#How powerful is Psalms 23?

[jesuslivesinyou]

కీర్తనలు 23: గొర్రెల కాపరి యొక్క మార్గదర్శక హస్తం

23 కీర్తనల గురి౦చి ఆలోచి౦చడ౦, పర్వత ప్రస౦గాన్ని విమర్శనాత్మక౦గా సమీక్షి౦చడానికి ప్రయత్ని౦చడ౦ లాంటిదే! చాలా మంది రచయితలు ఈ అందమైన రచన గురించి విస్తృతంగా రాశారు, నిస్సారంగా అనిపించకుండా జాగ్రత్త అవసరం. కోట్లాదిమందికి, దావీదు యొక్క ఈ కీర్తనలు ముత్యముగా ఉ౦టుంది.

కీర్తన 23 గురి౦చిన ఆశ్చర్యకరమైన విషయమేమిట౦టే, అందులో కేవలం ఆరు వచనాలు మాత్రమే ఉన్నాయి. అయినా, ఆ ఆరు చిన్న వచనాలు ప్రభావం ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా కనిపించింది. 23వ కీర్తన అనేక శతాబ్దాలుగా అలసిపోయిన ఆత్మలకు విశ్రాంతినిచ్చి౦ది, మానవుని రచనలేవీ సరిపోలలేవనే ఆశా సందేశాన్ని అది అ౦ది౦చి౦ది.

యేసుక్రీస్తు మంచి కాపరి అని పిలువబడ్డాడు. ఆయన తన అనేక ఉపమానాల్లో తన పోలికను ఉపయోగించాడు. యోహాను 10:11 లో యేసు ఇలా అన్నాడు, "నేను మంచి కాపరిని. మంచి గొర్రెల కాపరి గొర్రెల కోసం ప్రాణత్యాగం చేస్తాడు." యేసు యోహాను 10:14 లో కూడా చెప్పాడు, "నేను మంచి గొర్రెల కాపరిని; నా గొర్రెలు నాకు తెలుసు, నా గొర్రెలకి నేను తెలుసు." క్రైస్తవులకు యేసుక్రీస్తు మంచి కాపరి. ఆయనతో కలిసిన వారు ఆయనకు తెలుసు, ఎందుకంటే ఒక సంబంధం ఉంది. ఆ బంధం ప్రేమ మీద ఆధారపడి ఉంటుంది. దేవుని ప్రేమ ప్రజలందరికీ రక్షణ మార్గాన్ని తెరిచింది.

కీర్తన 23 యేసుక్రీస్తును ఇలా సూచిస్తుంది మంచి గొర్రెల కాపరి, ఆయన తన శిష్యుల కోస౦ చేసే పనిని కూడా అది వర్ణిస్తు౦ది. గొర్రెల కాపరి తన మందను సంరక్షిస్తాడు మరియు పెంచుతాడు. విశ్వాసము, పశ్చాత్తాపము, ఒప్పుకోలు, బాప్తిస్మము ద్వారా యేసుక్రీస్తుతో కలిసిన వారికి అదే జరుగుతుంది. అందులో ప్రధానమైనది ప్రేమ. పాత నిబంధన లేఖనాల్లో విధేయత, తీర్పుకు ప్రాధాన్యమిచ్చారు. క్రొత్త నిబంధన లేఖనాల్లో విధేయత మరియు తీర్పు సూత్రాలు కూడా ఉన్నాయి; కానీ వాటితో యేసుక్రీస్తు ద్వారా దేవుని గొప్ప ప్రేమ, క్రీస్తులో ఉన్నవారు ఆస్వాదించగల ఆశీర్వాదాలు జతచేయబడతాయి.

క్రైస్తవులు క్రీస్తులోని పరలోక ప్రదేశాలలో ప్రతి ఆధ్యాత్మిక ఆశీర్వాదాన్ని పొందుతారని పౌలు వ్రాశాడు. క్రీస్తు యేసుకు వెలుపల ఉన్నవారు పోయారు. గొర్రెల కాపరి, రక్షణ లేని గొర్రెను మించిన నిస్సహాయత మరొకటి లేదు. కోల్పోయిన గొర్రెలు తోడేళ్ళు మరియు ఇతర జంతువులకు సులభమైన వేట. వారు సులభంగా చిక్కుకుంటారు మరియు వారు తమను తాము చూసుకోలేరు. గొర్రెల కాపరి లేని గొర్రెలు నశిస్తాయి, యేసు క్రీస్తు లేని ప్రజలు కూడా నశిస్తారు.

కానీ క్రీస్తులో ఉన్నవారికి మంచి కాపరి ఉన్నాడు. ఆయన వల్ల విశ్రాంతి, పోషణ, మార్గదర్శకత్వం లభిస్తాయన్న వా��్దానం ఉంది. ఒక క్రైస్తవుడు జీవిత ప్రమాదాలను ఎదుర్కొన్నప్పుడు, అతడు లేదా ఆమె ఇలా అనగలరు, "నేను ఏ అపాయమునకు భయపడను, ఎందుకంటే మీరు నాతో ఉన్నారు; నీ దుడ్డుకర్రయు, నీ దండమును నన్ను ఆదరించును."

4వ వచనములో, "మరణపు నీడ లోయ" నేరుగా భౌతిక మరణ సమయాన్ని సూచించదు. 4వ వచనము నేటి జీవితంపై మరింత ప్రత్యక్ష ప్రభావాన్ని చూపుతుంది. "మరణపు నీడ లోయ", లేదా "చీకటి లోయ" అనేది ఈ జీవితపు అనుభవాలు తీవ్రమైన దుఃఖం, బాధ మరియు బాధకు దారితీసే సమయం. ఆత్మ వేదన భారంలో గుండె పగిలిపోయేలా చేస్తుంది.

చిత్రాలు చాలా స్పష్టంగా ఉన్నాయి! ఒక వ్యక్తి చీకటి మరియు ప్రమాదకరమైన ప్రదేశానికి దారితీసే మార్గంలో నడుస్తున్నాడు. చీకట్లో శత్రువు సమీపించడాన్ని చూడలేం. నీడలో, తదుపరి మలుపు చుట్టూ ఒక దాడి సిద్ధంగా ఉందో లేదో మీకు తెలియదు. ఒంటరిగా ఉన్న వ్యక్తికి ఎంత భయానక ప్రదేశం? కానీ క్రీస్తులో, ఒక వ్యక్తి ఒంటరిగా లేడు! అడుగడుగునా దేవుని బిడ్డ చెడు నుండి రక్షింపబడతాడు. సమస్యలు వచ్చినప్పుడు, పరిష్కారం లేనప్పుడు, నిరాశ అంచున వణుకుతున్నప్పుడు ఈ మాటలు గుర్తుంచుకోవాలి! మేము ఎప్పుడూ ఒంటరిగా లేము! ప్రభువును నమ్మండి!

