#Beriah Falls

[morellocheri]

Fuyuki is a professional Beriah hater smh

[thegenealogy]

1 Chronicles 25: 7. "The Supervision of the King."

Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 

7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the Lord—they numbered 288. 8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.

The King is Chabad, mastery of the faculties, which is derived from the combination of Chochmah, intuition, Binah, understanding, and Daas, application.

The three lines stand for the three intellectual faculties of the Sefiros: the right line being Chochmah, the flash of an idea; the left line being Binah, understanding; and the centerline Daas, application of knowledge.

This thing, Chabad, is the most foundation of Kabbalah and cannot be dispensed with. It is also why only a Chasid, who mantains awareness of Chabad in this miserable lost world can appoint the King of Israel as only a Chasid will know if he possessed of Chochmah, Binah and Daas sufficient to conduct the Temple Musicians in the peformance of the script.

To cast lots for the duties to serve with the King of Israel and perform in his band, one must commit to the practice of Kabbalah and demonstrate mastery over the rest of what characteriszes the apprehensive world:

Finally, there is the dimension of the emotions, or middos. Here the shin’s right line represents Chessed, kindness; the left line represents Gevurah, severity or discipline; and the center­line represents Tiferes, mercy or compassion.

Furthermore, the three lines of the shin can signify the three pillars upon which the world stands:6 the study of Torah, prayer and good deeds.

The Gematria for 288 is related to the number of eons or "stars" that fall from the sky during imprisonment in Egypt. Under normal comnditions the four sets of 72 nexus to one another and produce an automatic magnitism between the self and the Holiest of Holies, the Self. In Egypt, where one wastes time, the stars, the sky and the creative surface do not meet and all the planes go dark. Mashiach has the power to instantly connect the Four Planes and restore nearness to God in the Quarternary Planes:

The level of the 288 sparks are explained in detail in Etz Chayim, Shaar 18. The rationale for the number 288 is explained in ch. 2: “The number of 288 sparks stems from the four dimensions of 72 that descended from the four forms of the name Havayah (i.e., Havayah [with a milui10of] 72, 63, 45, and 52). Together they are 288 sparks.” See also Pri Etz Chayim, Shaar HaKerias Shema, ch. 9, and Mishnas Chassidim, Maseches HaNitzutzin.

With regard to this concept, it is explained — see Torah Or (Parshas Vayeishev, the maamar entitled ViHinei Anachnu, sec. 2) — that the number 288 refers to the sparks as they existed in Atzilus. As they fell from Atzilus to the world of Beriah and fell from Beriah to Yetzirah and from Yetzirah to Asiyah, they became divided and separated into thousands and myriads.

Atzilus=

Atziluth or Atzilut (also Olam Atsiluth, עוֹלָם אֲצִילוּת, literally "the World of Emanation") is the highest of four worlds in which exists the KabbalisticTree of Life. It is also known as "near to God."[1]Beri'ah follows it. It is known as the World of Emanations, or the World of Causes.

Beriah=

Beri'ah (Hebrew: בְּרִיאָה), Briyah, or B'ri'ah (also known as Olam Beriah, עוֹלָם בְּרִיאָה in Hebrew, literally "the World of Creation"), is the second[1] of the four celestial worlds in the Tree of Life of the Kabbalah, intermediate between the World of Emanation (Atziluth) and the World of Formation (Yetzirah), the third world, that of the angels. It is known as the World of Creation, or Korsia (from Heb. כּוּרסָה - "seat, chair", the Throne).

Yetzirah=

he word Yetzirah is more literally translated as "Formation"; the word Briah is used for "Creation".

Asiyah=

According to the system of the later Land of Israel Kabbalah, 'Asiyah is the lowest of the spiritual worlds containing the Ten Heavens and the whole system of mundane Creation. The light of the Sefirot emanates from these Ten Heavens, which are called the "Ten Sefirot of 'Asiyah"; and through them spirituality and piety are imparted to the realm of matter—the seat of the dark and impure powers.

Representing purely material existence, it is known as the World of Action, the World of Effects or the World of Making. In western occultism it is associated with the Suit of Pentacles (or Coins or Disks, the terminology varies according to the deck) in the Tarot. The world of Yetzirah precedes it.

On this basis, we can understand why this exile has been prolonged for so long. For as is well known, the intent is to refine the 288 sparks and when their refinement is completed, Mashiach will come; may that be speedily in our days, Amen.

(The Hagahas Tzemach — to Mevo Shaarim, Shaar 2, Vol. III, ch. 9 — resolves this matter somewhat differently; see also Emek HaMelech, ch. 53.) Torah Or, Parshas Bo, the maamar entitled B’Etzem HaYom states: “288 sparks fell during the shattering of the vessels. From them, 202 were refined in the Egyptian exile.”

Chabad is the sign and also the means for the levels of refinement needed to leave Egypt and guarantee one never returns. So long as the Chasids, the Sheherds of Humanity ensure the King of Israel is loyal to its principals the world is safe from Egypt. While these are absent, there is great risk.

[infjtarot]

7 of Cups. Pastoral Tarot

Element: Water Sephirah: Netzach (Victory), sephirah seven in Beriah (Creation) Major Arcana: Chariot, Star Rider Theme: Contemplation or awareness of action Golden Dawn Title: Illusionary Success Decan: 21-30 degrees Scorpio, ruled by Venus We have included the Picatrix meanings in the Minor Arcana for the sake of completeness, since there is evidence the Golden Dawn may have consulted it. Often it seems very different from how most consider the card, and here it seems quite extreme. Considering how much violence against women exists in the world, it probably is a meaning to keep in the back of your mind if other cards in a reading hint at battering or other kinds of abuse, but that is not how most people see the card. The Rider image of fantasies, daydreams, and fantastic thoughts also seems not really related to the meaning of seven (though I followed the theme of fantasy for my own Shining Tribe card). It does show us a slightly different side of Cups, that of imagination. Imagination is in some ways the source of human love and relationship. When we fall in love at first sight, it is not a physical reaction but an “imaginal” one (the word, from the philosopher and student of Sufism Henri Corbin, signifies experiences of the imagination that are real and meaningful, compared to the dismissive “imaginary”). If we consider the Kabbalist sephirah as the realm of love and emotion, and the seven as an active number, then we get a great force of love. I have described seven as creative and inventive, so we might see the Seven of Cups as experiencing new feelings. This is a card that might need balancing with other elemental energy. The Wands would spur the person to action, the Swords would allow them to think about all that feeling or fantasy, and the Pentacles to create something real. Readings—Great emotion, someone who loves powerfully, who might be driven as much by imagination and fantasies as by actual circumstances. Someone who enjoys the fantasy of love, in love with being in love. Rachel Pollack

[wrathiincarnate]

Something shifts in the air between them, something Emmet can't quite place his finger on though despite everything around him blaring red flags and alarms that scream DANGER DO NOT PROCEED! he continues on, anger and spite fueling him. He was tired of running, tired of avoiding the problems that seemed to follow him through this whole fucking state. If they wanted a war, he was ready to give them one, and he wouldn't stop until he had their blood in his teeth, until he had every one of them on their knees begging for his mercy.

If they truly all wanted to talk to God, He'd take them to him.

Cold wind picks up when Beriah speaks, though Emmet doesn't hear him; too focused on the area around them and trying to catch a slip up of someone hiding in the trees, waiting for the perfect moment to ambush him. Later, He'd berate himself for taking his attention off this particular hunter.

He hears the bullet cutting through the air before it hits him.

The Deputy only has the chance to take a step back in an attempt to flee before the bullet hits its target high on his shoulder, the impact taking him off balance and sending him all but spinning chest first to the ground. Instinct has him curling into himself, arms coming up to protect his chest and ribs from the onslaught of blows he's convinced are to come, and he realizes his mistake far too late. Can taste it cloyingly sweet across his tongue.

Bliss. The bastard shot him with a bliss bullet.

