#Hosea 14:1-2

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

An Exhortation to Repentance

Return, Israel, to the Lord your God, because your sins have brought you down.

Take words like these with you and come back to the Lord, saying to him, "Please take away all our guilt, accept what is good, and we will repay you with praise from our lips." — Hosea 14:1-2 | Free Bible Version (FBV) The Free Bible Version is a project of Free Bible Ministry; Copyright © 2018, Free Bible Ministry. All right rights reserved. Cross References: Psalm 50:14; Psalm 51:16-17; Psalm 119:108; Isaiah 19:22; Ezekiel 33:11; Ezekiel 33:14; Hosea 4:8; Hebrews 13:15

Read full chapter

Commentary on Hosea 14 by Matthew Henry

[bojackson54]

The Woman Who Believed an Unbelievable Message

Almost every Christmas pageant contains the Angel’s appearance to Mary. Luke’s narrative about Mary’s conversation with Gabriel described her reaction to some pretty unbelievable news. If you think about it, there is much to learn from Mary’s response to God’s messenger. (And BTW, the Greek word for angel is anggelos, or messenger—simply put, a courier who brings a message, or a word from someone…

[touchofgoddotworld]

Looking at the End Times (Part 3) (204) - July 29 2023

God has a plan for each of us during these end times. We cannot just do what everyone else is doing. We must be in right relationship with the Lord every day to know His will for us and be led on the narrow path by His Holy Spirit. If we do what our friends are doing or what is popular, we may not be in the Lord’s will. Being in right relationship with the Lord will guide you through these end…

[moeitsu]

♡The Tie Which Linked My Soul To Thee♡

(Arthur Morgan x OC) Masterlist

Hey cowboys!

Below is where you'll find all the chapters to my Red Dead Redemption fanfic, I will keep it updated as I continue to post more chapters. But in the meantime, I wanted to make things a little more organized and easier for you to navigate.

Whether you just started reading, or if you've been keeping up with the story since the beginning. I want to thank you! This started as a little side project to keep me busy during my down time at work, but it's turned into something I'm really passionate and proud of! So thank you for all the support <3

!!Please be aware this fic is explicit. As it contains blood/violence, as well as other adult themes!!

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->-> Ao3 

->-> Wattpad

Summary: Kate McCanon, a young widow from the north, meets outlaw Arthur Morgan. When the two cross paths she discovers a complex man wrestling with his own sense of right and wrong. As their unlikely bond deepens, Kate becomes determined to guide Arthur towards a brighter path, even as tensions rise within his gang led by the enigmatic Dutch van der Linde. With danger lurking at every turn, Kate must navigate treacherous territory to protect those she holds dear, all while finding love in the most unexpected of places.

Story Tags: Widowed, Original Character(s), High-Honor!Arthur Morgan, Arthur Morgan Does Not Have Tuberculosis, Arthur Morgan Deserves Happiness, Chubby!Arthur Morgan, Canon Divergence, Mutual Pining, Slow Build, Eventual Smut, Eventual Sex, Eventual Romance, Emotional Sex, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Touch-Starved, Sexual Tension, Friends to Lovers, Child Loss, Infant Death, Trauma, Canon-Typical Violence, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Torture, Blood and Violence, Survivor Guilt, Aftermath of Torture, Caretaking, Injury Recovery, Period-Typical Racism, Anxiety, Self-Hatred, Night Terrors, Emotional Constipation, Self-Doubt, Men Crying, Bathing/Washing, Sweet/Hot, Romantic Angst, Romantic Fluff

