#modern scripture

[lettersfromgod]

"Thus says The Lord: Did you think My wrath would tarry forever? Did you think My judgment sleeps? Are My eyes closed to all these atrocities committed upon the earth, day and night without ceasing?! Are My ears also stopped from hearing? Lo, I have seen and I have heard!… My face draws near to this earth, My eyes are filled with fire and fury! My forehead wrinkles and is set hard against you, O inhabitants of the earth, for it is time! It is time to shake the cities of men by measure, and to bring up wrath from beneath! City by city shall be punished, one here and another there! Behold, it shall come upon them suddenly, and men shall fear, and with great perplexity shall their hearts fail; a great trembling shall now come upon all people!… THE TERROR OF THE LORD IS AT HAND![1] It shall come in swiftly, and you shall not know from where it shall come! It shall come upon city after city without warning, for I have caused the earth to become angry! Lo, the depths of the earth tremble at My nearness, and soon this planet shall rage!… It shall rage against you, O deceitful generation! It shall devour and consume this generation, scouring from the earth all man has made! The Scriptures do not lie! And My prophets speak, yet the people refuse to hear; they will not listen! Even My own people will not believe! Yet their belief is not at all required. For My will is set and can in no wise be turned back. The truth of My Word stands; it speaks throughout the generations and echoes throughout eternity! For I am The Lord, YAHUWAH, I am EL Shaddai, and I shall surely perform all I have spoken! I shall not cease, nor relent, nor shall I be turned back from My purpose!… The kingdoms of men must die, and the evil of men must be destroyed; all must be wiped away!"

⬆ Isaiah 2:19 (NKJV)

📖 Excerpt from "The Glory of Men Must Die": https://www.thevolumesoftruth.com/The_Glory_of_Men_Must_Die

▶ Two Part Video Series (with voice over): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQUHWgyx-Ro&list=PL6D1BC949E9840878&index=7

[genericpuff]

hot take, but if you can't enjoy even casual H x P inspired romance stories made for fun without justifying or defending your enjoyment of it with "well ACTUALLY these stories are MORE accurate because Persephone WANTED to go down there, she LIKED it in the Underworld!" then you sound like an out-of-touch adult intentionally omitting/changing facts to scrub the story down for a 5 year old who you know won't question you

and that's not okay ~

[steamedlotusroot]

idk if this makes sense + i mean this with all the love in my heart but i feel like LMK characters are well-written but the story is not. like the characters are beautifully crafted but their stories are hot garbage and that’s OKAY i don’t mind a shoddily-plotted story bc i watch it for entertainment not enrichment but oh man the irony!!

[holystormfire]

John 7:40-52

Nicodemus challenged his fellow pharisees.

Nicodemus Visiting Jesus,

Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1957),

Painted in 1899,

Oil on canvas

© Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

Gospel Reading

Several people who had been listening to Jesus said, ‘Surely he must be the prophet’, and some said, ‘He is the Christ’, but others said, ‘Would the Christ be from Galilee? Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from the town of Bethlehem?’ So the people could not agree about him. Some would have liked to arrest him, but no one actually laid hands on him.

The police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees who said to them, ‘Why haven’t you brought him?’ The police replied, ‘There has never been anybody who has spoken like him.’ ‘So’ the Pharisees answered ‘you have been led astray as well? Have any of the authorities believed in him? Any of the Pharisees? This rabble knows nothing about the Law – they are damned.’ One of them, Nicodemus – the same man who had come to Jesus earlier – said to them, ‘But surely the Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without giving him a hearing and discovering what he is about?’ To this they answered, ‘Are you a Galilean too? Go into the matter, and see for yourself: prophets do not come out of Galilee.’

Reflection on the painting

In today's Gospel reading, we encounter Nicodemus, marking his second of three appearances in the Gospel of John. Initially introduced as a curious seeker who approaches Jesus under the cover of night, Nicodemus is portrayed as intrigued by Jesus yet hesitant to fully embrace his teachings. His journey of faith is subtly woven through John's narrative, culminating in his participation alongside Joseph of Arimathea in ensuring Jesus receives a respectful (indeed, lavish) burial. This progression illustrates Nicodemus's gradual movement towards a deeper understanding and commitment to Jesus. Our reading today is the second (and middle) appearance of Nicodemus. Despite being a Pharisee, he displays remarkable bravery by questioning the outright dismissal of Jesus by his peers, who criticize Jesus based on his origin in Galilee, a region they regard as insignificant compared to the religious hub of Jerusalem. Nicodemus advocates for fairness and due process, arguing that Jesus should not be judged without first being heard. This stance places him at odds with the prevailing opinions of his colleagues, and his challenge is met with scorn, evidenced by their sarcastic comment "Are you from Galilee too?"

