#psalm 27:1-14

[walkswithmyfather]

Psalm 27:1‭-‬14 (AMP). “The Lord is my light and my salvation— Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though an army encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, Even in this I am confident. One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; Be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation! Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, Yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]. Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me on a level path Because of my enemies [who lie in wait]. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, For false witnesses have come against me; They breathe out violence. I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.”

“Equipped for the Valley” By In Touch Ministries:

“God's Word builds the foundation we need for withstanding life’s storms.”“It is tough to remember everything we learn from the Bible, but the more we retain, the more wisdom we’ll be able to recall during tough times. And toward that end, writing can become a powerful tool in our spiritual walk. Putting words on paper etches wisdom deeper into the heart and mind, which helps build a solid biblical foundation.Consider King David, who wrote many of the psalms. He had a consistent habit of recording truths about God. As a result, he was equipped for hardship. In yesterday’s psalm, for example, David said that he did not fear evil (Psalm 23:4). What did he have to be scared of when the One who controls everything was on his side (Ps. 27:1)? How could he be stifled by anxiety while in the Spirit’s comforting presence (Psalm 34:4)? David held God to His promises, but he had to know those assurances in order to rely on them.Writing is not necessary for our walk with God, but when we’re struggling, it can help us remember valuable truths— such as the fact that God is upholding us (Isaiah 41:10) and our hardship has purpose (Romans 5:3). As we recall these spiritual realities, our faith is strengthened. Then we can face subsequent challenges with a more solid foundation of trust.”

[suziegallagher]

A academic reflection of Dallas Willard's "Renovation of the Heart"

What book would you recommend? “That’s interesting, I’d like to know something about spirituality. Can you recommend something for me to read that would be helpful?” Introduction This essay is framed in the context of Christianity. Spirituality must be viewed from our own lived experience and our weltanschauung[1] and it would be disingenuous to not be authentically Christian and…

[madewithonerib]

Intimacy with GOD | SOLD School [Romans 8:15]

1.] Intro

Hey guys, welcome to our sold value series.

In these videos, I'll be covering our values here at SOLD schools & there's six of them that we live by, that we treasure and value — and that we seek to explore all the treasures of these truths.

So in this session, it's about our 1st & primary value — which is intimacy with JESUS — it is what we are created for.

Meaning to know GOD & walk with HIM, & to make HIM known; in the beginning, we see GOD created Adam to walk with GOD in the cool of the day.

1.] Look Like JESUS

And here at SOLD, this is our primary way we know that GOD begins to develop us as people. [0:56]

Because one thing that HE has created us for, it says in Romans that HE predestined us to be conformed to the image of HIS SON.

So one thing that we're always pursuing is: “How can we be made to look more like JESUS?“

………………………………………………………………………………………………… And this is our life-long pursuit, and in different seasons GOD is positioning us to change us—to look more like HIM. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

And the way HE does that is by allowing us to come into direct contact with HIM — when we walk with GOD & have direct encounters with YHWH—by the HOLY SPIRIT, we begin to hear HIS voice.

We begin to encounter HIS Presence, & that in turn begins to transform us.

And this in turn allows us to receive life from HIM; & this is our greatest value because when we look like HIM, we could shine HIM wherever we go [1:49]

2.] Walking with JESUS

And this is why JESUS died, to reconcile us back to the FATHER—so we would be HIS sons & daughters that live & walk with GOD.

That we would be restored to walking with GOD.

In the cool of the day, this is what HE created Adam for. This is why we're created & this is why we live to walk with HIM.

An element of walking with JESUS, that we value here is encountering HIS Presence.

We know that JESUS came right? [2:27]

HE was the SON of GOD, that GOD became a man, & HE came down as a living being.

So JESUS is a real person, just like me & you. HE has flesh & blood right? HE was raised from the dead.

