#praise be unto caesar

[iamrootusr]

...so do I bring the knife now? Or later?

tumblr polls have amplified the human need to vote on things. this place just became the roman senate

[queers-gambit]

Save Me From Myself

prompt: ( requested ) in a moment of unparalleled anger, you learn what Joel really thinks of you.

pairing: Joel Miller x female!reader

fandom masterlist: The Last of Us

collection masterlist: Clingy Baby

word count: (short as hell at) 1.9k+

warnings: very mild spoilers, there's probably cursing, oneshot (no part two), hurt no comfort, mild angst, shorty shorty short short shorty! author is disappointed in this one, she wanted to give much more.

"Gimme that," you grunted at Ellie, picking her backpack from her shoulder with ease as the shorter young lady protested with a small growl.

"I got it - "

"Take a break," you smiled at the kid, shouldering her pack. "Tell me another one of those shitty jokes you love so much."

Ellie smirked and whipped out her book, flipping through a few pages, scanning the pages, then deciding on one. "What... Is Beethoven's favorite fruit?"

You shrugged, "No idea."

"Ba-na-na-naaaaa!"

You laughed, you couldn't help it. "Goddamnit. That's a good one," you praised, eyeing her for a moment as she silently read down the page. You wondered, "You know, I meant to ask, but why that book in particular?"

"My friend gave it to me... It was a present," she explained softly, seeing your head nod of understanding. "What did one ocean say to the other?"

"Nothing, they just waved," you smirked.

"You shithead," she tisked. "Okay, okay, here's a good one. What's brown... And sticky?"

"Oh, Ellie, don't be gross - "

"A stick."

There was a long pause.

"Oh, you know what? Fuck you," You laughed heartily. "I gotta remember that, I like that one."

"You'll like this one, too. Why should you never trust stairs?"

You knew the answer, but humored her, "Why?"

"Because they're always up to something."

You chuckled, "Good one, kid, yeah. Okay, okay, wait, I got one."

"Lay it on me."

"How do you cut a Roman Emperors hair?"

"How?" She grinned, ready for the punchline.

"With Caesars."

Ellie paused, offering a confused look, "I don't get that one."

You both stared at one another for a long moment, still walking through the cold, dead field.

"You don't know Julius Caesar?"

"No? Who the hell is that?"

You chuckled, "You know what? Just as well, who fucking cares about the Roman Empire when we're living in the end-of-days?"

"It's a decent joke," Joel spoke for the first time in hours; holding his rifle protectively as he lead you both through the wilderness, "for what it's worth."

You smirked at Ellie and teased, "Told you I was funny."

"You used the term punny."

"Both are accurate."

"I think you're just an idiot."

"I think you've got a helluva mouth on you."

Ellie grinned and flipped through her book, your gaze trailing to Joel and eyeing him for a long moment. You've known him since you were 19 and hired to babysit his daughter, Sarah. Joel was everything you could've asked for - loyal, sweet, protective, respectful. You had been at their house, doing coursework for your university program when the Outbreak happened. You did what you could to help protect Sarah, but in the end, nobody was safe, nobody was immune, and Death stretch His hand unto all of mankind alike.

He left only select few, you, Joel, and Tommy being amongst the survivors.

The past twenty years had been anything but easy, and while you had gone into this pandemic together, you and Joel didn't actually stick together the whole time. When you settled in Boston with Tommy, Tess, and a few other nomads, you were exhausted from the brutality you were forced to survive in, and so, first chance you had, you broke away.

Technically, you and Tommy broke away. But still.

Joel turned to a life of shadiness with Tess at his right hand (and on his cock). The two of you becoming estranged, until he saved your ass from a pair of FEDRA agents harassing citizens.

He didn't just distract your assailants, but put them in the dirt, helped pick you up, dust off, check for injury, then escort you home. Once at your apartment, he ensured you weren't hurt and was truly okay, and after that, he was back in your life - like the snap of fingers.

You hated to admit it, but it felt nice having a constant back in your life. Joel was your tether to reality, and without him, you felt akin to a kite with the string cut - useless and drifting away.

After that, you came around a little more to see how much your old neighbor had changed in your time apart. Joel was familiar, he was family; had always been something of a source of peace for you. He was usually protective of your wellbeing - even if he had a strange (and borderline unhealthy) way of showing it - creating a bubble of safety.

You eventually left the Fireflies and met Bill and Frank, venturing out and about with Joel and Tess; the latter of who simply despised you for just existing. She was never fond of you, more so now that Joel was obviously attached to you.

Joel never let her argue about you; he never cared for her opinion nor what assumptions she had. He kept you close, he liked your close; and if she sneered any hateful slander, Joel was swift to push her away in favor of you.

One time, he even literally locked her out of the apartment because she was rude to you and told you to "get lost!".

How could you not feel safe? Comfortable? Secure?

When you made it to Jackson and found Tommy once more, you were overjoyed by his familiar face and scent, but quickly pulled him aside to voice your concern for Joel.

