#zechariah 14:12 13

[cursedbanalities]

Zechariah 14:12-13 (A Horror Story--Part FINAL)

CW: Blood and Gore

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Hunter runs back to the dish area to grab two large double-decker metal tables. It takes a lot of effort to get them to the lobby quickly; both the shelves on the top and bottom of the table are weighed down with various supplies— some plastic wrap, scales, pans, oil to fill pans with, etc. Thankfully, the tables have wheels, making it slightly easier. He and Andy position them in front of the doors and windows, and start filling any cracks with chairs from the lobby. Mason scrounges for some duct tape and zip ties amongst their cleaning supplies, allowing them to zip tie the table legs together for better support. Andy tears into the manager’s office to look for anything useful. He finds a box of N95 masks and, thinking it could help keep blood out of their mouths while they fight, he tells everybody to put them on.

Mason zip ties a couple of kitchen knives to broomsticks, taping them down to ensure they stay on better. Cameron helps build their arsenal, sharpening the machete-like pizza slicers with a commercial knife sharpener. Andy and Hunter both wrap towels around their hands as they push the still-hot pizza oven in front of the window of the kitchen to better barricade the lobby windows, and Hunter brings pallets of two-liters from the storage room and into the lobby. He’s managed to cover the whole front of the store, but as he puts the last pallet of pop down the windows start to break. Cracks web through the glass as at least twenty hungry infected people pound on the windows. Hunter runs to the kitchen, locking the door behind him.

“It’s time to fucking go,” Hunter blurts to them, almost too quickly to be real words. Each of their faces darkened, and Hunter could feel the tension in the air grow to an almost crushing weight. His adrenaline starts to go crazy. Is this really worth it? He thinks, growing more and more unsure of their chances with the clamoring horde at their front door.

Andy checks how much ammo the pistol has, ejecting the magazine, and racking the slide. A bullet jumps out from the chamber, and clinks when it falls on the ground. Andy picks it up, and starts counting the ammo left over in the clip, his hands shaking.

“...7, 8, 9…” he counts, “and the one in the chamber makes ten.” Andy looks up at Hunter with a grin, “I mean, that’s ten bodies down, as long as I’m accurate. I’d say that evens our odds a bit, eh?”

“Yeah, there’s a bit more than ten out there.” Hunter remarks, trying to understand the gravity of the situation.

“Yeah, no shit.” Andy says, voice shaking and clearly not in the mood for Hunter’s smart-ass comments. “It’s not a lot, but it’ll have to do. We have to make a stand here. We won't stand a chance trying to get somewhere safe tonight.”

“Woah, what are you, nuts?” Hunter exclaims, throwing his hands up. “Look, those barricades aren’t going to stop them, at most it’ll slow those fuckers down. All that gun is going to do is attract more of them, so unless you think we can defend ourselves with a few knives, we have to leave. NOW.”

“And go where?” Andy responds. “Listen, even if we’re able to make it to our cars, who’s going to let us inside their house? Don’t you live on-campus anyways? I doubt they’ll be too happy when you suddenly show up after dealing with this shit! They’ll probably think you’re infected and kick you out!”

“Look man, I don’t know, okay? I don’t have the fucking answers. But you’ve gotta be stupid to not realize that staying here is going to be the death of all of us.” Hunter argues, pointing his finger around the room. "Do you really wanna take that chance? Or do you want to find some way out while we still can?"

One of the windows in the lobby shatters, and the screams from the infected people immediately grows in volume as they start pushing their way into the store. Hunter cracks the kitchen door to peek into the lobby. The table is still holding, but it's only a matter of time. The infected's hands are bloody from the shards of glass still embedded in the windows, and the tables start shaking as they try to push through the pallets of 2-liters.

“Too late.” Andy says, loading the pistol and racking it. “You can try running if you want, but I’m telling you, we have to stand our ground.”

Hunter lets out a sigh, “Ugh....Fine.” Cameron and Mason rush over and give them the sharpened pizza slicers, ready to slice into the flesh of those invading their store. They both take a couple of practice swings to prepare for the fight while Mason and Cameron grip their crafted spears tight in their hands, knuckles white, and shaking with a nervous anticipation.