We serve a living GOD, & this living GOD thru JESUS invites us to walk with HIM, right? [2:45]

3.] Developing a Relationship

If you meet a complete stranger in a coffee shop or at the store.. [2:52]

You have a decision to make: You can begin to form a relationship with that person if you so desire & as you begin to choose to spend time together; as you choose to go out of your way to develop a relation- ship, with really any individual in our lives.

It's something we choose to do with our lives right?

This is something all of us get & have the decision to make, to walk with the LORD right? [3:20]

HE invites us in a real relationship with HIM, that we would know HIM—that we would walk HIM, that we would hear HIM.

That we would experience HIM.

How JESUS walked with GOD—HE revealed the FATHER, & by the SPIRIT that JESUS has given us.

By the HOLY SPIRIT, HE now comes & dwells within us. Guess what? [3:49]

………………………………………………………………………………………………… GOD is the closest person to you. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

And this is what you're created for, to walk in intimacy & closeness.

4.] Being Fathered

And nearness with HIM, by the indwelling SPIRIT that you have from YHWH. [4:00]

You would have constant relationship with HIM— constant conversation with HIM, constant dialogue by which you're being really Discipled.

And really what we talk about here at SOLD primarily is to be fathered by GOD.

Really this is one of our highest values & this is why we really do the schools in this certain way.

We want to see a generation fathered by GOD.

We want to see people that receive the HOLY SPIRIT, & it says that we've received the SPIRIT.

The HOLY SPIRIT within us, “cries ABBA FATHER!“ it cries we are accepted, we are in the beloved; we are in HIM, we are made one with HIM.

And this is why JESUS died: To bring us into union with CHRIST

5.] The Sons of GOD

And as we grow in the knowledge of JESUS as our friend, as our LORD, as our SAVIOUR—& the many revelations that are found in the lordship of JESUS.

And knowing HIS heart, and knowing HIS ways, we begin to grow-up into CHRIST—knowing HIS heart & HIS ways! And as a byproduct we are matured to then reveal HIM to our generation.

Romans 8 talks about this, “As many as are led by the SPIRIT of GOD, these are the sons of GOD! And I believe that GOD is raising up sons and daughters who're led by HIS SPIRIT—who know the FATHER's heart, & who know HIS will & HIS ways. [5:28]

Because they've had direct contact with JESUS, by the SPIRIT, & have been fathered by GOD.

6.] Baptism

What is the first thing that happened, when JESUS came into public ministry? [Before anything HE did publicly] HE went to John the Baptist—and HE said, “Baptize ME.“

To fulfill all righteousness, and we see when JESUS descended into the waters & rose from the waters, then the voice of the FATHER from Heaven spoke,

“This is MY beloved SON, in WHOM I AM well pleased.“

[6:16]

And this is only spoken through the intimacy that JESUS had with the FATHER.

JESUS was fathered by GOD, HE was loved on by the FATHER, HE knew that HE was accepted—and that's why HE was able to fulfill the FATHER's will on Earth.

You know we won't be able to fulfill the calling of GOD on our lives—if we don't understand this call of intimacy. [6:34]

If we don't understand that HE says: “Come away with ME, come be with ME, come and dwell with ME.“ JESUS said, “You know when you pray go to the secret place & shut the door.“ [6:49]

7.] Voice of Affirmation

So in the secret place, as you have fellowship with GOD, as you walk with GOD—as Adam did..you can receive the voice of affirmation from the LORD, & in HIS affirmation of you—we believe that is when GOD's Presence comes, & HIS voice comes as well.

And this is part of this experience of intimacy that we get to have with the LORD.

That as HE speaks, HIS voice, HE's building our lives —& HE is raising us up. You know I mentioned that verse in Romans 8, I'm going to turn to it here.

In Romans 8:15 it says,

“You didn't receive the SPIRIT of bondage again to fear, but you've received the SPIRIT of adoption by WHOM we cry 'ABBA FATHER!'“ [7:39]

………………………………………………………………………………………………… So there's a residual cry from our spirit, to know HIM—to identify HIM as the FATHER. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

And we as HIS sons, & as you begin to be raised up by the FATHER—and in the family setting, which is another value of ours.

