

Carrying the gospel is a great opportunity to serve God. What better way to thank Him for saving us than to share that experience with others. If the Lord is calling you, say yes and see what amazing, life-changing work He will do through you.

Bible in One Year:

Numbers 28-30

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

[mattanaministry]

Mattana Ministry Welcomes To:

Daily Bible Study: 10 February 2025

Theme: Book of Joel

Scripture: Joel 1 & Rom.11:22

Message:

THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD

Various praise songs of today tell us about the greatness of God. But where do we see the greatness of God at work? There are many stories about the greatness of God in the Books of Genesis and Exodus. The greatness of God is also on display when we look at the heavens. 

The greatness of God, however, is not just about seeing His wondrous works. The times when God rebuked His chosen people also showed His greatness. The Apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans that the Israelites and other nations were warned about the greatness of God that came in the form of His severity to those who refused to believe in Him.

We thank God for allowing us to receive salvation by His grace. He moves us from darkness into His miraculous light. We don't need to do deeds or work to gain salvation because God did that through Jesus Christ. We are justified because we believe in Jesus Christ. 

On the other hand, the Israelites and other nations thought they were justified because of their deeds or their work. The greatness of God in the form of His wrath will befall those who refuse to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus. The call is available to everyone. Let all of us who have become His people guard and maintain a strong faith amid people who are still hardening their hearts. 

Which god is like our God? None!

MM

Please feel free to leave a review of this message:

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[4thegloryofgodmosthigh]

365 Messianic Prophecies Day 21

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”~Rom 5:8 “The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” ~Exodus 12:13 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~Rom…

[monsooninn]

"The Water Walk." Berakhot 13b: 27.

According to the Mishnah we have to be cool, cool killers if we want the world to shift. What will warm us up after such a massive attack of Global Cooling?

The Zohar says "the Heat of May" = a Global Peace Initiative.

27. Responding to the heat of May? Illima from the face of honor, the one from Shi'ol Sha'il, Ahhori from a problem?! Ela: He asks - from the face of honor, and answers peace - to every person. Ima Sifa: "And in the middle he asks from the face of fear, and answers."

=

"By responding to the heat of revolution? The Lake from the face of honor, the one the Walker asked after me? Allah, He asks, rom the face of honor, and answers peace - to every person. Mother of Plenty: "And in the middle he asks from the face of fear, and answers."

=

May= "the water walk, the path to freedom."

The implications of the possibility of a flood in the above cannot be ignored. Some of us are meant to be here with the others, some are just not. All hateful, horrible, lying, cheating, murdering, raping perverts, you know who you are, you verily do not belong.

"The word מים (mayim) denotes water of pretty much any kind: a sea (Exodus 15:8, Amos 5:8), a spring or well (Genesis 16:7), a river (Exodus 2:10), a flood (Genesis 7:7), primordial "waters" (Genesis 1:2) and subterranean "waters" whatever those might be (Exodus 20:4; see for a proposal our article on Genesis 1), even water in clouds (Jeremiah 10:13, Job 26:8), or rain (Judges 5:4), and even dew (Judges 6:38).

Waters are often symbol of distress (Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 66:12), or whatever is violent or overwhelming (Isaiah 28:2). But waters may also be invigorating (Isaiah 32:2) and peace-giving (Psalm 23:2).

Three intimately connected "water-walks" are:

God's Spirit hovering over the early-earth's waters (Genesis 1:2)

Noah's deliverance of all non-aquatic animal and human life on earth (Genesis 6).

Jesus' famous walk on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25).

We have to combine our thought energies, kill the enemies of Israel, the Republicans and their quisling, who are again threatening the Aqsa Mosque, and follow the Quran which says all members of the Kingdom of Israel, every Jew, all of Arabia, anyone at all who is oppressed by a tyrant must meet face to face and reveal the answers to our shared problems.

See this frame from my forum on the Quran completed a few hours ago:

The Value in Gematria is 7109, ז‎קט‎, "the Jacket."

The Empire of Israel is the only way mankind will be able to survive the coming droughts, famines, and fetters nature and the savages that have always tormented mankind will try to inflict on us.

We must finally put on our jacket and form the Christ, the Son of May, the Son of the Rebellion, AKA "Humanity on the Whole."

The etymology for "a jacket" explains:

"The noun ιματιον (imation) means piece of clothing, and although this word could technically describe any kind of garment it's commonly used to refer to outer garments or overcoats. Another word for overcoat is επενδυτης (ependutes), from the verb δυω (duo), to get into, which could describe one's clothing as much as one's profession, which helped to establish one's mode of dress as indicative of one's mode of occupation.