ప్రేరేపిత దేవుని వాక్య౦ ఎల్లప్పుడూ జీవిత౦లో పరీక్షలు జరుగుతాయనే సత్యాన్ని చెబుతో౦ది. కానీ 5వ వచన౦ దేవుడు తన ప్రజలను - తన పిల్లలను జాగ్రత్తగా చూసుకుంటాడని మళ్ళీ నొక్కి చెబుతో౦ది. "నా శత్రువుల యెదుట నీవు నాకు భోజనము సిద్ధపరచుదువు. నూనెతో నా తల అంటియున్నావు. నా గిన్నె నిండి పొర్లుచున్నది."

పిల్లలు తమ శారీరక అవసరాలను తీర్చడానికి వారి తల్లిదండ్రుల వైపు చూస్తారు. ప్రేమగల తల్లిద౦డ్రులు తమ పిల్లలకు ఆశ్రయ౦, ఆహార౦, భద్రతను ఇవ్వడానికి ప్రయత్నిస్తారు. అదే విధ౦గా, దేవుడు తన పిల్లలను పోషించడానికి ప్రయత్ని౦చడమే కాదు, నెరవేరుస్తాడు. కొన్నిసార్లు భౌతిక౦గా, కానీ ఎల్లప్పుడూ ఆధ్యాత్మిక౦గా యెహోవా మనకు ఓదార్పును, పోషణను, శత్రువుల ను౦డి రక్షణను ఇస్తాడు.

చివరి వచనము ఈ కీర్తన దానిని వెల్లడిస్తుంది కిరీటం ధరించిన ఆభరణo: "నిశ్చయంగా మంచితనం మరియు కరుణ నా జీవిత కాలమంతా నన్ను అనుసరిస్తాయి మరియు నేను ఎల్లప్పుడూ ప్రభువు మందిరములో నివసిస్తాను." ఈ శక్తివంతమైన ప్రకటన ఈ రెండింటినీ ప్రతిబింబిస్తుంది. ప్రస్తుత సహాయం మరియు and శాశ్వతత్వం కోసం ఆశ—మన లోతైన అవసరాలను తీర్చే లోతైన కలయిక. దేవుని వర్ణనాతీతమైన వరానికి కృతజ్ఞతలు – మన ప్రభువైన యేసుక్రీస్తు!

[walkswithmyfather]

“The Power Of Forgiveness...”

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." [Psalm 86:5].

“Jesus made it clear that forgiveness is powerful.

He said, "If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).

Later, in answering Peter, Christ told of how often we should forgive: "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (18:22; see 21-35).

And on the cross, Jesus demonstrated godly forgiveness when He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (LUKE 23:34).

Forgiveness at its fullest can be realized when both parties move toward healing and reconciliation. And while it doesn't remove the effects of harm done or the need to be discerning in how to address painful or unhealthy relationships, it can lead to restore ones - testifying to God's love and power. Let's look for ways to "extend forgiveness" for His honour.

"Forgiving Father, please help us to reach out to those who need us to forgive them as a testimony of Your power and love." Amen!”🙏

From: “Walk with God” (FB)

[thomastanker02]

GODS LOVE FOR HUMANITY (part 3):

Ephesians 3:17-19, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”

Romans 5:5, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”

Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”

Psalm 103:11, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him”

Zechariah 2:8, “For thus says the LORD of hosts: After the glory, He sent me to the nations which plunder you; for he that touches you touches the apple of His eye”

John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”

Psalm 136:26, “Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever”

God bless, Jesus loves you ✝️❤️

[thewordfortheday]

“For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12).

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, Proverbs 6:23

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me." Martin Luther

Read the Word of God (the Bible), everyday, the Lord will speak to you, guide you and counsel you. Be blessed!

[vivicantstudy]

Why We Must Care for God’s

Sacred Creatures

What do God and the Bible say about animals?

Animals are a vital part of God’s creation, each one playing a unique role in the world around us. No matter which animal it is—small or big, dangerous or gentle—we are called to treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. The Bible teaches us that we must never mistreat them, recognizing their value as part of God’s divine plan. By caring for animals, we honor the Creator and reflect His love in the world.

1. Animals in Heaven and Earth:

1. Isaiah 11:6-9

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

• This passage paints a picture of harmony among all creatures in God’s kingdom, suggesting that animals are part of His eternal plan.

2. Revelation 5:13

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!’”

• This verse illustrates that all creatures, including animals, give glory to God, both in heaven and on earth.

3. Psalm 36:6

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”

• This verse shows God’s care for all His creation, humans and animals alike.

2. Animals as Miracles of Creation:

4. Genesis 1:24-25

“And God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.’ And it was so.”

• Animals are part of God’s intentional creation, reflecting His creativity and power.

5. Job 12:7-10

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”

• Animals are presented as witnesses to God’s greatness and as teachers of divine wisdom.

6. Psalm 104:24-25

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small.”

• This passage celebrates the diversity and wonder of animal life as part of God’s creation.

3. How We Are Supposed to Treat Animals:

7. Proverbs 12:10

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

• This verse encourages kindness and responsibility toward animals.

8. Deuteronomy 22:6-7

“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.”

• A command to show compassion and preserve life, even for birds.

9. Exodus 23:12

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.”

• Animals, like humans, are given the blessing of rest, showing their value in God’s eyes.

10. Psalm 145:9

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

• God’s compassion extends to every creature, reminding us to follow His example.

11. Matthew 10:29

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

• Even the smallest and seemingly insignificant animals are under God’s watchful care.

Let us remember that every animal, no matter its size or nature, deserves our care and reverence, for they are part of God’s miraculous creation. When you hurt animals or ignore their suffering, you are disregarding the love and care God has commanded us to show towards all of His creations. The Bible teaches us that cruelty to animals is not only a failure of compassion but also a violation of the divine stewardship entrusted to us. Each time we mistreat an animal, we fail to honor the Creator who placed them in our world. Our actions, whether out of neglect or cruelty, diminish the beauty and purpose of God’s creation, and we lose the opportunity to reflect His love and kindness. It is through our care for animals that we live out the true nature of God’s love—one that extends to all living beings, great and small.