Saliva fills his mouth as Emmet attempts to power through the drugs heavy effects, his vision swirling as he shifts slowly to his knees though falls forward again to his hands instead, harsh retch leaving him. Arms shake under his weight as the Deputy's head drops between his shoulders, eyes squeezing shut as he feels himself slipping deeper and deeper into the sedative state bliss brings. He had to get up -- had to move before he was shot again.

Get up. Get UP

It takes every bit of will in him to make it back to his feet, his body swaying dangerously as he stumbles forwards . Fight or flight kicks in and makes him take another unsteady step before his body kicks into gear, a rush of adrenaline allowing him to pitch his body forwards into a run. He might not be able to land a punch in this state, but he could manage something else.

Body turns and dips slightly just before he makes contact, wounded shoulder slamming right into Beriah's chest, sending them both back into the dirt.

If he wanted to take him back to Jacob, he'd have to do it with a fight and a win.

He knows how the sheep of the valley bleat, how they chant the Father’s holy words, soft-animal-hearted flock that they are. Love them, love them, love them. That is the Father’s will. If the sinner comes to you, spitting and raving, you must open your loving arms and take him into your loving embrace and break his neck, still loving. That is how they would have it in the valley, on fertile land with their silos overflowing, with their cows fat and happy, with all their land tilled and tended. Ber was not raised in the valley. They kept him there like a pup they had no idea what to do with, until his Herald came down from the mountains, grabbed him by the neck and put him to use. The mountains are hostile terrain, bursting with beauty and terror. 

And under Jakob’s boot you do not learn to love. Beraiah sees the deputy scoff and sneer and make a show of surrender and his heart sets itself on fire with hatred. The bullet in his gun is not designed to kill, but he knows that damage is matter of placement. He doesn’t look at the deputy’s face. He is looking at his throat, God’s gift to death. If he sinks it right, if he breathes calmly and lines it up right, he could catch the bastard in the voice box and have silence at last. Ungrateful son of a bitch. He mocks the very man who’s saving his life over and over. That’s what too much love will get you. Third chances where the second was already wasted. 

The cop spreads out his arms to make himself a target, as if crucified before the tree has been hiding before. Ber lifts his gun. The words offer him nothing. They’re not meant to. Just another cheap jab. Everything this faulty creature spouts is a testament to its rotten, shallow nature. He’s just a shadow on the wall. It’s time for him to see the fucking light. 

“I’ll take my chances,” A grim rebuff and the hard twitch of his finger. The Bliss bullet snaps from his side, sings through the air and skewers the deputy’s large body. Easy, still target. Ber could’ve done this at ten. 

He has. 

[dfroza]

this world will not always be.

but there is a True and pure Kingdom coming that will endure forever. and this is our hope of rebirth that we’ve been given from our Creator that is illuminated in the Son.

Today’s reading from the Scriptures is chapter #2 from the book of Hebrews:

That is why we ought to pay even closer attention to the voice that has been speaking so that we will never drift away from it. For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation? We heard it first from our Lord Jesus, then from those who passed on His teaching. God also testifies to this truth by signs and wonders and miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit lighting on those He chooses.

Now clearly God didn’t set up the heavenly messengers to bring the final word or to rule over the world that is coming. I have read something somewhere:

I can’t help but wonder why You care about mortals

or choose to love the son of man.

Though he was born below the heavenly messengers,

You honored the son of man like royalty,

crowning him with glory and honor,

Raising him above all earthly things,

placing everything under his feet.

When God placed everything under the son of man, He didn’t leave out anything. Maybe we don’t see all that happening yet; but what we do see is Jesus, born a little lower than the heavenly messengers, who is now crowned with glory and honor because He willingly suffered and died. And He did that so that through God’s grace, He might taste death on behalf of everyone.

It only makes sense that God, by whom and for whom everything exists, would choose to bring many of us to His side by using suffering to perfect Jesus, the founder of our faith, the pioneer of our salvation. As I will show you, it’s important that the One who brings us to God and those who are brought to God become one, since we are all from one Father. This is why Jesus was not ashamed to call us His family, saying, in the words of the psalmist,

I will speak Your Name to My brothers and sisters

when I praise You in the midst of the community.

And in the words of Isaiah,

I will wait for the Eternal One.

And again,

Look, here I am with the children God has given Me.

Since we, the children, are all creatures of flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that by dying He could destroy the one who held power over death—the devil—and destroy the fear of death that has always held people captive.

So notice—His concern here is not for the welfare of the heavenly messengers, but for the children of Abraham. He had to become as human as His sisters and brothers so that when the time came, He could become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, called to reconcile a sinful people. Since He has also been tested by suffering, He can help us when we are tested.

The Book of Hebrews, Chapter 2 (The Voice)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 8th chapter of First Chronicles that documents the Family Tree of Benjamin, son of Jacob (Israel)

The Family of Benjamin (Continued)

Benjamin’s firstborn son was Bela, followed by Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha—five in all. Bela’s sons were Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

These are the families of Ehud that lived in Geba and were exiled to Manahath: Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who led them to exile and had Uzza and Ahihud.

In the land of Moab, Shaharaim had children after he divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. From his new wife Hodesh he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah—sons who became heads of families. From his earlier wife Hushim he had Abitub and Elpaal. Elpaal’s sons were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with all their villages.

Beriah and Shema were family chiefs who lived at Aijalon. They drove out the citizens of Gath. Their brothers were Shashak and Jeremoth. The sons of Beriah were Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, Michael, Ishpah, and Joha. The sons of Elpaal were Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab. The sons of Shimei were Jakim, Zicri, Zabdi, Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. The sons of Shashak were Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zicri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel. The sons of Jeroham were Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zicri. These were the chiefs of the families as listed in their family tree. They lived in Jerusalem.

Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah. Abdon was his firstborn son, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zeker, and Mikloth. Mikloth had Shimeah. They lived in the neighborhood of their extended families in Jerusalem.

Ner had Kish, Kish had Saul, and Saul had Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal. Jonathan had Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal had Micah. Micah’s sons were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. Ahaz had Jehoaddah and Jehoaddah had Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri had Moza and Moza had Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. Azel had six sons named Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. His brother Eshek’s sons were Ulam his firstborn, followed by Jeush and Eliphelet. Ulam’s sons were warriors well known as archers. They had lots of sons and grandsons—at least 150. These were all in Benjamin’s family tree.

The Book of 1st Chronicles, Chapter 8 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Thursday, january 7 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A set of posts by John Parsons that illuminates our Hebraic roots in faith & hope:

The name for ancient Egypt in Hebrew is “mitzrayim” (מִצְרַיִם) a word that can be translated as “straits” or “narrow places” (i.e., -מ, "from," and צַר, "narrow"), suggesting that “Egypt” represents a place of constriction, tribulation, oppression, slavery, and despair. The Hebrew word for salvation, on the other hand, is “yeshuah” (יְשׁוּעָה), a word that means deliverance from restriction, that is, freedom and peace. As it is written: "From my distress (מִן־הַמֵּצַר), i.e., from "my Egypt," I cried out to the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me in a wide open place" (Psalm 118:5).

But why, it may be asked, did God tell Jacob: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt” (Gen. 46:3)? Why did God allow this excursion into “heavy darkness” that Abraham clearly foresaw (Gen. 15:12-13)? What is there about Egypt that prepares us to take hold of our promised inheritance? Joseph become a prince of Egypt; however, he was still a captive to Pharaoh, and later, after Joseph died, a “new Pharaoh arose” that did not acknowledge his contribution to Egyptian history (Exod. 1:8). All that remained of Joseph were his bones – a chest of bones that were carried out by Moses (and later buried by Joshua in Shechem). These “bare bones” of Joseph represented the essence of his faith, as he foresaw the time when God would rescue the family from Egypt and raise him up in the land of promise (Gen. 50:24-26; Heb. 11:22).

