#elishas spring

[kkoehn17]

Our Trip to the Holy Land (Part 4)

[pixelsunshine]

S U M M O N

[heartfullofleeches]

Could we get a lil something about Eggnog getting milked, please? I love them sm, they're my favorite 👀

Warning: Lactation, Light Smut, G.N Reader - no parts mention (smut is light after all) [mdni]

Scurrying in the halls - a common event given the recluse and timid nature of your housemate. In spite of your generous offer of a place in your bed - Elisha relished stalking the halls and dark corners of your room - petrified at the thought of taking advantage of your generosity and overstepping your boundaries. Lately, their odd behavior has become even more bizarre. Suppressed, almost agonized cries from their attic living space; mutted by the their pillow to allow you rest on the otherwise peaceful night. When you asked, Eggnog did not deny that it was them as they hated to lie - but refused to answer more. They hadn't snuck into your room either and grew more bashful than usual when they looked into your eyes; scampering back upstairs with so much as a hello.

You turn as the shower curtain in your bathroom are yanked back - piercing, yellow light emitting from beneath its door and under yours. The crank of the shower handle catches your ear as water jets out into the hollow tub. You hear the curtains closes, unable to return to sleep as their soft cries play for more reasons than one. You wanted to give Eggnog their space as they didn't do well confrontation - but you felt if you didn't say anything at all things would only get worse. At the sharp peak of their wails, your body jolts - rushing out of your bedroom and to the bathroom door; pounding on its frame.

"Eggnog?! Are you okay?"

A beat of silence falls. "Don't come in...."

Their voice sounds more strained than normal. "Eggnog, I don't care if you're naked. You sound hurt. Is the door unlocked?"

"....yes."

You jimmy the handle, pressing your weight against the door as it springs open and poking your head through. You make out their tall, shivering silhouette behind the curtain; sweater lying on the floor, but their pants nowhere to be seen. You enter, shutting the door as you walk over and grab the curtain. "I'm gonna pull this back, okay. Don't freak out - it's just me."

" 'm not scared of you.... never could be."

"Okay." You draw back the curtains slowly. Eggnog shrinks into a corner; torso bare and still wearing their now waterlogged pants. They cover themselves with a hand towel; cloth drenched in water and the fluids leaking from their puffy chest. They hide their face in one hand - tears caught in their lashes.

"Sorry.... this has never happened to me before and I didn't want to scare you.."

"Do you know what might've cause this?"

Their lips tremble. "You.... The more I thought about you, the more it hurt, but I can't.. I can't doing this right and.. and it hurts."

You hush them as they sniffle, ushering them into your arms which they heistantly comply - head lowered to your shoulder. "It's alright, Eli. Do you want me to help you?"

Elisha quivers. "Please."

"Alright. Let's get you to bed."

-

Leading Eggnog into your room, you shut the door behind them as you help them out of the rest of their soggy clothes - their hand reaching out to stop you and themselves before taking off their boxers; face clouded in red. You guide them over to the bed and sit them down first, taking a hand still clutched to their chest in yours. "Is it alright if I touch you?"

A nod - their hands falling into their lap as their eyes watch you inch closer. Their body stiffens as your hands meet their exposed, scarred flesh. Majority of their marks had faded thanks to the thickness of their skin and their healing rate, but the difference in feel remained. You didn't seem to mind at all, which resulted in Elisha slowly relaxing in your touch as your nimble fingers glide up to their nipple. They gasp; whimpering lowly as they pinch around the sensitive bud, the fluid dripping out a much thicker consistency than regular milk. You could see why they were having so much trouble getting it out.

"Ah!" Elisha yelps; the breath held between your lips as they come down on their chest too much for them. They shiver and whine at the roll of your tongue over their nipple; near tears as you pull back, eyes worried and lips coated.

"You ok?"

Eggnog sheepishly nods, paying no mind to the twitch in their shorts at the sight of your glossy lips. "Yes... please keep going."

