#if we have done something wrong pray God shows us what to repent of

[wisegirlandseaweedbrainforever]

There are so many people sick, or in the hospital in my church right now pray for us.

[badbtssmut]

Cult 0T7 fic.

What happens when one’s sin is too big for the highest deity to forgive? Seven individuals who have committed the most hideous crimes, show up at your town; paying the holy leader of the cult heaps of money to have you cleanse them of their sins. Whatever happens in a cult, stays in a cult.

Contains: cult themes, public sex, rough sex, members fighting over who can fuck y/n first, members are driven crazy by lust, double penetration in pussy, triple penetration ass and pussy, double blowjob, attempt at trice blowjob but fails, riding, idk what else

Admin note: I deliberately kept any details and references to any religion as vague as possible.

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It was the last full moon of the month, a time for celebrating the harvest and honoring the God that you and the people you cherished worshipped religiously, night to day, day to night. A special night, as it was only on this night where mortals were granted forgiveness for sins that wouldn’t be excused by human beings; sins that were too vile for any mortal to overlook, but a sin that a God could forgive, so long as you repented.

So long as you repented…

…and had sexual intercourse on the last full moon of the month, a practice that all of you were willing to participate in. Word got around quick and sex tourists desperately tried to participate, but your town shouldn’t be seen as some sort of sex theme park. No, this was a sacred ritual that you and the other people in the town participated in, to the point where you all saw it as an act of tradition without batting an eye at the freakiness of it all.

The head of the cult would never steer you wrong, he knew what was best for the town.

“Seven individuals have come to partake in our tradition tonight.” The wise man spoke, a smile plastered on his face. “We know that seven is a sacred number, don’t we? This cannot be a coincidence! It is the will of the Gods that this will be done. Our town will prosper, I assure you all of this.” He spoke to the crowd, his eyes gleaming in the light of the candle and fire.

He looked back at you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“Are you ready, my child?” He led you to the hot springs. “The Gods will surely be pleased with this outcome, as will we all be once the harvest is bountiful in our town.”

You were more than ready to go through with this, the Gods would bless the town.

You left the man behind as you were welcomed by the two elder sisters who prepared you for the tradition; scrubbing your body, soaping it, and then softening your skin with a blend of almond and coconut oil. Your hair was dried before they wrapped the silk robe around you, a hug and a kiss on the cheek given by one of the two, before you walked off and made your way to where the tradition would take place.

There was an open space in the far back of the town; far enough to scare off tourists but near enough for interested townspeople to come and have a look. It was surrounded by torches and candles, an altar placed at the center of the open area, decorated with roses, lilies, and daisies. A swing hung from a tree, a bed of soft furs and blankets a few feet from the swing, and water flowing nearby.

Seven wooden chairs were lined up in front of the altar, each seat occupied by seven strangers, before you could have a closer look, the leader of the cult spoke up.

“Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Jung Hoseok, Min Yoongi, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook, you are all welcome here.” The man glanced over to the crowd before looking back at the men. “May the Gods be gracious to us all, for we are all pure-hearted, and our intentions are true and good, we come together for one goal and one goal only: the will of the Gods!” The audience clapped, some of the older ones praying under their breath.

You sat on the furs, the silk robe still on, and you watched the seven men walk down the path that the people created for them. It wasn’t something you’d normally think about, but you couldn’t help but notice how handsome each of them were, every man holding a unique feature that made you stare.

You laid back on the furs, a pillow under your head, and waited, watching as they undressed themselves and like a pack of wild animals, they pounced on you. Hands roamed all over your body, fingers pinching and twisting your nipples, fingers rubbed your clit, lips sucked at your neck, hands caressed your thighs, tips were pushed at your entrance before you were forcibly pulled back by another member who was eager to fuck you first.

They argued, they bickered, they fought, they shoved each other, your body bounced back and forth as they wrestled and tried to pull you into their arms, Yoongi grabbed hold of you and dragged you across the furs and blankets, before the rest of the men piled on top of you, two cocks pushed into your mouth while another cock rubbed against your face.

You looked up to see that the three cocks belonged to Taehyung, Jungkook and Jimin. In your left hand, you held Namjoon’s cock, while your right hand held Hoseok’s cock. There were so many cocks that you were starting to lose count.

You felt Yoongi’s tip push in before it was abruptly pushed away by Seokjin’s tip, their cocks pushing and rubbing against each other before both slid into your pussy. You let out a gasp, mouth wide open, cocks slipping out, before they were hastily pushed back into your mouth. The two men inside of you fucked you in tandem, their cocks brushing against each other.

You took shaky breaths through your nose, focusing on sucking their cocks, while also focusing on rubbing the cocks that you held in your hands. Seokjin held onto your hips while Yoongi’s fingers dug into your ass, them both pushing you back and forth on their cocks, bouncing you back and forth. Taehyung who was rubbing his cock against your face, felt himself grow impatient, and pushed himself into your mouth, but when he realized it wouldn’t fit, he pulled back out.

The citizens watched, some bursting into tears, others clapping, a few cheering, the majority chanting and praying, but they were all proud of the ritual being carried out so far. They’d make sure to praise you after you’re done, bring you gifts and your favorite treats as a reward for your outstanding work.

You felt Seokjin’s pace turn sloppy and frantic, his moans louder than before, and not even a second later, he came. He filled you up first, panting, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. He stayed inside of you for a while longer, until he finally pulled out.

Yoongi didn’t allow anyone to take Jin’s place, he continued fucking you, his pace fast and hard. You couldn’t help the lewd noises that slipped past your lips, and you didn’t care how loud you were. The only thing on your mind was the cock slamming into your pussy.

Jimin switched places with Taehyung, now his cock in your mouth while Jimin stepped back and enjoyed the show. Jungkook tilted his head back as he pushed his hips further towards your face, digging his cock deeper into your mouth.

Soon after, Yoongi’s seed spilled inside of you, and you clenched around his cock. He groaned, biting down on his lip, pulling out of you. Your pussy was only left alone for a few seconds before Hoseok eagerly took the spot. He sat down next to you before he pulled you onto his lap, earning some annoyed groans and glares from the men as their cocks slipped out of your mouth and hands.

Hoseok lifted you up and down, bouncing you on his cock, and he held a smile on his face at how soaking wet and warm your pussy was. Namjoon took the opportunity to ram his cock into your needy pussy, both him and Hoseok fucking you in tandem, and the pleasure was too much. You screamed and moaned, the cocks stuffed inside of you were making you feel lightheaded. You could feel Hoseok’s tongue drag over your neck as Namjoon kneaded your chest, your breasts filling his large hands.

Your ears rang, your mind went blank, and everything felt blurry, but the men continued to fuck you. Your head tilted back as Namjoon and Hoseok changed the rhythm, Namjoon pounding into your pussy while Hoseok slowly fucked into you. The three of you continued to go on like this, the cocks stuffing you to the brim, until Hoseok and Namjoon both came, their seed filling you up.

One of the sisters on standby, stepped in to offer you a cup of water, before she bowed and stepped back, not wanting to stand in the way of you finishing. You took a minute to breathe and catch your breath, before the three youngest were left.

You were taken away from the blankets and brought to one of the chairs, where Taehyung sat down and pulled you onto his lap. He held you into place as he pushed his errection into your ass, stretching your hole and earning a squeak from you. As he fucked your ass, Jungkook and Jimin stepped over. Jungkook went straight for pushing his cock into your pussy, while Jimin decided to make you suck his cock for a few minutes before he also pushed in his cock into your pussy.

The chair creaked and shifted under the weight and force of the three men fucking you relentlessly, but you couldn’t even hear it, your hearing fuzzy and your sight blurry.

“Oh! Oh!” You gasped, eyes wide and mouth agape, unable to do anything but allow the three men to use your holes however they pleased. It was too much— too much pleasure at the same time, but it was so good, too good. Drool dripped down your chin, your hair a mess, your robe abandoned somewhere on the ground. First Taehyung would thrust, before pulling out, which was when Jimin pushed in, along with Jungkook, before they’d switch their pace and start alternating again.

Taehyung was the first to come, his seed spilling inside of you, and as soon as he pulled out, it was when Jimin and Jungkook came as well, filling you up with their seed.

You were left panting, drool dripping from your mouth and tears in your eyes. The sisters stood by your side and wrapped a warm towel around you. Your legs were shaking, and you felt wobbly so you sat back down, shit, you needed a break after that.

“Now I declare, that all of you have been cleared of your sins…

Jungkook, Battery

Jimin, Extortion

Taehyung, Kidnapping

Seokjin, Murder

Namjoon, Burglary

Yoongi, Cybercrime

Hoseok, Arson…”

[beanibon]

Helloo, i really like your writing and how you write characters. I was wondering if you could do a wolfwood x flirty, vulgar gn-reader. They are silly and carefree but have vulgar humor and love teasing and taunting

We love reader that can just match WWs energy, maybe even fluster the guy.

TW: not many just some vulgar language, maybe an ass slap or two.

Nicholas had really bitten more than he could chew. You were wild, had mouth that rivalled a sailors, and wouldn't stop directing lewd comments towards him. Not that he minded, but if he pushed too far, you'd always have him choking on his words, unable to fire something cocky back.

You had him beat, and how Nicholas loved you for that.

"Sorry daddy, I've been bad?" Nicholas groaned, fingers pinched at the bridge of his nose. He knew this was on purpose, that you were just trying to get a reaction.

"{Name}, you've come to me for repentance, at least that's what I assumed when you said to me 'I need to ask for forgiveness'." You had the biggest grin on your face, attempting yet failing to contain your laughter. Once again Nicholas fell for your immature behaviour, lifting the Punisher over his shoulder and walking off.

That damn smile drove him mad, you'd always have it plastered to your face the moment he fell for something you said. And by God himself, it was addictive.

"Oh C'mon Wolfwood! You have to admit it was a little funny!" You followed him, engraving that expression forever in your mind.

"The kind of funny like when you asked if what I had been carrying was heavy, only to proceed to use your hands as a 'bra'?" Laughter echoed throughout the empty desert, forgetting that you'd done that

"I heard bigger chests can lead to back pain, you need proper support for those bad boys." God he needed a cold glass of whiskey.

He was going to suffer for another few gruelling days, the next town still quite a distance away. Nicholas adored you, he truly did, but your form of entertainment was nothing short of torturous.

"Kiss me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's Vash I see in the distance."

Instantly Nicholas looked up, only to be met with nothing. He fell for it yet again...

"Nope, looks like that's just a funny shaped rock, looks like imma need a pair of glasses and that kiss." You said shamelessly, awaiting your award when Nicholas sighed in frustration.

"{Name}, I love you, but please can you stop trying to give me a heart attack." The last thing he needs right now is that Needle Noggin showing up, the stress was already unbearable.

You didn't answer, verbally, your hand swung forward to slap Nicholas right on the ass. His body jolted, stumbling as his face lit up furious red.