Nicodemus's growing relationship with Jesus left him increasingly isolated in the world where he had been so much at home. He actually reminds us that as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, there is often a price to be paid. We may find ourselves a lone voice among our peers. At such times, we know that the Lord is always with us.

Henry Ossawa Tanner painted our canvas in 1899, depicting the first of the three mentions of Nicodemus in John's Gospel (John 3:1-21). The painting was Tanner's entry to the 1899 Paris Salon. We see Nicodemus talking privately to Christ in the evening, a good example of Tanner's nocturnal light paintings. The painting was purchased there for the Wilstadt Collection, Philadelphia, and is now in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The narrative of Nicodemus' meeting with Jesus held significant meaning for Henry Ossawa Tanner's father, Benjamin Tucker Tanner. He was a Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and had aspirations for his son to join him in the ministry. While Henry's decision to pursue a career as an artist fell short of his father's dream, his talent for painting ultimately produced works that his father could admire and support.

Article by Father Patrick van der Vorst

[theweightofdivinity]

Christopher Sexton

— Author of Sacred Smut & Spicy Scripture

[redeemedmillennial]

I stumble as I try to walk with Jesus and hold a true love of the Lord in our cyberpunk-dystopia

[dreadbornesaint]

tag dump - verses

[trberman]

Gods on Other Planets: Addressing Criticisms of Kolob and LDS Beliefs

A Recently Discovered Exoplanet that is astonishing similar to earth Critiques of Latter-day Saint doctrines, particularly those centered on Kolob and the concept of “gods on other planets,” often rely on misunderstandings or oversimplifications of profound theological principles. Michelle Grim’s recent commentary and the ongoing scrutiny from Life After Ministry echo common misconceptions, but…

[narcissosbythepool]

What if Price and Gaz were Byzantine monks in the 6th century. What if they formed a monastic same-sex partnership. What if they explored each other's bodies and turned faith in something divine into devotion to each other. What then.

[lettersfromgod]

▶ Watch Video-Letters from THE VOLUMES OF TRUTH on Youtube ⬇ https://www.youtube.com/@trumpetcallofgod

[philtstone]

I don't know much about LOTR but I know Aragorn's weird. He's a weirdo. He doesn't fit in. Have you ever seen him without that stupid helmet? Wait no don't kick that

lmfaoooo

my great hope is that everyone who has not yet watched lotr now observing my unhinged posts will be compelled to watch lotr. i feel this way not only because i think its a beautiful story but also and more pragmatically because i genuinely think that for whatever flaws it may have its a very special phenomenon in filmmaking history.

(i would never presume to insist anyone has to read the books. theyre bangers though)

that said if you, gentle reader, never do watch lotr. and ur seeing my crazy posts. yes. the biggest takeaway from all of this is indeed that aragorn, prophesied king of the realm and the best dude you will ever meet, is a weirdo

many tolkien characters are weirdos in out-of-story-context. and then several tolkien characters are weirdos in in-story-context, too, which makes them great fun. in fact, it could be argued that there's so much cross-cultural race and power-level mixing in the proverbial dnd party (and all subsequent side quests), that every single character is at one point perceived as a massive weirdo by any other given character in the story.

and theyre all the good guys <3

[hidefdoritos]

You know how, when someone thanks you for doing extra work, often rather than saying "You're welcome!" (which feels like agreeing that they're an inconvenience) you say "No problem!" (because you don't want them to feel like they're a burden)?

Just found a spot in the book of Philippians 3:1 where Paul repeats an earlier exhortation to rejoice in the Lord. Then he says that writing the same thing again "grieueth mee not" (1599 Geneva Bible), or "to me indeed is not grievous" (KJV), or as the ESV puts it in 2016, "is no trouble to me."

So if you see someone whining about the death of the phrase "You're welcome," well, precursors to the phrase "No problem" have been around in English for at least 400 years.

[blogomtvlive]

Dharmic Religionss: A Journey into Ancient Beliefs

Dharmic Religionss is a term used to describe a group of religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent. These include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. These religions share common beliefs and practices, focusing on the concept of "dharma," which means duty, righteousness, and moral law. Let's explore the fascinating world of Dharmic Religionss and understand how they shape the lives of millions of people.

Hinduism: The Oldest Dharmic Religion

Hinduism is the oldest of the Dharmic Religions, with roots that go back over 4,000 years. It is a complex religion with a variety of gods and goddesses, rituals, and philosophies. The core belief in Hinduism is the idea of dharma, which means living in accordance with one's duty and righteousness. Hindus believe in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn in a new body after death. The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Hinduism has many sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. These texts provide guidance on how to live a righteous life. Temples, festivals, and pilgrimages are also important aspects of Hindu worship. One popular festival is Diwali, the festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Buddhism: The Path to Enlightenment

Buddhism is another significant Dharmic Religion. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in the 5th century BCE. Buddhism teaches that life is full of suffering caused by desire and attachment. To overcome this suffering, one must follow the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Buddhists seek to attain Nirvana, a state of ultimate peace and enlightenment. Meditation is a key practice in Buddhism, helping individuals to develop mindfulness and insight. The teachings of the Buddha are collected in the Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon.