I'll get to in another video, but as you begin to be raised up as a son in the FATHER's House — your identity becomes secure, your heart becomes whole, & you become a true son of GOD.

And this is why JESUS died, to bring us into the family—into the heart of the FATHER.

And that we would be secure walking with HIM.

Another part of intimacy is something that we get to choose to cultivate. [8:28]

By our lives decisions right?

8.] Intimacy Is Not Cheap

Intimacy isn't cheap & doesn't come easy you know.

JESUS gives a parable in Matthew 25:1-14 about the five wise virgins & the five foolish virgins; & HE said the difference between those five wise and the five foolish was that the wise ones had oil in their lamps.

I believe the oil that it talks about in that parable is talking about the oil of intimacy.

You know oil isn't cheap nor was it cheap back in JESUS's day.

………………………………………………………………………………………………… It was something that came by crushing. [9:11] …………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was where that olives that are grown on trees— once the olives are crushed then oil begins to pour out. [9:13]

And you need a whole bunch of olives, to make a whole lot of oil; and so this is what speaks of our devotion to the LORD.

What is your devotion to JESUS?

Are you paying the price to allow HIM to produce oil inside of your heart—because the tenacity we have in the secret place, in our hearts.

When we develop intimacy with the LORD, this is what gives us the strength & endurance in public places—to allow the crushings that come our way, to produce an intimacy.

By which we're able to endure even hardship and suffering. And in those hardships—we are able to see the LORD is changing us to look more like HIM.

GOD's goal of intimacy is that you would look more like HIM. [10:09]

9.] Challenge

And so I want to commission you guys & challenge you guys, “Let HIM call you into a deeper level of intimacy.“

You know here at SOLD, we spend Mondays during our school season here is: On Monday, we do what we call a lock up—where we spend a day fasting & praying.

And each student gets to spend eight hours shut away with JESUS.

10.] Pursuing GOD

You know it's what I've learned to do in my life, & what I've seen different fathers & mothers of the faith—heroes & generals of the faith, they were constantly fighting for the secret place.

They're always pursuing GOD in the secret place— where they're unplugging from the world—they're unplugging from this generation—and from all the noise that's going on, be alone to hear what GOD is saying.

What is HE doing & what is HE leading me to do in my day & generation. [11:08]

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

And I've learned it from the desert fathers, there's heroes of mine where you know they would leave the noise of the city and go to the deserts into the caves—& shut away for many years & decades.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

They would literally become I actually encourage you to research them, they are some of my heroes — they were #leading a move of GOD in their own generation because they were hungry for more of GOD. And they paid the price to really shut them- selves away—to seek the face of GOD.

You know in Psalm 27, it talks about there's this call that the LORD gives to David. [11:47]

11.] Seek the Face of GOD

That he hears Psalm 27:8 it says,

Psalm 27:8 | The LORD Is My Salvation Hear, O YHWH, my voice when I call; be merciful & answer me. ⁸ My heart said, “Seek HIS face.”

YOUR Face, O YHWH, I will seek.

And this is actually what Moses embodied!

Remember in the Book of Exodus, he's on the mountain & Moses says, “Show me YOUR glory, show me YOUR glory.“

And GOD says “I can't show you MY face,“ the face of GOD is the glory of GOD!! Imagine that the face of GOD is the glory of GOD, and that is what GOD attributes to HIS glory right?

But guess what?

We get to see the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS.

This is what Corinthians talks about, “all of us are now invited into fellowship behind the veil, into the secret place with GOD to behold HIM

—to allow the eyes of our hearts to behold HIM.“

And it says the pure in heart will see GOD, & JESUS is here to wash your heart—bring you into intimacy with HIM.

