#Zechariah 3:8

[thirst2]

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Rising Sun, splendor of eternal light, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in the gloom of night, and the shadow of death. ——————————————————————————————————— 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

—Zechariah 3:8

2 The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.

—Isaiah 9:2

2 But unto you that fear my name, the Sun of justice shall arise, and health in his wings: and you shall go forth, and shall leap like calves of the herd.

—Malachi 4:2

[bojackson54]

Jesus Was Never a Victim. He Was a VOULNTEER

One of the things that Passion Week helps us to see (mentioned yesterday) is that Jesus was not a victim but a volunteer. Today is Palm Sunday, and Jesus is traveling with his friends. After the Sabbath, Jesus and the disciples walked from Bethany NW through Bethpage to Jerusalem, a journey of 8-10 miles. The Victim who Walked Right Into a Trap? He rode the last part on the colt of a donkey,…

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 21: God's Glorious City

For this city was made entirely of the purest gold and shimmered with every hue of gem and pearl. In fact, each of its portals was carved from one voluminous pearl a piece. The sentries were angels. Every part of the city was foursquare, infinitely stable

[at-the-end-of-days]

I’ve been watching YouTube lately, following the paths of planes.

Yes, it sounds paranoid.

But there’s a YouTuber under the name of “nyprepper” whose content lately has been following the movement of planes, namely those of interest: US nuclear command planes, nuclear capable planes, Russian planes.

And the last video indicated that it was possible Russian VIPs were taking shelter while America was gathering its forces. Russia who we know is supporting Iran as America supports Israel… Iran who has threatened Israel if they go forward against Gaza.

Now, it seems all the Middle East is turning on Israel. Iran has, as stated, threatened Israel if they proceed with the ground invasion of Gaza.

And it seems that Israel has put a pin in that invasion for the moment.

Now, if you haven’t paid attention, Israel gave Palestinian civilians 24 hours to evacuate from northern Gaza into southern Gaza.

But it’s been more than 24 hours at this point.

And Israel supposedly extended this 24 hour deadline for the weather?

The weather?

The weather forecast as of October 15, 2023 as seen above.

Let’s think about what actually happens next week, shall we? And no, it’s not because they want a spookier Halloween atmosphere.

It’s because of this.

US forces will reach the area around or about that time.

Now, the US in this article says:

“The Biden administration made clear that the carrier and its accompanying force are not there to engage in combat activities on behalf of Israel.

“There is no intention or plan to put American troops on the ground in Israel,” John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the National Security Council, said Thursday.

“We take our national security interests very seriously in the region,” he said, noting that the purpose of the bolstered force posture was “to act as a deterrent for any other actor, including Hezbollah, that might think that widening this conflict is a good idea.””

But let’s be honest, if you were a nation about to invade, and you were worried about Iran breathing down your neck, you’d want a little more fire power than not behind you.

And it looks like that firepower will be arriving…

“The newest U.S. aircraft carrier - and the world's largest - is already in the eastern Mediterranean and set to be joined by a second U.S. aircraft carrier in the next 10 days.”

So, bets that Israel’s weather problems will last until at or about that point? So much for the hope that the Americans would stay out of this and let the situation deescalate.

So what happens when Israel does invade? Well, it seems likely that Iran will have something to say about it. And the rest of the nations in the region.

And what’s the worst case scenario?

People die. Horribly. Many of them.

Best case scenario?

Everyone in Gaza is displaced… and people still die.

But this is a, once again, Christian revelations blog.

So we go back to Zechariah.

For the worst case scenario.

Zechariah 14, the New International Version.

The Lord Comes and Reigns

14 A day of the Lord is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very walls.

2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake[a] in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

6 On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness. 7 It will be a unique day—a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light.

8 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter.

9 The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

10 The whole land, from Geba to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become like the Arabah. But Jerusalem will be raised up high from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses, and will remain in its place. 11 It will be inhabited; never again will it be destroyed. Jerusalem will be secure.