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Ch 1 - The Years Creep Slowly By Kate becomes entangled in a heist with two strangers, Hosea and Arthur, forging an unexpected bond amidst their criminal endeavor. Ch 2 - The Snow Is On The Grass Again A fisher of men and A strange encounter. Ch 3 - The Suns Low Down The Sky Welcome to Horseshoe Overlook Ch 4 - The Frost Gleams Where The Flowers Have Been It's time to collect a debt. Ch 5 - My Heart Beats On As Warmly Now A well deserved hunt with Charles, met with an unexpected surprise back at camp... Ch 6 - As When The Summer Days Were Nigh The battle begins, and the past is revealed. Ch 7 - The Sun Can Never Dip So Low Kate is not immune to the dangers of the land. No matter how much she loved it, the land will never love her back. Ch 8 - Or Down Affections Cloudless Sky A blissful sunny day after a long hard night. Ch 9 - A Hundred Months Have Passed Kate and Arthur share a tender moment in the quiet of the night. Ch 10 - Since Last I Held That Hand In Mine The Course of True Love and other Revelations Ch 11 - And Felt The Pulse Beat Fast Arthur and Hosea share meaningful conversation after a night of advertising some moonshine. Meanwhile Kate finds herself involved in a dubious mission with John and the boys. She patches up Arthur as the day ends with an air of unspoken desire. Ch 12 - Though Mine Beat Faster Far Than Thine - Part 1 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God in a world that is ugly with violence and hate. Ch 13 - Though Mine Beat Faster Far Than Thine - Part 2 Arthur’s life is ebbing out like the tide. Kate must work quickly and diligently to reverse the cruel hands of fate. She is aided by the help of an unexpected ally. Ch 14 - A Hundred Months ‘Twas Flowery May As Kate navigates Arthur’s recovery, she discovers that true strength lies within her trusted companions, finding relief in their unwavering support during the trials of his healing journey. Ch 15 - When Up The Hilly Slope We Climbed Arthur struggles to adjust to his new disabilities. Meanwhile Kate finds a job outside of camp for them, providing a few days respite and some much needed alone time. Arthur finally reveals his feelings. Ch 16 - The Past Is The Eternal Past Kate and Arthur welcome a new life into the world. The scene brings back tender memories of Arthur's past, he finally finds the courage to open up to her about his family. Ch 17 - To Watch The Dying of The Day Say, isn't it strange? I am still me, and you are still you. In this place. Isn't it strange how people can change? From strangers to friends, friends into lovers. To strangers again. Ch 18 - To Hear the Distant Church Bells Chime The gang finds a new hideout at Shady Belle, just outside the heart of the new modern America. With Jack still missing, Kate and Arthur must work together to find him. Amidst the tension, Arthur confides in Kate about his deepest regrets. Ch 19 - We Loved Each Other Then The Gilded Cage. Kate and Arthur attend an exclusive garden party hosted by the Mayor of Saint Denis. As the night progresses, their mutual desire intensifies. Ch 20 - More Than We Dared To Tell In vulnerability they meet. As the world fades to a gentle hum, their hearts beat as if they're one. In the aftermath, quiet and deep. Love whispers promises they'll keep. Ch 21 - What We Might Have Been As tensions within the camp simmer and new challenges surface, the gang finds themselves slipping further into uncertainty. Amid the chaos, Kate and Arthur navigate the weight of their individual struggles, leaning on their bond to weather the storm and hold onto what matters most. Ch 22 - Had But Our Loving Prospered Well As Dutch readies the gang for their next big score, Arthur is sent to Saint Denis to settle unfinished business, only to face a ghost from his past. Meanwhile, Kate's come down with an illness, but a vivid dream sparks a newfound resolve to secure her and Arthur's future—no matter the cost.

Ch 23 - To Call Up Their Shadowy Forms In a chaotic, adrenaline-fueled poker game, Arthur and Kate find themselves ensnared in the deadly consequences of their choices during a fine night of debauchery. Ch 24 - The Story of That Past Tension runs high as Arthur grapples with the weight of impossible choices, his loyalty to the gang tested against his growing desperation to protect Kate. Meanwhile, Kate endures her own silent battle, caught between the chilling reality of her imprisonment and the lingering hope that Arthur will not abandon her. Ch 25 - The Hope That Could Not Last The time of outlaws and gunslingers is coming to an end. Arthur risks everything in a dangerous gamble to free Kate from the law. While the weight of the world threatens to crush him, Kate’s unwavering hope burns brighter than ever. Ch 26 - I Care Not To Repeat Arthur’s unexpected act of kindness sets the stage for a fragile alliance between two men shaped by loss and loyalty. Upon returning to camp, they must work quickly to prepare for yet another journey.

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━ If you're interested in reading about my OC, I linked the Kate McCanon Lore here :) As well as her Face and Voice Claim <3

Spotify Playlist About me!

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[apilgrimpassingby]

Demons of the Hebrew Bible

Since today is also the day for Lord of Spiritsposting, I've decided to make a post I considered yesterday - the demons of the Hebrew Bible. This will be a long post, so I'm inserting a "Keep Reading".

Azazel: Appears only once in Leviticus 16, as the being in the wilderness to whom the goat with the people's sins laid on it in the Day of Atonement ritual is given (this isn't sacrifice, because the animal isn't killed or offered on an altar, among other things). Becomes a Devil figure in some later Jewish literature like the Book of Enoch, and is associated with deserts, sin and goats - the name literally means "the goat that goes away" (an archaic translation gives us the word "scapegoat"), and the seemingly-random reference to goat demons in Leviticus 17:7 comes just after Azazel's appearance.

