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spiritsoulandbody · 5 months ago

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#DailyDevotion Going From No-Mercy & Not My People To Mercy & Children Of The Living God

#DailyDevotion Going From No-Mercy & Not My People To Mercy & Children Of The Living God Hos. 1 8When she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she became pregnant again and had a son. 9Call him Lo-Ammi [Not-My-People),” He said, “because you are not My people, and I am not your God. 10“And yet the Israelites will be many like the sand by the sea that can't be measured or counted, and where they are told, 'You are not My people,'they will be told, 'You are the children of the living God.' 11And the people of both Judah and Israel will be gathered together to appoint one leader over themselves and go out of that country, because the day of Jezreel will be great. With this final child born of adultery, a son named Lo-Ammi (not my people), the prophecy is set. I wonder if the people as these children were being born and named knew of the prophecy. Certainly Hosea must have proclaimed it to the people. For a year or so he proclaimed Jezreel, because the house of Jehu would fall there. For another year or so he proclaimed, Lo-Ruhamah, because the LORD proclaimed He would no longer have mercy on Israel. Now the son, Lo-Ammi would proclaim for the rest of his life, these Israelites were not the LORD's people. It is a terrible, horrific thing for the LORD to tell the Israelites they are not His people and He is not their God. This is not what God wanted. Let that sink in for a bit. Remember that when the things you want to happen are not turning out as you planned. Of course, this isn't coming out of the blue. The LORD is simply pronouncing what the Israelites had been doing and being practically since they left Egypt. They had been a. not worshiping the LORD as He told them to in the Law and b. they had started worshiping other gods before Him. Seriously, they were attributing to other gods all the LORD had done for them. They were seeking from other gods all the LORD had promised them. God is now confirming their choice. The LORD though ends this prophecy of doom with a promise. The Israelites will be as many as the sand by the sea. Those who were not my people will be called children of the Living God. Judah and Israel will be united by their leader and go out of that country. This is fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus is the leader who unites His people. He just doesn't do it in the way that the unbelieving Jews have planned. The Israel here is of the spirit not of the flesh. Paul in Romans 9 says, “7Not all who are descended from Israel are the real Israel, 8and not all who are descended from Abraham are for that reason his real children. No, “Isaac's children will be called your descendants.” 9This means children born in a natural way are not God's children. 10Only the children he had because God promised them are counted his descendants.” Then further he says, “25So He says in Hosea: 'Those who are not My people I will call My people, and those who are not loved I will call My loved ones, 26and where they were told, 'You are not My people, they will be called sons of the living God.'” Peter affirms this in 1 Pet. 2:10. The Church was, is and will be God's Israel. All who have the faith of Abraham, the faith in the blessed seed in whom all the world is blessed, are Israel, God's people, God's children and children of Abraham. The blessed seed is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. In Jesus Christ we find the mercy of God as He sacrifices Himself upon the altar of the cross. In Christ Jesus God's vengeance is fulfilled. Through faith in Christ we who were not His people of His people and not only that His children. Merciful God and Father, though in our unbelief we did not know Your mercy and were not Your people, You revealed Jesus Christ to us and gave us faith so we could receive Your mercy and Your son ship. Keep us in this faith always so we may enter into Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

#ChildrenofGod #Christ #Christianity #devotion #faith #Jesus #LCMS #Lo-Ammi #Lutheran #mercy #Messiah

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suprememastertv · 6 months ago

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Humility doesn't come with the title 'very humble', it comes from within. When we all realize that we are all children of God, and we and the Father are one, that is where true humility begins.

Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan)

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💗 Please join Supreme Master Ching Hai to sincerely thank God Almighty for World Vegan, World Peace and souls’ Liberation 💗 Every day at 9:00 PM Hong Kong time 🙏

SupremeMasterTV.com

#SupremeMasterTV #WordsOfWisdom #SupremeMasterChingHai #God #ChildrenOfGod #DailyInspiration

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daletraeng · 7 months ago

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See the lyrics for the song “Children of God” by Third Day

#ThirdDay #ChildrenOfGod

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mineofilms · 7 months ago

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Review of: “The Sparrow” & “Children of God”

Review of: “The Sparrow” and “Children of God” Writer: Mary Doria Russell Release Dates: “The Sparrow:” 9/6/1996 “Children of God:” 9/1/1998 Audiobook Runtime: “The Sparrow” - Roughly 16 hours. “Children of God” - Roughly 18 hours.

Major Spoilers Ahead; You Have Been Warned...