12 This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. 13 On that day people will be stricken by the Lord with great panic. They will seize each other by the hand and attack one another. 14 Judah too will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing. 15 A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.

So, biblically, worst case scenario?

This, in 2023, is this situation. Jewish women have already been raped, there are videos out there on social media (do not look those up) demonstrating the very real readiness everyone seems to have to violate women, regardless of culture or century.

Jerusalem, the city proper, is taken. Half of the people flee, half remain, and then comes a counter attack. But not until people suffer.

A mountain valley? A volley of bombs? An earthquake? A man made catastrophe? Unknown.

And a day of no light or dark? Sounds like ash is in the air. Ashes falling like snow. Yeah, that sounds like it could definitely be after an earthquake, or a bomb.

And then, then the city is secure?

There’s a lot more land there than just Jerusalem! Where’s Gaza, where’s the rest of the people? Oh, next paragraph.

Their flesh shall rot … eyes shall rot… tongues shall rot… and all the animals too.

That sounds like a tactical nuke if I ever heard one. And as we officially/unofficially know, Israel does have nukes.

As does the United States. Many of them.

So what I’m getting at… is we know from scripture that Israel won’t be destroyed. Oh, life is going to be awful. Homes will be destroyed. People will die, women will be raped (why must women always be raped in these situations, have some decency to not try and exert power over someone else in such a way! It’s barbaric, it’s cruel, and it’s worthy of castration).

And what of Zechariah 13:8?

Hopefully, this is referring to past events.. namely the Holocaust. Because hopefully, we will never see such needless loss of life again.

And, horrifyingly… the number of 2/3rds matches the Holocaust.

https://homework.study.com/explanation/what-percentage-of-jews-died-in-the-holocaust.html

After all, it’s a passage before the part of Jerusalem being attacked.

But it’s worrisome because…

In a timeline scale, that atrocity JUST happened.

Human time, the time of the Bible, of the Jewish people? It’s thousands of years old.

And these events are written as happening one right after the other.

And a book, written so long ago, predicted that massacre of the Jewish people, in a small verse by a more minor prophet.

So worst case scenario in front of us, from a biblical stand point?

Untold numbers of Palestinians, Iranians, Israelites, and whomever else joins the fray dies, Jerusalem is attacked directly, oh, and then there are nukes that kill however many more people.

So absolutely nothing, nothing good happens from Israel invading Gaza, with American support (sure right that they won’t support Israel), with Iran attacking as response.

So if we have any luck at all, Israel will call off their invasion of Gaza, let the people of Palestine have some peace, food, water, and the Americans will go home.

[thewordfortheday]

Our Heavenly Father fiercely protects His children. Anyone who harms His beloved child touches the apple of His eye.

The Bible says that anyone who touches and harms the people of God touches the “apple of the Lord’s eye.” ( Zechariah 2:8 ) God warns us, “If you touch My people you are poking your finger into My eye. Imagine the consequence of doing that.

How you treat the Lord’s children could determine whether you are blessed or cursed. (Genesis 12:3) The Lord Jesus promises to protect His children against every attack of their enemies.

Let these words serve as a warning to those who mistreat God's children; at the same time, may all who are suffering harm be comforted.

[victusinveritas]

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Da Big JC

More below the cut.

From Rebecca Solnit:

Yeah, we've reached the state where Christian nationalists hate Jesus and anyone like him. "Sin of empathy." [Last] screenshot is Speaker Johnson having a hissy fit about that Episcopalian's sermon.

Some Bible passages on love and kindness, for the record:

John: 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Matthew:

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Zachariah, Old Testament

8Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying,

9“Thus says the Lord of hosts:

‘Execute true justice,

Show [g]mercy and compassion

Everyone to his brother.

10Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,

The alien or the poor.

Let none of you plan evil in his heart

Against his brother.’