Deber: The most prominent of the gang, appearing (usually in conjunction with other figures on this list) in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Habakkuk and the Pentateuch a total of 49 times, usually unleashed as punishment for some sin by Israel (compare "handing people over to Satan" in St. Paul's letters - 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:20). A nocturnal demon of pestilence and destruction associated with the underworld in Canaanite mythology.

Hereb: Rendered as "the sword" in English; the next most prominent one, appearing 29 times and, like Deber, in conjunction with the others. A demon of violence and destruction associated with blood-drinking (Isaiah 34:5, Jeremiah 46:10) and flesh-eating (Deuteronomy 32:42, Jeremiah 12:12) and probably the rider on a red horse from Revelation 6:3-4.

Lilit: Appears just once, Isaiah 34:14, where she's dwelling in some ruins. Usually translated as "screech owl" or "night bird", but some use "Lilith". In Mesopotamian mythology, the lili are a class of nocturnal female demons associated who kill babies and are associated with owls, so the translation as "screech owl" is acceptable. The Songs of the Sage from the Dead Sea Scrolls refer to liliyot (feminine plural) as a class of demons: "And I, the Instructor, proclaim His glorious splendour so as to frighten and to te[rrify] all the spirits of the destroying angels, spirits of the bastards, demons, liliths, howlers...

Livyatan: Usually anglicised as Leviathan, and appears five times: Job 3:8 and chapter 41, Psalms 74:12-14 and 104:26 and Isaiah 27:1. Based on those appearances, he's a multi-headed fire-breathing sea serpent immune to weapons who battles with Yahweh and (of course) always loses. The myth of a god fighting a sea serpent is a staple of world mythology. Likely correlates to the beast from the sea of Revelation 13:1-10, since Leviathan is paired with a beast from the earth (Behemoth; Job 40:15-24) - also compare Revelation 13:4 ("Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”) to Job 41:33-34 ("On earth there is not his like, a creature without fear. He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride").

Nephilim: Famously appear in Genesis 6:1-4 as the warriors born of the sons of God and the daughters of men, understood in Second Temple Jewish texts such as the Book of Enoch and the Septuagint to be giants born of fallen angels and human women. They appear by the name Anakim or Rephaim in Genesis 14:5, 15:20, Deuteronomy 1:28, 2:10-11, 2:20-21, 3:11, 3;13, 9:2 and Joshua 11:21-22, 12:4, 13:12, 14:12, 14:15 and 15:8 and war with giants appears in 2 Samuel 21:16-22, 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 and, of course, 1 Samuel 17 (the David and Goliath story).

Qeteb: Appears just 4 times (Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalm 91:6; Isaiah 28:2; Hosea 13:14), together with Deber in the Psalms and Hosea appearances and together with Resheph in Deuteronomy; if there's any lesson from this post so far, it's that plague demons hunt in packs. A diurnal plague demon whose name is rendered in English as "destruction"; nothing more to be said.

Ra'av: The third most prominent one, appearing 35 times; a famine demon whose name is rendered in English as "famine" or "hunger" who is unleashed on Israel as punishment together with (surprise!) Hereb and either Deber or Resheph. Probably the rider on a black horse from Revelation 6:5-6.

Rephaim: The spirits of dead kings who dwell in the underworld not doing much, translated in the ESV as shades and appearing in Isaiah 14:9 and 26:14; the same imagery and concept is being used by Ezekiel 32:20-30.

Resheph: A demon of plague and conquest worshipped as a god in Canaanite and Egyptian culture, depicted as a bearded archer on a white horse. Appears just 6 times in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 32:24; Habakkuk 3:5 Psalm 78:48; Job 5:7, Song of Songs 8:6); the name is rendered as "plague" or "pestilence" or occasionally "fire" or "sparks" because the name literally means "burning". Probably the rider on a white horse from Revelation 6:2.

Sources and Further Reading

"Before Him Went Pestilence (Hab. 3:5) - Biblical Lexis and Semantic Field of Epidemics" by Jozef Jankovic for The Old Testament Society of South Africa

"A Land of Giants" by Frs. Andrew Stephen Damick and Stephen DeYoung on The Lord of Spirits

"War, Famine, Disease, Death and Hades" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

"Who is Azazel?" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

Who is Lilith - Ancient Development and Origins of the Demon Queen by Dr. Justin Sledge on ESOTERICA

Or in short - stop making it all about Lilith. Use some other Hebrew Bible demons.

[zanazirafanfic]

WIP Whenever

Well, as usual my fic plans got a bit hung-up by some IRL nonsense (managed to catch COVID, and while I was sick my laptop bit the dust, so I'm only just getting back to restocking my Tumblr queue and re-arranging my fic schedule now that the new one is here.)

