#and here he is: disguised as nothing but a humble servant and messenger

[klngfili]

his outfit is very humble very mindful very demure

[therealcalicali]

An Inconvenient Wife

Imagine: Your life getting turned upside-down when the Gods see fit to use you as a source of diversion.

Pairing:  Ivar x Reader and Reader x OC

Warning: Pure Angst

This is a gift for @tephi101

___________________

"I cannot believe this is happening." You vented as your husband Grimwald placed your combs inside a leather satchel. "That man is a monster! I swear on my father's grave, I'll kill him in his sleep. I’ll......I’ll gut him and leave him drowning in his own blood."

After tying the strings of the bag, your husband looked at you with great sorrow in his eyes. Always the introverted sort, he remained quiet. Although just as angry as you were, he was actually more heartbroken than anything else. 

Simply put, Grimwald was beside himself with a pain that he couldn't put it into words. Meanwhile, you were busily cursing the King in your mind.

"How dare that cripple treat everyone like his possessions? Isn't it enough that he is King and a self-proclaimed God?" You thought. “His stupid mother cursed us all when she didn’t leave him to die!”

"Y/N, please don't say such things aloud." Grimwald pleaded before placing a hand on your knee. "Someone could overhear and report back to him."

"So let them! Why should I bite my tongue about that bastard?"

"You have every right to feel as you do but I'm begging you to hide your disdain. Trust me. I am working on our escape from Kattegat but we can't do that if you're dead. Remember, the King is known for his impulsive nature."

"Then that makes two of us. Let us see which one will win out in the end!"

"Y/N----"

Scrambling to your feet, you hastily made your way out of the humble cabin. You needed fresh air quickly before you either collapsed or went mad. This was your life and you had no desire to leave any of it behind.

________________________

Taking a seat on a tree stump, you noticed that after many cloudy days, the sun had finally shown itself. But you couldn't find joy in it because this was indeed the worst day of your life.

When it was announced that King Ivar was to take a second wife, you had found it amusing. The madman really thought he deserved not one but two women at his side. It was hilarious in your eyes. But other than gossiping about it with friends, you didn't really dwell on the matter.

Never would you have guessed that his decision would ultimately impact your life directly. But as your father always said, the Gods were ironically cruel.

A few months prior, you were happily assisting Grimwald in his jewelry shop when the King and Queen entered. Apparently, they were spending the day purchasing gifts to celebrate their third year of marriage. They browsed a while and after Freydis tried on a few rings, the King became belligerent.

Despite Grimwald being one of the most talented craftsmen around, Ivar scoffed at the collection. Going so far as to call the pieces "simplistic" in their design. He made more rude remarks before your temper eventually got the best of you.

Before you could stop yourself, you told the King to take his business elsewhere if he was so inclined. You also added that many wealthy patrons loved your husband's work so he was a liar with bad taste. 

Was King Ivar ever furious! 

The entire shop fell deathly silent as he stared you down as if he was going to kill you on the spot. Then, to everyone's surprise, he smirked before demanding that you to defend your statements. 

More than happy to oblige, you praised Grimwald's work and spoke highly of all he had accomplished over the years. 

Oddly enough, the Queen seemed amused and watched with great interest as you conversed with her husband. In the end, Ivar allowed Freydis to finish her shopping. 

Little did you know that the chance meeting would have far reaching implications.

_________________________

King Ivar visited the shop numerous times afterward. Sometimes with the Queen in tow, but generally, he came alone. Strangely enough, he would go out of his way to engage you in conversation as he browsed. Most of the time, intentionally saying things to get under your skin. Naturally, you responded with your usual bluntness causing Grimwald to raise a brow often.

But that was the extent of it all.

It was a relief when the visits eventually stopped after some time. But then, one day, a messenger arrived at your home. To your horror, the man announced that King Ivar had chosen you to be his second wife. You were so hysterical, you unsheathed Grimwald's sword and chased the poor man off your property.

But despite all your loathing and rantings, the day had arrived. The King himself would soon arrive to escort you to his home.

"There you are." Grimwald said as he walked over.

He took a seat on the ground beside you and remained silent for some time. Eventually, he produced a blue velvet pouch from his tunic and placed it in your hand.

"What is it?" You asked.

"It's something I have secretly been working on. Go on. Take a look."

You opened the velvet pouch to reveal a leather necklace with a silver war-hammer pendant. The pendant itself was encrusted with an onyx stone and lovely pearl.

"It's so…..beautiful. I can't believe you actually used my idea."

"You should know by now that I’m a man of many surprises. Anyhow, let me put it on for you."

