#Book of Micah

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord Has Told You

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 5:22; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:15; Proverbs 21:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Jeremiah 22:3; Ezekiel 33:14; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 12:6; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:9; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 12:14

[anheidonia]

[moreapples]

In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. 

Micah 4:1-5

~~~~~

This Ever Growing Mountain

By Jennifer Kane

Born of the earth’s restless heart,

a mountain rises,

not in haste,

but in the aching stretch of time,

where fire meets stone,

and stone meets sky.

So too the church grows,

born of Spirit’s breath,

not in flashes,

but in steady, sacred steps,

where hearts meet grace,

and grace touches lives.

It grows in silence,

yet speaks with thunder,

its voice a call across the nations,

its breath the prayers

that rise unceasing to heaven’s throne.

Each soul, each life,

a story etched in faith,

the scars of redemption,

the triumph of love.

Tears water its roots,

joy spreads its branches,

and hope settles like glory

on its heights.

The Kingdom is never still.

Even in its quiet moments,

it moves with the rhythm of God’s hand,

its foundation deep, its mission boundless.

It grows not for the sake of growing,

but as a testament

to the power of the cross,

lifting the ordinary into eternity,

until the day the heavens split

and Christ descends,

and all the earth will know

the mountain of the Lord has come.

~~~~~

Scripture: Micah 4:1-5, Isaiah 2:1-4, Matthew 6:33

God’s kingdom is not just a future hope; it is a present reality, growing through His church across the earth. Let us live as citizens of His kingdom now, drawing others to Him.

Micah's prophecy paints a vivid picture of God’s eternal plan: a kingdom symbolized by a great mountain, exalted above all others, drawing people from every nation to learn His ways and walk in His paths. This imagery of peace, justice, and unity reveals God’s heart for His creation. While the ultimate fulfillment awaits Jesus’ return, this kingdom is already here, present in His church and in the lives of believers.

When Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15), He signaled the beginning of this glorious reality. Through His life, death, and resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the foundation of God’s kingdom was laid. The church became a beacon, the spiritual "mountain" exalted above the hills, drawing people from all nations to encounter the truth of God’s Word.

This prophecy is not merely about geography or politics but transformation. The imagery of swords being beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks speaks of the radical peace and renewal that God brings into lives surrendered to Him. Where there was once conflict, there is now reconciliation. Where there was once division, there is unity. Where there was fear, there is the security of sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree, unafraid.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live as citizens of this kingdom now. Jesus instructs us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This means living with a mindset fixed on His priorities: spreading His Word, making disciples, and reflecting His peace and justice in our daily interactions.

The church is a visible sign of God's kingdom. As His people, we carry the light of Christ into our workplaces, schools, families, and communities, inviting others to experience His love and truth.

Walking in His paths requires both learning and doing. Spend time in God’s Word, allowing it to shape your heart and actions, and actively seek opportunities to live out His commands.

In a world still marred by division and strife, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), turning “swords into plowshares” in our own relationships. How can you bring reconciliation where there is conflict?