"Oops," Came your unapologetic, flirtatiously teasing voice, eyes batting in mock innocence. "Sorry Wolfwood, there was mosquito."

Two more days.

Two days until he reached the next town. He could do it, that drink will be waiting for him and perhaps you'd finally calm in your constant teasings, return to that sweet individual you'd been for days.

Nicholas rubbed his face, praying for his mind to stay focused, only to see that same innocent face staring at his hunched over form. Your head tilted so innocently, smiling as you jumped up and placed a quick kiss to his lips, turning on your heels to walk ahead.

You'd be the death of him, showering him in teasing affections, a myriad of vulgar flirtatious comments shot at him. He swore your favourite pass time was embarrassing him, chipping away at his overconfidence.

He loved and hated you for it.

[unitedbyprayer]

(via Vengeance Of Evil Belongs To God)

Vengeance Of Evil Belongs To God

https://www.unitedbyprayer.com/united-by-prayer-wall/vengeance-of-evil-belongs-to-god

This verse in Romans gives a glimpse into the other side of the coin that graciously feeds an enemy when he is hungry and provides drink for him when he is thirsty:  Scripture reveals that returning good for evil and showing kindness to an antagonist, may result in one's adversary feeling guilty for their unkindness and may cause them to admit their fault. Although returning good for evil can certainly have a positive effect on an adversary, the significance of "heaping fiery coals on his head," has a much greater depth of meaning for those who are God's people, this verse follows another Old Testament quote, which warns: "Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine'. I will repay', says the Lord." We are clearly told that vengeance on an enemy is not our remit. Vengeance Of Evil Belongs To God, and we must never take from the Lord what is rightfully His. Vengeance is the sacred premise of God, and a day is coming when He will judge the world, and all the evil acts perpetrated on His people, in righteousness. The mercy and grace of God is available to all, and as His children, we should demonstrate that same mercy and grace to the lost, including our enemies. The responsibility of our enemies is to come to repentance while our responsibility is to obey God's Word:

On the contrary:  “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Our United Prayer:

Heavenly Father, there are times when we have been hurt and abused by our enemies who have sought to harm us and those we love. We confess, Lord, that at times we would like to pay them back for the wrongs they have done. But we know we have been called to do good to those that treat us badly, to pray for our enemies, and to feed them when they are hungry, for Your greater glory. We also know that You have promised to avenge those that hate us, and we thank You that a day is coming when You will put all wrongs to right. Keep us from trying to avenge any wrongs done to us, when Your Word clearly says: "Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord, I will repay." Draw us closer to You, and may the words of or mouths and the actions we do, bring honor to Your holy name and blessings to those with whom we come in contact. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

[godlovesyouall2]

My story and some advice of a relationship with the Lord was pretty hard at first, but when i started

focusing on my journey more (which was this year) i only now started to realize that how much the

Lord has done for me all my life, the Lord is the only reason i can sometimes get through with my

daily task or when i have my moments.

Even though i have been struggling with sin i sometimes would always remember that the Lord is

always there to help me, sometimes i would struggle not to slip and fall into temptation and i know

that i cannot be sinless but i can sin less and i just wanted to share this with others if they are

struggling to have a connection with God and gives some tips that may at least help a little.

I suggest at least having an app or reading God's word once or twice each day. Reading the word of

God could be a way to learn more about Him.

I know that having a relationship with God could be hard since we fall into sin or temptation a lot, but

do not forget that the Lord forgives, don't take this for granted the Lord taking away and forgiving

your sins is you also repenting and turning away from your wicked ways, it's not just about the Lord

forgiving and you going straight back to your sinful ways repenting is turning away from sin and

resisting its temptation, I know i may not be able to give much advice or ideas but i can say ask the

Lord for strength to fight against the Devil's temptation. For the Devil only wants you to sin more and

lead you away from the Lord but when you pray and turn away from your sinful acts and ways you

may start to see change in your relationship with the Lord.

If you're probably woken up in the middle of the night of let's say at 3am or 4am, this could be the

Lord telling you to pray about something, praying is something that makes satan mad it shows that

you do not want to fall into his temptation this could be a way God is protecting you from satan's

wicked ways.

If you have EVER heard someone say "Works don't matter to get into heaven it's only faith" One this is

entirely wrong, faith is correct but works do matter, faith without works is entirely dead, the works that

the Lord has given matters you must live for the Lord and obey his commandments please do not use

that as a excuse to do exactly what you want.

Butnow lastly i would like to share my favorite Bible verse

Phillipians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

The reason why this may be my most favorite Bible verse is because I know even if I'm worried,

stressed, doubtful I know that I can pray for the Lord to strengthen me and that I can cast all of my

worries unto the Lord. From my research the Bible says in.

Phillipians 4:6-7

By giving your worries to God he will take that worry

And replace it with his peace.

1 Peter 5:7

"Give all your worries and cares to God,

For he cares about you.

Anyway this was all I wanted to say and I hope some of this at least helped some people or people

struggling with their relationship with God. I know it may not be much information but I know I can do

my best

[ahopkins1965]





 

Is This True? Are We All Inside of His Hands?

By Anthony Joseph Hopkins

          I have a very important question to ask everyone.  Are we all inside of God’s Hands?  The answer is yes! I am saying this because it is God who is doing for us more than we are doing for ourselves.  I know that according to Proverbs 20:24 says a person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?  It is God that is doing the work for all of us in our personal lives.  I will admit that I used to question God all of the time when I was a whole lot younger.  Currently, at the age of 52, I am keeping my mouth shut because God has a way of disciplining mankind for disobedience.  I want to inform everyone that I used to use God Name in vain all of the time.  This is simply because I was a very angry person growing up.

 

 

 

 

         

Further, I used to question my own authority figures each and every single time that I was intended to do something for them.  I always asked why, who, how, when and what all of the time.  To be perfectly honest in Proverbs 20:20 says if a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.  This is not a laughing matter because God can discipline you for the rest of your entire life, simply because a child has totally disrespected their parents.  To be perfectly honest with all of you, we are all inside of God’s Hands. 

In Addition, It is God’s unfailing love that he has for all of us that He provides us mercy.  The definition of the word mercy is undeserved favor for someone or something.  To be released from punishment.  I feel that God is giving all of us a second chance as long as we repent of our sins.  I feel at this time that God has cancelled all of my debt and sins because I am constantly repenting all of the time.  Do you know that each day of our lives, we commit sin?  It is not very easy to let go of our sinful nature.  It has to be done in order for each and every last one of us to receive divine forgiveness.

 

 

 

 

 



 

Moreover, I want to tell everyone that I am writing this blog to let everyone know that God will continue to bless you as long as you are living according to His Word.  I have to make direct amends with my family members for the things that I have done wrong towards them and others.  My A.A Sponsor told me a very long time ago that I must make amends in order to set things right with God.  I have an opportunity to make direct amends with everyone in my life.  I will admit that I have not been a perfect child growing up.  I have been very mischievous and sinful.  I am very sorry for injuring others and myself all because I wanted to gain something from each person.  I will admit that I was selfish, egotistical, and a self-righteous person.  If I was not right in anything that I have done, then I would get angry and upset as well.

Finally, I want to tell all of you that I have a very long way in my Christian Walk because I have been robbing God in tithes and offerings to the church.  I read the Bible every single day, and I am still a sinner.  God has healed me from all of my sins, iniquities, and transgressions.  I am still a Work in Progress just like everyone else.  I am taking things day by day.  I am clean and sober because I have been court ordered to A.A and other support groups.  I am very sorry for disappointing God, Jesus Christ, others, and myself.  Please continue to keep me in your prayers.  Thank You for reading my blog.

Good for you Anthony! I myself still have a long way to go in my own walk of faith! We all are not perfect!

I was, and still a work in progress! I shy away from the rooms of recovery. But our former sponsor would want me to remain there!

As you know. I can't wait to get my Basic Text! And look forward to hear from you! Continued success! Pray for me as well brother!

Your very best friend,

Clendon "Gus" Ramseur

Show quoted text

Gus, you are supposed to grade and edit my blogs.  You know that I am going to pay you to take care of business with my blogs.  Please tell your family members that I said Hello!!

Show quoted text

[eternal-echoes]

how do u deal with bullying coming from a lost catholic . Even though the bible says u should forgive those that have wronged u for they do not know what they are doing-i think that what the verse said- its hard cus i want to do something bad back because i have negative feelings and thoughts racing in my mind when encountering such people. Ever since entering secondary school and i have been tormented for 5 years by my peers, Now it is my last year and i feel like giving up. I dont even have the motivation to study for exams. Because of relentless bullying i have retreated into a shell of anxiety, every interaction i have with people in school feels like an npc interaction as it is the same bs everyday. Even the people i call friends arent rlly trustworthy. Ive recently started to go out more often and ive felt better. But i cant escape the thought of the negative wave of feelings once re entering school. you can tell i have a strong disdain for these people. I feel out of place with my peers - idk if i have autism, maybe- but people think im awkward and weird. recently catholicism has piqued my interest again after reading about Saint Teresa. plus ive become interested in philosophy

"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they're doing...'" - Luke 23: 34

This is the Bible verse you’re referring to, anon. This is Jesus speaking from the cross. I understand what you’re going through anon. Wanting repay injustice for those who have done injustice towards you to let them know what they did to you is unacceptable. That it was wrong for them to look down on you that they did that. I struggled with it myself and tbh I’m not even sure if I’m over it.

I think what helped me is reminding myself the “… for they do not know what they’re doing…” part. It’s really a dense clause. Because I believe what Jesus is saying here is is that a lot of people who have done evil things, haven’t been blessed enough to be raised in a Christian household to understand that what they’re doing is wrong. Sometimes they even lack the grace. And sometimes because they’ve been hurt before, their only means of coping with the pain is to hurt others. Not to say that makes them off the hook or the pain hurt any less, but their circumstances led them to be who they are.

I think in order to forgive, to truly forgive, is to love them. You love them by willing their good. And the way to do that is praying for them. Praying that they’ll repent so they can be reconciled with God because that’s good for them. Because God wants us all to be united with Him in the afterlife. It’s hard so it will take a lot of willpower and effort to tell yourself to do that. That’s just the definition of love because love is a verb. And if love isn’t hard then it’s just mere words.

If we don’t forgive it will drag us to Hell.

And in order to not the negative feelings of bullying get to you, remind yourself that you’re a child of God made in His image and likeness.

Also, repeat this to yourself,

“I renounce the lie that I’m worthless.”

“I renounce the lie that I’m worthless.”

“I renounce the lie that I’m worthless.”

Negative feelings is usually associated with a lie and in order to counteract that lie, you have to fight it with the truth. And the truth is you have infinite worth. You know when you watch a movie, especially about one with good-hearted protagonist, in order for the writers to show that he’s good, he’ll go out of his way and fight tooth and nail to save a stranger from dying. God did that for you on the cross. So don’t give up on the life He gave you.

