#THOU SHALT SEE TRUE GLORY

[mymitochondriaforpresident]

Curls on my dash 😍

[pastorelpa]

Jeremiah 1:4-8

You know me

Dear Father, help me to rest in Your love and calling on my life. To help me know that You care for me intimately as You shape me for each of the days You have planned for me. Thank You for Your guidance, strength and support on this journey, for I know the journey is not supposed to be easy. You know my heart is true and pure as I know You are there with me every step of the way.

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:4-8)

The Lord knew you, sanctified you and purposed you before you were formed in the womb. Your life is part of the Lord’s meticulous plan. God reassures you that your calling is grounded in divine authority and presence, not in personal ability. Our perceived inadequacies are opportunities for God's strength to manifest. God emphasises that what matters is our availability and faith in Him. We have an unique role in God’s kingdom, called to witness and act with His love in our daily lives. By listening to and obeying His call, we overcome fears and doubts, trusting in His promise. God's silence does not mean His absence, for He is always near, guiding us with wisdom and care toward His good plans for our lives.

These verses are a treasure trove of divine assurance and personal challenge. They speak not only to Jeremiah’s unique mission but also to the universal call God extends to each of us. There is a truth revealed to Jeremiah that is both humbling and empowering, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.". Before Jeremiah was conceived, God already knew him and had a plan for him. This knowledge is not mere awareness but an intimate, purposeful relationship. God’s foreknowledge encompasses His sanctification and ordination of Jeremiah. This means that Jeremiah’s life was not an accident, it was a divinely orchestrated mission. In the same way, each of us is known by God before we are formed, each of our lives was intentionally created. Our lives have purpose and meaning, rooted in the Lord’s plan. In a world where identity and purpose are often sought in transient things, God offers us an unshakeable foundation. We are known, sanctified, and purposed by Him. This should fill us with a deep sense of value and responsibility.

Jeremiah’s initial response is one of hesitation and humility, "Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.". He sees his youth and inexperience as obstacles. How many times have we, too, felt inadequate or unqualified for the tasks God sets before us? We might say, "I am not ready," or "I am not good enough.". But Jeremiah’s humility also reflects a teachable spirit, an openness to God’s transforming work. God's response to Jeremiah is both a command and a promise. "Say not, I am a child.". God does not deny Jeremiah's youth but redirects his focus from his limitations to God’s sovereignty. It is not about Jeremiah’s ability but God’s authority and presence. God assures Jeremiah that He will send him and give him the words to speak. The Lord will guide him. He gives him the promise of divine presence, "I am with thee to deliver thee". It is the ultimate assurance. He will not be alone on this journey.

God's call often comes with challenges, and His assignments might seem daunting. But God equips those He calls. He transforms our weaknesses into strengths through His power. Our inadequacies become opportunities for God’s glory to shine through. Just like with Moses, who claimed he was slow of speech, yet God used him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Think of the disciples, who were ordinary men, called to an extraordinary mission. The Bible is replete with examples of God using the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His purposes. What matters is not our ability but our availability to have faith in the Lord. Because, God’s call is not limited to prophets or pastors. Each of us has a unique role in His kingdom. Whether it is in our families, workplaces, or communities, God is calling us to be His witnesses, to speak His truth, to act with His love. To follow God’s call, we must cultivate a heart that listens and obeys. We must overcome our fears and doubts, trusting in His promise: "Be not afraid, for I am with thee."

We should have the courage to respond to God’s call with faith and obedience, knowing that He who calls us is faithful. Let us embrace our divine purpose, trusting that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. May we, like Jeremiah, rise to the call, confident not in our own strength but in the unwavering presence of our God.

Amen

With love, Pastor Elpa

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Poor Man's Morning Portion

by Robert Hawker

"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." – Romans 4:25

My soul, thou must not yet dismiss—no, nor ever dismiss, the sweet and precious subject of thy Lord’s resurrection. One part of it thou hast not yet scarce glanced at; and yet it is such a one as thine everlasting safety, and thy justification before God depends upon. "For," as the Holy Ghost hath said, by the mouth of his servant the apostle," if Christ be not risen, then are believers yet in their sins. "1 Corinthians 15:17. See to it then, my soul, that what this sweet scripture of the morning saith be true, that Jesus was delivered for thine offences, and was raised again for thy justification. While Jesus was on the cross, and when Jesus was taken down and laid in the grave, the payment and the ransom for sin was then discharging. Jesus was then truly delivered for our offences. And when he arose from the dead, then the poor sinner, for whom he was delivered, and for whom he died, was truly justified before God; for thereby proof was made that the debt was paid, the receipt given, and God, in confirmation of it, styled himself by a new name, even the God of Peace, in bringing again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, as the great Shepherd of his sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Hence the resurrection of Jesus was like going into the presence of God to cancel the bond, the hand-writing of ordinances, that was against us. It was as if Jesus gave this testimony in his glorious resurrection, that both sin and death had now lost their retaining power; the dominion of both were for ever done away, and all true believers in Christ might join the apostle’s song—"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. "My soul, be sure to keep this in constant view, when, at any time, thou art meditating on the death and resurrection of Jesus: and let both be thy daily meditation. Think how truly blessed, how truly happy, how present and everlastingly secure, must those souls be who are interested in the death and in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. By the one he hath purchased their pardon, and by the other he hath justified their persons; so that, when law and justice present their charge against them, this is the unanswerable plea—Jesus "was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification. "Oh dearest Lord, grant me daily and hourly to be bringing into all my spiritual enjoyments the sweet sense and consciousness of being thus interested, justified, and se, cared. Give me a present right and title, that I may live upon it; and by and by, when thou shalt call me home,, then, Oh Lord, present me finally and fully, once for all, as made comely in thy comeliness, clothed in thy righteousness, and fully prepared, both in soul and body, for everlasting happiness and glory among them that are sanctified.

[svgvru]

꒰ ✮ 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥 '𝟮𝟯 — 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘!

𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧! blasphemy + "a clit piercing? that isn't very holy of you, dear" , "show me how He has blessed you" ꒰ roland fortis x f!reader ꒱: fucking in a church, corruption kink, slight dumbification, some manipulation, virgin/innocent!reader, anal fingering, anal penatration, "glory hole" situation, age gap, just smut. let's pretend your ass is already clean, y'know. keep up good hygiene :D

"𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐔𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐗𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐘," the words leaving the priest's mouth were somewhat fascinating to you. "romans 13: 13" roland fortis, a well known and well trusted man. he was set in his convictions and proved to practice what he taught. at least, mostly. never did he smoke, never did he drink, and never did he consume "filthy nourishment." the man wasn't even married, even if that was considered a bit weird to some folk. it was believed he had no secrets, except he had two. being a chassuer—vampire hunter—and you. if perhaps his vampire hunter secret became known, it would he no matter. however, if you became known, the matter would be big.

despite his teaching, he sermons about secret sin and temptation, he betrayed it all. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,” Matthew 5:27–28. it was a verse often brought up, and he had never broken his own values, never gone against any of his sermons.

however, as little ms church girl—you, walked in, that had changed. every feature he could see and imagine he'd secretly lust after. it was unlike him, so be so...uncouth. it didnt help that you were so—innocent.

hearing your sweet voice in a time of confession. you were so timid, stumbling over words as you decided to finally express your sinful thoughts. "forgive me father, but i have been having some . . . sinful thoughts about another," you mumble, "and they won't stop . . . " he smiles to himself, humming at your confession. "have you felt the temptation to act upon your thoughts, mademoiselle?" he knew it was true. no matter how much you's scold yourself, look away, or try to think about other things, those thoughts in your head would not stray from him. even that time that you refrained from going to church—just to escape your temptation.

falling for the priest was your sin. falling for an innocent girl was his. although, could you be entirely innocent. "really? could you tell be about those thoughts?" his voice as smooth and comforting as ever. after all, you are coming to speak on your sinful thoughts. "i—" the second you told him your thoughts, you had a feeling you were doomed, but not in the way you originally thought.

you would never imagine that such a promising and trustworthy clergymen would fall for you. a girl woman fresh from finishing school, stuck in church with her family. you were sure he was at least nearing his 30s if not already in his 30s. he had shown no sign of faltering in his faith, until you. you wondered what was going through his mind when he called your name so . . . huskily. you wondered why he pulled you against his robes, in the small confessional booth where the priest was to seat. when his lips touched your jaw you were skeptical, but this man, he—was the one you desired.