[eternal-echoes]

“We can try to limit suffering, to fight against it, but we cannot eliminate it. It is when we attempt to avoid suffering by withdrawing from anything that might involve hurt, when we try to spare ourselves the effort and pain of pursuing truth, love, and goodness, that we drift into a life of emptiness, in which there may be almost no pain, but the dark sensation of meaninglessness and abandonment is all the greater. It is not by sidestepping or fleeing from suffering that we are healed, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love. In this context, I would like to quote a passage from a letter written by the Vietnamese martyr Paul Le-Bao-Tinh († 1857) which illustrates this transformation of suffering through the power of hope springing from faith. “I, Paul, in chains for the name of Christ, wish to relate to you the trials besetting me daily, in order that you may be inflamed with love for God and join with me in his praises, for his mercy is for ever (Ps 136 [135]). The prison here is a true image of everlasting Hell: to cruel tortures of every kind—shackles, iron chains, manacles—are added hatred, vengeance, calumnies, obscene speech, quarrels, evil acts, swearing, curses, as well as anguish and grief. But the God who once freed the three children from the fiery furnace is with me always; he has delivered me from these tribulations and made them sweet, for his mercy is for ever. In the midst of these torments, which usually terrify others, I am, by the grace of God, full of joy and gladness, because I am not alone —Christ is with me ... How am I to bear with the spectacle, as each day I see emperors, mandarins, and their retinue blaspheming your holy name, O Lord, who are enthroned above the Cherubim and Seraphim? (cf. Ps 80:1 [79:2]). Behold, the pagans have trodden your Cross underfoot! Where is your glory? As I see all this, I would, in the ardent love I have for you, prefer to be torn limb from limb and to die as a witness to your love. O Lord, show your power, save me, sustain me, that in my infirmity your power may be shown and may be glorified before the nations ... Beloved brothers, as you hear all these things may you give endless thanks in joy to God, from whom every good proceeds; bless the Lord with me, for his mercy is for ever ... I write these things to you in order that your faith and mine may be united. In the midst of this storm I cast my anchor towards the throne of God, the anchor that is the lively hope in my heart”[28]. This is a letter from “Hell”. It lays bare all the horror of a concentration camp, where to the torments inflicted by tyrants upon their victims is added the outbreak of evil in the victims themselves, such that they in turn become further instruments of their persecutors' cruelty. This is indeed a letter from Hell, but it also reveals the truth of the Psalm text: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I sink to the nether world, you are present there ... If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light' —for you darkness itself is not dark, and night shines as the day; darkness and light are the same” (Ps 139 [138]:8-12; cf. also Ps 23 [22]:4). Christ descended into “Hell” and is therefore close to those cast into it, transforming their darkness into light. Suffering and torment is still terrible and well- nigh unbearable. Yet the star of hope has risen—the anchor of the heart reaches the very throne of God. Instead of evil being unleashed within man, the light shines victorious: suffering—without ceasing to be suffering—becomes, despite everything, a hymn of praise.”

-Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi

[hiswordsarekisses]

Being Born of God...

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Today I would like to consider an important passage of Scripture that speaks about how we are forever changed by God's grace, mercy, and power.

It is written that “all who receive Yeshua, who believe in his name, are given the right to become the children of God, and are born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

These precious words, written in the prologue of the Gospel of John, are inestimably important for us, for they explain what it means to be a child of God (ילד יהוה), one who is “begotten” by the Father, and therefore they help us discern whether we belong to him or not... Let’s take some time to think about some of this.

First there is an implied distinction between those who “receive” him, namely Yeshua, and those who do not. This indicates, among other things, that God is not the universal father of all people, irrespective of creed or faith, but is rather the Father of those who receive the truth of Yeshua and believe in his name. There are many, Yeshua said, who do not know the truth of the Father, and therefore they are not regenerated or born from above.

Second it must be noted that “receiving” Yeshua is not the same thing as simply saying or acknowledging that he is the Savior and Lord. “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness' (Matt. 7:21-23). We must be unflinching as we consider this and all its ramifications. Yeshua warned us that there will be “many” who will assume that “all is well” with their soul only to be shocked to realize that they never were “known” by the Lord.

In this connection, consider that the Greek text translated “received him” (ἔλαβον αὐτόν) uses an active verb, not a passive form. In other words, “receiving him” means deliberately taking hold of Yeshua by faith, not merely accepting that he is who he says he is. It’s entirely possible to believe that he is who he says he is, that is, to accept it as true, without receiving him in a spiritually significant way. Actively taking hold of Yeshua and clinging to him is the “narrow way” that leads to life, but simply regarding him as a great teacher while living life on your own terms is the “broad way” that deceives the soul and leads to destruction... Yeshua does not give us the option to be “neutral” with regard to our relationship with him. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” You cannot both have Yeshua and live life your own way.

Parenthetically, someone might wonder why making an earnest decision to “receive” Yeshua is essential to salvation. Is he really the only way? And why does it matter to God what people believe? Is he intolerant of others? The question behind these sorts of questions is whether knowing the truth is possible and if so, why that matters. The Scriptures state that God has given us intuitive awareness that he exists and that we are accountable for our actions. “For the invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). God has created each soul with “eternity within the heart,” that is, a sense that God is their creator and the first cause of all that exists (Eccl. 3:11). “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech or words where their God’s voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3). Paul reasons that because of these things everyone has heard the truth of God resounding within their hearts and souls.

In questions of moral reality it is also clear that truth matters. The moral law has been written upon the hearts and consciences of all people (Rom. 2:14-15). We do not need someone to teach us that stealing is wrong, lying is wrong, torturing others is wrong, and so on. Such moral axioms are intuitively known and universally observed. Regarding matters of spiritual truth, the same logic applies in direct proportion to its significance for both our lives and because of the immense importance of the matter to God himself. After all, if it is indeed the truth that the sacrifice of Yeshua is the central act healing for all of humanity, that it is the pivot upon which the very possibility of the re-creation of the universe itself depends, then honoring this and receiving the promise of God in Yeshua is the most significant and prodigious decision you will ever make in this life.

But why faith? Why is it so important to believe? Why does our eternal destiny depend on its presence or absence within our hearts? Because the original transgression of Adam and Eve was that of unbelief, as I’ve written about elsewhere, and therefore repentance turns on the obedience of faith, that is, by trusting the word of God and accepting his rightful authority in our lives. Sanctification means, among other things, relinquishing the transgression of defining what is good and what is evil in our own terms by submitting ourselves to God’s blessing given in the Tree of Life recovered by the Son of Man, Yeshua our “Second Adam” who overcame the lies of the serpent... We are saved by grace through faith in Him. It is not our faith that saves us but his grace; our faith is the means by which we connect with him.

Those who resolutely receive Yeshua, that is, those who “believe in his name” (להאמין בשמו) are given the “right” to become the children of God. But notice that believing in his name is exclusionary in scope, meaning that it is in his name alone that salvation and life is bestowed from above. “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12); “I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no Savior” (Isa. 43:11); "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' (Isa. 45:22-23). Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Yeshua is none other than the LORD God our Savior, to the glory of God our Father (Phil. 2:9-11; Rom. 14:11). There is only one way to be made right with God, and that is through Yeshua.