As for feeling out of place and awkward, remember that social skills is a skill, and skills require constant practice to get better at it. So just keep going out and talking sincerely to people and eventually you’ll find people who you connect with. And just because you don’t have chemistry with someone it’s not a bad thing. You’re not for everybody. There are other people out there that would be better fit for you.

I’m glad you’re growing interested in philosophy. My advice is to keep reading whatever speaks to you so long as it isn’t heretical (maybe you’ll wanna read them either later or to contrast it with teachings of the Catholic Church to understand the latter better) to make sure you don’t fall into heresy. Check out my #quotes tag to see if anything pique your interest to start your research. Also check out: conduit-of-grace.tumblr.com.

I’m sorry I can’t say anymore about your bullying situation other than it will pass and get better. Pray for their salvation because they need it more.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to send them.

[johnhardinsawyer]

“Like an itchy sweater.”

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

2 / 22 / 23 – Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58:1-12

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Psalm 51

“Like an itchy sweater. . .”

Two weeks ago, today, at a chapel service at a small Christian college near Lexington, Kentucky called Asbury University, a volunteer soccer coach for the school, named Zach Meerkreebs, preached a sermon about love.  At the end of the sermon, Meerkreebs offered a simple invitation:  

If you need to hear the voice of God – the Father in Heaven. . . that is perfect in love, gentle and kind – [you] come [on] up here and experience his love. . . Don’t waste this opportunity.  I pray that this sits on you guys like an itchy sweater, and you gotta itch, you gotta take care of it.[1]

After he walked off stage, Meerkreebs was certain that he had “totally whiffed” the sermon and he texted his wife, “Latest stinker.  I’ll be home soon.”

But something strange happened.  Eighteen of the students at that chapel service stayed afterwards to pray.  Maybe they didn’t want to waste the opportunity to draw close to the love of God, as Coach Meerkreebs had said.  Maybe there was some spiritual discomfort or longing – sitting on them like an itchy sweater – and they just needed to scratch that itch.  They started praying, and singing, and. . . they haven’t stopped.  Two weeks later – day and night – they haven’t stopped.

There have been livestreams of this so-called Asbury Revival running online since early on.  People have traveled from across the country and even from other countries to be in the room where it is happening.  Of course, there have been people commenting on the revival – ranging from how it is either a blessing from the Holy Spirit or the product of a bunch of overly-emotional young people who should just go home and take a nap.  

It is not my place to raise questions about the movement of the Holy Spirit, especially in light of tonight’s scripture readings – especially in light of what we have gathered together to do this evening, namely, to worship the living God, to turn to God in repentance, to acknowledge our own sin, and to voice our trust in God’s mercy – not unlike our Christian siblings down in Kentucky at this very hour.

Ash Wednesday is one of those times that fits most of us like a spiritual itchy sweater.  It can seem like a foreign concept – declaring a fast in a culture that really is only into fasting if it is done intermittently and in the name of weight loss, acknowledging that we are dust and to dust we shall return in a world where we are willing to try just about anything to avoid acknowledging our own dusty human state much less returning to the dust from whence we came, and repenting among a people who don’t really like to acknowledge that we’ve been traveling in the wrong direction (in how we think or act).

One of the reasons these Ash Wednesday activities feel so itchy for us is that we know they are good for us to do, even if they go against what is normally expected of us – or what we normally want to do.  The scriptures are clear, though, and we are told that if we scratch the spiritual itch, it might just lead us into a deeper relationship with God, and this is good. . . right?  

As your pastor – and as a duly ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament – I can tell you, yes:  it is good to foster a deeper relationship with God.  It is very good.  That being said, tonight’s scripture readings tell us that there are some ways of fostering a deeper relationship with God that are better than others.  

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his disciples – he tells us – “Look, don’t make a big, fake show of your devotion to God.  If you are truly devoted to God, your devotion needs to be genuine and humble.”  This is one of the marks of whatever is happening down at Asbury University.  It is a very public thing that is taking place, but it seems to be a genuine and humble thing.  As pastor and writer Nadia Bolz-Weber – who never minces her words – writes,

Noticeably absent from the front of the chapel are:  flashy praise bands, lighting systems, projectors and screens, celebrity worship leaders and people over 25.  There is such a simplicity, and dare I say, a humility to it.[2]

One question that may come out of this whole revival thing – and it’s a question that is kind of itching at the back of my mind – is, how will God work through the people who have turned to God in deep and new ways?  In the future, someone might say, “Hey, in 2023, there was this time when all of these people turned toward God.  What difference did it make in the life of the world?”  

This is where tonight’s challenging reading from the latter part of Isaiah comes into focus.  The people who first heard these words were living in the shattered land of Judah after returning from exile in Babylon.  Life was very hard and the people were trying to rebuild their homeland.  They were trying to rebuild their faith, too.  But God wanted them to know that when it came to faith, the people couldn’t just go through the motions.  

“O God, we are fasting.  Did you see us?  

We have humbled ourselves.  Did you notice?”  

To which the Lord replies, “That’s nice, but the spiritual practice that matters most to me is saving other people from oppression and satisfying their needs.”[3]  

God says,

“This is what I want from you.  

Make this your spiritual practice:  

Loose the bonds of injustice,

undo the thongs of the yoke,

let the oppressed go free,

break every yoke while you’re at it.

Share your bread with the hungry,

bring the homeless poor into your house;

When you see the naked, cover them,

and do not hide yourself away –

refusing to care for the people who need you the most.”[4]  

You should know that these verses from Isaiah were often cited by abolitionists in the 1800s who were standing up against the institution of slavery and seeking to free and shelter people who were enslaved, even if their loving actions of sheltering runaways broke the unjust fugitive slave laws of the time.[5]  

Our Presbyterian friends down the street at the Windham Presbyterian Church have a church building that was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad.  The people of that church likely read these verses and lived them.

In so many ways, these specific actions that we read in Isaiah – freedom from bondage, food for the hungry, shelter, and care – are the product of a close relationship with God.  Turning toward God is not just a private thing that happens within our hearts and souls – amidst the rubble of Jerusalem after the exile, or at a revival in Kentucky or at an Ash Wednesday service in New Hampshire.  For Isaiah, true repentance – turning toward God – is also an outward turning toward those who are in need, longing to draw close to the liberating love of Jesus.  This isn’t just about evangelism or winning souls to Christ.  No, Jesus is about winning the day with love-in-action by the power of the Holy Spirit through regular people like us.  

I do not know what you may or may have not given up for Lent, but if you were to take up one thing, I would invite you to explore what it would mean to lovingly turn outwards instead of inwards.  Who do you know that needs to know the love of God?  And, just as importantly, who do you not know that needs to know the love of God?  Who do you need to meet in the next forty days to not just tell them they are loved, but show them they are loved by the God who is all about alleviating suffering, freeing us from the things that bind us, bringing wholeness and healing to our bodies, minds, and spirits, and raising us from the dead?

I’m not going to tell you who you need to meet, but the “who” in this case might just push you out of your comfort zone.  And I’m not going to tell you, “how,” except to say that I hope your “how” is genuine and humble.  Now if this all sounds like one big uncomfortable itchy Lenten sweater, welcome to the life of faith.  Welcome to the life of discipleship.  Welcome to the life of taking up your cross and following Jesus.

Remember, we are all dust. . . all of us. . .  and to dust we shall return.  Yet while our humble human dust lives and breathes, my prayer is that God would breathe life into others through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

As someone said not too long ago – to end a sermon that began a revival:  “Don’t waste this opportunity.  I pray that this sits on you guys like an itchy sweater, and you gotta itch, you gotta take care of it.”

May the Spirit move you to scratch that itch. . .

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

------

[1] https://www.thefp.com/p/why-students-in-kentucky-have-been.   Edited, JHS, for clarity.

[2] https://thecorners.substack.com/p/on-longing-and-the-asbury-revival.

[3] Isaiah 58:3, 58:6-8.  Paraphrased, JHS.

[4] Isaiah 58:6-8.  Paraphrased, JHS, with help from J. Blake Couey.

[5] https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/330716153_1191984388189747_7550595510160404322_n.pdf/g.CoueySchipper.pdf?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0cab14&_nc_ohc=pr2j2qW3zGQAX-geFTY&_nc_ht=cdn.fbsbx.com&oh=03_AdS44PG2vf9hE6i1p0COR9irfc_DRcbMgWSQboroFRcpGQ&oe=63F6D658&dl=1

[tatestripedsweater]

Sinner

Plot: You were known as any mans dream, the innocent virgin girl that went to church on Sunday’s. It all changed once you met the boy who intended to destroy that innocence.

Warnings: Sexual Intercourse, Oral (Male Receiving), Blasphemy, Mentions of Physical Abuse, Not proof red properly

Teen!James x Teen!Fem!Reader

Word count: 2958

A/N: The names of his parents are solely made up since we don’t know anything about them

1913

Being the son of the priest within the local church he had learned when to speak and when not too, but the one thing he learned was not to treat a woman like his own father treated his mother. And due to this he started to shit on every word his father, Patrick, had told him from a very young age: ‘If a woman doesn’t do as she’s told a beating wouldn’t go a miss’.

James didn’t believe that to be true, in fact he was the one that got most of the beatings within the household because of him disagreeing with his fathers outlook on women. James saw them as delicate creatures, you were what could be compared to a flower blossoming, showing it’s true beauty to the world.

“Come here James” Not saying a word he let his mother do his tie once again, no matter how many times he did it she always saw something wrong with the way he tied it. It wasn’t in a horrible way either, Dorothy knew how her husband reacted if his family wasn’t looking their best at church.. or anywhere for that matter.

James almost choked at how tight she had done his tie, loosening it when she wasn’t looking he only smiled. He sometimes wondered what his mother saw in his father to marry him, was it his wealth? Probably.

“You know he doesn’t like it loose James..” Her soft voice was the only thing that spoke within the drawing room. Dorothy could only laugh slightly at her only child’s defiance, part of her worried for his life as well but she didn’t dare say a word against her husband. “You know.. there’s going to be plenty of girls at today’s service”

She spoke of this every time, being eighteen he should’ve already been married or at least courting a woman to do so. James wanted to marry, but on his own terms and not just some random girl his parents thought would suit him the best. He already knew who his mother and father had eyed him up to marry, James didn’t want to admit he found her beautiful as it would be following what his father was saying. He wasn’t a follower, James was a leader.

“Y/N is a lovely girl, comes from a wonderful family” James knew his mother meant well, she wanted her only boy.. only child to succeed in life. “Just try, please..?”

“I’ll speak with her after the service..” He couldn’t help but feel some satisfaction when he saw the smile grace his mother’s features, and with all that was said and done he wrapped his arm around her own before walking out of the family home together.

-

Sitting down near the back even though his father liked his family to be front and center, James couldn’t help but smile when he saw that you were sitting beside him. James could feel his mother’s eyes on him, she knew what he was up to without even asking. Dorothy could read her son like a book, she birthed the boy after all, but one thing she knew is that he wasn’t like his father and for that she thanked god.