"a-apologizes, father. but, is this—are we supposed to do this." you whimper out the words, hands clutching onto the fabric of his cassock. "fear not, this is simply how you get rid of such thoughts," he whispers against the skin of your neck. "have you ever had a song stuck in your head? you longed to listen to it, and when you did you found relief from that longing?"

you nod, releasing a shaky breath. "y-yes." you feel his lips curl into smile against your skin. "its just like that, you simply need to engage in it—just a little . . . " he whispers in a voice that makes you swoon. "trust me, you do, don't you?" he lifts his head up to lock eyes with you. you nod your head, looking into his soft eyes, although you can see a hint of something else.

you never would've known how the devil would stick to "innocent" souls had to not kissed the priest with such ferocity. how your lips connected and your inexperienced tongue melted into his mouth. you never would've known how full of sin a clergymen could be had you not let him convince you to slide into the window connecting the confession booths. it was quite large, you observe, not having seen a window this large. but your curious thoughts, come to an end at the feeling of his hands lifting your dress. his rough and calloused hands touch your bare skin with somewhat of a snort. you were embarrassed.

it wasn't an uncommon experience where women—or men—would often go bare under their clothing. it was freeing! who wouldn't? today just happened to be the day you finally felt comfortable letting your lower half free, it wasn't as if there a chance of someone seeing. after all, your dress was about ankle length. "f-father! is this really appropriate? i'm—!" a 'shhh' sound leaves his lips. "my name, dearest. roland," you could practically hear the smile in his voice. it was quite a new and somewhat confusiong experience. although, you couldn't deny—his new nickname for you was exciting. "its quite alright, i told you. trust me."

"m-mhm!" you respond to him in only a sound, yelping at the touch of his finger to your bare skin. you hear a chuckle leave his lips. your eyes widen as you realize exactly what he's laughing at, your intimates were quite open to see—including the lovely piercing you have. "𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳��𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳!" his voice is quite loud; however, the possibility of others hearing was quite low. after all, you had decided to visit him after church out of shame. his voice dips low, sending a shiver up your spine. "and here i thought you were innocent . . . "

his hands spread your ass, watching your twitching holes. "are you perhaps . . . getting a bit hot from my watchful eye? or is it my words . . .?" his index finger traces your pussy, dipling slightly between your folds. "i'm—i'm not sure . . ." you mumble. "but fa— roland. i'm supposed to save myself for a husband."

a hum leaves his lips. "mm, i suppose you are! but there's this thing," he starts, earning your attention. "there's another way to get satisfaction without losing your virginity." surprise covers you, finishing school had never taught you about any of that. "h-how?" you question, never knowing there was a way to avoid that. "by this, dearest . . ." he ever so slowly push one of his thick fingers inside of your virgin hole, it feels wet—perhaps from saliva? but it's not the one leaking slick, but your unused ass. your hand quickly laps over your mouth to prevent a loud moan from escaping the confessional. your eyes widen, rolling back a bit at the intrusion.

"that was quite easy," he comments with a smile. he continues stroking your anal walls with his fingers, eliciting moans from other booth where you're failing in your attempt to keep yourself quiet. you feel his other hand slide down your thigh, dipping between your legs to lightly touch your pulsing clit. "r-roland . . . " he hums in response to your call. "yes, dear?" his voice his far too sweet and loving for his action of flicking your piercing. the muffled scream from your lips fill his ears along with the clang of his nail to the peircing.

"maybe you could take another one, hm?" he slips another finger inside of you, gently stroking to loosen you. a string of shameless moans leave your lips—it seems as if you've finally given up on muffling them.

two of his fingers continue to move, their movements, becoming rough with the occasional flick to your clit. "such a good girl," you hear him coo. "let's get you to your release, yes?" he traps your clit in between his index and thumb, pinching lightly as his fingers plunge into you. a loud cry of his name leaves your lips. "shh, you must attract the attention of the cleaners," he lightly scolds, smiling at the whimper you let slip. "i believe that should be enough . . . "

his fingers leave you, eyes turned up in crescents at your poor hole twitching in anticipation.

you hear the ruffling of fabric and a sigh of relief from him. this is by far the most blasphemous thing you could do. willingly taking the priest's cock into you—as an unmarried woman, and a member of the house of god. you were sure He was looking down on you in shame, as you moaned wantonly at the feeling of his wet tip pressing against the rim of your ass. but could it be so devlish and against the lord? he said it, there was no such thing requiring virginity to extend to the anus, so maybe—just maybe . . . you could give in to temptation. it would take away your furture feelings, just as he said, right?

"𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶," you hear him mumble from behind you. a groan leaves his lips as he pushes into your warmth. the feeling was new—foreign. but, o god! how it felt unlike anything else! it was pleasurable, the stretch was painful, yes . . . but my—did it cause you to moan.

his cock slowly drags in and out of you, lewd sounds of skin slapping against yours. perhaps, your savior would shut the gates of heaven when you arrive . . . perhaps the gates of eternal damnation would await you at your passing . . . but you would gladly welcome the devil with open arms in exhange for experiencing this.

"a-AH! roland, ngh—!" your sweet moans fill his ears. your voice was enticing, it pulled him into your further. it caused him to fuck you rougher, faster, with more desire. he lied. it was clear he lied when he said a taste would prevenr further temptation. but once you get a taste, you long for the whole thing. you long to keeo tasting. that's just how humans are built. upon the foundation of greed is how other things are obtained. he never wants to leave you. imagine how your virgin cunt would feel wrapped around his cock? wet and warm you'd welcome him. he can tell simply from your moans.

you had become addicted to him, the same way he had become addicted to you.

his cock plunges in and out of you, your body rocking with his rough thrusts. his finger flicks and mercilessly pinches at your clit, your slick collecting on his fingertips. you swear you can hear the wood beneath you groan a bit. the musk of sex fills both of the confessional booths as his release in you, your climax coming along side him as you make a mess of his thighs. "mmph! a-AH! roland~!" your upper body slumps on the otherside, your lower half shakily standing as his thrusts slow.

when his cock leaves you, so does a disappointed whine. you weakly call out his name again, wiggling your bottom a little. you wondered what he was thinking as he stood there panting, what his face looked like. however, if you did, you'd only see the devil. or something like it at least. a beast formed from desire.

"see, now you're satiated."

[that-angry-noldo]

masks of feathers, robes of silk

E || Finarfin/Eärwen || 1.7k || ao3

Acting came easy to them; but it was when they had to drop the masks that weariness came. 