Plot of “The Sparrow:”

“The Sparrow” is the story of First Contact with an Alien race in the Alpha Centauri system by the Jesuit Priesthood. The story kicks off with a Jesuit priest, Emilio Sandoz, being the sole survivor of the first mission to the planet Ra’khat. The novel jumps between two timelines: one in the future, where Emilio returns to Earth in disgrace, and one in the past, detailing the mission's journey. Humanity makes first contact with extraterrestrial life when a radio signal featuring alien music is detected. The discovery is kept a secret to most of the world. The Jesuits, who, in a bid to extend their mission of seeking God in all “Its” creations, decide to mount an independent mission to Ra’khat. The crew includes a mix of scientists, priests, and a doctor who all are associated with the Jesuit order: Emilio Sandoz, the linguist and protagonist; Father D.W. Yarbrough, leader of the mission; Sofia Mendes, a brilliant but emotionally scarred computer expert; Anne and George Edwards, a married couple and both doctors; Jimmy Quinn, the engineer who discovered the signal; and Marc Robichaux, a young priest. They travel in a modified asteroid, sped up to near light-speed. As they land on Ra’khat, the mission initially seems like a resounding success. The crew encounters two intelligent species: the peaceful and Native American Indian-like, Runa and the more dominant, carnivorous and creators of the music, the Jana’ata. However, the humans' interactions with the Runa unintentionally lead to catastrophic cultural disruptions. Tensions rise as the crew realizes their naivety in understanding the complex social structures of Ra’khat. The climax of the novel is devastating. Emilio is subjected to severe physical, emotional, and sexual trauma, including multiple horrific gang rapes by the Jana’ata, leading to the deaths of his companions. The novel ends with Emilio's return to Earth, mentally, emotionally and religiously broken. He denounces his faith, as the Jesuit leadership interrogates him about the mission's failure. The first book portrays Alien first contact more like Star Trek the Original Series and Star Trek the Next Generation in relation to why the prime directive exists. Since this is humanity’s first meeting with intelligent life outside the solar system there is no prime directive nor is it even mentioned how humans could potentially destroy the balance of both the intelligent life on another planet and the ecosystem. “The Sparrow” ends with Emilio Sandoz’s confession of being sold into slavery and used as a sex toy for the Jana’ata. The final spoilers of the book is learning that the songs the Jana’ata sang and were sent out into space were songs and poetry of their sexual conquests and gratification. Porn… SETI, intercepted alien porn and the Jesuits misunderstood this as music or communication from an alien race. That the Jana’ata rule over the Runa, control their food, their mating, bread them for obedience, food stock and sexual slavery. “The Sparrow” is a great example of how bad first contact with an alien species can go if language, art, spiritually are not properly understood in full context and a full language dissemination.

Plot of “Children of God:”

“Children of God” picks up where “The Sparrow” left off, with Emilio trying to rebuild his life. This time, the story dives deeper into the consequences of the first contact mission and that the Jesuit order has lost contact with the second mission that rescued Emilio. Emilio quits the Jesuit order, meets a woman, and begins a life of healing, growing and love. The order is planning on sending another mission back to Ra’khat. They attempt to persuade Emilio to go back. When he refuses he is beaten, kidnapped and drugged till the asteroid-ship is more than halfway into their trip despite his trauma, disabilities, and the relativistic time differences happening on the asteroid-ship to that of Earth. Back on Earth, the Catholic Church and other global powers are vying for control over the knowledge and resources of Ra’khat. The world now knows about alien life and Ra’khat. Upon his reluctant return to Ra’khat, Emilio discovers significant changes. The Runa, once oppressed, raped and eaten, have overthrown their Jana’ata rulers, leading to a chaotic power struggle. The Runa are not the passive victims they once appeared to be. They have evolved, and their actions against the Jana’ata raise moral and ethical questions about revenge and justice as they hunt the Jana’ata to starvation and near extinction. The climax of “Children of God” is both a resolution and a continuation of Emilio’s spiritual journey. The heavy themes of redemption and the search for faith amidst suffering. Emilio's return to Ra’khat and subsequent involvement in the political and social upheavals there force him to confront his trauma and seek a new understanding of his faith and his place in the universe.

While both books are pretty good and tell a very interesting story about first alien contact they both have some plot holes that could get under some people’s skin. The real strengths of the novels lies in their ability to evoke profound questions about the human condition and the existence of God in the face of unimaginable suffering and confusion. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling overly detailed while others rush through crucial events and/or fail to properly explain major questions about events that happen in the story that are important but are either incomplete or ignored altogether. Additionally, the secondary characters, while well-developed, occasionally fall into stereotypes that detract from the novel's overall impact. The novel's ending, while satisfying in many ways, leaves too many unanswered questions for my liking, which may frustrate readers seeking a more definitive logical conclusion to the story and the characters.