That said, here is my planned fic schedule for the the rest of September and October. (I've planned my publication schedule through the end of the year, and will release it a month at a time.)

9/26/24 - "Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty" - TM3B3 #3. Some warm, silly shenanigans (for once) featuring Meowcah Bell and Jack Marston.

9/29/24 - "Like A Drowned Rat," Whumpcember Day 14 - "Drowning" - Ch. 2 limp!Arthur, reluctantly-heroic Micah.

10/1/24 - 25DCC, Ch. 14 - "Getting Snowed In" - 1896. Jake and Sadie Adler find ways to pass the time during their first blizzard together.

10/4/24 - "Cloghinne Winds," Whumpcember Day 15 - "Hallucinating" (idea inspired by @tiredcowboyy ) - 1907. Dutch Van der Linde angst/grief, hurt-no-comfort.

10/7/24 - 25DCC, Ch. 15 - "Icicles" + "Someone Spiked the Eggnog!" - 1910. A day of fun and frolicking in the snow in the MacGuire-Jones-O'Shea household, followed by a night of mischief and merriment (and eggnog.)

10/10/24 - "Ringing A Bell," Whumpcember Day 16 - "Head Injury" - pre-canon/pre-John, injured!Hosea and worried! Dutch & Arthur

10/13/24 - "Where There's Smoke," Whumpcember Day 17 - "Fire" - Ch. 3, feat. scared!Jack and heroic/hurt!John

10/16/24 - 25DCC, Ch. 16 - "Family invited an old crush/first love to a dinner party." - 1885. Dutch and Hosea plan an early Christmas dinner, with a surprise visitor for Arthur.

10/19/24 - "New Roles, Old Pains," Whumpcember Day 18 - "Chronic Pain" - post-1907/pre-1911. Hurting!John, supportive/caring!Abigail.

10/22/24 - 25DCC, Ch. 17 - "Cuddling With Them" - 1910. Charles catches Arthur's flu and gets doted on by his very guilty husband.

10/24/24 - "Down To the Wick," Whumpcember Day 19 - "Exhaustion" - Ch. 3, post-BATPM. Unable to stand by and watch while Arthur withers away from infection before his eyes, Charles spends his time taking up Arthur's share of the work as well as his own. It goes about as well as you'd expect.

10/27/24 - 25DCC, Ch. 18 - "Big Hugs from Family" - 1903. Bill Williamson/Wendell White/Sampson Black. Bill gets into trouble while hunting for game to feed himself and his new partners through the holidays. Their reaction is not one he was expecting.

10/30/24 - "A Hog-Killin' Time," Whumpcember Day 20 - "Drugged" - Ch. 3, post-BATPM. Hurt!Drugged!Arthur Morgan.

10/31/24 - "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie," TM3B3 #4. Micah's mischief-making goes too far when he scares little Jack and makes him cry. "Papa Wolf" Marston is none too happy, and enlists the help of Arthur, Sean, and Charles to deliver some well-deserved payback.

@cassietrn @photo1030

[lilgreeneyes71]

The sad reality and the unseen circumstances

Discernment is on the decline

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Empathy and love from people on earth is nowhere to be found

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Persecution is at a record high

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Righteousness is decreasing while unrighteousness and iniquity have increased at a record level among Christians , and is being practiced

without any kind of restraint replacing self denial with self engulgence.

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Truth is rarely spoken while an abundance of lies are being told

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Knowledge of the word of God has decreased while deception continues to increase

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

You're only defense is to know the word of God yourself by reading the scripture ,and looking up what everyone saids in scripture in the context that it's written

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[theprayerfulword]

December 06

Romans 8:14 All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

1 John 5:2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

May you walk in faithfulness and love, acknowledging God throughout the land, laying aside cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery, and live in the bounds of God's Word that you may bring life and healing to the weary and wounded, strengthening the hands of the righteous and bringing joy to the hearts of the people, lest God withdrawn His hand from the nation and remove His protection from the land, causing even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea to die. Hosea 4

May you receive the knowledge of God so that He will receive your ministry and worship unto Him. Hosea 4

May you honor the law of God by your obedience so that He will honor your children with His blessings. Hosea 4

Though the laborers in the harvest with you are few, may you be dedicated and loyal to the Master of the harvest and the Owner of the field, working diligently through the heat of the day, enduring hunger, thirst, and weariness, for your wages are sure, and you know the welcome and celebration waiting for you at the harvest's end. Hosea 4

May you admit your guilt when the Spirit of God speaks to you, bringing conviction and drawing you to repentance, lest the Lord go back to His place and wait for you to earnestly seek Him in your misery, for what He proclaims is certain. Hosea 5