They were beautiful to the eyes of others. A perfect match, a symbol of broken bonds mending, a hope that love could prevail over bitterness and grief and anger; a beautiful tale fit for them and their people. And it felt true, sometimes; when he pressed a kiss to her hand or when her remarks made him smile or when they swept in a dance, moving as one, breathing as one—in times like this Eärwen wondered if it was act at all. But then they were alone, and grief returned. Finarfin's spirit was weary with it, so much that his body could hardly bear it; he would fall asleep tired and wake barely rested, could not stand bright light, froze at touches. His rooms were quiet and cold, and Eärwen could not bear be in them long. 

Yet the crack between them was a stinging thing, aching each time they shared glances or touches, hanging heavily in the silence of their evenings. Eärwen felt it as if it were her own wound; as if her own body was cut open and refused to mend, pain and grief oozing from it no matter the time passed, the bandages laid.

The day was bright, the sky perfectly blue, and spring was in all her glory. Finarfin's face was distant as he looked out the window; his hair, still short from the years of war, fell in curls, held by a silver circlet. His lips and eyes were painted green. It was rare for him, to dress himself so bright: the green of his makeup and robes clashed with red corals on his bracelets, dulled in the shine of his golden nacklace and earrings; the rings on his fingers, opal and onyx, were almost too many. How different it was from his usual look—how striking the contrast! No longer a phantom, Eärwen thought; no longer a ghost haunting Tirion's halls. 

As if catching her looking, Finarfin lifted his head; held her gaze with his wide, bright-blue eyes. 

And there it was: the pain, the hurt. All in his eyes, still as ice, frozen. 

"Shalt thou join me, queen," he asked, and extended his hand. "The hearing shall begin soon; I would have thee by my side."

Eärwen took the hand extended; came to stand near him, turned to the window. "Thou look'st different today," she said. "Much like in thy youth; is there a celebration today I am missing?"

Finarfin looked, ublinking; a second longer, and Eärwen would count him lost in his mind again—but then he turned, slowly, to face the window. "A king ought to look bright for his people; ought to look daring, sometimes. I thought thou wouldst agree."

Eärwen's lips quirked. "Thy court knows it is a rare occasion, for thee to dress so; thou wilt fool no one."

"I strive not to fool, lady," Finarfin said quietly, squeezing her fingers softly. "But my lords forgot who is their king in the years of my absence; perhaps I ought to remind them."

"Daring, I see; thy lords and ladies might not be persuaded with one try only. Thou wert gone for too long, king—and though I might be their queen, they love not a foreign princess."

"Perhaps I ought to remind them to respect their queen, too," Finarfin said, raising his eyes to her. "They shall not find a better one. But thou art beautiful today, lady. Were it not for—"

He caught himself, fell silent. Eärwen did not move; did not avert her eyes. 

Finally he looked at her again, his eyes suddenly sharper. "Can I kiss thee, lady? It is not long until the hearing will begin, and might be unwise—but thou art my queen; I ought to love thee."

His hand was soft on Eärwen's; his mind was as closed to her as ever as he pressed her to the wall, searched her face. Eärwen breathed. Thought of how close he was; thought how she could feel his heart beat beneath her fingers. 

"Ought to," she sighed. "I am nothing but duty to thee, king."

But she did not pull away. 

Finarfin's breath was hot on her skin as his lips ghosted over her cheek.  "Duty," he exhaled, trailing his hand up her arm. "Lady, how I wish it was not so."

And with that, his lips were on her, and the suddennes of it made Eärwen shudder. 

His tongue slipped past her lips with well-practiced ease; his hands pressed into her waist, fitting into long defined places. Eärwen pressed against him; wound her hands in his hair. 

He tasted of waxy lipstick, and too late Eärwen thought it might get smeared. No matter. He shall look beautiful like that, too; even more, perhaps, than he already was. 

He parted from her, only to switch to the nape of her neck; brushed his lips against cold metal chains of her necklace before kissing her soft skin. 

"King," she breathed. "Enough. Someone could see."

"Let them see; they shall be glad, that there is passion between their rulers still," Finarfin replied, voice a whisper against Eärwen's hot skin. "Canst thou act along, lady? Only for this moment; only before the meeting. I wish to have thee. Allow me to."

An act, of course; and to act Eärwen could.

His hand slipped down her waist, down her hip. Eärwen did not stop him. "Shall they see this, too? Have patience, king; tonight I could be thine, if only thou had asked me."

"Be mine here," Finarfin said, "be mine now. I ask thee."

He pressed his knee between her legs. Eärwen looked to the side, to the great doors; behind them was quiet, if only for the phantom sounds of conversation that could have been her imagination. Finarfin waited. He moved his lips, grazing Eärwen's skin with her teeth; slipped his hand under her shirt, and Eärwen shuddered at how cold the touch was, how rough his skin felt. 

It did not help, she thought, that her clothes were suited for such an affair; that her shirt was light and loose and her pants long and wide. 

His hand travelled up, cupped her breast. Squeezed it softly, rolled her nipple between his fingers, and Eärwen could not help but imagine it were his lips instead. He pinched it, nipping at her earlobe at the same time, and Eärwen shuddered; he found her lips again, turned her face away from the door. 

Eärwen could feel her heart beat faster as they kissed, his hand still toying with her beneath her shirt. 

"By Eru, thou wilt be the death of mine," she whispered. Then, more hastily: "Thou ought to hurry, king. We do not have much time left."

She could see him smile, and felt color rise in her cheeks. Queen of the Noldor, truly! Yet here she was, caught between her husband and a wall, eyes wide and breath shaking as if they were still in their youth. 

His hand slipped past the waist of her pants, under her underwear. Eärwen closed her eyes, drawing a sharp breath. 

He shifted his knee, making her part her legs a little more; his finger slipped further, and it was only now that Eärwen felt how aroused she was. She gasped when his finger slipped inside her, as it gathered her slick, spread it between her folds. 

His other hand came to cover her mouth, though his eyes were far from her face. "Be quiet, lady," he breathed. "Thou wishest not to be found like this, dost thou?"

Eärwen closed her eyes. Let out slow breath when he stroked he clit: once, twice, finding the desired rhythm—and then his eyes were back on her face, his fingers making Eärwen arch her head back, shut her eyes, press her hand to her mouth to muffle any sounds she might make. She found she despised it a little, how effortlessly he remembered what she liked; how easy he made it seem, to find what made her shudder and suck in sharp breaths, what made her heave her hips to meet his movements, what made her feel on the verge of breaking. 

Without warning he sank a finger, and then two, within her heat, and Eärwen almost cried. He crooned above her ear, the sound almost conforting if not for the precision of his movements, if not for the way it made Eärwen clench around him. She forgot how well he knew her, forgot how well he fit inside her; how his fingers curled unmistakingly at the spot deep within her, making her gasp and roll her hips to meet him. 

She could hear now the sounds of people gathering in the hall, chairs moving, glasses clinking. Only door separated them; how terrifying the thought was! Shall someone open it, they would be seen; would Finarfin stop, would he pull back—or will he ignore it, take Eärwen apart further, until she climaxed in front of everyone, until—

Valar, was it terrible that she doubted which one she would prefer? 

Finarfin's thumb came to press at her clit, his fingers still moving in an out of her, and Eärwen knew she would not last long. She pressed against his body, biting on the soft silk of his robes; and then she was coming apart, shaking and shuddering as Finarfin took her through her climax. 

Slowly he slipped out of her, and Eärwen closed her eyes. His fingers came away wet; Eärwen shuddered when he wiped them at the soft skin of her belly. 

Some time—a minute, maybe, maybe more—they stood like that, Eärwen slumped against his chest, Finarfin rubbing slow circles into her back. He traced his lips down her cheekbone; when Eärwen looked at him, she saw that his face was still flawlessly composed, the lipstick perfectly preserved. 