You could smell the tobacco and cologne as soon as he sat down beside you, the thoughts that were going through your head were that of a whore so you refused to even make eye contact with him. James could tell you were hanging on to all the bullshit his father spoke off, just by the way you were dressed he could see that you were a good Christian girl, probably a virgin as well.

“It’s not polite to ignore the Priest’s son..” James hoped this would catch your attention and thankfully it did, gulping out of nerves your head turned to look over at him, both of your eyes meeting. “I’m James'' He decided to whisper so no one heard that the two of you were speaking at the same time as his fathers sermon.

“Y/N..” A soft smile landed on your face as you spoke to him, your voice was as soft as honey, almost like his favourite symphony. James could help but become aroused at the very sight of you, you weren’t doing anything promiscuous, in fact the innocent aura that surrounded you was the thing that made his cock harden in his slacks.

As the sermon went on, James’ thoughts only muted his fathers voice. All he could think about was your body, how you’d feel wrapped around his cock and the little whimpers that would escape as soon as he thrusted his cock inside your virgin cunt. James wasn’t a virgin himself, he lost it to some girl he couldn’t even remember the name of, she wasn’t important right now but you were. These thoughts were cut short when everyone stood up, some having started to leave. Had he really been day dreaming the entire time?

His mother looked at him from across the church and he knew what she was getting at, he had earlier promised to speak to you alone after the service was over. James didn’t know how his mother had convinced him to leave James alone in the place of worship, but James noticed a slight smirk on his fathers face as he walked past. Patrick must’ve thought that James was finally going to follow his instruction and marry a girl, but what James had planned was far from the truth.

He watched as you moved to sit at the very front, you looked up at a statue of The Lord as if you had some repenting to do. James wondered what you could’ve done that was so wrong, probably stepping on a bug because he couldn’t even imagine that you would do anything that was considered a sin. The only noise in the church were James’ footsteps as he walked closer to you, the rest of the town having left minutes before.

“You know, Jesus can’t save you” A shocked expression plastered over your face as soon as that left James’ mouth, you didn’t expect this and him of all people, the Priests son. “Whatever you have done, I can assure you he won’t save you.”

“What makes you say that..?” You didn’t dare look up at him, you kept your eyes on the statue that was half the size of the church walls. James didn’t know how to answer that question, well he did but the boy didn’t want to admit that he was weak at the hands of his father. He used to pray, every night in fact, that something or someone would come and take his father away.. that James would be saved from the countless beatings that were bestowed upon himself and his mother but alas.. nothing. So the praying stopped as did James’ belief at salvation.

“Just trust me dear” The small nickname wasn’t much, but it made your cheeks blush a bright red which didn’t go unnoticed by James. He could tell you weren’t used to much affection yourself, and he was right. Your parents were just as strict as his own but with the abuse, so if they knew you were alone with a boy even if it was the priest's father, there would be hell to pay when you got home.

“I-I should go..” Just as you stood up James moved so he was right in front of you, he was taller than you so the intimidation flowed through your body. “Please.. I should get home” Gasping softly, his hand gently placed itself on your cheek, you had never felt something so soft before.

“What did you do? What caused you to stay behind?” Your nervous demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by him, in fact James stepped even closer to you as he pulled his hand away. “Tell me..”

“I… I have these thoughts..” Gulping visibly you looked over at James just as he raised his eyebrow, urging you to go on. “S-sexual thoughts..” Just as that left your mouth a smirk landed itself on the boy's face, you out of everyone was the last person he expected to be thinking about getting fucked. Part of him was glad, you weren’t the sweet and innocent girl you made yourself out to be but the other part.. the other part wanted to punish you and fuck you until you were screaming like a banshee.

“Are they about me?” The bluntness of the question made you quickly look away from him, he wasn’t wrong and in fact whenever you touched yourself James was the one thought that always made you cum. You knew it was wrong, that lust was a sin and that you needed to beg for forgiveness.. but why did something that felt so good be so wrong?

Nodding slowly you couldn’t get any words out, afraid that you might spill too much truth if you did open your mouth. The next question that he asked had you blushing like a whore, in fact you even felt like one with the way you had reacted.

“Have you ever sucked a cock before?” Shaking your head slowly, James’ hand gripped onto your wrist and placed it upon the bulge that was forming in his slacks. “You feel that, that’s what you do to me Y/N! Now get on your knees and start praying!”

Pushing you down by your shoulders, your face came into contact with his crotch and you soon felt your cheeks heat up. You watched as his hands started to unbuckle his belt, his hands were big and the watch on his wrist only screamed that he was rich. Just as his belt came off his slacks soon fell to the floor once he unbuttoned them, you could see the outline off his cock in James’ briefs and the gulps down your throat didn’t go unnoticed by him.

“Pull them down” Your shaking hands gripped onto the tops of his briefs before doing as you were told, as soon as you pulled them down his cock made its presence known. Pre cum was already forming at the tip of his cock, and you soon felt yourself grow aroused the longer you stared at it. “Wrap your lips around my cock, you don’t want me to make you”

Your wet mouth wrapped around his cock and you had to be honest, the sensation and taste was odd, you didn’t know how to describe it. But the noise that came from James as soon as you started to suck his cock was enough to make your cunt went, the saltiness of his skin and the feeling of his hands moving into your hair had you whining against him.

“Take my cock!” A gagging noise was heard as soon as his cock hit the back of your throat, tears falling down your cheeks as he continued to assault your throat. Your hands moved up to dig into his hips as he practically fucked your mouth, not being used to this at all the gagging kept up as did the drool that fell from your lips and down onto his balls. “Good girl!”

He pulled your head away just to have a good look at you, your lips were swollen and eyes red from the tears. You half expected him to thrust back into your mouth, to finish what he had started but you were surprised when James pulled you back up to your feet.

“Look at you.. if only your parents could see you now” The thought of them walking back into the church had you gulp, the drool falling from your mouth was wiped by James’ handkerchief. “As much as I want to taste you, and trust me I do my dear, I want my cum inside you this second!”

Bending you over the podium, James couldn’t help but smirk at how he had you. Your dress riding up, showing your underwear as he bent you over the very place his father spew about all the bullshit and gods ‘plan’. The only plan that was in James’ mind was fucking you until you were screaming, he knew it would echo and he half hoped that people would hear the two off you. What were they going to do? Pry you apart with his cock still inside you? He doesn’t think so.

As soon as the cold air hit your cunt you knew he had pulled your underwear down, being bare behind a boy you rarely knew had you blushing. He was the priest's son.. so surely he knew what he was doing. The moment you felt his cock rub against your wet cunt was the moment a moan fell from your lips, the way he was grinding against your clit felt so good and you didn’t know why something like this would be considered a sin at all. You were in heaven.. but if this meant you would go to hell for having sex out of wedlock then they can throw you downstairs and lock up the key.

Leaning over you, his chest pressed against your own, James’ lips kissing your shoulder as he slowly slid his cock inside you. You had never felt a sensation like it, you were half expecting it to hurt with all the horror stories you heard but it didn’t. The only sensation you felt was fullness, being full of James’ cock. A grunt felt from your lips as he felt you wrap around him, you were made for his cock and he couldn’t wait to make you his.

“Darling..” Wrapping his arm around you to help you keep balanced against the podium, James’ hips started to thrust faster and the only noise in the church were both of your moans and his skin slapping against yours. You could feel his balls hitting your clit with each thrust and it only added to the sensation of being fucked, James continued to kiss and nip at your skin until he was happy he had left a bite mark. He was careful though, he left it on your back, making sure that no one would see and that he would be the only one who knew you to be such a harlot.

“Y-you feel so good..” The moans that fell from your lips bounced off the walls of the church, the podium shaking with each hard thrust that James had delivered to you. The both of you were in absolute pleasure and not anyone could stop it, James wouldn’t let anyone stop you both. He could feel how wet your cunt was getting with each thrust he delivered to you, the wet noises as he pounded into you was enough to emit a growl from his throat. He needed this, and he needed you.

“Mine!” James was a rather possessive boy, he liked owning things and right now he owned you. Moving one of his hands down, his finger made contact with your clit and rubbed it in circles with the rhythm of his thrusts, which seemed to be getting slipper by the second and he knew he was going to cum inside you any minute. But he wanted you to cum first, James wanted to hear you scream out his name.

Your legs started to turn to jelly the more pressure he applied to your clit, you were almost seeing stars and part of you felt like you were going to pass out right then and there. But you managed to hold off, your knuckles turned white as you gripped onto the sides of the podium before screaming loudly. James took pleasure in hearing this, it was like someone was getting murdered and fucked at the same time.

“That’s it! Cum for me!” Your cunt started to tighten around his cock like a vice, no matter how many women he fucked James couldn’t get used to the sensation of a woman coming undone underneath him. You looked like a goddess and honestly he wouldn’t be surprised if you actually were one, your cunt was leaking onto the wooden floors underneath you both and just the very sight of that had James fill you up with his seed. “Fuck!”

Gasping at the sensation, you didn’t actually expect him to finish inside you. You thought it was just some fantasy of his, but never thought he would actually go through with it due to the risk of pregnancy. “Shh.. take my cum, every last drop!”

James had you practically pinned between him and the podium, panting heavily against your shoulder you couldn’t help but think of the consequences of your actions. You were going to have to do some repenting after this otherwise you could see yourself meeting the man downstairs, your cheeks were flushed from the very thought of his cock still being inside you. His cum coated the insides of your cunt, James was surely going to impregnate you at this point and that meant you’d have to marry him.

Mrs March.. that sounded nice. You were pulled apart from your thoughts as he kissed your shoulder once again, where he had left the love bite as if to smooth you. James may have fucked you like a whore, and he may have treated you like one during the short time you spend together but you couldn’t help but wonder if there was a softer side to the man behind you. His hands caressed your hips and your question was answered almost instantly, you didn’t even need to ask him to know the answer.

“Marry me..” You weren’t surprised as he whispered that in your ear, James couldn’t help but smirk as your cheeks flushed red. “Marry me Miss Cortez..”

[alliluyevas]

(deeply disturbing) mormon primary source adventures continue...I have been reading the 1843 diary of William Clayton, Joseph Smith’s official church secretary and close personal friend, which is a really invaluable source for contemporary details regarding when Smith married various women (he did not record anything about his own marriages in his journal, but Clayton did).

What I was specifically tracking in Clayton’s journal was the (much more extensive) documentation of Clayton’s own plural marriage, to his first wife Ruth’s younger sister, 23-year-old Margaret Moon. I have bolded a few lines for emphasis.

27 April 1843, Thursday

At the Temple A.M. went to prests. [Church President Joseph Smith’s] who rode with me to bro. H.C. Kimballs where sister Margt. Moon was sealed up [married] by the priesthood, by the president--and M to me.

11 June 1843, Sunday

Margaret received a letter from Aaron [Farr, her fiance, who had left on a mission trip before she married Clayton] which  made her feel bad. It also gave me unaccountable sorrow.