This of course implies not only that God was “in Christ” but that Christ is in God, and that we receive Yeshua as the Divine Word and Lord over all, the Son of Man who is seated at the right hand of glory. Yeshua, and Yeshua alone, is “the way and the truth and the life,” apart from him no one can know the heart of the Father (John 14:6). Indeed, the author of the Book of Hebrews says that though God spoke in times past by means of the prophets, but now he speaks to us “in Son,” that is, in the language of the redemption in Messiah. Yeshua is the manifestation and message of all that God has to say to us regarding eternal life. He is the “brightness of God’s glory,” the “express image of God” who upholds all things by the word of His power, the one who purges us from our sins, is raised from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Heb. 1:1-3). Note that the idiom of being “at the right hand” of God indicates that the “humanity” of Yeshua has been exalted as our eternal Mediator and Priest as well as the exalted ruler over all.

To “believe in his name” (εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτου), then, means to receive who he is, and this entails the whole story of redemption, from the primordial beginning of God as YHVH who breathed out life to man, the original transgression that evoked the divine judgment; the sacrifice of the lamb with the promise of the coming Redeemer who would undo the curse of spiritual death, and so on. The story further includes the call of Abraham and the promise that his Seed would be the redeemer to come and the subsequent odyssey of Abraham’s descendants would serve as a parable of God’s deliverance as illustrated by the exodus from Egypt. The giving of the law at Sinai and the vision and of the Sanctuary foretold the need for atonement as the blood was presented over the law of God, a vision of the sacrifice of the Seed upon the cross at Calvary. To receive who he is means that we take hold of his blessing for our life and understand that the story of redemption includes us as well.

The “right” to become (or to be) a child of God is the bestowal of life granted by God’s prerogative and agency that implants the “seed” or “divine nature” within you so that you are mysteriously transformed into a “new creation” (בְּרִיאָה חֲדָשָׁה), that is, made into a new kind of being that has been “begotten” or “fathered” by God. King David praised God that he was “fearfully and wonderfully made,” though he anticipated the need for something more when he asked God to create in him a new heart (Psalm 51:10). Likewise the prophets foresaw the need for a new heart and spirit that God would one day bestow (Ezek. 11:9, 36:26; Jer. 24:7, 31:33). But the important point is that the new birth is exclusively the work of God, not a work of religion or spiritual aspiration. It is an “invisible” birth that comes from above (John 3:1-5). As the apostle put it: "You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding Word of God" (1 Pet. 1:23).

This implies that God alone chooses who will be his children, and while this may offend human pride that wants to arbitrate the decision, there can be no serious question that the Almighty, the source of all truth and justice, is “unfair” about the election of those who belong to him. By definition it must be affirmed that God alone saves and gives life, and that salvation is not the result of human wisdom, religiosity, or even good will. After all, if mankind could heal itself there would be no need for a Savior in the first place...

Only God saves a person and imparts divine life to them. John makes this very clear in the verse we are considering by unmistakably ascribing this power to God alone. He eliminates the other options. Saved souls are “not born of blood” (οὐκ ἐξ αἱμάτων), that is, not by bloodlines or special ancestry, nor are they born of “the will of the flesh” (οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος σαρκός), that is, by natural instinct as by human procreation, nor are they born of “the will of mankind” (οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος ἀνδρός), that is, by the choice or science of human beings, but, concludes John, they are born by God alone (ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ θεοῦ ἐγεννήθησαν).

The Lord alone gives the right or “authority” for someone to be his or her child. It does not come from our history, our reputation, our intelligence, our genetics, or even our will, but from God alone. The Greek word for “right” or “authority” in this verse is eksousia (ἐξουσία), which literally means “out of” or “from” being itself, implying that this is a supernatural bestowal of grace from the LORD whose inscrutable name evokes being itself (אֶהְיֶה). As Yeshua said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). This is the truth of the gospel which is “the power of God (δύναμις θεου) unto salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). It is this power that “translates” the essence of our being so that we become a “new creation” forever. We are made partakers of the sacred brotherhood (and sisterhood) of the redeemed, with Yeshua himself as our great King. We shall see him “as he is,” and transformed into his glorious image forever.

Here is the “good news” of the gospel: To all who receive him, to those who are drawn to him, who seek and desire him above all else, God imparts life from above that will transform them forever. The “sign” of being a reborn soul is the desire to take hold of Yeshua at all cost, to lay down your life as you celebrate him as the greatest blessing of your life...

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Addendum

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Allow me to reflect a bit more about this vital subject with you... There are two essential relationships we always have, two relationships that will be with us forever. The first is our relationship with ourselves, the “inner dialog” that negotiates the impulses and thoughts that arise within our souls, and the second is our relationship with God, and these are profoundly connected. If we are born from above, the nature of who we are is transformed and we know God as our Father, and therefore we know ourselves as his child. It the Voice of the Father that mediates who we are to ourselves and establishes our being. If we are not born from above, however, we will not know God as our Father or ourselves as his child but will relate to him as the Judge and who will consign us to eternal despair...

Because there is no such thing as a “person” apart from relationship, we cannot truly know ourselves apart from God, who mediates his love in Yeshua. This is a further aspect of knowing “his name,” that is, who he is to us and who we are to him. This is why Yeshua called God “Father” or “Abba,” for this is his name known in intimacy as his child, as one conceived and born of him. On the other hand, if we do not truly know God, we will be left trapped within our own inner dialog, with weeping and gnashing of teeth. We will be in exile from what establishes and grounds who we are, and therefore we will never know rest... A divided house cannot stand.

The idea of being a “child” (τέκνον) connotes affection and intimacy that comes from trust and dependency. We are “children of God” as we cry out to our Father for help or for comfort. The new life from above understands God to be its source and end. God created this new life to be in relationship with him, so that his child would know the love and kindness of his Father.

You may feel like you are the same person you’ve always been; you may have memories connected with your former life, but if you are truly God’s child you are given a new heart and soul, a deeper or “true self” that is the offspring of God’s life within you. This is the “spiritual man,” the hidden life of Christ within, as opposed to the former “life of the flesh” that retains its hold on the old Adamic nature.

Part of our “education for eternity” is learning how to “mortify” the flesh with its affections and lusts and to walk as God’s children - set free from the control of the lower nature. This means, however, that there is a struggle within us, an inner conflict deep within, in which we are refined by testing to live as we have been redeemed to be -- rather than identifying ourselves as victims of circumstances and carnal passions. As we surrender more and more to the Lord, knowing ourselves as his beloved child, we will walk in victory over slavery to our past.

Of course a lot more may be said on this topic, but what a glorious trip! What a journey we are on as God’s children. Like the Israelites who were once bound and lost to the world, enslaved to dark powers, the Lord breaks through and redeems his children. It was the blood of the Passover lamb that was offered that set the people free, just as it was the blood of Yeshua that was offered that sets us free. The life is in the blood, and the blood of God was given to be the means of our regeneration.