While we eagerly await the day when nations will no longer train for war and God’s reign is fully realized, we are not passive. The church is already part of this kingdom work, pointing to the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

~~~~~

Father God, You are the Creator of all things, and Your kingdom is a testament to Your love and sovereignty. Thank You for establishing Your kingdom through Jesus Christ and for inviting us to be part of Your divine plan.

Lord, teach me to live as a faithful citizen of Your kingdom. Help me to walk in Your paths, embrace Your ways, and reflect Your love in everything I do. Show me how to be an instrument of Your peace, bringing reconciliation where there is conflict, and hope where there is despair.

May Your kingdom grow in my heart, shaping my desires to align with Your will. Let my life testify to the power of the cross and the beauty of Your grace. Use me, Lord, to draw others to You, shining the light of Your truth in the dark places of this world.

Father, I surrender my plans to You. Teach me to seek first Your kingdom and trust in Your promises, knowing that in You, all things are made new. May I always live with the hope of Your eternal reign, and may my words and actions bring glory to Your name.

Until the day the heavens open and Christ returns, let my life proclaim the truth that Your kingdom is here and will forever endure. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"TORONTO JEWS OBSERVE "TASHLICH" AT WATER'S EDGE," Toronto Star. October 3, 1932. Page 2. ---- Absorbed in the observance of traditional rites of their faith, venerable members of the Toronto Jewish colony observing the annual ceremony of cleansing themselves of sin by dropping fruit and grain into the water are shown in the ABOVE photograph. The Star photographer made these representative portraits yesterday at the foot of Bay St. where, all day Jews stood at the water's edge and responded to the directions of the Book of Micah: ". and thou wilt cast all thy sins into the depths of made these representative portraits the sea." (1) Pictures a devout elder deep in his study of the Scriptures and (2) shows two pious old ladies sharing a volume of holy writings.

[northemoonduringthenight]

"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it"

Micah 4:1

Artwork: Johannes Bosboom (Dutch, 1817-1891), Kerkinterieur (1827 - 1891)

[geekynerfherder]

'The Burning Kingdoms' by Micah Epstein.

Originally painted as the cover art for 'The Burning Kingdoms' trilogy ('The Jasmine Throne', 'The Oleander Sword' and 'The Lotus Empire'), written by Tasha Suri.

13" x 19" fine art giclee prints, in signed and numbered TIMED Release editions for $55 each, or $145 as a 3 print set.

On sale now until Tuesday January 23 2024 a 12pm ET through Micah's website.

[owoatmilk]

toast, tea + reading ☕️ 📖 ♡

[squash1]

ok book club <3 what are we reading that’s actually good and would maybe fill the trc shaped hole in my soul???? and don’t say reread. unless you say reread the dreamer trilogy because i’m so close to giving into the urge.

please. please. give me your suggestions.

as a frame of reference here are non-trc books i love & would recommend (different content, same soul):

watch over me by nina lacour

in memoriam by alice winn

under the whispering door by tj klune

these violent delights by micah nemerever

the anthropocene reviewed by john green

summer sons by lee mandelo

a tale for the time being by ruth ozeki

i need an actual book club but tumblr took away my group chats :(

anyway love you please give me suggestions!!!!!

[weltonboys]

“we’ve found each other, out of everyone else in the world. does that hurt, too?”

[emayuku]

The Christmas Prince

The Christmas Prince

~CLICK HERE~

The Christmas Prince (Japanese: ケアキャラクターズが贈るクリスマスプリンス Hepburn: Kyaa Kyarakutazu Kurisumasu Purinsu lit. "Care Characters Presents The Christmas Prince") is a picture book written by Micah Solusod released on December 1, 2023. It was written with Elizabeth Mayuku and illustrations by Atsushi Ohkubo. The book is described as a modern fairy tale featuring a Little Micah who sets off on a "wintry, wondrous journey, ultimately discovering the healing power of his voice to spread the spirit of Christmas at home and all around the world."

The book is published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.

💕🎼🎶🎅🏻 The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)🎅🏻🎶🎼💕

❤️🧑‍🎄😇Chiara Zanni in The Christmas Prince😇🤶❤️

[Verse] 🎵Chestnuts roasting on an open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight 🎵

[Bridge] 🎵They know that Santa's on his way He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh And every mother's child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly 🎵

[Chorus] 🎵And so I'm offering this simple phrase To kids from one to 92 Although it's been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you 🎵

🎼[Piano Solo: Hank Jones]🎼

[Chorus] 🎵And so I'm offering this simple phrase To kids from one to 92 Although it's been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you 🎵

😘🇨🇽~CLICK HERE~🇨🇽😍

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[rooksblvd]

oh i'm SICK

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

I Shall Rise

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. — Micah 7:8 | Revised Standard Version Old Tradition 1952 (RSV-OT) Revised Standard Version Bible Old Tradition 1952 © Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Cross References: 2 Corinthians 4:9; Psalm 20:8; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 37:24; Psalm 107:10; Proverbs 24:16-17

Read full chapter