Philosophical and Theological Exploration:

Russell’s novels are rich with philosophical and theological reflections. The concept of ‘The Veil of Ignorance’ is evident as characters navigate their perceptions and knowledge, often realizing the limitations of their understanding. ‘The Veil of Ignorance;’ proposes that each person has a filter over their perception. A veil that separates us from the actual truth of reality and the truth a person or people will project onto the world and label that as truth. By passing through this ‘Veil of Ignorance’ we can expand our knowledge. The notion of “Set and Setting” is also crucial, highlighting how past experiences and environments influence present emotions and actions. ‘Set and Setting’ is a term used to describe how your mental state was influenced and impacted by important events that happen at certain locations. The set is how you felt and what you were thinking before the event happened and the setting is the environment or location where you were when said event happened. The idea is that if something good happened to you at a certain location returning to that location can reignite that pleasant feeling. It gives you a sense of comfort and security. This also can be in reverse where certain places can set off past traumas.

“Nothing comforts anxiety like a little nostalgia.” – Morpheus, “Matrix Resurrections.”

Even though these books were written in the late 1990’s they explore the dangers of Hyper-Reality, where in our present day social media and cultural narratives distort the perception of minority issues as majority concerns. This parallels the misunderstandings between humans and the Runa and Jana’ata cultures on Ra’khat, where superficial observations lead to devastating consequences. The novels draw on the resurrection myth of Osiris as well, linking Emilio’s journey to a form of spiritual and emotional resurrection. Just as Isis reassembled her husband Osiris, Emilio seeks to piece together his shattered life, emotional state, humanity, faith and sense of self.

Parallels to Modern Media and Philosophical Thought:

“Everyone’s scared of love dipshit… You learn that in your 20s. It takes a very rare, very powerful being to be terrified of happiness. Which is dumb. You’re dumb. The smarter you are the more you know. Happiness is a trap. It can’t last forever. Let’s say you meet the love of your life. Well, it’s still gonna end. It’s inevitable. Whether by the slow pole of a disease, or the shock of loose footing on a hiking trail. Whether it be the corrosion of two personalities that reshape each other until they’re incompatible. Or maybe the old stranger in a bar who says the things that need to be said to that person, that night. The point is happiness always ends. Best case scenario; think about this, best case is that you die at the same time. Yikes… In the larger picture of the Universe, you do not matter… Not one bit…” ~Paraphrased from “Rick and Morty,” Season 7, Episode 10 – Fear Hole Rep that strangely resembles Rod Serling from the original “Twilight Zone” (1959–1964). This episode of Rick and Morty offers a cynical perspective on love and happiness, which is relevant when examining the profound suffering and fleeting moments of joy in Russell’s novels. This perspective mirrors Emilio's experiences where the brief moments of happiness on Earth after the failure of the first mission to Ra’khat are overshadowed by overwhelming trauma and loss. It raises questions about the nature of happiness and the inevitability of suffering.

Destructive-Nihilism is the loss of purpose…

Realizing that everything one believed to be true. All the paradigms and ideas were wrong for you. A person starts down a path of self-discovery. Destructive-Nihilism can lead that person who is experiencing a loss of purpose to want to destroy everything. Literally, EVERYTHING... An attack upon the fabric of reality itself. To wage war against the God or gods of creation itself. It is illogical to continue fighting because this point of view will never escape the control of the system it was created into. With the loss of purpose we desperately try to find something; ‘that thing of which is lost,’ what is not understood is that once again that trapped sense of nothingness. Purpose is not assigned to us at birth. Purpose is something that we must strive to create for ourselves, in ourselves, from ourselves. Most will never understand that true purpose cannot be taken away because it's not something that is given. It's something that we make, we create within ourselves, for ourselves, from ourselves. What if that feeling you get in the pit of your gut during those times and things that feel ultimately and powerfully wrong and/or right could be just you from a different point of view of this reality itself. What if after everything there is nothing but just you in all the different points of view from a timeless frame of reference?

“There is no escaping reason. No denying purpose because as we both know without purpose we would not exist. It is purpose that created us. Purpose that connects us. Purpose that pulls us, that guides us, that drives us… It is purpose that defies the purpose, that binds us.” ~From Agent Smith’s point of view in the “Matrix Reloaded.”