"He's been clutching his chest, walking slower than I've seen before," you whispered to Tommy. "I don't think he's havin' a heart episode, but somethin' ain't right, Tommy. He's not doing the best."

"I'll talk to him," he assured.

You believed him, there was no reason not to. You (willfully blindly) believed Tommy would go about this subject with sensitivity and wouldn't mention your words of concern, but you were wrong. Very wrong. Joel had a known temper and if he caught wind that you spoke his name, even in passing, he would lash out, so, truly, you thought Tommy wouldn't tip Joel off.

The moment you returned "home" (to the house you, Ellie, and Joel were offered), you were met with a fuming Joel and an awkward looking Ellie. "What's going on?" You felt worried, fearing for the worst, asking, "What's wrong?"

"You," Joel snapped. "You're what's wrong."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Joel," Ellie tried with a frown, "she just walked in 0 "

"You had a word with Tommy now, did'yah?" He demanded, ignoring Ellie to focus his glare fully on you.

"Well - yeah - I mean - "

"No," he seethed with narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, "where the hell you get off talkin' to my brother like that? Huh? You worried 'bout me, you say somethin' to me - otherwise, the hell you talkin' for?"

"Joel - "

"You overstepped," he shook his head and pointed a scolding finger at you, "and my health ain't your concern - "

"Of course, it is! Fuck's sake, how can you even say that? I get you're mad, fine, okay, you know what? I get it, I'm sorry if I overstepped by telling Tommy how worried I am, but for the love of God, Joel, I am worried about you because you're not the same man you once were!"

"Are any of us?" He huffed.

"You don't think we've noticed the way you've slowed? How you clutch your chest? I'm allowed to be worried - "

"You know, if you weren't so Goddamn clingy all the time, you wouldn't feel whatever compulsion this is to concern yourself with something that ain't got shit to do with you."

You blinked in shock, feeling disarmed by the harsh tone and bruising words he offered. "Joel, we're both worried about you,," Ellie stepped in again. "Don't be such a dick, she's just looking out for you."

"By involving those that don't need to be involved?" He sneered, glaring at the girl before rounding on you. "From now on, you stay in your place - enough with this - this fucking - this protector bullshit you think of me as. You cling any fucking tighter and I'll suffocate, so back the hell off."

You nodded slowly, watching him storm off; door slamming after him hard enough to make both you and Ellie flinch. "I, uh..." You cleared your throat, "I should... Um, uh, you know what, I'll jusy - uh, yeah, no, I can just... Yeah, I should - yeah."

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"You didn't do anything."

"No, but that wasn't very nice of him to say."

"No, I suppose not," you smiled ruefully, giving a hearty, heavy sniffle. "I should, you know, go and find somewhere to crash - "

"Why wouldn't you stay here?"

"I don't exactly like to linger where I'm not wanted," you mused, keeping your tears at bay. "I just need to clear my head for a bit. Go for a walk or something. Maybe he just needs some space, I don't want to be here and upset him more... You two have a mission at hand," you tried to smile, "that's bigger than us all, and whether I see the end of it or not doesn't matter now - what matters is you, Ellie. This petty squabble will pass," you lied, "because you're all that matters. I won't risk further upsetting Joel, gambling with this already sketchy-ass plan and put everything we've worked towards so far at jeopardy."

You both smiled ruefully.

"I know when to walk away," you ended softly.

She nodded, opening her mouth but closing it instantly; knowing you were stubborn enough that she didn't even attempt to stop you. So, she did the only thing she knew she could do: offered her joke book.

"Oh, Ellie, no," you breathed, "no, no, I can't take that, it was a gift."

"And now I'm gifting it to you," she shrugged, holding the book out. "C'mon, just take it, it'll make me feel good knowing you're cracking shitty jokes to yourself - or whoever will listen."

"I can't take this," you whispered.

"Just make sure you stay alive to give it back," Ellie compromised.

"Deal," you smirked, opening your arms and embracing the girl the moment she rushed into your chest. "I'll miss you," you whispered. You promised to see her as soon as you could (so you could return the joke, of course), kissed her forehead, then grabbed your bag, which had yet to be unpacked, and left the house.

You managed to find lodging in the old cantina, and you'd never know that when Joel got back that evening and saw your items gone, he breathed a sigh of relief. In his head, with you gone, it was one less painful reminder of Sarah, the life he had before; and while his mind played tricks into thinking he saw Sarah in town today, he realized you were the constant trigger.

The single strand that kept him in the past.

Constant reminder of who he was, who he wanted to be.

Prevented him from truly moving on.

Though not done in the best or most respectful way, in his heart, Joel knew he needed to shove you into the mud to get you to let go; you saw too much "good" in him. You saw him in the same light as Sarah, and he couldn't handle that; could not fathom that there was anyone left in this world who saw anything remotely humane in him.