“So, what? Any words of encouragement before we do this?” Cameron says, almost trying to crack a joke. Nobody laughs. Andy glares at him.

“Yeah, we wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for you, prick.” Andy spat, “If we die, I’m blaming you.” Cameron opens his mouth like he’s going to fire something back at Andy, but before he could, Andy unlocks the kitchen door and runs out into the lobby; Pizza slicer in his hand, and Cameron’s pistol tucked in the waistband of his jeans. Hunter shakes his head, adjusts his mask, and follows Andy with Cameron and Mason close behind him.

The lobby’s already a mess, with two-liters and broken chair pieces littering the ground. The tables are painted a crimson red from the glass cutting into the infected people, and there’s a hole in the barricade. It’s not large, but enough for an infected person- a woman in a business dress- to fit through. Andy’s already set to work, hacking at the woman with the pizza slicer as she tries to force herself through. Every chop flings blood into the air, painting both Andy and the ceiling in red. He takes one more swing, and finally sinks the blade into her skull. The infected person stops moving. Two more sections start to weaken, shaking as the group of infected slam themselves into it. A couple of arms poke through the left side of the store, their hands covered in dried blood and dirt; Hunter runs over to chop at them. He manages to get through one of the arms, slicing through it at the elbow. It falls onto the ground with a wet plap. Mason comes up and pokes the spear through a gap in the stacks of two liters a couple of times, before he yanks it out with a bit of effort, blade covered in blood and brain matter. The arms that Hunter was chopping at go still, but more start to poke through in the barricade, and he focuses on those.

Hunter, Mason, Cameron, and Andy fight back against the infected, locked into a dance of chopping, slicing, and stabbing. It feels as though they’ve been at it for hours, and their skin and masks have been painted red. More of the two liters have been pushed off of the table, but have been replaced by the bodies of the infected that have accrued- about ten of them have been fully killed so far, but some of the arms that Hunter have chopped at are still moving, their stumps trying in vain to grab at the four of them.

Hunter looks around at the three people he’s with, breathing hard. “Holy shit, we’re actually doing it!” He thinks, feeling more confident about his chances of surviving. Everything’s in slow motion as he sees Andy chopping at more bodies poking through the barricade, assisted by Cameron gutting any infected he sees. Hunter turns and locks eyes with Mason, who smirks and gives him a thumbs up. Hunter start to do the same, when an infected man pushes through the pile of bodies and launches himself at Mason. Hunter calls out to him, and starts to run over to help him. Mason’s barely able to get his spear up in time, stabbing the infected man in the gut. The knife shifts, and the zip ties and duct tape holding it together breaks, leaving the knife inside of him. He lands on top of Mason, pinning him onto the ground and biting him. Hunter screams, and sinks the pizza slicer into the back of the man’s neck- nearly decapitating him. Hunter tries to get the body off of Mason, but the head was sticking to him. Hunter gave it a little jerk, and it came free- with a chunk of Mason’s flesh in its mouth. Hunter looks down at Mason, half of his skull was chewed on by the infected person, and his right eye was missing- replaced with a bloody eye socket. Hunter stares at Mason, and feels tears welling up. Mason’s good eye starts to cry as well, and he reaches a shaking blood-covered hand to Hunter. He mouths something, and Hunter starts to get in close to hear what he has to say.

BANG!

Hunter whips around and sees an infected person’s neck spurting blood and dropping to their knees as they bleed out. Andy’s standing on the other side of the store with his gun raised, smoke pouring out of the muzzle.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HUNTER?” Andy screams at him, “YOU CAN'T STOP NOW! MOVE IT!”

Hunter turns back to Mason. An infected person- a twenty-something woman in a fast food uniform- has already gotten through the barricade and back on top of Mason. His hand is no longer outstretched and lays limp on the ground. Hunter chops at the woman, aiming for the back of her neck. He just misses, and lands the blade into her shoulder. He pulls it out as she jerks up and flails at him. Hunter chops at her side, getting just above the hip and causing her to grasp at it, before pulling it out and sinking it into the side of her neck. She falls to the ground, spraying blood all over Mason's corpse.