Grimwald stood and went behind you. After you handed him the necklace, he secured it in place before pressing his lips to your bare shoulder. You promptly turned to look at him, your eyes already welled with tears. Placing your hands on his cheeks, you studied every feature of your husband's face. From his intense eyes to the birthmark upon his temple - you admired it all.

Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. When the two of you turned around, you were confused at seeing the Queen and some of her guards.

"Pardon the intrusion." Freydis said cheerfully. "Unfortunately, the King is indisposed so I have come to escort you instead. It's actually a blessing in disguise. The two of us can get better acquainted before you are formally presented."

Your teeth clenched as you fought the urge to split her head open with the nearby axe. 

She behaved as if she was unable to see your misery. Before you could even get a word out, Ivar's men descended like locust. Some set about taking your possessions to the horse drawn wagon while others began forcing you toward the Queens carriage.

They were so pushy that you actually had to break free in order to embrace Grimwald one last time. As you held him close, you whispered that you loved him more than anything in the world. In response, he promised to secure passage out of Kattegat as soon as possible. 

When you kissed him, the guards swiftly pulled you away. Within seconds, you found yourself tossed into the Queen's carriage and headed to your new home.

_________________________

Your head ached the entire journey. After all, holding in one's rage had a detrimental effect on the body. As for Queen Freydis, she was either unaware of your mood or simply ignoring it. She spent the ride educating you about Ivar's preferences and annoyances. Predictably, his list of annoyances was quite long.

After what seemed like hours, the procession ultimately arrived in front of the massive estate.

The sun was already waning when you were led indoors by a horde of awaiting servants. After you were given an uncomfortably warm bath, you were dressed in an extravagant gown. It was deep red in color with meticulous embroidery and a ridiculous amount of embellishments. 

Most likely something chosen by the King himself.

When one of the Thralls tried to remove your leather necklace in order to replace it with an expensive one, you refused. There was nothing in the world that would part you from Grimwald's gift. Giving in, the women led you toward the Great Hall where Ivar awaited. 

________________________

Other than the Queen, who was sat beside King Ivar, the only other people present in the Great Hall were guards.

"Please, don't stand so far away." Freydis beckoned. "There is no need to be to be afraid. After all, this is now your home."

"No, it isn't. You snapped. "I do not wish to be here."

Ivar's brow furrowed and he looked at you in a peculiar manner. However, he kept partaking of his mead.

"I understand that this must be difficult for you. We have uprooted you from your normal life." Freydis began with genuine sympathy. "But in time, you will get accustomed to this new life as well."

"With all due respect, my Queen, I will never like it here. I love my husband and I have no desire to replace him with anyone. King or otherwise."

"I expected you to say that." Freydis confessed. "But you should know that Ivar did not select you on his own. I had an ominous dream after our first meeting. So, in order to make sure that I had interpreted it correctly, I went to the Oracle. He also confirmed my thoughts. Afterward, I kept the revelations to myself. It was only a short time later that my husband told me of his intentions to take you for a bride. So you see, you were destined to be here."

You were growing tired of her attempts to convince you to comply. Queen Freydis may have enjoyed being the wife of Ivar the 'Boneless' but you had no desire for that title. As handsome as he was, you disliked him greatly. Not just because of the wars he had waged against his brothers but the tales of his infamous blood-lust.

"Enough of this talk." Ivar interrupted. He then passed his horn to a Thrall before looking at you again. "Y/N, come to me."

Hesitantly, you made your way up the five small steps and stood before the throne. With a smile, he looked you over before commenting that he truly liked the color red against your complexion. The compliment only made you angrier, however, you bit your lip to keep from speaking.

"I know it will take time for you to get accustomed such a drastic change. But it will happen." Ivar said as he took your hand in his. When you felt the roughness of his palms, you wanted to pull away. But instead of being so brazen, you focused your attention on a distant wall. "We just need spend more time together. That is why you will accompany me on the upcoming raids."

"What?" You exclaimed, your neck snapping in his direction. "Take Queen Freydis. After all, she is your adoring wife."

"As you will be, soon enough." He mocked. "And while we are on this subject, there is one rule you need to understand. My decisions are never to be questioned. Understand?"

"I won't go! I………I’ll...….I'll jump off the boat."

Ivar's serious expression quickly turned into a smile. Even worse, he actually chucked.

You had hoped that your insolence would cause him to have a change of heart. But in actuality, he found it much to his liking. In his eyes, you were a bit like Freydis. However, you were far more spirited and volatile than she was, and that enthralled him completely.

Pulling you to his lap, Ivar forced you took look at him. When you noticed the taunt in his eyes, you scowled.

"My King…" You pleaded. "I think it would be best if you found another to take as a wife. You see, I can never love nor care for you. It will never happen."