12.] Conclusion

So that your eyes can see HIM. [13:01]

So you would behold HIM; when YOU said

“Seek MY face,“ my heart said to YOU: 'YOUR Face LORD, I will seek!“

May grace be released over you to seek the face of JESUS may you hear just the fresh call of JESUS & come away with HIM—to spend extended amounts of time with HIM

• to block out days • to block out hours

But in your daily devotions to say yes to JESUS I will be with YOU, I will come to YOU

—& live sitting at YOUR feet just like mary did

So bless you guys, and I hope you enjoyed our first value of intimacy here. Check out our other videos as well thanks for joining GOD bless you

[biblenewsprophecy]

[upstatechristian]

Verse of the Day 12-3-22

Verse of the Day 12-3-22

Jesus: The Light of the World Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 In this verse Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” This is the second of Jesus’ seven “I am” statements1. While the expression appears simple and straightforward on the outside, the…

[eamour]

1 ⋮ neville goddard booklist

hello, babes! for all the people that want to read the original source of the law of assumption, i have prepared two lists that, together, contain all 15 books of neville goddard from 1939 to 1966. this is list one, starting with 8 books from 1939 to 1949.

at your command ⋮ 1939

1 ⋮ chapter

2 ⋮ chapter

3 ⋮ chapter

4 ⋮ chapter

your faith is your fortune ⋮ 1941

1 ⋮ before abraham was

2 ⋮ you shall decree

3 ⋮ the principle of truth

4 ⋮ whom seek ye?

5 ⋮ who am i?

6 ⋮ i am he

7 ⋮ thy will be done

8 ⋮ no other god

9 ⋮ the foundation stone

10 ⋮ to him that hath

11 ⋮ christmas

12 ⋮ crucifixion and resurrection

13 ⋮ the i'm-pressions

14 ⋮ circumcision

15 ⋮ interval of time

16 ⋮ the triune god

17 ⋮ prayer

18 ⋮ the twelve principles

19 ⋮ liquid light

20 ⋮ the breath of life

21 ⋮ daniel in the lions' den

22 ⋮ fishing

23 ⋮ be ears that hear

24 ⋮ clairvoyance

25 ⋮ 23rd psalm

26 ⋮ gethsemane

27 ⋮ a formula for victory

freedom for all ⋮ 1942

1 ⋮ the oneness of god

2 ⋮ the name of god

3 ⋮ the law of creation

4 ⋮ the secret of feeling

5 ⋮ the sabbath

6 ⋮ healing

7 ⋮ desire, the word of god

8 ⋮ faith

9 ⋮ the annunciation

feeling is the secret ⋮ 1944

1 ⋮ the law and its operation

2 ⋮ sleep

3 ⋮ prayer

4 ⋮ feeling

prayer · the art of believing ⋮ 1945

1 ⋮ law of reversibility

2 ⋮ dual nature of consciousness

3 ⋮ imagination and faith

4 ⋮ controlled reverie

5 ⋮ law of thought transmission

6 ⋮ good tidings

7 ⋮ the greatest prayer

the search ⋮ 1946

1 ⋮ chapter

master class · five lessons ⋮ 1948

1 ⋮ consciousness is the only reality

2 ⋮ assumptions harden into fact

3 ⋮ thinking fourth-dimensionally

4 ⋮ no one to change but self

5 ⋮ remain faithful to your idea

out of this world ⋮ 1949

1 ⋮ thinking fourth-dimensionally

2 ⋮ assumptions become facts

3 ⋮ power of imagination

4 ⋮ no one to change but self

with love, ella.

[anamericangirl]

What’s a good reason to not take my own life? I’ve been feeling this way for years. Been to multiple treatment programs. Seen by several different therapists. Anti-depressants. I frequently go outdoors to exercise. Try to fill up my life with being optimistic about my (admittedly nice) job, hobbies, travel, and volunteering. And yet I’m still no better than I was 5 years ago and I have no hope about a happy future. “Your family will miss you.” Ok, and? I think it’s selfish to tell people in pain to continue living like that because some people might temporarily feel sad. They’ll eventually move on. My friends too, especially the ones who are happily married “to their best friends” and having babies and are so happy that they forget I exist.