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Psalm 31:21

Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

Colossians 3:11-13

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

2 Peter 1

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

[thomastanker02]

GODS LOVE FOR HUMANITY (part 3):

Ephesians 3:17-19, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”

Romans 5:5, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”

Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”

Psalm 103:11, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him”

Zechariah 2:8, “For thus says the LORD of hosts: After the glory, He sent me to the nations which plunder you; for he that touches you touches the apple of His eye”

John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”

Psalm 136:26, “Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever”

God bless, Jesus loves you ✝️❤️

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

If therefore ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much rather shall the Father who is of heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? — Luke 11:13 | 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY) The Darby Translation of the Holy Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Proverbs 1:23; Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29; Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 7:11; John 14:16-17; John 16:7; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:32; Galatians 4:6; James 1:17; 1 John 3:24

Read full chapter

Luke 11:13 in all English translations

[exercise-of-trust]

right so i've been wanting to do a song of the eagles print set for easter ever since i saw this post last year, and after a lot of waffling (and a bit of despair) i finally have a test print i'm mostly happy with!

individual block photos and meta/process rambling under the cut, for anyone who's interested:

ok so each rotk block has a separate associated scripture fragment in english mode tengwar. they are not strictly "correct" transliterations because in my personal use i tend to make some adjustments to the official system for readability (e.g. mostly using the silme nuquerna instead of the normal silme for [s] and using short carriers for vowels following a hyarmen instead of trying to hang them directly off the back leg), and because i prefer quenya vowel order over sindarin (noldorin supremacy tenn' ambar-metta, get thee gone from my gate an thou dislikest it, etc etc etc). they are, however, hopefully legible despite this.

i had to limit myself to very very short snippets of verses, both for aesthetic reasons and because i would simply have given up if i'd had to carve a single line more of lettering in either alphabet. in order they are: he will swallow up death forever (isaiah 25:8), my soul waits for the lord (psalm 130:6), behold, your king is coming to you (zechariah 9:9), and he makes her wilderness like eden (isaiah 51:3). i went back and forth a lot about whether to put the tengwar blocks above or below the main blocks and in the end i think i like above better? i do like having the flexibility, though, and maybe when my neck and shoulders stop screaming at me i'll redo the tengwar sections to be half above and half below, which would let me swap out some of those verses for longer ones i liked better or add more context to the existing snippets.

in terms of the main blocks, i'm broadly happy with how they turned out, although my attempt to save on materials by carving both sides of each piece kind of backfired in that i needed to stop and wash them each time i wanted to use the carving on the other side. it was a nuisance and it made it difficult to get consistent pressure, especially on the mostly-black fourth block (which i might end up redoing anyway; i feel like the solid background doesn't mesh as well with the others as i'd hoped?) on the other hand it did let me use the expensive pink speedball stuff for all of the pictures instead of the offbrand gray kind i used for the tengwar blocks, which had a much more finicky texture. also, somehow out of a 425-letter-long piece of text, i carved exactly one letter the wrong way around (the R in the final "your" of the third block, if my patch job actually hid the mistake enough that you didn't notice). i'm not sure whether to be proud of that success rate, or bewildered that i still got one wrong despite getting all the others right.

the actual printing process still needs some streamlining (especially dealing with the awkward dead time in the middle from needing to wash both the main blocks halfway through), and i might fidget around with the chunk spacing a bit more (maybe shift the sing all ye people up a bit, since the second and third sections ended up having noticeably more white space at the bottom than the other two?), but on the whole i'm proud of how they turned out, happy easter, alcar i ataren ar i yondon ar i airefean 👍

[purepurposefulprayer]

🔥 A Prayer for Breaking Bad Habits 🔥

Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

I come before You today, not in my own strength, not in my own will, not in my own understanding — for I have tried and failed. I have leaned on my own systems, my own strategies, my own so-called willpower, and Lord, it has left me empty, bound, and frustrated. But today, O God, I turn away from the ways of the flesh, and I cry out for the wisdom of the Holy Ghost!