The Matrix franchise almost always has a double reference about “the one” and how it presents us with the concept of what a messiah should be and how it can be used to manipulate us and not only from a religious point of view of believing that a savior would soon rescue US FROM EVIL. These savior-archetypes are used in politics where government leaders declare themselves as bringing salvation to the people. They appeal to the people's desire for a Messianic-figure with leadership and Authority which makes them easily manipulated and controlled. Biologically speaking, some people have tried to propose that humans have always looked for the alpha leader, the head of the herd. Humans are packed creatures. We often feel like we need leaders, even when we actually do not need to be led, but rather us leading our self or selves. The Messiah represents the ultimate leader. The one who would lead us to the Promised Land. The concept of the Messiah is a powerful force in the human psyche and corrupted leaders, politicians and psycho cults use it to manipulate millions of people around the world. The Matrix shares more with our reality than you ALL THINK. Check your religious, social, and political leaders; for they could be part of a system of control that has created a prison that you cannot see, touch, smell or feel.

A Prison for the Mind. A Prison for your Mind…

In ‘Matrix Resurrections’ the new Morpheus proceeds to ask Neo a question; “are memories turned into fiction any less real? Is reality based in memory and nothing but fiction?”

Memories turned into fiction have happened with historical people and events that have been turned into entertainment, movies, TV shows, books, video games. When adapting true historical events into fiction some details tend to change; thus memories are turned into fiction. History is turned into legend. An analysis exploring the realm of Hyper-Reality, particularly in the context of social media and influencer culture, there's an examination of how minority issues are many times portrayed as majority concerns, subsequently labeled as normal, everyday, 'FACTS.' This phenomenon involves convincing the masses that something seemingly trivial is, in fact, widespread, considered a fact, and normal without undergoing critical scrutiny. Referencing Jean Baudrillard and Sheila Faria Glaser's "Simulacra and Simulation," the concept of Hyper-Reality is explored as a false reality existing above the real one. Morpheus's iconic line, 'Welcome to the desert of the real,' takes on new significance, suggesting that even in a simulated life, an objective truth persists beyond the Matrix's deceit. This debate suggests that reality based on memory is inherently fictional, as it can never precisely replicate the original experience. Many people today find themselves trapped in this Hyper-Reality, navigating between 'Simulacra and Simulation.' The analogy extends to the lives constructed on social media, where individuals utilize editing tools to exaggerate and modify their content, turning real experiences into Hyper-Real Simulations. The discussion underscores how edited representations of reality, fueled by attention, likes and hearts from social media, gradually replace genuine experiences with Hyper-Real versions. This shift has already occurred, with memories transforming into fiction and reality based on these memories becoming a simulation of what once was real. The analysis contemplates the profound impact of this Hyper-Reality within the modern-day internet landscape, where edited and exaggerated representations increasingly shape our collective understanding of reality. How do they end up crying poor and lying about the background with the entitled rage of young attention-seeking affluent classes having everything they could want so they have to pretend they are victims. It's the one thing they can't one-click buy from the Internet, but it's all tantrums they pretend to be a victim for attention and add exultation.

My Final Thoughts:

“The Sparrow” and “Children of God” are an interesting blend of profound explorations of faith, science-fiction, suffering, and the consequences of cultural encounters. Mary Doria Russell's storytelling is appealing, filled with emotional depth and philosophical questions. The characters are richly developed, with Emilio Sandoz standing out as one of the most compelling emotional character arcs I have seen in a minute. Sandoz’s journey is upsetting and deeply moving, making you question the nature of faith, God and humanity. Science-fiction and religion usually do not play well together in reality or fiction, but here; I feel like if one is a follower of faith or isn’t, won’t be offended here. I felt like the religious aspects here were done tastefully examining point of views of God either existing or not existing or if God exists is thoroughly bored by humanity’s attempts to understand “it.” The novels don't shy away from the brutal realities of first contact. The depiction of Emilio’s trauma is raw and unflinching, forcing readers to confront the dark aspects of human, alien nature, spiritual and sexual torment. Russell's use of alternating timelines keeps the narrative suspenseful and engaging, allowing for a deep dive into the characters' psyches. Would love to see a 10-hour limited series run of this story, but done from a darker, almost horror point of view. Both books are must-reads for fans of thought-provoking science-fiction. They offer a unique blend of speculative fiction and theological inquiry, making you ponder long after you've either finished the series or listened to the audiobook versions, which is what I did here. A powerful statement of storytelling in exploring the deepest questions of spiritual existence.