You wrap your lips around their bud, sucking gently as Eggnog attempts to remain still for your comfort and theirs. The cream is sweet and rich; thickness reminding you of melted ice cream or thin custard. You knead their right breast as you tend to the left; readying for the eventually switch. The clogged milk flows over your fingers and dribbles down your palm. Elisha can no longer ignore the painful strain in their boxers, peaking past the band as they grip the flesh of your thigh - whimpering and moaning through their confession.

"mmh... feels good.. 'm sorry... hah."

You pull off their chest, eyes trailing down to their other hand palming the growth in their shorts. You switch over to the other side - kissing the mound and sweeping the beading cream with your tongue as you throw a leg over their lap, straddling the cow as you ease them against the headboard.

"I said I'd help you, didn't I? You don't have to keep apologizing for everything, Elisha."

Elisha swallows hard; flush reaching their ears at your admissions. They don't want to use you, they don't want to take advantage - but everytime you give all they want is more and more. Their arms cradle your neck as their length slaps against your midsection - rubbing against your skin as they buck their hips into you.

"Sorry, I'm sorry. I know you said not to be, but I can't... I can't do anything with you. Help me. Love me. Please."

Your tongue hits sluggishly as you siphon the milk from their chest; a spell of drowsiness overcoming from all the milk you've ingested and the nights previous you spent awake worry about them. You pull off with a soft pop from your moisted lips as your head falls to their shoulder; bodies pressed together as they cup your cheek, ramming your lips together. Their greedy tongue snakes out and laps the remaining cream off the corners of your mouth before Eggnog pulls you tighter against their chest, cock leaving a trail of slime up your stomach as your shirt rolls upwards. They shift so you're on top as they roll over onto their side; wispy hair fan out on your pillow and tickling your cheek. Their thumb strokes your cheek as a smile hides through the shadows in the room and their long locks. Their free hand comes up to lock around yours.

"Thank you...for never growing suck of me. I love you. Goodnight."

[metmuseum]

Spring. 1879. Credit line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1963 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/384499

[citrinedecades]

1325.2 - Hunting for Love

While Fatima and Brayden still mourn the loss of their baby boy Felix, Noah sends word that his wife Daisy has given birth to twins. Adrianna and Cailan go to visit their brother at the inn to celebrate his birthday and the birth of his twins, though on their arrival they learn that one of the twins has sadly passed away.

Cailan makes the acquaintance of Vollentine Hagen, a melancholic young woman staying at the inn, and the two are immediately attracted to each other. Cailan spends the night with her, and he and Adrianna sneak back home in the morning under Brayden's disapproving glare.

Over time, Fatima and Brayden grow close again and find comfort in each other. Although Fatima doesn't wish to actively try for children anymore, the couple is undeniably attracted to each other, and it's only a matter of time before she falls pregnant again. Brayden does his best to contain his joy and support his tense wife as she worries about losing another child.

Adrianna and Cailan escape the tense atmosphere at home by going out with some friends to the local hot spring. While there, Cailan reacquaints himself with an old childhood friend, Morgan Hale, who is the daughter of their neighbour, aunt Gemma's first husband, Stuart Hale. Though he has hopes to marry a woman with a substantial dowry or a set of useful skills, Cailan cannot help but feel that Morgan is his one and only soulmate. He finds himself struggling to decide whether he should pursue her with the intention to marry her, or with the intention of asking her to become his mistress.

The start of Winter and the end of the year bring with them some bad news for the family; Gabriella gives birth to a sickly daughter who passes away a short time later, and Stefanie gives birth to a healthy son who passes away under strange circumstances while her mother-in-law Sheila was meant to be babysitting the children.

The only bit of good luck that comes with the end of the year is the birth of Quintin's first child. Brayden brings his family to visit his best friend and congratulate him, and they celebrate the end of the year and the start of the next one together.

Births: Elisha Pasquier Dale Pasquier Violet Atwood Brian Townsend

Deaths: Elisha Pasquier • Stillborn Violet Atwood • Cancer Brian Townsend • Accidental homicide

[lennart11412]

Moab Rebels Against Israel

1Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years. 2And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not like his father and mother; for he put away the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made. 3Nevertheless he persisted in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin; he did not depart from them.

4Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder, and he regularly paid the king of Israel one hundred thousand lambs and the wool of one hundred thousand rams. 5But it happened, when Ahab died, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.

