#Psalms 75:1

[soaringeaglesingingjoy]

Pursue what matters most

In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace. We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived.

But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first.

Give thanks

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

Spend 5 minutes in silence

“Abide in me, and I in you.”

John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

Remember Whose you are

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of Whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

Meditate on God’s Word

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

Focus on what is excellent

“…If there is any excellence … think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God?

Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God every day, and put Him first above everything else.

[wiirocku]

Psalm 75:1 (NLT) - We thank You, O God! We give thanks because You are near. People everywhere tell of Your wonderful deeds.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

God Himself is Judge

God is the judge, and even the skies say he is right. Selah — Psalm 50:6 | New Century Version (NCV) The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Cross References: Psalm 7:11; Psalm 9:4; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 75:7; Psalm 89:5; Psalm 96:13; Hebrews 12:23

Read full chapter

Psalms 50:6 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary

[0owhatsamsays]

Good Omens - IT IS ALL IN THE NUMBERS

It's all in the numbers. We were so focused on Az and Crowley and other details, that something so ordinary as numbers slipped right under our noses. And when you start paying attention to them, it turns out THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. I won't point out all of them, because it will mean to write a post longer then Crowley's permit. But I will show you enough.

It starts with the note from Maggie. We were blinded by the spelling mistake and we didn't see that there is a number that is so visible, that I don't know how... but oh aren't they just geniuses.

See the red number. 229401

It goes on, but I won't post all the screenshots till the end. You can search for the psalm if you are interested.

Continues after the cut...

Then, and it's the reason I got suspicious... The price of the Shostakovich record. On the 20th rewatch I was like. WAIT. Why was it important for Aziraphale to state it actually costed "... AND 75". Why??? 8,75. And I was like okay... odd...875...what does it mean....

Yes, I know how you feel, but there is more, so moving on.

Aziraphale will listen to the record for how long? We all know. 21 minutes. Seriously, how didn't we notice? I can't....

This is all about the Second Coming.

And iit's not only that. Apparently behind the number 21 there are a lot of other biblical meanings, but I can't show you all of them...

Have in mind! I am even missing some that I found inbetween these, but they are really long and I don't have screenshots. Anyway, I am giving you one more reason to rewatch.

Moving on.

Shax is calling Crowley.

Sorry for the bad photo, but it's from my laptop. You see what I see?? 10:35

MOVING ON.... I told you that they are everywhere.

Skipping some that I found again... Like 261 (I remember this being 6 shots espresso 1 cup, but don't remember where the number 2 came from). Check the biblical meaning of 261.

And I will show you this.

Photo from my laptop again, sorry. This is in the bookshop and let me tell you that these numbers are on the photo that appears when episode finishes and amazon transfers you to the next episode. Here it is:

Notice that the "5" is missing.

Okay, my photo is right after the angels came to the bookshop to check about the plume and left. And the second photo with the missing 5 is the numbers BEFORE they came. It was first 10:1 and after the angels left, they added 5.

Read this:

Shepherd - Gabriel, sheep - angels. They didn't recognize him! Read again number 5. Got it??

People! There is a lot more. A LOT. But I will stop here. Maybe I will make another post with more, if people are interested, but this is it for now.

I still can't believe we didn't see it....

[solidrockistand]

Praise of God's Law pt 10

73. Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me discernment that I may learn your commands (So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; Male and female he created them. Genesis1:27 NLT)

(Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be purer than his maker? Job 4:17 NIV)

("Indeed, I know that this is true, how can a mortal be righteous before God? Job9:2 NIV)

(For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 ESV)

74. Those who fear you shall see me and be glad, because I hope in your word. (My soul makes it's boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Psalms 34:2 ESV)

(Let them boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who is just and righteous, who's love is unfailing and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord have spoken! Jeremiah 9:24 NLT)

(Therefor as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1st Corinthians 1:31 NIV)

(But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 ESV)

75. I know, O Lord your ordinances are just, and, in your faithfulness, you have afflicted me. (The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. Psalms 119:138 NIV)

(The law of the Lord is perfect, REVIVING THE SOUL; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 ESV)

76. May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise to your servant. (Turn, O Lord and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalms 6:4 NIV)

(Turn to me and be gracious to me for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalms 25:16 NIV)

(Answer me, O Lord for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. Psalms 69:16 ESV)

(Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you, Psalms 63:3 ESV)

77. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? have pity on your servants! Psalms 90:12-13 ESV)

(We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

(Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 139:16 ESV)

78. Let the proud be put to shame for oppressing me unjustly; I will meditate on your precepts. (Make me understand the way of your precepts and I will meditate on your wonderous works. Psalms 119:27 ESV)

(Sing to him sing praise to him tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalms 105:2 NIV)

79. Let those turn to me who fear you and acknowledge your decrees. (I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. Psalms 119:125 NIV)

(O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. you have loosed my bonds. Psalms 116:16 ESV)

(Look down and have mercy on me. Give me strength to your servant; yes, save me for I am your servant. Psalms 86:16 NLT)

80. Let my heart be perfect in your statutes, that I be not put to shame. (Let your heart therefor be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments as at this day. 1st Kings 8:61 ESV)

(Now, O Lord please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart and have done what is good in your sight." and Hezekiah wept bitterly. 2nd Kings 20:3 ESV)

(Please remember what you told your servant Moses: If you sin, I will scatter you among the nations. Nehemiah 1:8 NLT)

(Thus, Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. 2nd Chronicles 31:20 ESV)

Psalms 119:73-80: The New American Bible

[artist-issues]

another thing, just really fast:

The God who invented our brain matter and wrote history and epitomizes justice said she deserved to die that way. In fact, He decreed it. 1 Kings 21:23 "And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’"

That verse doesn't say God says she deserved it. He just says it will happen. How often does God really say the word, deserve, exactly? Now I'm genuinely curious.

Saying what will happen because one wills it does not automatically mean one is also saying "cause they deserve it" its just saying what is going to happen.

...great now I gotta review a lot of Bible stories because language here means something. And putting the word "Deserve" in God's mouth sounds like a very easy thing to do.

The word "deserve" means "be something worthy of a certain conclusion." God is God: therefore He knew everything about Jezebel, and everything about everything else that factored into her life. He decided on exactly what way she would die. Therefore, He decided what conclusion her "being" made her worthy of.

Psalm 75:7 "But it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another."

God is called the judge for a reason. The very fact that He is God means He decides what happens to people and what they're worthy of. "Deserve," a word which didn't come around until the 1500s, is just what we use to describe that concept: that people are worthy of some conclusion. God gets to be the judge.

Saying that God just "observed" what was going to happen and made a statement about it, but that's not Him "deciding it?" Like the timeline is a tv show God has already seen to the end of, and in the Old Testament He was just popping in to let His prophet know what happens next. Follow that through to its conclusion. What you're saying is that stuff happens, and God's not in control of it, He's not deciding on it, He's just watching and pointing it out.

That's not Biblical. God is sovereign. He is active in everything that happens. He absolutely did decide how Jezebel should die.

[coolksaposts]

Psalms 75:1 King James Version (KJV)

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, Unto thee do we give thanks: For that thy name is near Thy wondrous works declare.

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Read Psalms 75

[allegraforchrist]

My dear brother and sisters in Christ.

We ought to be vigilant, and not afraid of the times to come. There will be many evils and atrocities committed by those in government, in congress, in stores, in schools, in homes, and in churches. But we should not tarry nor squander our faith; exchange the Word we know for the actions of pure worry and conspiracy - better yet we keep ourselves awake and await the day of the Lord.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:2 - “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

• Revelation 16:15 - “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”

We can mourn the dead, mourn the lost, mourn the martyred, but do not mourn your soul to guilt and anxiety and insecurity, for our Lord knows what and who lies against His children - which are the wolves in sheep’s clothing, and the sheep in wolves’ clothing, that have come to scatter, mark, and maul His flock.

• Matthew 24:10-13 - “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

• Matthew 24:24 - For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

• Revelation 13:16-18 “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

No matter who rules the world, whether it is Bill Gates, the Rothschild, and the supreme secret societies, and the elites: they are only able to be in power because God has given permission for this to be. He has given them and continues to give them enough grace to repent and turn from their evils before it is the time of Judgement.

• Psalm 75:7 - “But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.”

• Romans 8:31 - For God is with us, who can be against us?