Andy fires off the gun at more of the people streaming into the lobby, hitting and killing two, who immediately fall to the floor, and hitting the third in the shoulder. It recoils from the bullet, giving Cameron enough time to swing the spear at the infected person’s throat, slicing it. The gunfire brings more attention to Andy, as a man in a flannel shirt with bloody teeth runs through the doors and grabs at him. Cameron and Hunter both try to help him, but more people keep forcing their way into the lobby.

As Hunter looks out the lobby windows. The ten-or-so infected that they’ve dispatched have already been replaced by new people. Cameron stabs at an infected person sprinting at him and catches them in the throat, but his knife breaks off inside of them. They fall to the ground, but another runs over them and hurls themself at Cameron, pinning him against the cash register counter. He’s able to hold his ground against the infected, putting the broomstick in his hands against their throat, but Hunter could tell that he was tired from the fight. He quickly swings his pizza slicer into the necks of two more infected, before sprinting to Cameron and tackling the infected to the ground. He slides the pizza slicer across the blood-soaked linoleum floors to Cameron, who grabs it just in time to swing it at more infected pushing through the doors. Hunter plants his knees into the infected person he’s on top of, who snarls and spits at him. He stands, one foot on their chest, and stomps on their head until they stop moving.

The infected begin to overwhelm Andy. He’s still standing, knife and gun in hand, but with a few infected people latched onto him, sinking their teeth into his neck and shoulders. He screams, and reflexively pulls the trigger on Cameron’s gun, firing it until he empties the clip.

Most of the shots go wide, either tagging an infected person in the arm, or hitting the wall behind them. Hunter throws himself to the slick bloody ground, trying not to be hit in the stray fire. Another shot ricochets off of the metal tables with a “ptew!” and hits one of the dead bodies piled on the table, but the other shot gets Cameron in the side as he was mid-swing at an infected woman. Hunter watches as he stops swinging and clutches at his bullet wound. They lock eyes for a second, Cameron's face twisted into one of pain and pleading, and the woman tackles him. She bites into him, with more infected following suit and piling on top of him.

Hunter looks at Andy, who’s now dry-firing the pistol, slowly getting eaten alive. Despite the screams and snarls of the infected, Andy’s screams rise among the rest of them, before getting cut off with an “GGGGHHHH!” as his throat is ripped out. Hunter starts hyperventilating, he’s the only one left. He gets onto his feet, everything’s spinning again. He almost forgets where he is, but he slightly recovers when an infected woman tries to grab at him. She connects with him, but he breaks her grab and punches her in the jaw. She almost stands her ground, but starts to slip on the bloody linoleum, and falls to the ground. More infected look up from Andy and Cameron’s half-eaten corpses, and scream at him.

Everything is a blur after that. Hunter remembers running to the kitchen and slamming the door behind him. He sprints to the back as the infected start to break through the door into the kitchen. Hunter sprints and slams his body into the back door, and tripped on Ethan and Johnny's corpses. He hits the ground, vaguely remembers the frantic sprint across the parking lot, and the next thing he remembers was getting into his car. He’s panting, lungs on fire, his legs and arms felt like jelly. Looking around, he’s in a place with no more screaming infected, and he’s able to catch his breath for a second. It's silent, other than his heaving breaths. He’s able to think. He thinks about how quickly everything went to shit. How Ethan and Johnny were both taken with such ease, how one stupid, unavoidable mistake cost Mason, Cameron, and Andy their lives. Hunter started to cry, bitter tears seeped out of his eyes, leaving streaks on his bloodstained face.

A scream makes Hunter snap out of his misery, as a man in a leather jacket throws himself at Hunter's car. Hunter jams his keys in, and starts the car. The engine turns over as the man starts smacking at his windows, with more of them coming towards him from the lobby of Eugene’s Pizza. He puts it in reverse, steps on the gas and whips the car around. The side of the car hits the leather jacket-man, causing him to roll over the hood of Hunter’s sedan. He shifts it into drive, jerking his wheel to the side and accelerating as more infected pour out of the lobby and towards his car. He sideswipes some of them as they throw themselves at him, but Hunter makes it to the street and drives further into town.