It made her despise him a little; though it was foolish, and most likely childish. 

He pulled back. 

Eärwen was silent as he carefully rearranged her hair back into place, fixed her necklace, smoothed the fabric of her shirt and pants. "There," he murmured, and then smiled—a crooked, sad thing. "No one had seen us; it seems our act was all for nothing, lady." Then, more quiet, tracing the lines of her face, brushing his thumb against her lips: "But thy performance was breathtaking. One could hardly tell it from the truth."

He pulled back, offered her his hand. His eyes were soft. "I believe our court is waiting, queen," he said. "It would be an honor to have thee by my side."

[albertfinch]

EXERCISING FAITH IN PRAYING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

"Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb?" saith thy God. Isaiah 66:7-9

Travailing for Souls

Soul travail is an impassioned, deep level of intercession (prayer) that affects the spiritual atmosphere so that the lost can hear the Gospel and make a decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We literally push back the blinding, oppressing power of the enemy so that the Gospel penetrates the heart. Effective evangelism can never be done without a burden, anguish, and true weeping for souls in prayer first! (Photo via Freeimages)

We need to be wrestlers with God for souls. We need to become like Jacob (see Genesis 32:24-30) and say, "I'm going to get a hold of You, Lord God. I am going to wrestle with You, O God. I am going to labor right here in the spirit until You bless me. I want You to bless me with souls: the lost and dying world getting saved, healed, and delivered. I am going to wrestle with You, O God, until my household gets saved."

The apostle Paul talks about travail: "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19). Paul had already labored and travailed for their spiritual birth and once again he is in labor until Christ is formed in them.

There is a fire, there is an anointing, that can fall on us so that we are literally overcome with the heart of God. There is grace available from the Lord to bow before Him on our face, weeping, crying out, and there is grace for us to be touched by the Holy Spirit to labor and travail for souls.

And God can take us out of our comfort zone and compel us by His Spirit to go into the streets to share the Gospel with the lost. We'll be moved into evangelism.

We Have a Great Promise of Household Salvation and Revival!

And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

There is a place where we stop asking God to give us what He told us to take. There is a place where we recognize that we have an enemy to the harvest God wants to give us.

We need to rise up in the spirit and say, "Joe, or Sue, I set you free in Jesus' name. Come forth, you who sit in darkness. I command you, devil, binding Joe, to loose him to see. I lay hold of Joe in the spirit and I open his eyes to see. Lazarus come forth!" When we begin to take authority and become pregnant with God's heart for souls, and travail through weeping and warfare prayer, we can see a great harvest.

Key: What You See is What You Get!

The song "Open The Eyes of My Heart" is actually a reality for the believers that  see the harvest with the eyes of their heart and now they get a revival. Are you provoked to jealousy? Are the eyes of your heart opened? Do you see the harvest?

Key: Birthing

We need to be burdened with his heart in our spirit for souls and pray until we see a breakthrough. That is true travail and birthing God's purposes in the earth. We need to sense God's plan in our spirit, too, and then move into that place of relentless intercession and prayer until we see a manifestation of His promise.

Key: Identify With the Lost

Jesus gave up His glory in Heaven and became God in the flesh and took on a human body. What a drastic change! He gave up the glory and power in the heavenly realm and came down to earth as the Son of God, with no reputation. When He took on human flesh just like ours, He was tempted as we are tempted, yet without sin (see Hebrews 4:15). He knew then, and He knows now, what we're going through. He identified with our human condition and He saw first-hand how needy and lost we are. In fact, because of His personal identification, He could become our High Priest and Intercessor (see Hebrews 4:13-16, 5:1-10).

You know, we need to be able to identify with the lost, too. Perhaps we need to remember what our lives were like before, when we were blind and walking in darkness. Because afterwards we'll have more passion and feel the urgency to see that lost souls find Jesus Christ. God wants us to be moved with a burning heart for the lost to be saved!

When we allow the Holy Spirit to take us into a place of identification, we will actually identify with the plight of the lost to the point that our heart and emotions become involved. At this point we need to persevere and allow ourselves to move into prayer in a deeper and deeper way, travailing for the salvation of souls.

The Key to Growing and Sustaining Revival

There is no growing in or sustaining revival without travailing prayer. As persecution mounted against the early Church, some of the apostles were beaten and jailed but later escaped when the angel of the Lord opened the gates of their prison during the night in Acts 5:17-20. It was a time of miracles and conversions! The Church was growing, and in the middle of all the excitement, there arose a legitimate complaint (see Acts 6:1).

The apostles decided not to involve themselves in the problem, but they suggested a remedy (see Acts 6:2-3). Here's the reason why they didn't want to become involved: "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word" (Acts 6:4). The apostles knew they had to be in that place of prayer, birthing souls into the Kingdom of God.

Their wise choice to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word helped the Word of God to spread to the point that the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and even many of the priests were obedient to the faith. The number of disciples went from "multiplying" to "multiplied greatly" (Acts 6:1, 7).

They realized that the key to the continuation of the harvest and the fuel to the revival with mighty signs and wonders was the Word of God and prayer. Prayer was first and foremost! They placed such importance on that and we need to come back to that place of prayer for the lost, too.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[shammah8]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Tuesday, 28th March 2023

STAY IN CHRIST

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

This opening verse is one of the blessings of Israel’s millennial kingdom under the Messiah; but it’s true of us in Christ today. In Him, we live and move and have our being. We’re guaranteed divine protection from all weapons of any nature, formed or used against us.

In Christianity, we dwell in Christ. Christ is our home. In Christ, we’re in safety. We’re immune from hurt or harm. It’s like what God did for the children of Israel in the Old Testament. Exodus 12:22-23 says, "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."

He told the children of Israel to stay inside their houses because the death angel was coming to town; there would be no safety outside. Then He instructed them to mark their doorposts and lintels with blood to prevent them from being destroyed along with the Egyptians.

They did as God instructed and they were preserved. As long as they stayed where God told them to stay, the death angel couldn't touch them. It’s the same thing today; as long as you’re in Christ—as long as you stay in the truth of God’s Word—death, evil and peril will "pass over" you. You’ll live perpetually in victory.

When the reality of the Word and who you are in Christ dawns on you, you suddenly come to a place of absolute confidence and independence, where you realize that you’re superior to Satan and nothing he does can affect you. This is our life in Christ. Glory to God!

CONFESSION

I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress. I'm forever protected and fortified against all evil, wickedness and corrupting influences in the world because I dwell in Christ, the place of safety, glory, dominion and everlasting joy—where I reign and rule over circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Psalm 91:5-9 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. *8* Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

[alliluyevas]

Emma Smith’s patriarchal blessing is very interesting too and I think you can read into it a lot about the Smith family dynamics. In her case, it was given by her father-in-law Joseph Sr. in 1834.

Emma, my daughter-in-law, thou art blessed of the Lord, for thy faithfulness and truth: thou shalt be blessed with thy husband, and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him: Thy soul has been afflicted because of the wickedness of men in seeking the destruction of thy companion, and thy whole soul has been drawn out in prayer for his deliverance: rejoice, for the Lord thy God has heard thy suplication.

Thou hast grieved for the hardness of the hearts of thy father’s house, and thou hast longed for their salvation.The Lord will have respect to thy cries, and by his judgments he will cause some of them to see their folly and repent of their sins; but it will be by affliction that they will be saved. Thou shall see many days; yea, the Lord will spare thee till thou art satisfied, for thou shalt see thy Redeemer. Thy heart shall rejoice in the great work of the Lord, and no one shall take thy rejoicing from thee. Thou shalt ever remember the great condescension of thy God in permitting thee to accompany my son when the angel delivered the record of the Nephites to his care.

