#my kingdom hearts brethren...i am beginning to Understand

[childofchrist1983]

We truly must be taught in order to understand God's will. Like the Lord Jesus Christ commands us to train children (Proverbs 22:6), our Heavenly Father also needs to train us. Before He will do that, however, we must take the first step. We must show a token of our faith by asking Him to show us in the first place. Do that, and our faith journey truly begins!

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

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

Father God Almighty, Lord Jesus, I am truly the most fortunate person that has existed. We who believe and are spiritually reborn are all equally fortunate, blessed by Your Spirit and its nature.

I humbly ask that You show me what You want me to do with my life; show me the best way that I can be utilized in Your name; show me how I can help others to see Your bright light shining in the darkness. I humbly pledge my service to You, O Lord, in accordance with Your will and Your Commandments. I am thankful everyday that I and all my fellow brethren have a relationship with You. I do not deserve it, but You came for me because You love me and all of us and You know what we need. Most of all, we ALL need You and Holy Word, everyday and every moment of our lives. And no relationship is greater or more important than the one with You. I desire to grow close to You and follow Your example, O Lord, because it is the best to follow.

You and Your Holy Word and Spirit give us hope, peace, salvation, and so much more! Let our relationship with You be the foundation and pleasing in Your eyes, so that we may hear Your praise as we gaze upon Your face and enter Your Kingdom. Lift our spirits and our hearts. Light up our lives, O Lord. May we abide in You for all our days and beyond!

You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End! We know Your promises are true and we place our hope in You! May we continue to pray and seek You. Present us with daily opportunities to go to others with Your message of eternal salvation. May we live our lives with a spirit of thankfulness and may we always magnify You, O Lord. Allow our praises to You encourage others to seek Your face. Help us all to be humble and obedient to You. And help us to be courageous enough to seek You daily and to humbly and faithfully do our duty to You, spreading the truth of Your Gospel to all in all nations, as You commanded before You ascended back to Heaven (Mark 16:15-16). May our lives show the world Your light and Truth and that You are a loving God and Heavenly Father who delights in showing love and mercy. May we all be humbly and faithfully honored and excited to worship, glorify and serve You daily and to do Your will. You have been so good to us, far more than we as wretched sinners deserve. You are so good! So wonderful! Forever and always!

Thank you for keeping me and helping me in times where I am tempted to go astray. Praise be to You today and every day of my life and let me never forget all of the blessings that are given me by You. As much as the enemy will try, he will never be able to successful breed doubt about who You are, in the minds of anyone who truly believes and follows You. And I will follow and serve You all the days of my life and beyond! Thank you for the connection with You that we are given through Your Holy Word and Spirit. Thank you, O Lord, for all Your creation and Your miraculous ways. Thank you for being our stronghold and my refuge. Thank you for seeing us as worth the sacrifice. Thank you for sustaining us, loving us and defining us according to Your will and love for us. Thank you for making sure we are taken care of. Thank you for being the best friend we could ever have! Thank you for Your endless mercy and love that has saved us. Thank you for always protecting us and providing for us and for Your Spirit to help us when we are in need. Thank you for abiding within me and may I abide with You, my Lord. Thank you for giving us a chance to be saved from our sin and spend eternity with You. Thank you for adopting us as part of Your family in Heaven and making us one of Your own. Thank you for being our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Thank you for always being near and for loving us. Thank you for giving us a reason to love others and so many more reasons to love, praise, serve and follow You. Thank you for Your selfless and sinless sacrifice. Thank you for Your guidance and protection. Thank you for Your Truth and light. Thank you for Your wisdom and strength and grace. Thank you for giving life to the world and to us. You give and take away – And we thank you for it. Thank you for everything! Your will be done! Blessed be Your mighty name! To You and Your Kingdom be the glory forevermore! In Your name we humbly pray, Amen and amen

[lindajenni]

jan 12

familiar friday - the pursuit of God

"when gideon came to the jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit." judges 14:14 i had a dear friend write me the other day.  she is a fairly recent friend but one that has entered my heart with the warmest of welcomes.  she wrote me the other day about one of the dailies i had written.  it was just a short note commenting about it's content. since i am relaying her message anonymously, i feel safe in repeating it here.  "beautiful, linda. always, just beautiful. how could anyone every read these tributes and not want to know the Jesus YOU KNOW????" i do not repeat this in any way to try to lift up myself.  i only want all of you to know, "this is indeed my mission ... to make you want to know the Jesus I KNOW".  He has at last become the greatest desire of my heart.  for years i wandered around in the dark.  for years i ignored His gentle tugs at my heart and sought to find happiness in things transient and unfulfilling.  but He was always there, waiting to greet me as the Father did the prodigal son.  not just waiting, but rushing out to greet him and celebrate his return.  yes, he was returning; returning from the filth and squalor the world had finally driven him to.  it is the only outcome that can be in a heart that has not prepared a place for our Lord. "the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  john 10:10  he will entice you with pleasures, fame and fortune.  he may grant you these for awhile.  he offered our Lord the kingdoms of the world if He would just bow down to Him.  it would truly be a foolish heart to give what he could never lose for that which he could never keep. i love the book "the pursuit of God" by aw tozer.  we are all in the pursuit of God.  our God has set it up this way.  "truly You are God, who hide Yourself, o God of israel, the savior!"  isa 45:15 it is like the verse from a poem i know.  "take heart and let the thought of God allure you further on."  our pursuit of knowing Him can be a most fulfilling task in itself.  ah, but the finding.  shall we ever know the finding of all that He is?  eternity will not be long enough for such a task.  all the goodness, all the holiness, all the love, all the many perfect things that make Him God.  the pursuit - yes it is worth it; worth it a thousand times over to me.  "there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."  deut 4:29 if you've never felt the release of all the shame and guilt and hopelessness, it is there waiting for you.  often it is at the rock bottom.  we often have to reach the end of ourselves.  from the bottom there is no place to look but up and up is where He is.  "a broken and a contrite heart — these, o God, You will not despise."  psa 51:17 do i want you to know this God i love and serve also?  with all my heart.  would that my heart extended to the lengths the apostle paul's did, but it does not.  "for i could wish that i myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh."  yes, i love you but i am in the pursuit of my God and i will not let go.  follow not me.  follow Him! i leave you with this invitation and warning from the word of God.  "know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.  if you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."  1 chron 28:9 i pray you will begin your pursuit today.  if you already have, intensify it.  seeking and finding will be one's reward over and over again.  try as we might, we can't never out give God.

[purplekilop]

All things done in the dark shall come to light

Rapture and Second Coming of Christ Scripture Versesġ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.Ģ In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. Scripture Verses for Meditation About the Rapture and the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus ChristĮphesians 3:8-11 King James Version (KJV)Ĩ Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ĩ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:ġ0 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,ġ1 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:ġ Corinthians 15:50-53 King James Version (KJV) – The Raptureĥ0 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.ĥ1 Behold, I shew you a mystery We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,ĥ2 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.ĥ3 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. A faith relationship with God the Father is based on the various expressions mentioned above. We can always come to our heavenly Father expressing our hurts, disappointments, joys, moods, failures, triumphs, challenges, and deepest needs. Prayer is a necessity in the exchange of one’s heart with God the Father. A relationship with our heavenly Father cannot exist with communication without prayer. Sincere prayer from the heart should bring one to a better understanding of the heart of God the Father. True prayer is confidence, faith and trust in God … that is fasting, praying and rejoicing instead of complaining. (See “Moments of Meditation” on our website at posted July 2018 for a review.) Will He find us watching and praying upon His return in the air. In the article titled “The Rapture is at the Door!! Are You Ready?” gives a resounding alarm to watch and pray for the Lord’s return in the air for His bride “The Church” is near. The Lord Jesus Christ will return for the body of Christ “The Church” and this rest upon the sovereign Word of God. There is no doubt regarding the faithfulness of the Son of Man. The question is not answered by the Lord for He leaves it as an open question. For He says, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 8:18). The Lord Jesus Christ is coming again for His bride the Church without spots or wrinkles. The Lord our God who is eternally will eliminate time and space and those in Christ will have an eternal relationship with the Lord our God forever. The born-again believers who now live in time and space will live eternally. Those born of the water and of the Spirit will live eternally with the Lord our God in His kingdom (Daniel 7:18 27 Revelation 22:5). On the other hand, those not born of the water and of the Spirit will face an eternity in punishment. The Bible says that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is one God that exist eternally (Exodus 3:14 Psalm 90:2 Revelation 4 15:7 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:103, 18 Hebrews 13:8). Isaiah 37:26 and Titus 1:3 says the Lord promised that what He said generations ago would be fulfilled. Only the Lord knows the exact times and seasons for His fulfillment (Acts 1:7 1 Thessalonians 5:1). The Lord controls the ultimate fulfillment of time and has sovereign control to bring His promises to pass. The Lord our God is in control of the end times and the future. CORPORATE AND MAJOR DONOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.CARING ABOUT THOSE WHO SERVED CFC #85065.“Caring About Those Who Served” Estate Planning Essentials.2022 Combined Federal Campaign Fundraiser Underway “Show Some Love: Be the Face of Change”.NAAV New Mail a Veteran a Dollar 2022 Donation Campaign.TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND MENTAL HEALTH.FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SERVICEMEMBERS & VETERANS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.VETERANS BENEFITS FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND RETIREMENT.

[god-whispers]

jul 14

if Jesus came tomorrow

we seem to be on a bit of a theme these days and who am i to stifle what the Holy Spirit is saying?  with that in mind, i will continue what my spirit is speaking to me.

"but of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." matt 24:36  the disciples asked our Lord this question, really wanting to know.  do you suppose they wanted to make the preparations they deemed necessary?  or would they have just chunked it all as the day grew closer?

tomorrow always becomes today, eventually.  had the apostles known at the time that it would be another two thousand years, would they have reached as many or evangelized with such urgency?  and is was a matter of urgency - urgency for every soul then alive was doomed to death without the gospel.  it would be the faith they had dying that would determine their eternal habitation.  Jesus had already preached to the lost souls who perished before Him.

and yes, i believe God places special consideration for those who have never heard the gospel.  it was still a small world back then and the message was spreading like wildfire.  (they weren't called those who have turned the world upside down for nothing.)

"this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." matt 24:14  that's the word we have from the Lord.  whether that means every little corner and village of the world, i do not know.  i do absolutely know the Father is just.  i believe people will be judged according to the knowledge they have.

do they know there is a creator and a right and wrong?  the word says they do.  "for since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." rom 1:20  i'm not talking about cultural differences about drinking, makeup and all the things our world tries to judge by.  i'm talking about the thoughts and intents of one's heart.  so let us drop all the discussion about whether God is just or not. i've heard too many testimonies of God reaching out and redeeming a worthless life from hell just because they called out.  and yes, they all did come back different.

no man knows the day or the hour.  even if we knew the day we would still have to calculate time according to where we were in the world.  so we know we cannot know the day or the hour.  but we are further admonished by our Lord: "you know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." matt 16:3

"now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." luke 21:28  even at the doors!  the Spirit that yearns within each of us testifies of the time.  we are assured the following from His word.  "but you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief." 1 thess 5:4

even looking around today, a recent poll showed that only 37% of pastors hold a biblical view.  that means that about two thirds are in apostasy and leading their flock with them.  "without natural affection, truce breakers, slanderers, unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good." 2 tim 3:3 mev  i don't think any of us need to be reminded of wars and rumors of wars.  the confusion and delusion that has overtaken the "woke" is unbelievable.  the woke are anything but awake.  their defense of their delusion is mind boggling.