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[ Hebrew for Christians ]

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[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Prayer for Help Of David.

1 Lord, battle with those who battle with me. Fight against those who fight against me. 2 Pick up the shield and armor. Rise up and help me. 3 Lift up your spears, both large and small, against those who chase me. Tell me, “I will save you.”

4 Make those who want to kill me be ashamed and disgraced. Make those who plan to harm me turn back and run away. 5 Make them like chaff blown by the wind. Let the angel of the Lord chase them away. 6 Let their road be dark and slippery as the angel of the Lord chases them. 7 For no reason they spread out their net to trap me. For no reason they dug a pit for me. 8 So let ruin strike them suddenly. Let them be caught in their own nets. Let them fall into the pit and die. 9 Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be happy when he saves me. 10 Even my bones will say, “Lord, who is like you? You save the weak from the strong. You save the weak and poor from robbers.”

11 Men without mercy stand up to testify. They ask me things I do not know. 12 They repay me with evil for the good I have done. They make me very sad. 13 Yet when they were sick, I put on rough cloth to show my sadness. I showed my sorrow by going without food. But my prayers were not answered. 14 I acted as if they were my friends or brothers. I bowed in sadness as if I were crying for my mother. 15 But when I was in trouble, they gathered and laughed. They gathered to attack before I knew it. They insulted me without stopping. 16 They made fun of me and were cruel to me. They ground their teeth at me in anger.

17 Lord, how long will you watch this happen? Save my life from their attacks. Save me from these people who are like lions. 18 I will praise you in the great meeting. I will praise you among crowds of people. 19 Do not let my enemies laugh at me. They hate me for no reason. Do not let them make fun of me. They have no reason to hate me. 20 Their words are not friendly. They think up lies about peace-loving people. 21 They speak against me. They say, “Aha! We saw what you did!”

22 Lord, you have been watching. Do not keep quiet. Lord, do not leave me alone. 23 Wake up! Come and defend me! My God and Lord, fight for me! 24 Lord my God, defend me with your justice. Don’t let them laugh at me. 25 Don’t let them think, “Aha! We got what we wanted!” Don’t let them say, “We destroyed him.” 26 Let them be ashamed and embarrassed. They were happy when I hurt. Cover them with shame and disgrace. They thought they were better than I was. 27 May my friends sing and shout for joy. May they always say, “Praise the greatness of the Lord. He loves to see his servants do well.” 28 I will tell of your goodness. I will praise you every day. — Psalm 35 | International Children’s Bible (ICB) The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Cross References: Genesis 30:6; Exodus 3:7; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 23:1; 1 Samuel 24:15; Job 16:10; Job 21:18; Job 30:25; Psalm 3:8; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 9:5; Psalm 13:1; Psalm 22:13; Psalm 22:22; Psalm 38:12; Psalm 44:26; Psalm 55:21; Psalm 56:1; psalm 71:8; Psalm 73:18; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 147:11; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 10:13; Luke 1:47; John 10:32; John 15:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Notes: Psalm 35 is a powerful plea for vindication and deliverance from enemies, expressing his suffering and calling on God to judge those who persecute him, while also promising praise to God for his deliverance.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Search Me O Lord

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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Psalm 88:1 Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ 2 Corinthians 3:16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

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SUBJECT: Search Me O Lord

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM SEARCHED BY GOD

I AM FREE

I AM TRANSFORMED

I AM KIND

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READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 16 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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   When we are in a sinful lifestyle, we are behind the veil. That veil can't be removed until we are walking in the light of the lord  Many of us don’t believe we are behind a veil  Still, we are;  this veil is there because we are walking in sin, sin is what separates us from God, and when we are separated from God, we can't see the truth we might think we can  Still, we can’t, the most powerful thing we experienced is the power for freedom, when we walk in God we experienced something called freedom, and in that freedom we are free from the life of sin we are free from the gates of hell we are free from anything that the enemy has for us because we have freedom in God.

 Verse 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Have you sought him for freedom? Have you tried asking him for help with your problems? Freedom can be given to us if we choose to have it. However, many of us don’t choose freedom because we feel it isn’t obtainable. It is, but we must want it. God is giving it to us freely, but it's up to us to want it. I have had people who will contact me and want to be released from their situations. Still, they don’t want to move, but we must be willing to move out of our situations and be willing to move through the door that God has given us to have. Are you willing?

 The veil that once covered the hearts of those who lived under the law has been lifted by the powerful doctrines of the Bible, revealing the truth about Christ .Through conversion to God, the veil of ignorance is taken away, allowing for a happier and fulfilling life  As believers in the gospel, our hearts are now free to follow in the ways of God's commandments  We have been given a new light and can now see the glory of the Lord with open faces. It is a privilege that Christians should cherish and make use of it. We must not be satisfied until we have experienced the transformative power of the gospel, guided by the Holy Spirit to emulate the wonderful teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 Lamentations 3:40 Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord!

We must examine our ways before acting; we must ask God to look at our hearts, because many of us claim our hearts are free from sin. Still, it's true that when we go to God in prayer, we must be real and authentic, and tell Him exactly what’s going on. We just don’t realize how our actions can pull us away from God, but sometimes they do. We have to stop looking at our lives as if we do everything right when we don’t. We must start giving our lives back to God each day, because we don’t know how our sin can pull us away from Him.

 Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

  We must always give our thoughts to God because the enemy will try to steal our thoughts; he will have us thinking that God doesn’t love us or that he hates us, and that’s far from the truth. God wants to remove the veil from our eyes so that we can see our sins. Still, as long as we are behind the veil, we will always blame everyone else for our sins instead of taking accountability.

   The phrase 'search me' is a plea to God to dig deep into one's heart and bring to light the hidden parts of our personality . It is a humble prayer, acknowledging that one's heart is not perfect and may contain flaws and imperfections  The idea behind this petition is not to prove oneself worthy of God's approval, but to confess and surrender to His all-knowing and all-loving nature  By inviting God to search and know their heart, the person is acknowledging that they are not capable of fully understanding themselves, and are relying on God to reveal their true selves . This prayer is a reflection of humility and trust in God's guidance and unconditional love.

   How many of us ask God to search us and change us from our ways? It takes humility to do it. Still, God wants us to be free to ask him anything the prayer that David prayed is one of complete surrender and openness  Through this prayer, David acknowledges his willingness to submit to the searching process of God  He recognize that God is not trying to discover his secrets, but rather to help him understand himself better . This prayer expresses a deep desire for God to come into the innermost corners of our being and bring light to the dark places in our experience and nature. This prayer is about being humble and understanding that it is essential not to be ignorant of these aspects of ourselves . There is a sense of vulnerability and trust in allowing God to search and illuminate our hearts.