Jainism: The Path of Non-Violence

Jainism is another ancient Dharmic Religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and self-discipline. Founded by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, Jainism teaches that every living being has a soul and deserves respect. Jains follow five main vows: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.

Jain monks and nuns lead a strict ascetic lifestyle, renouncing worldly possessions and practicing intense meditation. Lay Jains also follow these principles, though in a less rigorous manner. Jain temples, known for their intricate architecture and sculptures, are places of worship and meditation.

Sikhism: The Religion of the Gurus

Sikhism is the youngest of the Dharmic Religionss, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to one God, equality, and service to humanity. The teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

Sikhs gather for worship in Gurdwaras, where they participate in prayer, singing hymns, and community service. One key practice in Sikhism is the Langar, a community kitchen where free meals are served to all, regardless of religion or background. This practice embodies the Sikh values of equality and selfless service.

The Influence of Dharmic Religionss

Dharmic Religionss have a profound impact on the culture and daily life of millions of people. They influence art, literature, music, and social customs. Festivals like Diwali, Vesak, Mahavir Jayanti, and Vaisakhi bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

Furthermore, the principles of dharma, non-violence, and compassion taught by these religions contribute to a more harmonious society. The emphasis on meditation and mindfulness has also gained global recognition, promoting mental well-being and inner peace.

Conclusion

Dharmic Religionss offer a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that guide individuals on a path of righteousness and spiritual growth. Whether it's the ancient rituals of Hinduism, the mindful practices of Buddhism, the non-violent principles of Jainism, or the devotional worship in Sikhism, each religion provides a unique way to connect with the divine and achieve a meaningful life.

Exploring Dharmic Religionss helps us appreciate the diversity and depth of human spirituality. By understanding and respecting these ancient traditions, we can foster greater tolerance and harmony in our world.

For more insights into Dharmic Religions and their impact on modern life, visit omtvlive. Here, you will find a wealth of information and resources to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these profound spiritual paths. Remember, the journey to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace is a continuous process, and Dharmic Religionss offer timeless wisdom to guide us along the way. So, stay curious, keep exploring, and let omtvlive be your companion in this spiritual journey.

[holystormfire]

John 8:31-42

"Everyone who commits sin is a slave."

Stratum, Nepal, Modern Day Slavery

Photograph by Lisa Kristine (b. 1965),

Photographed in 2016,

Giclee print,

© Lisa Kristine Photography

Gospel Reading

To the Jews who believed in him Jesus said: ‘If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.’

They answered, ‘We are descended from Abraham and we have never been the slaves of anyone; what do you mean, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now the slave’s place in the house is not assured, but the son’s place is assured. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descended from Abraham; but in spite of that you want to kill me because nothing I say has penetrated into you. What I, for my part, speak of is what I have seen with my Father; but you, you put into action the lessons learnt from your father.’

They repeated, ‘Our father is Abraham.’ Jesus said to them: ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do as Abraham did. As it is, you want to kill me when I tell you the truth as I have learnt it from God; that is not what Abraham did. What you are doing is what your father does.’

‘We were not born of prostitution,’ they went on ‘we have one father: God.’ Jesus answered: ‘If God were your father, you would love me, since I have come here from God; yes, I have come from him; not that I came because I chose, no, I was sent, and by him.’

Reflection on the photograph

We all want to be free, in the fullest sense of the word. If the opposite of freedom is bondage and slavery, no one wants that. To a certain extent, we are all enslaved to some bad habits or to sin. If some of these bad habits bring us temporary pleasure or make us feel good, we can even love our slavery, not wanting to give it up. Faith however sheds clarity and shows what slavery is. Sin is bondage, making us unfree. We are chained to the things of earth, and so cannot fly towards the things of heaven.

Our photograph is by Lisa Kristine, an international humanitarian photographer. In many of her photographs she highlights the issues of modern-day slavery. There are currently 27 million people enslaved or in forced labour. That's more than double the number of people trafficked during the entire Transatlantic Slave Trade. In our photograph we see people, probably entire families, working in bonded labour. These people don't have a choice. Often they become enslaved through loans they take on. Slaveholders, the only people in these poorer countries who have money to lend, trick the borrowers into slavery through illegal, exorbitant interest rates that are impossible to repay. Children inherit the massive debt from their parents, and thus start working from a very young age too. A vicious cycle, vicious indeed.