A general principle of spiritual life is that we must descend in order to ascend, or the "the way up is the way down" (John 12:24). As Yeshua said, "Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:44). Becoming nothing (i.e., ayin) in this world is the condition for seeing something in the world to come. Unless a seed falls to the ground it abides alone (John 12:24). But we become “nothing” by trusting in the promise of God, not by trying to do it ourselves... This is not another venture of the ego. Life in the Spirit means trusting that God will do within you what you cannot do for yourself... We can only take hold of what God has done for us by "letting go" of our own devices (Phil. 2:13). When we let go and trust, we will be transformed, carried by the “Torah of the Spirit of life” (i.e., תּוֹרַת רוּחַ הַחַיִּים, Rom. 8:2), The way is not trying but trusting; not struggling but resting; not clinging to life, but letting go...

God's way of deliverance is entirely different than man's way. Man tries to enlist carnal power in the battle against sin (i.e., religion, politics, etc.), but God's way is to remove the flesh from the equation. The goal is not to make us stronger and stronger, but rather weaker and weaker, until the ego is crucified and only the sufficiency of the Messiah remains. Then we can truly say, "I have been crucified with Messiah. It is no longer I who live, but the Messiah who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20). The word "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי) means one who has "crossed over" (עָבַר) to the other side, as our father Abraham did when he left the world of Mesopotamia (Gen. 14:13). Likewise it is on the other side of the cross that we experience the very power that created the universe "out of nothing" (i.e., yesh me'ayin: יֵשׁ מֵאַיִן) and that raised Yeshua the Messiah from the dead. [Hebrew for Christians]

1.6.21 • Facebook

The exodus from Egypt (יציאת מצרים) is perhaps the most fundamental event of Jewish history; it is "the" miracle of the Torah. In addition to being commemorated every year during Passover (Exod. 12:24-27; Num. 9:2-3; Deut. 16:1), it is explicitly mentioned in the first of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:2), and it is recalled every Sabbath (Deut. 5:12-15). The festivals of Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) likewise derive from it (the former recalling the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the latter recalling God's care as the Exodus generation journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land), as does the Season of Teshuvah (repentance) that culminates in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Indeed, nearly every commandment of the Torah (including the laws of the Tabernacle and the sacrificial system) may be traced back to the story of the Exodus, and in some ways, the entire Bible is an extended interpretation of its significance. Most important of all, the Exodus both prefigures and exemplifies the work of redemption given through the sacrificial life of Yeshua the Messiah, the true King of the Jews and the blessed Lamb of God.

The deeper meaning of exile concerns blindness of the divine presence. The worst kind of exile is not to know that you are lost, away from home, in need of redemption... That is why Egypt (i.e., Mitzraim) is called metzar yam - a “narrow straight.” Egypt represents bondage and death in this world, and the exodus represents salvation and freedom. God splits the sea and we cross over from death to life. Since Torah represents awareness of God's truth, Israel was led into a place of difficulty to learn and receive revelation (Gen. 46:1-7). Out of the depths of darkness God's voice would call his people forth. Likewise we understand our "blessed fault," the trouble that moves us to cry out for God’s miracle in Yeshua... Indeed the New Testament states that Yeshua "appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus (τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτου) which he would accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:31). [Hebrew for Christians]

https://hebrew4christians.com/

1.6.21 • Facebook

Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

January 7, 2021

A Help in Sorrow

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10)

Christians have received great joy and hope for the future, but make no mistake, there are troubles in this life. Christ promised that even if we “weep and lament...your sorrow shall be turned into joy” (John 16:20). The third verse of “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” expresses this well.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!

While the billows o’er me roll,

Even when my heart is breaking,

He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Our text shows that even when Israel was about to be captured and exiled, Isaiah still anticipated their return and ultimate victory. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (Isaiah 51:11).

In this life He has not left us without comfort, for Christ promised His disciples, “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). Even when death and separation are imminent, “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

And in the next life, the “forever” life, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). JDM

[hungergames-fanfic]

Our 9th Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday but because it was a Friday daddy said we’d celebrate it today. We’re going to the Reservoir lake for a family picnic and he said I could invite Efrain too. That’s cause my family ain’t that big. It’s just momma, momma Bilmin, daddy, momma’s momma Ester, momma’s daddy Alvaro, momma’s sister Lucia, Lucia’s husband Beriah and my only cousin Ignacio.

Momma didn’t wanna invite aunt Lucia cause she’s always mean to daddy. Likes to throw jabs at him and remind him that without momma or uncle Amos’ money we wouldn’t be anything. She thinks daddy married momma cause she was born rich but I’ve seen how daddy looks at momma. How he hugs her and always wanna be with her when she gets home from work. Momma Bilmin says “that’s called love, some Lucia has never heard about”. I overheard her talking to Mrs. Khan, Beriah only married her cause the lady he liked denied his marriage proposal. I should ask Ignacio about it but I doubt he’d know, he’s only six.

This is the first time Efrain is gonna meet my family. When his daddy drops him off he and daddy shake hands and talk for a long time before he leaves. I ain’t ever seen daddy smile at anyone who ain’t momma Bilmin, momma or me. I’m gonna say this a good thing.

“I pass by ya house every mornin’, never been inside though”, Efrain says taking off his backpack. It usually looks flat cause he only carries a notebook but it’s really fat today cause he has extra clothes in it.

“You know, my birthday in two days”, he says nodding his head, raising his eyebrows.

“Really? What y’all gon do?”, I ask. To have my birthday party and then his every year? And then with Christmas around the corner? So many gifts and so much food!

“We don’t really do none, momma likes to make grain cakes but since she got sick she kinda just sleeps a lot”, he says.

I can’t believe Efrain doesn’t celebrate his birthday. It’s always been one of the best days of the year for me. I take his hand and walk inside the house and into the kitchen where momma Bilmin is preparing today’s food.

“Wow!”, Efrain says staring all over the house.

“Momma!”, I say getting her attention. “We’re celebrating Efrain’s birthday today too”, I demand.

“We are?”, Efrain asks shocked.

“Yes. My birthday is my favorite day of the year and it should be yours too”, I say to him.

“So this is the famous Efrain?”, momma Bilmin says. She puts her hands on her hips and smiles at him with her lips and eyes. “Dora, bring me some icin’”, she says. The smile on Efrain’s face says it all.

While grandma adds his name on our cake I show him around back. Smiling wide, Efrain pets Brownie and feeds her some hay. We don’t get to play with the cows as much as we want cause we have to leave but still, Efrain tells me he had fun from just the little bit that we got to do. So much so, the entire ride to the lake he just talks about how big cows are and how funny their noses look. He admits he’s never seen one so up close before and always thought they were cute. I couldn’t agree more.

Cause it’s December the water is a little cold but after being in it for a minute, I get used to it. Efrain and Ignacio don’t get along so quick but after a while, when they see me struggling to swim they turn into good friends laughing at me.

“So ya momma been rich and ya daddy was poor but then got rich but cause he wasn’t born rich Ignacio’s momma don’t like him? That make no sense?”, Efrain says to me watching Ignacio swim in circles around us.

“Momma says uncle Polomir married aunt Esperanza for her money”, Ignacio says. This makes me mad.

“How could daddy have married momma for money when he was already rich?”, I say putting my hands on my hip.

“Y’all makin’ no sense to me”, Efrain says shaking his head. “Wouldn’t ya daddy have been richer than ya momma at some point?”, he asks.

“Momma Bilmin says as long as we aint strugglin’ for a meal and got enough to help others we shouldn’t be fightin’ over money”, I say mimicking Ignacio’s arm waving tryna swim too. “Quit movin’ boy, I’m tryna learn from ya”, I say making Ignacio cackle.

When he swims away Efrain says the only reason the boy can float is cause he’s shaped like a ball. This makes me laugh but I don’t tell him cause it sounds mean and if someone told me that I’d be hurt.

Cousin Ignacio is chubby, tanned and has eyes so black they look like there’s nothing behind them. He has big fat cheeks, bigger than mines and his hands and body look a little bloated. That’s cause everything he wants, he gets and all he wants is food. Aunt Lucia gives him everything, that makes him bratty sometimes.