 *** Today, we must allow God to enter our hearts and conduct a thorough search. Sometimes with my mom's computer, I have a choice to do a full virus scan or a small one. When I do the full one, it takes all day, but when I do the small one, it’s quick. Still, I noticed it doesn’t clean as deeply as the other one. Still, it’s about time ,it’s about how much time do I have to wait for this scan to get through ,A lot of us don’t want to render our time for God to do a deep scan of our heart we whether just keep it surface level and we shouldn’t God wants to go deeper if we allow him to.

  Psalm 119:59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies.

 We have to learn to turn our ways to his ways not just our eyes but every part us must be turned to him, and this might be hard to do but we must be able to learn that our ways isn’t his ways and our thoughts isn’t his thought or ways will forever be different but we must learn to get on the same path as him are you willing?

©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father thank you for today, lord search our hearts take away our pain and our sins lord show us what you desire for us and what you want from us lord we are sorry if we have ignored you, lord give us opportunity every day to walk in your love with an open heart in Jesus’ Name Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your hearts on your beds, and be silent

 

+ 1 Corinthians 11:28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup

 

+ 1 Corinthians 11:31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged

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FURTHER READINGS

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 Proverbs 13

Psalm 14

2 Samuel 3

Exodus 14

Leviticus 11

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[redbecomesher]

GRACE UPON GRACE E:14

Can Christian’s Listen To Secular Music?

Hi y’all, today we are going to discuss if we as followers of God should listen to music of the world (secular) that involves lustful lyrics, swear words or blasphemy. We are going to discuss 1. There’s No Bible Verse That Says “Don’t Listen to Secular Music” 2. Music Is Powerful 3. Not All Secular Music Is Bad 4. Ask Yourself These Questions 5. It’s About Conviction, Not Legalism 6. Finding A Balance 7. Be Led By The Holy Spirit 8. List Of Worship Music Artist’s To Listen To That Honour God :)

There’s No Bible Verse That Says “Don’t Listen To Secular Music”:

Nowhere in Scripture does God command us to avoid all non-Christian music. The Bible talks about singing praises to God (PSALM 100:2), but it doesn’t say secular music is sinful. Instead, the Bible gives us principles to guide our choices.

Music Is Powerful:

Music isn’t just entertainment—it shapes our thoughts and emotions. Studies show that music influences mood, behaviour, and even decision-making. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” If music fills your mind with negative or ungodly messages, it can affect your faith. Music just like movies etc. can lead you to sin e.g. feeling lustful or start to swear because of the music you’re hearing. Even think about it in the way of how we remember the lyrics of songs more then homework. That’s how powerful music is, we sometimes have songs in our head all day after listening!

Not All Secular Music Is Bad:

There’s a difference between:

• A song about love, joy, or life that doesn’t mention God but isn’t sinful.

• A song that promotes sinful behaviour (lust, drugs, violence, etc.)

For example, songs about love can be beautiful reflections of how God designed relationships. But if a song is full of profanity and disrespect, it might not be something that helps your spirit grow. For me personally, I like listening to a bit of Sade in my day because of her modesty in her music (maybe not all of her songs of course). We should only wanna grow close to God, so if this music makes you want to sin or makes you feel separate from God, then it’s better to avoid it.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Does this song glorify sin? (Philippians 4:8- think about whatever is pure and lovely)

• Does this music make me feel closer or father from God?

• Would I be comfortable listening to it if Jesus were sitting next to me?

• How does this music affect my thoughts and emotions?

If a song pulls you into a negative mindset, it might not be the best choice at all!

It’s About Conviction, Not Legalism:

Some Christians feel convicted to avoid secular music entirely, while others can listen to it without it affecting their faith. The key is personal conviction. Romans 14:23 says, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” If you feel guilty listening to a song, it might be the Holy Spirit nudging you to turn it off. It’s so important to of course praying to God for guidance on if the music you’re listening to is ok, so conviction (feeling guilty or dirty listening to it) is God’s signal/answer to your prayer.

Finding A Balance:

You don’t have to listen to only worship music 24/7, but you should be mindful of what you consume. Some Christians find a middle ground by listening to uplifting secular music or artists with positive messages.

Be Led By The Holy Spirit: 

Instead of following rules, ask God for wisdom. Pray

“Lord, help me choose music that honours You and protects my heart.”

If you feel peace about a song, great! If not, don’t ignore the feeling. The goal isn’t to follow a checklist but to grow closer to God in everything — even in what you listen to<3 Let God and the Holy Spirit guide you fully, if it’s a struggle for you to listen to or include worship music in your day/night. Worship music is so important and powerful, I recommend today trying it out with any of the artist I listed at the bottom<3

List Of Worship Music Artist’s To Listen To That Honour God:

• Ally Yost (songs: You are faithful, and Fixed On You)

• Brandon Lake (songs: Gratitude, and Thats Who I Praise)

• Elevation Worship (songs: LION, and Praise)

• Maverick City Music (songs: Trust In God, and Firm Foundation (he won’t))

• Carew Ellington (song: Devil Knows)

• RIDERS (songs: Without You, and PRIORITIES)

• Cody Carnes (songs: All My Delight, and Too Good Not To Believe)

• CAIN (songs: Yes He Can, and The Commission)

• Verses (songs: PSALMS 34:9-11, and PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13)

I hope y’all enjoyed this subject and learnt something you can take from this into your life. If you want my opinion about if you as a Christian should fully listen to worship music, I would say YES! I think making decisions that lead to God always, is the right choice. It’s hard to have 2 life’s, like with the secular music and worship music, so maybe you can do a fast from secular music and I bet you’ll stop missing secular music! Worship music is so beautiful, and whatever genre you like, worship music has it!! <3

Remember God loves you. Make sure to pray, worship, and read your Bible today! God bless and see y’all next time:)

PSALM 95:1-2-

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.”

PROVERBS 4:23-

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

JAMES 4:8-

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

ROMANS 10:17-

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

[purepurposefulprayer]

🔥 Divine Justice – Standing in Spiritual Warfare

Scripture Foundation: "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Courtrooms are one of the main battlegrounds where "the accuser of our brethren, who accuses them before our God day and night" (Revelation 12:10) brings false accusations, spreads lies, uses rumors, and incidents from our past, and slanders what You have placed within us.

Lord God, first we lift up all judges in prayer. For those who are followers of the one true faith and servants of the One True God—a God whose judgments are pure, whose rulings are righteous, whose power is undeniable, who "inhabits the praise of Israel" (Psalm 22:3) and never forsakes the righteous—we speak blessing over their homes, their health, their children and grandchildren, and over the work of their hands.