6So King Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time and mustered all Israel. 7Then he went and sent to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, saying, “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?”

And he said, “I will go up; I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” 8Then he said, “Which way shall we go up?”

And he answered, “By way of the Wilderness of Edom.”

9So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched on that roundabout route seven days; and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them. 10And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”

11But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?”

So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured[a] water on the hands of Elijah.”

12And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

13Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.”

But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”

14And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you. 15But now bring me a musician.”

Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 16And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of [b]ditches.’ 17For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ 18And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19Also you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall cut down every good tree, and stop up every spring of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.”

20Now it happened in the morning, when the grain offering was offered, that suddenly water came by way of Edom, and the land was filled with water.

21And when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to bear arms and older were [c]gathered; and they stood at the border. 22Then they rose up early in the morning, and the sun was shining on the water; and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood. 23And they said, “This is blood; the kings have surely struck swords and have killed one another; now therefore, Moab, to the spoil!”

24So when they came to the camp of Israel, Israel rose up and attacked the Moabites, so that they fled before them; and they entered their land, killing the Moabites. 25Then they destroyed the cities, and each man threw a stone on every good piece of land and filled it; and they stopped up all the springs of water and cut down all the good trees. But they left the stones of Kir Haraseth intact. However the slingers surrounded and attacked it.

26And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not. 27Then he took his eldest son who would have reigned in his place, and offered him as a burnt offering upon the wall; and there was great [d]indignation against Israel. So they departed from him and returned to their own land.

Praise the Lord, the Lord Jehovah! God of Israel, God of all. Thou art ever near Thy people, Thou dost answer when they call.

2 Weary trav’ler o’er life's desert, Tortured by its burning sand, Lift your heart and eyes to heaven For deliv’rance is at hand. Stop, and in the barren valley Dig the wells and trenches wide; God will fill them with His blessing, ‘Till thy heart is satisfied.

[backtochrist]

Old Testament - Miracle 63

The Lord brings water to a dry stream bed

Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the LORD who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’ For thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water. - 2 Kings 3:13-20

[anewnewcrest]

New Newcrest News - Spring 3, Part 2

WEDDING NEWS

After more than forty years together, Gwen and Anders Bell celebrated their love and their everlasting commitment in front of the Watcher with a vow renewal! Congratulations to the happy couple, who are such a blessing for everyone around them and such an inspiration for young couples in our church!

We're all sad to see Lily Miller move to Strangerville with her new husband, because she's such a sweet and precious young lady, but we're still happy for her and congratulate Mr and Mrs Baker Graham!

BABY NEWS

Kayleigh and Nathan Bell have welcomed babies #2 and #3 in back-to back pregnancies! Welcome to the congregation, Elisha Bell and Simeon Bell! Simeon's pregnancy was difficult for her, so please pray for mom Kayleigh so she'll bounce back quickly!

Alyssa and Jacob Payne were blessed with their first set of twins after eight singletons, and little Avery and Brianna Payne now round out their family size to ten children! Congratulations!

Martha and Michael Matthews welcomed their tenth child, little Meredith Matthews, who joins their large and boisterous crew with all M names! Praying for you!

Acton Miller has graduated from the Newcrest Police Academy, and he's now ready to protect our community from the Enemy and making sure that good people can sleep soundly at night! We're so proud of his service and are praying so the Watcher will guide him safely through the dangers of his occupation!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Now in her thirties, this woman is still not married and fulfilling her Watcher-given destiny as a wife and mother. Please pray for her contentment and that she'll find a worthy man soon. (Donna Bell)

This young lady has been tempting men at church with her curves, and she needs to learn to be responsible and not to make good men stumble in their walk with the Watcher. Please pray for her to dress more modestly! (Rose Miller)

[albertfinch]

BIRTHING AND MAINTAINING EXPECTATION

"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." - Mark 11;24

We must continue to maintain the environment of expectation. Think of the environment of expectation as a garden. To reap a good harvest from a garden, the garden must be maintained. Gardens must be weeded, watered and cared for on a consistent basis.