May the grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, be with you in truth and love. 2 John 1

May you love one another by walking in obedience to His commands. 2 John 1

May you guard against losing what you have worked for, so that you may be rewarded fully, for anyone who wanders away and does not continue in the teaching of Christ has no relationship with God; but whoever continues in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1

Minister to Me, My child. Offer the sacrifices of praise and worship. Give the wave offering of your joy and pour out the drink offering of your strength. Make the burnt offering of your will, your understanding, your intentions, your plans, hopes, and dreams as a sweet-smelling savor to Me. Minister first to the Lord your God so that you may be purified and cleansed, equipped for every good work, emptied of yourself so that you may be filled with My glory, which is My truth and My power. Then, and only then, will you be able to serve living water and the bread of life to My people. There are many who “minister” to the people, giving them what is popular and pleasing, but it does not mature or strengthen them; those “ministers” have not come before Me or been sent by Me, for they are serving their own purposes. You must daily present yourself to Me before you can be sent out from Me as a servant in My name to those who will be the heirs of salvation. Learn of Me by walking with Me so you can represent Me in the truth and the power of My love which laid down My life for the sake of others.

May you trust in the Lord, for then you will be like Mount Zion, unshakable and enduring. Psalm 125

May the Lord surround you, as the mountains surround Jerusalem, both now and forevermore. Psalm 125

May you know with assurance that though the scepter of the wicked may be raised for a season over the land allotted to the righteous, it will not remain lest the righteous be led to use their hands to do evil. Psalm 125

May you seek the Lord and petition Him to do good to those who are good, but to banish those who turn to crooked ways with the evildoers. Psalm 125

May you realize that to contend with a person who does not know the fear of God is to waste your time – let God do His work in the heart and bring the person to the time of harvest. Proverbs 29:9

May you understand that by walking in the integrity of the Lord and following the leading of the Spirit of God, you will receive the hate of bloodthirsty men who seek to kill the upright. Proverbs 29:10

May you remember, as you see a fool giving full vent to his anger, that a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11

[10yrsyart]

What does Jesus and the Bible teach about being a “good Christian”?

at the request of @iridescent-glass-bubbles, i wrote some scriptural advice. and i apologize for being long winded, but i wanted the verses to do a lot of the talking 😂🙏

The most important thing in learning to set a good example as a Christian is to continually read God’s Word. 

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know Me,” (NLT). And in the KJV, it says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” It means, how can we know God and His ways if we’re not actively reading about them? It’s much easier to be confused and led astray when you’re not familiar with what He’s said and how He works. (If you can read a novel, you can read Matthew or John or Romans.)

Similarly, what you’re constantly focusing on will affect how you think and act. Jesus says, “But the words you speak come from the heart- that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander,” (Matthew 15:18). This is why Paul says in Colossians 3:2, “Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth.” And in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Fill up your heart with things of the Lord, and that’s when your actions will start to follow.

As for how Jesus wants us to act, it’s all through the New Testament, especially His “Sermon on the Mount” speech in Matthew. Among some are: don’t hate anyone (5:21-22), don’t seek revenge (5:38-42), love and be kind to those who hate you (5:43-48), forgive everyone without holding a grudge (6:14-5), and don’t let pride convince you you’re better than everyone else (7:1-5). He says in Matthew 22:37-38, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The Golden Rule: treat others the way you’d want to be treated, is actually from the Bible (in Matthew 7:12). 

A good summary is found in Colossians 3:12-15 which says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with Love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” (Also see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23). 

Jesus didn’t just teach these things, He lived them. Every account of a situation He was in is an example of how He honored these principles.

It sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? The truth is we aren’t capable of being perfect examples of Christ. We mess up all the time. But the Holy Spirit can help us with these things. Jesus wants to grow us into bright lights that shine His love on everyone, but we need to be willing. I didn’t see that much change in myself until i started regularly reading the Bible and thinking on how He wanted me to act. And then i started putting in the effort to obey, and He provided the increase.

We can’t be “good Christians” if we’re relying only on our own efforts. But we’re called to listen to and obey the Lord and He will change us more and more into His image. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” So let God’s promises fill you with peace, stand for the truth, and love others even in difficult situations. 💙

[steveezekiel]

GOD'S PLANS AND HIS MERCIES 1

7 BUT if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.

8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Matthew 12:7,8 (NKJV)

"FOR I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."

Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)

• If you had applied all the biblical principles of success you seem to know:

- You have been living according to the principles of the Word of God. You study the Word of God and practice it (Joshua 1:8; James 1:22,25).

- You pray and fast regularly (Acts 13:2,3; 2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27).

- You live a holy life (1 Peter 1:15,16).