13 June 1843, Tuesday 

I have had some conversation  with M. she promised she would not marry A if she can possibly avoid  it. And if she ever feels disposed to marry she will tell me as soon as she thinks of it. She will seek my Council & says she will abide it.

8 July 1843, Saturday 

Margt. wrote a letter to Aaron which I dictated informing him that she should not marry.

22 July 1843, Saturday

Mt. and A [Aaron Farr, now returned from his mission] had a long conversation together. She has stood true to her covenant with CW. [William Clayton’s initials backwards] I also  had some talk with him & although the shock is severe he endures it patiently. And I pray the Great Eloheem to make up the loss to him an  hundred fold and enable him to rejoice in all things. My heart aches with grief on his & M's account and could almost say O that I had never known her. But Thou O God knowest the integrity of thy servant. Thou knowest that I have done that which I have understood to be thy will & am still determined to do so and I ask thee in the name of  Jesus Christ either to absolutely wean my affections from M. or give me hers entire and then I am content. But to live in this state of feeling I cannot.

If I have done wrong in this thing, show it me that thy servant may repent of it and obtain forgiveness. But O Lord have mercy on me and by some means release me from this grievous bondage of  feeling & thy servant will praise thee. Prest. Joseph came to see me &  pronounced a sealing blessing upon Ruth [Clayton’s first and legal wife] and me. And we mutually entered into an everlasting covenant with each other.

23 July 1843, Sunday

M. appears dissatisfied with her situation & is miserable O that the Lord will bless my house and deliver us from every evil principle & feeling that we may be saved. For I desire to do right. O Lord make my heart and my affections right and pure as it shall please thee that I may enjoy the blessing of peace and happiness even so Amen. Hyrum preached A.M and Joseph P.M. Evening I had some more talk with M. & find she is miserable which makes me doubly so. I offered to her to try to have her covenant released if she desired it  but she said she was not willing. [Margaret was pregnant by this time, which is probably why she did not feel she could be released from her marriage to Clayton.]

24 July 1843, Monday

M. is still miserable and unhappy and it does seem that  my heart must burst. What shall I do? How shall I recompense? And how long must I thus suffer worse than death for that which I have always  regarded as being the will of the Lord. By the help of the Lord I will  do right. I have repeatedly offered to M. to try to get a release from  the covenant and I have done all I know to make things comfortable but  to no effect. She appears almost to hate me and cannot bear to come near me.

O God if thou wilt give me M's affections, and cause things  to be pleasant and happy between us, If thou will bless her & comfort  her by thy spirit & cause her to rejoice in what she has done, and  bring it to pass that I may secure her truly with all her affections  for time & for eternity. I feel to covenant to try to serve thee with  more diligence if possible and to do all that thou shalt require at  mine hands, wilt thou not grant me this blessing, and relieve my  aching heart from this worst of all troubles which ever befel me in  the course of my life? O God plead my cause and give me thine  everlasting blessing, and do remember M. for good that she may be  comforted even so amen amen and amen

25 July 1843, Tuesday.

M. much as usual.

26 July 1843, Wednesday

M. seems quite embittered against me in consequence  of which I called her to me and asked her if she desired the covenant  to be revoked if it were possible To this she would not give me a  satisfactory answer only saying if it had not been done it should not  be. (meaning our union) I then asked if she would consent if A would take her under all circumstances; but she would not consent to have it  revoked--saying she did it not for her sake but for the sake of the  peace of my family.

Under these circumstances I could not rest until I  had ascertained wether the c[ovenant] could be revoked & although contrary to  her wish I went to see Prest. J. I took A to talk with him & asked him  some questions whereby I ascertained that he would be willing to take  her under all circumstances, I reasoned considerable with him to prove  that I had done right in all these matters so far as I knew it, I called the Prest. out and briefly stated the situation of things and  then asked him if the C. could be revoked. He shook his head and  answered no. At this conclusion my mind seemed for the moment to get relief for the two fold reason that I had done all I could and I did not want the C. revoked.

I came back & M & A. were together in Farrs garden. I told them the answer I had got & advised them to take the  best measures to make all things right between them. I cannot help thinking that M. has treated me not only unkindly but meanly & cruelly, but I forgive her before the Lord for I sympathize with her  in her grief, but cant console her for she will not speak to me. My  earnest prayer to God is that all things may soon become right & pleasant & that the Lord may bless her & save her from sinning against  him. And if I have done wrong in asking if the C. could be revoked &  seeking to have it done O Lord forgive me for I desire to do right in  all things that I may he saved, I feel that I have done right in the  sight of God and that he has abundantly blessed me for which I thank  him and something tells me that the time will come when M. will love those whom she ought & when she will feel perfectly satisfied with her situation & rejoice that things remain as they are. And now O God  bless thy servant and handmaid & stamp the peace upon us and fill us  with the spirit of truth for Jesus Christs sake Amen--

11 August 1843, Friday

J. told me to day that ``Walker'' had been speaking to him concerning my having taken M away from A. & intimated that I had done wrong. I told him to be quiet and say no more about it. He also told me Emma  was considerably displeased with it but says he she will soon get over  it. In the agony of mind which I have endured on this subject I said I  was sorry I had done it, at which J told me not to say so. I finally  asked him if I had done wrong in what I had done he answered no you have a right to get all you can.

The little snippets of Margaret’s feelings and the way they are sort of bracketed by Clayton’s commentary are really telling and disturbing. Poor Margaret :( Also the way that Joseph Smith is encouraging Clayton not to feel guilty about any of this and justifying it to him. Woof.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by J.R. Miller

David's Confession

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." - Psalm 51:1-2

The fifty-first Psalm tells the story of David's great sin. It tells of his penitence after his sin had been shown to him by Nathan. We see in it the path by which he returned to God. Since David wrote the words of this Psalm, thousands have used them, and they have become the liturgy of penitence for all who seek divine mercy.

Notice David's thoughts of God, as we find them in his confession. He saw Him as a God of unfailing love. In all the poignant sense of guilt that pressed upon his soul, there was not a shadow of despair. The moment he saw his sin - there poured upon him also a glorious disclosure of God's love. He confessed, "I have sinned," and at once Nathan said, "The Lord also has put away your sin." From this revealing of the divine mercy - hope came at once.

Had David not seen God in this light when the sense of his sin overwhelmed him, utter, hopeless darkness would have come upon him, and he would have been lost in the gloom. Thus it was with Judas, after he had betrayed his Lord, when the terrible tide of conviction swept over his soul. He saw no ray of hope, and in his dark despair - he went out and hanged himself. On the other hand, when Peter had denied his Master, and when, beneath the grieved look of that holy Eye, a sense of sin overwhelmed him - he went out and wept bitterly. But through his tears - he saw God as a God of mercy and love, and instead of despair - hope sprang up in his soul, and he was restored, living to be a glorious apostle. It is most important that the convicted sinner shall see God - as a God of mercy and love - as David saw Him, as Peter saw Him.

Notice also David's thoughts of his sin. First, he thought about his sin as his own. "My transgressions," "my iniquity," "my sin," "I have sinned," are the words he uses. He does not try to lay the blame of his wrongdoing, on some other one, as our first parents did. He does not plead the peculiar strength of his temptation and try to excuse himself for sinning so grievously. He does not talk of his peculiar environment or circumstances. He does not try in any way to explain his fall, or to mitigate in any measure the degree of his guilt. He frankly takes the whole responsibility on himself. This shows the sincerity of his repentance.

An old writer said, that nothing else in the world is so much our own - as our sins. We cannot push the responsibility off on any tempter or on any circumstances. Others may tempt us - but no one can compel us to sin. There is no sin in being tempted - sin begins when we yield to the temptation. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are - but He was without sin. We are commanded to resist the Devil, and we are told that he will flee from us. Others may tempt us - and the guilt of the tempter is great. But no one can compel us to sin. Until we lift the latch - sin cannot enter our heart's door. We are responsible, therefore, for our sins, and must bear the burden of them ourselves.

We must also personally seek and find forgiveness for our own sins. No intercessor can obtain pardon for us; we must be penitent ourselves. Christ's expiation is for sinners - but even Christ's intercession will not bring forgiveness, if we do not personally repent and seek mercy. No one can obtain forgiveness for us - for any unconfessed sin of ours.

Another of David's thoughts about his sin, was that it was against God alone. "Against you, you only, have I sinned." The smallest wrong thing we do - is done primarily against God. If we speak a rude or impatient word to a beggar - it strikes God's heart, and the sin is against Him. If we are unkind to a dumb beast - we sin against God. Our unholy thoughts, which we think harm no one - grieve God. Every sin is a personal offence to Him. We may injure others and do wrong and injustice to them - but the sin is really and always against God. It is the law of God that we break, no matter what evil thing we do; and in breaking His law - we have struck God in the face. We stand in such relations to God all the while - that every act, word, or thought of ours affects Him personally: either pleasing Him and meeting His approval, or grieving Him and receiving His condemnation.

Another thought of his sin which David had, was that it was inborn. "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." He was not born holy. Sin is not altogether a habit which one acquires through years of living. It is not a result of bad education. It is not a little soiling of one's nature from the outside, by contact with an evil world. Sin is in the heart - and was born with us.

Notice also David's thought of the mercy he needed. First, there is a simple cry for mercy. "Have mercy upon me, O God." This was his greatest need. He did not begin his prayer by asking for favors, for prosperous circumstances, for many friends. Before any blessings could count in his life - he must get clear of his sin, and must have God's mercy. The words represent his transgressions as all written down against him in the book of accounts - and he pleads to have them blotted out, erased, rubbed from the page. There is something very startling in this thought that our sins are charged against us, and that unless we get the record expunged, we shall have to meet the penalty. But the blessed truth here, is that sins may be blotted out - no matter how many or how great they are.

"Wash away all my iniquity." Sin is represented as leaving a stain, and the prayer is that it may be washed off. That is, sin not only writes its record against us on God's book - but it also denies and pollutes our lives. We need not only to have the guilt removed - to be justified ; but we need also to have our lives cleansed - to be sanctified. We need a cleansing which reaches the very center of the being. The stains are deep, and the purifying process must go on until they are all removed. The ancient method of washing clothes was by beating or treading, and David asks God even to tread him down if necessary to remove the foul spots. We should pray God to wash us until every stain is taken away, however painful the process must be.

"Cleanse me from my sin." It is the language used of cleansing lepers. The word "wash" refers to garments and surface stains, and the word "cleanse" refers to sin as a disease, a leprosy in the soul. This prayer, therefore, is for the cleansing of the very nature.

There is still another expression in the prayer: "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." In certain ancient ceremonies, the blood was sprinkled with a hyssop branch. We may not be able to read into this prayer all the New Testament teaching about Christ's sacrifice, and yet the idea is certainly present, and for us means cleansing of Christ's blood.