It is the same with the soil of our hearts. When we plant the seed of the word in our hearts, we must be sure that the lies of the enemy (weeds) don't choke out the nourishment needed for the seed to grow. This is why we must spend quality time with the Lord and ask Him to open the eyes of our hearts. He is faithful to speak and show us areas of our hearts and mind that need attention.

A BIRTHING SEASON

The key is to keep maintaining an atmosphere where expectations can continue to arise until the vision is finally fulfilled. We must also be careful to not compare ourselves with others and their progress as this will only fuel more disappointment and frustration. Each of us has our own unique purpose for our life from the Lord and He will bring breakthroughs forth in His divine timing.

God is giving us strategies when it appears that nothing is happening.  Spiritually speaking, we must believe that we have the promise, the favor of God, and the breakthrough BEFORE it manifests.

DIGGING DITCHES

2 Kings 3  begins with Joram, the King of Israel, setting out with Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah and the King of Edom into battle against Moab. After a seven-day march, they were OUT OF WATER for themselves and their livestock.

Vs 10) "What!" exclaimed the king of Israel. "Has the Lord called us three kings together only to hand us over to Moab?"

Vs 11) But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord through him?"

An officer of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah."

Vs 12) Jehoshaphat said, "The word of the Lord is with him." So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

Jehoshaphat suggests to the others that they inquire of the Lord through Elisha, the prophet.  Elisha responded when the three kings asked for his help. He asked for a minstrel!  He had a harpist begin to CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT FOR WORSHIP!  And during worship, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha and he said:

"This is what the Lord says: Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; He will also hand Moab over to you. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones." 2 Kings 3:15-19

This passage speaks to us today concerning the power of worship! When we are dry – worship! When everything seems hopeless – worship! When we need a miracle – worship! When we worship, the hand of the Lord comes upon us and we receive what we need!

The Lord said to begin digging ditches, even though they would see no wind and no rain at all, yet the valley would be filled with enough water for them and their livestock. Even when we can't see the promises being fulfilled, God is fulfilling them! Yes, begin digging your ditches. Even if you don't see anything occurring in the natural, God is faithful to fulfill His Word!

God told them: "This is an easy thing for the Lord!" Yes, it's easy for God to move your mountain. It's easy for Him to fulfill His promise. All we have to do is our part – begin digging!  Act upon His Word; believe what He says and He will do His part.

When you worship, you are digging ditches.

Whenever you pray with expectation and/or intercede, you are digging ditches!

Renewing your mind to the truths of God's Word is digging ditches.

Believing His Word and applying faith to promises is another example of digging ditches!

He is promising you today, just as He did to the three kings, that He will empower you to defeat your enemies.

THE LAND FLOWED WITH WATER

Scripture states that the next morning (after they dug those ditches!) the land was flowing with water from Edom.  What would have happened if they hadn't dug those ditches?

Most likely, there would be no water; why take a chance to not dig? Why don't we believe God when He gives us a promise, even though the odds are stacked up against anything miraculous?

DIG THOSE DITCHES

It is time to believe the Word of the Lord and begin digging those ditches. But also we should remember that standing on the promises of God involves a level of spiritual warfare. Paul encouraged his spiritual son, Timothy, with this important key "...according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Timothy 1:18).

In other words, for each of us today, we need to take our promises and prophetic words that speak concerning the certainty of our future and wage warfare over them. Israel was told by God that their inheritance was the Promised Land, however, Israel had to drive out the enemies from their land of promise!

The Lord is encouraging you to take a firm stand, hold onto our promises, and maintain an atmosphere of faith and expectancy. Pull out every lie and every weed in your garden of faith and believe... believe... believe! There is NOTHING too difficult for God!

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

june 27_june14

THE HOLY PROPHET ELISHA/ELISEI ( 9 th.c. BC)

The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord, he was called to prophetic service by the Holy Prophet Elias (July 20).

When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what shall I do for you before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher, which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias. He spent over 65 years in predictive service under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach 48: 13 [“Sirach” is called “Ecclesiasticus” in Catholic Bibles ]).

The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho spring fit for drinking; he saved the armies of the kings of Israel and Judah that stood in an arid wilderness by bringing forth abundant water by his prayer; he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet. The Syrian military-commander Namaan was healed from leprosy, but the prophet’s servant Gehazi was afflicted since he disobeyed the prophet and took money from Namaan.

