#I can't even describe it and I always answer in hebrew

[todaviia]

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[casmong]

Sincerity and truth.

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." Matthew 6:1-2

These teachings from the Master are given during the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7], where Jesus gives wise counsel, blessings, warnings and rebuke.

This verse introduces the word hypocrite to the Greek New Testament, and was the first time Jesus uses the word. It represented the beginning of his policy of using the word hypocrite when referring to the Pharisees, and it was almost an alias he used to refer to them. Whenever the word hypocrite occurs in the gospel, it is almost always referring directly to Pharisees, or a characteristic trait they exhibit. Even in these verse aforementioned, Jesus does not explicitly mention them by name, but he mentions synagogues and streets, which indirectly refers to Pharisees who 'ruled the synagogues' [Luke 13:14; Acts 18:8] and since Sadduccess were rarely mentioned as being on the streets it also was referring to Pharisees, who to their credit were always on the streets among the people (poor man's priest).

A hypocrite [Gk. ὑποκριταὶ (hypokritai) - one who answers, an actor, a hypocrite] The word hypokritai literally refers to a performer acting under a mask or an assumed character in a Greek theater.(i.e. a theater-actor). The word alludes to a two-faced person, whose profession does not match their practice, or someone who "says one thing but does another.", or someone who hides their real ‘face’, feelings or intentions, or hides the true facts.

We know that "there is no new thing under the sun"[Ecclesiastes 1:9] and the concept of a hypocrite has always existed, and therefore can be found in the Hebrew old testament. During Elihu discourse with Job and his three ‘friends’, he mentions "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them." Job 36:13

The Hebrew word translated as 'hypocrites' [Hb.וְֽחַנְפֵי־ (wə·ḥan·p̄ê-) - godless, impious {hypocrite}] has the connotation, based on the root word from which it is derived, of someone who is corrupted or soiled with sin. The Septiugint{viz ancient greek translation of the old testament ~300 BC}, Wycliffe translation{1382}, Luther translation{1545}, Coverdale{1585} Geneva Bible{1599}, King James{1611} and other older translations used the word 'hypocrite' or 'feigners and false men' (Wycliffe) instead of simply 'godless', because they realized that the person described is feigning being righteous based on the context the word is used.

There are two extreme classes of righteousness: the righteous person who is sincerely seeking to fear YAH and do what is right 'from the heart', and there are those who have no knowledge nor regard and respect for YAH and His commands and expectations. In this context the 'godless in heart' presents a separate class of people who appear to be righteous on the outside but on the inside are godless, and thus are play acting and putting up a facade. Even further, Elihu goes on to say that when the wə·ḥan·p̄ê- are rebuked and chastened by God; they don't cry out, because they can't break character as they have to maintain the facade of being righteous for others to see.

Jesus also alludes to the hypocrites sounding a trumpet before them in the synagogues and in the streets. This can be considered literal or figurative or a symbolic metaphor for making a public show of their charitable deeds. It is very unlikely that the hypocrites have a person blow a trumpet wherever the hypocrites go to announce their charitable deeds, but it is likely that they enjoyed putting lots of money in the synagogue collection pan, which was a trumpet shaped metal container, that made a loud clanging noise the more coins are thrown into it; to the delight of the hypocrites. This was not the case with the poor widow with her two little copper coins (2 mites) [Mark 12:38-44]. Everyone would hear the clanging noise of the rich, who for a show threw in lots of money, but hardly anyone would hear the sincere whisper of the widow’s little offering; but Jesus didn't hear the noise of the proud, but he definitely heard her little prayer loud and clear, and rewarded her accordingly; with her story recorded as a testament to her faith and offering.

The sounding of the trumpet can also be viewed as a figurative not 'blowing of our own trumpet' when we do our charitable deeds. Jesus warns that those who seek to draw attention to themselves and praise from onlookers have already received what they desired, and will receive nothing more. The goal is to be seen and validated and derive our value and self worth by God and not to be seen and validated nor derive our self worth from other people. Jesus lovingly advises that “when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." - Matthew 6:3-4

[wolint]

FRESH MANNA

PRECIOUS PROMISES

Hebrews 10:23

The Lord is faithful in all His promises and faithful in all that He does. God is sovereign, all-powerful, and all-knowing, he follows through on every promise he makes. When God makes a promise, nothing and no one can stop him from carrying it out. No human being can guarantee their promises like God.

We should, therefore, be confident and assured knowing that God always keeps his word.

There is much we pray for and about as Christians, for ourselves and others—many dreams, hopes, and plans. When we bring our request to God, we must bear in mind the guarantee that the word we speak is already in Christ’s name.