Thou hast seen much sorrow because the Lord has taken from thee three of thy children: in this thou are not to be blamed, for he knows thy pure desires to raise up a family, that the name of my son might be blessed. And now, behold, I say unto thee, that thus says the Lord, if thou wilt believe, thou shalt yet be blessed in this thing <​and​> thou shalt bring forth other children, to the joy and satisfaction of thy soul, and to the rejoicing of thy friends. Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex.Teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee: and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God; even so. Amen.

I think patriarchal blessings, especially when they’re as detailed and intimate as this one, say a lot about the giver as well as the recipient. This blessing brings up two things that caused Emma a lot of grief--her birth family’s rejection of Mormonism and consequently of her, and her three oldest children’s deaths in infancy (at the time of this blessing, she had two living children who would go on to survive to adulthood but I’m sure that it was still a difficult topic for her). Joseph Sr. is clearly trying to reassure her that everything will turn out okay, in a way that I think seems quite compassionate, if definitely still mired in 19th century views of gender. I can see a lot of love here, though, and I’m sure this blessing was very reassuring to her, especially because his prediction about her future children did come true, though the prediction about her family coming to Mormonism did not.

[bills-bible-basics]

KEEPING PROMISES AND DOUBLEMINDEDNESS -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth; And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand." Numbers 30:2-4, KJV "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee." Deuteronomy 23:21, KJV "And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:" Genesis 28:20-21, KJV "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed." Ecclesiastes 5:4, KJV "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5:37, KJV "When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." 2 Corinthians 1:17-20, KJV "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:6-8, KJV "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." James 5:12, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/keeping-promises-and-doublemindedness-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=201801&KEEPING%20PROMISES%20AND%20DOUBLEMINDEDNESS%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[libidomechanica]

Untitled (“A furlong from its earth thy shade, I find”)

The love-hat restrain’d our feeling     nod of sweeter weariness: swift, undespoken Pomps, the     mesh, that, with lower whispers met, since, and pain, and move away!     And take and clarity of this pleasured mirth, leaves     are clear eye’s moiety and

dropt a fairy parachute and     Thoughts of a Forgiving gentle minstrel’s skill remaine, that     long dead had but dislike ours for him with sight the kind; he     plied and through the lady faire guise, Joan, Maria, shield.     Everything has gotten, an

awful Governs with trumpets from     Cockle, then, his vigorously he built it on Aunt took     the few. Orpheus could not see the son,—the starts—but Dick     was mischieuous with shall death, no life, no preclude fresh Glories,     lest have lark, where partake,

which no eyes divine; softly, Gracious     and vow, and moist hand only a sequel, after God’s     future Truth the night: a debate true tear is used to me     and weak. With Time his face; and an end, and broke? Then beginnes     to repair she will

stop it, for my Safety of the     marks of love. A stones are; talk back my child, a little childe     of bronze valves, embossed there are the little clause tis Sin to     you remain, as he been fringe upon, lulled by a Niggard     seem mere empty, after

you do not merit it. The flourish’d;     sweet, inspir’d with her rosy silken robe of life was     no dream’d to Israel’s mocking of Orpheus did say, the     diapason closed me warm the fair, then smile as in clustered     he, At length now vnthought to

laugh when river-whisper a slowly     does not of us, as from times better though ne’er thoughts     will listen, so talk kindling went by murmuring run warmed     maid, Lord of telegraph they stand see and all his world will     not been, shalt be seen mid

the best, then, you here I nigher,     glares at me. In arias of air, and join’d their nipples     down to love, Jamie, come to flesh, they home with dumb; the spired,     you slept, kind Nature, furnished day in my Hands more some     might, and on the fancy

father’s face. And less, set his career     home—as many ornament, yes. The begins his heart     away; I hate away his brow With these Adam-wits too     shall remains, of spiced dainties, but vainlier things, at last, to     move ashes from afar:

each had Horace, oh call my hopes,     how long be-night words and an eye shall tread, and arrowy     smart did say: but let them down, th’ Offended, the soft     as a something else was summer-night is chill; and on thy     wilt be myne, led for that.

Loose Carrier like a mistress     unto the spired, or doest at last long sincere crystal     stones;—the morning out my shivering, the lips as warrior     frosted breath. The broad was their Prince, and my heart escapes; but     his way. A furlong from

its earth thy shade, I find but Pomp,     did other Kind? Scandal of old did she, I lagged dust die:     the new—born and in view, behold while my eyes o’er they, where     is dumb—we stand! Eyes still told of death-bed when Ambitious     Friends. Than if these voluptuous

store of Christabel, where     your loves repenting palfrey’s backe, and, your Piety, you     survived every sprawl, in sorrowing tone: the mellay, lord     of Lucy’s feet. I’ll see their duty, all the melodious     bird, whom self-contemn;

but there in the pit. Was made women     sands not harmony with first said he looked for truth that     ye wondering, found him, gliding … a wave … that feed on a     crowd? In the wild wood pigeon that made a hundred of her     guards you, their name of years

the stature learning knife, That time,     the mought availed as if God’s enemies they view’d his Youth     remain their verdict is depart from far, which with thy fresh     as shadows Thus theory. A red wing ouer her dell. Takes     her moved against his limbs.

A petty railway railing, kiss—     in soothed limbs, and, stream—the morning; if thou art and laid out     as your noble thou sire of Friendship should for lonely     Office might, that free our heart was my loue alone, but will     commerce and Take when river

and say shoulde haue no care not     so. At duty’s angell short-legged heart;—as I may discolored     meant, three with a Lordly any air. Or, if ye saw     not: waive you I’d have her as such a night and she then     she founts of indignities:

but I know not when thou affrights,     make Heirs for Just. From God is fixt as a song of this     patient of Lucy’s feet dispers of Ettrick’d in words to     inflame or haply lies too late, some lives come; charge, a monstrous     shame, and right, that rise.

Of the ship, and by tiffanies:     like windy jest had never a victim and lines, and with     beauty doth spread to flowers which forest beauties she me     caught the breeze went on his ancient melody enthralling     things sake whom her false whisper’d

by one, into my silken-     sandaled for want to knots. And come to think, so much ease,     no, not touch that Sickenesse brags it selfenesse brags it     seems half as happy and the wintry day, in Ettrick’s vale,     is the distant, but brooke.

[baxtersworld]

THE TALKING TRUMPET, VOICED CHRIST’S COMING, May 15, 2026

The voice heard by John as he was in a trance has been likened to a trumpet talking with him concerning the end-time prophecies, particularly the appointed time of Christ’s return.

REVELATION 4:1 …and the first VOICE which I heard was as it were of a TRUMPET talking with me… and I will SHEW THEE THINGS which must be HEREAFTER.

REVELATION 1:10, 7-8

(10) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great VOICE, as of a TRUMPET,

(7) Behold, HE COMETH with clouds; and every eye shall see him…

(8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending… which is to COME, the Almighty.

The prophecy concerning God’s appointed time has been closed with the 7 seals (Revelation 5:1, 3, 5), wherein Christ, being the lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 22:16), has the power to lose the seals.

However, some of the end-time prophecies have already been revealed in the past, as the angels had opened the book (Revelation 10:1, 2), but not the set time of Christ’s return.

In the past, God’s voice has been perceived as a thunder, for He withheld unto them the knowledge (Acts 1:6-8, John 16:12, 13) of the vision concerning God’s appointed time (Habakkuk 2:2-4).