• Galatians 6:7 - “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

• Ephesians 6:12 - “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

• Revelation 3:9 - “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie — behold, I will make them to come and worship at thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

Let us not solely focus on the evils and principalities, but focus on the race ahead of us - enduring the lies, the schemes, the devices of the wicked. Let us focus most on the least of us: the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, the lost, and the afflicted.

Let us pray together, share sorrow together, evangelize together, rebuke together, forgive together, stay vigilant together, and be joyful for the trials, tribulations, and persecutions to come. Let us acknowledge the weakness of the body, but give into the strength of the Spirit. To not fall asleep in one another’s lap, but lay hands upon one another and be willing where two or three are gathered, beyond the temptations and sicknesses under dawn and dusk.

Let us not waver under the stresses and curses and abuses we will bear, but know we are preparing for His Glory to come! His will be done, once more, on earth as it is in Heaven!

Amen. Amen. Amen.

[writesaboutdragons]

365 Proverbs for Daily Living

Day 55 – Pay Attention

My son, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge. (Pro 5:1-2 NASB95)

Read: Psalm 119:9-16

Captain Charles Plumb was a Navy pilot in Vietnam. After flying 75 missions, his plane was shot down by a surface to air missile. Plumb bailed out and parachuted behind enemy lines, where he was captured. Plumb spent 6 years in a Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now gives lectures. One day his wife and he were eating in a restaurant, and another man walked up to their table. “You’re Charlie Plumb!” the man exclaimed warmly. “You used to fly combat missions in Vietnam off the USS Kitty Hawk, until you were shot down.” Captain Plumb blinked. “Now, how would you know that?” The man looked down. “Well, sir, I’d know because I’m the guy who packed your parachute.” He looked up and grinned. “I uh… guess it worked.”

Charlie Plumb couldn’t sleep that night. He kept trying to imagine what the man must have looked like in a Navy uniform. He was a bit sad that he’d probably seen the man below decks, and never even said hello, little knowing that his life would depend on the man having paid attention to the instructions on how to properly pack a chute.

Packing a chute is a complicated process. It involves stretching the whole canopy and cables out strait, and examining every inch of it for minute tears, weaknesses in seams, frayed cables. Then folding it carefully so that it would open without snagging. The ropes are then carefully folded so they would not catch and snag. The attachment to the harness is examined carefully to ensure the parachute won’t break free. The parachute harness has to be examined to make sure the pack won’t break free.

Nobody would want their chute packed by someone who didn’t pay attention. Who just balled the chute up and wrapped the cables around it, cramming it in the bag. Who didn’t care if the seams were torn, the ropes frayed. Most paratroopers, like my dad, were taught carefully how to do this, and many packed their own chutes. Their lives depended on getting those instructions right.

God has given all of us careful instructions in His Word. These instructions can save not only your life, but your eternal soul. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to God’s Word. Pay attention, because your future depends on it.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the clear life-giving instructions found in your word. Help me to follow them, today. Amen

[theprayerfulword]

April 03

1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified:

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

May God turn your foes' curses into blessings, because the Lord loves you. Deuteronomy 23

May you remember, when you are engaged in spiritual warfare, that the Lord walks among you to protect you and to cause your enemies to fall before you, so be holy just as He is holy. Deuteronomy 23

May you recall from whence you came and recall the mercies of the Lord in your life that you may show those mercies to others when the occasion comes about for they will speak praise to God for you, and God will bless you abundantly. Deuteronomy 24

May you always receive the chastening of the Lord with humility and acknowledgement of the Lord's righteousness, for His work is ever redemptive, and never punitive. Deuteronomy 25

May you be determined to blot out the memory of the lusts and corruptions which are used by the powers of darkness to attack your soul and oppose the work of God as you grow in the Lord and come into maturity of the Spirit. Deuteronomy 25

My child, do you feel concern that the bloom has left and the beauty is gone from your life, taking the freshness you recall so well and miss so much? That eager enthusiasm and energetic zeal is delightful, My love, but is not the end goal or the full purpose of My plan. It is sparked by the contact of My Spirit when you first turn to me. It grows and unfolds before all to see as My life flows into you. It draws attention with its fragrance and beauty from all who see and note the difference in you. It tells them of the change of the seasons from sleeping dormant winter to the spring of life and newness. But it is natural and appropriate for the flower to fade and the fragrance to diminish and the petals to fall, My precious one, for there are greater things to come and the work has just begun. The flower of your love for Me merely marks the beginning of the work of maturity and fruit-bearing. The blossoms are beautiful and speak clearly of the promise to be fulfilled, but the true joy comes with the appearance and development of the fruit that refreshes and strengthens those who are weary and hungry. My goal in your life is to bring forth fruit that glorifies My Father, fruit that remains. Even though the almond flower is beautiful, it is the fruit, rough, hard-shelled, and without the color and beauty of the blossom, that bears the fulfillment of the promise that the blossom spoke so eloquently of. Do not worry if you see the blush of the blossom fade away, My love, for better is to come.