In the time before advertising, folks dressed according to their jobs, and one could recognize a professional of any kind by his outfit. This means that one's outer garment primarily proclaimed to the world one's abilities and guild. In the New Testament, an outer garment is, per rule, mentioned solely in reference to the wearer's allegiances and associations (Matthew 11:8, 21:7-8). And when the wearer removes his outer garment (when stoning Stephen, for instance; Acts 7:58), he indicates that he acts purely by his own consternation and not from following his party's decrees.

Our noun ιματιον (imation) derives from the more general noun ειμα (eima), which also means outer garment but also covers carpets and rugs, and is related to the noun ιμας (imas), which denotes a leather strap (see below). Ultimately, these words are thought to derive from the Proto-Indo-European root "wes-", to wear or dress, from which also comes the word west — whereas east comes from "aus-", to shine, suggesting that with one's outer garment, one obscured one's own identity in order to be identified by a collective one. But "wes-" may not naturally have morphed into imation and have rather done so upon external pressures. One group of words that may have helped form our noun ιματιον (imation) derives from the PIE root "heym-", meaning to imitate, from which indeed (via Latin) stem our English verb to imitate and the noun imago.

The significance of this continues into the genders, since in the Biblical languages, masculinity describes the tendency to be an individual (which is why God is masculine, also see Matthew 5:9, Galatians 3:26, and so on), whereas femininity describes the tendency to be a collective (which is why humanity as a whole is feminine: Galatians 4:24-26, Ephesians 5:26, Revelation 19:7). This is part of the reason why "women" are not allowed to teach in church (1 Timothy 2:12), and why the 144,000 who followed the Lamb and the Lamb only had "not been defiled with women" (Revelation 14:4). This rather obviously does not refer to proper marital relations but by what Jesus says in Matthew 23:8-12: "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ."

This thing you do, this mixing of pure sheep with the filth that preys upon them, calling it a complex case, it is unholy and I am going to stop you from doing it. You are the authors of a broken-hearted world and it is time for some damage control.

[pastortomsteers]

The Bible Study –

Our readings for Wednesday, March 27 are Exodus 10:21 – 11:10 & Hebrews 4:1-16.

God’s final plague against Egypt is the death of its firstborn.

It leads Pharaoh to let the people go.

Even so, his heart hardens, resulting in a disastrous pursuit by chariot.

God has given us His Word and only Son, to bring about the obedience of faith. (Rom. 16:26)

A refusal to believe, to receive the free gift of Christ as Saviour, results in a plague on those who’ve hardened their hearts.

That plague is spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

Although we live in a world broken by sin and face temptations, we do not have a Saviour who’s unsympathetic.

We can’t keep the Ten Commandments, God’s Law, in whole or part.

The Good News is we have a Saviour who kept them perfectly on our behalf.

As true God & true man, Jesus faced temptation, and did not sin.

He was obedient to His Father’s will, even unto death on a cross.

Thank God we’re saved by His grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

Pastor Tom Steers

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

[carolap53]

The New Employee

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman

01/15/2024

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor 4:7). What would happen if Jesus took your place for a year in your workplace? Let's consider some hypothetical things that He might do. He would do His work with excellence. He would be known around the office for the great work He did (Exodus 31:2). He would develop new ideas for doing things better (Eph 3:20). He would hang out with sinners in order to develop a relationship with them in order to speak to them about the Father(Mt 9:12). He would strategically pray for each worker about their concerns and their needs. He would pray for those who even disliked Him (Mt 5:44). He would rally the office to support a needy family during Christmas (Jer 22:16). He would offer to pray for those who were sick in the office and see them get healed (Mt 14:14). He would honor the boss and respect him/her (Titus 2:9). He would consider the boss as His authority in His workplace(Rom 13:1). He would be truthful in all his dealings and never exaggerate for the sake of advancement ( Ps 15:2). He would be concerned about His city (Lk 19:41). He would always have a motive to help others become successful, even at his own expense (Pr 16:2). Hmm. Sounds like some good ideas we could each model.

[prju77]

#thedailygraceco In the book of Joel, the people of Judah face a plague on their land and an invading army because of their disobedience to the Lord. Their loss of food, income, and freedom, lead them to tear their clothes, fast, and mourn. But in Joel 2:12-13 the Lord tells them not to just lament outwardly, but to seek true repentance by tearing their hearts and returning to the Lord.