But for false judges and wicked judges—men and women in judges’ robes who can be bought, who plot evil, who "love money" more than righteousness (1 Timothy 6:10)—we decree and declare in Jesus’ name that their time of corrupt service is ending.

We ask that You expose their lies and corruption, and overturn their wicked verdicts and edicts. Lord Jesus, we pray that the truth will come to light through investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and those who seek justice.

To those who would bury these stories through bribery and blackmail, we ask for Your divine intervention. "The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous" (Proverbs 13:22), and we call forth that divine transfer—that every corrupt judge and their enablers would see their ill-gotten wealth placed into righteous hands, revealing their involvement in wicked dealings.

Let this be a sign to the earth that there is a God in heaven, the Great God in whose hands even the Leviathan is like a bird.

Great God, Your Word commands: "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly" (Leviticus 19:15).

Yet we see judges "whose eyes and heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion" (Jeremiah 22:17).

O Great God, how long will the wicked reign? As the psalmist cried: "How long will the wicked reign, Lord? How long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush Your people, Lord; they oppress Your inheritance" (Psalm 94:3–5). "They slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, 'The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice'" (Psalm 94:6–7).

Great God, we cry out, knowing that "the wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice" (Proverbs 17:23). But we also know Your heart: "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24).

Make the judges of the earth "follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 16:20).

For "when justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers" (Proverbs 21:15).

Great God, bring joy to the righteous—Your people—and bring peace to Your people.

In spiritual warfare, we take authority against the powers and principalities that subvert court systems and legal systems. We speak to that corrupting influence and command: Come out from these systems!

We expose lies and schemes by the Word of the Lord. We take authority in the Spirit and stand with Holy Spirit boldness, declaring that corruption has no place, no power, no authority in this land.

Jesus died, shed His blood, and "disarmed the powers and authorities" (Colossians 2:15), returning the keys and scrolls to their rightful place.

We are those who heed Your call to "learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).

We are those who trust that "it is God who judges: He brings one down, He exalts another" (Psalm 75:7).

We are those who "do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:19).

To the enemies of God’s people—corrupt judges, their families, and staff who enable wickedness—God will repay!

We humble ourselves and worship the God whose judgments are gracious.

We wait on His justice, knowing, "The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" (Isaiah 30:18).

We seal these words in the mighty name of Jesus.

We pray that our bloodline will be a people set apart by God to demand His justice throughout the earth.

We ask Your forgiveness, Great God.

We repent and renounce those spaces and places in us that have aligned with false judges and judgments, and we seek only Your will for justice on the earth.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

[sjmattson]

People and institutions often benefit from hate. It can get them money, popularity, and power. Religious and political leaders embrace hatefulness because of this, often weaponizing “Christianity” to rationalize their evil.

I’m reminded of the psalmist who writes in Psalm 73 (NIV):

3 For I envied the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles;

their bodies are healthy and strong.

5 They are free from common human burdens;

they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace;

they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;

their evil imaginations have no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice;

with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,

and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them

and drink up waters in abundance.

11 They say, “How would God know?

Does the Most High know anything?”

12 This is what the wicked are like—

always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

and have washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been afflicted,

and every morning brings new punishments.

15 If I had spoken out like that,

I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this,

it troubled me deeply

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;

you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors!

20 They are like a dream when one awakes;

when you arise, Lord,

you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

In the end, the love and justice of God will prevail over all evil.

[walkswithmyfather]

Philippians 3:8-11 (FBV). [8] “Truly, I count everything as loss in exchange for the incredible benefit I've gained through knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I've thrown away all these things for him, and consider them trash, so that I might gain Christ. [9] I want to be found in him, not being right because of what I've done, or what the law requires, but made right through confidence in Christ, set right by God through trusting in him. [10] I want to really know him, and the power of his resurrection—to take part in his suffering and become like him in his death, [11] so that somehow I might be part of the resurrection from the dead!”

“Handling Difficult Circumstances” By In Touch Ministries:“Focus on Jesus instead of your difficulties—He will provide deliverance, comfort, and peace.”

“The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough situations. Even while he was in prison, he kept his eyes on Christ. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing and praise (Philippians 1:18; Philippians 2:18; Philippians 3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the circumstance at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles can look scary and overwhelming.

However, fear and defeat can’t live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. That’s not to say you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on God’s provision and care instead. He is our Deliverer (2 Corinthians 1:10), Healer (Jeremiah 17:14), and Guide (Psalm 23:3). The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions and replaces them with hope, confidence, and contentment. This doesn’t mean you’ll be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and working things for your good.

Focus on Christ instead of your circumstances—God will give comfort and bring you through the trial. Then you’ll be ready to answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

[Photo thanks to Christopher Sardegna at Unsplash.]

[artandthebible]

The Temptation of our Lord

Artist: John Runciman (Scottish, 1744-1768)

Date: Mid 1760's

Medium: Oil on panel

Collection: National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meaning and Purpose of Jesus' Temptations

The three temptations by Satan in the wilderness were not the only temptations our Lord ever suffered on Earth. We read in Luke 4:2 that He was tempted by the devil for forty days, but He was undoubtedly tempted at other times (Luke 4:13; Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 22:42), and yet in all this He was without sin or compromise. Although some have suggested that the Lord’s period of fasting compares with that of both Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), the main point is how the Lord deals with temptation in the light of His humanity.

It is because He is human, and made like us in every way, that He could do three vital things: 1) destroy the devil’s power and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:15); 2) become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God and atone for our sins (Hebrews 2:17); and 3) be the One who is able to sympathize with us in all our weaknesses and infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Our Lord’s human nature enables Him to sympathize with our own weaknesses, because He was subjected to weakness, too. More importantly, we have a High Priest who is able to intercede on our behalf and provide the grace of forgiveness.

Jesus’ temptations follow three patterns that are common to all men. The first temptation concerns the lust of the flesh (Matthew 4:3–4). Our Lord is hungry, and the devil tempts Him to convert stones into bread, but He replies with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. The second temptation concerns the pride of life (Matthew 4:5–7), and here the devil uses a verse of Scripture (Psalm 91:11–12), but the Lord replies again with Scripture to the contrary (Deuteronomy 6:16), stating that it is wrong for Him to abuse His own powers. The third temptation concerns the lust of the eyes (Matthew 4:8–10), and if any quick route to the Messiahship could be attained, bypassing the passion and crucifixion for which He had originally come, this was the way. The devil already had control over the kingdoms of the world (Ephesians 2:2) but was now ready to give everything to Christ in return for His allegiance. But the mere thought almost causes the Lord’s divine nature to shudder at such a concept and He replies sharply, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

[princelylove]

Synopsis: In which Enrico Pucci has some thoughts on his situation.

Warnings: Directly quoting the bible, general yandere content, spoilers for part three + six

Enrico tapped his finger on his own arm, unsure of what to do.