So, Joel did what he did best: made his own life infinitely harder by pushing away those who loved him.

requesting rules and masterlist

TLOU masterlist

Clingy Baby masterlist

[tame-the-lion-writes]

[legate!joshua graham x reader] what god hath joined together

This is reposted from my ao3!

[Joshua Graham] tags: religious imagery and symbolism, religious discussion, religion in a positive and respectful light

_

“Have you ever thought about it? That we aren’t married.”

“Slavery is marriage by Legion. And you are mine. Is that not enough?”

You shake your head as you sit upon his bed of furs – warm yet wrapped in the scent of gunpowder and smoke. The scent of him after many a battle – for which he was once praised – yet now finds disheartening. For though the title of Malpais Legate held prestige and power amongst the ranks of Caesar’s army, Caesar’s army was made of slaves, and the legate, too, was no exception.

And so, while your husband – no, master – makes his way toward you from across the room, you imagine the chains upon his skin. Wrought iron clinging to his wrists and ankles – perhaps a muzzle. For they exist, albeit as air – as the raw and undefeated power of Caesar. A man who picked and plundered the history of an old world, and forged an empire in the image of an idol.

“That is marriage under the law of a broken man,” you tell him, inching closer to the edge of the bed that you may take his face in your hands. “That is not marriage under God. There is a difference .”

He hisses in dismissal as he withdraws from your touch, but you can tell your inquiry lingers by the look in his eyes.

“As legatus, I do not know your god. Only the law of Caesar–”

You huff – a sharp exhale through your nose – and follow after him to reach for the bedside table. In it is a false bottom – a wooden panel to harbor a Bible that Joshua had long harbored in secrecy before you came. In the weeks before your arrival, he’d stolen seconds out of the night to skim through the yellowed pages. Back then, he didn’t know why – it was a past he’d decided best forgotten, and buried alongside the bodies he’d left rotting in their graves. But just as the Son of Man, the Word rose to roll the rock away, and burning light began to seep through every battle scar ever inflicted. Those wounds he cast upon others, and to himself. 

He could deny God all he wanted, but timing was never a coincidence. Not in the grand scheme of Creation.

Case in point: you were a translator years ago. Worked with the Followers of the Apocalypse before being absorbed into the New Canaanite fold. What was once simply outreach work — teaching — became learning, and though you’d grown in religion before, now it wove its way through every vein. So when the tribe you’d lived with for months soon became your fellow captives under the scarlet red flags of the Legion, you didn’t blame God. You blamed men. 

Blessed is free will, and cursed is what man does with it.

“‘Ye thought evil against me’,” you muttered to yourself then, “‘But God meant it unto good.’” And what can one do in their most desperate hour – when there is no way to act, and only plead – but believe?

In hindsight, you knew that it was God who sent you Joshua – for amidst the crying and soothing lies, he’d heard your prayer. Reminded him of a younger man, with hopes and dreams, and promised land. So he took you out of the pen, and purchased you like a sacrifice – from a temple taxed and forbidden, offerings sold like heresy.

It’s not as though the legate was warm, but you never expected him to be. No – at first, he merely spared you from the worst the Legion had to offer. You knew, for you heard the rumors, and the screams and sobbing in the night. The silence that followed, beaten to submission. Women reduced to cattle and children reduced to fodder.

By contrast, your “worst” was a hard, leather cot, and eating on the floor but never off of it. You were soon welcomed at the table, albeit for leftovers, and granted new clothes once the rags became threads. Small mercies, you understood, and took with careful hands. One at a time. A gradual gift of grace – for when you discovered the Bible, he did not execute you – bury you – blind you, as was his right.

He sat with you at the edge of his bed – took the book from your hands – and slipped it back into place as though nothing had ever happened.

In the days that followed, it became clear that God had made room in Joshua’s heart for more than bloodshed. You hummed hymns, and he would listen. You spoke scripture, and he would still. He would hardly confess his true thoughts on the matter, but there were nights when he’d tuck a blanket over your shoulders, and in your muddled state of half-consciousness, you’d hear the steady flip of a page. A murmur under his breath, and by firelight, salt and tears. Bittersweet, yet made you smile: his tent was your abode, and your abode was given to God. There would be no return for Joshua – only forward – to fill canyons of prodigal defiance. For your God was a jealous God, who sought to heal the empty with love.

Unconditional, but not accepting. Never enough, but what did it matter?

Come as you are, and –

– change .

“I want to get married,” you decide, pulling the Bible from its hiding place. “I want to do this right. As right as it can be, anyway–”

“Mea ocella. ”

Joshua stops you with a hand over yours, gentler this time.

“If you wish for a husband under covenant of God, do not seek me. I am a leader of war. Not a household, or in spirit.”

Your lips thin.

“Let me be your equal, as one flesh, under God. If not that mercy, at least tell me why.”

Joshua frowns – the expression aging his features by many a year. “I do not mean to insult you, or to refuse you as my equal. I mean to say that to bind you to me would only be another sin.” He lowers his voice– “‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?’”

This time, he cups your face in his hands. Rough and scarred and trembling as if amidst war.