When I Fall, I Will Rise

[anheidonia]

[traeumenvonbuechern]

🐉 Dragon Books To Read If You Liked "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros 🐉

The dragon romantasy "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros has taken over the bookish community, so I wanted to give you some recommendations on what to read after you finished it.

Dragonfall by L.R. Lam

Long ago, humans betrayed dragons, stealing their magic and banishing them to a dying world. Centuries later, their descendants worship dragons as gods. But the 'gods' remember, and they do not forgive. Since they were orphaned, Arcady has scraped a living thieving on the streets of Vatra, dreaming of life among the nobility - and revenge. When the chance arises to steal a powerful artefact from the bones of the Plaguebringer, the most hated person in Lumet history, they jump at it, for its magic holds the key to their dreams. But the spell has unintended consequences, and drags Everen - the last male dragon, who was once foretold to save his kind - into the human world. Trapped, and disguised as a human, Everen soon realises that the key to his destiny, and to regaining his true power, lies in Arcady. All he needs to do is convince one little thief to bond with him completely - body, mind, and soul - and then kill them . . . Yet the closer the two become, the greater the risk both their worlds will shatter.

To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

A young Indigenous woman enters a colonizer-run dragon academy—and quickly finds herself at odds with the “approved” way of doing things—in the first book of this brilliant new fantasy series. The remote island of Masquapaug has not seen a dragon in many generations—until fifteen-year-old Anequs finds a dragon’s egg and bonds with its hatchling. Her people are delighted, for all remember the tales of the days when dragons lived among them and danced away the storms of autumn, enabling the people to thrive. To them, Anequs is revered as Nampeshiweisit—a person in a unique relationship with a dragon. Unfortunately for Anequs, the Anglish conquerors of her land have different opinions. They have a very specific idea of how a dragon should be raised, and who should be doing the raising—and Anequs does not meet any of their requirements. Only with great reluctance do they allow Anequs to enroll in a proper Anglish dragon school on the mainland. If she cannot succeed there, her dragon will be killed. For a girl with no formal schooling, a non-Anglish upbringing, and a very different understanding of the history of her land, challenges abound—both socially and academically. But Anequs is smart, determined, and resolved to learn what she needs to help her dragon, even if it means teaching herself. The one thing she refuses to do, however, is become the meek Anglish miss that everyone expects. Anequs and her dragon may be coming of age, but they’re also coming to power, and that brings an important realization: the world needs changing—and they might just be the ones to do it.

She Who Earned Her Wings by Vaela Denarr & Micah Iannandrea

One does not learn to fly without taking a leap. And one has to fall to be caught. Nomi is a young druid finally taking the chance to spread her wings and leave her home. To see the world and discover its magic, beauty… and maybe love. Calia is a dragon on the hunt for angels, trying to square an old debt. That, and to get Laura, her desired bondmate, to finally return to her side, where she belongs. Nomi immediately catches the eye of the powerful dragons. Calia entices her with honeyed words and a skillful tongue. On the other hand, Laura, much smaller but equally intimidating, takes it upon herself to protect her. Despite the warnings, Nomi can’t help being drawn to Calia's charm, her power, her fangs… and the hidden gentleness in her eyes. She promises danger where Laura promises safety, and Nomi is torn between the two. Luckily there is a convenient cult out for the dragons’ heads, providing Nomi with ample distraction and at least one dragon egg to steal, hatch, and raise by herself. Perfectly normal things for a young transgender druid to get involved in! In the clutches of dragons, battling dark forces from beyond the stars, Nomi faces the questions of who she is and who she wants to be. Whether she deserves the love offered to her, and what it truly takes to earn her wings...

[itwas217amwhenyoutoldme]

hey, hey, hey– let's do talk about how these sections of part i chapter 1 and part iv chapter 15 —aka: the first and final chapters of the book, aka-aka: the pre pauljulian and the post pauljulian— work together to make me SICK!

[lauraroselam]

So I wrote this weird book about queer dragons. It came out the same day as the other dragon book everyone talks about. It was a Sunday Times bestseller in the UK, though, which was incredible!

However, I'm not sure how to continue to promote this book--people either seem to really like it, or not quite get it. Or it just wasn't what they expected. Which is fine, no book can please everyone, and I knew I'd made some unusual craft choices that was going to make it more marmite. (Or, as my brain tells me at midnight, I'm just a bad writer). However, there's that librarian saying "every book its reader" and the people who love this book REALLY love it, and that makes me so happy. So I decided to write this post and explain its weirdness and lay out what you can expect if you do pick it up. Maybe you're my kind of odd, too. :-)