They return to the Lord for the same reasons we return to the Lord even today-His stated character that remains the same now and forever. The prophet Joel quotes the very words of the Lord from Exodus 34:6-7 by stating what God says about Himself. He is gracious, compassionate, patient, and steadfast. He relents from sending disaster on those who turn to Him because of Christ. Through His sacrificial death, Christ bore the wrath we deserve (Rom. 5:8-9). We return to the Lord because it is in His presence we find life!

[rei-ismyname]

It's very possible, depending on the system they went with. I personally wouldn't vote for Xavier (if I was a rando on Krakoa) because he has no experience in governance, but that's never stopped anyone winning an election. I'm not sure what the proverbial mutant on the street thinks of Xavier. Krakoa had 250K people on it which makes the X-Men extended family a vast minority. Before Krakoa they may have resented him for being a rich intellectual and failed activist.

After Krakoa, though, I think he had goodwill to burn. Whatever else he did or didn't do he was the face of mutant solidarity and safety for a while there. I think he'd be a shoe-in though I'd love to see him actually campaigning. Magneto is the question mark, I think. It's likely they'd run on the same ticket if possible. Mags became a hero on Krakoa, at least among the warrior class. The captured mutants' reaction in RoM #4 suggests that it was nationwide, but he hadn't done this stuff yet.

As for Scott and Jean I'm honestly not so sure. They're called Krakoan royalty cynically by Brand, it might be more correct to say they're X-Men royalty. You raise a good point about the X-Men elections and it is pointedly 'all mutants' voting (or eligible to vote - I wonder what turnout is like lol) so they're probably a lock too. Although, would they even want it? They both declined after X of Swords, and didn't attempt reform even when shit was looking dicey. If there was greater transparency perhaps that changes. I'm not certain they'd be reliable as voters either. I don't think they'd follow Chuck forever, and Kurt and Kitty would be even less reliable long term I think. They both voted for Destiny on the Council. I don't remember if Storm did too, but I think she'd be similarly unreliable.

If there was democracy and the X-Men were overrepresented, I could see more mutants becoming politically active. A lot depends on transparency and how accountable they are to voters. The closed sessions of the Quiet Council and the inaccessibility of its members meant the average Krakoan had zero direct political power, no way to lobby for anything. Then again, voter turnout is pretty low IRL. Give people a paradise to live in and that number almost certainly goes down. They don't want to know how the sausage is made.

Agreed on Exodus. It's really quite funny how well he fit the council, though I guess he learnt something in his thousand years of life.

Yeah, Callisto has a lot of leadership experience and a sub-Subaltern constituency to represent. I remember there was some discussion with her in Marauders before she joined Hellfire, but I don't recall the content. Either she turned it down or was mad about not being included or something. Definitely a jarring absence though.

As above, I think the X-Men were a minority, even the extended family. It's a lot of people, but 250K is a lot, haha. Definitely most well known and organised though. I wanna say Cyclops would be the most well known though Beast and Storm have both been Avengers, plus Storm was a monarch. Magneto probably beats them all purely based on the amount of global threats and attacks he's made. Dude would be on the news a lot and his look is iconic. Dazzler should be really well known too. Not sure if she's a household name or what, it's hard to tell. I'm probably forgetting people, but yes it probably would have. Telepathic democracy.

Yep, King Arthur was a feudal jerkoff.

Thanks! I know @racefortheironthrone did a bunch of Krakoan political and economic analysis, but sadly he passed away. His X-Men archives are 🔥🔥🔥 though. I'd reread them before even trying to map it out tbh.

I think my biggest problem with Xavier's vision of Krakoa (Watsonian critique, not Doylistic), is that he seems to think that just because permanent death isn't a thing anymore, then everything's safe and fine.

I'm not saying Xavier shouldn't have invited ex-villains onto the island, but it's obvious very quickly that there are no safeguards or protections for any of these villains' former victims. Or any future victims.

So we get some awful scenes like Jamie Braddock taunting Meggan or Mr. Sinister telling Scott that he's prettier when he smiles (that one in the middle of the fucking COUNCIL meeting) and there's apparently nothing that can be done about that?

The Shadow King gets to hang around children, leading to the death of Gabby Kinney (and in her case there was some question about whether or not they'd resurrect her because she was a clone.) Sinister, we're told in Hellions, still has an ORPHANAGE. There weren't kids there, at least, but still. The fuck?

And then there's Madelyne Pryor. And yes, I agree that, back in the 80s, she was screwed by the narrative. But she's done a lot of things since then. Maybe. I admit, I can't really keep track of whether or not the one who tortured Scott and company in the 00s was actually THIS Madelyne or another dimension's. But THIS version is introduced torturing people.