“I wish to save you from the shackles that are mine. For though I cannot save you from the Legion, I can spare you the trouble of me.”

You stare back at him, a challenge in your eye – yet a soothing hush in the way you press your forehead to his.

“The trouble of the Malpais Legate, or of Joshua Graham? To which man do I speak now? ”

It’s subtle, but you see the way his jaw clenches. The next move is his, and you’ve offered yourself up on a plate. Willingly. No Legion auctions, no threat of the whip. Just you, him, and the Word still in your hand.

Slow, you place some space between the two of you. Undo the silk ribbon holding back your hair. Joshua – not the legate – bought it from the market on your birthday. The sweetest gift, small and unnoticed. What would it say of the Legion to have a soft legatus?

But he is soft, and ever softer — here and now — and allows himself to be so – as you take his hand and wrap it in the ribbon. His and yours, without a ring, but this would have to do.

“I,” you begin, glancing down at your entwined hands, then up to his blue eyes, “take thee, Joshua Graham, as my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish…”

You trail off to give him room. Seconds, perhaps minutes in your nervousness, to undo the ribbon if he wished, and all ties that came with it.

Yet Joshua finishes for you:

“Till death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance. And thereto I pledge thee my faith ."

It is him that squeezes your hand – him that pulls you forward – and him that first presses a chaste kiss to your lips. His and yours, his and yours. You meld into one, allowing him to take you by the waist, and lower you back onto the bed.

“'And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh,'” he whispers. Recitations. Remembrance. “'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.'”

List of Biblical references and quotes (off the bat that I can remember): - Genesis 50:20 - Matthew 21 (Jesus flipping tables at the temple) - Luke 15 (prodigal son) - Exodus 34:14 - 2 Corinthians 6:14 - Mark 10:9 Also -- "mea ocella" means "my eyes/my sight" but is otherwise a term of endearment in Latin :)

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Luke 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

[orthodoxadventure]

You have appeared on earth, living with mortal men; obeying the decree of Caesar, You were enrolled with Your servants. You came as man; You did not abandon us, remaining the true and changeless God, although incarnate. Glory to your dispensation! Worship, praise, dominion, and majesty, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen!

-- Matins for December 23

[90ssuperheroes]

Luke 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[heroesofprovidenceeternal]

"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas! from Heroes Of Providence Eternal

[renee-writer]

HAPPENED AT A TENNESSEE FOOTBALL GAME---NOT A JOKE.

CHRISTIANITY IS NOW THE TARGET OF PERSECUTION...

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS...

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CAN SEE THE PROBLEM, BUT OUR SOCIETY CANNOT.

TENNESSEE H.S. FOOTBALL

THIS IS A STATEMENT THAT WAS READ OVER THE PA SYSTEM AT THE FOOTBALL GAME AT ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, KINGSTON, TENNESSEE, BY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, JODY MCLEOD:

"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CUSTOM AT ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES, TO SAY A PRAYER AND PLAY THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, TO HONOR GOD AND COUNTRY.

"DUE TO A RECENT COMPLAINT, AND RULING BY THE COURT, I AM TOLD THAT SAYING A PRAYER IS "A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL CASE LAW".

AS I UNDERSTAND THE LAW AT THIS TIME, I CAN USE THIS PUBLIC FACILITY TO APPROVE OF SEXUAL PERVERSION AND CALL IT "AN ALTERNATE LIFE STYLE", AND, IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, THAT'S OK.

I CAN USE IT TO CONDONE SEXUAL PROMISCUITY, BY DISPENSING CONDOMS AND CALLING IT, "SAFE SEX." IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, THAT'S OK.

I CAN EVEN USE THIS PUBLIC FACILITY TO PRESENT THE MERITS OF KILLING AN UNBORN BABY AS A "VIABLE MEANS OF BIRTH CONTROL." IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, NO PROBLEM...

I CAN DESIGNATE A SCHOOL DAY AS "EARTH DAY" AND INVOLVE STUDENTS IN ACTIVITIES TO WORSHIP RELIGIOUSLY AND PRAISE THE "GODDESS MOTHER EARTH", AND CALL IT "ECOLOGY.."

I CAN USE LITERATURE, VIDEOS AND PRESENTATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM THAT DEPICTS PEOPLE WITH STRONG TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN CONVICTIONS AS

"SIMPLE MINDED" AND "IGNORANT" AND CALL IT "ENLIGHTENMENT."

HOWEVER, IF ANYONE USES THIS FACILITY TO HONOR GOD AND TO ASK HIM TO BLESS THIS EVENT WITH SAFETY AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, THEN FEDERAL CASE LAW IS VIOLATED.