Holy Spirit, teach me. Lead me. Empower me.

Break every chain of addiction, distraction, and destruction! I confess — it’s not a lack of discipline, but a lack of dependence on You. It’s not a matter of motivation, but a matter of surrender. And so I surrender! I surrender my mind, my time, my routines, and even my habits into Your hands.

Lord, You said in Your Word,

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of Hosts (Zechariah 4:6).

So I stop striving, and I start abiding. Let the power of the Holy Ghost rise up in me and give me strength to shut every door to the enemy. I will no longer make room for compromise. I will no longer leave my habits accessible to the flesh. I put a distance between me and destruction — in Jesus’ name!

Holy Spirit, show me the replacement for the bad habits I have formed. Not what looks holy on the outside but what meets the need You know I’m trying to fill. Give me wisdom. If it’s not a grand act of devotion, let it be a small act of obedience. A book. A breath. A whisper of prayer. A Scripture. A psalm. A song. Whatever it is — just let it be Spirit-led!

I repent and renounce any agreement I have with places, spaces, and things that tempt me.

And in those first 30 seconds of temptation — Lord, Jesus

Let me not waver. Let me not wander. Let me not chase a soft sin filled life.

Remind me of Your presence.

Remind me of my power through You.

Help me to take three deep breaths and say,

“The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me!” (Romans 8:11)

And then choose the better way — Your way.

Lord, I will not wait for big victories to praise You.

No! I will rejoice in every small “yes.” I will say “Thank You, Jesus” when I walk away.

I will shout “Glory to God” when I pick up the bible instead of my phone.

I will celebrate the miracle of obedience — moment by moment — because You are forming Christ in me!

I declare:

🔹 My mind is being renewed.

🔹 My habits are being sanctified.

🔹 My nights are being reclaimed.

🔹 My will is being aligned with Heaven.

🔹 I am walking in freedom because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty! (2 Corinthians 3:17)

So, Father, thank You for the simple wisdom.

Thank You for the Holy Ghost strategy.

Thank You for the power of inconvenience.

And thank You for being my Deliverer, my Teacher, and my Strength.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,

Amen and AMEN! 🔥🙌

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Devoted to Christ

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

=======================

+ Zechariah 2:13 Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

=======================

VERSE OF THE DAY

======================

+   2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

=======================

SUBJECT: Devoted to Christ

======================

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

I AM DEVOTED TO CHRIST

I AM BEAUTIFULLY MADE

I AM LOVING

I AM NOT ALONE

======================

READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 15 Seconds

======================

THOUGHTS:

======================

Who or what is stealing your devotion from God? It happens so quickly if we let it. Many of us are so accustomed to our daily routines that we fail to recognize what could be stealing our love from God. I once had something stealing my time from God, and when He revealed it to me, I acted swiftly. I don’t want anything to take my love from God away.

I can assure you that nothing can steal our love from God. Some things are placed in our lives to test our resolve. Sometimes, we pass the test, while other times, we fail because we allow these obstacles to hinder our path to Christ, just as the serpent deceived Eve’s cunning. Unaware of the deception, she succumbed to its influence. How many of us are unaware of the snakes lurking in our lives? To eliminate these threats, we must sever their heads. Many of us play with these dangers, oblivious that they eagerly await the opportunity to strike.

  Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ

Sometimes, the enemy doesn’t come through tangible things and people. He infiltrates our minds through various philosophies and theories. We can get so caught up in what sounds appealing that we forget to consider the crucial aspects. These are the words of God; if they’re not explicitly written in the Bible, we shouldn’t engage with them or avoid them altogether. We should pray that they don’t ensnare us. Some of you are listening to this new modern theory about the Bible, causing you to stray from the path of righteousness.