Notice, then, David's thought about the renewal which comes with God's forgiveness. It is inward renewal. When the love of God streamed into his soul - he saw how much he needed to have done in him to make him what God would have him to be.

First, he had a new conception of the divine requirement. "You desire truth in the inward parts." Truth is genuineness, sincerity, righteousness. God despises hypocrisy. No mere external reformation will avail - while the heart remains wrong. With this lofty conception of the divine ideal of character, there is a beautiful evangelical teaching in David's prayer for renewal. He pleads for the application of the blood of atonement, to his life, then for the assurance of forgiveness, that the lost joy might be brought back.

Next he prays for renewal of heart: "Create in me a pure heart, O God." He has discovered the black fountain of sin in his life, pouring up its defiling waters and polluting all his soul. He cannot himself purify this black well, and he brings it to God that He may purify it.

The word "create" shows that David understood the necessity of a divine work in him, a work nothing less than a new creation. In this prayer for renewal, he pleads also that the Holy Spirit may abide with him, be with him. He remembered Saul's terrible fate, when God took His Holy Spirit from him, and pleaded that the same calamity might not fall upon him. "Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me." While he prayed for the continuance of God's Spirit upon him, he prayed also that his own spirit might be constant, steadfast, and free - that is, willing. In other words, he desires the spirit of entire consecration to God's will and service. Then he asks for the restoration of the joy of salvation.

Notice once more in this Psalm, David's thought about serving God. When he had been forgiven and the joy of salvation had been restored to his heart, he would begin to be a blessing to his neighbors and friends. We cannot bring others to Christ - when we have no joy of forgiveness in our own hearts. But the moment we are forgiven and the joy begins in us - we begin to desire to help others, to teach transgressors God's ways, and to lead sinners back home.

Other suggestions are found in the words which follow. The tongue of a forgiven man will sing aloud of God's righteousness. His opened lips will speak forth God's praise. The character of the service which God desires from us, is sketched in the closing words - not sacrifice of animals or any possessions. The sacrifice that pleases God - is a penitent spirit and contrite heart. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

[theadventuresofamuslimrevert]

Forgiving is hard.....

Every time I contemplate on all the heartbreaking episodes & events that i had to endure these past few months, I couldn’t help but to be filled with rage and/or great sorrow. Lately, it has kind of taken a toll on me. I often find it so difficult for me to fully focus & achieve khusyu’ in my ibadah or any task I do in general. As hard as I try to eliminate external distractions when I’m at something, my past always finds its way back to me. I start to be reminded of how hurt i was, and all the familiar faces that caused that hurt. Anger will peek in and just like that, I lose focus.

Now being distracted isn’t my main concern. It’s the fact that by losing focus when i’m in the middle of doing something, be it ibadah or work, I would end up not entirely satisfied of the outcome once it’s done- this bothers me a whole lot. Imagine how much better everything would turn out if I gave my 100%. Until I discover how to get rid of everything that’s bugging me, I don’t think I’ll ever be at peace. The question here is, why can’t I? Why is it so hard to get over everything? Then it occurred me last night that maybe, just maybe, the reason why I can’t let go of my past is because I’m withholding one of the most essential thing that is needed to move on- forgiveness.

In my effort to start fresh, I realised how I still get all emotional and mad each time I think of the ones who broke me. So I ask myself, if I still feel this way then have I really forgiven them? Hm, I don’t think so. But then, why not?

Although Allah has given us the right to refuse from forgiving someone, I’m pretty sure He does not encourage it. As difficult as it is to forgive, holding back forgiveness is way more tormenting and painful. It haunts you. In my idealism, I used to think that if I don’t forgive someone, i have done my revenge. They will not be able to live in peace because regardless of whether they have asked for an apology or not, i’d still consider it as ‘unsettled business’. But hey who am I kidding, because eventually, this mentality corrupts the heart. And a heart which is corrupted will never be at peace- including mine.

Oh come on, It’s islamic new year. If not now, can there be a better time? You see, forgiving does not only benefit the person at fault, but it’s equally as important & necessary for the forgiver as well. You should forgive others not only because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. After all the crap they got you through, even if they never bothered to say sorry, forgive them. Again not because they deserve it, but you are way better than that. Because you are worthy with the quality of being forgiving. It takes the same amount of energy to forgive as well as to not forgive. There’s a certain kind of humility required to be the adult here. Not forgiving, as convenient as we ‘assume’ it is, just indicates the amount of pride and arrogance we have in us. Since when is life a battle of ego? Remember the story of Adam and Iblis Laknatullah? Ego was the exact reason why Iblis was taken out of jannah.

We are all children of Adam. We make mistakes. At some point of our lives, we have also wronged someone. We might have caused them hurt. With or without intentions, knowingly and unknowingly. It is certainly natural to mess up here and there. Yes right now you are torn. Yes you are shattered to pieces and broke to the bones. That person may have betrayed us, slandered us, or simply been a pain in the ass. But how can you be so sure you’ve never left anyone feeling the same way before? And because of that, we all owe each other forgiveness. If we hope to be forgiven, why is it so hard to do the same to people? Why are we withholding something which we are clearly not the rightful owner of in the first place?

Forgiveness, dear readers, it’s is not our forte. It’s not something we humans are experts of. For goodness sake, we are not God. Even Allah is Al-Ghaffur- The Most Forgiving. He forgives and He loves to forgive. It’s one of his beautiful attributes. A Godly one. Now since Allah is All-Forgiving, if the person at fault commits sincere tawbah (repentance), it is most likely for Him to forgive the person. But us humans? We on the the other hand, are different. We tend to come up with so many excuses and have the cheek to not forgive a fellow human being who breathe, eat, sleep and make mistakes just like us. Do we think that if we do not forgive them, we can refuse them jannah? Are we for real? Don’t compare who hurt who more, or ‘my pain is bigger than your pain’. If you look at it that way, you will never be able to forgive. We are not the bosses of others. I don’t owe you, you don’t owe me. Honey, who are we to punish people? If Allah can forgive people, why should we punish them more than they deserve to be punished?

It warms my heart every single time I recall on how forgiving our prophet Muhammad SAW was. Do you remember how he was once rejected by the people of Ta’if? When he arrived to Ta’if, he was pelted with rocks and stones until he bled awfully. His whole body was covered with blood and his sandals were clogged to his feet. Things got so ugly that Jibril was sent down to usher the angels in charge of the mountains to look after this matter. The angel greeted Rasulullah and said;

“Oh Prophet of Allah! I am at your service. If you wish, I can cause the mountains overlooking this town on both sides to collide with each other, so that all the people therein would be crushed to death, or you may suggest any other punishment for them.”

I bet you can guess what the prophet did next. 

Yes, he forgave them instead. Allah. He was A PROPHET. A Nabi! He could simply ask Allah to destroy the people of Ta’if. But not only he forgave them, he also prayed for them. He prayed for his enemies. No grudges. No nothing. MashaAllah, such humility. Muhammad SAW raised his hands towards the heavens and said “…So long as You are not angry with me, I do not care. Your favour is of a more expansive relief to me.”

Allahuakbar

Here’s another story. Once during the time of the prophet SAW, a man was said to be given glad tidings of Jannah. A sahabah heard this news and due to curiosity, he observed that man’s activities for 3 days from the moment he wakes up, to the time he goes to bed. However he did not find anything that made the man stand out from the rest of the sahabah who seemed to be doing more good deeds. So one day, he gave up and decided to ask the man directly. The man revealed a truly virtuous act that he never forgets to do every night. He said “Every night, before I go to sleep, I forgive whoever has wronged me. I remove any bad feelings towards anyone from my heart.”

How beautiful is that?

I learnt that one way to be more forgiving is by reading more seerah of the prophets. How they dealt with people, particularly who hated them and had harm inflicted on them. They were so gentle towards others and they showed that it is absolutely possible to forgive with hikmah; to become strong, without being hard, and remain soft, without being weak. Personally, the more I read about the prophets, the more I feel so little. As if I have no right at all to NOT forgive people, despite how they were towards me before.

Again,

Forgive others not solely because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace

It’s a win-win situation, for both parties. Not only that, it is also an investment for our Aakhirah. Our “jannah access cards”. Give yourself a chance to be happy again. Get rid of all that intention of wanting to torment a fellow human being by not forgiving them. It’s liberating and life changing, you know. Set them free, while setting yourself free. Pray for them. Ask Allah to guide them and make them happy. I noticed that by making du’a for those who have hurt us, we will find that their happiness can also be our happiness too. Tell me how can we not be happy seeing our prayers being granted?

And to every single soul that I have wronged, if by any chance you’re reading this, I sincerely beg for your apology. Please make du’a for me. Also know that I have forgiven you and I wish you nothing but the best for both your dunya and aakhirah. May Allah grant you contentment and peace, and may he soften our hearts to continue forgiving.

I deserve peace. You deserve peace.

So may peace be upon us all, inshaAllah.

[dailyaudiobible]

08/09/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 8:21-9:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 21:1-2

Today is the 9th day of August, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible, I’m Brian, it's great to be here with you today as we do what we do, take the next step forward together. And that next step will lead us into the book of Ezra today chapter 8 verse 21 through 9, verse 15.

Commentary:

Okay, it’s kinda hard not to notice the parallels that have aligned themselves in today's reading, both in Ezra and in 1 Corinthians. Even though these events happened centuries apart from each other. So, let’s just take a look at what's going on here. In Ezra, we began by, you know, hearing the journey taken to Jerusalem with these people coming back for the first time. Ezra, a leader before God comes back rests, counts out the money, make sure everything is there and then begins to observe what's going on and begins to hear the reports that some of the very things that it undermined their culture and their society, namely mixture, in this case, were occurring again. So, some of the very things that caused the temple to ultimately be destroyed and the people taken into exile, when they returned from exile, they began those practices again. So, for Ezra arriving as a leader before God to lead people in the worship of God, set up the systems that governed that and governed the culture, he's discovering this and he's, according to what we read today, devastated. Devastated, that's a big word. Like it wasn't like an annoyance or a roll of the eyes, he tore his clothes and sat down, devastated all day until the evening sacrifice. And then in his humiliation, he got up and prayed a prayer, a plea for mercy and a prayer of repentance and we’ll go back to that. It's easy for us in a very intermingled world to look at the situation and go why are you so devastated, like why can't people be together, like why can't they associate together but there was a point when…when God came to Abraham, which was back at the very first beginning weeks of our year, He said he was going to create a new set of people, essentially, and it was a people with promise and there was a son of promise, Isaac, and remember the whole journey. But the point was that God was coming to earth’s people and setting apart a certain group of people that he had chosen for a particular purpose, not because they were better human beings or somehow they were superior to other people in humanity, but because this people would be His people, and they would be ordered around knowing the one true God, and they would build a culture that would broadcast that to the world. A nation of priests, a nation who feared God, a nation who walked with God to reveal to the people of earth. First of all, there is one true most high God. There is no other and secondly to show what that looks like, how that can be lived so that the example can be set for the rest of the world. They didn't do that, like we’ve read the whole story, only in fits and starts. Kinda like us, only in fits and starts, did they do this and when they did they prospered and when they didn't, they were no longer setting an example. They were being influenced and led astray, so no longer were they this nation of priests shining the light into the world and showing and revealing the one true God and how to walk with that one true God. Instead, they were being seduced away. They were not being the influencers; they were being the influenced. In Ezra's like you've got to be kidding me, this is what destroyed us. So, he's devastated. They aren't setting a precedent or setting a standard, they’re mixing the standard with all kinds of other practices. Things that had led to their own destruction. Then we flip into 1 Corinthians in Paul's writing to the church there and he's pretty clear like not talking about judging everybody in the world, you can’t judge everybody in the world. And you can’t have an opinion about what everybody does out there, that's, God will judge that. But inside this community of faith, this is supposed to be a new species. This is supposed to be a new thing that God is doing in the world, one in which everyone is welcome, but you have to open your eyes and know that you died, to who you were and you started over. There's a new standard, a standard of love. And when you do things that really can't be done in the name of Jesus, then it's mixture that’s leading nowhere, it will ultimately, it will ultimately lead to destruction. It's the precedent of this whole story. And for Paul, he's a Jewish person who knows this story well and recognizes that God is doing something new in the world that he did this new thing by coming in the person of Jesus to accomplish it, and that has to change things. We can't just go oh, I’m free and then intermingle ourselves into bondage that destroys us and then blame God for it. And man, we can rationalize just about anything, but truly, if we are honest just with ourselves, if we can be, if we pause and contemplate a set of actions that we are going to engage our mind and heart and body to participate in. We know in the core of ourselves whether that is right or whether that is wrong for us, whether that is clean, or whether that is unclean for us, whether that is holy, or whether that is unholy mixture for us. Because, because there is a couple of really, really critical things that we must observe and pay attention to. One, when we go against the flow of our new nature in Christ, we are not headed for abundance, we are headed for destruction. We are not headed into further freedoms, we are free. All of these things that we mix and intermingle, they eventually lead us into deception, where we have to wear a mask, where we aren't true, we aren’t really who we were made to be, we’re a lot of things, we put on a lot of masks in every different circumstance, so that we are divided within ourselves. When freedom is, hey, there's a way that this works. Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you can't participate in it in the name of Jesus, then don't do it. Why do you want to hurt yourself? Why do you want to lead yourself to destruction? And so, you can see why Ezra would be on the ground with torn robes devastated, because this stuff is going nowhere. And so, truly the Bible has led us today into a place to consider these things because we're supposed to be the light of the world. Right, we may have all kinds of freedoms and don’t have to obey the Mosaic law but we’re supposed to be the light of the world. The mission hasn't really changed. Everyone is invited but we, who have been reborn, we're the ones supposed to be showing the rest of the world that there is a better way to be here together. That there is a better way to be a human being and if we look around man, we see the mixture, that's what we’re full of is the mixture. And this doesn't mean like oh okay well then, I’m gonna stop drinking wine, it’s the stuff that is intermingled in our hearts, it is bringing us anxiety and confusion that is forcing us to have several different identities in several different circumstances; we’re invited to be the light of the world, we’re invited to be true. And when we are true, we are not only walking in the light, we are free. And so, we can easily go back to Ezra chapter 9 and see this…this prayer, this plea for mercy, this cry of repentance. And maybe it's words can actually be meaningful to us because were guilty too.

Prayer:

And so, Father we come together here before You as if we were on our knees, humbled, devastated to realize that not only have we’ve been counteracting Your work in our lives but we’ve been sabotaging Your will and sabotaging ourselves. So, we pray from the Scriptures, our Lord God, we are ashamed and embarrassed to lift our face toward You Lord, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens. Our guilt has been terrible from the days of our ancestors until the present. Because of our iniquities, we have been handed over, along with our kings and priests to the surrounding kings into the sword captivity plundering and open shame. And now, for a brief, moment grace has come from the Lord our God to preserve a remnant for us and give us a stake in His holy place, even in our slavery God has given us a little relief and light to our eyes, though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us, giving us relief so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins. Now, Lord, what can we say in light of this, we have abandoned the commands You gave through Your servants the prophets, after all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt. Though You God have punished less than our iniquities deserve and have allowed us to survive. Should we break your commands again. Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before you with our guilt, though no one can stand in your presence, because of this. Father, we repent and we understand that the only reason we can stand in Your presence is that You came and rescued us and allowed it. You want us in Your presence. You want us as Your children. You want us to be the light of the world because you want all of Earth's people to be welcomed in and yet we are seduced into the mixture so that we have been influenced, we have not been the influencer. And so come, Holy Spirit in this moment of repentance and wash us clean. Help us to reset and restart by taking the next steps that are right before You. We pray for mercy, just as Ezra did, we pray in repentance for forgiveness in the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

[ziracona]

Akkadian translation Key for From the Earth of No Return

CHAPTER 1 – ‘The Leader’

Izzirtu –  Damn it! (This word is used many times throughout but I’m only including it at the top in the key, because it’s so common. It’s a curse that basically means “Damn it!” and the only surviving Akkadian cuss I could find without having to construct it myself, haha.)

“Attunu tenīnā. Nasḫuru tapârrâ?” --- You two pray? You’re seeking repentance?

“Attunu nasḫuru tapârrâ!” –  Are you two seeking repentance!

“ Kī annû,” --- like this

“Lā! Kī annû,” – No! Like this.

“Tâmāru?” – You see? (x2)

“Atta tenēnu,” – You pray/You are praying. Yes?

“Enēnu?” –  Praying?

“Attunu nasḫuru tapârâ?” – Are you two seeking repentance?

“Suktā!” –  Stop talking!/Shut up!

“Attunu tâdarrakā. Attunu tenēnâ. Aššum attunu, tâdarrakā,” – You are sorry. You pray. Because you, are sorry.

“Ṭābu. Anāku āgammālukunūti,” – Good. I will show you mercy.

“Atta namḫuṣūtum?” – Are you wounded? (In a “is it bad?” kind of way—she’s not stupid. She knows he got stabbed.)

“Alkam,” –  Come/Come on. (She uses this and its other form, “Alkānim,” a lot. They mean the same thing, just one is in male singular, the other common plural.)

“Mīnum?” –  What? (Note: Minâm also means ‘what’—they just come in slightly different contexts.)

“Anāku ašraris ul allak,” –  I can’t go over there.

“Nīnu pānnātum ašaris niakkāšu-ma u ištu pīqat nitar.” We will go there (the temple) first, and then maybe we will/can return (to the campfire, implied).

“Sūnu īnēnū. Īdrakū?” – They pray? They are sorry? (implied ‘too/as well’).

“Atta tadmiq, u attunu tapānām.”– You are/you’ve become very good (kind/better). But you two first. (Note—both ‘u’ and ‘-ma’ usually mean ‘and’ or ‘but also’ in a sentence, but they can also both just mean ‘but’ and sadly you just gotta figure that out from context. Rip.)

“Alkam,” – Come/Come on.

 END CHAPTER 1 – ‘The Leader’  

---

CHAPTER 2 – ‘The Medic’

 “Alkam,” – Come/Come on.

“Alkānim,” – Come/Come on. (In common plural)

“Babbanû. Enna,” – Excellent/very good. Now,

“Īde attunu ipallāḫū,” – I know you are afraid.

“Attunu tataqqānā. Tadâlluā ul anaddānum-ma, attunu annīkiam ezzib. Arḫiš âtar. Šiṭirtu aleqqâm ana kâšūtum apaššāq. Âtar, amtamīt.” –  You will be alright. I can’t allow you to wander around, so I’m leaving you here. I’ll come back quickly. I am bringing back texts to help me explain. I will return, I promise.

“Attunu tenīnā. Napšuru tartasiā. Aššu Nergal pīqat ipaddûkunūšim. Anna?” – You have been praying. For forgiveness. (lit. “to obtain forgiveness/mercy). So that Nergal might forgive you. Correct?

“Anna?” – Yes?

“Attunu. Ana Nergal tenīnā.” – You. Pray to Nergal.

“Lā. Dumqū,” –  No. It’s okay.

“Babbanû! Kīam akâšukunūšim.” – Excellent! Then I can help you. : )

“Attunu ša ennānim-ma Nergal pīqat ipaddûkunūšim, u kīnūtu timânim. Napšuru tartasiā.” – You need to pray so that Nergal might forgive you, and you need to swear loyalty. To obtain mercy.

“Anna?” – Yes?

“Babbanû. Enna. Ukullumkunūšim-ma lišānumī ul lēʾûtim tāwû. Attunu dibbūya šunniā.” --- Excellent. Now. I will help/instruct you, because you cannot speak my language well at all. Repeat after me. (lit. I will help you, because you do not competently speak my language. Repeat my words. [Akkadian is not very into softballing what you mean])

“Minâm? Minâm tušaḫṭâ?” – What? What’s wrong? (Lit. What? What is amiss/bad to you?”)

“Naprikānim!” – Stop! (plural form)

“Am-mīnim? Mimma ul tapallaḫā! Takaššārā-ma akâššukunūšim. Nergal lā lipadûkunūšim, taṣarimā-ma ul isanniqkunūšim.” –  Why? There is nothing to fear! I will help you to do it right [lit. to complete (this task), I will help you!].  Even if Nergal does not forgive you, you will not be punished for trying.

“Nazrum! Umāmum! Rittu ušamḫarkunūšim?  Puqqum ušamḫarkunūšim?! --- “Infidel! (lit. ‘Blashphemer’). Monster! I offer you a chance? I offer you hope?!”

“Rittu ušamḫarkunūšim u apaddi! Ištu bīšu ilkakātū tāpēšū-ma epēšum annûm tappēšā?!” –  I give you a chance and show you mercy! After the evil deeds you have done, and you do this?!” (lit. ‘and this action you take???)

“Ana ēkurrî ababbilkunūšim, u apaddikunūšim! U ina danānu, ina danānu, taktaṣdā-ma tebteleā pagrî

“Ana ēkurrî ababbilkunūšim u apaddikunūšim! U ina danānu, ina danānu, taktaṣdā-ma tebteleā pagri! Taštalṭuniāšim-ma tadtannttā šillatam ilī ētereḫ-ma tušeppešenni. Ina pagrīya! Tušalpātanni! Ēkurrušuāku! Murṣušu akkunna ušaddād! Ilum ša murṣu tīdeā-ma takbittūya u biltî  taṣtarm-ma taštarqā? Naqbum!” – I bring you to my temple and show you mercy! And by force, gainst my will, you take by force and possess my body! You take control of me and by force make me commit blasphemy against my God!? In my own body! You defiled me! I am his temple! I am honored to bear his plague! You know he is the god of plagues, the God you seek to destroy, and you try to rip my honor and my burden from me? Fucker! (She translates this pretty directly in-fic).