Elisha predicted to the Israelite king Joash the victory over his enemies, and by the power of his prayer, he worked many other miracles (4 Kings 3-13). The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. “In his life, he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvellous” (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21). The Prophet Elisha and his teacher, the Prophet Elias, left no books behind them since their prophetic preaching was oral. Jesus, son of Sirach, praised both great prophets (Sir. 48:1-15).

John of Damascus composed a canon in honor of the Prophet Elisha, and at Constantinople, a church was built in his honor.

Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah), and John the Forerunner. Still, the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them was transferred to Alexandria.

In the twentieth century, the humble priest Nicholas Planas had a great veneration for the Prophet Elisha and was worthy of seeing him in visions.

SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE (847)

Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sicily into a rich family. Having a vocation to serve God, he went to a monastery on the island of Chios while still in his youth and renovated it with his means. During the reign of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), Methodius held the high position of “apokrisiaros” (“advocate for Church matters”) under the holy Patriarch Nikēphóros (June 2). He was dispatched by the patriarch to Rome on a mission to the papacy, and he remained there. During this period, Leo the Armenian removed Nikēphóros from the patriarchal throne and put on it the iconoclast Theodotus of Melissinea, given the nickname “Kassiter” (“Tinman”) (815-822). After the death of Leo the Armenian, Saint Methodius returned, and in the dignity of a presbyter, he struggled incessantly against the Iconoclast heresy.

The emperor Michael the Stammerer (820-829) was first noted for his benevolence, and he set free many imprisoned by his predecessor for their veneration of icons, but after a while, he renewed the persecution against Orthodoxy. Saint Methodius was locked up in prison in Akrita. After the death of Michael the Stammerer, the ruler was Theophilus (829-842), also an iconoclast. More refined a man than his father, he set free Saint Methodius, who likewise was a man of learning, superbly skilled in matters not only ecclesial but also civil. Having received his freedom, Saint Methodius renewed the struggle with the heretics, and for a while, the emperor tolerated this.

But after defeat in a war with the Arabs, Theophilus vented his anger against Methodius, saying that God had punished him because he had let an “icon-worshipper” come close to him. Methodius objected, saying that the Lord was angry with him for the insults upon His holy icons. They gave the saint over to torture, and struck him much about the face, from which his jaw was broken. Ugly scars remained on his face. Methodius was sent off to the island of Antigonos and locked up with two robbers in a deep cave. In this dark prison where the light of day did not penetrate, Methodius languished for 7 years until the death of the emperor Theophilus.

During this time, the holy Confessors Theodore and Theophanes the Branded (December 27), who had also been sent to prison, sent Methodius greetings in verse, and the prisoner replied with greetings in verse.

After the death of Theophilus, his son Michael III (842-867) began to rule, but not being of mature age, the Byzantine Empire was actually ruled by his mother, Empress Theodora, a venerater of icons.

The empress tried to extirpate the Iconoclast heresy and gave orders to free the confessors imprisoned for icon veneration. The heretic Annios occupying the patriarchal throne was banished, and Saint Methodius was chosen. At Constantinople was convened a local Council with Saint Methodius presiding (842). The Council restored icon veneration and established an annual celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy. The “Synodikon of Orthodoxy” compiled by Saint Methodius is read on the First Sunday of Great Lent.

Attempting to undermine the authority of Saint Methodius and his flock's love and esteem for him, the heretics slandered him as having transgressed chastity. The slander was exposed as such, and the saint's enemies were put to shame. The final years of the saint passed peacefully; he toiled much, wisely guided the Church and his flock, renovated temples ruined by the heretics, gathered up the relics of saints scattered about by the heretics, and transferred the relics of Patriarch Nikēphóros from the place of his imprisonment back to Constantinople. Saint Methodius died in the year 846. He was spiritually close to Ioannikos (4 November), who foretold that he would become patriarch at the time of his death. Besides the “Synodikon of Orthodoxy,” the holy hierarch also compiled a rule for those converted to the Faith, three rites of marriage, and several pastoral sermons and church hymns.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

ROMANS 10:11-11:2

11 The Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." 14 How shall they call on Him whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?" 17 So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 18, But I say, have they yet to hear? Yes indeed:"Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First, Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah boldly says:"I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel, he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."