Jesus confirmed the words of isaiah in matt 13:14  "keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.  make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn and be healed." isa 6:9-10

i believe a spirit is created at the moment of conception.  it is only then a body (or tent) is constructed for it to inhabit.  the journey then begins for that newly created spirit.  where it will lead, only God knows.  but we know one thing.  life and death is set before each of us.  goodness and truth, light and darkness - they all are within the scope of our purview.

if Jesus came tomorrow, what would you leave undone?  perhaps more importantly, what would you scurry to do?  i cannot speak for others, only for myself.  i don't want to have to rush about in the assault and hurriedness.  i want to live as though He was coming in this very next second.  today is the day of salvation.  He is the God of I AM!

so i end with the same question i began with.  what would you do if you knew Jesus were coming tomorrow?  well i've got a wonderful idea.  do it today.  maranatha!

[tokoyamisstuff]

Meant To Be - Loki x Fem! Reader

Summary: Much to your displeasure, your parents have promised you away to the God of Mischief of all people.

Tags: Arranged Marriage AU, Light Elf! Reader

Warnings: Aside from Loki hating himself, nothing.

Words: 2878

I Masterlist I

A/N: Some good old-fashioned, ‘redeemed after The Avengers and the other movies didn’t happen’ Loki. Like, really cheesy, self-indulgent 2012 stuff. I just want to ignore all misery that happens in the series okay?

“Ew! Stop it!”

You were eight at the time when you and Loki first met, by means of negotiation between both your parents.

If only you knew that this encounter should be the first impression of what should be your husband in the near future...

Frigga and Odin could only plead for their son to be on his best behavior - but well, it’s the God of Mischief we’re talking about. Must be hard to inherit such a title from your very birth.

Just when you put the little bonquet of flowers he had picked up for you towards your face to admire it, several little spiders emerged from the blossoms.

“You’re no fun.” The raven-haired boy stood a safe distance away from you, arms crossed as his gleeful laughter turned into a broad sulk. "And your ears are weird.”

“I hate you!” you screeched in your childish rage, throwing the flowers to the ground and trampling onto them. “Where’s your brother? Thor is way nicer than you!”

“Well, why don’t you marry him then?!” he mocked to cover up his hurt pride, picking up a handful of dirt and throwing it in your direction. 

“I don’t need any friends anyway...” the little boy whispered to himself, running away from the scene with tears filling the corner of his eyes. 

“I don’t need anyone. I’m way better than all of them!”

Not even Frigga was fast enough to catch up with him, while Odin uttered some fake apologies to your parents, promising them that everything will go as planned.

You on the other hand were running towards your mother, tightly grabbing onto her dress. “He’s mean! I wanna go home!”

As Queen of the Light Elves, your mother was a being full of grace and composure - and you were hoping to one day become such a formidable person as well.

She bowed down to your height, petting your hair as you rubbed the mixture of tears and dirt from your cheeks. Just her bright smile alone would sometimes be enough to make you forget about your worries - but not today.

“My sweet child” she cooed, cradling you in her arms. “One day you’ll understand.”

However, this would be the last time you paid Asgard a visit - at least until now. Because no matter how deeply you wished to never meet him again, the words your mother spoke on that day haunted you all those years:

“For this is your duty as a princess.”

[Present Day - Asgard]

It felt so unreal when you stuck your head outside of the wooden carriage, the wind playing with your hair as your glare wandered over the rainbow bridge you were crossing.

Silence strained the air, your parents unable to do even so much as look into your eyes. Hel, how you wished this was only a dream.

Behind you was a whole company of Light Elves, transporting all of your belongings to what should be your homecountry from now on.

Now there was no way back, that much was sure.

You were supposed to meet your soon-to-be husband on that very same day, one day before your wedding to be precize.

One could only guess why you weren’t allowed to visit Asgard again for all those years, even though you were practically born just for this reason - for this person.

To become Loki’s bride was your involuntary purpose, and you couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be truly free.

Maybe your parents thought the God of Mischief to have a bad influence on their growing daughter, pulling you into his harmless yet dishonorable schemes. Or they simply feared you to refuse marrying said man if you got to know him better, finding out just what kind of person you were promised to.

Not that your parents were pleased either...everyone in the Nine Realms knew the stories.

To Odin, there was no point in hiding the disgrace his adoptive son had brought over Asgard. Not only was he responsible for an attack on Midgard, sacrificing thousands of lives for his own sake, drunken by greed for power.

But all of you were shocked to hear that Loki Odinson - or rather Laufeyson - was never Asgardian to begin with.

A Frost Giant.

Among your kind, they were known to be one of the most terrible abominations in the nine realms, and murderer of countless of your kind - and this should be the father to your future children?

Only thinking about this cruel twist of fate made you want to vomit...

So why did you agree to proceed with the preparations as if nothing had happened? How in Alfheim’s name could you reject their offer to wed you to Thor instead of that lunatic?

Was it that through your upbringing and royal duties, you had lost your own free will? Or simply fear of stepping aside the path that everyone had prepared for you?

It was probably the fact that you didn’t want to get into true love’s way...you and Thor stayed in brief contact through Heimdall, and you just knew how much that human girl meant to him.

You were kinda jealous, though...the concept of being in love was foreign to you, having a vague idea of it from novels only. But real life just wasn’t meant to be that was, was it?

You couldn’t escape your fate, that was what it was - for this treaty would unite both kingdoms, bringing peace and wealth for all of their inhabitants.

No way you could be so selfish as to decline...even if it meant you had to suffer for the rest of your life.

“My Ladyship, we have arrived!” a guard spoke as he knocked on the carriage door, with your parents hinting that you needed to step out first.

The very same guard now yelled from the pit of his lungs, making you feel the whole Kingdom of Asgard could hear. “Now arriving: Lady Y/N Y/L/N, eldest Princess of Alfheim and heir to the throne.”

You heared the people whispering as you took your first, insecure steps, blinded by the bright daylight.

“She’s so pale, like ice” or “Why are her ears like that?” were rather nice comments compared to others plainly calling you ugly, scary or a ‘disgrace’.

Of course your Kingdoms had been in a war for several decades, but this was long in the past - before your very birth, even. So what’s the reason you should bear with such hostility in the place everyone expected you to call ‘home’ from now on?

One thing was clear from the very beginning: You would never belong here.

“May I?” a dark, husky voice interrupted your self-pitying. You blinked heavily, still trying to adjust to all those golden surroundings, until your blurry vision finally cleared up.

“C’mon.” The voice belonged to the man in front of you, looking gravely nervous with sweat dripping from his forehead. He was reaching out a hand for you to take, and you gladly accepted since you didn’t want to embarass yourself further by falling out of the carriage.

And still, you managed to somehow miss a step and fall right into his arms. “Oh my, so clumsy” the man snickered as he catched you, clearing his throat as you grabbed onto his chest to regain balance. "Not very graceful for someone of your status.”

“And you are-” The words got stuck in your throat when you stared back into those eyes, their emerald green awaking memories you’d rather forgotten entirely. “L-Loki!”

“Exactly, my dear. The one and only.” Smooth and calm, he  pecked a kiss on the back of your hand, andyou couldn’t help but admire just how well he had aged: His wild locks were combed back, sharp features complimenting his face as he tried his best to give you his most innocent smile.

Yet you kept your guard up, always expecting him to somehow embarass you just for the fun of it. “When it comes to him, always expect the unexpected” Thor once warned you, and you won’t forget about it that easily.

“It’s a pleasure finally meeting you” was your firm declaration, only to be rewarded with a scoff. “You are speaking to the God of Lies, Lady Y/N - there is no use in trying to deceive me” he whispered into your ear, making you shiver in unpleasant anticipation.

“Carry her belongings to my rooms” he dismissed the servants with a simple gesture of his hand, offering his other arm for you to cling on as he escorted you through the palace.

The giant halls were almost empty, nothing like back on Alfheim where you and your brethren would enjoy each other’s company in midst of nature. A sole tear escaped your eye when you thought back to those carefree days, which are now over.

“Are you alright, m’lady?” Much to your surprise, your fiancé sounded honestly concerned about your well-being. “If you are tired, we can postpone our tour of the palace until you’ve rested.”

 “May I speak from the heart?” You gulped after finishing that sentence, scaring yourself with all the stories you’ve heared about this mad troublemaker.

Somehow you had the feeling that if you were to overstep your boundaries with that brute, it would have consequences beyond your imagination. He might seem generous and polite right this moment, but what would someone like him do if you enrage him? Countless images were circling in your head, one worse than the other.

Loki furrowed his brows, exhalinge deeply. For him, your expression was an open book to what you were thinking right now.

“Y/N, my dear Lady, if you want it or not: Starting tomorrow, we share a bond. I am deeply sorry that a veritable flower as you are had to end up with someone like me, but I promise to treat you as well as possible.”

Turning around so you’d not detect how it hurt him to speak from the heart, he added with a shaky voice “Yet there is no reason for you to hold back your hatred for me. No harm will come your way, I swear upon the little honor I have left.”

Even though his words made you feel a deep sympathy with the god, you weren’t quite sure if you could decipher truth or deceit in them. Maybe he just wanted to lure you into saying what you truly thought of him?

He’s right - you will have to spend the rest of your life with him, so don’t mess this up from the very start!

“I-I don’t hate you!” was the first thing you blurted out, grabbing onto his cloak. Loki turned around, rising his eyebrow as he scanned your face for any hint of a lie.

Althrough it was the truth, at least to a certain extend. You’ve seen each other only once, when you were still little. The rest is all tales and rumours, but you personally don’t have a reason to despise him.

There was no way you could promise to accept his past or heritage, let alone forgive him - yet as long as he’d treat you with respect, you’d return the favour.

“T-There’s just a question on my mind this whole time...aren’t you mad? I-I mean someone like- well...like you...” you gestured around awkardly, almost making him crack a smile. “I mean...I thought you wouldn’t let your parents dictate your life.”

Another deep sigh escaping his mouth, this times with his eyes closed. “This isn’t about Asgard or my adoptive parents. I choose my own path.”

Suddenly, Loki wrapped one arm around you, flicking his fingers with the free one.

“Hold onto me” he ordered indifferent as he casted his spell, teleporting both of you away before you could even comprehend, let alone ask him what he was doing.

It happened in the fraction of a second, yet felt like hovering through an empty space for an eternity.

“Now open your eyes.” You hadn’t even realized that you squeezed them shut during the shift, slowly opening them while Loki lifted your chin with his index finger.

The environment was magnificent. Had you ever seen something this beautiful in your whole life?

Obviously you had no clue where you were, but this was the first time seeing so much untouched nature on Asgard. There were flowers blooming in all colours imagineable, clear rivers crossing the lands in between grassy hills, and animals nearby a small forrest.

“It’s not like I didn’t educate myself about the Light Elves and their way of living” Loki stammered, unconsciously intertwining your fingers with yours as he watched you admiring the view. “So I could make you comfortable here, I mean.”

He plummeted down on the grass, still a little wet from the morning dew, and gestured for you to do the same. It was weird, actually, but also somehow adorable - how the infamous ‘Silver Tongue’ had lost his ability with words. “I’ve done very little right in my life full of wrongs. Hurt a lot of people.”

“Mmmhh” you hummed approvingly, not knowing what else to say - yet for some reason, you didn’t let go off of his hand, squeezing it ever so slightly.

“And even though I can’t possibly redeem myself, I wish to change for the better.” he muttered, rubbing the back of his head. “I just never knew how to start.”

Loki Odinson really was full of surprises. He was nothing like the child you’ve met long ago, and the complete opposite of what you imagined the ‘God of Mischief’ to be.

You had expected a power-hungry, selfish and cruel man to wed you - and yet there he was: Insecure and broken, only a shell of the person he once was.