- You allow and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to shape you, your character (Romans 5:3,4); And the fruits of the Spirit are found in your life (Galatians 5:22,23).

- You are prompt, quick or swift, in obeying the leadings of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).

- You have a right heart towards God and your fellow human beings (Matthew 22:37-39).

- You submit to the spiritual authorities over your life, that is, you are under the right covering (Hebrews 13:7,17).

- You sow seeds regularly. That is, Giving is part of your life (Luke 6:38; Hebrews 13:16).

- If you had been faithful in all the spiritual principles mentioned above, and much more; yet, it seems you do not have the results you desired; compared with your contemporaries' results.

• Know that God works in line, or according to the election of Grace:

10 AND not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, NOT OF WORKS BUT OF HIM WHO CALLS), 12 it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger" (Romans 9:10-12 NKJV).

- God does things according to His preplanned arrangement. Some people do get results, in whatever they do, early in life, whilst some would need to exercise some patience to see the results of their labour. Their successes, breakthroughs, may come a little bit late!

- And in some, they might not see all the glory of whatever they have laboured for, whilst on earth. Their works would speak much more after they might have left: "ALL THESE PEOPLE EARNED A GOOD REPUTATION BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH, YET NONE OF THEM RECEIVED ALL THAT GOD HAD PROMISED" (Hebrews 11:39 NLT).

• Everything happens according to God's preplanned programme—election of Grace (Romans 9:11).

- God has planned things according to His knowledge and infinite wisdom. He did it in His sovereign power. God has the right to do and undo, but He is not capricious. He works with principles!

"IF God wants to demonstrate his anger and reveal his power, HE CAN DO IT. BUT CAN'T HE BE EXTREMELY PATIENT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE OBJECTS OF HIS ANGER BECAUSE THEY ARE HEADED FOR DESTRUCTION?" Romans 9:22 (GOD’S WORD Translation).

- In other words, God has principles that govern Things, yet, He may overrule the principles, to do certain things—in exceptional cases.

• Do not be discouraged if you have put in much, but you have not gotten the desired results.

- Do not compare yourself with someone else, because God is doing things according to the election of Grace:

11 BUT before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she [Rebecca] received a message from God. (THIS MESSAGE SHOWS THAT GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE ACCORDING TO HIS OWN PURPOSES; 12 HE CALLS PEOPLE, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO THEIR GOOD OR BAD WORKS.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son"

(Romans 9:11,12 NLT).

• Do not blame yourself, it is not because you have not worked hard enough, or you are bad, but according to God's purpose—election.

- Whatever you got is by God's mercy, not how hard you labour; although you have to work smart and be diligent in whatever you do, also in your walking with God; yet, not by works that no man should boast—no person should take the Glory meant for God:

28 GOD CHOSE what the world considers ORDINARY and what it DESPISES—what it considers to be nothing—in order to DESTROY what it considers to be SOMETHING. 29 As a result, NO ONE CAN BRAG IN GOD’S PRESENCE" (1 Corinthians 1:28,29 GOD’S WORD Translation).

"SO IT IS GOD WHO DECIDES TO SHOW MERCY. WE CAN NEITHER CHOOSE IT NOR WORK FOR IT" (Romans 9:16 NLT).

- You do not choose what you become in God, He does make things according to His plans and purposes: "AND WE KNOW [with great confidence] THAT GOD [who is deeply concerned about us] CAUSES ALL THINGS TO WORK TOGETHER [as a plan] FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN AND PURPOSE" (Romans 8:28 Amps).

"AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THAT HAPPENS to us is WORKING for our GOOD if we LOVE GOD AND ARE FITTING INTO HIS PLANS."

Romans 8:28 (the Living Bible).

- If you are born-again, and you are sincere and genuine in your commitment to God, and the communion with Him; things will work out for you according to God's plan—election (Romans 8:28).

- God destined you for good and greatness, If you are born-again; although the levels of individual's glory differs.

- We may all be Christians, children of God through Christ, but different levels of Glory:

40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; BUT THE GLORY OF THE CELESTIAL IS ONE, AND THE GLORY OF THE TERRESTRIAL IS ANOTHER. 41 THERE is one glory of the SUN, another glory of the MOON, and another glory of the STARS; FOR ONE STAR DIFFERS FROM ANOTHER STAR IN GLORY" (1 Corinthians 15:40,41 NKJV).

- Do not compare your Glory with that of another. No Glory is superior to the other. And there is no inferior Glory! Individual's Glory is according to the assignment, God's purpose, for the person's life.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not planted in your life by God, that is working against your health, such is rooted up in Jesus' name.