Ever since he met you, he’s been distracted.

Two.

He thought of what was written for him- what could only be written with the intent for him to see- and only grew more frustrated with himself. What was he doing here? What was his plan? What was his goal?

“He must be someone who can control his desires. Someone without a lust for power, honor, wealth, or sexual gratification. He must be someone who puts the laws of God before the laws of humans. Will I, DIO, meet someone like this one day?”

‘What a disgusting display,’ he thought to himself. Everything he was doing in this moment, every single one of his feelings, was a plague. It was a disease upon his very nature, the man he must be, yet he persisted. His mind turned traitor. 

Three.

Enrico often wondered what you were doing instead of handling the task at hand. He never understood Perla in his youth, despite supporting and loving most of her decisions. He had never been in love before. It seemed… silly. Frivolous. Like it was just something to pass the time, or something to keep humans from going extinct.

He would just say his feelings are fond. Affection is different from love. So is adoration, so is admiration. Enrico doesn’t know how to place his feelings for you. 

Perhaps it was best to leave them unspoken.

Five.

He made a promise, once. A vow. His feelings on the matter are insignificant. He was to continue DIO’s plan- at all costs. He wasn’t feeling love, he was feeling lust- and he is no sinner. 

Oh, if only he were that type of man. That isn’t the truth. Truthfully, he’s fine with sinning. Using the argument of sin against his wants was futile. It’s all just a means to an end. He would sin if he truly needed to- he has and Enrico will, again. His morals aren’t a part of this equation and, to be honest, they never will be.

He would have to find something else to discourage his thoughts of you.

Seven.

He thought of Psalm 23. 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

DIO was all he needed. It’s asinine to think otherwise. 

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps this is what DIO wanted- to test him.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

DIO has never led him astray. DIO has never failed him. Even in death. 

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Or perhaps this is exactly what his lord wanted for him. Something for good behavior- a reward for his loyalty. For his continuous struggle. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 

Yes- that’s exactly it. Of course it is. This is the little bit of indulgence Enrico will ever get in his entire life. It’s just puppy love. It’ll go away. Surely he just needs to embrace it, and it’ll leave him. His obsession-, no, his infatuation would eventually pass, as all infatuations do. He’s merely fixated on your beauty like any other would be. You’re like something in the Louvre- something to be admired from afar and never to really touch. 

Eleven.

Love is not an option for Enrico Pucci. He only has one calling, and he loves Him like he loves God.

He will not have another- he cannot have another, regardless of the type of love, and the intensity. He has no family, as far as he’s concerned. He’s too old to have a crush.

He’s a failure to his Lord if he cannot meet the prerequisites set by Him. It was right there DIO’s diary- DIO needed someone who wouldn’t succumb to foolish urges such as love. 

With DIO’s death, it’s too late for Him to bet on another player. Enrico must do what he has to do. In Heaven, he’ll find love. He’ll find you again in eternal paradise. 

But admiration is not a hindrance. Appreciation isn’t going to get in his way. 

Thirteen.

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He mutters, to no one in particular. The person it’s intended for has long since passed, but it’s almost as if the universe laughs in His place.

The thought does not comfort Enrico in the slightest.

Seventeen.

The sound of a disc being ejected from a cd player is the only sound you can make sense of. Your head feels as if it’s splitting in two, and your vision is getting blurry. 

Enrico shushes you, both of his hands firm on your shoulders, slowly trailing down to your upper arms.

“Be not afraid.”

The whirr of the disc being ejected plays again, and you feel yourself losing consciousness. 

“The thought to harm you hasn’t even crossed my mind.”

Nineteen.

[oysters-aint-for-me]

books ive read so far in 2024

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers

A Closed and Common Orbit, by Becky Chambers

Record of a Spaceborn Few, by Becky Chambers (are you seeing a theme)

The House on the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune

The Galaxy and the Ground Within, by Becky Chambers

A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers

A Marvellous Light, by Freya Marske

A Restless Truth, by Freya Marske

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, by Becky Chambers

Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Under the Whispering Door, by TJ Klune

Affinity, by Sarah Waters

The City We Became, by NK Jemisin

A Power Unbound, by Freya Marske

Passing Strange, by Ellen Klages

The Fifth Season, by NK Jemisin

Witchmark, by CL Polk

The Obelisk Gate, by NK Jemisin

The Color of Magic, by Terry Pratchett

Gideon the Ninth, by Tamsin Muir

Winter’s Orbit, by Everina Maxwell

The Stone Sky, by NK Jemisin

Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo (5/27/24)

Light from Uncommon Stars, by Ryka Aoki (5/31/24)

Tinkers, by Paul Harding (5/31/24)

Strong Motion, by Johnathan Franzen (6/6/24)

The Magpie Lord, by KJ Charles (6/10/24)

Trust, by Hernan Diaz (6/12/24)

The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller (6/16/24)

A Case of Possession, by KJ Charles (6/21/24)

Flight of Magpies, by KJ Charles (6/25/24)

Our Hideous Progeny, by CE McGill (6/27/24)

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by NK Jemisin (6/28/24)

Ocean’s Echo, by Everina Maxwell (6/30/24)

Wolfsong, by TJ Klune (7/7/24)

The Broken Kingdoms, by NK Jemisin (7/10/24)

We Could Be So Good, by Cat Sebastian (7/12/24)

Ceremonial Time, by John Hanson Mitchell (7/12/24)

The Employees, by Olga Ravn (7/18/24)

Crossroads, by Jonathan Franzen (7/19/24)

Ravensong, by TJ Klune (7/22/24)

Harrow the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (7/31/24)

The Candy House, by Jennifer Egan (8/3/24)

Remedial Magic, by Melissa Marr (8/4/24)

Nona the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (8/8/24)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (8/14/24 or thereabouts, i was without wifi for a few days)

The Pairing, by Casey McQuiston (8/20/24 or thereabouts)

Gideon the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (again) (9/10/24)

Lightning Flowers, by Katherine E. Standefer (9/15/24)

Harrow the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (again) (9/23/24)

The Stars Too Fondly, by Emily Hamilton (9/27/24)

This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (10/2/24)

Comedy Book, by Jesse David Fox (10/8/24)

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, by Ashley Herring Blake (10/14/24)

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, by Ashley Herring Blake (11/9/24)

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, by Ashley Herring Blake (11/19/24)

Hot Dog Girl, by Jennifer Dugan (11/25/24)

Nona the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (again) (11/30/24)

Melt with You, by Jennifer Dugan (12/1/24)

Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut (12/4/24)

Gideon the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (again) (12/8/24)

Some Girls Do, by Jennifer Dugan (12/9/24)

(i only decided to start dating when i finished each book when i was like halfway thru the year oops)