Alex pushes for her resurrection. And any counter argument is immediately neutralized by pointing out that Sinister is on the Council. And...well, yeah. But it's POSSIBLE that some of Madelyne's victims might not have been on board with her running free, but that's not a thing we get to hear. (We are told that Jean supported her resurrection much later. Which I do believe, but I also think the narrative doesn't really allow any other possibility.)

Xavier's very self-congratulatory about the no prisons on Krakoa thing. Of course, there's the Pit. You go in there if you're recalcitrant and break the rules. Even if you're a child. And then you get tortured by Sabretooth because no one bothers to check in on the prisoners, apparently.

To break immersion, in a Doylistic sense, I really enjoy that Krakoa has its darker sides. This isn't a paradise for every character, and it's no surprise, when you think about it that the Summer House is on the Moon instead of Krakoa proper.

But in a Watsonian sense... Any fan of the Wolverines can verify that you don't need permanent physical harm to have a massive amount of trauma and pain.

It makes sense. Charles has that King Arthur fantasy, and part of that involves seating some of his strongest enemies at the Round Table. And it makes sense that the man whose first X-Man was an abused child that he rescued and made into his field commander doesn't necessarily have an awareness or appreciation of long term trauma.

But somehow Cassandra Nova gets to be resurrected in a safely isolated place, away from any and all possible victims. Funny how that wasn't an option for anyone else.

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 22nd of february 2025 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Letter of 2nd Corinthians, Chapter 4 • The Book of 1st Chronicles, Chapter 19]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 22 and Psalm 22 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 64 for the 64th day of Astronomical Winter, and Psalm 53 for day 53 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 1st revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

Love’s Promised Healing...

In his famous "Sermon on the Mount" (Matt. 5:1-7:29), Yeshua revealed the inner condition of the heart, despite the various pretenses that people may contrive to evade the truth.... "You have heard that it was said, "Do no murder," but I say to you, harbor no anger; you have heard "do no adultery," but I say to you harbor no lust..." You have heard it said, "Do not break an oath," but I say to you swear no oath at all, but let your word be enough.

Yeshua brings the Torah inside, to the heart, to reveal our great need. A person who makes an oath assumes he can keep the law, that he can control the impulses and sickness of his own deceptive heart. That is the source of the problem (Jer. 17:9; Eccl. 9:3; Mark 7:21). The Lord reveals what we are inside so that we may realize our need for deliverance from ourselves. What we really need is a miracle on the order of splitting the sea or raising the dead, namely, a new heart (לֵב חָדָשׁ) and a new spirit (רוּחַ חֲדָשָׁה) put within us. For those of you who might struggle with pride, fear, anger, lust, and hardness of heart, please take hold of hope. God can turn "stone to flesh" and make you fully alive by His power.

The heart (lev) is the inner person, the seat of the emotions, thought, and will. A new heart (lev chadash) represents the transformation of the whole of your inner nature - with the impartation of new appetites, new passions, new desires, etc. (Psalm 51:10). A new spirit (ruach chadashah) implies the renewal of your inner life – the rebirth of your will. This is the “law of the Spirit” (תוֹרַת רוּחַ הַחַיִּים) and the new principle of eternal life (Rom. 8:2).

The “stony heart” (lev ha’even) represents unfeeling, self-serving numbness of being. This heart is the locus of "yetzer hara," the inner selfish impulse that is the common heritage of the “natural man.” The Targum renders this as, "I will break the heart of the wicked, which is hard as a stone.'' A hard heart has a form of "sclerosis" that makes it closed off and impermeable to love from others, and especially from God. Scripture uses various images to picture this condition, including a "heart of stone" (Ezek. 36:26, Zech. 7:12), an "uncircumcised heart" (Jer. 9:26), a "stiff neck" (Deut. 31:27), and so on. Stubbornness is really a form of idolatry, an exaltation of self-will that refuses to surrender to God.

The heart of flesh (lev basar) represents an inner life of genuine feeling and joy that makes a fit habitation for the radiance of the Divine Presence. After all, the word for “grace” (χάρις) is directly linked to the word for “joy” (χαρά). This heart is soft and tender - a spiritual and sanctified heart - that is submissive to the will of God. It is upon the inner “tablets” of this heart that the Torah of God truly written (Jer. 31:33).