Short pitch: 800 years ago, dragons and humans were bonded, then humans were dicks, stole the dragons' magic, and banished them to a dying world. But humans have short memories, forgot, and now worship dragons as gods. The dragon "gods" remember, and they do not forgive.

Thief Arcady steals their grandsire's stone seal (which helps them funnel magic) from their tomb. Their grandsire supposedly released a magical plague that killed a proportion of society, and Arcady is locked out of society as a result. They perform a spell to rewrite the seal to have a new identity as they want to go to university at the Citadel and also clear their family's name. Problem? The spell also accidentally calls through Everen, the last male dragon, trapped in human form. Everen has been foretold to save his kind, and now he has a chance: he just has to convince one little human to trust him mind, body, and soul, and then kill them. Then he'll be able to steal the human's magic back, rip a hole in the Veil, and the dragons can return. Good news for dragons, less good news for humans. As you might expect: this does not go to plan. Because emotions.

Grab it now. (Note: there's still a contractual delay so it's not available in US audiobook yet, annoyingly. Hopefully soon). (If you are like "weird queer dragons?! Sign me up" but aren't interested in hearing why the author has made certain decisions and want to go into the text cold, stop here! Death of the author/birth of the reader, etc. Otherwise, carry on.)

You should pick up Dragonfall if:

You like experimental narrative positions! It's all collected by an unnamed archivist who has access to both first person narratives (Arcady, the genderfluid human thief, Everen the hot dragon) and can scry into the past and draw out third person narratives (Sorin, hot priest assassin. Cassia, Everen's sister, who is also hot. Spoiler: everyone in this book is hot). Then to make it even weirder, Everen's bits are technically in first person direct address, so he's writing it all to Arcady (the first chapter ends with: "For that human was, of course, you. And this is our story, Arcady.") I ended up writing it this way for a few reasons, even though it probably would have been simpler to just stick to straight up third throughout, like most epic fantasy does. The big one is that Arcady is genderfluid and uses any pronouns (I tend to default to they when I talk about them outside of the text), and constantly gendering them in the text felt wrong whether I used he, she, or they. This way bypasses that a lot in the first volume, so it's up to the reader to make up their own mind. I also just really love first person direct address as a narrative position. It can be a little confronting, and it makes Everen the dragon sound a bit more predatory at the start. But it's also quite intimate. Is he writing his sections as an apology, or a love letter? Both? You find out at the end. So if your green flag books are: The Fifth Season, The Raven Tower, or Harrow the Ninth, this might also be your jam.

You love classic 90s fantasy. This is in many ways an homage to all the stuff I read growing up: Robin Hobb and the Realm of the Elderlings (the book is dedicated to Hobb in particular), the Dragonriders of Pern, Tad Williams, Lynn Flewelling, Robert Jordan, Mercedes Lackey, Tamora Pierce, etc. But I wanted to give it a more modern twist. I'm NB and growing up I didn't see a lot of queerness in fantasy, and I clung to the examples I did find (Vanyel, the Fool). Also, not 90s fantasy, but I also freaking loved Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and Priory of the Orange Tree, so those were influences too.

You're not put off by Worldbuilding(TM) and a slower pace. Probably because I grew up on the likes of Tad Williams, I honestly love slow-paced fantasy. I love to luxuriate in a world and take my time getting to know a made up world. In Assassin's Quest it takes over 100 pages for Fitz to leave the forest. Love it. I have a more lyrical writing style, I guess, and I'm pretty descriptive. My stuff always tends to start off slower, set the stage, and then ramps up the pace as we get further along. So yes, my book starts out with some infodumping, depending on your tolerance level of that sort of thing. I worked with a linguist and they made a conlang for the dragon language (hi @seumasofur). There's a map by Deven Rue (cartographer for Critical Role). I got nerdy.

You love queernorm fantasy! This is set in a world where it's considered rude to assume a stranger's gender and so you tend to default to they/them. If you consider someone much higher in status than you, you'd capitalise it to the honorific, such as They/Them. Once you get to know someone, you tend to flash your pronouns to them with a hand signal, since a sign language called Trade is also a lingua franca in the world. 99.95% of all the dragons are also lesbians, BTW. Everen is the last male dragon.

You like frankly silly levels of slow burn. Everen and Arcady can't physically touch without it causing Everen pain while they're half-bonded. They may or may not find creative loopholes. But it's not mega mega spicy, if you're expecting that. I expect the spice levels will gradually go up as the series progresses.

Alright, I think that's more than enough to give you a sense of what you'd find in Dragonfall. If you're open to sharing this post so it reaches more people outside of my little corner of the internet, I'd really appreciate it. Whenever I do any bit of self-promo, I'm always so anxious and worry it'll get like, 2 eyeballs on it anyway or that I'm just annoying people by mentioning that my art even exists. And if you end up liking it, please tell a friend.

I'm loving the recent dragon renaissance! Long live dragons.