 Galatians 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—

The Galatians were deserting the one true God, and he was shocked by their actions, as some of us are doing the same today. We abandon God because we hear one thing and are ready to move on, or we believe it’s from God, but it’s actually from the devil. This modern theory on things and mediation is not how we meditate. God doesn’t want to empty us during meditation; instead, he wants to fill us up. I’ve experienced this before: emptying everything, and strange things started happening. I had to repent, and God reassured me that I would never empty you; instead, he would always fill you with his love. Some of us are emptying ourselves to get closer to God, but that’s not what God wants. He wants to fill us with grace and mercy, but the allure of the world leads us astray. Can’t we start asking God, “Is this what you want me to do? Is this what you called me to do?”

  Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

We can’t serve two masters; we must choose between this world and God. Many of you are confused about what we should choose. You’re also confused about what you should do. But I can assure you that God wants you to choose Him and to get closer to Him. To do this, we must be devoted to Him and Him alone. This world will tell you that you must follow this path to be popular or that you should be happy and do whatever you want. But my friends, to be filled with joy, you must follow the Lord your God. Many of you are afraid to take the next step, but God says, “Don’t be afraid or dismayed. I am here for you. I will never leave you or forsake you.”

 Galatians 4:9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

It reminds us not to return to our weaknesses. We know that our lives are supposed to be devoted to God. So, why do we devote our time to meaningless things? These things on earth are worthless and elementary principles. They won’t get you closer to God; they’ll pull you away from Him. The farther you are from God, the less you’ll hear His voice.

  2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your stability

  Don’t lose your stability because of people and the teaching of this world; don’t allow things here to distract you from what you know as good and holy. A lot of people don’t understand that God is the head of our lives and that when we aren’t reading our word and meditating and praying the way we should, we give the enemy an opening to do what he likes, the enemy will find every way to exploit you and cause you to fall you won’t even know you’re this is happening until you don’t hear his voice some of us right now is not hearing the voice of God because we are dabbling in things that we shouldn’t. God is saying, let go of those things, let go of the things of this world, and be devoted to me

  *** Today, we delved into the topic of devotion to God. We acknowledge that it can be tempting to stray from the path that God has set for us, but it is crucial to stay devoted to Him. When we are not fully committed to following God, we realize He is the only one we truly need. The enemy works tirelessly to lead us astray and take advantage of our weaknesses, but we can resist his tactics through our devotion to God and stay on the right track. Let us always remember to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God, for He is the one and only true God who deserves our unwavering love and commitment. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

======================

PRAYER

=====================

Heavenly Father, we thank you with humble hearts and grateful spirits for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. Your love and provision in our lives are endless, and we cannot thank you enough. We give you all the glory and praise for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace. As we look to the future, we trust in your plans and know that you will continue to guide and bless us. Please forgive us for our sins, Lord, and help us to walk in your ways. In Jesus. Name Amen

======================

REFERENCES

======================

+ Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers

 

+ John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

 

+ John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

======================

FURTHER READINGS

======================

Proverbs 25

Revelation 18

Ephesians 3

Romans 5

Acts 26

======================

[lacilashea]