Just what had you missed all those years? What things happened to break someone’s will like this?

And was he truly beyond repair?

“Those past weeks, I have visited Alfheim more times than you could comprehend” he giggled nervously, avoiding your eyes. “Concealed, of course.”

Well, that sounded kind of weird, but you knew better than to talk someone down who was just opening up to you. So your sole answer was “What for?”

“There was no way a criminal like me would still be seemed fit for this ceremony - and yet I was given this chance anyway. My mother told me that it was you who insisted on carrying on the arrangement, so...I just wanted to know what person would be willingly ruin their life.”

Something different was shining through the god’s orbs, and you couldn’t quite decipher it. Was it hope? Hope, that if you had given him a chance, his life could lead into a different direction? To change himself from the burden that was his birth title?

“I-I guess I don’t want to mess this up like I always do” he whimpered barely audible, before staring at you in shock and embarassment. Until now, he hadn’t realized just how vulnerable he made himself.

Just what the hell would you think about him now? You probably had lost any respect, or thought himself to be crazy. How weak...

So he was quick to put on the confident facade again, wearing his smug grin as if that all was just part of a big joke only he’d understand. But even though you barely knew him, he couldn’t fool you.

“Sometimes it’s enough just to try.” Your head turned from the sight of nature to your fiancé and back several times, before you brought up the courage and put a hand on his shoulder, whispering “So you can’t really mess this up.”

“Gladly you don’t seem to know yet just how much misery I cause.” He kept that thought to himself, to not scare you away.

“I am aware that you could never love someone like me, Y/N. But I can provide for you, dedicate myself to making you content with being my wife. My newfound purpose.”

The purpose of a war criminal - that sure put yourself under a lot of pressure. And still, it made you somewhat proud, and grateful as well. Because it was the first time someone valued you as a person, and not the princess of Alfheim.

Unaware of how much time had passed, both of you would get used to each other’s presence in silence, enjoying the nature while you processed this eventful day.

Exhausted from the long travel and all that rollercoaster of emotion, you soon found yourself dazzling into sleep onto Loki’s shoulder. If only you could see him adore you, staring in awe that someone could actually feel so safe in his presence.

Carefully, the god picked you up, gently lifting you on his arms to make your way back to the palace, where everyone was frantically searching for both of you. Well, Loki was used to trouble -  but right now, it was worth it.

May it be right or wrong, and even though you couldn’t explain this sentiment, you had a good feeling when it came to the things that were just about to come.

“You won’t regret your decision, Y/N Y/L/N. On my side, I assure you a bright future.”

[rucbarthatbowtiesarecooldw]

Sunday Morning Session

Conducting: Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Why do we have such a hard time walking in a straight line?

Personal daily restoration

Are we acting on small deviations or small and simple acts of realignment?

We need times of refreshing

To keep our thoughts and actions pure we have to keep rolling

He is a God of new beginnings

Do we seek and accept God’s spiritual landmarks which He provides for us?

Minutes and hours spent well are the building blocks of a life well spent

You want to change the shape of your life? Change the shape of this day. You want to change the shape of your day? Change the shape of this hour.

Camille N. Johnson

What keeps us from turning our stories over to Him?

Through the spirit we can feel the Masters hand writing our stories with us

Are you ignoring the value of God’s hand in your story?

Talked about Esther’s story

Will you let God be the Author and Finisher in your story? Or will you chose to write the story yourself?

God is willing to make known His will for you through the Holy Ghost

Dale G. Renlund

Stress tests

o The panoramic

This isn’t a new challenge, but it is a critical one.

Contention weakens us

2 contention is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals

Placed discipleship of the Savior above all else

Put our love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all else

What can I do to foster unity?

I Am a Child of God

Vaiangina Sikahema

We are His greatest creation

He wants you to live your life with order – in proper sequence

He wants you to get married before you have children

He wants you to continue to learn and get an education

What is the sequential pattern in your life?

Walk before we run, first things first, etc. are sequential sayings

Repentance is sequential

Faith, humility

Quintin L. Cook

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Peace is not assured until the 2nd coming

Personal peace can be achieved despite the contention around us

It has never been more important to achieve peace in our personal lives

1 love God live His commandments and love everyone

2 seek the fruits of the Spirit

3 exercise agency to include righteousness

4

5 follow the current admonitions of our prophet

His life and atoning mission are the true source of peace

How Firm a Foundation

Russell M Nelson

How firm is your spiritual foundation? Is it built upon Jesus Christ?

What reinforcements are needed?

President Harold B. Lee said: “The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and doctrines of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time. … You may be sure that your brethren who preside are praying most earnestly, and we do not move until we have the assurance, so far as lies within our power, that what we do has the seal of divine approval” (“God’s Kingdom—A Kingdom of Order,” Ensign, Jan. 1971, 10).

1 the restoration is a process not and event, and will continue until the lord comes again

2 the ultimate objective of the gathering is to bring the blessings of the temple to everyone

3 as we seek to accomplish that objective . . . revelation is ongoing.

He wants you to have the revelation so you know exactly what He needs you to do

Just wishing to be together forever will not make it so

Seek prayerfully and consistently to understand your temple covenants

When spiritual earthquakes occur you will be able to stand strong and immovable

Let The Mountains Shout For Joy

[in-christalone]

Can you explain what your understanding of Calvinism is?

“five points of Calvinism.” They are now known through the very popular acrostic TULIP, which is a clever way to sum up the five articles that were in dispute.

(I’ll be bolding and capitalizing and coloring words for emphasis but please don’t think I’m yelling or angry!)

The five points, as they are stated in order to form the acrostic TULIP,

are:

T- total depravity; that man is dead in their sins and cannot come to God on their own merit, because the fatal condition of their spirituality. They need to be reborn in Christ, in order to have faith and be saved. God does all the work, and man cannot because they are dead in their sins..

Scripture;

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Ephesians 2:1-3 - And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Psalms 51:5 - Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

1 Corinthians 2:14 - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

John 6:44 - No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Hey, go ahead and look for more verses supporting this here (yes they are all KJV verses, for those who are questioning the ESV, etc)

———-

U- unconditional election, the belief that God saves all of those that He elects before the foundation of the world, that EVERYONE whom God has chosen by His own sovereign will (and not based on anything “we do” which would be works based salvation) it’s all according to His mercy on sinners.

This doctrine may be hard on some because they don’t take into the full weight of how we are SINNERS and God is HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS.

Scripture;

Ephesians 1:4, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13, "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth."

Rom. 9:16, “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Rom. 9:11, “for though the twins {Esau and Jacob} were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls.”

2 Tim. 1:9, “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”

Ephesians 1:11, “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”

———

L- limited atonement the belief that Jesus’ blood is full of the absolute power to cover the sins of the Elect of God. To bestow salvation and the Spirit of God to bring about sanctification. That His blood covers for His chosen people and only His chosen people.

John 6:37-39 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away. ... Now this is the will of the one who sent me—that I should not lose one person of every one he has given me, but raise them all up at the last day.

Matthew 1:21

will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

{This verse teaches that Jesus came to specifically save "His people."}

Matthew 20:28

even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

{This verse teaches that Jesus came to die "for many."}

John 10:11, 15

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

{This passage teaches that Jesus came to die specifically "for the sheep," which are His people, or God's elect.}

John 17:9

I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

————

I- irresistible grace this is the belief that upon God divinely intervening in our lives to bring us to salvation, we cannot deny His offer. This is not to say that God “forces us” in a negative way. I would rather say that God takes our heart of stone that once longed for sin and shameful things, and thus puts a fleshly heart in us. That our eyes become opened to see His glory, and we see that all that we ever longed for, is seen with Him. That we finally realize that only He can fill the empty void in our heart, by which we have searched to fill within our sinful choices. We see God as who He really is, and thus rendering Him irresistible.

Scripture;

Ezekiel 36:26 I {God}will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

John 1:12-13, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

James 1:18, "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures."

John 5:21, “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.”

1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Colossians 2:13, "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,"

and

P- perseverance of the saints, God will preserve His people, He is the author of faith and though we will fall and sin, this doesn’t mean we will by any chance “lose our salvation”. If we are Elect, then we are His. We cannot be taken from Him and we have the promise of eternal life. This does not mean we are free to sin, because we who are Elect will hate sin and love God.

Scripture;

Ecc 3:14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.

Isa 46:3-4 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; ​even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

1Cor 1:4-9 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Col 3:3-4 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Phil 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

2Tim 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

1Pet 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

——

If there’s anything I’m missing or am wrong in my understanding, please correct me and I thank you for taking the time to read, if you have :)

I also want to make note that Calvinism is not a worship of John Calvin in anyway, it’s simply a deeper understanding of the Scriptures provided by a man who was used by God Almighty

[waritawrites]

Gender Dysphoria & Trauma

https://followerofthewayforever.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/gender-dysphoria-trauma/

Gender Dysphoria seems to happen to some when trauma has occur. Taking on the opposite gender can be at least four things: Defense Mechanism, Self-Comfort, Escapism, and Symbolic Rejection.

- Defense Mechanism

°One takes the strength if the opposite

gender as shield to protect. In cases where parent of the opposite gender was neglectful or abusive, the person takes on an identity that is dominated by the strength that the parent in question lacked.

- Self-Comfort

°Similar to Defense Mechanism and often a defense mechanism in and of it itself self-comfort. Using opposite gender traits to comfort oneself, especially in cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder, is a way of giving oneself self-validation and assurance that things will get better. That you will get better.

- Escapism

°You just don't want to be you anymore. It hurts too bad. You want start anew in a different way.

- Symbolic Rejection

°Seeing bad examples set by a signifcant person(s), such as a son being traumatized by the actions of an abusive father, may cause the son to reject his own male identity because he wants to be nothing like his father.

For those dealing with these issues, please seek GOD. I know it may sound cliché. However, GOD is a healer and HE teaches us how to overcome and triumph the most horrible things that happen to us.

Philippians 4

1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.)

We don't have to be in bondage to trauma. We need not base our every decision on trauma. We are in a spiritual war that manifests in this physical world. Satan is our enemy. He uses trauma to weaken and destroy us. He even uses it to get us on his side in a twisted way. satan is the abuser who beats you then tells you he loves you afterward. Like many abusers who want to separate their victims from those who love them, satan wants to separate you from the Love of GOD. GOD gives us all free will, the freedom to choose life or death. It is satan's goal to tempt us all to choose death and destruction. Please resist him.

1 Peter 5:8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

satan is a thief and a murderer. he wants us to destroy ourselves and those around us. he wants to steal our lives, steal our souls, and destroy us. Jesus, God The Son, says in John 10:10:

John 10:10

10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

satan wants us to believe that it is GOD's fault for letting the trauma happen. satan doesn't was us to recognize that he is source of trauma. he does not want us to see that he is working through those that hurt you. satan and his kingdom of darkness are your abuser. he will stop at nothing to prevent you from holding onto GOD, even if he has to pretend to be GOD to deceive into turning to him. Here is what GOD, speaking through the writings of Paul, said of satan, satan's false ministers as well as Paul speaking on the victory that he has in GOD even in tribulation, 2 Corinthians 11:

2 Corinthians 11

1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

17That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

19For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

32In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

33And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

#GOD #Yahweh #Jesus #HolySpirit #HolyGhost #TheBible #HolyBible #Christianity #genderdysphoria #sexuality #christianity #homosexuality #transgender #transgenderism #satan #trauma #abuse #virtualreality #roleplayinggames #rpg #imvu #secondlife #avakin #dissociativeidentitydisorder #DID

[anxiousdepressedintrovert]

Otome Thursday

IT’S BRAM!!!!

Y’all, you have no idea how excited I was for this route/series to start. I wasn’t a big fan of Ravi.