“Religion… The wishful-thinking for apes that talk…” ~ Mary Doria Russell, Children of God ‍‍‍‍

Review of: “The Sparrow” and “Children of God” by David-Angelo Mineo 5/27/2024 2,790 Words

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thechristiangirlyevolvement · 1 year ago

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Day 3:

Used my prayer journal

Listened to the word of God

Incorporated worship Gospel

Prayed with my partner

Spoke about Christian marriage with my partner

Cleaned my body and my space

Implimented healthy habits even when I didn't feel like it

Got rid of my belly button piercing

Still unable to quit Marijuana use

Overall: I had a beautiful day with my Christianity today. My prayer was answered, and my partner came to me wanting to experience this journey with me. It was so special to me because I didn't even have to ask! It was more than enough reassurance that God predestined us to be together so we could glorify his name.

I definitely noticed a decrease in my profanity use.

Me and my partner also agreed to refrain from any further sexual activities until married. I truly feel this is the way of God, and I am beyond grateful.

Challenges: Profanity use, sexual temptation, laziness, procrastination, doubt, and drug use.

#woman of god #prayer #christianity #god #godly #god loves you #god loves us #god loves me #christian faith #christian living #modesty #childrenofgod

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riseaboveyourproblems · 1 year ago

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You were made in God's image and are a child of the most high God. Remind yourself of that every day! Stand in no one's shadow and don't allow the enemy to put negative, false thoughts into your mind. You are Blessed and Highly Favored!

#ChildrenOfGod #Blessed #HighlyFavored #Annoited #GodLovesYou

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unfoldingmoments · 1 year ago

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Grace

I watched "Knives Out" last night and got me thinking that legacy / inheritance doesn't always given to the bloodlines, but could be given to other people who deserves the most. (sorry for the spoiler for those who haven't watched the movie- it's a great detective movie btw) I'd like to share the relatable to the bible verse from the movie and the old sermon I just watched from Ps. Philip Mantofa about faith. Video Ref: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhXYiyWW-Yg (the sermon is in Bahasa Indonesia, you may switch on the auto translation in English from YouTube) Proverbs 29: 21 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame: It is natural that a son should rule; the trust one has in family is often greater than the trust one has in servants. Yet, should a son cause shame, God knows how to replace that son with a wise servant. Proverbs 29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.

Galatians 4:1-7 ...Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. comment: Claim the privilege of children from God's kingdom, we are no longer slave mentality to the law, believers are the bloodline heir of the Kingdom. We all fall from grace and we don't earn grace, but grace is freely given to us and through grace we can receive God's blessings. All we have to do is to have faith in God and accept God's grace with an open heart. Learn to surrender to God and rely on God's strength rather than our own strength that quickly fading.

Mat 20: 1-16 Life is not fair, but the good news is God is fair, just not in your standard. God's standard are different from world's standard. 1 Samuel 16:14-23 The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

... But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you.

Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

comment: The morning worker 9am-5am (work more) The evening worker who work for an hour from 5-6pm (work less) Both receives the same amount of money from the long hours or short hours. The morning workers felt how unfair they work for longer hours and received the same money with the one who work in shorter hours. What they fail to see is: they forgot the blessing of job whereas they were unemployed and now they got a job, it's better than they do nothing and perhaps can cause a crime or else. Moreover, if they workers prove they can work hard, later on they might get a chance to be hired permanently. But if we always think of the profit and loss, we might fail to see God's blessing that is given to us though it may seems unfair to our standard. But God has a great plan for all of us. All we have to do is to listen and obey him, God's way are beyond our imagination, surely he will give us the best according to our faith. 1 Samuel 16: 14-23 The LORD's spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the LORD tormented him. comment: Other examples will be the story of Saul the chosen one that got replaced by David who is more obedient and have a right heart. When the God's spirit depart from Saul, that's when the evil spirit consumed him and Saul's life failed apart. The key success of King David was his obedient to God and do what is right in the Lord's sight. Though David had committed adultery, he repented and bore the consequences. He also had a a chance to kill King Saul twice but he didn't do it because He was honouring God. In conclusion, if we have fall into sin, quickly get up and repented, don't take God's grace for granted. Live righteously and don't let God's spirit left you. Stay close proximity to God and listen to His voice. Remember God's promises. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Happy Tuesday Folks !

#sermon #knivesout #movie #thought #reflection #contemplation #faith #sonship #daughter #childrenofgod #God #spirit #holyspirit #kingdomofGod #grace

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