I love Jesus more than all & all my posts belong to Jesus & he is my Lord & savior, the Messiah, the Christ, King of Kings & Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ the truth, Jesus King of the jews, the rest on the earth and that much being God's son. as my Lord and savior & this is not about me but about Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ the truth, Jesus King of the jews & the rest on the earth and that much being God's son with Mary, and Jesus, God, and the Holy Ghost have feelings like you & others do that also exist because of God, and you can talk to Jesus, God, and the Holy Ghost literally all the time and they do talk back to you & outside of prayer also & will be that close to you and talk to them and others that exist like you all day & night long and you'll never be alone and start talking to Jesus about everything & your lives will improve-Jesus told me to tell you eating unlclean meats is not okay and you can see in leviticus 11 & he Jesus had me become a vegan and I did years ago, I use to be really sick & had mrsa reoccurring for years, an ear infection with pus coming out, heart problems, lung function at 40 percent, asthma, was over weight, Jesus got me to quit smoking & more and Jesus healed me without a physician's help with all that-true and verifiable and Jesus told me to not eat unclean meats & that was over 5 years ago all true and verifiable, and I gave up dairy which I'm lactose intolerant anyway had to have soy formula as a baby but dairy is pushed everywhere here(and I have heard you are wimpy out of a mouth if you cannot handle dairy even when it is effecting your health negatively) even when plants milks are available, and cow's milk is meant for baby cows & we are not cute baby cows and most do not need dairy and plant milks are more beneficial. The problem as Jesus pointed out with unclean meats using pig as an example-the problem is what the animal eats the pig's generations have etc & then when you eat a pig for example which the pig will root and eat non-living people or animals in the ground covered in dirt and shit in certain instances & you have eaten what the pig did by consuming the pig also God did not want you to eat unclean which is enough for me besides the rest-Leviticus 11, Also meats break down differently in your mouth than plants so your dental health improves if you are not eating meats especially not unclean meats, and if you are eating meats you need to brush, floss, & use mouth wash after you eat clean meats every time & dairy as dairy is an animal product, and hopefully you are going to stop eating unclean meats if you do. Also they can grow clean and uncontaminated meat in lab like cow, chicken etc and slaughter houses & more are cruel & need to stop excessive farming as plants can also be grown in lab and cruelty of plants needs to stop. Be safe & take care and Jesus loves you and wants to help you just talk and listen to Jesus-not me even I just be telling you the truth. Jesus talks back to you I love Jesus much & he is also my king, Lord, Savior, & friend and I talk to him all the time(see Acts 9 too, more, & my positive personal experiences) Jesus does literally talk back to you & you can hear in your mind and out loud along with God Jesus father does too(I love God very much)-see 2 Chronicles 7, Exodus 3, Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3 & more, plus my positive personal experiences and I talk to Jesus all the time God and Holy Spirit too-(I love the Holy Spirit much) & the Holy Spirit speaks back-acts 19:21 & more and my positive personal experiences and others that obviously exist like a variety of Angels Luke 1, Numbers 22, Matthew 8, Mark 5, Luke 8, Zechariah 3, more & my positive personal experiences as I also talk to them all the time too and I love them much, animals do to Numbers 22 & my positive personal experiences and I talk to them all the time & love them much, & all that exists that God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit has made everywhere-plants included & love them too as all is God's, Jesus, & holy ghost's including you and me.

[saltoftheearth5x2]

Luke 3

Over the 24 days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to be posting a chapter of Luke every day. I encourage you to read through Luke's gospel and reflect on Jesus's time here on earth. Perhaps you'll find something new.

Masterlist

Luke 3 (NIV)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.

5 Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

the rough ways smooth.

6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’"

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,

the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,

the son of Josek, the son of Joda,

27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,

the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,

the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,

the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,

the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,

the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,

the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,

the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,

the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,

the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,

the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,

the son of Salmon,the son of Nahshon,

33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,

the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,

the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob,

the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,

the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu,

the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,

the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan,

the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,

the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,

the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,

the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh,

the son of Seth, the son of Adam,

the son of God. "

FOOTNOTE: Though it can be boring to read, Jesus's genealogy was important to include in the gospels. At the time it was written, it was a well-known fact amongst the Jews that the Messiah would be a descendent of David. Because of this, the writers used Jesus's genealogy as proof that he is the Messiah.

....

All of this was taken from the Bible Gateway, which is an online Bible that you can easily search up. For those of you who do not have Bibles of your own, I encourage you to use online resources like Bible Gateway to read God's word.

Happy Holidays

If you have any questions regarding the Christian faith, please ask me in my ask box. I am not a perfect person, but I will try and answer your questions as best as I can. We all have much more to learn, myself included. So please, do not be shy.