ANYWAY

Bram Route

Episode 1 (The free one 😉)

-I really dig the beginning of the route.

-Like a land hidden from even the Elves? Nice

-Also also, I like that this series, Love and Legends, AND Reigning Passions all take place in the same universe and it makes sense. Unlike the more modern series where the crew just sticks characters in the stories to say “Hey, look, notice these characters”

-Sorry. I’m ranting

-Focusing now

-I named my MC Mari Rya

-She’s beautiful

-She’s got a little, sprite/fairy/thing named Ness

-I love them

-I only know the name of the new land because I played the Ravi short but it’s called Tallav

-Mari’s got a reputation as a researcher.

-But this is also a lifelong dream of hers.

-Ness doesn’t speak (what I’m going to call) English, but Mari understands her anyway

-Ness uses They/Them pronouns. RESPECT IT

-Magic time!

-Ness magic time!

-Mari can feel all the living things. I feel like that’s not a human thing.

-But I will reserve judgement

-She’s had a rune stone since she was a baby. Yeah, she’s def not human.

-Holy shit a bear!

-…with a shield and a spear on it’s back.

-Subtle

-The way these sprites move are fucking hilarious

-Mari said “Nope not today”

-Can’t out run a bear. What does this bitch do?

-Drop down to play dead. Cause that’s totally gonna stop a bear from chewing on your spleen

-the “bear” is able to turn her over to her back (duh)

-it turns into a man and…oh what a man

-this CG is so fucking cute!

-he’s like “Is she alive?”

-She’s like “the fuck is he doing?”

-I’m like “Squeeeee they’re both so stupid rn”

-Oh those eyes…

-I haven’t been this in love since Razi. Or Renzei.

-Oh no! headbutt. Gives me a headache just reading it.

-Fuck look at those abs.

-LVS really knows what they’re doing with these character designs

-And Mari’s being thirsty too. It’s not just me

-Whew chile, the way she describes this man. Girl,

-Thank you, Ness, someone has their head on properly

-Never mind. They’re just as thirsty

-I still wanna know how Mari can talk to them

-He knows she’s a human cause she’s wearing clothes. Good lord this series is gonna be a riot in the first couple seasons

-Oh Mari…you’re sounding very Colonizerish

-I don’t like that

-Though it is kinda cute how she nerds out

-I can see her doing this with any thing she comes across.

-Thank you, Ness. Time and Place Mari!

-Invasive is one word for it

-Not much to write.

-She’s gushing. He’s listening. They’re both hot

-oh no, not an eyebrow lift!

-from both of them!

-I can’t do this.

-This bitch just walks away from a question ‘cause she got caught staring!

-I can’t! This is me. Running away from all my problems

-Bram follows cause, y’know, stranger in the woods

-Bram likes Ness. It’s adorable

-Anthropologist=Skald? Maybe.

-Apparently rune reading is impossible, so is befriending a Puck (Ness)

-Mari is def not a human. At least not fully

-See, I feel like if she showed Bram the rune stone she carried with her, that would help bridge this gap.

-But y’know. Whatever.

-Oh they are two bull-headed people

-He’s got (understandable) prejudices against humans/bipeds

-She’s like “MY RESEARCH”

-I’m like “Girl, they’re living people. Respect their boundaries. And Dude, Learn a little”

- She’s very forceful with the fact that she ‘needs to do her research’

-It’s very Colonizerish and I don’t approve.

-Mari, You can’t prove that the Duke who hired you only wanted you to do pure research.

-Ha, Bram called her pretty

-Ohhh Mahuwin Villiage

-Cue Victor from Underworld: “YOU MUST BE JUDGED!!”

-damn he called her insidious

-Mari…honey. Going to a village, you’ll get to see how they live and see how the justice system works. Calm down.

-Of course, no one’s ever been so unwelcoming. You’ve been dealing with other humans and elves.

-Girl!

-I’m judging you so hard rn

-Whew chile that took a lot outta me

Episode 2

-Awww I do feel bad for Ness tho

-They’re scared too

-Bruh, Bram JUST said he doesn’t know what an anthropologist is. You barely related it to a Skald. Showing him your notes means nothing.

-Bram, dude, I get you’re supposed to protect but you’re seeing enemies in the wrong people. Though I get why you’d suspect her.

-The Dinae have no secrets between their tribes (I’m assuming) so there’d be no need for an anthropologist to go looking for old history.

-Also he called her cute (again)

-Ohkay. I draw the line at you accusing Mari of torturing Ness.

-Only a heartless monster would lay hands on Ness.

-I need you to think baby: WHYY WOULD NESS STAY? If Pucks are magical creatures, surely you don’t think that Ness would be foolish enough to stay with a powerless human.

-Oh. Don’t make me insult your intelligence

-Oh don’t make me

-Mari. Don’t do anything stupid. Please. He’s actually being nice. In a weird way. Taking you to be judged. Someone else would’ve just killed you

-Mari…you can’t do your job in someone else’s country without permission. To get permission, you need to go to a village.

-I’m starting to question your intelligence

-Oh good. The bull-headedness is back

-No shit it’s more than just a job! I think you would have gathered that from the fact that to enter Tallav you had to pass a BEAR statue

-Oh no not the sad face

-I know LVS is gonna use that face to get money out of me in future scenes

-Mari, you’re both stubborn. And if I had it my way, you’d’ve gone with him already

-MARI! HE’S NOT A SOLDIER!

-ARUGH

- Not the type of roleplay I thought I’d be reading in this story but sure. Have some hearts

-I wanna smack her so bad and the first season’s not over yet.

-Usually the urge to smack doesn’t kick in until at least season 2.

-She’s a record setter

-Uh oh Bram, you called her an interrogator.

-And he STILL doesn’t fix it!

-They’re both so rude

-Ok, so he gets the why.

-We’re making progress

-This woman can’t let her thirst rest for five minutes.

-I mean same but come on

-Ah! Progress on both sides!

-Still don’t like how forceful Mari is about her job. How would she feel if her job put people in danger?

-You kinda did Mari. You kinda did say “I’m going to do what I want anyway”

-Not in those exact words but enough

-My point!

Bram: You ever think that if we wanted to be bothered by any kingdoms, we would have officially contacted them

That’s my point

At the same time, Bram and his fellow Dinae have their fellow prejudice against bipeds. As I said, mostly justified but they act that they can’t adapt or change

-Mari, interest isn’t always flattering…we aren’t in high school

-Now she’s running away. From a guy that can turn into a bear

-I’m very much questioning her intelligence now.

-Cause she dumb dumb.

-And thus begins an infuriating game of human and bear

-Oh yeah Mari, cause you can totally break the hold of a guy WHO CAN TURN INTO A BEAR

-As Mari is kicking and screaming, Bram: Am I hurting you?

-LMFAOOOO

-Awww Ness trying to help.

-Bitch. He puts you down and you climb a tree. Like bears don’t climb trees?

-Thank you Ness for talking some sense into this stupid girl

-Why is she so defensive?!

-Why can’t they just give me the option of “Fine.” FOR ONCE

-Seriously Mari? If you had stumbled upon a village during your wandering that really HATED humans, the chances of them killing you are SUPER fucking high. Doing it this way is arguably a lot safer

-YO  WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!

-That looked like a swamp deer  monster from It Lives Beneath

-FUCK THAT

-RUN BITCH…FUCKING RUUUNNNN

-Why is run never an option when we are clearly outmatched?

-Oh god why does it have to look at the screen!!!

-I don’t like that

-and ewwwww they did detail on the muscles

-Yeah no shit it’s targeting Mari, Bram!

-I think that’s pretty obvious!

-Thank again Ness for saving One Stupid Bitch

-We…we get to RIDE Bram?

-I can (and will) make so many jokes about that

-I’ve already restrained myself from making Bear jokes. So, you’ll deal with that

Episode 3

-Hehehehehehehhehe

-We rode him

-Hopefully this won’t be last time

-and the next time won’t be in bear form

-Ohkay. I’m back. The chapter’s loaded

-Wait one more

-And we can use that rope for something else too

-Idk how to do the lenny face so……just imagine it

-Ok. NOW I’m done.

-Finally, a decent option. THANK YOU, BRAM

-Yeah Mari get that through your thick fucking skull. He’s a defender. He defends.

-Awwww Bram isn’t comfortable with praise. I’m gonna take every opportunity to do it now

-Mari, this is why we don’t talk shit up.

-Hehe still riding him

-Ewww that thing is back.

-Plus side?

-FIGHT SCENE

-Oh nooooo Bram’s hurt

-MARI CONTROL YOUR THIRST THE MAN IS INJURED

-Thank you, Ness! I swear they’re the only character I haven’t been pissed at

-Mari begins to nerd out over plants. Honestly same

-OMG HIS BLUSH

-GUYS. HIS BLUSH

-The stuff of nightmares was an Abberation. I like my name better so it and all its freaky brethren will be called The Stuff of Nightmares

-And Bram’s back to being suspicious. Sigh. And we were having such a nice time

-The Dinae don’t have pets and that’s the saddest thing I’ve read all day.

-Mari just realized that Bram’s been naked this entire time.

-Lol

-Oh so, if Bram trusted Mari, he’d happily tell her everything she wanted to know.

-Hmmmmmm

-I certainly can’t say no to that face. So neither can you Mari. Here. Have some hearts

-See, they say fur covered thigh, all I hear is, cuddling for the winter.

-OMG SHE COULD SQUISH HIS PAW BEANS

-IF SHE DOESN’T SQUISH HIS PAW BEANS WE’RE GONNA HAVE A PROBLEM

-Mari stahp being so thirsty. There’s a stream next to you. Go dunk your head.

-Ness is adorable and I want a plushie of them

-Oh NOQOOOWW she has a problem with riding him

-…Ok, I mean…her explanation makes sense.

-See, every Dinae does it!

-Bram is so tired of her. It’s so funny

-WAIT. THERE’S WOLVERINES

-….is one’s name Logan?

-I’ll leave now

-I’m so glad they’re starting to understand each other more. Cause I was ready to jump through my phone screen.

-Things are still tense, of course.

-Wait a fucking minute. Going through a patch of brambles saved you a fucking DAY of travel? WTF

-I’m very interested in seeing how this plays out as opposed to Ravi’s route.

-Let’s meet Chieftain Mael!!

[pamphletstoinspire]

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday (December 13, 2020)

The Third Sunday of Advent takes its common name from the Latin word Gaudete (“Rejoice”), the first word of the introit of this day’s Mass.

The Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, iv. 4-7.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

by Bishop Ehrler, 1891

“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord.” (John I: 23.)

In my text of to-day, my dearly-beloved, St. John calls himself a voice, thereby giving his disciples plainly to understand that he was not the “Word made flesh,” but simply the voice of that Word. And those who listened to him knew that the Son of God could not then be far off, inasmuch as they already heard his voice in the person of the Baptist. As the voice prepares the way for the word, so that it may come forth intelligibly from the mouth of man, so also John, through his voice, (that is, through his preaching and baptism) prepared the hearts of men for the coming of Christ. Hence, he says that he is that voice which Isaias had long before foretold as crying out: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” In what did this preparation principally consist?” He preached the baptism of penance, for the remission of sins (Luke 3 : 3).” He consoled the people, and after he had imbued them with faith in the Redeemer, he animated them still further to love him and confide in him:

I. Through the hope of pardon; II. Through the hope of grace; and III. Through the hope of glory. This three-fold hope, my brethren, is the necessary fruit of that three-fold faith of which we spoke, last Sunday. From the faith of the commandments, springs the hope of pardon; from the faith of miracles, the hope of grace; and from the faith of the promises, the hope of glory. We will, to-day, examine the foundations of these three truths.