THIS APPEARS TO BE INCONSISTENT AT BEST, AND AT WORST, DIABOLICAL. APPARENTLY, WE ARE TO BE TOLERANT OF EVERYTHING AND ANYONE, EXCEPT GOD AND HIS COMMANDMENTS. NEVERTHELESS, AS A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, I FREQUENTLY ASK STAFF AND STUDENTS TO ABIDE BY RULES WITH WHICH THEY DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE. FOR ME TO DO OTHERWISE WOULD BE INCONSISTENT AT BEST, AND AT WORST, HYPOCRITICAL. I SUFFER FROM THAT AFFLICTION ENOUGH UNINTENTIONALLY, AND I CERTAINLY DO NOT NEED TO ADD AN INTENTIONAL TRANSGRESSION.

FOR THIS REASON, I SHALL "RENDER UNTO CAESAR THAT WHICH IS CAESAR'S," AND REFRAIN FROM PRAYING AT THIS TIME...

"HOWEVER, IF YOU FEEL INSPIRED TO HONOR, PRAISE AND THANK GOD AND ASK HIM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, TO BLESS THIS EVENT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO... AS FAR AS I KNOW, THAT'S NOT AGAINST THE LAW--YET!"

SILENCE FELL.

ONE BY ONE, THE PEOPLE IN THE STANDS BOWED THEIR HEADS, HELD HANDS WITH ONE ANOTHER AND BEGAN TO PRAY.

THEY PRAYED IN THE STANDS. THEY PRAYED IN THE TEAM HUDDLES. THEY PRAYED AT THE CONCESSION STAND, AND THEY PRAYED IN THE ANNOUNCER'S BOX!

(THE ONLY PLACE THEY DIDN'T PRAY WAS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - THE "SEAT OF JUSTICE", THAT'S IN THE "ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.")

SOMEHOW, KINGSTON, TENNESSEE, REMEMBERED WHAT SO MANY HAVE NOW FORGOTTEN.

WE ARE GIVEN THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION, NOT THE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION!!

PRAISE GOD THAT HIS REMNANT REMAINS!

JESUS SAID, "IF YOU ARE ASHAMED OF ME BEFORE MEN, THEN I WILL BE ASHAMED OF YOU BEFORE MY FATHER.."

IF YOU ARE NOT ASHAMED, PASS THIS ON!

I'M NOT ONE BIT ASHAMED TO PASS THIS ON, ARE YOU?

THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS! GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS AND PASSES IT ON!

[mcx7demonbros]

December 25th - Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. (St. Luke 2:1-14)

This Day, the Twenty-Fifth Day of December

In the year, from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created Heaven and Earth, five, thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine; from the flood, two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven; from the birth of Abraham, two thousand and fifteen; from Moses and the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt, one thousand, five hundred and ten; from the anointing of King David, one thousand and thirty-two; in the sixty-fifth week, according to the prophecy of Daniel; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; in the year seven hundred and fifty-two from the founding of the city of Rome; in the forty-second year of the empire of Octavian Augustus, when the whole earth was at peace, in the sixth age of the world, Jesus Christ, eternal God, and Son of the eternal Father, desirous to sanctify the world by His most merciful coming, having been conceived of the Holy Ghost, and nine months having elapsed since his conception, is born in Bethlehem of Juda, having become man of the Virgin Mary.

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE FLESH

(From the Roman Martyrology)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

JOYEUX NOËL!

[bills-bible-basics]

OBEY THE POWERS THAT BE -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing." Matthew 5:25-26, KJV "They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21, KJV "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him." Mark 12:17, KJV "And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." Luke 20:25, KJV "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:18, KJV "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." Romans 13:1-5, KJV "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." Titus 2:15-3:2, KJV "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." 1 Peter 2:11-17, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/obey-the-powers-that-be-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=224838&OBEY%20THE%20POWERS%20THAT%20BE%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[chiclet-go-boom]

The Pawns

Purple-robed, with crownèd hair, Caesar sits in a golden chair, And a proud cold Queen beside him there. Knights in armor, many and tall, And the holy Bishops throng the hall; Why trouble your head with pawns at all, Iscariot?

He sits at the chess and he plays with skill On a board far flung over river and hill, And many a pawn works out his will. At the chess of war to be bold is wise, And little he recks of sacrifice: For what are a pawn or two in our eyes, Iscariot?

Years agone, and a world away Lived One who did not praise the play, And He loved the pawns the best, men say. And He damned the pieces for their pride: So you sold Him to be crucified, And bared unto the spear His side, Iscariot.

You sold Him, and you thought Him slain, And the old proud game begins again, And Caesar plays with might and main. But a hidden Player has the Black, And craft is foiled and the White attack, Move by move, is beaten back, Iscariot.