He starts driving towards the college campus. The only thought on his mind is trying to get back to his home. He has to dodge past some groups of infected people, all of whom give chase after Hunter as he speeds down the city streets. Some houses are fully barricaded, with beams of light seeping through the boarded-up windows. Cars lay abandoned on the side of the streets. Some with doors open and windows covered in blood. Hunter tries to not look at them. He's able to make it to campus quickly and notices a massive smoke stack rising over the academic and administrative buildings, illuminated by the orange-yellow glow of a fire. It’s in the direction of the dorm buildings that he called home. A pit forms in his stomach as he drives closer to the smoke billowing into the night sky. The orange glow grows brighter and brighter, and Hunter comes face to face with his fear as he turns onto the road of his dorm building. The four-story building that Hunter lived in was completely engulfed in flames. Hunter can see figures running out of the fire, arms flailing. He stops in the middle of the road, engine still running, and stares at the raging flames. A flurry of emotions hit Hunter: Anger, sadness, fear; but most of all, an overwhelming wave of hopelessness washing over him. His whole body feels numb, and he doesn’t even notice himself driving away. He just stares ahead as his subconscious takes him out of town and onto the highway.

He rubs his eyes and sighs. He finally broke out of his trance. He doesn't know where he is, or where to go. The road’s dark, the headlights illuminate the empty street and trees surrounding it. It feels suffocating, having just a circle of light to be able to see. Hunter finally feels happy-- no, he's elated. He starts laughing to himself. It starts out as a quiet chuckle, before it slowly crescendos into a boisterous, almost crazed belly-laugh. He welcomes the road with trees. He's just happy that there’s no more people with bloody teeth. He’s alive, whatever that means. He’ll figure it out as he drives. With a smile, he turns on the radio and is greeted with static. So, he plugs his phone into the aux and hits shuffle on his downloaded music. South of Heaven by Slayer comes over the speakers, and Hunter bangs his head to it. Despite being so surrounded by death, he’s never felt more alive. He screams along to the song:

“Chaos rampant in an age of distrust

Confrontations, impulsive sabbath

On and on, south of heaven

On and on, south of heaven”

____________________________________________

[[Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed this story of mine! This is the longest piece I've fully written and edited, coming in at around 25,000 words. It's my crowning achievement so far, and I'm hoping I can keep pushing the bounds of what I can do!]]

[[I've been working on some other stories in this universe, and I thought it would be cool to have them all connected in some small way! Like a small overlap of events or location, something like that. I'm also writing a dramatic re-enactment of my Dungeons and Dragons Campaign, so stick around for that!]]

[[See ya'll next time!]]

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[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 21: How Firm a Foundation

There are several clues in John’s vision of a voluminous golden city descending through the sky that lead the reader to believe it symbolizes spiritual truths. #Revelation21 #NewJerusalem #TwelveFoundations #PearlyGates

There are several clues in John’s vision of a voluminous golden city descending through the sky that lead the reader to believe it symbolizes spiritual truths. In comparison to Babylon—portrayed as a woman of excesses—the bride motif of new Jerusalem symbolizes the far superior role as Christ’s beloved, than as the world’s. The purity and luminosity of the precious materials in the city’s…

[gsirvitor]

I trust you better than I trust google and Wikipedia. So, where oh where, did Silver come to be holy? it can't be Christianity, because we use Gold (and our bodies). or is it just an out cropping of Silver used a money? or am I over thinking it and Silver is holy because it is pretty?

No clue, I'd guess it comes from the fact it's a very pretty and rare metal, and the fact it kills parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria, or as it says in myth, it is so pure it wards evil.

In fact, silver, due to its rarity, was often used to back currency more than gold, depending on the period and region.

Many medieval economies were silver backed, being later replaced by gold.

God's refining of the hearts of people is likened to the refining of silver (Psalm 66:10, Isaiah 48:10).

The words of truth that come from the Eternal are said to be like this metal refined seven times (Psalm 12:6).

While pure, and revered in Christianity, silver is also a damning metal in the Bible, those who placed a higher value on things made of silver rather than repentance were condemned.