 END CHAPTER 2 – ‘The Medic’

  ---

CHAPTER 3 – ‘Adiris’

“Sasuniātu” – Can you read? (The ‘can you’ is implied. There is no ‘to do/to be’ in Akkadian, so you get it all from tenses and context).

“Gallû” – Spirit (bad), Devil, or Demon. It had a fairly broad meaning, and fits what Freddy is well, but it would be less likely to apply to something like the Entity than “Utukku.”

“Naparkûnūti,” – Stop.

“Alkam.” – Come/Come here.

“Atta naptî nidnam,” – Give me my key.

“Alkānim,” – Come/Follow

“Nērānim,” –  Turn around. (x2)

“Lā!” – No!

“Inanna alkānim,” – You can come over now.

“Šibam.” – Sit.

“Ina qibītīki Ištar ušteššerē tenēšēte. Marṣu iballuṭ āmiru pānīki. Ippaṭṭar eʾiltašu itebbi arḫiš. Ina qibītīki Ištar lā nāṭilu immar nūra. Iššer Ištar lā išaru āmiru pānīki. Apputtum, teštemîanni.” – (this one is translated directly, but I’m including it in the key anyway for cohesion.) With your command, Ishtar, mortals are made right. The sick who sees your face is restored to life. He is freed from his bonds, he arises quickly. With your command, Ishtar, the blind can see the light. They become whole, Ishtar, the unwell who look upon your face. Hear me, please.

“Tadalīlî,” – Thank you. (in feminine 2nd person singular.)

“Anāku aedû attunu ašmamkunūti. Inanna anāku ul ašammamkunūti. Attunu ul tammaḫḫāṣakunūti. Anāku. Attunu. Akaššukunūšim.” – I know I have hurt you (in the past). (But) I will not hurt you now. You aren’t going to be harmed. I. You two. Will help. (lit. I. you (plural). I will help you (plural), because the verb takes number/gender/tense markers. Sometimes Akkadian includes pronouns for emphasis, though. She’s using an intentional restatement to try really hard to get the meaning across. In Akkadian it would read more like, “You two are the people I will help, and I am going to do it.)

“Tawašābušā,” – Take a seat (offer, not command).

“Atâruanni,” – I will return. (x2)

“Alkānim,” – Come on. (x2)

“Bilam,” – Carry this.

“Idiam,” – Set that down.

“Adrakanni,” – I’m sorry.

“Talitbuškum,” – For you to wear.

“Dalīlu,” – Thanks/Thank you. (This is the base form. For example, Tadalīlî has the feminine Ta prefix and an accented I because it absorbed the ī suffix, and was used to thank Ishtar, a singular feminine figure.)

“Gerbiš” – Near.

“Rūqiš” – Far (x2)

“Minūm?” – What?

“Mû,” – Water.

“Piššatu,” – A type of salve.

“Adrakanni,” – I’m sorry.

“Ḫadîš imḫur,” – To accept happily.

“Tašallimākunūti,” – You’re okay.

“Ana ša attunu… ana yâti dummuqûtum-ma, Ah—Attunu… Ašabbus. Ah—Ana ša! Attunu… damqiš. Attunu ana yâti dummuqûtum u…Nergal. …Ana kunūti uššaš.” – Because you…because you were kind to me. –Y-you…  I got angry–b-because! You…are good. (Lit. You…good—she’s having some trouble here) You were really kind to me, and…Nergal…tortures you.

“Ayyam?” – Which/Which one?

“Ilum.” – God.

“Annam. Šū ‘Ilum’.” – Yes. That is a god.

“Šū…Pīqat Gallû? Lū Utukku. Šū, annam. U ul ‘Gallu’. Gallu… Gallu. Ul Gallu. Utukku.” – That….Maybe it could be a Gallu? Definitely it’s an Utukku. That (thing you drew), yes. But not a ‘Gallu’. (She just says Gallu a few more times because she’s referencing pictures so I’m leaving that and one more Utukku out, but the meanings remain the same). Ul Gallu = not a Gallu. Gallu is a evil spirit. Utukku is the big bad demony monster, for reference here.

“Tīde?” – Are you sure?

“Annam,” – Yes.

“Ana ša alibbum ašanû,” – Because I had a change of heart. : (

“Ana ša. Alibbum. Ašanû,” – Because. I had. A change of heart. (Lit. Because. A change of heart. I have had. [for Akkadian version])

 END CHAPTER 3 – ‘Adiris’

[joseph4inspiration]

(1st Corinthians 13:3-5) When God talks about us having love, He's not talking about something we say we have but rather something we show we have. But not just by showing others but also by showing God - the one who know our true motives. In this verse God said we can give everything we have including our lives, but if it was all done without love then it profits nothing. God is always looking to fill our hearts with more love and compassion throughout our Christian journey. The more love we have in our hearts the less room there will be for jealousy, envy, evil thinking, and backbiting. But our love isn't just supposed to be shown towards others and towards ourselves, our love must also be shown towards God. God loves us freely and He wants us to love Him freely. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commands." He didn't say if you were afraid of going to hell or if you didn't want to miss your blessings, He said if you love Me. Also, love doesn't not mean acceptance of sin! The enemy is going around deceiving people by saying if you don't accept what God already said is wrong, then you are not walking in love - the devil is a liar! Jesus Himself said the greatest commandment above all is, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37), and we acknowledge this by obeying Him first, not people. We are to love all - regardless of race, gender or lifestyle, but we are not to love any sin! God's heart desire is that all would be free from sin, and so He looks for us to spread His message of love and salvation, but we are to never abandon salvation for love. #Inspiration #SpiritualInspiration #TrustInGod #Encouragement #Blessed #Favored #Faith #God #Jesus #HolySpirit #Pray #Grace #SpiritualWarfare #Love #Peace #Joy #Purpose #GiveIttoGod #GodIsAble #Faithful #Repost #Holy #Spiritual #Repent #GodOverPorn #Change #Hope #Mercy #Forgiveness https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFCD79nnRQ/?igshid=1fyuqda6ef1cv

[hiswordsarekisses]

A beautiful testimony from my daughter:

Last night, we saw Jesus heal a man, who couldn't even move himself to the water, by simply telling him to rise, take up his bed and walk. This was on the Sabbath (Saturday).

“The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.””

‭‭John‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭

First, what in the world! This man was not able to move, he was lame, and now he is up walking and all the Jews could see was that he was breaking their own twisted version of the law. They missed the entire point because they were so blinded by their own self righteousness. They took the perfect law of God and added so many things to it where it was now a burden. God gave us the Sabbath as a gift! He knows that our bodies need rest, He knows we need dedicated time with Him to reset and He knows that we are busy and gave us a day to minister to other people. Healing someone is not breaking the law, carrying your bed for the first time in 38 years is not breaking the law of God, it was breaking the burdensome added traditions they created. They witnessed a miracle, they witnessed a spiritual force of immediate healing yet the Jews never questioned if maybe they might be wrong. That's where self deception happens. We absolutely must remain open to being wrong. Even John the Baptist had a moment of questioning, but not the Jews. See the difference? If we are so bent on being right because we are arrogant or because our pastor told us so, we can be just like these Jews and miss the whole point, which brings me to my second point..

Today, the rolls look different. We have mass lawlessness and a misuse of grace that has utterly blinded people from the miracle making hand of God. Let me use a part of my testimony as an example. When God rescued me when I truly called out to Him with a broken and contrite heart at Fort Stewart, when I admitted to Him that I absolutely could not even meet Him half way because I am so wretched, blind and naked and I don't even know where to start- a miracle happened and even down to my very perspective changed. Some immediate, some took time and some He is still working on and will continue until that Day of His great coming. Trying to wrap my mind around how I thought before that day and how drastically different I think now alone is not something I can comprehend. I always loved Yeshua but I still carried my burden until Fort Stewart. Now, because of this miracle that happened in my heart and in my mind- I went to mush over God. I began to hang on every single thing He has ever done or said. I began just loving Him so much deeper where I WANTED to do every single thing He instructed me to do. Not to be saved, but because I am saved, because of what He did for me, because I trust Him even when it doesn't make sense to me. However, that's where that verse kicks in, "all those who live godly WILL suffer persecution." I have been accused of being a legalist, trying to work my way into heaven, being a Pharisee and so much more by the people who are blind just like those Pharisees. (So in this story- we have Pharisees twisting the law to make it more burdensome and accusing someone of breaking the law who just got healed and in my story, we see a grossly misuse of grace where people see me keeping the NOT twisted commandments of God because of my love for Him and they ridicule me for not taking part in their lawlessness and misuse of grace.)

They don't understand that deep love for God that pushes you to a level of trust for Him that causes you to walk in His ways BECAUSE of that love and trust. They haven't gotten to the part of the walk where the burden falls off. Revelations tells us that the remnant of God (the saved) are those that have the testimony of Yeshua Jesus the Christ and keep the commandments of God. All through out the Bible it talks about lawlessness not inheriting the kingdom and all of this but we as a people have become lazy and have leaned on the word of a pastor or a human made Bible study rather than reading that Bible for ourselves and crying out to God. It never offends me because I have read that this is what I'm called to and I know the state that they are in and it breaks my heart into a million pieces which then pushes me to pray for them to gain a love of the truth (without a love of the truth, the Bible says we will be deceived and not inherit the kingdom.) The churches today are twisting scripture the same way that the Jews did, the enemy just dressed it up different. The Bible says this would happen. It's all in there! The thought of anyone I know perishing for a lack of knowledge and that being their own fault, kills me. But all we can do is pray. Pray for the scales to fall off their eyes, pray for the God who opens the eyes of the blind, to open the eyes of the blind! No matter how beautifully you put it, you can not make a blind man see. You can read the same verses a million times and then one day, God pulls the scales off your eyes and you read the verse and you fly backward like WHAT! "Seeing they will not see and hearing they will not hear." The Bible says we can't even have the want to repent without Him giving it to us. It's called the gift of repentance. Without that, we are lost. Now, He can show us the wickedness in our hearts, but are we willing to humble ourselves before Him and actually repent and turn from those wicked ways and try to not do that thing again, or will we justify it and say, "God knows my heart" and continue committing lawlessness. I never want to hear what scripture tells us will happen to many. It says they will come to Him saying, "Lord Lord, have we not cast out demons, healed the sick and raised the dead in your name!?" And he will say to them, "Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness, I never knew you."

(Example of us and God but in terms understandable: in this scenario, you represent God and the kids represent your people. You love your kids right? Do you know more than them? Because you've been around longer right? Sometimes you tell them to do something like "don't run out in the street." They might not understand at first, but hopefully they honor you, love you, and respect you enough to trust what you said is in their best interest. YOU know they can get hit by a car, but they might not understand that yet. Are you being controlling? Are they being legalistic by listening to you without understanding why?

Spend time with Him. Don't trust the word of pastors or anyone else, don't even trust my word. Get your Bible and just read. Pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The more you read, the more you will understand. It's hard at first, but it gets easier.