How precious then, to just pray God’s promises back to him, especially through his Spirit.

When we speak God's words to Him, we shouldn’t be surprised that God cares for our request and His word, He will not break his word according to Psalm 110:4 and it is His word we repeat and remind Him. Use promises from God's word as the basis for your prayers. The Bible is full of God's promises, ask him for the truth of these promises to be manifested in your life.

It is important to identify the promises in the scriptures that benefit you, look at the context of that Scripture that concerns you and keep hold of it until it manifests. We can rely on the unchanging nature and honesty of God's disposition to naturally enter into the reliability of His words to us.

We can find many promises God has made to us in His Word. For example, he promises to take care of us faithfully and will never leave us. And in 2 Peter 1:4, some of his promises are described as precious and profound.

God promises that we no longer need to feel helpless, anxious, and alone. We can take everything and anything to God in prayer and expect answers according to Philippians 4:6.

The most precious promise of God we have is the wonderful privilege of having God live within us, temples made of clay as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16.

God promises that if we come to Jesus on His terms, He will forgive our sins and not remember them evermore since there will no longer be any need to feel guilty or ashamed before God according to Jeremiah 31:34 once we come to faith.

We must continue to follow Jesus, no one, not even Satan, can separate us from God as Romans 8:38-39, this promises security for our spirits.

We are given a precious promise that death is not an end to believers but a spiritual sleep that cannot destroy us because we will rise from death eventually says 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

Praying for God's promises is not some kind of magic. Our prayers are always powerful, but we must trust God to work in His ways and time and remain patient until manifestation. If we have to pray for many years, and can't see some of the answers in our lives, we must keep praying. Finally, believe that each of God's promises to you will be fulfilled.

What are God's promises that are most precious to you? There's a lot to choose from and they are big promises. God's promises relate to the great doctrines of grace, salvation, redemption, justice, security, separation, sanctification, and the glory of an event for our soul.

Above all, God's promises are based on Christ Jesus and will come through Him according to 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Therefore, keep up with any promise you wait for. God can and will do just what He said He will do, do not give up on God. God is faithful to his promises.

PRAYER: Thank you God that you’re not a man, that lies. I am grateful that you will carry out your promises to me in your words through Christ Jesus. Amen.

shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT.PRAYER MIN.

[coffeeman777]

I'm scared of being a false convert. How do I know I'm not one?

I decided to answer these two together, since they're essentially asking the same thing. The following is from a post I made several years ago that I think may be helpful to you:

2 Corinthians 13:15

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?"

Christians aren't perfect.  We're still living in a fallen world and contending with a fallen nature that craves sin (the desires of the flesh).  All of us need the grace of God continually.  All of us are still able to fall into sin (whether by ignorance, or by succumbing to temptation).  But Christians are nevertheless indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, and given grace by God to resist sin.  Despite our imperfections, the Bible teaches that truly born-again Christians will possess certain characteristics by virture of the Holy Spirit in them.  And these characteristics will become more and more prevalent in the Christian's life as each one gets closer to God (the process we call sanctification).

We are taught by the Apostle Paul to examine ourselves to determine whether we're actually in Christ, or merely think we are.  If your faith is real and the Holy Spirit is in you, you will display at least some of the traits described below, and be able to see when you look back on the time between your initial profession of faith until now a steady, progressive development of these traits.  

The following is a helpful 15-point self test adapted from an episode of Todd Friel's Wretched TV to see whether you're in the faith:

1. Do you do good works? - James 2:17-27

Good works can't save you; but if you're actually saved, you'll do good works.

2. Are you obedient? - John 14:15

If you're truly born-again, you will strive to keep God's commandments; you may not always succeed, but you'll never stop trying.

3. Do you seek holiness? - Hebrews 12:14

Being holy (not perfect) is an absolute must for the born-again Christian, for without holiness, no one will see God. A true Christian seeks Christ-likeness.

4. Do you practice forgiveness?  - Matthew 6:12-15

A genuine Christian shows mercy and is willing to forgive; the command of Jesus to His followers to be ready to forgive a brother 70x7 times a day is meant to illustrate God's abundant forgiveness towards His children.

5. Do you deny your flesh? - Galatians 5:24

The sinful habits of the past have no place in the Christian's life; forsake them. When an evil desire rises up, crush it quickly.

6.  What is your attitude towards wealth and material possession? - Luke 14:25-33

A truly born-again Christian will be relatively indifferent towards wealth and material goods.  Keep money in its place; have it or not, love God and put Him first all the same.

7. Is your love for Jesus real? - 1 Corinthians 16:22

A genuine Christian will passionately desire the presence of God. Craving His presence is the motivation behind obedience; obedience and holiness create an atmosphere conducive to God's presence. Claiming to love God while rejecting His commands makes one a liar (1 John 2:4).