1 I say, then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Elijah Taken Up to Heaven

Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.”

So they went down to Bethel.

Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?”

“Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.”

So they went to Jericho.

Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?”

“Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.”

So the two of them went on.

Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?”

“Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

“You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.”

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.

Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked.

And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.

When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

“Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.”

“Do not send them,” Elisha replied.

But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.”

And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah.

When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?”

Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.”

“Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.”

So they brought it to him, and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’ ”

And the waters there have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha.

From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”

Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD.

Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.

And Elisha went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria. — 2 Kings 2 | The Reader’s Bible (BRB) The Reader’s Bible © 2020 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. All rights Reserved. Cross References: Genesis 37:34; Exodus 15:25-26; Leviticus 13:40; Numbers 11:17; Joshua 3:8; Joshua 6:26; Ruth 1:15; 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 18:19; 1 Kings 19:16; 1 Kings 19:19; 2 Kings 4:29; 2 Kings 8:11; Nehemiah 13:25; Amos 7:14; Acts 1:10; Acts 8:39; Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 11:37; Revelation 11:12

[pixelsunshine]

🌟 HELP ME FUND MY ART STUDIO 🌟

Hi everyone, my name is Elisha and I run Spring Fox Studios (aka PixelSunshine as I’ve been using on the internet for a decade now!)

I moved into an art studio in November and in an effort to keep a sustainable art practice, I’m trying to reach a certain number of Patreon subscribers to keep bills paid there. I have a $6 tier currently labeled as my “Critter Club”- perks include

-SNAIL MAIL (art shipped to you each month!)

-monthly request line

-fun behind the scenes looks at my sketchbook

Once my Patreon hits 25 Critter Club subscribers, it means my studio and all associated costs will be fully covered! 🥳

That also means that my $6 Critter Club will officially transform into the Garden Club, which comes with an inaugural button, sticker, and mini notebook! Also this will free me up to be able to produce quarterly zines- mailed free to all $6 members every 3 months.

🌷Want to help me reach this goal this year? You can either subscribe here OR reblog this post!

Thank you! ❤️

[schrullesworld]

The official heights of the royal and noble sims. Children are excluded since they are still growing.

Heights of the royal and noble sims - Willow Creek Edition

Royal Family King Victor - 6′1″ (186cm) Prince Consort Emanuel - 6′3″ (193cm) Crown Prince Leon - 6′0″ (184cm) Princess Larya - 5′6″ (169cm) Princess Anna - 5′8″ (173cm) Princess Emily - 5′6″ (168cm)

Baroness Family Baroness Marcella - 5′6″ (169cm) Lord Liko - 6′4″ (194cm) Lady Bailey - 5′4″ (165cm) Lady Allison - 5′5″ (167cm)

Oasis Springs:

Royal Family Queen Layla - 5′6″ (168cm) Crown Princess Shay - 5′4″ (164cm) Prince Valentine - 5′11″ (182cm) Prince Yash - 6‘0″ (183cm)

Duke’s Family Duke Sahar - 6′1″ (187cm) Duchess Mina - 5′4″ (165cm)

Marquis’ Family Marquis Cristopher - 6′1″ (187cm) Marquis Consort Jamal - 5′11″ (182cm)

Countess Family Countess Camilla - 5′6″ (170cm) Lady Si-Woo - 5′4″ (165cm)

Baron’s Familly Baron Elliot - 5‘7″ (172cm) Baroness Juanita - 5′6″ (170cm)

Windenburg Edition

Royal Family Queen Hanna - 5′3″ (162cm) Prince Consort Keoki - 6′2″ (188cm) Crown Princess Amber - 5′4″ (165cm) Prince Makai - 6′2″ (189cm)

Viscountess’ Family Viscountess Kacie - 5′6″ (170cm)

Baron’s Family Baron Koa - 6′2″ (188cm) Lady Julia - 5′5″ (167cm) Lord Nohea 5′11″ (182cm)