I. Every sinner, no matter how often or how grievously he mav have violated the Commandments of God, has a sure hope of pardon. It is true that, when a hardened offender turns to God, and calls upon him for forgiveness, the abyss of evil cries out to the abyss of mercy; or as the Psalmist expresses it: “Deep calleth upon deep.” (Ps. 41 : 8.) But, though this abyss of wickedness be ever so deep and fathomless, that of God’s mercy is still greater and more profound; where sin hath abounded, grace more fully abounds. “Turn ye to me, saith the Lord of Hosts: and I will turn to you (Zach. 1 : 3).” Yea, He promises still further: “If the wicked do penance for all his sins which he hath committed, and keep all my commandments, I will not remember all his iniquities that he hath done (Ezech. 18 : 21-22).”

Moreover, He not only invites the sinner to repentance, my dear brethren, but He waits long and patiently for his conversion. “I desire not the death of the wicked,” He declares by the mouth of his prophet, “but that the wicked turn from his ways and live (Ezech. 33 : 11).” “The Lord is compassionate and merciful (Ps. 112 : 8).” He is merciful to all sinners, He is long-suffering toward the perverse and obdurate, so that they may be converted from the evil of their ways; or, as the Wise Man says in his apostrophe to the Most High: “Thou overlookest the sins of men for the sake of repentance (Wis. 11: 24).” Why, then, do you delay your repentance, unhappy sinner? “Despisest thou the riches of His goodness, and patience, and longsuffering? Knowest thou pot that the benignity of God leadeth thee to penance (Rom. 2: 4)?” Long and zealously did St. John the Baptist preach to the Jews “the baptism of penance,” for no other purpose than “for the remission of their sins”! Yet, how often might he not have said to them: “Be not as your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: turn ye from your evil ways, and from your wicked thoughts: but they did not give ear (Zach. 1: 4).” I beseech of you now, my brethren, to take warning from the example of that hardened and stiff-necked people, and listening, to follow with docility and faith “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Making straight the way of the Lord by the faith of the Commandments, you will not only enjoy the assured hope of pardon for past sins, but also, if you will humbly beg it from God, the hope of grace that will prevent you from committing sins in the future.

II. The hope of pardon, my dear Christians, is far from being so attractive to the sinner as the hope of continued grace. He knows that God’s forgiveness for the past will avail him nothing, if he continues to offend Him anew by fresh sins. He also knows that, of himself, he is utterly unable to avoid evil; and that “it is God who worketh in him both to will and to accomplish according to His good will (Phil. 2: 13).” The Wise Man declares that: “To God the wicked and his wickedness are hateful alike; “and when the converted sinner remembers that he was once an object of hatred to that good God, and reflects at the same time that he is now His friend and favorite, what can he do but cry out gratefully with St. Paul: “By the grace of God, I am what I am (1 Cor. 15 : 10)!” adding with the Psalmist: “What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things that He hath rendered to me (Ps. 115 : 12)?” The recollection of one’s past misery is the first happy effect of grace, as well as the first step toward future holiness.

But this knowledge, my brethren, is due altogether to the ineffable goodness of God. “The Lord is my light and my salvation (Ps. 26: 1)!” O ye poor, blinded sinners! no matter how deeply you may be sunk in misery, “Come ye to him, and be enlightened (Ps. 33: 6).” Seeing, you will understand the danger from which you have been rescued by the mercy of God; and understanding, you will learn to dread a relapse into sin.

Grace is alike necessary to convert the sinner and to preserve him in the divine friendship after his conversion. The soul of a Christian is like a fortified city, which is surrounded on all sides by enemies. “Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it (Ps. 126: 1).” Our spiritual enemies are most numerous, their plans most cunningly devised for our destruction; and we are obliged to contend constantly with the traitorous foe within the walls–our own miserable concupiscence. A man’s enemies, says the Lord, are they of his own household (Mich. 7 : 6). But, for our consolation, let us be firmly assured that God will not desert us, unless we first turn our backs on Him; and it is especially written of the just: “The Lord keepeth all them that love Him (Ps. 144: 20).” God does not constrain the free will of man; but His grace is always ready to co-operate with that free will in the grand work of salvation. “He has created us without our aid,” says St. Augustine, ” but He will not save us without our co-operation.” His assistance is so essential to the success of our undertakings, that no one can begin, continue, or complete any work without the all-powerful help of God. He has, then, a just right to issue His commands, since His gracious help encompasses His children on every side, mercifully and efficaciously enabling them to keep His commandments to the end. See, O dearly beloved! how firm and consistent is the hope of grace, to the heart of the repentant and converted sinner!

III. The hope of glory is that strong and intimate confidence which supports the just, and enables them to persevere in the performance of their good works. “He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved (Matth. 10 : 22),” says our Saviour. In what does this being saved consist?” One can truly receive the happiness of the elect,” says St. Augustine, “but one can never properly estimate it.” “I can more easily tell what is not in heaven than what is there.” Death shall be no more in that kingdom of delights; and sorrow, and weakness, and sickness shall be at an end; neither shall hunger, nor thirst, heat, disappointment, or any other misery, afflict the children of God. “They shall be inebriated with the plenty of Thy house: and Thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of Thy pleasure (Ps. 35: 9).” “And they shall reign with God forever and ever (Apoc. 22: 5).” “Oh, true life! Oh, eternal life! Oh, eternally happy life!” exclaims in an ecstasy the great Bishop of Hippo–unable to find words to express the feelings of his heart, when he would depict the ineffable joys of Paradise. And if any thing further were needed to encourage us, we shall find it in the exhortation and promise of our Saviour which is jointly the foundation of our hope: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: because your reward is very great in heaven (Matth. 5 : 12).” St. Bernard, speaking of this same reward, says: “It is so great that one can not exhaust it; and so precious that one can not sufficiently value it.”

And what does God require from us, my brethren, in order to merit this heavenly recompense? If He exacted of us to serve him for half an eternity, the demand would not be too great. “The days of man are short (Job 14: 5).” “Our days upon earth are but a shadow” (Job 8: 9), and they “are passed more swiftly than the web is cut by the weaver (Job 7 : 6).” Should we not, then, apply these few brief days to serving our Creator, and keeping His commandments? “His commands are not heavy (1 John 5: 3).” This short life may be filled with miseries, I will admit, my dear fellow-sufferers, but, with the Apostle of the Gentiles, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8: 18).” That which we suffer is only temporary, and “our present tribulation, which is momentary and light, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4: 17).”

Peroration. Therefore, “prepare ye the way of the Lord,” beloved Christians, and “trust in Him, all ye congregation of people (Ps. 61: 9).” “Being justified by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by Whom, also, we have access through faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God (Rom. 5: 1-2).” God receives us back into His friendship even after we have frequently and basely insulted him. He upholds us by His all-powerful grace in the path of righteousness; and he promises us, moreover, an eternal reward if we serve Him faithfully during the short days of our life. Dearly beloved, have we not here three signal mercies of our good God, sufficient to excite us to the thorough and lasting reformation of our lives? Ah! yes, let us put our hope in his divine power and goodness; and persevering bravely with His help in the path of virtue, let us hope to love, for all eternity, that gracious God in whom we have believed and hoped unwaveringly here below. Amen. 

[dailyaudiobible]

04/28/2021 DAB Transcript

Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalms 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10

Today is the 28th day of April welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian still pretty much floating on cloud nine and enjoying that there's a new little princess in our family. So, China and Reagan are doing well and recovering. And sweet little Reagan, she is adjusting to a whole new way of being as she spends her second day, her second day with us outside of the womb. So, thank you for your continued prayers over China and ben and baby Reagan. Those of…of us who have experienced the coming, the arrival of children, then we understand that it's…it's a game changer, right? The page turns so quickly and all the sudden there's a whole new reality before us and it’s such a glorious beautiful, meaningful, purposeful time. And, so, thank you for your prayers over this little family as they begin to make these adjustments. And ss for all of us, we've gathered around this Global Campfire to take the next step forward in the Scriptures. I could just go off on many, many tangents just gushing. My heart is full right now with this arrival, but my heart is also full that we have gathered around this Global Campfire to take the next step forward in the Scriptures. For the last couple of days, we have been reading the story of the judge Gideon from the book of Judges. And we will continue with Gideon's story today from the book of Judges. We’re reading from the Good News Translation this week. Judges 8 verse 18 through nine verse 21.

Commentary:

Okay. So, it's pretty striking, jarring even, the magnitude of what we read in the Bible today. It’s like we’re reading this, and we read it and maybe some of these stories we know, or we’ve heard them many times. And, so, we read them but it's earth-shattering stuff, earthmoving stuff that we read about today. So, in the book of Judges we kinda reached the conclusion of the Gideon story. So, Gideon did lead the people to overcome the Midianites and brought peace to the land and they tried to make him king and he wouldn’t be King. And he was a judge for another 40 years and there was peace and then he dies. And then the level of injustice that follows this is staggering. So, Gideon has 70 sons. So, that's a lot of kids and probably they don't even all know each other but one of his sons, his name’s Abimelech and he's from a concubine that lives in Shechem. So, he would've definitely been considered kind of an outsider in the family, not really a true heir in the family. That’s how his other brothers would've looked at him. But once Gideon is dead he goes to his relatives in Shechem and is like, “do you want Gideon's sons ruling over you or do you want me?” Which…which eventually comes to the execution of the 70 other sons. Very tribal, very violent. I mean we can read it through our modern lenses and see the barbarity of it. And it's no less barbaric in a tribal time, but it is more common to attempt to completely and utterly wipe out your enemies by killing them and killing all of their heirs so that the very memory of them is lost so that somebody somewhere along the line can’t grow up and come kill you. But one of the sons escaped, Jotham, and eventually went up on Mount Gerizim. This is the amount of blessing by the way, the one that Moses spoke about, “go to mount Gerizim and recite the blessings of the covenant on Mount Ebal and recite the curses of the covenant…covenant. There…there like two mountains, to giant hills. I mean they’re mountains in that region, but they're not the kind of mountains we would consider the high mountains of the earth. But they’re two mountains and they sit between…well…Shechem is in the middle of them until this very day. Shechem, biblical Shechem, is called Nablus now but Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim are still there. So, Jotham confronts and then he runs for his life and as the story kinda draws to a close, we just see that the people after the judge Gideon dies they just go back and just slide away and go back to worshiping the baals, go back to doing what they think is right in their own eyes. This is the time that there in.

If we turn into the gospel of Luke, I mean the level of injustice at the execution of Jesus is like supreme over all because this is humanity putting God to death. I mean I know that's a jarring thing to think about, but that's what's happening. And, so, we see in the Old and the New Testaments supreme, like just how far humanity can go toward the way of injustice. Like, this is the outcome of just how deeply dark people can go. So, in both of those stories we could say like, there’s…these…this is the level of injustice that is hard to even fathom, but in the same reading today Jesus didn't stay dead. He rose from the dead. That's earthmoving stuff. Like, that's…that's what has landed our lives here today to be hearing this. This is the victory over the darkness. Jesus rising from the dead is essentially a rebirth into life. In fact, that’s not like a metaphor that I'm using, this is something that the apostle Paul will say, that Jesus is the first born into a new thing that God is doing upon the earth and Jesus is the first born into that new thing among many brethren to follow, which is us. I mean the resurrection is overwhelming to think about in the Bible, and we can see in the news, like when the new starts to spread among Jesus followers it…it's…it's unsettling, like this is impossible. Even though Jesus said this would happen, this is impossible. And yet, they very soon find out it's very possible and that affects their lives so profoundly that, although nobody wants to die, they have…they have lost…they’ve seen what's going to happen and they don't fear this and they're willing to give their lives for it, which they eventually do. So, as I was saying to us when we entered into like the garden of Gethsemane and the Last Supper and the arrest and we were moving into this territory gospel of Luke, I mentioned like, let's not blow by this. This is…this is that story. This is the story that changes everything. This is the story that has catapulted our lives to this moment. And, so, we certainly blow by the resurrection, we…we want to contemplate that and meditate upon it today and understand the implications of it in our faith today. This changes everything forever. That's not small. That's big.