“Hey, Efrain, where you from?”, Ignacio asks. I think this makes Efrain uncomfortable cause he doesn’t answer immediately. He looks at me instead and then at his hands, pretending to wipe the water off of them.

“Bloques”, he admits. That’s where the poor people live. Ignacio is from Littleburg, his house is so big a hundred people could live lavishly in it.

“I’ve never been there but a lot of kids from my class live there and they’re always talkin’ bout playin’ ball in the streets. It must be fun livin’ in Bloques. Littleburg is borin’”, Ignacio says. That’s a lie. Littleburg is fun. All the stores are there. Sometimes there’s parades in the streets held by the mayor and when we go visit I see a lot of kids riding their bikes down the street.

Still, this makes Efrain give him a half smile. I guess he thought Ignacio was gonna be a snobby bully like Kenneth. Nah, he doesn’t have that many friends either and I’ve met them, Timothy and Evangeline are really quiet. I don’t think they like me just like all the other rich kids but that doesn’t matter. Efrain likes me and he’s happy to be my friend. This makes me smile at him back.

The adults sit on a picnic table but no one is really talking to anyone but momma Bilmin, she’s always so friendly. She tries to get momma’s momma Ester to talk but she just acts like momma Bilmin smells bad. At least grandpa Alvaro talks back. Aunt Lucia looks sad and plays with her food listening to momma talk. Daddy and Beriah just stare at the grill tryna get the flame to grow.

After watching us desperately tryna swim, Ignacio tells Efrain and I that we ain’t supposed to kick our feet but our entire legs. Efrain starts swimming before I do but after trying for over an hour I finally get it. If it were up to me, I’d keep trying but momma Bilmin calls us out the water to eat.

Usually she makes me a plate of food before anyone else but today she makes it for Efrain first. She fills his plate up and tells him that if he wants more that he shouldn’t be afraid to ask. Momma Ester looks at Efrain like he stinks too, but he doesn’t. I smelled him.

“You should eat with your mouth closed”, momma Ester says to him.

“Yeah, that way food won’t fall out of your mouth and you can eat more”, Ignacio says spitting food on my arm.

“Oori!”, momma Ester snaps. This makes me laugh. Momma Ester and aunt Lucia only use Ignacio’s middle name when they’re mad.

“Francis!”, momma Ester snaps at me. This startles and steals my smile away.

“Now, really Ester? You that bitter?”, momma Bilmin says, “Alvaro why is filth talkin’ to me?”, momma Ester says to daddy Alvaro. “Count yourself blessed there’s children around”, momma Bilmin says to her smiling at me.

After we’re done eating, momma Bilmin brings out a cooler where she’s put the cake. She calls everyone to the table and sets Efrain and I next to each other. This makes momma Ester mad and she walks off talking to momma who’s smile goes away almost immediately. Aunt Lucia looks mad too but she stands behind Ignacio who’s laughing and pointing at the cake.

It’s round and tall, lathered in white icing and at the top, it has strawberries, blueberries and slices of peach in patterns that look like flower petals. On the side of the cake it says “Happy Birthday Isadora & ᴱᶠᴿᴬᴵᴺ”, where momma Bilmin managed to add his name in too. Efrain’s smile is bigger than mines. I put my hand around his shoulder and wave at momma Bilmin who takes out a plastic camera, winds it and flashes a picture.

In no time, momma Ester, still mad, joins us along with momma and they all begin to sing happy birthday to us.

“Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Dora.. and Efrain, happy birthday to you!”

[loveofyhwh]

July 14: 1 Chronicles 21–23; 1 Corinthians 16; Psalm 13; Proverbs 19:15–16

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/july-14-1-chronicles-21-23-1-corinthians-16-psalm-13-proverbs-1915-16/

July 14: 1 Chronicles 21–23; 1 Corinthians 16; Psalm 13; Proverbs 19:15–16

1 Chronicles 21–23 (Listen)

David’s Census Brings Pestilence

21 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the LORD add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord’s servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” 4 But the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. 6 But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

7 But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 9 And the LORD spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, 10 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” 11 So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Choose what you will: 12 either three years of famine, or three months of devastation by your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, pestilence on the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 13 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

14 So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. 15 And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 17 And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.”

David Builds an Altar

18 Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19 So David went up at Gad’s word, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. 20 Now Ornan was threshing wheat. He turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out from the threshing floor and paid homage to David with his face to the ground. 22 And David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the LORD—give it to me at its full price—that the plague may be averted from the people.” 23 Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” 24 But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 25 So David paid Ornan 600 shekelsA shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams‘>1 of gold by weight for the site. 26 And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD2 answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 27 Then the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.

28 At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. 29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon, 30 but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

22 Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”

David Prepares for Temple Building

2 David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. 3 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 4 and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 5 For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.

Solomon Charged to Build the Temple

6 Then he called for Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon, “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.’

11 “Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. 14 With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talentsA talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms‘>3 of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add. 15 You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working 16 gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!”

17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18 “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peaceOr rest (see 22:9)‘>4 on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.”

David Organizes the Levites

23 When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

2 DavidHebrew He‘>5 assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. 3 The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. 4 “Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said,Hebrew lacks David said‘>6 “shall have charge of the work in the house of the LORD, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 5 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.” 6 And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

7 The sons of GershonVulgate (compare Septuagint, Syriac); Hebrew to the Gershonite‘>7 were Ladan and Shimei. 8 The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers’ houses of Ladan. 10 And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, therefore they became counted as a single father’s house.

12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart to dedicate the most holy things, that he and his sons forever should make offerings before the LORD and minister to him and pronounce blessings in his name forever. 14 But the sons of Moses the man of God were named among the tribe of Levi. 15 The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. 16 The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. 17 The sons of Eliezer: Rehabiah the chief. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. 18 The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. 19 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 20 The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second.

21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 22 Eleazar died having no sons, but only daughters; their kinsmen, the sons of Kish, married them. 23 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

24 These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 25 For David said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. 26 And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” 27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward. 28 For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. 29 Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. 30 And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the LORD, and likewise at evening, 31 and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the LORD on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the LORD. 32 Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the LORD.

Footnotes

[1] 21:25 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams [2] 21:26 Hebrew he [3] 22:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [4] 22:18 Or rest (see 22:9) [5] 23:2 Hebrew He [6] 23:4 Hebrew lacks David said [7] 23:7 Vulgate (compare Septuagint, Syriac); Hebrew to the Gershonite

(ESV)

New Testament:

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16 (Listen)

The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerningThe expression Now concerning introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians’ letter; see 7:1; also verse 12“>1 the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Plans for Travel

5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Final Instructions

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his willOr God’s will for him“>2 to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brothersOr brothers and sisters; also verse 20‘>3—you know that the householdGreek house‘>4 of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Greetings

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic)‘>523 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 16:1 The expression Now concerning introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians’ letter; see 7:1; also verse 12 [2] 16:12 Or God’s will for him [3] 16:15 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 20 [4] 16:15 Greek house [5] 16:22 Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic)

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 13

Psalm 13 (Listen)

How Long, O Lord?

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

13   How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?     How long will you hide your face from me? 2   How long must I take counsel in my soul     and have sorrow in my heart all the day?   How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3   Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;     light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4   lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”     lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5   But I have trusted in your steadfast love;     my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6   I will sing to the LORD,     because he has dealt bountifully with me.

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 19:15–16

Proverbs 19:15–16 (Listen)

15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,     and an idle person will suffer hunger. 16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;     he who despises his ways will die.

(ESV)

[littlewolfdiaries]

Hcs for what the Shepards parents are like, how often are they around if ever, what their relationship is like w each child that sort of thing?