Hey anon I hope I am not too late! I am just getting out of a hurricane and was without internet access for several days so i apologize for the delay.

But there are so many reasons not to take your own life. In fact, I can’t think of a single reason why you should.

I know it’s tough right now and trust me, I know that depression makes it all feel pointless and worthless and can plague you for years but even though if feels like forever I promise you these feelings and this depression and your circumstances are TEMPORARY. And it would be a tragedy for you to take your life over temporary circumstances and not see what is possible on the other side.

Yes your family and friends will miss you but you should stay because your life has purpose and meaning! Therapy and anti-depressants are good and I’m glad you’ve been trying those things because that means you don’t actually want to die - you just want the pain to stop. And that’s completely understandable and also manageable!

It’s great that you’ve been continuing to exercise and do volunteer work because those things can definitely impact your mood, but they aren’t the source of true joy, peace and happiness. Now I’m a Christian so I’m sure it won’t surprise you for me to say this, but what you are looking for and what you need can only come from God. I urge you to put your faith and trust in him and give him your burdens.

The devil has a hold on you right now, don’t let him win!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” - psalm 55:22

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” - psalm 34:18-19

But now that I’ve gone on my spiel, here are some reasons I think it’s good to keep living. Not all my original thoughts but ones i agree with.

1. You matter

2. No one else is you.

3. Your younger self

4. Your next favorite song.

5. Warm blankets.

6. Thunderstorms

7. The fact that you’re in control of your future.

8. Experiencing new cultures.

9. Making new friends.

10. Road trips.

11. Sunsets and sunrises.

12. Reading good books.

13. Learning a new language.

14. Adopting a pet.

15. Fresh baked bread and cookies.

16. Getting packages in the mail.

17. Autumn.

18. Pumpkin spice.

19. Drinking coffee in the morning.

20. Beaches and being able to sink your toes into the sand.

21. Stepping on crunchy leaves.

22. Recovery.

23. Falling in love.

24. Rain.

25. Petting puppies and kittens.

26. Drinking water.

27. Trying something new and loving it.

28. Your favorite artist putting out new music.

29. A new season on your favorite TV show.

30. Planting a garden and growing your own vegetables.

31. Farmers Markets.

32. Trying out the newest local coffee shop or restaurant.

33. Karaoke

34. All of the people you have yet to meet.

35. Horseback riding

36. Stars.

37. Ice cream.

38. Ice tea.

39. Scented candles.

40. Learning something new.

41. Museums.

42. Going to the movies.

43. Hearing your favorite song come on the radio.

44. Learning to make a new recipe.

45. Your life is precious.

46. You are enough.

47. Random acts of kindness.

48. God looked at the world and thought it needed you.

49. Your story could save someone else.

50. Looking back on this time in 10 years and realizing you made it.

There’s an endless amount of reasons to stay alive and I hope some of them resonate with you.

But if you are desperate please reach out to the suicide prevention hotline at 988. If you are outside the US then you can find the number for your location here.

Please know that I am praying for you and please reach out to me again if you want to. I would love to keep up with how you are doing 💜

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. — Matthew 16 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Job 34:11; Psalm 42:2; Psalm 49:8; Psalm 129:2; Proverbs 26:5; isaiah 22:22; Isaiah 57:3; Jeremiah 1:1; Matthew 1:16; Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:20; Matthew 10:38-39; Matthew 12:40; Matthew 14:17; Matthew 14:20; Matthew 21:25; Mark 8:15; Luke 9:18; Luke 12:54; Luke 12:56; John 1:42; John 12;25; Revelation 3:7

Some Standing Here Will Not Taste Death

Key Events in Matthew 16

1. The Pharisees require a sign. 5. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13. The people's opinion of Jesus, 16. and Peter's confession of him. 21. Jesus foretells his death; 23. reproves Peter for dissuading him from it; 24. and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.