Prayer:

Jesus, we thank You for Your life and for the example, for Your heart and Your compassion and Your kindness, Your willingness to rescue we who You love, even though we don't deserve Your love, even though we can't earn Your love. Even while we were Your enemies You still came for us. And it's…it’s just that kind of love, that kind of love is what reveals Your kingdom. And we confess that what we want to participate in that. We’re just not capable of that kind of selfless love without Your spirit within. So, come Holy Spirit and lead us on the pathways of love. Love conquers all, even death we are learning. And we learn from song of Solomon that love is stronger than death. And in our reading from the gospel of Luke You were dead and then You were alive. And we are invited into that story. So, come Holy Spirit Awaken us, that this might settle in the profoundness of it we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, it is the website, it’s where you find out what's going on around here.

And…well…what’s going on around you right now is the arrival of a new member of the family a new Daily Audio baby in our family. And, so, we are certainly thrilled and ecstatic about it and just that this is kind of our prayer request right now, is just the adjustment period and settling in and just all of the transition that goes into bringing a baby into the into the world and into a brand-new family. And, so, that's what's going on around here but everything else you can find out at dailyaudiobible.com.

The Community section, as I say often, is where the Prayer Wall lives and that is an always on and never off place to go. If…if you…if you want to pray or if you're in need of prayer, that's…that's the place to go. So, check that out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if…if the mission here to…to keep reading God's word fresh every day and offering it to anyone who will listen to it, if that has landed in your life and has made a difference than thank you humbly, deeply, truly for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement you can hit the Hotline button in the app, which is the little red button at the top, or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today on Brian. I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

This message is for Alivia of New Mexico. I heard you say you wanted to hear from the community regarding how you might consider responding to a marriage proposal from a person you've been with for about three years. You mentioned being confused and having a hard time bringing yourself to break up. I hope you will recognize that confusion is a red flag. The enemy of your soul is the source of your confusion and he's come to steal, kill, and destroy. Being unequally yoked is about two in connection who have separate destinations. One honestly wants to go in one direction and the other honestly wants to go in a different direction. When they are yoked together at best they go in a compromised direction, neither going in the direction they wanted to go. That results in regret and mourning the loss of true life purpose. I encourage you to show your man respect and honor by allowing him to go in the direction of his choice. If he truly loves you, he will want you to live in your calling. I encourage you Alyvia, do not compromise truthfulness. Trust God's perfect plan for your life. His plans are always better than we know, and we will never regret trusting the one true God and savior. There is so much we don't know. Maybe your man will come to accept Jesus as a savior and Lord. Regardless of that, it is best not to foolishly rush in but rather wait on the Lord. God is truly good. Father I pray you give Alivia faith to believe your word and courage to follow your direction trusting your love for her and your most excellent perfect plans for her life in place of any other focus. Thank you for seeing us through Jesus loving us and receiving our prayers. We are your children saved and sanctified through Jesus alone. Amen.

Hello daily audio Bible family from London this is Sarah from London and I'm here with my nephews. What's your name? Malachi. And how old are you? 6 years old. And what's your name? Simeon. And how old are you? 3. Yes. And I’ve…they’ve just listened to Ezekiel on the Daily Audio Bible family and they want to say hello to Ezekiel. Say hello to Ezekiel. Hello Ezekiel. How are you? How are you? And what do you think of the…his reading? It was really good and lovely. Yeah, Malachi really enjoys it…really enjoyed listening to the reading today. And, yeah, so…gonna say bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. I hope you're all doing well Daily Audio Bible family and stay blessed. Take care. Sarah from London.

Hey DABbers, this is Retaining Honor, and I am calling in this morning with prayers for Alavia from New Mexico. And your message just so touched my heart because that is…that is my story, and I am unequally yoked with my husband and it is the number one thing that I pray about because I am now raising our child and I feel like I am alone in my spiritual journey. And dear sister that choice is yours to make. You can have a good life with this man that you have chosen and that you described but if it is anything like my situation your entire life you may feel like you are having to choose between the man that you love and the God that you love and the God that you serve. And I…I have not always put my savior first. And I urge you to look at your eternity and to look at your heavenly Father and to put Him first in your life and to think about, that…that this will impact your future family. So, I am praying for you as you are deliberating on this decision. And I love you sister. And also, so many people prayed this morning for Ramona from California. And Ramona I am a 32-year-old with a 7-year-old son and your testimony, your prayer request so touched my heart that I am praying for you dear sister. I can see my son also telling me that it would be OK and giving that same advice. He and I are so very close. So, sister I am praying for healing for you, and I am believing in healing for you and...

Hi Alana from New Mexico. Hey this is also my first time calling __ and I'm in Germany. So, I understand what you're going through. I also myself just got out from a two-year relationship that was really confusing. And one thing that I will share with you is once you're confused, God is not an author of confusion. Even if you do not have the strength to do it, ask the Holy Spirit for help and trust me He will help you to make the very best decision and as a believer that’s a woman only a man that really loves God can love a believing woman. And, so, you have peace, so you are no longer in a state of confusion where you do not have peace of mind ask the Holy Spirit for help. And I go to God. Father, please help Your daughter make the right decision and help her to see what You are protecting her from and please give her peace of mind that passes all human understanding. I love you all this is also my first-time calling in. I really appreciate this program. You all have a beautiful day. Bye.

Hello everybody. Hey this is Anette Allison from Oklahoma City. It is so good to hear you guys. Let you know surgery on my foot went good. Not sure if I have more surgeries or buy more motorcycles the numbers are quite similar. So, anyways thank you all for…for your many thoughts and prayers from most people and Daysha and Sally. I love you two so much. Thank you. Getting ready to go on the 29th to go pick up my son Alex from Durango Colorado and I'm going to haul him from there to my house. I'm gonna clean up his legal work but he's doing super good, and he saved up all the money I mean in like record time to get all the legal stuff handled and he'll be free and clear real soon and I am so thrilled to have him home here just for even a little while. So, pray that everything goes well, the trip is non- eventful. And we're gonna bring our dog and we had to put a big dog down and it was just rough. So, anyways have a wonderful day everyone. Take care. Bye.

Hello Daily Audio Bible family I am about 3 1/2- or 4-year listener calling in from Chicago and requesting prayer. I…for two things. One, I'm faced with a pretty important and quite honestly really tough career decision and I could just use some prayer for clarity and guidance and…and faith and just again a really clear vision on the path that the…the Lord wants me to go as I make this decision. Secondly, just prayers for my son. He continues…he's 25 and continues grow into adulthood and is also being faced with some pretty important adult decisions and I just pray that he will also seek the guidance and confidence and…and clarity to make the best decisions for now and into his future. I really appreciate it and love you all and love this community. Thank you.

[christianstevefinnell]

Keys Promised to Peter

by David Vaughn Elliott

He who holds keys controls entry. Is Peter standing at the gates of heaven, deciding who enters? No, that is just sacrilegious joke material. Well then, will Peter be standing at the gates of a future millennium reign of Christ, deciding who enters? I never heard of any premillennialist teaching that.

What, then, is Jesus telling Peter in Matthew 16:18,19? "I will build My church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven." Notice 1) In practically the same breath, with no hint of changing subjects, Jesus speaks of the church and the kingdom, apparently equating them. 2) Peter would use the keys to bind "on earth," thus it was to be done during his lifetime.

Since Jesus does not fail, His promises amount to prophecy.  Thus this is a prophecy about the kingdom. The prophecy says that Peter will open the way into the kingdom and that he will make binding decrees regarding the kingdom. Even futurist-premillennialists apply this prophecy to Peter's earthly ministry beginning on the day of Pentecost. Thus they inadvertently confess that the church is the kingdom and that the kingdom of God began on the day of Pentecost in the year 30 A.D.

Since Jesus promised Peter "the keys of the kingdom," it is no coincidence that Peter was the leading spokesman on the day of Pentecost. Keys open doors. Once open, others can enter. Thus, Christ designated Peter to unlock the doors, telling people how they could enter the kingdom: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The doors of the kingdom have been open for 2000 years. Those who listen to the holder of the keys are privileged to enter. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Posted by

S

SCRIPTURES THAT OFFEND   BY STEVE FINNELL

1. Romans  16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (NKJV)

The name church of Christ offends people enough, that some churches remove that name from from their building, they do not want to be identified as a church of Christ.

2. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one on you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Acts 2:38 offends those who deny water baptism is in order to the forgiveness of sins.

3. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)

John 14:6 offends believers in Christ who believe in universal salvation. Some believe it is arrogant to assert Jesus is the only way to heaven.

4. Genesis 1:1-31.......31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good . So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (NKJV)

Genesis 1:1-31 offends those who believe in theistic evolution or claim it is too difficult to understand that God created the heaven and earth in six days, in a twenty four hour day.

5. Galatians 5:4You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law, you have fallen from grace. (NKJV)

Galatians 5:4 offends men who teach one in grace always in grace.

Posted by

S

WHO BELIEVES WATER BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION?    BY STEVE FINNELL

THERE ARE MEN WHO BELIEVED OR BELIEVE THAT WATER BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION AND THERE ARE THOSE REJECT THAT REQUIREMENT.

THOSE WHO REJECT WATER BAPTISM AS A PREREQUISITE TO SALVATION.

Max Lucado

T.D. Jakes

John MacArthur

Charles Stanley

Billy Graham

Joel Osteen

Rick Warren

Jimmy Swaggart

Chuck Colson

Charles Swindoll

Jerry Falwell

Joyce Meyer

And all "Faith Only" preachers.

THOSE WHO BELIEVED WATER BAPTISM WAS AND IS ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION

The Apostle Peter

The Apostle Andrew

The Apostle James the son of Zebedee

The Apostle John

The Apostle Philip

The Apostle Bartholomew

The Apostle Thomas

The Apostle Matthew

The Apostle James son of Alphaeus

The Apostle Simon the Zealot

The Apostle Thaddaeus

The Apostle Matthias

Jesus the Christ

Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren,what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

All twelve apostles believed water baptism was essential to the forgiveness of sins.

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

Ananias believed water baptism was essential to be saved.

Acts 22:1-16.....10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me , 'Get up and go on to Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do'........12 "A certainAnanias .....16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized,and wash away your sins, calling on His name.

Ananias, a spokesman for Jesus, told Saul to be baptized to wash away his sins.

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The Apostle Paul believed water baptism was essential for the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with Him in baptism, ......13 ....He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

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Jesus, the Son of God, believes water baptism precedes salvation.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; ........

Shall be saved does not mean already has been saved.

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If you are looking for answers about faith and practice of Christianity under the New Covenant, should you look to Ananias, the apostles, and Jesus or should your spiritual guidance come from men who deny that water baptism is essential to forgiveness from sin? Do you really want to follow the teaching of men who say you can be saved before you are baptized in water? THERE ARE NO DRY-CLEANED CHRISTIANS! 