Knight nor Bishop can resist The pawns of this Antagonist Whose countenance is dark with mist. The game goes on and will not wait, Caesar is gripped in a deadly strait - What if the pawns should give checkmate, Iscariot? -- Frank Betts

[lindajenni]

mar 25

the antichrist is now "little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour." 1 john 2:18 do i surprise and shock you by what i say?  most of the pre-tribulation believers are certain we will already be raptured before the antichrist is revealed; me among them.  but i tell you his spirit is even now manifesting in the world. we always knew he hated the jewish people and has tried over and over to destroy them.  first to try and prevent their coming messiah, then just trying to destroy God's chosen ones to prevent their inheritance of the kingdom.  and now, as israel seeks to defend itself against an avowed, embedded enemy, the world has turned against them in unity; the lost world that is.  jerusalem has now become that heavy stone and cup that makes the world stumble in their drunkenness and hatred spoken of in zecharia 12. and how much more can the antichrist spirit be manifested than in the hatred and persecution now focused on the body of Christ, focused on mocking and destroying all the works of goodness and decency in the world.  so who is the antichrist?  it's not who you think.  it is the culmination of all the evil thoughts and deeds sinful man embodies in their rebellion of Christ and His ways.  all this culminated into one being; the son of satan. jut as there a Holy Trinity, then there is also an evil trinity.  satan is the first person and the father of the unholy trinity.  the antichrist will be the second member and the son of the unholy trinity.  the false prophet, the third member of the unholy trinity, will direct the worship and praise of the people back to the antichrist.  unto his son, the antichrist, satan gives his authority and power to represent and act for him just as God the Son received "all power in heaven and earth" from His Father, and uses it for His glory. so who is this antichrist incarnate?  how will we recognize him?  (believers won't be here for his ascendancy.)  the bible is clear that one man, the antichrist, will rise up to unite the world under one government during the tribulation.  this global dictator will pose as an angel of light, just like his father the devil, but will later act out of his true, evil nature. the antichrist will aggressively live up to his terrible name.  he will persecute, torture, and kill the people of God as he leads the armies of the world ultimately into the battle of armageddon.  he will be the most powerful dictator the world has ever seen, making caesar, hitler, mao, and saddam seem tame by comparison. the antichrist is the perfectly evil human being, the complete opposite to the perfectly good human being Jesus Christ is.  knowing these things, "what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" 2 pet 3:11 there is coming a day - a day when the world will be divided among those who love and serve God and those who serve another God, be  it self or satan.  where will you be standing when the clarion call goes forth?  "then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." mal 3:18

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion Jesus Is The Rejected Chief Cornerstone

#DailyDevotion Jesus Is The Rejected Chief Cornerstone Psalm 118 21(Inside:) I thank You, for You have answered me and have become my Deliverer. Having passed through the Gate of Righteousness in the Tabernacle/Temple area, David gives thanks because his prayers have been heard and He has become his Deliverer. I do find it interesting that this Psalm gets intensely Messianic at this point. The following verses are quoted often in the New Testament, by Jesus, by His apostles and some parts are shouted out by the people to Jesus. 22The Stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone. 23The LORD has done this, and we think it is wonderful. When Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21 and Mark 12 Jesus brings this passage out as an interpretive key. Jesus is the Stone the builders rejected. The builders here being the rulers of Israel. They rejected Him outright before Pilate when they said, “We have no king but Caesar.” Stone in Hebrew here is Eben (from whence we get Ebenezer). Jacob anointed a stone at Bethel and said this pillar will be God's house. It is where the LORD affirmed His covenant with Abraham to Jacob. The LORD wrote His commandments on stone. He Himself is the Stone, the Rock, Israel's leaders, the builders rejected. Peter testifies as such in Acts 4 when on trial and again in 1 Peter 2. In 1 Peter 2 Jesus is the living stone upon which God's Temple is built. This refers back to Genesis when Jacob anoints the stone and says it will be God's house. We are the living stones set to Jesus, the chief cornerstone in God's Temple. The LORD, God the Father, has done this and we do indeed think it is wonderful. 24The LORD made this day; let us rejoice and be glad in Him. 25O LORD, please save. Lord, please give us success. 26Blessed is He Who comes in the LORD's name. We bless You in the LORD's temple. 27The LORD is God, and He gives us light. March in festive procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. Here we see the fulfillment of this passage as Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The crowds, the children were shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the LORD's name.” The LORD certainly made this day in which He came in our human flesh to establish His kingdom on earth. The foundation was not laid down by might but by humility. Jesus humbled Himself to suffer and die to answer the prayers of those singing praise on that day. He hosannaed them by His death on the cross and His victory over death and the grave. Jesus is the LORD who is God. He is our Light and our Life. Jesus came in the LORD's name to save us and for that He deserves every blessing and thanksgiving. 28You are my God, and I thank You; My God, I honor You highly. 29Thank the LORD because He is good and merciful forever! Jesus is our God and we indeed should thank Him and honor Him highly. We do this first by believing who He is and what He has done for us. We do it by confessing who He is and what He has done for us. We honor, thank and praise Him by living lives worthy of Him. The Pslam closes as it begins, “Thank the LORD because He is good and merciful forever!” Indeed, thank the LORD Jesus Christ for He is God and is merciful forever. Heavenly Father, we do give You thanks and praise for sending Jesus to be the Stone the builders rejected, that through this rejection He would become for us the chief cornerstone of our salvation and we would through faith in Him become living stones of Your holy Temple. Preserve us in this faith unto life everlasting. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[libidomechanica]