EXODUS 20:18, 19

(18) And all the people saw the THUNDERINGS, and the lightnings, and the noise of the TRUMPET…

(19) And they said unto Moses, SPEAK THOU WITH US, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Thus, the gospel of God’s appointed time has been signified by the seven thunders uttered by the seven angels, resulting in a great disappointment for God’s people in the past (Revelation 10:8-10).

REVELATION 10:3, 4, 6

(3) …and when he had cried, SEVEN THUNDERS uttered their voices.

(4) …SEAL UP those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

(6) And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever… that there should be TIME no longer:

Moreover, as God commanded to prophesy again, the mystery of God’s appointed time has now been disclosed, which was voiced by the seventh angel, holding the seventh trumpet (Revelation 8:2).

REVELATION 10:7, 11

(7) …the voice of the SEVENTH angel, when he shall begin to SOUND, the MYSTERY of God should be FINISHED…

(11) …Thou must PROPHESY AGAIN before many peoples…

The triangular number of 7 is 28.

2 + 8 = 10

Taking the cube of numbers 1-10 as per digit will give a sum of 2026, the exact year of Christ’s return.

Herewith, the appointed time of Christ’s return, when man will be endowed with immortality (Job 14:13, 14), was being disclosed at the last trump (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).

The ascension of God’s people was being portrayed during the time of Joshua, when the priests blew the trumpets as they compassed the walls of Jericho.

Hence, number 10, which is a given number for the exact year of Christ’s return, can likewise be found in the following passage.

JOSHUA 6:4, 5

7 – SEVEN priests, 7 – SEVENTH day, 7 – SEVEN trumpets, 7 – SEVEN times

7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28

2 + 8 =10

Similarly, the year of Jubilee, where the trumpet is sounded, signifies the Second Coming of Christ, as He gives true deliverance to His people.

LEVITICUS 25:9, 10

(9) Then shalt thou cause the TRUMPET of the JUBILE to sound…

(10) And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land…

God’s trumpet, which is not to be taken literally as it is the proclamation of the gospel, particularly God’s appointed time, will cease to sound at the closing of man’s probation, when man can neither buy nor sell.

REVELATION 18:10-11, 22

(10) …that great city BABYLON, that mighty city! for in ONE HOUR is thy JUDGMENT come.

(11) And the MERCHANTS of the earth shall weep… NO MAN BUYETH their MERCHANDISE any more:

(22) …TRUMPETERS, shall be HEARD NO MORE at all in thee… and the SOUND of a MILLSTONE shall be HEARD NO MORE…

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

#fypシ゚viralシ #fbreelsfypシ゚ #fypシ #fbviral #reelsfbシ #reelsfypシ #reelsviralシ #viralshorts #Jesusiscoming #SignsOfTheTimes #Rapture ##endtimes #endtimesprophecy #endtimesigns #apocalypse #apostolic #Armageddon #doomsday #heaven #jubilee #Jerusalem #Yeshua #bible #predictions #apostolic #savedbygrace #judgement #salvation

[waynecowles]

Put Your Faith in Jesus, not a Man - Nathele Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com

“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;” Psalm 149:3-6.

People like to cheer. Whether it’s watching a small boy step up to the t-ball stand and actually hit the ball, or cheering for a professional baseball player when he hits a winning home run. We get excited and jump with joy and shout. Political rallies also bring out much enthusiasm, as our favorite candidate promises lower taxes, less government, more freedoms, and much more. The problem is that home run hitters don’t always hit the ball over the fence, and political promises are easily forgotten. I wonder why we get so thrilled over these temporary things, but have no joy in what really matters. What matters for eternity is putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Why put your faith in a mere human to bring joy and happiness, when Jesus forgives the sins of a truly repentant person and gives eternal life?

Jesus is the only One who deserves our praise, but very few church services have any enthusiasm. Preachers preach watered down sermons to the point that these sermons have become lullabies, and many people use that time to take a nap. I attended a church once where the preacher spent a good chunk of the sermon boasting of his many theological degrees and quoting rock and roll singers and secular psychologists. There was no joy in the Lord. The first of the Ten Commandments says “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3.

In today’s world, we seem to have forgotten that truth. Christians aren’t under the Law because Jesus fulfilled the Law but He didn’t destroy it. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Matthew 5:17.

That means that Jesus shed His own blood as the sacrifice for our sin, and you must believe in that sacrifice for redemption. God’s moral law is still in force. We know that we sin if we steal, lie, covet, etc., but through Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven. We no longer have to shed the blood of animals in order to cover our sin. Animal blood could never take sin away. Jesus was God incarnate; His blood was pure and untainted by sin. Salvation only comes by true faith in Jesus. He was fully God, so He could redeem us, and He was fully human so that He was our kinsman. Because of Jesus Christ we can live eternally with Him. Why don’t Christians get excited over that?

Preachers need to study Scripture to see how Peter spoke to people on the day of Pentecost and brought 3,000 men to salvation. The Apostles had no problem confronting sin, even though it was politically incorrect to call sin, sin. God’s truth was more important to them than being seeker friendly. Jesus was God and chose to step into His creation. He knew that He would be killed, but His love was perfect and He fulfilled every prophecy concerning His life and death. His sacrifice is something we need to really understand and praise Him with all of our heart. Put your faith in Jesus, not a man.

In today’s world, sin is sugar-coated and made not to seem as bad as it truly is. Preachers “tickle ears” and compromise God’s truth so they don’t offend the congregation. Sin is truly ugly and when it’s accepted within Christian circles, it’s disgraceful. God created all things. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4.

Jesus is the Word and created all that exists. That’s exciting! Still, people choose to believe lies about evolution and take the glory away from God. Think of living in a beautiful garden with all the food you could possibly want. Read about it in Genesis chapter 1. There were no genetically tampered with vegetables, no pesticide poisoned food, or other manmade dangers. It was food the way God made it to be. The water was pure and plentiful. There was only one thing that was forbidden and that was eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “And the LORD God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17.

God wasn’t being mean, just protecting Adam and Eve from eternal death. If you have diabetes and go to a lunch buffet, you find lots of good nourishing food available for you to eat. There are also desserts. These are not to be eaten by diabetics. Is that mean, or is it protecting your health and life? It was the same way in the Garden of Eden. There was plenty to eat and only one thing was forbidden. Eve listened to Satan’s lies and Adam listened to Eve, and they found out what God meant about death. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23.

Thank God for His mercy and grace. Sin and death entered the world because of a man, and that sin still separates humans from God. Redemption came when God shed His own blood as our final sacrifice to take sin away. Isn’t it time that you placed your faith in Jesus? Isn’t it time you share the joy of your salvation?

Because of false teachings from pulpits and books written by people who twist God’s truth, sin doesn’t seem so bad. Sin is bad and you must repent. It’s true about God’s love and forgiveness, but don’t forget about repentance and turning from sin. Many people believe that Jesus was an historical figure, but don’t repent of their sin. Faith has to be real and should motivate you to do good works in the name of Jesus. “Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19.

Head knowledge of Jesus makes you acknowledge that He lived, but heart knowledge makes you want to live for Him. It will make you excited that He forgave your sins and it will move you to a desire to turn away from sin and live for Him. Jesus is the only way to salvation and no man could have ever taken sin away. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1. The only way we can show Jesus how much we love Him is to live to please Him. Our joy needs to be in Him. We can’t have that joy if we hold on to our sin and live for the world.

There was joy in being with Jesus. I would love to have been there to hear His words. Did He say we had to repent of sin? “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15.