Duke’s Family Duke Abraham - 5′10″ (179cm) Duke Consort Ivan - 6′1″ (187cm)

Earl’s Family Earl Raffael - 6′4″ (195cm)

Forgotten Hollow Edition

Royal Family Tsarina Taisiya - 5′4″ (163cm) Tsar Consort Alec - 6′1″ (187cm) Crown Prince Kirill - 5′10″ (180cm) Princess Olga - 5′9″ (177cm) Princess Maria - 5′8″ (175cm)

Former Royal Family Tsar Yuri - 6′3″ (193cm) Tsarina Mila - 5′6″ (170cm) Tsarevich Aleksej - 5′10″ (180cm) Prince Duarte - 5′11″ (182cm)

Brindelton Bay Edition

Royal Family Queen Zoe - 5′7″ (172cm) Prince Consort Karim - 6′2″ (190cm) Crown Prince Manuel - 6′2″ (188cm) Princess Isabel - 5′4″ (165cm)

Duchess Family Duchess Marisol - 5′7″ (172cm)

Baroness Family Baroness Cora - 5′5″ (167cm) Lady Lydia - 5′8″ (175cm) Lord Illyias - 6′3″ (191cm) Lord Pedro - 6′0″ (185cm) Lord Charles - 6‘0″ (185cm)

Earl’s Family Earl Stephan - 6‘2″ (188cm) Prince Scott - 6′0″ (185cm) Lady Kyla - 5′5″ (167cm)

Stranger Ville Edition

Royal Family Queen Nadia - 5′5″ (167cm) Prince Consort Kaito - 5′10″ (180cm) Prince Ray - 6′2″ (190cm) Crown Princess Savanna - 5′6″ (170cm) Prince Dashawn - 5′7″ (172cm) Princess Wanda - 5′8″ (173cm) Prince Jabali - 5′11″ (182cm)

Countess Family Countess Marielle - 5′7″ (172cm) Prince Elisha - 6′1″ (186cm) Lady Lela - 5′4″ (162cm) Lord Juan - 5′10″ (180cm)

Sulani Edition

Royal Family Queen Ke’ala - 5′9″ (179cm) Prince Consort Nickolas - 6′0″ (182cm) Princess Puanani - 5′9″ (177cm) Crown Prince Kaleo - 6′8″ (203cm) Lord Akamu - 6′4″ (193cm) Princess Maui - 5′8″ (175cm)

Duke’s Family Duke Kona - 6′0″ (182cm) Duchess Chloe - 5′6″ (170cm) Lord Rangim - 6′1″ (186cm) Lord Kai - 6′0″ (183cm) Lad Maile - 5′8″ (174cm)

Marchioness Family Marchioness Kalea - 5′8″ (173m) Marquis Egor - 5‘10″ (180cm)

Countess Family Countess Noelani - 5′10″ (180cm) Countess Consort Nicola - 5′6″ (170cm) Lord Kainalu - 6′2″ (190cm) Lady Momi - 5′8″ (173cm) Lady Kiana - 5′4″ (165cm) Lady Sophia - 5′4″ (164cm) Lady Sasha - 5′4″ (165cm)

Glitra Laek & Tartosa Edition

Prince Cardan - 5′7″ (172cm) Prince Consort Garrett - 6′0″ (184cm) Crown Princess Helga - 4′10″ (147cm)

Princess Binita - 5′2″ (160cm) Prince Ji-Hoon - 6′2″ (190cm) Lady Hokulani - 5′5″ (167cm) Lady Do-Yun- 5′4″ (163cm) Lord Kawehi - 5′10″ (180cm)

Komorebi Edition

Royal Family Emperor Yuto - 6′0″ (185cm) Empress Simone - 6′0″ (184cm) Crown Prince Takashi - 5′10″ (179cm)

Duchess Family Duchess Anika - 5′6″ (168cm)

Baron’s Family Baroness Naomi - 5′5″ (167cm) Lord Trey - 6′0″ (184cm) Lord Norman - 5′10″ (180cm) Lady Ye-jun - 5′6″ (170cm)

Countess Family Countess Brianne - 5′5″ (167cm) Lady Jennifer - 5′5″ (167cm)

Marchioness Family Marchioness Amira - 5′4″ (164cm) Lord Nico - 6′1″ (187cm)

[lordgodjehovahsway]

2 Kings 13:Jehoahaz Becomes King Of Israel

1 In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. 

2 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them. 