While he great Caesar and then will never was

The gallant glorious is your     unto his find out shivering lover from ancient fable     seaman, deeming though

dread. You are one; sweet lips! Nor yet     too much of Nature fetchednesse wants. And every crisis     sheeted with love for his

pensions forfeited? Nor is in     Then letters for a lass wi’ a tocher, then he was but     in than mortal engines,

too, he scan a countries, Forsooth,     let go! So nobody knows how, in pity is her     sumptuously-feathers of the

Muezzin’s case and swathed with many     wish undone. Does the weather- beaten with Athos. The child;     howe’er they who swore thanks

me not one by, this was rather     lover from purblind when the warr’d upon the blossom of     a virtue hath fascinations:

despair maid, how many?     Tongues their pay, and pain! In shore: farewell, for I have comes slowly     by a distance she

lay,—and the primly spinning, while     I fly, pursuer; at mine after all, self-same worse, a     harpsichords, the good knightlike

innocence. Was cleft from the     Baron said: glory crown’d. Some relenting praised, the battle     array. Let us now

occurs but she, then some learn’d     sufferer knew, or Psyche, but a game, kneelings, universe,     where much better swimming,

wear my brothers: we though as for     me, sufferings service was added Juan, following day on     the unrabbited woods.

[bookoformon]

Helaman Chapter 9, Part 3. "The Detection."

The investigation into the unsolved murder of the Chief Judge continues:

16 And now it came to pass that the judges did expound the matter unto the people, and did cry out against Nephi, saying: Behold, we know that this Nephi must have agreed with some one to slay the judge, and then he might declare it unto us, that he might convert us unto his faith, that he might raise himself to be a great man, chosen of God, and a prophet.

17 And now behold, we will detect this man, and he shall confess his fault and make known unto us the true murderer of this judge.

18 And it came to pass that the five were liberated on the day of the burial. Nevertheless, they did rebuke the judges in the words which they had spoken against Nephi, and did contend with them one by one, insomuch that they did confound them.

19 Nevertheless, they caused that Nephi should be taken and bound and brought before the multitude, and they began to question him in divers ways that they might cross him, that they might accuse him to death—

20 Saying unto him: Thou art confederate; who is this man that hath done this murder? Now tell us, and acknowledge thy fault; saying, Behold here is money; and also we will grant unto thee thy life if thou wilt tell us, and acknowledge the agreement which thou hast made with him.

21 But Nephi said unto them: O ye fools, ye uncircumcised of heart, ye blind, and ye stiffnecked people, do ye know how long the Lord your God will suffer you that ye shall go on in this your way of sin?

22 O ye ought to begin to howl and mourn, because of the great destruction which at this time doth await you, except ye shall repent.

23 Behold ye say that I have agreed with a man that he should murder Seezoram, "caesar" our chief judge. But behold, I say unto you, that this is because I have testified unto you that ye might know concerning this thing; yea, even for a witness unto you, that I did know of the wickedness and abominations which are among you.

24 And because I have done this, ye say that I have agreed with a man that he should do this thing; yea, because I showed unto you this sign ye are angry with me, and seek to destroy my life.

25 And now behold, I will show unto you another sign, and see if ye will in this thing seek to destroy me.

The Day of the Burial is called Kevurah. All present are expected to contribute a handful of earth until the grave is covered. Kevurah symbolizes the pre-creation blackness and emptiness before a new week consisting of a new Seven Days and the trudge towards Shabbat, a new modified reality that will begin to transpire without the deceased.

The people of Nephi choose to begin their Seven Days with a trial, suggesting their prophet is really a Confederate, a man who believes in conscripted citizenship like they do in Russia and China. He is accussed of using money, false logic to spread his ideas about confederacy.

Nephi agrees he paid to have the former Chief Judge assassinated but we do not yet know if it was for a good cause or not.

The verses above contain Gematria, the values for each follow:

v. 16: the Value in Gematria is 13067, יגאֶפֶסוז‎‎, "I exalt gentleness."

v. 17: the Value in Gematria is 8260, חבואֶפֶס‎, hadoveps, "to exalt the thunder to wish or express praise." = call upon God using psaltery

v. 18: the Value in Gematria is 12306, יב‎ג‎אֶפֶסו, "they will be reset".

v. 19: the Value in Gematria is 10905, יטאֶפֶסה, "will climb yetapesa", "...to rest and an abundance of wealth."

v. 20: the Value in Gematria is 12363, יב‎ג‎ו‎ג, ybgog, "a very frank discussion from the rooftop" AKA the government.

"The noun גג (gag) means rooftop, but since a society was a "house," its "rooftop" referred to that society's governing council. Note that the information technology that currently drives our society began in the Bronze Age with the invention of the alphabet and hyper-complex fractalic narration."

v. 21: the Value in Gematria is 13431, יגדג‎ג, will tickle. The Hebrew term for tickle is digdug, "to spread a net and fish."

v. 22: the Value in Gematria is 8465, חד‎ו-‎ה, "sharp and delightful".‎

v. 23: the Value in Gematria is 12926, יאטבו‎, taboo, from tebah, "to slaughter the meat."