8. Is your love for others real?  - Matthew 25:40-46

Preferring others over yourself; giving of your time, effort, and resources to help with no thought of payback; favoring others to the point of disregarding personal gain; all of these things show love for others. Above all, the greatest love for others is displayed by telling people the hard truths that they need to hear, even if it costs you their favor/relationship; even if it earns you their hatred and persecution, and the hatred and persecution of others. Love does not sit idly by while others throw themselves headlong into Hell.

9. Do you love the truth? - 2 Thesselonians 2:10

Any true Christian will seek the truth in all things, especially God's Word; true Christians treasure the Bible and will never stop studying it, digging for the deep truths of God.  Also, Christians will seek to avoid willful deception, and will look for and promote the truth in every area of life.

10. Are you child-like in your relationship with God? - Matthew 18:2-3

A person who is born-again will have a trusting faith in God, as a child trusts their parents. Although understanding may not immediately come, faith and obedience will always be present.

11. Do you control your speech? - James 1:26

A true Christian will work to keep his or her mouth under control; refrain from perverse language, slander, lies, and gossip; a true Christian will not be verbally abusive to others. 

12. Perseverance - Mark 13:13

Real Christians will not forsake Jesus. No real Christian can live in open, unrepentant sin; any back-sliders whose salvation is real will have no pleasure in sin, and will come home again. If anyone can walk away from Jesus for good, it is doubtful that one ever really knew Him in the first place.

13. Do you walk in the Light? - 1 John 1:7

A true Christian develops sincere love for goodness, purity, and righteousness, and their life will reflect that.  They will seek to be characterized by the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).

14. Do you live a lifestyle of repentance? - Luke 5:23

Upon real salvation, the Christian will commit to abandoning sin. This is not only a commitment made once, but also a day by day process; going forward, the believer will acknowledge faults and ask God's forgiveness as circumstances dictate, and will seek to remove sinful elements of their life as they become aware of them, judging themselves by the Word of God daily.

15. Are you willing to fight for the faith? - 2 Timothy 4:7

Christians are fighters, soldiers in an on-going war. Every single day, Christians will fight against the worldly philosophies and demonic lies of this age, against the constant attempts by those outside (and within) the Church to distort/butcher/abandon sound doctrine, and against their own fleshly desires. If you think you're in Christ and you're not fighting, something is wrong.

[muggle-writes]

Rules: Answer 21 questions and then tag 21 people who you want to get to know better.

tagged by @elizabethsyson

Nickname: Muggle is my nickname, but when I went by Muggle in person for more than a month at a time, it naturally got abbreviated, usually to Mugz

Zodiac: Aquarius

Last movie I saw: into the spiderverse (same answer as last time. I don't watch that many movies tbh except around Christmas. unless YouTube counts in which case... music of some sort? idk links for the next answer)

Favorite musician: changes by the day. I've kinda been in an acapella and/or folk music mood recently so the Maccabeats and Peter Hollens are in my YouTube and Spotify history a lot recently. also I'm eternally in awe of Forte Handbell Quartet (eta a longer video; i recommend skipping to the techno piece or the Jurassic Park theme)

Last thing I googled: "vine why are you buying clothes at the soup store" (my wife hasn't seen it; also i can't find the vine because apparently it's a much bigger meme than I realized). before that it was "chgrp not root" because work and group permissions are useful when they work

Song stuck in my head: well for most of the day when I haven't been actively listening to something, it's been the Pokemon RSE route-walking music. (but that somehow happens frequently when I'm in the no-music-no-internet room at work, as I was for most of the day, and I don't know how I accidentally trained my brain to make that connection). right now, surprisingly, I don't have any background music playing in my head. I think it's because the humidifier provides just enough white noise that my brain doesn't feel the need to provide its own

Other blogs: my main is @muggle-the-hat and I'm a mod on @why-do-neurotypicals but we've gotten one ask ever so that blog has been dormant for a while. I have a bunch of other sideblogs, but they're all small and I use different screen names on each of them (enby life: no idea which name suits me best so I may as well try them out) so i feel like it would just confuse things to link them.

Following: blogs matching all the themes of my sideblogs, (including this one, which is writeblr), korean langblr, jumblr, assorted fandom blogs, authors of my more favorite fanfictions (some overlap with other categories), and irl friends and acquaintances (including one fandom blog turned irl friend)

Do I get asks: on my main if at all, which isn't really surprising because i have hundreds of followers there and maybe 60 followers combined among the rest. but I get asks far less often than I reblog ask memes so... I'm always happy to get more. I do get tagged in ask games more on this one, but writeblr is actually vaguely organized about tag lists so that makes sense. also I used to get tagged a bunch on my main and I rarely could find the posts again to follow up when I had time to answer.