"And why is that?"

"My heart belongs to my husband. As strange as it may sound, I would never trade him for all the crowns or coin in the world."

"Is that so?" Ivar inquired as he held you closer. He then glanced at Freydis before giving you his attention again. "Tell me Y/N, do you not appreciate the fact that he still lives? Or are you so stubborn that you would prefer to see him dead?"

You stared at him, stunned by the thinly veiled threat. 

The very thought of something happening to Grimwald because of your actions left you speechless. Tears fell as you realized that Ivar was not only cruel but highly manipulative. As for Ivar, he smirked and pressed his lips to your cheek, pleased by your silence.

In all honesty, everything was a game to the young King. And in that moment, he took pleasure in outwitting you. The vows had not even been exchanged and already, you felt hopelessly trapped. Could you really escape Kattegat as you and Grimwald had thought?

Only time would tell.

_____________________________

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for monday, October 26 of 2020 with Proverbs 26 and Psalm 26 accompanied by Psalm 35 for the 35th day of Autumn and Psalm 150 for day 300 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms completing its 2nd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 26]

It is totally out of place to promote and honor a fool,

just like it’s out of place to have snow in the summer

and rain at harvest time.

An undeserved curse will be powerless to harm you.

It may flutter over you like a bird,

but it will find no place to land.

Guide a horse with a whip,

direct a donkey with a bridle,

and lead a rebellious fool with a beating on his backside!

Don’t respond to the words of a fool with more foolish words,

or you will become as foolish as he is!

Instead, if you’re asked a silly question,

answer it with words of wisdom

so the fool doesn’t think he’s so clever.

If you choose a fool to represent you,

you’re asking for trouble.

It will be as bad for you as cutting off your own feet!

You can never trust the words of a fool,

just like a crippled man can’t trust his legs to support him.

Give honor to a fool and watch it backfire—

like a stone tied to a slingshot.

The statements of a fool will hurt others

like a thorn bush brandished by a drunk.

Like a reckless archer shooting arrows at random

is the impatient employer

who hires just any fool who comes along—

someone’s going to get hurt!

Fools are famous for repeating their errors,

like dogs are known to return to their vomit.

There’s only one thing worse than a fool,

and that’s the smug, conceited man

always in love with his own opinions.

[Don’t Be Lazy]

The lazy loafer says,

“I can’t go out and look for a job—

there may be a lion out there roaming wild in the streets!”

As a door is hinged to the wall,

so the lazy man keeps turning over, hinged to his bed!

There are some people so lazy

they won’t even work to feed themselves.

A self-righteous person is convinced he’s smarter

than seven wise counselors who tell him the truth.

It’s better to grab a mad dog by its ears

than to meddle and interfere in a quarrel

that’s none of your business.

[Watch Your Words]

The one who is caught lying to his friend

and says, “I didn’t mean it, I was only joking,”

can be compared to a madman

randomly shooting off deadly weapons.

It takes fuel to have a fire—

a fire dies down when you run out of fuel.

So quarrels disappear when the gossip ends.

Add fuel to the fire and the blaze goes on.

So add an argumentative man to the mix

and you’ll keep strife alive.

Gossip is so delicious, and how we love to swallow it!

For slander is easily absorbed into our innermost being.

Smooth talk can hide a corrupt heart

just like a pretty glaze covers a cheap clay pot.

Kind words can be a cover to conceal hatred of others,

for hypocrisy loves to hide behind flattery.

So don’t be drawn in by the hypocrite,

for his gracious speech is a charade,

nothing but a masquerade covering his hatred and evil on parade.

Don’t worry—he can’t keep the mask on for long.

One day his hypocrisy will be exposed before all the world.

Go ahead, set a trap for others—

and then watch as it snaps back on you!

Start a landslide and you’ll be the one who gets crushed.

Hatred is the root of slander

and insecurity the root of flattery.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 26 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 26]

A song of David.

Declare my innocence, O Eternal One!

I have walked blamelessly down this path.

I placed my trust in the Eternal and have yet to stumble.

Put me on trial and examine me, O Eternal One!

Search me through and through—from my deepest longings to every thought that crosses my mind.

Your unfailing love is always before me;

I have journeyed down Your path of truth.

My life is not wasted among liars;

my days are not spent among cheaters.

I despise every crowd intent on evil;

I do not commune with the wicked.

I wash my hands in the fountain of innocence

so that I might join the gathering that surrounds Your altar, O Eternal One.

From my soul, I will join the songs of thanksgiving;

I will sing and proclaim Your wonder and mystery.

Your house, home to Your glory, O Eternal One, radiates its light.