[walkswithmyfather]

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” —Job 5:9 (NIV)

“Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given,” —1 Chronicles 16:12 (NLT)

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” —Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” —Luke 18:27 (NIV)

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” —Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

[apilgrimpassingby]

Demons of the Hebrew Bible

Since today is also the day for Lord of Spiritsposting, I've decided to make a post I considered yesterday - the demons of the Hebrew Bible. This will be a long post, so I'm inserting a "Keep Reading".

Azazel: Appears only once in Leviticus 16, as the being in the wilderness to whom the goat with the people's sins laid on it in the Day of Atonement ritual is given (this isn't sacrifice, because the animal isn't killed or offered on an altar, among other things). Becomes a Devil figure in some later Jewish literature like the Book of Enoch, and is associated with deserts, sin and goats - the name literally means "the goat that goes away" (an archaic translation gives us the word "scapegoat"), and the seemingly-random reference to goat demons in Leviticus 17:7 comes just after Azazel's appearance.

Deber: The most prominent of the gang, appearing (usually in conjunction with other figures on this list) in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Habakkuk and the Pentateuch a total of 49 times, usually unleashed as punishment for some sin by Israel (compare "handing people over to Satan" in St. Paul's letters - 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:20). A nocturnal demon of pestilence and destruction associated with the underworld in Canaanite mythology.

Hereb: Rendered as "the sword" in English; the next most prominent one, appearing 29 times and, like Deber, in conjunction with the others. A demon of violence and destruction associated with blood-drinking (Isaiah 34:5, Jeremiah 46:10) and flesh-eating (Deuteronomy 32:42, Jeremiah 12:12) and probably the rider on a red horse from Revelation 6:3-4.

Lilit: Appears just once, Isaiah 34:14, where she's dwelling in some ruins. Usually translated as "screech owl" or "night bird", but some use "Lilith". In Mesopotamian mythology, the lili are a class of nocturnal female demons associated who kill babies and are associated with owls, so the translation as "screech owl" is acceptable. The Songs of the Sage from the Dead Sea Scrolls refer to liliyot (feminine plural) as a class of demons: "And I, the Instructor, proclaim His glorious splendour so as to frighten and to te[rrify] all the spirits of the destroying angels, spirits of the bastards, demons, liliths, howlers...

Livyatan: Usually anglicised as Leviathan, and appears five times: Job 3:8 and chapter 41, Psalms 74:12-14 and 104:26 and Isaiah 27:1. Based on those appearances, he's a multi-headed fire-breathing sea serpent immune to weapons who battles with Yahweh and (of course) always loses. The myth of a god fighting a sea serpent is a staple of world mythology. Likely correlates to the beast from the sea of Revelation 13:1-10, since Leviathan is paired with a beast from the earth (Behemoth; Job 40:15-24) - also compare Revelation 13:4 ("Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”) to Job 41:33-34 ("On earth there is not his like, a creature without fear. He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride").

Nephilim: Famously appear in Genesis 6:1-4 as the warriors born of the sons of God and the daughters of men, understood in Second Temple Jewish texts such as the Book of Enoch and the Septuagint to be giants born of fallen angels and human women. They appear by the name Anakim or Rephaim in Genesis 14:5, 15:20, Deuteronomy 1:28, 2:10-11, 2:20-21, 3:11, 3;13, 9:2 and Joshua 11:21-22, 12:4, 13:12, 14:12, 14:15 and 15:8 and war with giants appears in 2 Samuel 21:16-22, 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 and, of course, 1 Samuel 17 (the David and Goliath story).

Qeteb: Appears just 4 times (Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalm 91:6; Isaiah 28:2; Hosea 13:14), together with Deber in the Psalms and Hosea appearances and together with Resheph in Deuteronomy; if there's any lesson from this post so far, it's that plague demons hunt in packs. A diurnal plague demon whose name is rendered in English as "destruction"; nothing more to be said.