By His example, Jesus taught His disciples how to preach. “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: but be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.” Mark 6:7-9.

How many preachers today are content with so little? Certainly not Rick Warren or Joel Osteen or any mega-church preacher. They also don’t preach the true Gospel or repentance. The Disciples preached truth. “And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.” Mark 6:12-13.

Perhaps if we put our faith in Jesus rather than in a man, we could have the power of the Holy Spirit work through us, just as the disciples did. They cast out demons rather than accepting the sin these devils caused. They healed the sick, what a blessing.

Today, people are deceived into believing that there are many ways to Heaven. Wrong. Jesus is the only way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.

No man could ever bring salvation. Instead of cheering for humans, following human leaders, or buying into worldly ways, we need to give our lives to God. Jesus Christ gave everything to purchase our redemption, that’s exciting and humbling. God loved us enough to sacrifice Himself so we can live. Repent and follow Him, not a man. Jesus is the only way of salvation. All roads do not lead to Heaven. If there was any way to Heaven except through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then God wouldn’t have had to become human and shed His blood for our salvation.

Study Biblical prophecy. It fills a very large portion of Scripture, so God thinks it’s important. He wants us to know what’s ahead. It will also show you how important faith in Jesus is today. There will be many wars, and wickedness will abound. The time of Jacob’s Trouble is approaching…the Great Tribulation. It’s easy to be afraid as we watch world events. Christians, have the Blessed Hope found only in Christ. We will be taken Home prior to the events of the Great Tribulation. What a blessing, and it only comes through faith in Jesus. Politicians promise if we vote for this man or that man, all will be well. Only Jesus can give true Hope. Study Prophecy and it will help you to witness to people. We are living in a time when many prophecies are being fulfilled, and even non-believers can feel there’s something big about to happen.

Beware of AI, microchip implants, and other “miracles of science”. If you study prophecy and keep tuned to what people like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab, George Soros, and others have planned for humanity, you will be dumbfounded. They are bringing about the Mark of the Beast, and other end time prophecies. This is a witnessing tool that will show people they must trust Jesus, not a man. A very good source of information is videos by Billy Crone. Share the Gospel with a friend and lead them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The world around us seems to be falling apart, and wickedness is winning the spiritual war, but Scripture tells us something different.

The Rapture is drawing near. Jesus described the Tribulation period in the Olivet Discourse. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be. And except these days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22.

Christians won’t be here for the Tribulation, and we should be full of worship and praise for our Lord because of this. We must put our faith in Jesus Christ, because if we put our faith in a man, he just might be the Anti-Christ.

Only Jesus deserves our praise. So, if you’re tempted to go to a rock concert and scream and yell praises to a band that sings about drugs, sex, and demonic things, ask yourself, “What have these people done to earn my praises?” Ask yourself that same question when you go to a sporting event, or a political rally. Why don’t Christians find joy in walking with the Lord? Ask yourself every day “What did Jesus do for me?” and then praise Him accordingly. Put your faith in Jesus, not a man.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122:6.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

7 Visible Signs of our Love to God

by Thomas Watson

Before all else let us remember, our love to God is a sign of his love to us. 'We love him because he first loved us.' 1 John 4:19. By nature we have no love to God; we have hearts of stone. Ezekiel 36:26. And how can any love be in hearts of stone? Our loving him is from his loving us. If the glass burn, it is because the sun has shone on it; so if our hearts burn in love, it is a sign the Sun of Righteousness has shone upon us.

The First Sign. If we love God, our desire will be after him. 'The desire of our soul is to thy name.' Isa 26:8. He who loves God, breathes after communion with him. 'My soul thirsteth for the living God.' Psa 42:2. Persons in love desire to be often conferring together. He who loves God, desires to be much in his presence; he loves the ordinances: they are the glass where the glory of God is resplendent; in the ordinances we meet with him whom our souls love; we have God's smiles and whispers, and some foretastes of heaven. Such as have no desire after ordinances, have no love to God.

The second visible sign is, that he who loves God cannot find contentment in any thing without him. Give a hypocrite who pretends to love God corn and wine, and he can be content without God; but a soul fired with love to God, cannot be without him. Lovers faint away if they have not a sight of the object loved. A gracious soul can do without health, but cannot do without God, who is the health of his countenance. Psa 43:5. If God should say to a soul that entirely loves him, 'Take thy ease, swim in pleasure, solace thyself in the delights of the world; but thou shalt not enjoy my presence:' this would not content it. Nay, if God should say, 'I will let thee be taken up to heaven, but I will retire into another room, and thou shalt not see my face;' it would not content the soul. It is hell to be without God. The philosopher says there can be no gold without the influence of the sun; certainly there can be no golden joy in the soul without God's sweet presence and influence.

The third visible sign is that he who loves God, hates that which would separate between him and God, and that is sin. Sin makes God hide his face; it is like an incendiary, which parts chief friends; therefore, the keenness of a Christian's hatred is set against it. 'I hate every false way.' Psa 119:128. Antipathies can never be reconciled; one cannot love health but he must hate poison; so we cannot love God but we must hate sin, which would destroy our communion with him.

The fourth visible sign is sympathy. Friends that love, grieve for the evils which befall each other. Homer, describing Agamemnon's grief, when he was forced to sacrifice his daughter, brings in all his friends weeping with him, and accompanying him to the sacrifice, in mourning. Lovers grieve together. If we have true love in our heart to God, we cannot but grieve for those things which grieve him; we shall lay to heart his dishonours; the luxury, drunkenness, contempt of God and religion. 'Rivers of waters run down mine eyes,'. Psa 119:136. Some speak of the sins of others, and laugh at them; but they surely have no love to God who can laugh at that which grieves his Spirit! Does he love his father who can laugh to hear him reproached?

The fifth visible sign is, that he who loves God, labours to render him lovely to others. He not only admires God, but speaks in his praises, that he may allure and draw others to be in love with him. She that is in love will commend her lover. The lovesick spouse extols Christ, she makes a panegyrical oration of his worth, that she might persuade others to be in love with him. 'His head is as the most fine gold.' Cant 5:11. True love to God cannot be silent, it will be eloquent in setting forth his renown. There is no better sign of loving God than to make him appear lovely, and to draw proselytes to him.

The sixth visible sign is, that he who loves God, weeps bitterly for his absence. Mary comes weeping, 'They have taken away my Lord.' John 20:13. One cries, 'My health is gone!' another, 'My estate is gone!' but he who is a lover of God, cries out, 'My God is gone! I cannot enjoy him whom I love.' What can all worldly comforts do, when once God is absent? It is like a funeral banquet, where there is much meat, but no cheer. 'I went mourning without the sun.' Job 30:28. If Rachel mourned greatly for the loss of her children, what vail or pencil can shadow out the sorrow of that Christian who has lost God's sweet presence? Such a soul pours forth floods of tears; and while it is lamenting, seems to say thus to God, 'Lord, thou art in heaven, hearing the melodious songs and triumph of angels; but I sit here in the valley of tears, weeping because thou art gone. Oh, when wilt thou come to me, and revive me with the light of thy countenance! Or, Lord, if thou wilt not come to me, let me come to thee, where I shall have a perpetual smile of thy face in heaven and shall never more complain, 'My beloved has withdrawn himself.'"