I am fixed on this place and long to be nowhere else.

When Your wrath pursues those who oppose You,

those swift to sin and thirsty for blood,

spare my soul and grant me life.

These men hold deceit in their left hands,

and in their right hands, bribery and lies.

But God, I have walked blamelessly down this path,

and this is my plea for redemption.

This is my cry for Your mercy.

Here I stand secure and confident

before all the people; I will praise the Eternal.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 26 (The Voice)

[Psalm 35]

A song of David.

Make a case against those who struggle with me, Eternal One.

Battle against those who battle against me.

Be my shield and protection;

stand with me and rescue me!

Draw the spear and javelin

to meet my pursuers.

Reassure my soul and say,

“I will deliver you.”

Shame and dishonor those ruthless enemies

who wish to end my life.

Turn back those who conspire against me,

defeated and humiliated!

Let them be separated from the righteous as chaff is separated from the grain,

blown by the wind,

driven far, far away by the Eternal’s messenger.

Make their way unsure and dangerously dark,

a gauntlet of gloom

chased through the darkness by the Eternal’s messenger.

For no reason at all, they set a trap for me—a net, a snare—

then, without cause, they disguised a pit to capture my soul—another cowardly snare.

May they be surprised by their own destruction.

May they become tangled in their own net

and fall into the pit which they, themselves, dug.

When that day comes, my soul will celebrate the Eternal

and be glad in His salvation.

Every fiber of my being will shout,

“Eternal One, there is none like You!

You save the poor

from those who try to overpower them

and rescue the weak and the needy from those who steal from them.”

False witnesses step forward;

they ask me strange questions for which I have no answers.

When I do good to them, they do evil to me,

bringing misery to my soul.

When they were sick,

I mourned for them and wore sackcloth;

I chose to humble myself by fasting.

But my prayers came back unanswered.

So I mourned more deeply as if I grieved for my brother or friend;

I went around bowed down by sorrow, dressed in black,

as if I were weeping for my mother.

But when I stumbled, they gathered together

and celebrated my fall with joy;

People attacked me when I wasn’t expecting it;

they slandered me with no end.

Like godless mockers at a festival,

their words tore at me.

Lord, how long will You do nothing but watch?

Save me from their evil assaults, plots, and plunder;

rescue my life from these hungry beasts, these ruthless lions!

Then I will praise You and thank You at the great gathering,

in the company of the entire congregation.

Do not allow my enemies to boast at my expense,

for they despise me without any cause—

yet they wink at me—malicious, taunting winks.

Their words have no ring of peace.

They plan evil rumors and incriminations

against those who live peacefully in the land.

They speak lying accusations against me;

they say, “Aha! Aha! We know what you’ve been up to.

We’ve seen it with our own eyes!”

You have seen what’s happening, Eternal One; don’t remain silent!

Lord, do not stay far away from me!

Wake up; come to my defense!

Fight for me, my Lord and my God!

Pass Your judgment, Eternal One, my True God;

do it by the standards of Your righteousness.

Do not allow my enemies to boast over me.

Do not allow them to gloat over me,

“Aha, we have won! We got what we wanted!”

Do not allow them to brag,

“We chewed him up and spit him out.”

Shame and confuse those who celebrate my suffering;

may those who exalt themselves above me be covered with shame—

wrapped in a cloak of dishonor!

As for those who desire my vindication,

may they be joyful and glad.

May they forever say,

“The Eternal is indeed great!

He takes pleasure when good things happen to His servant!”

That’s why I will speak of Your righteousness

and sing praises to You all day long.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 35 (The Voice)

[Psalm 150]

Praise the Eternal!

Praise the True God inside His temple.

Praise Him beneath massive skies, under moonlit stars and rising sun.

Praise Him for His powerful acts, redeeming His people.

Praise Him for His greatness that surpasses our time and understanding.

Praise Him with the blast of trumpets high into the heavens,

and praise Him with harps and lyres

and the rhythm of the tambourines skillfully played by those who love and fear the Eternal.

Praise Him with singing and dancing;

praise Him with flutes and strings of all kinds!

Praise Him with crashing cymbals,

loud clashing cymbals!

No one should be left out;

Let every man and every beast—

every creature that has the breath of the Lord—praise the Eternal!

Praise the Eternal!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 150 (The Voice)

[whereruheaded]

When God takes the “can’t” of our life for His glory and our holiness.

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. - Luke 1:5-7

God even clearly points out in His word that they were righteous, and yet Elizabeth could not have children. This was frustrating for Elizabeth as she later says "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." - Luke 1:25. She considered it a reproach. But God meant it all for His glory as on the day Zechariah declared “his name is John” he prophesied the coming of the Messiah and that his own son who was given by God in their old age would be the one to prepare the way for the Messiah!