- You live in health as from now onwards in Jesus' name.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. Ask that He will write your name in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Prayer for Restoration

Turn us back, O Jehovah, to thee, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. — Lamentations 5:21 | Smith's Literal Translation (SMITH) The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments; Translated Literally From The Original Tongues by Julia E. Smith. Cross References: Psalm 80:3; Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 31:18-19; Hosea 14:1-2; Joel 2:12-13; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7

Read full chapter

Thoughts on Today's Verse When these words were first spoken, the prophet and his people were focused on God's restoration of Israel back to their place in Judea, their prominence in the world of nations, their beauty in daily life, and their worship and security in the Temple of the Lord. From our vantage point, this prayer can be our prayer as well. Restoration can mean Christ's return, which brings us home to God. On that day, every barrier standing between God and us will fall. Our mortality will be swallowed up in victory. We will see God face to face and walk with him in the cool of the day as his perfect children. Maranatha — O Lord come (1 Corinthians 16:22-24 NRSV). And may that day come soon!

The Thoughts on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

[bojackson54]

Unbelievable! The Woman Who Believed in a Preposterous Message

Almost every Christmas pageant contains the Angel’s appearance to Mary. Luke’s narrative about Mary’s conversation with Gabriel described her reaction to some pretty unbelievable news. If you think about it, there is much to learn from Mary’s response to God’s messenger. (And BTW, the Greek word for angel is anggelos, or messenger—simply put, a courier who brings a message, or a word from someone…

[apocrypals]

Previously, on Apocrypals part 5: The Fifth One

As we begin our sixth (!) calendar year of Apocrypals, here is a list of the texts we have covered so far on the show in case you want to read along or catch up. They’re arranged in a way that appeases my systematic nature.  

Tanakh/Old Testament:

Genesis (episodes 16-20)

Exodus (episodes 33 and 35)

Leviticus (episode 59)

Numbers (episode 62)

Deuteronomy (episode 65)

Joshua (episode 73)

Judges (episode 80)

Ruth (episode 45)

1 Samuel (episode 89)

2 Samuel (episode 90-91)

1 Kings (episode 99)

2 Kings (episode 106)

Esther (episode 37)

Job (episode 101)

Ecclesiastes (episode 52)

Song of Songs (episode 34)

Isaiah (episode 4)

Jeremiah (episode 43-44)

Lamentations (episode 48)

Ezekiel (episode 55-56)

Daniel (episode 2)

Hosea (episode 108)

Jonah (episode 31)

Micah (episode 74)

Nahum (episode 74)

Deuterocanon/capital-A Apocrypha:

Tobit (episode 13)

Judith (episode 22)

Greek Additions to Esther (episode 37)

1 Maccabees (episode 27)

2 Maccabees (episode 28)

3 Maccabees (episode 53)

4 Maccabees (episode 78)

The Prayer of Azariah aka the Song of the Three Holy Children (episode 2)

Susanna (episode 2)

Bel and the Dragon (episode 2)

The Prayer of Manasseh (episode 6)

New Testament:

Matthew (episodes 8-9)

Mark (episode 7)

Luke (episode 10)

John (episode 11-12)

Acts of the Apostles (episode 1)

Romans (episode 5)

1 Corinthians (episode 25)

2 Corinthians (episode 42)

Galatians (episode 72)

Ephesians (episode 81)

Hebrews (episode 104)

1 John (episode 49)

2 John (episode 49)

3 John (episode 49)

Revelation (episode 50)

Pseudepigrapha (Jewish apocrypha):

The Testament of Solomon (episode 24)

The Story of Ahikar (episode 14)

The Ascension of Isaiah (episode 6)

1 Enoch (episode 39-40)

2 Enoch (episode 61)

3 Enoch (episode 86-87)

Jubilees (episodes 82 and 83)

The Letter of Aristeas (episode 70)

The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (episode 71)

Joseph and Aseneth (episode 93)

New Testament apocrypha:

The Protevangelium aka Infancy Gospel of James (episode 29)

The Acts of Pilate/Gospel of Nicodemus (episode 23)

Mors Pilati/Death of Pilate (episode 23)

The Acts of Paul and Thecla (episode 22)

The Acts of Peter (episode 3)

The Acts of Peter and Paul (episode 3)

The Acts of Andrew and Matthias (episode 60)

The Acts of Thomas and His Wonderworking Skin (episode 66)

The Life of Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca (episode 57)

Questions of Bartholomew (episode 41)

Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Bartholomew (episode 41)

The Book of Bartholomew (episode 67)

Acts of John (episode 46)

The Acts of Andrew (episode 97)

Syriac Infancy Gospel (episode 47)

Infancy Gospel of Thomas (episode 54)