They're just drunks, imo, but I'll try to put together some• They live with their Mother and Step-Father --- Their mother has been married 3 times. --- They've had two step-fathers and been around even more guys their mother's dated.• They do not see their Father --- I'm not sure if I'd say he's dead, but maybe in Reno, occasionally jailed. --- Curly and Angela have no desire to see him, they don't even know how to. --- Tim's communicated with him a few times through letters. --- He's a real big guy built stocky like Curly but tall like Tim. --- He's a lot tanner with brighter blue eyes. --- But he's got that curly black hair. --- I've never thought about his name before, but I like Beriah Shepard. --- It popped into my head; It's fitting and it really nicely paired with their surname. --- He was definitely a bit of a gangster. --- I'll say he's from Mississippi or Alabama and moved to Tulsa around 13 to live with relatives. --- The Shepard family has been in their area of Tulsa for a very, very long time. --- It makes sense that neither Angela or Curly will ever leave it. • Information on their Mother --- I've never thought of her name, either, but I'm thinking Louise. --- She doesn't have that trademark dark curly hair like the Shepard family. --- Her hair is a greying dirty blonde. --- She has greyish brown eyes. --- She's a total drunk, she's been done with parenting for a long time. --- Not young like the Curtis parents, she's in her 50's. --- That's not even that old but she looks even older. --- She's been through a lot, and is essentially a degenerate because of it --- Puts herself in unhealthy relationships constantly as a result --- Used to waitress but that ended a little after Angela's birth --- Has been with every kind of horrible guy there is --- Resents Angela but has a soft spot for Curly --- Respects Tim and kind of wishes she could have ended up with someone like him --- She's really not that bad of a person; she's just consumed in her unhealthy relationships and slowly decaying from the rotten things she's done --- You think I'm being graphic but like, this bitch has so many health issues,, --- I don't know how her lungs are intact With Tim--- Like I said, she really respects Tim--- It bothers him but whenever she needs something he's there, if it's important --- He is somewhat attached to her and he can't stand it --- The closest they get to interacting, though, is the occasional smoke together --- A few times a year, they'll kind of stay up late on the porch or in the living room talking about things--- He gets advice from her sometimes --- Tim respects her opinion, she's been around--- During these times she'll tell stories --- Usually of his father --- Vague and sometimes inconsistent, he's made somewhat of a mental outline from them--- It's funny; Tim's ideal girl has dirty blonde hair and similar eyes --- He can't stand it With Curly --- She's got a big spot for him--- Curly's gullible, that's why, he's the only sibling that could fall for her --- Curly wants to have a mother--- All he really wants is a good family, people that love him--- He was her favorite baby--- Out of all of the kids, he's the most similar to their father (in looks, mannerisms)--- Sometimes he'll sit down with her; maybe play cards or watch tv--- She values that a lotWith Angela --- They Do Not Fuck With Each Other--- Angela has zero attachment to their mother--- If she crosses a line, Angela will actually attack her without any hesitation --- Their mother has just always resented Angela--- That's feels pretty horrible to a teenage girl with no other female support/role model--- All of the children were accidents, except maybe Tim, but she never wanted Angela--- Or a girl in general--- She sees Angela following somewhat in her footsteps and she can't stand to look at her--- Attempted somewhat to be a mother to Curly and Tim, but by the time Angela was born, she was all done • Information on their Step-Father --- He's the longest one they've ever had --- Tim has gotten into fist fights with him --- He picks on Curly and would probably fight him, but Tim seriously defends his brother --- Angela doesn't like him because he looks at her sometimes --- It worries her because she's been around sketchy guys like that before --- In no way has he ever made moves on her, don't get me wrong --- He's rather abusive to their mother but pays for things so he stays around Their mother is usually always home. She doesn't really leave the house. Like I said, she's very sick and broken down. Generally, she's quiet and just in bed. The only time you really hear her is if she's fighting with her (third) husband. They break plates and scream and shit. Their step-father isn't ever really home. He works all day, manual labor stuff, gets home around 11 but will party or do God-knows-what and disappear for a few days. This is frequent.

[thomasgmcelwain]

Genesis 46

Genesis 46

1 So Israel took his journey with

All that he had, both kin and kith,

And came to Beersheba, and there

Offered his sacrifices bare

To his father Isaac's God's care.

2 Then Ælohim spoke to Israel

In the night visions for a while

And said "Jacob, Jacob!" And he

Said "Here I am and here I be."

3 So He said "I am El God El,

God of your father, in this spell,

Do not fear now to go down there

To Egypt, for I'll make your share

A great nation while you are there.

4 "I'll surely go down with you to

Egypt, and I'll bring you up too,

And Joseph shall lay his hand on

Your eyes at evening and at dawn."

I lay the evening sacrifice and bow

Toward Your house, Beloved, and make my vow.

The universe is empty, silent, and

Meaningless until You state the command.

Your word in song makes darkness filled with light

And blindnesses' wrong disappear with sight.

The divine dream beyond the eye and ear

Awakens heart, makes disappear the fear

Of flight. For promises I step head high

Across Egyptian sands and let the sky

Take me above the worries in my breast.

Beloved, make food and shelter not the quest

Forever of these children. Let the place

Where they are always be before Your face.

5 Then Jacob arose from Beersheba,

And Israel's sons from their zareba

And carried their father Jacob,

Their little ones, and wives in mob,

In the wagons which Pharaoh'd sent

To carry him and desert tent.

6 So they took their livestock and goods,

Which they'd acquired around the woods

In Canaan's land, and went down to

Egypt, Jacob and not a few

With all his descendants with him.

7 His sons and his sons' sons, and slim

His daughters and his sons' daughters,

And all his descendants and curs,

He brought to Egypt all that stirs.

What happened to the captives they had taken

When Simeon and Levi'd gone and shaken

The city Shechem to its roots, killed all

The men and taken children with the fall

And mothers too, and made them Jacob's slaves?

Had these been freed or were they laid in graves,

Or left to scrounge the Negev for a bite

Of honey, weed or anything in sight

That might save life? Or did they go along

To Egypt as servants without a count

To disappear without a trace or mount

Among the seething, breathing river throng?

Beloved, what nameless ones of these knew You,

Who walked the way to Egypt, sought the dew?

8 Now these were the names of the sons

Of Israel, Jacob and his sons,

Who went to Egypt: Reuben first

Of Jacob's, perhaps not the worst.

9 The sons of Reuben were Hanoch,

Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi's stock.

10 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel,

Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, for fuel

Zohar, and then Shaul, the son

Of nameless Canaanite woman.

11 The sons of Levi were Gershon,

Kohath, and Merari alone.

12 The sons of Judah were Er, and

Onan, and Shelah, Perez, and

Zerah (but Er and Onan died

In Canaan's land since they defied).

The sons of Perez were Hezron

And Hamul. 13 And the sons alone

Of Issachar were Tola and

Puvah, Job, and the last Shimron.

14 Zebulon's sons Sered, Elon,

And Jahleel. 15 These were the sons

Of Leah, whom she bore by runs

To Jacob in Padan Aram,

With his daughter Dinah and lamb.

All the persons, his sons and daughters,

Were thirty-three and without slaughters.

16 The sons of Gad were Ziphion,

Haggi, Shuni, and then Ezbon,

Eri, Arodi, Areli.

17 The sons of Asher, one plus three

Were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui,

Beriah, and Serah, their sister.

Beriah, who was no persister,

Had two sons: Heber, Malchiel.

18 These were sons of Zilpah, who fell

To Leah Laban's daughter, and

These she bore to Jacob well-manned:

Sixteen souls all, counted and scanned.

19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife,

Joseph and Benjamin for life.

20 And to Joseph in Egypt's land

Were born Manasseh's brother and

Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter

Of Poti-Pherah priest of On,

Bore to him by the Nile's broad water,

To be two sons not just his own.

21 The sons of Benjamin were Belah,

Becher, Ashbel, another fellow

Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim,

And Ard younger brother of Huppim.

22 These were the sons of Rachel, who

Were born to Jacob: fourteen few.

23 The son of Dan was Hushim. 24 And

The sons of Naphtali that stand

Were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer,

And Shillem too at last was there.

25 These were the sons of Bilhah, whom

Laban gave to his daughter's room,

Rachel's, and she bore these to Jacob:

Seven souls all each morn to wake up.