[solidrockistand]

Prayer for complete Restoration

You showed favor to your land, O Lord, you restored the fortunes of Jacob. (Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. Deuteronomy 30:3 NLT)

(Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. Psalms 14:7 ESV)

2. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. (Do not rebel against the Lord and do not be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them! Numbers 14:9 NLT)

(The next day Moses said to the people "you have sinned a great sin. and now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. Exodus 32:30 ESV)

(Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his wrath. Psalms 78:38 NIV)

3. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. (So, he declares he would destroy them. But Moses, his chosen one, stepped between the Lord and the people. He begged him to turn from his anger and not destroy them. Psalms 106:23 NLT)

(O Lord according to your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because of our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Daniel 9:16 ESV)

4. Restore us again, O God our savior and put away you displeasure towards us. (You who have made me see many calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth, you will bring me up again. Psalms 70:20 ESV)

(By awesome deeds you answer us with Righteousness, O God of our salvation. Psalms 65:5 ESV)

5. Will you be angry with us forever? will you prolong your anger through all generations? (These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself but now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. Psalms 50:21 ESV)

(For a long time, I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant. Isaiah 42:14 ESV)

(Be exalted, O God above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalms 57:11 NIV)

6. Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Then I will never forsake you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Psalms 80:18 NLT)

(Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and ius safe for you. Philippians 3:1 ESV)

7. Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. (Return, O Lord and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. Psalms 6:4 NLT)

Of David the Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 ESV)

8. I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people his saints but let them not return to folly. (I will give you peace in the land, AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SLEEP WITHOUT FEAR. I will remove the wild animals from your land and protect you from your enemies. Leviticus 26:6 NLT)

(Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV)

9. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his GLORY may dwell in his land. (The Lord us my light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalms 27:1 NLT)

(And I myself will be a wall of fire around it declares the Lord and I will be its glory within. Zechariah 2:5 NIV)

(And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the lamb. Revelation 21:23 ESV)

10. Love and faithfulness meet together righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Your throne is founded on two strong pillars, righteousness and justice. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Psalms 89:14 NLT)

(Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Psalms 97:2 NIV)

11. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven. (Shower; O heavens from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, the salvation and righteousness may bear fruit let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it. Isaiah 45: ESV)

(May his reign be as refreshing as the springtime rains. like the showers that water the earth. Psalms 72:6 NLT)

12. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and out land will yield it's harvest. (For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing foes he withholds form those who walk uprightly. Psalms 84:11 ESV)

(No longer will you need the sun or moon to give you light, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and he will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19 NLT)

(And night will be no more. They will need no night of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5 ESV)

13. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. (I will send the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees will produce their fruit. Leviticus 26:4 NLT)

Psalms 85:1-13 NIV

[steveezekiel]

THE HOLY SPIRIT

21 WHEN ALL THE PEOPLE WERE BAPTIZED, IT CAME TO PASS THAT JESUS ALSO WAS BAPTIZED; AND WHILE HE PRAYED, THE HEAVEN WAS OPENED.

22 AND THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED IN BODILY FORM LIKE A DOVE UPON HIM, and a voice came from heaven which said, “YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON; IN YOU I AM WELL PLEASED.”

READ: Luke 4:1; John 14:26; 16:13-15

• If Jesus could not do without the Holy Spirit in His earthly ministry, you also would need the Holy Spirit much more to succeed on earth, as a believer in Christ.

- Who Is The Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit is the third person in the order of Godhead. There is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

- Operations of the Holy Spirit

a. The Holy Spirit teaches, leads, comforts and reminds us all we have been taught (John 16:13-15).

b. Holy Spirit is the believers' best companion, the believers' senior partner (John 14:16,17).

c. A Christian would not be able to live a successful Christian life without the help the Holy Spirit (John 14:18,26).

• Salvation of Soul

After been genuinely saved, that is, reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:18), you need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your Christian journey.

- What the Holy Spirit Does:

a. The Holy Spirit resides on the inside of those who acknowledge Jesus As Lord and Saviour (1 Corinthians 3:16).

b. He comforts the believers (John 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:4).

c. The Holy Spirit leads the believers; teaches, guides, protects, preserves (Romans 8:14).

d. He teaches to make profit (John 14:26; Isaiah 48:17).