In the gospels we see many who suffered with a “can’t” for many years:

A man who couldn’t walk for 38 years:

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids-blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. - John 5:2-5

A man who couldn’t see since birth:

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. - John 9:1-3

A women who suffered from bleeding problems for 12 years:

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. - Luke 8:43-44

These Jesus eventually healed, though after numerous years, for God’s glory. I imagine however that as they were in that difficult state they might have lost hope, given up, and resigned themselves to their circumstance. The woman with the bleeding problem had spent all her money on healing without success. The man at Bethesda had tried for many years to obtain healing from the pool but he had failed to reach it in time several times. And as the blind man said “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." - John 9:32-33.

But what about when the healing doesn’t come?

Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians about a thorn that God decided not to remove:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

To remain weak for the glory of God. To not be able to do something that God would be glorified and also so that Paul would stay humble. Humility, and a clear understanding that we are nothing before God is important in the sight of God. Our sins are mainly based out of pride.

Consider Hezekiah:

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. - 2 Kings 18:3

He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. - 2 Kings 18:5

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.'" Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, "Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake." - 2 Kings 20:1-6

But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. - 2 Chronicles 32:25-26

Our “can’t” or difficulty or trial may not be because of our sin but God’s mercy and provision for us so that we may not sin. I pray for holiness, or humility, or discipline, but am I prepared for what circumstances by which these characteristics are developed within us? It’s a good thing that God doesn’t consult us when He molds us into the image of Christ, because I’m sure I would probably say no to the circumstances.

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...- Romans 5:3-4

This God-his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. - Psalm 18:30

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9

So here I am facing my inability and failure and my “can’t”. As far as how long I’ve been dealing with it, I’ve got nothing on some of these characters mentioned above. I’ve cried and prayed “bitterly” (like Hezekiah) for several years over this. But what if God says “no”, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Can I be like Paul and be joyful in my weakness and inability so that God’s name would be glorified? Can I be grateful for this thorn that I would not sin with pride? Can I submit every day and gratefully and humbly depend on God’s strength, trusting His word that He loves me and He will take care of me despite whatever circumstance? Please pray for me that I would trust and rest on God’s great love.

Blessings by Laura Story

We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are your mercies in disguise

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for April 23 of 2021 with Proverbs 23 and Psalm 23, accompanied by Psalm 35 for the 35th day of Spring and Psalm 113 for day 113 of the year

[Proverbs 23]

Wisdom Will Protect You

When you’ve been invited to dine with a very important leader,

consider your manners and keep in mind whom you’re with.

Be careful to curb your appetite and catch yourself

before you fall into the trap of wanting all you see.

Don’t crave their delicacies,

for they may have another motive in having you sit at their table.

Don’t compare yourself to the rich.

Surrender your selfish ambition and evaluate them properly.

For no sooner do you start counting your wealth

than it sprouts wings and flies away like an eagle in the sky—

here today, gone tomorrow!

Be sensible when you dine with a stingy man

and don’t eat more than you should.

For as he thinks within himself, so is he.

He will grudgingly say, “Go ahead and eat all you want,”

but in his heart he resents the fact that he has to pay for your meal.

You’ll be sorry you ate anything at all,

and all your compliments will be wasted.

A rebellious fool will despise your wise advice,

so don’t even waste your time—save your breath!

Never move a long-standing boundary line

or attempt to take land that belongs to the fatherless.

For they have a mighty protector,

a loving redeemer, who watches over them,

and he will stand up for their cause.

Pay close attention to the teaching that corrects you,

and open your heart to every word of instruction.

Don’t withhold appropriate discipline from your child.

Go ahead and punish him when he needs it.

Don’t worry—it won’t kill him!

A good spanking could be the very thing

that teaches him a lifelong lesson!

My beloved child, when your heart is full of wisdom,

my heart is full of gladness.

And when you speak anointed words,

we are speaking mouth to mouth!

Don’t allow the actions of evil men

to cause you to burn with anger.

Instead, burn with unrelenting passion

as you worship God in holy awe.

Your future is bright and filled with a living hope

that will never fade away.

As you listen to me, my beloved child,

you will grow in wisdom and your heart

will be drawn into understanding,

which will empower you to make right decisions.

Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony,

or waste your life away by partying all the time,

because drunkards and gluttons sleep their lives away

and end up broke!

Give respect to your father and mother,

for without them you wouldn’t even be here.

And don’t neglect them when they grow old.

Embrace the truth and hold it close.

Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding.