26 All the souls who went to Egypt

With Jacob, who came and equipped

From his loins, besides his sons' wives,

Were sixty-six souls in all lives.

27 And the sons of Joseph who were

Born to him in Egypt's land were

Two souls. All the souls of the house

Of Jacob who went down to browse

In Egypt were seventy's transfer.

The whole, Beloved, was seventy by count,

But at the bottom of the pecking score

There was only one tenth of that amount:

The seven souls of Bilhah and no more.

The weakest one is hidden at the core,

The secret of Ismail who disappeared

Before his father and the folk who feared.

Dan's set for judgement with a single son,

Hushim, the hasters, know the judgement's done

At every Sabbath eve. While Naphtali

Has four sons for four gates beneath the sky.

Jahzeel for God divides obedience,

Guni, coloured with love, Jezer the sense

Of form, Shillem in peace a recompense.

28 Then he sent Judah before him

To Joseph, to point before him

To Goshen. And they came into

The land of Goshen with its dew.

29 So Joseph made ready his car,

His chariot and went up and far

To Goshen to meet his father

Israel, where he and his sons were,

And he presented himself to

Him, and fell on his neck anew

And wept on his neck a good while,

While his brothers stood rank and file.

I rush to You, Beloved and Father, where

You wait in Goshen in the fresh sea air,

And fall upon Your neck as though the time

That separated me from You in mime

Had been a score of years, and yet one breath

Alone between my tender soul and death

Extends infinities of veils that rend

In one fell sound and then come to an end.

I rush to You, Beloved, and in that rush

I find straight footsteps turning in the hush

To whirl about since you are never found

At end of bourne nor at the break of bound,

But at the centre of all life and being,

Beyond and yet within both ear and seeing.

30 And Israel said to Joseph, "Now

Let me die, since I've any how

Seen your face, and you're still alive,

How you managed so to contrive."

Let me die then, Beloved, since I have found

Your face beside the river and the sound

Where the great Nile from Ethiopian strand

Comes once and all to meet the bright sea-sand.

Let me die then, since I have seen Your face

That none can see and live in any place,

Though in your presence there can only be

One face, one name and one eternity.

Let me die then and wake to the grand whole

That always was the psalter of my soul,

Where one voice still repeats the solemn rhymes

Upon whose walls Your living ivy climbs.

Let me die then, Beloved, and wake anew

More than I ever was embraced in You.

31 Then Joseph told his brothers and

His father's household, "By command

I will go up and tell Pharaoh,

And say to him, 'My brothers show

And those of my father's house, who

Were in the land of Canaan, do

Come down to Egypt and to me.

32 'And the men are shepherds, for their

Work's always been to feed and care

For livestock, and they've brought their flocks,

Their herds, and all they've got in stocks.'

33 "So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls

You and says, 'What is your profession?'

34 "That you shall say and make confession,

'Your servants' occupation's been

With livestock from our youth and in

Our lives till now, both we and all

Our fathers have followed that call,'

That you may live in Goshen's land,

For every shepherd and his band

Is an abomination to

Egyptians whether much or few."

No man among my fathers has kept sheep

Four hundred years since in the Scottish keep

Of fell and grassland the ancestors ploughed

The lowlands doubtless with an ovine crowd.

I do not say I'm so Egyptian that

Sheep are abomination where I'm at.

I only say I do not know the room,

And closer to my life and to my doom

May well be sheep stealer than shepherd fair.

Beloved, I shall keep sheep if only there

Can I find place to be within Your care.

I'll give up my wild ways in forest glade

And follow any sheep you wish or made,

I shall even become straight-laced and staid.

[christianitywithouttheinsanity]

Discuss in the comments section.

The following text is from the Common English Bible. Occasionally we will rotate the translations just to have some variety.

1 Sam 26-27

26:1 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” 2 So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, 4 David sent out spies and learned that Saul had come. 5 Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him.

6 Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. 8 Then said Abishai to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them.

13 Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. 14 And David called to the army, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Will you not answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered, “Who are you who calls to the king?” 15 And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is and the jar of water that was at his head.”

17 Saul recognized David's voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? 19 Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the Lord, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 22 And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. 24 Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

27:1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” 2 So David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 3 And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal's widow. 4 And when it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought him.

5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” 6 So that day Achish gave him Ziklag. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. 7 And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months.

8 Now David and his men went up and made raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, for these were the inhabitants of the land from of old, as far as Shur, to the land of Egypt. 9 And David would strike the land and would leave neither man nor woman alive, but would take away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments, and come back to Achish. 10 When Achish asked, “Where have you made a raid today?” David would say, “Against the Negeb of Judah,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Kenites.” 11 And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, “lest they should tell about us and say, ‘So David has done.’” Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. 12 And Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.” (ESV)

1 Chr 8

8:1 Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 And Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6 These are the sons of Ehud (they were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried into exile to Manahath): 7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fathered Uzza and Ahihud. 8 And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives. 9 He fathered sons by Hodesh his wife: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers' houses. 11 He also fathered sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns, 13 and Beriah and Shema (they were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who caused the inhabitants of Gath to flee); 14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei. 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 These were the heads of fathers' houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.

29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah. 30 His firstborn son: Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth (he fathered Shimeah). Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal; 34 and the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza. 37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites. (ESV)

Acts 18

18:1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (ESV)

The reading plan I’ve chosen is from Bible Class Material and it’s a 5 day plan, with weekend days to catch up or get ahead or just take a break!

http://ift.tt/2hfNLzf

[eternalathena]

Kabbalistic symbols abound in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. Check this out... Just as Kabbalah understands the spiritual world as being comprised of the 4 worlds of Assiah, Yetzirach, Beriah, and Atziluth, there are also 4 letters in the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the Hebrew name for God. This is pronounced, “Yod He Vav He,” or “Yahweh.” If you look at TEMPERANCE, and focus on the Angel's chest, you will see the Tetragrammaton etched into his clothing. It's right above the yellow triangle, which is the Alchemical glyph for fire. The first letter of God's name is “Yod.” In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Yods can be found falling from the sky in THE MOON, THE TOWER, the ACE OF CUPS, and the ACE OF SWORDS. There are 22 letters in the Hebrew Alphabet, which corresponds to 22 cards in the Major Arcana, and 22 rays coming out of the sun in THE SUN card. The 22nd ray is hidden behind the Roman numeral XIX. The HIGH PRIESTESS holds a “Tora,” or Torah, in her hands, the Jewish Written Law. The Tree of Life appears in rhe TEN OF PENTACLES. Take a close look at your RWS Tarot and see if you can find it. Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Learn to read Tarot with me in my 7-week TAROT 101 course. Classes start Feb. 25. For INFO + SIGN-UP go to http://eternalathena.com/tarot-101/ ✨ 🌟 ✨ #tarot #taroteducation #learntarot #tarotclass #tarotclasses #onlinetarotclass #tarotcards #metaphysical #divination #occult #tarot101 #riderwaitesmithtarot

[morellocheri]

Fuyuki hating on pretty boy Beriah

[dfroza]

A look at how God speaks to us

in the True illumination of the Son

Today’s reading of the Scriptures begins the first chapter of the book of Hebrews

[Jesus, the Language of God]

Throughout our history God has spoken to our ancestors by his prophets in many different ways. The revelation he gave them was only a fragment at a time, building one truth upon another. But to us living in these last days God now speaks to us openly in the language of a Son, the appointed Heir of everything, for through him God created the panorama of all things and all time.

The Son is the dazzling radiance of God’s splendor, the exact expression of God’s true nature—his mirror image! He holds the universe together and expands it by the mighty power of his spoken word. He accomplished for us the complete cleansing of sins, and then took his seat on the highest throne at the right hand of the majestic One.

He is infinitely greater than angels, for he inherited a rank and a Name far greater than theirs. For God has never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my favored Son, today I have fathered you.”

And this:

“I will be the Father to him, and he will be the Son to me.”