Ra'av: The third most prominent one, appearing 35 times; a famine demon whose name is rendered in English as "famine" or "hunger" who is unleashed on Israel as punishment together with (surprise!) Hereb and either Deber or Resheph. Probably the rider on a black horse from Revelation 6:5-6.

Rephaim: The spirits of dead kings who dwell in the underworld not doing much, translated in the ESV as shades and appearing in Isaiah 14:9 and 26:14; the same imagery and concept is being used by Ezekiel 32:20-30.

Resheph: A demon of plague and conquest worshipped as a god in Canaanite and Egyptian culture, depicted as a bearded archer on a white horse. Appears just 6 times in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 32:24; Habakkuk 3:5 Psalm 78:48; Job 5:7, Song of Songs 8:6); the name is rendered as "plague" or "pestilence" or occasionally "fire" or "sparks" because the name literally means "burning". Probably the rider on a white horse from Revelation 6:2.

Sources and Further Reading

"Before Him Went Pestilence (Hab. 3:5) - Biblical Lexis and Semantic Field of Epidemics" by Jozef Jankovic for The Old Testament Society of South Africa

"A Land of Giants" by Frs. Andrew Stephen Damick and Stephen DeYoung on The Lord of Spirits

"War, Famine, Disease, Death and Hades" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

"Who is Azazel?" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

Who is Lilith - Ancient Development and Origins of the Demon Queen by Dr. Justin Sledge on ESOTERICA

Or in short - stop making it all about Lilith. Use some other Hebrew Bible demons.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Yet you are the holy God, ruling from your throne and praised by Israel. Our ancestors trusted you, and you rescued them. When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you.” —Psalm 22:3‭-‬5 (CEV)

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” —Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 (NLT)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” —John 14:1 (NLT)

“All Is Calm: Receiving Jesus' Rest This Christmas” Devotional By Moody Publishers - Day Five: “Trust His Faithfulness:”

“Do you trust Me?” That question confronts us daily, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. Because to trust means to rest, and to rest means to trust.

Think about it: You wouldn’t anchor your Christmas tree in a stand that’s missing a leg, and you wouldn’t ask someone who’s always late to bring the hors d’oeuvres for the Christmas party.

Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly evaluating the trustworthiness of the things and people around us. We do the same thing in our relationship with God, subtly negotiating just how much we’ll entrust to Him.

Whether it’s our finances, broken relationships, hidden hurts, or future dreams, we evaluate God’s faithfulness in the past to determine whether or not we can trust Him in our present.

But it’s in the midst of this holiday busyness that our trust or mistrust becomes most evident.

…We’ll stuff ourselves with cookies, pies, and holiday hams if we don’t trust Jesus to be the Bread of Life who satisfies our deepest desires.

…We’ll worry about our prodigal child if we don’t trust Jesus to be the Good Shepherd who brings lost sheep home.

…We’ll wallow in loneliness, feeling forgotten, if we don’t trust Jesus to be Immanuel, the God who dwells with us even when we’re alone.

…We’ll hustle to create the perfect Christmas if we don’t trust Jesus to be the Holy One of God who makes us perfect.

Each moment is a new opportunity to trust God’s faithfulness in a million little ways, and it all starts with learning to rest.

What if instead of rushing headlong into our busy days, we started each morning with the simple practice of resting? Let us, as the psalmist does, instruct our souls to find rest in Him alone: to remember His works and His goodness, to express our desperate need for Him, to still our minds and hearts in His presence, and to declare our confidence in His trustworthiness.

Because the One who spoke the world into existence yet came as a helpless babe that holy, blissful, silent night, can speak calm and peace into our own lives today.

Reflection Questions: Which of Jesus’ names speak to you and the specific challenges you’re facing in your own life? What does it look like to trust and rest in God this Christmas season? What would you do differently?”