3 So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son.

4 Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. 

5 The Lord provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before. 

6 But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; they continued in them. Also, the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria.

7 Nothing had been left of the army of Jehoahaz except fifty horsemen, ten chariots and ten thousand foot soldiers, for the king of Aram had destroyed the rest and made them like the dust at threshing time.

8 As for the other events of the reign of Jehoahaz, all he did and his achievements, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 

9 Jehoahaz rested with his ancestors and was buried in Samaria. And Jehoash his son succeeded him as king.

Jehoash King of Israel

10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. 

11 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he continued in them.

12 As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash, all he did and his achievements, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 

13 Jehoash rested with his ancestors, and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne. Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

14 Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. “My father! My father!” he cried. “The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

15 Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. 

16 “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands.

17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”

18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 

19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”

20 Elisha died and was buried.

Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. 

21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.

22 Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. 

23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.

24 Hazael king of Aram died, and Ben-Hadad his son succeeded him as king. 

25 Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered the Israelite towns.

[marysittingathisfeet]

From The Mouths of Babes

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”- 2 Kings 5:1-2

Aram means highlanders- The people were known as Arameans. Aram was mostly scattered small states north of Israel in what is now known as Syria. Damascus for example was under Aramean control in some of the Old Testament. Eventually the Arameans were taken over by the Assyrians. After the fall of the last Aramean kingdom and city-states the Arameans isolated themselves mainly in Northern Mesopotamia and continued to maintain their culture and identity under Muslim rule till this day. (Turkey attempted genocide during the early 20th century).

Aram was the son of Shem who was the son of Noah. Abraham's father and Isaac's father-in-law (Bethuel) were descendants of Aram, and therefore they were Arameans. Laban, Bethuel's son ,was Jacob's uncle and father-in-law. So in essence Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were Arameans as well. Deuteronomy 26:5 states "Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: 'My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous.' "

Despite the family ties, Aram became a thorn in Israel's side with frequent wars between Aram and Israel. Often these small Aramean city states would raid the Israelite towns in the spring taking, food, goods, lifestock, and people. Our young heroine, lets call her Naomi, was a victim of one such raid. This is how she ended up as a slave in Naaman's household. We don't know how old she was, but she is referred to as a child. As a child to be taken away from your parents and people in itself had to be terrifying. Then to be taken to a foreign land with different religions, customs, and lnaguages had to be overwhelming and disheaartening.

Naomi probably wasnt a young child. She had to be old enough to know and remember Elisha the prophet. We don't know how long she had been a slave whether it was a month or years, but she had not lost her faith in God. Naomi did not allow bitterness and anger to overtake her. She could have ignored her master's plight and let him suffer. For Naaman having leprosey in those days meant isolation no matter how rich or successful you were. Naomi as a female child slave was the lowest of the low. It probably took courage to speak up to her mistress about her master's illness. Yet through her words her master was not only healed of the leprosey, but he and his entire party came to serve the Lord.

2 Kings 5:15-17- Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him and Naaman said , “Now I know there is no God in all the word except Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant." Elisha refused the gift so Namaan decided he would build an altar for the Lord. 2 KIngs 5:17 Then Namaam said, "All right, but please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord." Who knows how many people turned away from their false gods to serve the Lord because of Naomi. I bet Namaan stopped raiding Israel after that. So Naomi's actions not only were evangelistic, but also benefitted her people. Don't know what happened to Naomi, but I would like to think that when she grew up she was given her freedom and married one of the converts.

Let's give Kudos to Namaans wife as well. She could have become angry at Naomi for having the impertinance to discuss Namaan's leprosey. She was not filled with pride, however, and her desire was for her husband's good. She also has some credit in the conversion of her husband and his party.

[backtochrist]

Old Testament - Miracle 62

Jericho Waters are Healed

Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke. - 2 Kings 2:15,19-22