• The Holy Spirit is (Isaiah 11;12):

THE Spirit of the LORD,

THE Spirit of wisdom

THE Spirit of understanding

THE Spirit of Counsel

THE Spirit of might

THE Spirit of knowledge

THE Spirit of the fear of the LORD

- Holy Spirit manifests Himself in seven folds (Isaiah 11:2 (KJV).

- You need to be subjective to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. And to experience open heaven you need the help of Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21).

- Know that by physical strength shall no man prevail. It is not by power nor might, not by human strength or ability, but by the Spirit of the Lord—the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

- Successful Christian living is by the help of the Holy Spirit.

• You need

I. Genuine encounter with Holy Spirit.

Acknowledging Him and having a communion or fellowship with Him.

II. Submission to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

- You to acknowledge Him, asking Him to guide and lead you. You take instructions from Him and allow Him to lead you in all your endeavours. The essence of His being on the inside of you is to guide and help you in the affairs of your life: "FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THESE ARE SONS OF GOD" (Romans 8:14 NKJV).

III. Communion or fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

- You dialogue with the Holy Spirit, asking Him questions, and receiving answers from Him.

- You carry Him along in all you wanted to do. You might be a believer who speaks in tongues but not having an intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

- The speaking in tongues is for edification. Dialoguing with Him is when you come to Him with the matters of your life that are bothering your mind and you wanted to be enlightened—when clarity or guidance or direction is needed.

- You fellowship to discuss, share your burden, and having a rapport together with Him.

- Do you do this, having a dialogue or conversation, in your relationship with the Holy Spirit? You need it to excel in your Christian journey in life.

IV. Partnering with the Holy Spirit.

- This is when you allowed the Holy Spirit to have the say-so in the affairs of your life; ministry, home or marriage, career, and everything that pertains to you. He is interested in all, If you would allow Him.

V. Depending on the Holy Spirit for a result oriented prayers: "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPS IN OUR WEAKNESSES. FOR WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT, BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF MAKES INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED" (Romans 8:26 NKJV).

- Let the Holy Spirit give you utterance in your prayers.

- Pray often in the language of the Holy Spirit—praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2; Jude 20).

- Praying in the Spirit, tongues, edifies, builds you up the faith (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20).

VI. Obey His nudges promptly whenever He did. The Holy Spirit being gentle, when He nudges or instructs you to do something, He would allow you to make your choices, whether to do or not what He has stirred your heart to do (Romans 8:14). He will not force you.

- You must be sensitive and discerning enough to know when He is asking you to do something.

VII. Acknowledge Holy Spirit in all your ways.

- You lean not, or rely not, on your own understanding; human nature or senses (Proverbs 3:5,6).

- You need to always acknowledge and recognize His presence with you and bring Him into your daily activities.

• Note:

- If you are confused, ask His wisdom on what to do.

- If you lack power or ability, ask for the anointing, the unction to function in your assignment.

- If you are weak, physically or spiritually, ask for His strength.

- If you are sick, ask for His healing power to come on you, you can live in divine health if you ask and walk with Him. It is the best.

- If you are hurt, wounded in your heart, ask for His comfort and heal the wound in your heart.

- Remember, The Holy Spirit is the best companion. He would not let you down. He is closer than anyone, even closer than your spouse, or whoever.

- If you are tired or wearied, ask Him to reenergize or reinvigorate you.

- In short, Whatever you are lacking, ask the Holy Spirit.

• The major way to experience an open heaven and walk in the blessing is through communion with the Holy Spirit.

- Recognizing the Holy Spirit and walking with Him is the principal way to live successfully in this world of darkness.

• The Grace to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit's power is released on your life in the mighty name of Jesus.

- Whatever is working against your health and wellness is hereby cursed and uprooted completely in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- Affliction will never rise again in your life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!