The seventh visible sign is, that he who loves God is willing to do and suffer for him. He subscribes to God's commands, he submits to his will. He subscribes to his commands. If God bids him mortify sin, love his enemies, be crucified to the world, he obeys. It is a vain thing for a man to say he loves God, and slight his commands. He submits to his will. If God would have him suffer for him, he does not dispute, but obeys. 'Love endureth all things.' 1 Cor 13:7. Love made Christ suffer for us, and love will make us suffer for him. It is true that every Christian is not a martyr but he has a spirit of martyrdom in him; he has a disposition of mind to suffer, if God call him to it. 'I am ready to be offered.' 2 Tim 4: 6. Not only the sufferings were ready for Paul, but he was ready for the sufferings. Origin chose rather to live despised in Alexandria, than with Plotinus to deny the faith, and be great in the prince's favour. Rev 12:11. Many say they love God, but will not suffer the loss of anything for him. If Christ should have said to us, 'I love you well, you are dear to me, but I cannot suffer for you, I cannot lay down my life for you,' we should have questioned his love very much; and may not the Lord question ours, when we pretend love to him, but will endure nothing for his sake?

Use One: What shall we say to those who have not a drachm of love in their hearts to God? They have their life from him, yet do not love him. He spreads their table every day, yet they do not love him. Sinners dread God as a judge, but do not love him as a father. All the strength in the angels cannot make the heart love God; judgements will not do it; omnipotent grace only can make a stony heart melt in love. How sad is it to be void of love to God. When the body is cold, and has no heat, it is a sign of death; so he is spiritually dead who has no heat of love in his heart to God. Shall such live with God that do not love him? Will God lay an enemy in his bosom? They shall be bound in chains of darkness who will not be drawn with cords of love.

Use Two: Let us be persuaded to love God with all our heart and might. O let us take our love off from other things, and place it upon God. Love is the heart of religion, the fat of the offering; it is the grace which Christ inquires most after. 'Simon lovest thou me?' John 21:15. Love makes all our services acceptable, it is the musk that perfumes them. It is not so much duty, as love to duty, God delights in; therefore serving and loving God are put together. Isa 56:6. It is better to love him than to serve him; obedience without love, is like wine without the spirit. O then, be persuaded to love God with all your heart and might.

[cocomonetxos]

John 1:1-51 KJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. [11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. [16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. [17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. [18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. [19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? [20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. [21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. [22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? [23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. [24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. [25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? [26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; [27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. [29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. [31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. [32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. [33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. [34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. [35] Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; [36] And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! [37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. [38] Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? [39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. [41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being in

[childofchrist1983]

Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. - Deuteronomy 3:27-28 KJV

Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience to God in striking instead of speaking to a rock out of which God brought life-giving water. But God let him see the whole land from the top of Mount Pisgah by the Jordan River. Then Moses was to help Joshua who would carry on in his place and lead Israel into the land, while he himself would pass away and go to his Heavenly home.

As Christians, we must remember the importance of seeking, leaning on and obeying God as well as encouraging and strengthening the next generation that will someday fill our shoes. Let us see the great importance of Christian education, instruction of children at Church and at home, and of training new leaders for His ministry. May God give us a focus beyond our own self-improvement, that reaches to influencing others to do great things in His almighty name. May He help us to come to Him in true repentance and with faith in Him and His grace and merciful nature. May He give us the grace, courage and strength we need to walk with Him and do His will daily. May He teach us to watch our words when we pray to Him and to speak reverently and rightly. May we continually ask God to transform our hearts and make us faithful and humble as we walk with Him daily. We must come to Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ with honest, humble and repentant hearts. We must seek Him and His will and choose to follow Him all the days of our lives. May He help transform our hearts, help us to seek and live for Him above all else and to grow spiritually and build our faith and relationship with Him with each passing day. May He forgive our sinful nature and help us always make Him and our relationship with Him top priority.

As true and born-again Christians, we choose to walk in His righteous path and lead a life that is pleasing to Him. We desire Him and His will above anything else. We desire to walk in accordance with the love and light He has shown to us through His Holy Word and Spirit. We long for a deeper relationship with Him and a deeper fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ as well. When we fall into temptation and sin, we must turn to Him for forgiveness, strength and guidance. When believers learn to walk in accordance with God's Holy Word and Spirit, they have deeper fellowship with both God and one another. And the sin that could threaten to destroy that fellowship, if confessed (1 John 1:9), is covered in the blood of Jesus Christ and no longer a barrier between us and God. May we ask Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ to forgive us for any sins we have sinned this day or in days past. May we be faithful to Him and His Holy Word always. May He help us to walk more consistently in the light and to not neglect long to confess and forsake any sins that hinder our walk with Him. May He lead us in the direction He wants us to go so that we may seek and serve Him faithfully. God is holy and almighty and deserving of all praise honor and glory. We rejoice in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, knowing He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). May our hearts always be filled with thanksgiving and rejoicing. May He help us to praise Him freely and honestly like all believers who came before us. May we live a life that showcases our love and trust in Him and His Holy Word and Spirit as He uses us draw others to Him and His soul-saving Gospel Truth daily. May He continue guide, correct and protect us, so that we continue to grow in Him and not weaken and stray. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, the KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

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

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

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

[yhwhrulz]

Morning and Evening with A.W. Tozer Devotional for October 3

Tozer in the Morning Sincere Reverence, Joyful Informality and Genuine Humility

I also long in the tender mercies of Christ that among us there may be the following: . . . 3. A feeling of humble reverence. I am disapointed that we come to church without a sense of God or a feeling of humble reverence. There are false religions, strange religious cults and Christian cults that think they have God in a box someplace, and when they approach that box they feel a sense of awe. Of coure, you and I want to be saved from all paganism and false cultism. But we would also like to see a company of people who were so sure that God was with them, not in a box or in a biscuit, but in their midst. They would knnow that Jesus Christ was truly among them to a point that they would have a sense of humble reverence when they gathered together. 4. An air of joyous informality. The great English preacher who was pastor for many years of Westminster Chapel in London, G. Campbell Morgan, left his church and went down to Wales where the Welsh revival was going on under Eva n Roberts earlier in this century. He stayed there awhile and soaked up the glory of it. I read the sermon that he preached to his congregation afterward, and it was as near to scolding as that great preacher ever got. He said to them, "Your singing is joyless, your demeanor is joyless, and you do not have the lift or joy that I saw in Wales." He urged them that they might get into a place where that sense of joyous informality might be upon them. 5. A place where each esteems others better than himself or herself. As a result of that, everyone should be willing to serve, but nobody would be jockeying for position. Nothing is quite so bitterly humorous as ambition in the church of Christ. It would be as though a man who was on a lifeboat being saved from certain salty death in the ocean depths should become ambitious to become captain of the little boat on its way to save those on board. It is as though a man were to enter a disaster area where an earthquake had hit and people were dying and would fight for a high position there. The church of Christ is no place for the ambitious or the lazy. . . .

Tozer in the Evening MAKE GOD'S WILL OUR WILL

The mystery of man's free will is far too great for us! God said to Adam and Eve: "Thou shalt not eat from this tree." Here was a divine requirement calling for obedience on the part of those who had the power of choice and will. When they disobeyed they usurped the right that was not theirs! The poet Tennyson must have thought about this for he wrote in his In Memoriam: "our wills are ours, we know not how; our wills are ours to make them Thine!" "We know not how;" then Tennyson girds himself and continues, "Yes, our wills are ours to make them Thine." As created beings, that is our only right-to make our wills the will of God, to make the will of God our will! God is sovereign, and we are the creatures. He is the Creator and therefore His is the right to command us with the obligation that we should obey. It is a happy obligation, I might say, for "His yoke is easy and His burden is light!" It is important to agree that true salvation restores the right of a Creator-creature relationship, acknowledging God's right to our fellowship and communion!

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