[sebthesnipe]

Manners And A Muzzle (My Dearest Procyon Part 2)

(AKA Part 2 of The Cat and The Raccoon)

February Prompts 2/10

Prompt List

First // Previous // Next

The February Collection on AO3

My Dearest Procyon on AO3

Other works by me

Prompt: Manners / Muzzle

Ship: Prinxiety (kinda…)

Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts

 “I still don’t understand,” Roman whined as he stumbled after the lanky wizard. Honestly, he shouldn’t be going along with this at all. He should be at home, in his cozy four poster bed, under a giant mound of blankets, not picking twigs out of his ruined locks, and no doubt catching fleas from the mongrel in his arms. However, the situation being as it was, he wasn’t quite sure which way home was… or if it was even still standing. 

“Perhaps if I explain it again?” Logan offered, ducking under a low hanging branch before holding it up politely for the other man. He may be a witch but Roman had to give him props for his manners. 

“No, no. Just…” Roman huffed with a shake of his head, “can you just summarize?” 

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Logan nodded. “Virgil and I are young witches. As such, we are required to draw our power from a single source; that source usually being another person. Typically, this other person needs to be a powerful magic user as well, though there are exceptions. Whenever a young witch finds their source, in this case our Lord Noname-”

“Still think that is a horrible name,” Roman grumbled under his breath as Logan continued.

“We are bound to him. Each binding is different. For some, it is nothing more than companionship; a mutual bond with equal gain and loss. For others, it is eternal servitude. In Virgil’s case it is the latter.” Logan explained once more, his frown deepening. 

“And you are bound to this Noname guy too?” Roman added, still trying to follow.

“Yes… and no,” Logan sighed, “It is quite complicated. I was once bound to Noname as well, but he quickly grew tired of me. You see, each witch has their own…” he seemed as if he were searching for the correct word, “Talent.” he supplied. “An area of expertise that they excel at. Virgil is a master of physical manipulation. I-”

“Can read minds!” Roman interjected excitedly. 

“Well, in the most simplistic sense, yes, but I can do far more than that. If I concentrate, I am able to see worlds you have never even attempted to dream of. Places where no man has set foot.” Logan couldn’t help but smile as he explained these visions, his heart beginning to race with elation. “I can see the past and the future, each mingling with one another. I can see stars that are millions of galaxies away, or beasts that crawl far beneath our feet.” 

“Wait…” Roman hummed, brows furrowing in confusion. “What is a galaxy?” The question earned a soft sad huff from the witch who simply shook his head and continued on.

“Never mind. I apologize, I seem to have gotten off topic. Where was I…” he mumbled softly. “Ah, yes: the connection Virgil and I share. Noname wished to use my gift for his own gain. When I refused, punishment ensued. Eventually, after a few years he seemed to have given up hope that I would break. As punishment, he cut off the constant supply of magic I received from him. Unfortunately, once a witch has had a taste of power, they will fade without it.”

“What do you mean, fade?” Roman pressed.

“They will die, Your Majesty. Quite quickly, at that,” Logan provided.

“Oh…. So… What happened then?”

“As I tried to explain before-” Logan offered.

“Not in English,” Roman grumbled under his breath, though if the witch noticed, he gave no indication. 

“Virgil, who had been apprenticing with Noname’s brethren, had found me. Naturally, I attempted to latch onto him as a source. He was not too thrilled at the idea, but slowly came around. You see, he was as eager as I was to get away from our bindings, so eventually he agreed. However, the new bond had unfortunate, and unforeseen, consequences. Virgil’s bond with Lord Noname weakened down to a trickle, which meant that there was not enough magical energy to keep both of our human forms alive and well.” The witch averted his gaze in shame as they continued on. “If I had known…” he paused before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. Knowing that we would both perish if we stayed too long in our human forms, I cursed Virgil to take the appearance of the animal that most resembles his personality while I remained human.” 

“So… he has the personality of a… badger?” Roman asked arching a brow as he lifted the creature in his arms high enough to examine. 

“It is a Procyon Raccoon,” Logan corrected with a huff. 

“Whatever,” The Prince shrugged. “That still doesn’t explain the whole cat thing.” 

“It would be cruel to curse someone that had just saved my life in such a way,” Logan pointed out, “So, I cursed myself as well. Only one of us may be human at any given time, lest  we both die.”

“That sounds like a pretty rough existence,” Roman admitted, hugging the still snoring Virgil to his chest. 

“I will admit it is not easy,” Logan confessed. “It is also the reason we are here. We must find new sources if we are to return to the natural order of things.” 

“And you think you can find them here? Why?” Roman asked curiously. 

“Because I have seen it,” Logan answered vaguely. “My visions are cryptic, but they are usually correct. We will both find a new source for our powers here in these woods. I just… need time to figure out what that-”

A roar echoed through the trees, sending droves of birds startling into the air and the still shirtless witch hunching low in the brush. Roman followed a moment later, unsure of what else to do. 

“What the hell was mmph!” he began to snap, just to have Logan’s hand clamp over his mouth. These two witches may be telling the truth about saving him, but they sure didn’t have any concept of respect. 

“Sssh! We’re close.” Logan whispered softly, removing his hand slowly. 

“Close to what?” Roman hissed back. 

“Come on,” Logan urged, inching towards the large vine covered rock face a good ten meters out. 

“Listen,” Roman began to complain as he followed the witch, “I get that you’re on a whole quest thing, but I have a entire kingdom I have to worry ab-”

“Roman, you really need to be quiet.” Logan interrupted.

“Don’t tell me to be quiet you no good, sorr- AH!” Roman snapped, dropping the raccoon in his hands with a loud cry. “It bit me!” 

Virgil plopped on the ground, scrambling to his feet in a hurry. He turned a vicious eye onto the prince and hissed mercilessly at him, saliva dripping from his jowls. Roman reared back in sudden terror of the small monster before him, holding his injured hand to his chest. 

“Virgil,” Logan called softly. He bent low enough to place an upturned hand on the ground, cloak falling open to reveal his still bare chest. The raccoon glanced briefly at his partner, hackles still raised, before shooting another hiss at the prince. He then promptly scampered over to the tall man, using his arm as a ramp to clammer into the backpack.

“I asked him to carry you,” Logan clarified. A small hiss sounded from the bag as two beady eyes seemed to glow just under the flap of the now bulging leather. 

“That thing needs to be muzzled,” Roman growled as he shot Virgil a glare of his own. 

“Virgil!” Logan snapped in a harsh whisper. There had obviously been some telepathic exchange between the two men that Roman obviously wasn’t privy to. “Manners!” 

“What did he say?” Roman pressed, his curiosity overpowering his fear as he moved closer.  

“Nothing that warrants repea-.” Logan started to sigh before another roar interrupted him. 

For a moment, the grey and black fur of Virgil’s snout appeared over Logan’s shoulder, whiskers twitching as he sniffed the air. His small claws fisted against the hood of the cloak wrapped around Logan’s shoulders, giving a snarling growl in response to the monstrous cry.

The sound was not the only thing that pulled their attention this time. Smoke began to billow farther down the cliff face where a large string of fire burst from a cave mouth, torching everything within a stone’s throw from the entrance. In the next moment, Virgil was gone, as quickly as he had appeared. He was back in his bag to hide, vastly aware of his suddenly meager stature. 

Roman’s heart raced, his fear of the bitey minuscule monster that was now nestled against Logan’s back all but forgotten. He had something much larger to worry about now… and apparently it knew that they were there.

“A DRAGON?! REALLY?!” Roman cried.

To be continued...

Taglist:

@hiddendreamer67 @nightashes @aequinoctiale

[mrlnsfrt]

What To Do With Doubt

Here is a thought-provoking quote,

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. - Steps to Christ p105 (bold mine)

When thinking about God I think of the words of Zophar to Job

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. - Job 11:7-9 NKJV

It would be arrogant of anyone to claim to fully grasp God.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:33-36 NKJV

Just because we will never be able to fully grasp who God is it does not mean that we cannot know anything about God.

Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. - Psalm 97:2 NKJV

God has revealed to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond this, we must trust His omnipotent hand and His loving heart. This should not surprise us since in the natural world we are constantly surrounded by mysteries that we cannot fully understand. The tiniest and simplest living organisms present problems that the most capable biologists are powerless to fully explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our understanding. Therefore, we should not be surprised to find that in the spiritual world there are also mysteries that we cannot fathom. The difficulty lies entirely in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. In the Bible, God gives us sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we should not doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence. 

I recognize that there is much I don’t understand in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc. yet I do not reject these areas of science. I simply humbly accept that I have much to learn. And this brings us to my next point. It is exactly this mystery and greatness of the themes presented in the Bible that should inspire our faith in its supernatural origins. After all, if we could fully understand everything in the Bible would it not mean it was created by finite humans? We should not be surprised when we are humbled by our study of God’s word.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” - Hebrews 3:12-15 NKJV

As we study the Bible we must do so with a humble heart, otherwise, we may end up rejecting God. Some mysteries belong to God, but He has also revealed to us what we need to know in the Bible.

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV

God does not call us to blind faith or to be intellectually lazy. I know the following is a long quote but read this paragraph carefully.

God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. Yet we are to beware of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity. If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.  - Steps to Christ p109

There must be a balance when approaching God and the Bible. Every time we read the Bible we have an opportunity to develop not only our faith but also our intellect, but for this to take place, we must have the proper balance between a deep desire to learn and understand God while also recognizing that we must humbly approach God. If we approach the Bible carelessly we can end up doing more harm than good. If we are not prayerful and our thoughts and affections are not fixed on God our mind will become clouded and doubts will creep in.

If we want to discover the truth, we must seek it earnestly. If we want to discover deeper truths about God, we must also be willing to live out those truths. Why would God reveal more truths to us when we are rejecting plain truths He has already revealed to us?

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.- John 7:17 NKJV

Jesus taught that to know concerning the doctrine a desire to do the will of God was required.

Sadly, too often, the true cause of skepticism is the love of sin. We don’t really want to know the will of God, especially when it goes against what we want to do. So the heart of the matter is not that the Bible is incomprehensible, but rather that we do not desire to give up our desires, we do not wish to fully surrender to God.

Reading the Bible is not easy. There will always be mysteries and topics that demand deeper study. The Bible often judges me and causes me to humble myself, confess my sins, and repent. The Bible reveals to me how selfish my heart is. But the Bible also points to God and in Jesus, I find hope and the answer to all my problems.

Don’t take my word for it. Study the Bible for yourself!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! - Psalm 34:8 NKJV

Taste and see, is an invitation, don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself!

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. - John 16:24 NKJV

Seek God, ask for His guidance. God is interested in revealing Himself to you.

We no longer have to remain in ignorance!

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV

So when it is all said and done, why do I study the Bible? Why do I believe the Bible?

 Because I have found the Bible to be the voice of God to my soul.

This is my personal experience, but it can be yours too. Like Paul, I wish to encourage you to grow in your knowledge of Jesus.

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

Consider the following quote,

When the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. - Steps to Christ p112

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. - Proverbs 4:18 NKJV

[dalyunministry]

Word Ministrarion

Topic: The test of God

By. Bro. Paul Moses Vincent

🔰

Greeting to you all in the precious name if our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This is your brother Paul Moses Vincent for today's meditation of God's word to be shared for all of us.

I thank God for this opportunity given to me, an unworthy man. But I humble before the Almighty for enabling me to stand for His word.

May the Almighty fill us with His spirit while we meditate upon His word.

Before we go deep into the word of God, let's have a word of prayer for God's guidance.

Almighty God our wonderful Father, we thank you for this another day added in our lives. Lord, as we meditate upon your word, fill us with your Holy Spirit to understand it as you want us to, and not according to our own understanding. Guide us through your word so that when we come across such trials / troubled situations, we'd not escape but stick on to you and hold on to till our breath with a hope if eternity. Make us strong through your word which you are going to speak to us now. May I be used as your tool that brings glory and honour unto your Holy name! I ask this prayer in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

¶ Our today's topic for meditation is THE TEST OF GOD.