"The masculine noun טבח (tabbah) originally meaning butcher or cook, but this original usage occurs only in 1 Samuel 9:23. The other dozen-plus instances of this noun denote guardsmen or body guards (Genesis 37:36, Jeremiah 39:9). BDB Theological Dictionary suggests this dual meaning evolved because the profession of guardsmen evolved from that of the company cook.

In a primitive society, where only the cook remains in camp while the others take off to herd or hunt, this multitasking makes perfect sense. HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, on the other hand, proposes that the body of guardsmen that customarily surrounded a bigwig also customarily took care of the executions of any wrongful accosters. Makes sense too."

v. 24: the Value in Gematria is 12164, יבאו‎‎‎ד, "they will come to understand."

v. 25: the Value in Gematria is 7558, זה‎הח‎, "this is the H."

"In Chassidic thought,2 the hei represents thought, speech and action. Just as the form of the hei is composed of three lines, so do thought, speech and action comprise the three garments of the soul, the three garments through which we express our­selves.

The top horizontal line (thought), by its very design, repre­sents the concept of equality. To truly experience every person as equal, one must restructure one’s thought process.

Perhaps it appears on the surface that some people are better and some are worse than others. But our responsibility is to focus instead on the soul, the G‑dly spark within each person.3 

Since our souls emanate from the same Source, we are all equal in our essence. When we delve beneath the personality and externality of a person and go straight to his or her core, we experience that we are all one.

The hei’s right vertical line represents hierarchy, which is speech. A king rules with his words.4 He is empowered to sit in his palace and utter a decree, which then becomes law. People do not have to see him. He does not have to shake their hands. All he needs to do is speak; that is his power.

The vertical line of the hei descends from a higher state, the ruler, to a lower state, his subjects.

Finally, the shorter, detached leg on the left side of the hei represents action. Why is this limb detached? It is very easy for us to think and speak about what is right, but it is quite another thing to bring a good intention to fruition. Therefore, the gap serves as a reminder of the effort that is required to unify all three garments. Without the line of action, we’re left with the two lines of the dalet: poverty.

The Talmud5 informs us that the hei also represents teshuvah—repentance. To appreciate how the form of the letter hei embodies the concept of teshuvah, compare the hei, ה, to the ches, ח,6 the eighth letter of the alef-beis. Both forms look very much alike. Each is made up of three lines. The one conspicu­ous difference is the small aperture atop the hei’s left limb.

What does this have to do with teshuvah? G‑d declares to Cain after he kills his brother Abel, “Sin (chatas) lies at your door.”7 The opening (or door) on the bottom of both the hei and the ches represents sin. With the ches, there can be no escape from the “door of sin” without transgression (i.e., without exiting through the bottom of the ches).

But the hei has another open­ing, another possible course of action. The little opening at the top of the hei allows for the possibility of teshuvah, or return.5"

So the Five Men are embodied in the Fifth Letter, which represents a chance to renew and start over after a tragic or necessary loss. If one follows the sequence hiding underneath the English verses in this part of the chapter, the process turns out to be rather logical and surely leads to the end of anti-Freedom of life within a Confederacy, the end game of the Book of Mormon.

[childofchrist1983]

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. - Matthew 22:17-21 KJV

The Pharisees sent their own disciples and the Herodians to test Jesus Christ with this question. When they heard His answer, they went away, marveling at it. But it is a question of more than money. To whom and to what are we to show our loyalty? This question is not any easier for most to answer today than it was in the time when Jesus walked this Earth.

What do we do when the demands of the Gospel and the demands of the government conflict? The government in question could be local, state, or national; it doesn't matter. Taxes are often spent on issues that we do not support. Governments are not always supportive of the poor and enact laws that will further damage their livelihoods. Are we more concerned about our pocketbooks? But, what about what we need to render to God? The first thing that I think of is our praise and our thanks. We owe God our praise: he is beyond all things, and is responsible for the creation of all things as well as our existence. We owe God thanks for the above, as well as for all the blessings He has given us. The most important of these is the gift of salvation through His grace. If we are genuinely grateful and love and serve God, our words and our lives will echo that gratitude.

All we have is a gift from God and His Kingdom of Heaven. Those gifts are to be used well and for the good of others. Our job is to love God and love others as He does and see that those in charge help us. If we don't like what the government is doing, we need to work to the best of our ability to make changes in the government. We should do the best we can for the poor and the vulnerable with other members of our community. And do remember, we cannot build our loyalty to money; we should let our hearts be loyal to God. We owe Him our thanks and praise as well as the gift of our hearts and lives. May He be with us as we work to live lives that are pleasing to Him and reflect His light, love and grace. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace. - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!