As you do the work of the Lord and minister in His kingdom, preaching the Word in authority and seeing God confirm it with signs following, may you rejoice only in the fact that you are a citizen of heaven and a child of your heavenly Father. Luke 10

May you not mistake God's love for special privilege in outward behavior, but understand that the compassion of the Father will lead you to dress for work and dirty your hands, for it pleases the Father to see His holiness shining from His children through the smudges and stains of loving concern expressed for the poor, sick, and needy. Luke 10

May you give thanks to the Lord, for His mighty miracles give proof that He cares. His timing is exact and His judgment is upright; He holds all things together when turmoil shakes our lives. Psalm 75

May you forever declare the praise of the God of Jacob, for from Him alone comes promotion and power, and He will cut off the strength of evil men and increase the power of good men in their place. Psalm 75

May you look for ways to help others, as all good men do. Proverbs 12:12

May you be filled with good things from the fruit of your lips as surely as the work of your hands will reward you. Proverbs 12:14

[bibleversegarden]

Holy, loving, faithful, gracious, compassionate, merciful, longsuffering God, is righteous, just and true, and so are all His judgments, in all the earth.

Thus says the Lord God: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell."

"And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it." (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

"Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested." (Revelation 15:3-4)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 1 Samuel 16:6-7; Psalm 19; Psalm 23; Psalm 75; Psalm 89; Psalm 105; Psalm 145; Proverbs 14:34-35; Ezekiel 31; Isaiah 46:12-13; Isaiah 61:8-11; John 7:24; Acts 10:34-48; Revelation 19 and further study Revelation in its entirety.

View Related Devotion

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

1st February >> Mass Readings (GB)

Saturday, Third Week in Ordinary Time  or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Saturday, Third Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: C(I))

First Reading Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 ‘He was looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God.’

Brothers and Sisters: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:69-70. 71-72. 73-75. ℟ cf. 68

R/ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

He has raised up for us a horn of salvation in the House of David his servant, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy ones, his prophets from ages past.

R/ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

To grant salvation from our foes, and from the hand of all who hate us, showing mercy to our fathers, remembering his holy covenant.

R/ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

The oath he swore to Abraham our father, to grant that freed from the hand of our foes, we may serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

R/ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

Gospel Acclamation John 3:16

Alleluia, alleluia. For God so loved the world, that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should have eternal life. Alleluia.

Gospel Mark 4:35-41 ‘Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

---------------------------------------

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading Genesis 3:9-15, 20 ‘I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.’

After Adam had eaten of the tree: The LORD God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ And he said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.’ He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.’ Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’ The LORD God said to the serpent,

‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.’

The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Genesis 12:1-7 ‘As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring for ever.’

In those days: The LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonours you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

OR: --------

First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-11, 16 ‘God will give to him the throne of his father David.’

When King David lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ And Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.’ But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be leader over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me. Your throne shall be established for ever.” ’

OR: --------

First reading 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2 ‘They brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it.’

In those days: David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it. And David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. And they brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 8:22-31 Before the beginning of the earth, Wisdom was brought forth.

Thus says the Wisdom of God: The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 24:1, 3-4, 8-12, 19-22 Mary, Seat of Wisdom.

Wisdom will praise herself and will boast in the midst of her people. ‘I came forth from the mouth of the Most High and covered the earth like a mist. I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. Then the Creator of all things commanded me, and the one who created me gave my tent a resting place. And he said, “Make your dwelling in Jacob and in Israel receive your inheritance.” From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shall not cease to exist. In the holy tabernacle I ministered before him, and so I was established in Sion. In the beloved city likewise he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my dominion. So I took root in an honoured people, in the portion of the Lord, his inheritance. Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill of my produce. For the remembrance of me is sweeter than honey, and my inheritance sweeter than the honeycomb. Those who eat me will hunger for more, and those who drink me will thirst for more. The one who obeys me will not be put to shame, and those who work with me will not sin.’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10c ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive.’