Judas was paid thirty pieces of this precious metal for betraying Christ (Matthew 26:14 - 16, 27:9).

The prophet Zechariah prophesied that silver would ultimately be used to buy a potter's field (Zechariah 11:12 - 13).

Silver was so great in ancient times, that many rulers made plates, jewelry and entire pieces of furniture from the metal, or at least coated furniture in silver plating.

Precious metals, like gold and silver, are more corrosion resistant, had a high lustre and were rare, thus making them an ideal material for currencies, jewelry and idols.

For instance, in contrast to this, while Roma has a coin currency, they often paid their soldiers in salt, it was difficult to obtain and was used for many purposes, including food preservation, and seasoning.

This made salt an ideal currency in Rome, salt was a vital commodity to the Roman army, in fact the word "salary" comes from the Latin word for salt.

Damn my autism, I went off on a tangent.

[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]

A Prayer for Restoration

Turn us back, O Jehovah, to thee, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. — Lamentations 5:21 | Smith's Literal Translation (SMITH) The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments; Translated Literally From The Original Tongues by Julia E. Smith. Cross References: Psalm 80:3; Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 31:18-19; Hosea 14:1-2; Joel 2:12-13; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7

Read full chapter

Thoughts on Today's Verse When these words were first spoken, the prophet and his people were focused on God's restoration of Israel back to their place in Judea, their prominence in the world of nations, their beauty in daily life, and their worship and security in the Temple of the Lord. From our vantage point, this prayer can be our prayer as well. Restoration can mean Christ's return, which brings us home to God. On that day, every barrier standing between God and us will fall. Our mortality will be swallowed up in victory. We will see God face to face and walk with him in the cool of the day as his perfect children. Maranatha — O Lord come (1 Corinthians 16:22-24 NRSV). And may that day come soon!

The Thoughts on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

[saltoftheearth5x2]

Luke 3

Over the 24 days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to be posting a chapter of Luke every day. I encourage you to read through Luke's gospel and reflect on Jesus's time here on earth. Perhaps you'll find something new.

Masterlist

Luke 3 (NIV)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.

5 Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

the rough ways smooth.

6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’"

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,

the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,

the son of Josek, the son of Joda,

27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,

the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,

the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,

the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,

the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,

the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,

the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,

the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,

the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,

the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,

the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,

the son of Salmon,the son of Nahshon,

33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,

the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,

the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob,

the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,

the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu,

the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,

the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan,

the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,

the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,

the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,

the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh,

the son of Seth, the son of Adam,

the son of God. "

FOOTNOTE: Though it can be boring to read, Jesus's genealogy was important to include in the gospels. At the time it was written, it was a well-known fact amongst the Jews that the Messiah would be a descendent of David. Because of this, the writers used Jesus's genealogy as proof that he is the Messiah.

....

All of this was taken from the Bible Gateway, which is an online Bible that you can easily search up. For those of you who do not have Bibles of your own, I encourage you to use online resources like Bible Gateway to read God's word.

Happy Holidays

If you have any questions regarding the Christian faith, please ask me in my ask box. I am not a perfect person, but I will try and answer your questions as best as I can. We all have much more to learn, myself included. So please, do not be shy.

[steveezekiel]

STRIVE TOGETHER WITH ME IN PRAYERS

"NOW I BEG YOU, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, THAT YOU STRIVE TOGETHER WITH ME IN PRAYERS TO GOD FOR ME."

Romans 15:30 (NKJV)

Comment: In this passage Apostle Paul was soliciting for prayers from the believers in Rome.

It is often mistakenly believed by any number of believers that those who are at the leadership in the ministry work do not need prayers. But, a well mature believer would know that they, the congregants, had the responsibility to be praying for their leaders; pastors and those who are working with them at the leadership. They needed the prayers of the congregants because they are at the centre of the attacks of the enemy, the devil, the archenemy of the believers:

"[and pray] THAT I [Paul] MAY BE RESCUED FROM THE UNBELIEVERS IN JUDEA" (Romans 15:31 Amps).