More Bible readings:

“Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety. Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” —Psalm 62:5‭-‬8 (CEV)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” —John 14:27 (ESV)

[artsymumof5]

A LETTER FROM YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER! The following words come from the heart of God. After all God loves you, and He is the Father you have been looking for all your life. This is His Love Letter to you! My Dear Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me, you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned the creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) So, Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4) I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (I John 4:10) I gave up everything I loved so that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29) When it’s time for you to Come home I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) My question is….Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32) With Love, Your Father, Almighty God

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

Every September, my friend Marc Hong, a professor at Louisville Seminary, hosts Psalmtember. He invites you to join in, too!

Think "Inktober," but in September and with a spiritual focus — and with any art form welcome, from drawing to poetry to photography and beyond. There's also no pressure to create something for every day — do as many or as few as you like.

Here's Marc's description of this artistic event:

Each year, I love to spend a month making art inspired by the Psalms. There are 30 days in September, meaning that I can evenly divide up the 150 Psalms into 5 sets of 30. So, if I do this for 5 years, I will have made art with all of the Psalms. Join me! The prompt list is in the image [as well as below the readmore]. But other words may stand out to you! Or you may try to make art that represents the wholeness of the Psalm. I encourage you to read the text of the whole Psalm each day, consider what emotions it stirs up in you, choose a medium that speaks to you, and make some art! Folks have painted, used ink, drawn with colored pencils, taken photographs, written haikus, and much more. Choose what stirs delight in you!

Tag your post with #psalmtember2023 so we can celebrate the Psalms through art together!

Marc and many others post on Facebook, but I'll be paying attention to the tag here on tumblr. If you create anything you'd like me to share on Facebook on your behalf, DM me.

PSALMTEMBER 2023 PROMPT LIST

SEPT 1 - Psalm 31 - Refuge

SEPT 2 - Psalm 32 - Waters

SEPT 3 - Psalm 33 - Breath

SEPT 4 - Psalm 34 - Radiant

SEPT 5 - Psalm 35 - Net

SEPT 6 - Psalm 36 - Mountains

SEPT 7 - Psalm 37 - Smoke

SEPT 8 - Psalm 38 - Burden

SEPT 9 - Psalm 39 - Burned

SEPT 10 - Psalm 40 - Bog

SEPT 11 - Psalm 41 - Rise

SEPT 12 - Psalm 42 - Deer

SEPT 13 - Psalm 43 - Altar

SEPT 14 - Psalm 44 - Dust

SEPT 15 - Psalm 45 - Robes

SEPT 16 - Psalm 46 - River

SEPT 17 - Psalm 47 - Throne

SEPT 18 - Psalm 48 - City

SEPT 19 - Psalm 49 - Graves

SEPT 20 - Psalm 50 - Tempest

SEPT 21 - Psalm 51 - Clean

SEPT 22 - Psalm 52 - Uproot

SEPT 23 - Psalm 53 - Bones

SEPT 24 - Psalm 54 - Upholder

SEPT 25 - Psalm 55 - Dove

SEPT 26 - Psalm 56 - Bottle

SEPT 27 - Psalm 57 - Shadow

SEPT 28 - Psalm 58 - Snail

SEPT 29 - Psalm 59 - Dogs

SEPT 30 - Psalm 60 - Cracks

[poweredinpeace]

Evil cannot be separated from wicked spirit forces in heavenly places. Demonic forces are bent on power by control through manipulation and deception.

Justice is never rendered by evil; Plausible deniability does not exist with good.

Truth cannot abide in lying, harming our neighbor by denying their rights because we know what’s best for them!

There are but two choices for the human race; Choose good or evil both have powerful active spirit forces separating light from darkness!

Psalms 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works. There is none who does good.

Psalms 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good. Live securely forever.

3 John 1:11 Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.

[thisbibliomaniac]

I'm lonely and my mind is obsessing over rhe dumbest things lately. I feel like it's becoming idolatry. Please give me words of advice.

You're not gonna like it, but stop. If you're being obsessive about something, redirect your thoughts. Pray about it. Taking every thought captive is a matter of intention and habit.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4‭-‬7 ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25‭-‬34 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6‭-‬7 ESV

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27 ESV