In those days: The LORD spoke to Ahaz: ‘Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.’ But Ahaz said, ‘I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.’ And Isaiah said, ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel — God is with us.’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 9:2-7 ‘A son is given to us.’

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:9-11 ‘I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.’

Their offspring shall be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.

OR: --------

First reading Micah 5:2-5a ‘From you shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel.’

Thus says the LORD:

You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.

OR: --------

First Reading Zechariah 2:10-13 ‘Rejoice, O daughter of Sion, behold, I come.’

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Sion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.’ Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1. 4-5. 6-7. 8a-d. ℟1a

R/ My heart exults in the LORD, my Saviour.

My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my foes, as I rejoice in your salvation.

R/ My heart exults in the LORD, my Saviour.

The bows of the mighty are broken, while the feeble gird on strength. The sated hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry hunger no more. The barren wife gives birth to seven, while the one with many children is desolate.

R/ My heart exults in the LORD, my Saviour.

The LORD deals death and brings to life, casts down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings down low yet lifts up high.

R/ My heart exults in the LORD, my Saviour.

He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the needy from the ash-heap, to give them a seat with nobles, to inherit a throne of glory.

R/ My heart exults in the LORD, my Saviour.

Gospel Acclamation Cf. Luke 1:28

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.

Gospel Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 ‘That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel’ — which means, God with us.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[pharaoh-khan]

All thru Maat/The connotations of order of the bible/The Axis Mundi 1 Samuel 2:6-8

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive:

he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich:

he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,

and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill,

to set them among princes,

and to make them inherit the throne of glory:

for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them. Psalms 75:6-7

For promotion cometh neither from the east,

nor from the west, nor from the south.

But God is the judge:

he putteth down one, and setteth up another. Proverbs 3:35

The wise shall inherit glory:

but shame shall be the promotion of fools. The rich and famous whoever in history are thee wise thee richest in human history/me/Pharaɸh Kh🖖🏽𓈖 Midae Heeru Yu𓆄 is thee most wise/meek not thru sin and being 𓅐 min womin cuz that is putting you in the fellahantry tomatoes thrown at spit upon scrub passenger of best friend ride peasantry

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Job: How Can I Argue with God?

1 Then Job answered:

2 “Truly, I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous with God? 3 If one would dispute with Him, he cannot answer Him once in a thousand times. 4 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? 5 He who removes mountains, and they know not, who overturns them in His anger. 6 He who shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble. 7 He who commands the sun, and it does not rise; he seals off the stars. 8 He who alone spreads out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea. 9 He who makes the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades, and the constellations of the south. 10 He who does great things, beyond discovery, yes, and wonders beyond number. 11 Yes, He would cross before me, and I would not see Him; He would pass on by, but I would not perceive Him. 12 Yes, He takes away; who can hinder Him? Who will say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ 13 God will not withdraw His anger. The proud helpers bow down beneath Him.

14 “How, then, can I myself answer Him, and choose my words to reason with Him? 15 Even if I were righteous I could not answer; I would plead to my Judge for favor. 16 If I called, and He answered me, I would not believe that He had listened to my voice. 17 For He crushes me with a storm and multiplies my wounds without cause. 18 He will not allow me to get my breath, but fills me with bitterness. 19 If it is a matter of strength, indeed, He is strong; and if of justice, who will set me a time to plead? 20 Though I were righteous, my own mouth would condemn me; though I were perfect, it would prove me perverse.

21 “Though I were perfect, I would not know myself; I would despise my life. 22 It is all one thing; therefore I said, ‘He destroys both the perfect and the wicked.’ 23 If the whip kills suddenly, He will laugh at the trial of the innocent. 24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of its judges. If it is not He, then who is it?

25 “Now my days are swifter than a runner; they flee away; they see no good. 26 They pass by like reed skiffs, like an eagle rushing upon its prey. 27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint; I will leave off my sad face and brighten up,’ 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows; I know that You will not hold me innocent. 29 If I am guilty, why then do I labor in vain? 30 If I wash myself with snow water and cleanse my hands with soap, 31 yet You will plunge me into the pit, and my own clothes will abhor me.