When a father observes his child living in godliness,

he is ecstatic with joy—nothing makes him prouder!

So may your father’s heart burst with joy

and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.

My son, give me your heart

and embrace fully what I’m about to tell you.

Stay far away from prostitutes

and you’ll stay far away from the pit of destruction.

For sleeping with a promiscuous woman is like falling into a trap

that you’ll never be able to escape!

Like a robber hiding in the shadows

she’s waiting to claim another victim—

another husband unfaithful to his wife.

Who has anguish? Who has bitter sorrow?

Who constantly complains and argues?

Who stumbles and falls and hurts himself?

Who’s the one with bloodshot eyes?

It’s the one who drinks too much

and is always looking for a brew.

Make sure it’s never you!

And don’t be drunk with wine

but be known as one who enjoys the company

of the lovers of God,

for drunkenness brings the sting of a serpent,

like the fangs of a viper spreading poison into your soul.

It will make you hallucinate, mumble,

and speak words that are perverse.

You’ll be like a seasick sailor being tossed to and fro,

dizzy and out of your mind.

You’ll awake only to say, “What hit me?

I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck!”

Yet off you’ll go, looking for another drink!

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 23 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 23]

A song of David.

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.

He provides me rest in rich, green fields

beside streams of refreshing water.

He soothes my fears;

He makes me whole again,

steering me off worn, hard paths

to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.

Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness,

I am not overcome by fear.

Because You are with me in those dark moments,

near with Your protection and guidance,

I am comforted.

You spread out a table before me,

provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;

You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,

filling my cup again and again with Your grace.

Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me

where I go, always, everywhere.

I will always be with the Eternal,

in Your house forever.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 23 (The Voice)

[Psalm 35]

A song of David.

Make a case against those who struggle with me, Eternal One.

Battle against those who battle against me.

Be my shield and protection;

stand with me and rescue me!

Draw the spear and javelin

to meet my pursuers.

Reassure my soul and say,

“I will deliver you.”

Shame and dishonor those ruthless enemies

who wish to end my life.

Turn back those who conspire against me,

defeated and humiliated!

Let them be separated from the righteous as chaff is separated from the grain,

blown by the wind,

driven far, far away by the Eternal’s messenger.

Make their way unsure and dangerously dark,

a gauntlet of gloom

chased through the darkness by the Eternal’s messenger.

For no reason at all, they set a trap for me—a net, a snare—

then, without cause, they disguised a pit to capture my soul—another cowardly snare.

May they be surprised by their own destruction.

May they become tangled in their own net

and fall into the pit which they, themselves, dug.

When that day comes, my soul will celebrate the Eternal

and be glad in His salvation.

Every fiber of my being will shout,

“Eternal One, there is none like You!

You save the poor

from those who try to overpower them

and rescue the weak and the needy from those who steal from them.”

False witnesses step forward;

they ask me strange questions for which I have no answers.

When I do good to them, they do evil to me,

bringing misery to my soul.

When they were sick,

I mourned for them and wore sackcloth;

I chose to humble myself by fasting.

But my prayers came back unanswered.

So I mourned more deeply as if I grieved for my brother or friend;

I went around bowed down by sorrow, dressed in black,

as if I were weeping for my mother.

But when I stumbled, they gathered together

and celebrated my fall with joy;

People attacked me when I wasn’t expecting it;

they slandered me with no end.

Like godless mockers at a festival,

their words tore at me.

Lord, how long will You do nothing but watch?

Save me from their evil assaults, plots, and plunder;

rescue my life from these hungry beasts, these ruthless lions!

Then I will praise You and thank You at the great gathering,

in the company of the entire congregation.

Do not allow my enemies to boast at my expense,

for they despise me without any cause—

yet they wink at me—malicious, taunting winks.

Their words have no ring of peace.

They plan evil rumors and incriminations

against those who live peacefully in the land.

They speak lying accusations against me;

they say, “Aha! Aha! We know what you’ve been up to.

We’ve seen it with our own eyes!”

You have seen what’s happening, Eternal One; don’t remain silent!

Lord, do not stay far away from me!

Wake up; come to my defense!

Fight for me, my Lord and my God!

Pass Your judgment, Eternal One, my True God;

do it by the standards of Your righteousness.

Do not allow my enemies to boast over me.

Do not allow them to gloat over me,

“Aha, we have won! We got what we wanted!”

Do not allow them to brag,

“We chewed him up and spit him out.”

Shame and confuse those who celebrate my suffering;

may those who exalt themselves above me be covered with shame—

wrapped in a cloak of dishonor!

As for those who desire my vindication,

may they be joyful and glad.