And again, when he brought his firstborn Son into the world:

“Let all my angels bow down before him

and kiss him in worship.”

And about his angels he says,

“I make my angels swift winds,

and my ministers fiery flames.”

But about his Son, he called him “God,” saying,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever

and you will rule your kingdom

with justice and righteousness,

For you have cherished righteousness

and detested lawlessness.

For this reason, God, your God, has anointed you

and poured out the oil of bliss on you

more than on any of your friends.”

And he called him Lord, saying,

“Lord, you formed the earth in the beginning

and with your own hands you crafted the cosmos.

They will both one day disappear,

but you will remain forever!

They will all fade like a worn-out garment,

And they will be changed like clothes,

and you will fold them up and put them away.

But you are ‘I AM.’

You never change, years without end!”

And God has never said this to any of his angels:

“Take your seat next to me at my right hand

until I force your whispering enemies

to be a rug under your feet.”

What role then, do the angels have? The angels are spirit-messengers sent by God to serve those who are going to be saved.

The Book of Hebrews, Chapter 1 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 7th chapter of First Chronicles that documents the Family Tree of Israel:

[The Family of Issachar]

The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four sons. The sons of Tola were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel—the chiefs of their families. During David’s reign, the Tola family counted 22,600 warriors in their lineage. The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah; the sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah—five sons and all of them chiefs. They counted 36,000 warriors in their lineage because they had more wives and sons than their brothers. The extended families of Issachar accounted for 87,000 warriors—all of them listed in the family tree.

[The Family of Benjamin]

Benjamin had three sons: Bela, Beker, and Jediael. Bela had five: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, all of them chiefs and warriors. They counted 22,034 names in their family tree. Beker’s sons were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. Through these chiefs their family tree listed 20,200 warriors. Jediael’s son was Bilhan and the sons of Bilhan were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar—all sons of Jediael and family chiefs; they counted 17,200 combat-ready warriors. Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir; Hushim were from the family of Aher.

[The Family of Naphtali]

The sons of Naphtali were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum; they are listed under the maternal line of Bilhah, their grandfather’s concubine.

[The Family of Manasseh]

Manasseh’s sons, born of his Aramean concubine, were Asriel and Makir the father of Gilead. Makir got his wife from the Huppites and Shuppites. His sister’s name was Maacah. Another son, Zelophehad, had only daughters. Makir’s wife Maacah bore a son whom she named Peresh; his brother’s name was Sheresh and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. Ulam’s son was Bedan. This accounts for the sons of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh. His sister Hammoleketh gave birth to Ishdod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

[The Family of Ephraim]

The sons of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, cattle-rustlers, killed on one of their raids by the natives of Gath. Their father Ephraim grieved a long time and his family gathered to give him comfort. Then he slept with his wife again. She conceived and produced a son. He named him Beriah (Unlucky), because of the bad luck that had come to his family. His daughter was Sheerah. She built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen Sheerah.

Rephah was Ephraim’s son and also Resheph; Telah was his son, Tahan his son, Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Nun his son, and Joshua his son. They occupied Bethel and the neighboring country from Naaran on the east to Gezer and its villages on the west, along with Shechem and its villages, and extending as far as Ayyah and its villages. Stretched along the borders of Manasseh were Beth Shan, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, together with their satellite villages. The families descended from Joseph son of Israel lived in all these places.

[The Family of Asher]

The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah; Serah was their sister. The sons of Beriah were Heber and Malkiel, who had Birzaith. Heber had Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and Shua their sister.

Japhlet had Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. His brother Shomer had Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram. His brother Helem had Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. Zophah had Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. Jether had Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara. Ulla had Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. These were Asher’s sons, all of them responsible, excellent in character, and brave in battle—good leaders. They listed 26,000 combat-ready men in their family tree.

The Book of 1st Chronicles, Chapter 7 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, january 6 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A post by John Parsons about the True nature of the Scriptures:

Where is it written, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the godly one may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17), it is to be noted that "the Scriptures" referred to here are the Jewish Scriptures (i.e., the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), since they are the foundation, the context, and the overarching matrix for the later New Covenant revelation... These were the Scriptures Yeshua used to contextualize and explain his ministry to his followers: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Indeed when Paul wrote these words to Timothy the "New Testament" Scriptures had not yet been compiled by the leaders of the first-generation followers of Messiah.

How important is the Torah, friends? It is essential as the foundation for all that follows, including the very meaning of the gospel message! In other words, the Torah has both a logical, a linguistic, and a theological priority regarding our understanding of the New Testament, and the failure to read in context invariably leads to faulty interpretations and doctrinal errors of various kinds. “To the Jew first, and [then] to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16) is a principle not only of how the gospel message would transcend ethnic Israel to be offered to all the nations, but also about how we should approach the subject of Biblical hermeneutics. God “breathed out” (θεόπνευστος) his revelation in order, and the message itself must be understood in light of that order (Gal. 4:4-5). Moreover, since all of the New Testament finds its semantic roots in the Torah of Moses and the other Hebrew Scriptures, it is important to study Biblical Hebrew first before studying the Greek New Testament, since the Greek words were translated from the ideas originally given in the Hebrew texts of the Torah.

All of the Torah is amazingly wonderful; it is an inestimably great blessing! After all, what would we know of the creation of the universe and of humanity apart from its pages? What would we know of the reason for sin, sickness and death -- and therefore our need for salvation itself apart from the account of the fall of man as described in Book of Genesis? Or what we know of God's moral truth apart from the revelation of the law at Sinai? Or how could we undertand the need for sacrificial blood atonement apart from the sacrificial laws given in Leviticus? Or how would we understand the struggle of the journey of faith apart from the Book of Numbers? Or how would we appreciate the essential duty to love God with all our hearts -- the great Shema -- and the corresponding duty to love others as we love ourselves apart from the Book of Deuteronomy?

So the Torah provides the framework by which we read the Gospels, and apart from this framework we miss much of the original intent and meaning of the Bible... Again, that was Yeshua's approach to the Scriptures, after all. He *repeatedly* explained to his followers that would have to suffer and die, according to the Scriptures (see Luke 9:22, 9:44; Matt. 16:21; Mark 8:31). He told the disciples on the road of Emmaus: "All things had to be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me (Luke 24:27). Indeed Yeshua chided the rabbis of his day saying: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; but it is they that bear witness about me" (John 5:39), and he also said, "If you would have believed Moses, you would believe in me, because he wrote about me" (John 5:46).

So love the Torah, friends; learn its message and study carefully its passages. That’s good New Testament theology, after all: "For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope" (Rom. 15:4). The Holy Spirit still speaks to the heart of those who love Yeshua, the everlasting King of the Jews: "Oh how I love your Torah (תּוֹרָה); it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). For more on this topic, listen to the podcast (link below) or read the various articles on Torah on the Hebrew for Christians website. Shalom chaverim! [Hebrew for Christians]

https://hebrew4christians.com/

1.5.20 • Facebook

Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

January 6, 2021

My Strength and Victory

“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.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” verse two highlights His attribute of strength. David wrote of encountering and benefitting from it when he hid safely in Him. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!

Let me hide myself in Him;

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,

He, my Strength, my vict’ry wins.

In times of opposition, we can go to Him for comfort and protection. In Psalm 23:4, we are comforted to read, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” We can likewise pass this along to bolster others in need, for “we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

When conflict comes, our Friend for sinners provides a way out. “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” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Ultimately, victory is ours through His great strength and wisdom. In eternal glory, we are told that “now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10). Forever we will hide safely in Him. JDM

[loveofyhwh]

July 7: 1 Chronicles 8; 1 Corinthians 10–11:1; Psalm 6; Proverbs 18:23–24

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/july-7-1-chronicles-8-1-corinthians-10-111-psalm-6-proverbs-1823-24/

July 7: 1 Chronicles 8; 1 Corinthians 10–11:1; Psalm 6; Proverbs 18:23–24

1 Chronicles 8

1 Chronicles 8 (Listen)

A Genealogy of Saul

8 Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 And Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6 These are the sons of Ehud (they were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried into exile to Manahath): 7 Naaman,Hebrew and Naaman‘>1 Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fatheredOr Gera; he carried them into exile and fathered‘>2 Uzza and Ahihud. 8 And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives. 9 He fathered sons by Hodesh his wife: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ houses. 11 He also fathered sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns, 13 and Beriah and Shema (they were heads of fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who caused the inhabitants of Gath to flee); 14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei. 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 These were the heads of fathers’ houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.