32 “For He is not a man as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Nor is there a mediator between us, who may lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let Him take His rod away from me, and let not dread of Him terrify me. 35 Then I would speak and not fear Him, but it is not so with me. — Job 9 | Modern English Version (MEV) The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House. Cross References: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 17:17; Deuteronomy 28:49; 1 Samuel 2:25; 2 Chronicles 13:12; 2 Chronicles 30:6; Ezra 9:15; Job 1:1; Job 3:25; Job 5:9; Job 7:11; Job 7:19; Job 8:5; Job 8:22; Job 10:1,2 and 3; Job 12:6; Job 13:22; Job 15:6; Job 16:12; Job 23:8; Job 26:6; Job 26:12; Job 37:9; Job 37:19; Psalm 37:33; Psalm 39:10; Psalm 75:3; Isaiah 13:10; Jeremiah 2:22; Nahum 3:6; Romans 9:19-20

Job 9 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise)

[freebiblestudies]

The Three Angels Messages Lesson 02: No Sympathy for the Devil

Revelation 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

The second angel’s message seems very complicated at first.  It definitely deals with a lot of symbols.  In order to understand this Bible verse, let’s take a closer look at the following keywords:

Babylon

Fallen

Wine

Wrath

Fornication

Let’s read together Genesis 9:7-17; Genesis 10:10; Genesis 11:1-4; Isaiah 14:13-14; and Daniel 1:2.

If we are to talk about Babylon, we need to also discuss Babel. Both kingdoms were founded in the land of Shinar.  Babel can be considered the archetype for all the worldly kingdoms that followed it.

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the most famous stories in the Bible.  Have you ever considered the builders’ motivations for building the tower in the first place?

 The builders did not trust God’s promise to never destroy the world again with a flood.  They wanted to survive another flood on their own power. 

The builders also did not want to follow God’s command to be fruitful and multiply across the earth.  Rather, they wanted to build a tower whose “top is in the heavens”  and make a name for themselves.  The builders seem to be motivated by pride and perhaps to even take the worship of God for themselves.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:2-6; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Jeremiah 16:18; Jeremiah 50:38; and Daniel 3:1-7.

The story of Daniel’s three friends and the fiery furnace is another well-known Bible story.  Have you considered what was Nebuchadnezzar’s motivation for setting up the golden image in the first place?  He wanted everyone in his empire to acknowledge Babylon as supreme, even over any god his subjects might be worshiping.  If anyone refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol, they were to be killed by being tossed into a fiery furnace. 

Nebuchadnezzar had essentially set up a false religious system of worship enforced by civil authority.   This system forced people to choose between dying for their religious faith or to compromise that faith in order to live.

Let’s read together 2 Samuel 1:27; Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8-9, 47; Daniel 5:25-30; and Revelation 18:2.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen.”  God ultimately judged Babylon for its idolatry and persecution of God’s people.  Babylon was conquered by the Medo-Persians in 539 BC.

Let’s read together Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:3-5; and Jeremiah 51:7.

Alcoholic wine in the Bible is always viewed in a negative light.  Alcoholic wine clouds and even perverts judgment.   Note that the Bible does talk about unfermented non-alcoholic wine more positively, but that is a Bible study for another time.

Let’s read Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 23:15; and Hosea 4:11-12

Prophetically speaking, wine also represents God’s judgment against wickedness and  idolatry.  You definitely do not want to drink this wine!

Let’s read together Exodus 15:6-7; 32:9-12; Numbers 11:33; 16:46; Deuteronomy 9:7-8; 2 Kings 22:13-17; Ezra 5:12; Jeremiah 44:7-9; and Romans 1:18.

What is wrath?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers two definitions that are relevant to our Bible study today.  Wrath can be defined as a “strong vengeful anger or indignation (anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean).”  Wrath can also be defined as “retributory punishment for an offense or a crime; divine punishment.”

God’s wrath is His response to sin.  In the Old Testament, God’s wrath consumed the Egyptian army chasing the children of Israel.  God’s wrath was also aroused when the children of Israel committed sins or fell into idolatry.  God’s wrath led to the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity.

Let’s read together Psalm 21:8-9; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; Romans 2:5; Ephesians 5:6; and Colossians 3:6.