What I’m Wearing: pajamas. staying warm and cozy

Lucky number: I don't remember what I said last time, but I like a lot of numbers. 64 is a good number. recently I've been debugging software in which 0x3E is my lucky status number and 0x0E taunts me. (um, decimal 62 and 14). Also my other favorite number i can't share until it's no longer the combination to the lock to the Secret Room. (or realistically never because opsec and i shouldn't make public the types of parents we use for that combination lock), honestly I aim to be like.... ah, I'm sure the anecdote involves G.H. Hardy but i don't remember on which side. anyway one mathematician remarked to another about how the id number of the taxi he rode in was sadly uninteresting, and the one I aspire to be like, argued "what are you talking about, this number is interesting because ______" and I'd like to be able to do that for any arbitrary number thrown at me. (hi yes math is good, history is hard, math history is interesting yet i still forget the people even if i remember the math. except when things are named after people, but that tends to be, like, Euler and LaGrange and other people who did lots of cool science things so i remember the methods and the names of the methods separately which never helps)

Amount of sleep: ....depression both screws with my sleep schedule and means I always feel like I need more sleep except when I wake up at 5pm and feel like I've wasted the day. so yeah. I can never get enough sleep

Favorite food: yes (why do I have to pick a favorite?) uh, chocolate in most forms, many other sweet things, red meats (especially if served with potatoes), curry (especially if it has "too much" ginger), fresh-baked bread, chai the way my favorite local Indian restaurant makes it (spicier with just a little bit of sweet, which is the opposite of what i can get from the mocha machine at work which is wayyy sweet with a hint of spice but that inferior chai is still superior to coffee so i drink too much of it). also vegetables which I really don't eat enough of: sauteed zucchini and onions, roasted broccoli

Dream trip: dreaming requires creativity and tbh I funnel that mostly into my writing instead. I wouldn't mind going back to Korea for another visit though

Dream job: my current job is pretty good when I feel productive and when my debugging tools actually produce data maybe??? (they were not being helpful today. but i still mostly like my job.) dream job is probably this but with seniority and confidence and double the salary (while living in a similar area of the country; I wouldn't want to double my salary by moving to work for Google in California and having less available after rent than I do now)

Describe yourself as aesthetic things:

the smell of old books

the first glow of sunrise (the sunrise painting the mountains pink and gold)

a rainbow in the spray from a waterfall

the flicker of distant lightning (watching a thunderstorm fade into the distance)

this picture

Random fact: about me or about the world?

how about a combination answer: when we got our new handbell music this season, we only looked at half the pieces our first rehearsal and afterwards I tried to look up one of the pieces we hadn't gotten to on YouTube because it's got a weird time signature and I wanted to get a feel for how fast it would go and how strict the counting is...... except it turns out we're the first group to ever play the piece. it was commissioned recently but seeing my conductor's name on the page didn't tell me how new it was because he's super prolific. (the fact that it was on printer paper without the publisher's graphics should have been a giveaway but it's only the second time I've been among the first to play one of his pieces so I think I can be excused for not realizing)

Languages: mostly just English, but I took Spanish for years, so I can hold simple conversations in it. I can almost read sound out Hebrew fast enough to keep up in services, and I know some random Hebrew vocab but comparatively no grammar. and I took Korean in college, enough that I can recognize sentence structure but I can really only speak tourist-Korean, though I can sound anything out (if it's typed. handwriting is hit or miss.) in both Hebrew and Korean (and Spanish tbh but i don't often listen to Spanish music) I'm very proud when I can separate the words enough, listening to a song, to translate them without looking up the lyrics. also I tried to learn Japanese from Duolingo when it was new, but I still hadn't gotten the kana straight when it started progressing to kanji so that was a rough time and I went back to Hebrew.

tbh I "dabble" in "language learning" which really means I start a million courses on Duo and stick with none of them. with the notable exception of French, which I acknowledge is super common and probably a good idea to learn but the spelling and pronunciation seem so arbitrary I'm scared to look close enough to learn it properly, and I've never particularly considered starting the Duolingo course for French

I think I lost a few questions, because that's only 18 answers. whoops.

um... who to tag

@abluescarfonwaston if school hasn't drowned you in work yet and @copperscales I'm interested in both of your choices for lucky numbers especially.

... wow I'm blanking on other mutuals I haven't tagged recently. as usual lmk if you'd like to be edited in, or just answer the questions and tag me back, that's great too.