May they forever say,

“The Eternal is indeed great!

He takes pleasure when good things happen to His servant!”

That’s why I will speak of Your righteousness

and sing praises to You all day long.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 35 (The Voice)

[Psalm 113]

Praise the Eternal!

All of you who call yourselves the children of the Eternal, come and praise His name.

Lift Him high to the high place in your hearts.

At this moment, and for all the moments yet to come,

may the Eternal’s name ascend in the hearts of His people.

At every time and in every place—

from the moment the sun rises to the moment the sun sets—

may the name of the Eternal be high in the hearts of His people.

The Eternal is seated high above every nation.

His glory fills the skies.

To whom should we compare the Eternal, our God?

No one.

From His seat, high above,

He deigns to observe the earth and her thin skies,

stooping even to see her goings on, far beneath His feet.

He gathers up the poor from their dirt floors,

pulls the needy from the trash heaps,

And places them among heads of state,

seated next to the rulers of His people where they cannot be ignored.

Into the home of the childless bride,

He sends children who are, for her, a cause of happiness beyond measure.

Praise the Eternal!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 113 (The Voice)

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient book of Psalms and Proverbs

for Tuesday, february 4 of 2020 with Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4, accompanied by Psalm 46 for the 46th day of Winter and Psalm 35 for day 35 of the year

[Psalm 4]

A David Psalm

When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!

Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;

Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?

How long will you lust after lies?

How long will you live crazed by illusion?

Look at this: look

Who got picked by God!

He listens the split second I call to him.

Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.

Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.

Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.

“More, more.”

I have God’s more-than-enough,

More joy in one ordinary day

Than they get in all their shopping sprees.

At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,

For you, God, have put my life back together.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 4 (The Message)

and repeated in The Voice:

[Psalm 4]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by strings.

Answer my prayers, O True God, the righteous, who makes me right.

I was hopelessly surrounded, and You rescued me.

Once again hear me; hide me in Your favor;

bring victory in defeat and hope in hopelessness.

How long will you sons of Adam steal my dignity, reduce my glory to shame?

Why pine for the fruitless and dream a delusion?

[pause]

Understand this: The Eternal One treats as special those like Him.

The Eternal will answer my prayers and save me.

Think long; think hard. When you are angry, don’t let it carry you into sin.

When night comes, in calm be silent.

[pause]

From this day forward, offer to God the right sacrifice from a heart made right by God.

Entrust yourself to the Eternal.

Crowds of disheartened people ask, “Who can show us what is good?”

Let Your brilliant face shine upon us, O Eternal One, that we may know the undeniable answer.

You have filled me with joy, and happiness has risen in my heart, great delight and unrivaled joy,

even more than when bread abounds and wine flows freely.

Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace

because I trust You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 4 (The Voice)

[Psalm 46]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah, a song for sopranos.

God is our shelter and our strength.

When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.

So why run and hide?

No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.

When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.

When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.

Even in heavy winds and huge waves,

or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.

[pause]

A pure stream flows—never to be cut off—

bringing joy to the city where God makes His home,

the sacred site where the Most High chooses to live.

The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy;

He makes it unstoppable, unshakable.

When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work.

Trouble is on the horizon for the outside nations, not long until kingdoms will fall;

God’s voice thunders and the earth shakes.

You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;

the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

[pause]

Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do.

Amazing, He has worked desolation here on this battlefield, earth.

God can stop wars anywhere in the world.

He can make scrap of all weapons: snap bows, shatter spears,

and burn shields.

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.

I am honored among all the nations.

I am honored over all the earth.”

You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;

the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

[pause]

The Book of Psalms, Poem 46 (The Voice)

[Psalm 35]

A song of David.

Make a case against those who struggle with me, Eternal One.

Battle against those who battle against me.

Be my shield and protection;

stand with me and rescue me!

Draw the spear and javelin

to meet my pursuers.

Reassure my soul and say,

“I will deliver you.”

Shame and dishonor those ruthless enemies

who wish to end my life.

Turn back those who conspire against me,

defeated and humiliated!

Let them be separated from the righteous as chaff is separated from the grain,

blown by the wind,

driven far, far away by the Eternal’s messenger.

Make their way unsure and dangerously dark,

a gauntlet of gloom

chased through the darkness by the Eternal’s messenger.

For no reason at all, they set a trap for me—a net, a snare—

then, without cause, they disguised a pit to capture my soul—another cowardly snare.

May they be surprised by their own destruction.

May they become tangled in their own net

and fall into the pit which they, themselves, dug.

When that day comes, my soul will celebrate the Eternal

and be glad in His salvation.

Every fiber of my being will shout,

“Eternal One, there is none like You!