God’s wrath is also associated with judgment.  God’s wrath will be poured in full on the unrighteous at Judgment Day.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:46; 2 Chronicles 12:6-9; 32:25-26; Psalms 78:32-39: 85:2-4; and 106:23.

Despite what many people believe, God does not want to pour His wrath on people.  In the Old Testament, Aaron and Moses both interceded on behalf of the children of Israel to avert God’s wrath.  God is willing to spare sinners from His wrath when they humble themselves before Him.  Whether it was the people of Israel or a king like Hezekiah, God was willing to grant mercy to all who came to Him earnestly and asked forgiveness of their sins.

Let’s read together Isaiah 53:4-6, 10; John 3:16, 36; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; and 1 John 4:10.

God has done everything He could to shield us from His wrath.  God loves us so much that He gave His only son Jesus to die for our sins.  Jesus is our ultimate intercessor.  We only have to confess and repent of our sins and call upon Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Let’s read together Ezekiel 23:16-18; Hosea 4:11-12; Isaiah 23:17; and  John 8:41.

What is fornication?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the definition as “sexual intercourse between two persons who are not married to each other.” 

The Bible likened God’s people (the church) to a woman (Jeremiah 6:2).  Paul the Apostle described the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33).  Therefore, spiritual fornication would be the church embracing someone or something other than Christ.  In the Old Testament times, the people of Israel strayed from God and worshiped various idols and other false gods.

Let’s read together Matthew 24:24; John 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-23; Revelation 17:1-6; and Revelation 18:3, 9.

The book of the Bible describes a harlot woman who represents a false worship of Christ. This church outwardly seems Christian, but in actuality, it does not follow Jesus in spirit and truth.  Many people will be deceived and fall into Babylon.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 31:19 and Revelation 18:1-8.

What does the second angel’s message mean?

All false systems of worship will be judged.  Salvation by works, the idea you can make it to heaven on your own merits, cannot save you.  Salvation in sin, the idea that once you are saved, you are always saved, will lead you to be lost.  All these forms of worship will lead you to Babylon.

Even if you are worshiping at the “right” church the “right” way, you can have Babylon in your heart.  If you harbor pride in your heart or you esteem anything in the world more than God, then you are in spiritual Babylon.

If you find yourself in Babylon, what are you to do?  God wants you to leave Babylon right now!  Jesus is calling you to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  He does not want you to face God’s wrath.  Repent and turn to Christ your Savior!

Friend, will you share the second angel’s message with others?

[a-queer-seminarian]

This time each year my old seminary professor Marcus holds Psalmtember, which is what it says on the tin: a batch of 30 psalms, one for each day of September, each with a prompt to inspire art. (I’ll share the prompt list below the readmore if anyone’s interested! Also, if you search #Psalmtember2024 on FB you can see what folks have created so far)

The above piece is one of my fave drawing’s he’s made — what a fantastic way to bring the verse’s image to life ☀️

ID: The Psalmtember2024 chart. Pasting below as text —

Sep 1: Ps 61 CRY

Sep 2: Ps 62 TOTTERING

Sep 3: Ps 63 THIRST

Sep 4: Ps 64 ARROW

Sep 5: Ps 65 WAVES

Sep 6: Ps 66 SPACIOUS

Sep 7: Ps 67 SHINE

Sep 8: Ps 68 FLOCK

Sep 9: Ps 69 SINKING

Sep 10: Ps 70 HASTE

Sep 11: Ps 71 WOMB

Sep 12: Ps 72 SUN

Sep 13: Ps 73 NECKLACE

Sep 14: Ps 74 BROKE

Sep 15: Ps 75 FOAMING

Sep 16: Ps 76 ROUSED

Sep 17: Ps 77 WHIRLWIND

Sep 18: Ps 78 ANCESTORS

Sep 19: Ps 79 POUR

Sep 20: Ps 80 BRANCHES

Sep 21: Ps 81 MOON

Sep 22: Ps 82 SHAKEN

Sep 23: Ps 83 CHAFF

Sep 24: Ps 84 NEST

Sep 25: Ps 85 KISS

Sep 26: Ps 86 HEART

Sep 27: Ps 87 DANCERS

Sep 28: Ps 88 DEEP

Sep 29: Ps 89 ANOINTED

Sep 30: Ps 90 DREAM