Whilst the slavery to sin and the slavery in our artwork are different, underlying them both is the same human desire: that everyone, including us, be liberated from any slavery and so be free. Through grace, we hold it in our own hands to break away from the bondage of sin, but it is otherwise for the people depicted in our photograph, who are powerless to break free from their enforced modern slavery….

We pray today for those who are being trafficked and forcibly put to work. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Article by Father Patrick van der Vorst

[omtv]

Understanding Devotional Worship: A Path to Spiritual Fulfillment

Devotional worship is a profound practice that has been a part of human culture for centuries. It is a way for individuals to connect deeply with the divine, expressing their love, reverence, and faith. Whether you are new to this practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, this guide will provide insights into the essence of devotional worship and how platforms like omtvlive can enhance your spiritual journey.

What is Devotional Worship?

Devotional worship refers to acts of devotion directed towards a deity or higher power. These acts can include prayer, singing hymns, chanting mantras, meditating, and performing rituals. The purpose of devotional worship is to express love and gratitude to the divine, seek guidance, and find spiritual solace.

Benefits of Devotional Worship

Inner Peace: Engaging in devotional worship helps calm the mind and bring inner peace. It provides a break from daily stresses and allows individuals to focus on the divine presence.

Spiritual Growth: Regular practice fosters spiritual growth. It deepens one's faith, enhances understanding of spiritual principles, and strengthens the connection with the divine.

Emotional Well-Being: Devotional worship can be a source of comfort during challenging times. It helps in coping with emotions like fear, anxiety, and sadness by providing a sense of hope and reassurance.

Community Connection: Participating in devotional worship within a community can create a sense of belonging and support. It brings people together in a shared expression of faith and devotion.

Forms of Devotional Worship

Devotional worship can take many forms, each with its own unique practices and traditions. Here are some common forms:

Prayer: A fundamental aspect of devotional worship, prayer involves communicating with the divine. It can be a request for help, an expression of gratitude, or simply a way to feel closer to the higher power.

Chanting and Singing: Chanting mantras or singing hymns and bhajans are powerful ways to engage in devotional worship. The repetitive nature of chanting helps focus the mind and create a meditative state.

Meditation: Meditation is a silent form of devotional worship where individuals sit quietly, focus on the divine, and cultivate a sense of inner stillness and connection.

Rituals and Offerings: Performing rituals and making offerings are traditional practices in many religions. These acts symbolize devotion and reverence towards the deity.

Pilgrimages: Traveling to sacred sites and participating in religious festivals are also forms of devotional worship. These journeys often provide a deep sense of spiritual renewal.

Enhancing Devotional Worship with Omtvlive

In today’s digital age, accessing resources for devotional worship has become easier than ever. Platforms like omtvlive play a crucial role in bringing devotional content to people worldwide. Here’s how omtvlive can enhance your devotional worship experience:

Live Streaming: Omtvlive offers live streaming of religious ceremonies, prayers, and spiritual discourses. This allows you to participate in devotional worship from the comfort of your home, especially if you cannot visit a place of worship.

On-Demand Content: The platform provides a wide range of on-demand content, including recorded prayers, bhajans, and spiritual talks. You can access these resources anytime, making it convenient to incorporate devotional worship into your daily routine.

Community Engagement: Omtvlive fosters a sense of community by connecting viewers with like-minded individuals. You can participate in live chats, discussions, and virtual prayer sessions, creating a shared space for devotion and support.

Educational Resources: The platform offers educational content that helps deepen your understanding of various aspects of devotional worship. This can include explanations of rituals, the significance of festivals, and teachings from spiritual leaders.

Diverse Practices: Omtvlive caters to a wide range of religious and spiritual traditions. This diversity allows you to explore different forms of devotional worship and find what resonates most with your spiritual path.

Tips for Deepening Your Devotional Worship

If you want to deepen your devotional worship, consider these tips:

Consistency: Make devotional worship a regular part of your routine. Consistent practice helps cultivate a stronger connection with the divine.

Sincerity: Approach devotional worship with sincerity and an open heart. Genuine devotion enhances the spiritual experience.

Learn and Explore: Use platforms like omtvlive to learn about different practices and traditions. Exploring various forms of devotional worship can enrich your spiritual journey.

Create a Sacred Space: Designate a quiet, clean space in your home for devotional worship. This can help you focus and create a peaceful environment for your practice.

Connect with Others: Engage with your spiritual community, whether online through omtvlive or in person. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be incredibly enriching.

Conclusion

Devotional worship is a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with the divine and nurture your spiritual growth. It offers numerous benefits, from inner peace to a stronger sense of community. Platforms like omtvlive make it easier than ever to access devotional content and enhance your practice. By incorporating devotional worship into your daily life and exploring the resources available through omtvlive, you can embark on a fulfilling spiritual journey filled with love, devotion, and enlightenment.

[fortes-fortuna-iogurtum]

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