We all know that God's test is a spiritual assessment. God wants to test His children to see whether they stand strong while they confront spiritual challenges and sometimes our spirituality is tested through our physical sufferings. We all need to check ourselves whether we stand worthy to be tested. Our job as His children is to stand firm in our learned FAITH till the end of our lives and glorify God.

• Let's see whom God tests.

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.Psalm 11:5. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. - Timothy 3:12. This makes it very clear that God doesn't test eveyone as we think. When we see Job's life, we see God giving a testimony of Job that He was a righteous man. Let's turn to the Book of Job chapter one beginning from verse one. There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was PERFECT and UPRIGHT (Righteous), and one tha feared God and eschewed evil.

Verse 8 is where we find God giving witness about this pious man, Job. The LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM IN THE EARTH, A PERFECT AND AN UPRIGHT MAN, ONE THAT FEARETH GOD AND ESCHEWTH EVIL? We find Satan challenging God about Job that he would curse God unto His face if God remove the hedge of protection on Job. God agreed to Satan's challenge saying, 'Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Verse 12.

• Now, we may be left with a question why God should put righteous people to test. OR Why does God allow this testing in a righteous man's life?

We have an answer from Bible. Let's turn to the Gospel of Matthew chapter 5 and verse 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In Deuteronomy 13:3 we find further clarfication and also in a few following scriptures. Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Peter 1:7 - That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Job 23:10 - But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

• Do we have a desire to become like such precious gold which God wants to?

Then God knows that we should be put to test so that we can shine like His servant like Job. We also need to submit ourselves to God's test. God also wants to test us to see whether we love Him from within our hearts or not throughout our lives. Also, God wants to see we if are obedient. Or else, whether we learn obedience and exercise it with complete submission to God. Let's find the example of Jesus Christ as found in Hebrews chapter 5 and verse 8 - 'Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;'

God has a different purpose too. Because He loves us, he chastens us. Chastisement is also TESTING itself. Hebrew chapter 12 verse 6 to 8 - vs.6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Vs. 7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Vs. 8. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

• Are we God's sons / children, then we endure whatever sufferings we go through and glorify God by being humble all through those sufferings?. How should we confront such test of sufferings?

James 1:2-4 - Vs. 2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Vs. 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Vs. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

• What will be the benefit of bearing with or enduring such sufferings or tests?

Timothy 2:12 - If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:

If we don't endure such sufferings?

The same scripture - Timothy 2:12 - '...if we deny him, he also will deny us:' Again, if we consider the question why we are tested, we get a response from Paul's quote. Corinthians 12:7-10. Vs. 7. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Vs. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Vs. 9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Vs. 10. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Romans 5:3-4 - Vs. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. Vs. 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

• What kind of testing or sufferings may the righteous go through?

It can be from anything to anything like even death. Job 13:15 - Though he slay (kill) me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. This doesn't mean that God so cruel that He would want to kill His children whom He Himself created. We already know that God called Abraham to offer His son. But when Abraham lifted his hand to offer his son, God sent His Angel to stop Abhraham from killing Isaac. But Christian sufferings can be very horrible. They can be more than what we can imagine. Vs. 35 - Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were TORTURED, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: Vs. 36 - And others had trial of CRUEL MOCKINGS and SCOURGINGS , yea, moreover of BONDS and IMPRISONMENT: Vs. 37 - They were STONED, they were SAWN ASUNDER (very horrible), were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Vs. 38 - (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

• How should we guard ourselves at the time of these trials, tests or temptations especially those which are from the enemy, Satan?

Ephesians 6:10-18 - Vs. 10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Vs. 11 - Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Vs. 12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Vs. 13 - Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Vs. 14 - Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Vs. 15 - And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Vs. 16 - Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Vs. 17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Vs. 18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; - Ephesians 6:10-18.

• What should we avoid doing while experiencing these sufferings?

Corinthians 10:10 - Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Accordingly, let us not grumble when we have to suffer because we fall short of the glory God set for us if endure suffering. But, if we start grumbling, we will be destroyed.

• Why should we not grumble/complain while going through sufferings?

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Corinthians 10:13. God knows how much we can bear or endure. Only to that extent we will be tested. He will not test us beyond our capacity. Corinthians 4:16-18 - Vs. 16 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Vs. 17 - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Vs. 18 - While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

So, finally what do you think and ideal man of God asks God for? He desires/wants God to test him. Psalm 139:23-24 - Vs. 23 - Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: Vs. 24 - And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

• What is the promise of CHRIST JESUS for those who endure suffering? How is a man who suffers benefitting?

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. What a glory! When we endure suffering, we are trained to help others also to learn patience and obtain glory at the end. Now that we have observed what testing of God is and who is tested and how each has to undergo God-given test, let us seek God's guidance to undergo all such testings and stand for God's glory till our end.

Our Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. Thank you for using your servant to deliver your word without adding anything of his word but your word alone. May you word guide us as long as we live on this earth so that we would live for your glory and according to your will even at times of troubles and tribulations and without any complaint like our forefathers Job and Daniel your servant! Bless all the members in the group and all your beloved ones across the world. I do offer this prayer in hope in the matchless and mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, our Father in heaven, and fellowship of Holy Spirit, rest and abide with us and all His servants and children in the whole world, now and for evermore! Amen!

Praise the Lord dear members. We'll meet next week with next week's meditation topic according to His leading. Have a nice week ahead. May God bless us all!

[sealinggodspeople]

Sealing God’s People - Part One of Three - Four Levels of Glory

Sealing God’s People, Part One will cover the first step in a series of four steps as revealed in the Word of God. The levels are as follows:

New Born Babes

Little Children

Young men

Fathers

Salvation? What is necessary to be counted worthy of the resurrection? Grace? Faith? Faith with works that accompany salvation? A holiness standard? There are as many doctrines of dogmas as there are preachers. Either you believe that you have to overcome by faith through obedience to the measure of JESUS or on the other hand simply “ask JESUS into your heart and you are saved”. If you know in your heart that there is more glory to be obtained by faith than the body of Christ is currently experiencing, then this article is for you. There are three distinct levels of glory in the growth of a Christian until full maturity is obtained in our Lord JESUS which is the central theme of this blog. Consider the following verse of scripture written by Paul to the Romans.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29,30).

As believers, we all begin at the level of new born babes who desire the sincere milk of the Word that we may grow thereby. To be born again requires obedience to the scriptures as JESUS stated to Nicodemas that he must be born again of the water and the Spirit.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3-5).

This is accomplished by repentance followed by baptism in the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins (born of the water) and being filled with the Holy Ghost (born of the Spirit).

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts2:38,39).

This is the beginning of the believers’ walk in God. As the believer matures, he or she goes from glory to glory by the obedience to the Word of God.

The first level of glory is that of being born again as new born babes who desire the sincere milk of the Word that they may grow. This is the first sealing or first stage of the glorification process which is progressive until the believer reaches full maturity being that of fathers. The closer the body of Christ is to the Second Advent of our Lord JESUS, the greater the light will shine in truth as revealed by the Holy Ghost until the church is presented to JESUS blameless in both sprit, soul, and body.

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18).

The church must understand that the glory is progressive going from line upon line, precept upon precept. Though the outward man is perishing, the inward or spiritual man is renewed day by day by the daily bread of the Word of God. This requires continuing in the Word of God in order to be a disciple of JESUS Christ, in knowing the truth and the truth setting each believer free. Obedience is required in being led and guided by the Holy Ghost unto righteousness, going from glory to glory into the perfect image of JESUS. JESUS is coming back the second time for the glorious church without spot or blemish; the church being in the perfect image of Himself.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Romans 6:16-19).

A believer must continue growing up into the perfect image of JESUS Christ through obedience unto righteousness. Righteousness is the truth that God progressively glorified His own human body under the law back to Himself, for God was in Christ reconciling the world back to Himself. Even though JESUS is the Son of God, God manifest in the flesh as the Son of God, he learned obedience through the things which he suffered, making the captain of our salvation perfect through sufferings. Without holiness which is the believer taking part of His divine nature, no believer will see the Lord JESUS at His coming. Holiness is only achieved through obedience unto righteousness unto holiness. Grace reigns only through righteousness; that is, that JESUS glorified His own human fulfilling the law back to Himself, the Son of God being glorified with the Father’s own self. The forerunner has already entered in and has prepared a place for the true believer who overcomes the devil, the world, and his own flesh. This is only accomplished through obedience and leading into all truth by the Spirit of truth, the Holy Ghost.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:1).

This level of glory is the first level of sealing, the babes being unskillful in the word of righteousness.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13,14).

The new born babe in Christ after being born again is sealed by the Holy Ghost and has the power through the Holy Ghost to become sons of God, being born of the Spirit of God. Obedience is required to grow from faith to faith and from glory to glory.

Second Level of Sealing

New born babes to Young Children

The first growth is from new born babes to little children as declared by John in his epistle.

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.” (1 John 2:12)

“I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.” (1 John 2:13b).

There are two criteria for being little children;

The sins are forgiven for his name’s sake; that is, the sins have been forgiven by repentance and baptism in the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins.

They have known the Father; that is, that JESUS is the Father.

There are many scriptures that prove that JESUS is the Spirit, the Father who created all things. Here are a few quotations.

“I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:30-33).

Jesus claimed to be the same as the Father using the Greek word “heis” which is “one and the same”. “Heis” is not a union with the Father, but is the Father being One and the Same. Because the Jews knew that JESUS was saying that He is the Father revealed in a body of flesh and blood as the Son of God.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:6-11).

JESUS tells Thomas that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by him as the man of flesh and blood. If a believer knows JESUS, then he or she knows that He is the Father revealed in a body of flesh and blood; God manifest in the flesh. (1 Timothy 3:16). Philip then asks JESUS to show him the Father. JESUS plainly reveals that He is the Father that is doing the works of healing the sick, cleansing the leper, raising the dead, casting out devils, etc. The very words that He speaks is that of the Father’s.

“Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:19-24).

JESUS claims again that if you do not believe that He is the Father, you shall die in your sins. The revelation that JESUS is the Father revealed in a body of flesh and blood as the Son of God is necessary for salvation. The little children that have grown from new born babes to this level of glory have had their sins forgiven being born of the water and the Spirit and know that JESUS is the Father.

“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:14-16).

JESUS is the blessed and only Potentate, the Omnipotent Almighty God, the Alpha and Omega. The man is the Father, the only One who has immortality.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Thessalonians 3:16).

The Son of God was not manifest in the flesh. God Himself was manifest in the flesh. JESUS is the Father revealed; the express image of His Singular Person.

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2,3).

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9).

The mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ is that JESUS is the man in whom is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In JESUS dwells or houses permanently all the fullness of the Godhead in One body. Little children know that JESUS is the Father of glory.

To understand how God made Himself a body of flesh and blood in order the reveal Himself as the Father who is invisible, we look to Paul. JESUS who being in the form of God as Spirit made Himself of no reputation, taking upon Himself the form of servant, made in the likeness of men, being fashioned as a man. This is how God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made in under the law. By doing this, God was manifest in the flesh; not the Son of God manifest in the flesh. For the Son of God is God manifest in the flesh, the image of the invisible God, the Father revealed.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8).

The servant is God Himself revealed in a body of flesh and blood as a man.

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12).

JESUS Christ is the Father who formed Himself a body of flesh and blood as a man called the Son of God; the Father revealed in flesh.

In order to make this second sealing or engraving of the Lord JESUS, the believer must have been born of the water and Spirit, his sins forgiven for His name’s sake. And he/she must know that JESUS is the Father. JESUS is “Jehovah (is) Salvation”.

The is the first of a three-part series on the Sealing of God’s People.

Dennis Beard