29 JeielCompare 9:35; Hebrew lacks Jeiel‘>3 the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah. 30 His firstborn son: Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth (he fathered Shimeah). Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal; 34 and the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza. 37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.

Footnotes

[1] 8:7 Hebrew and Naaman

[2] 8:7 Or Gera; he carried them into exile and fathered

[3] 8:29 Compare 9:35; Hebrew lacks Jeiel

(ESV)

New Testament:

1 Corinthians 10–11:1

1 Corinthians 10–11:1 (Listen)

Warning Against Idolatry

10 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,Or brothers and sisters‘>1 that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrownOr were laid low‘>2 in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put ChristSome manuscripts the Lord‘>3 to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel:Greek Consider Israel according to the flesh‘>4 are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

Do All to the Glory of God

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

11 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Footnotes

[1] 10:1 Or brothers and sisters

[2] 10:5 Or were laid low

[3] 10:9 Some manuscripts the Lord

[4] 10:18 Greek Consider Israel according to the flesh

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 6

Psalm 6 (Listen)

O Lord, Deliver My Life

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith.Probably a musical or liturgical term’>1 A Psalm of David.

6   O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,     nor discipline me in your wrath. 2   Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;     heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. 3   My soul also is greatly troubled.     But you, O LORD—how long?

4   Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;     save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5   For in death there is no remembrance of you;     in Sheol who will give you praise?

6   I am weary with my moaning;     every night I flood my bed with tears;     I drench my couch with my weeping. 7   My eye wastes away because of grief;     it grows weak because of all my foes.

8   Depart from me, all you workers of evil,     for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9   The LORD has heard my plea;     the LORD accepts my prayer. 10   All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;     they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

  Footnotes

[1] 6:1Probably a musical or liturgical term

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 18:23–24

Proverbs 18:23–24 (Listen)

23   The poor use entreaties,     but the rich answer roughly. 24   A man of many companions may come to ruin,     but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

  (ESV)

You Might Also like

April 27: Judges 2–3; John 13:1–30; Psalm 107:1–22...

CeCe Winans – Jesus You’re Beautiful

May 8: Ruth 2–4; John 21; Psalm 117; Proverbs 15:1...

March 10: Numbers 5–6; Luke 5–6:16; Psalm 65; Prov...

.yuzo_related_post imgwidth:120px !important; height:110px !important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumbline-height:15px;background: !important;color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hoverbackground:#fcfcf4 !important; -webkit-transition: background 0.2s linear; -moz-transition: background 0.2s linear; -o-transition: background 0.2s linear; transition: background 0.2s linear;;color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb acolor:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb a:hover color:!important;} .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hover a color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .yuzo_text color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hover .yuzo_text color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px; jQuery(document).ready(function( $ ) //jQuery('.yuzo_related_post').equalizer( overflow : 'relatedthumb' ); jQuery('.yuzo_related_post .yuzo_wraps').equalizer( columns : '> div' ); )

[loveofyhwh]

July 6: 1 Chronicles 7; 1 Corinthians 9; Psalm 5; Proverbs 18:22

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/july-6-1-chronicles-7-1-corinthians-9-psalm-5-proverbs-1822/

July 6: 1 Chronicles 7; 1 Corinthians 9; Psalm 5; Proverbs 18:22

1 Chronicles 7 (Listen)

Descendants of Issachar

7 The sonsSyriac (compare Vulgate); Hebrew And to the sons‘>1 of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. 2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600. 3 The sonHebrew sons; also verses 10, 12, 17‘>2 of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, all five of them were chief men. 4 And along with them, by their generations, according to their fathers’ houses, were units of the army for war, 36,000, for they had many wives and sons. 5 Their kinsmen belonging to all the clans of Issachar were in all 87,000 mighty warriors, enrolled by genealogy.

Descendants of Benjamin

6 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three. 7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five, heads of fathers’ houses, mighty warriors. And their enrollment by genealogies was 22,034. 8 The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher. 9 And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, was 20,200. 10 The son of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 11 All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, able to go to war. 12 And Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher.

Descendants of Naphtali

13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah.

Descendants of Manasseh

14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead. 15 And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters. 16 And Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 17 The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, son of Manasseh. 18 And his sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 19 The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

Descendants of Ephraim

20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to raid their livestock. 22 And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. 23 And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.Beriah sounds like the Hebrew for disaster‘>324 His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. 25 Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 NunHebrew Non‘>4 his son, Joshua his son. 28 Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns; 29 also in possession of the Manassites, Beth-shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these lived the sons of Joseph the son of Israel.

Descendants of Asher

30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. 31 The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who fathered Birzaith. 32 Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and their sister Shua. 33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the sons of Japhlet. 34 The sons of Shemer his brother: Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. 35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah. 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. 38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. 40 All of these were men of Asher, heads of fathers’ houses, approved, mighty warriors, chiefs of the princes. Their number enrolled by genealogies, for service in war, was 26,000 men.

Footnotes

[1] 7:1 Syriac (compare Vulgate); Hebrew And to the sons [2] 7:3 Hebrew sons; also verses 10, 12, 17 [3] 7:23 Beriah sounds like the Hebrew for disaster [4] 7:27 Hebrew Non

(ESV)

New Testament:

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9 (Listen)

Paul Surrenders His Rights

9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,Greek a sister as wife‘>1 as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave‘>2 lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Footnotes

[1] 9:5 Greek a sister as wife [2] 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 5

Psalm 5 (Listen)

Lead Me in Your Righteousness

To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.

5   Give ear to my words, O LORD;     consider my groaning. 2   Give attention to the sound of my cry,     my King and my God,     for to you do I pray. 3   O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;     in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for youOr I direct my prayer to you‘>1 and watch. 4   For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;     evil may not dwell with you. 5   The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;     you hate all evildoers. 6   You destroy those who speak lies;     the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7   But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,     will enter your house.   I will bow down toward your holy temple     in the fear of you. 8   Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness     because of my enemies;     make your way straight before me. 9   For there is no truth in their mouth;     their inmost self is destruction;   their throat is an open grave;     they flatter with their tongue. 10   Make them bear their guilt, O God;     let them fall by their own counsels;   because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,     for they have rebelled against you. 11   But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;     let them ever sing for joy,   and spread your protection over them,     that those who love your name may exult in you. 12   For you bless the righteous, O LORD;     you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Footnotes

[1] 5:3 Or I direct my prayer to you

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 18:22

Proverbs 18:22 (Listen)

22   He who finds a wife finds a good thing     and obtains favor from the LORD.

(ESV)

You Might Also like

May 6: Judges 19–21; John 19:17–42; Psalm 115; Pro...

February 3: Exodus 12; Matthew 23; Psalm 31; Prove...

Does Your Work Matter to God? How One Woman Integr...

New Preaching: The Devil: Who He Is, What He Does,...

.yuzo_related_post imgwidth:120px !important; height:110px !important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumbline-height:15px;background: !important;color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hoverbackground:#fcfcf4 !important; -webkit-transition: background 0.2s linear; -moz-transition: background 0.2s linear; -o-transition: background 0.2s linear; transition: background 0.2s linear;;color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb acolor:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb a:hover color:!important;} .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hover a color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .yuzo_text color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb:hover .yuzo_text color:!important; .yuzo_related_post .relatedthumb margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px; jQuery(document).ready(function( $ ) //jQuery('.yuzo_related_post').equalizer( overflow : 'relatedthumb' ); jQuery('.yuzo_related_post .yuzo_wraps').equalizer( columns : '> div' ); )