There aren't two gospel messages: one for the sinner and the other for the saint... The message of the gospel is always "good news" to those who are sin-sick and riddled with guilt and shame, and it is always "bad news" for those who deny their inner condition before God and believe that they can justify themselves. In other words, there's no "gospel" message apart from the message of the cross of Yeshua, and the cross represents the end of the ego and its devices. We don't get saved in order to follow the path of self-righteousness; we get saved to be witnesses of God's righteousness... We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

May it please God to give us all soft hearts and renewed spirits that are empowered to love in the truth and to walk before His Presence... May He perform a divine "heart transplant" so that we may feel the heartbeat of the Spirit within us. Amen.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Ezekiel 36:26a reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/ezek36-26a-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/ezek36-26a-lesson.pdf

2.21.25 • Facebook

from Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

[mattanaministry]

Mattana Ministry

Welcomes You To:

Weekly Bible Study: 10 September

Theme: Bible Basics Explained/Ten Commandments (6)

Scripture: Ex. 20:18-26; Rom. 3:20-26; 1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 7:24-26; Matt.5:17; 2 Cor. 5:21 & Acts 13:39

Message:

Fear of God & Love of God

Welcome back to Through the Word. We completed our review of all ten: no other gods, no idols, no using God's name in vain, keep the Sabbath, honor parents, no murder, no stealing, no adultery, no false testimony, and no coveting what isn't yours!

That's all ten, let's see how the people respond. Verse 18:

"When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” (Exodus 20:18-19).

They're scared. And can we blame them? The voice of God—the mountain on fire—the Ten Commandments. Remember, the law reveals God's goodness and our sinfulness; it exposes our deeds and our hearts.

Now we might feel like we're pretty good, but God's Law doesn't work on feelings. And there is no indication whatsoever that our good deeds can outweigh our bad ones. If we steal, we're a thief. If we hate, we committed murder in our hearts. Greed, lust, and envy are all forms of idolatry. So what do we do?

Well, the Israelites ask for a mediator. "Moses, you speak to us. If God speaks to us again, we'll die!" They need someone between them and God who will connect them safely.

And Moses does just that. In verse 20:

"Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20).

So Moses steps in to encourage the people. Well done mediator. And in that, Moses is a picture of Jesus. 1st Timothy says, “There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind,” and that's Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Christ steps in for us.

And Moses explains something essential about the Law. It was given to put the fear of God in the Israelites, to keep them from sinning. Fear as in deep respect. The knowledge that God is great and awesome—that He is all-powerful and all-seeing, that He is just and He will judge—that knowledge holds us back from sinning. And that fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.

But is the law enough? It can restrain our hands, but it can't change our hearts. It can't make us good.

Yet the end of the chapter points us in the right direction, as God instructs Moses to tell the people:

“You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: Do not make any gods to be alongside me... gods of silver or gods of gold" (Exodus 20:22-23).

God's first reminder: no idols. Idolatry is the root of so much sin. Do not replace God.

And in verse 24, God points Moses to the solution for sin:

“ Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings..." (Exodus 20:24).

The altar. The place of sacrifice to honor and acknowledge God. The place of atonement, the only place where a sinner can approach the sinless God. And that altar points us to the true altar—the Cross of Jesus.

And here at last, we see hope. Back in Romans:

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25).

See the Law is like a mirror; it shows our face, but it can't change our appearances. Romans also says that:

"No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin" (Romans 3:20).

We cannot work our way to righteousness. That truth is essential, and it is illustrated brilliantly right here in Exodus 20. Look at verse 25:

"If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it” (Exodus 20:25).

So the stones for the altar could not be fashioned. Don't carve them; just leave them as God provides them. And He says:

"Do not go up to my altar on steps..." (Exodus 20:26).

Steps would indicate works we have to do. No. Keep it ground level. If you climb steps:

"...your private parts may be exposed" (Exodus 20:26).

They wore robes! It happens! And that is exactly what working our way into God's favor does to us. Try it. Start climbing to Heaven, and we'll expose our sins real fast. And we all watch as self-righteous hypocrites come tumbling down.

We come to the Cross at street level. God meets us where we are—no steps to climb. As we read the Ten Commandments, remember three things: God is good, we are not, and Jesus saves.

And Jesus did not abolish the law or toss it aside. He fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). He lived it perfectly, and paid the full price for our sins so that we could be justified. That means declared righteous. The Law can't make us right, but Jesus can. He traded our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). That is incredible. So in Christ, we do obey God, but are not constrained by the commands nor powered by our own strength or works. But His law is on our hearts, and His Spirit empowers us to live it.

The Law came to put the fear of God in us, but grace comes to put the love of God in us. The Law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. The Law came to shackle us—to keep us from sin. Jesus came to free us—set free from sin and law and death. Set free to live (see Acts 13:39).

MM

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