You save the poor

from those who try to overpower them

and rescue the weak and the needy from those who steal from them.”

False witnesses step forward;

they ask me strange questions for which I have no answers.

When I do good to them, they do evil to me,

bringing misery to my soul.

When they were sick,

I mourned for them and wore sackcloth;

I chose to humble myself by fasting.

But my prayers came back unanswered.

So I mourned more deeply as if I grieved for my brother or friend;

I went around bowed down by sorrow, dressed in black,

as if I were weeping for my mother.

But when I stumbled, they gathered together

and celebrated my fall with joy;

People attacked me when I wasn’t expecting it;

they slandered me with no end.

Like godless mockers at a festival,

their words tore at me.

Lord, how long will You do nothing but watch?

Save me from their evil assaults, plots, and plunder;

rescue my life from these hungry beasts, these ruthless lions!

Then I will praise You and thank You at the great gathering,

in the company of the entire congregation.

Do not allow my enemies to boast at my expense,

for they despise me without any cause—

yet they wink at me—malicious, taunting winks.

Their words have no ring of peace.

They plan evil rumors and incriminations

against those who live peacefully in the land.

They speak lying accusations against me;

they say, “Aha! Aha! We know what you’ve been up to.

We’ve seen it with our own eyes!”

You have seen what’s happening, Eternal One; don’t remain silent!

Lord, do not stay far away from me!

Wake up; come to my defense!

Fight for me, my Lord and my God!

Pass Your judgment, Eternal One, my True God;

do it by the standards of Your righteousness.

Do not allow my enemies to boast over me.

Do not allow them to gloat over me,

“Aha, we have won! We got what we wanted!”

Do not allow them to brag,

“We chewed him up and spit him out.”

Shame and confuse those who celebrate my suffering;

may those who exalt themselves above me be covered with shame—

wrapped in a cloak of dishonor!

As for those who desire my vindication,

may they be joyful and glad.

May they forever say,

“The Eternal is indeed great!

He takes pleasure when good things happen to His servant!”

That’s why I will speak of Your righteousness

and sing praises to You all day long.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 35 (The Voice)

[Proverbs 4]

Gather, children, to hear your father’s instruction.

Pay close attention so you will understand,

For I am passing down to you important precepts.

Do not abandon these valuable life lessons.

Back when I was young—the very image of my father,

and yet from my mother’s view, still her only boy—

My father, with his years of experience, became my teacher.

Father: Son, grab on to every word I say to you—hold them close—

stay true to my instructions as you live, and they will serve you well.

Whatever it takes to gain Wisdom, do it.

To gain understanding, do it! Never forget this!

Never stray from what I am telling you.

If you don’t forsake Lady Wisdom, she will protect you.

Love her, and she will faithfully take care of you.

Gaining sound judgment is key, so first things first: go after Lady Wisdom!

Now, whatever else you do, follow through to understanding.

Cherish her, and she will help you rise above the confusion of life—

your possibilities will open up before you—

embrace her, and she will raise you to a place of honor in return.

She will provide the finishing touch to your character—grace;

she will give you an elegant confidence.

Hear my words, my son, and take them in;

let them soak in so that you will live a long, full life.

I have pointed you in the way of wisdom;

I have steered you down the path to integrity.

So get going. And as you go, know this: with integrity you will overcome all obstacles;

even if you run, you will not stumble.

Tighten your grip around wise advice; don’t let it slip away.

Protect Wisdom, for without her, life isn’t worth living.

Do not start down the road of the wicked—

the first step is easy, but it leads to heartache—

do not go along the way of evildoers.

Stay away from it; don’t even go past it—

and if you find yourself anywhere near it,

turn your back and run as far as you can in the opposite direction.

For evildoers are so twisted they cannot sleep unless they have caused harm;

they’ll lie awake all night until they figure out a way to cause someone to stumble.

For they feed on evil the way most eat bread;

they drink violence the way most guzzle wine.

Yet the way of those who do right is like the early morning sun

that shines brighter and brighter until noon.

Evildoers travel a dark road because they love to hide their deeds in darkness;

they can’t see the perils ahead that cause them to stumble.

My son, pay attention to all the words I am telling you.

Lean in closer so you may hear all I say.

Keep them before you; meditate on them;

set them safely in your heart.

For those who discover them, they are life.

They bring wholeness and healing to their bodies.

Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it

because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life.

Do away with any talk that twists and distorts the truth;

have nothing to do with any verbal trickery.

Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead,

and your focus fixed on what is in front of you.

Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth,

and you will safely reach the end of your road.

Do not veer off course to the right or the left;

step away from evil, and leave it behind.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 4 (The Voice)