Infancy Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (episode 79)

The Adoration of the Magi (2020 Christmas bonus episode)

The History of Joseph the Carpenter (episode 103)

The First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Second Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Third Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Apocalypse of Peter (episode 75)

The Apocalypse of Paul (episode 95)

The Gospel of Philip (episode 92)

The Gospel of Mary (episode 92)

The Gospel of Jesus’s Wife (episode 92)

The Gospel of Judas (episode 100)

The Greater Questions of Mary (episode Secret 69)

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine:

The Life of Saint Nicholas (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Lucy (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Christopher (episode 15)

The Life of Saint Benedict (episode 15)

excerpts from The Passion of the Lord (episode 23)

The Life of Saint Sebastian (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Blaise (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Agatha (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Roch (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Barbara (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Dunstan (episode 85)

The Life of Mary Magdalene (episode 94)

The Life of Saint Martha of Bethany (episode 102)

The Life of Saint Margaret of Antioch (episode 102)

Other:

Historia Trium Regum/The Legend of the Three Kings by John of Hildesheim (episode 30)

Muirchu’s Life of Saint Patrick (episode 36)

The Life of Saint Guinefort (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Pelagia (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Martin by Sulpicius Severus (episode 76)

The Life of Saint Columba (episode 84)

The Life of Saint Wilgefortis (episode 94)

Lives of cephalophoric saints (bonus episode cephalo4)

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 96)

More stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 107)

Solomon and Ashmedai (bonus episode double chai)

Listener questions (episode 32)

Bible trivia questions (episode 38)

Halloween-themed Chick tracts (episode 51)

Christmas-themed Chick tracts (episode 98)

Bible Adventures and the Wisdom Tree catalogue of video games (episode 64)

The Da Vinci Code, the movie (episode 88)

Guess the Bible character from Persona 5 (bonus episode Persona 5)

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (episode 105)

You can find links to all these episodes with show notes and more on the Apocrypals wiki

[albertfinch]

PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

That they will know Christ as Savior early in life.

      Psalm 63:1, Timothy 3:15

That they will have a hatred for sin. Psalm 97:10

That they will be caught when guilty. Psalm 119:71

That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives: spiritual, emotional, physical. John 17:15

That they will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships.

      Daniel 6:3

That they will respect those in authority over them. Romans 13:1

That they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong

      friends.  Proverbs 1:10-11

That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one.

      2 Corinthians 6:14-17

That they, as well as those they marry, will be kept pure until marriage.

      1 Corinthians 6:18-20

That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances. James 4:7

That they will be singlehearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ.

      Romans 12:1-2

That they will be hedged in so that they cannot find their way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to them. Hosea 2:6

            QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF:

What am I willing to do to affect the spiritual destiny of my children?

Am I willing to pray the above verses over my children every day?

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[shammah8]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

                                           MONDAY 11

THE LEGALITIES OF INTERCESSION

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📖 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified (Isaiah 43:26).

Pastor Chris Says

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When we pray, especially in intercession, it's crucial to understand the legalities involved. Intercession requires a deep comprehension of these legalities because it's an argumentative prayer, where you present your case, make your claims, and provide the legal reasons for your requests.

Intercession is different from the prayer of faith, although it still requires faith. The prayer of faith is often a single declaration, a one-time statement where you believe and receive, trusting that it is done. However, intercession frequently requires importunity, earnestness, and fervency in prayer because it involves standing in the gap for others. Without such intensity and persistence in intercession, things could go awry for those you're praying for.

In intercession, you're taking a stand between God and the person or people you're praying for. You step in on their behalf, presenting your case before God and explaining why what you're asking for should be done for them. This is why it's important to be clear about your legal position and claims when interceding. This is much more than just asking God for something; it's about understanding the authority you've been given and using it effectively to argue your case.

So learn to stand in the gap and bring the needs of others before God in prayer. Study God's Word intensely to know it intimately so you can use the Word to plead your case effectively. Remember what He said in Isaiah 41:21, "Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob." Then in Chapter 43 verse 26, He said, "Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." Our confidence that He hears and grants our intercessions is on the basis of His Word. Blessed be God!

         🙏 P R A Y E R

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Righteous Father, I thank you for the privilege of intercession, where I can stand in the gap for others to fervently plead their case in accordance to your Word. Thank you for the authority you've given to me in Christ to establish your will on earth and in the lives of people everywhere, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

       📖 FURTHER STUDY:

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James 5:16-18 AMPC;  Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

[17]  Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months.

18]  And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. 

1 Timothy 2:1-6;  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

[2] for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[4] who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

[6] who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 

Hosea 14:2; Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.