READ: 2 Timothy 3:11; 4:17,18; Revelation 12:9,10

This Scripture in the Book of Zechariah was quoted by Jesus, prior to His arrest and crucifixion: "THEN JESUS SAID TO THEM, “ALL OF YOU WILL BE MADE TO STUMBLE BECAUSE OF ME THIS NIGHT, FOR IT IS WRITTEN: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED’ " (Mark 14:27 (NKJV).

If a leader could be gotten down, those who are following him or her would definitely be scattered. Even Jesus Christ, when He was arrested, all His disciples scattered and went into hidings (Matthew 26:56).

In any congregation or gathering of the people, the target of the enemy is always the leadership—the leader of the move. If the leadership of a gathering or move could be gotten down, the congregants or followers would definitely be scattered.

The devil's strategy is, If he could succeed in getting the lead minister or pastor of a church or ministry down, the gathering would automatically be scattered. This is the paramount reason why those at the leadership of any church or ministry should always be upheld in prayers. Even Jesus Christ at His time of distress, before crucifixion, told His disciples who were with Him in the garden of Gethsemane to watch in prayer with Him (Matthew 26:37,38).

If Jesus did ask for the prayers of the disciples who were with Him, when He was at a low ebb (Matthew 26:38); It means there is no any superman or super-believer or super-minister that would not need the prayers of those who are under his or her leadership, at one point or the other.

Apostle Paul in our text, the passage of the Bible, was literally imploring the believers in Rome to strive together with him in prayers.

I. It is a sign of humility on Paul's side or part to be asking for their prayers.

II. A leader should not think himself or herself more than they ought to (Romans 12:3), that they will find it difficult to ask the people under their leadership to pray for them.

III. Every believer should know that he or she has a responsibility to pray for their leaders, in their own private time of prayers.

Praying for the leaders is one of the ways to esteem those who are labouring in the vineyard of God:

12 AND WE URGE YOU, BRETHREN, TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO LABOUR AMONG YOU, AND ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD AND ADMONISH YOU, 13 AND TO ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK'S SAKE. BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES" (1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 NKJV).

One of the ways to regard and value your pastor or spiritual parent is to be praying for him or her in your private time of prayer. Thus, I want to enjoin you, If you as a believer had not been doing this, to start doing it now.

Peace.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints &Reading: Wednesday, February 21, 2024

february 8_february 21

E PROPHET ZECHARIAH (ZAKHARIAH) THE SICKLE-SEER FROM AMONGST THE 12MINOR PROPHETS (520 BC)

The Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets. He was descended from the tribe of Levi, and seems to have been a priest (Nehemiah 12:4,16). He was called to prophetic service at a young age and became, in the wondrous expression of church hymnology, “a spectator of supra-worldly visions.”

The Book of the Prophet Zachariah contains inspired details about the coming of the Messiah (Zach 6:12); about the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, about the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zach 9:9); about the betrayal of the Lord for thirty pieces of silver and the purchase of the potter’s field with them (Zach 11:12-13); about the piercing of the Savior’s side (Zach 12:10); about the scattering of the apostles from the Garden of Gethsemane (Zach 13:7); about the eclipse of the sun at the time of the Crucifixion (Zach 14:6-7).

“Enlightened by dawnings all above,” the Prophet Zachariah, “saw the future as it were the present.” According to Tradition, this “most true God-proclaimer” lived to old age and was buried near Jerusalem, beside his illustrious contemporary and companion, the Prophet Haggai (December 16). The title “Sickle-Seer” given Zachariah comes from a vision in which he saw a sickle flying in the air, destroying thieves and perjurors (Zach 5:1-3).

The holy Prophet Zachariah died around 520 B.C. His tomb was discovered in 415 in a village near Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Hist. Eccles. VI:32, IX:17). At the prophet’s feet was the body of a child dressed in royal accouterments. His holy relics were transferred to the church of Saint James the Brother of the Lord (October 23) in Constantinople.

1 PETER 4:1-11

1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

MARK 12:28-37

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?" 29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him. 35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." ' 37 Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son? And the common people heard Him gladly.

[versebyverse]

2025 Bible Read Through:

Green weeks are larger, blue are shorter, chapter wise.

Prophets

Week 1

Joshua

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Week 2

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 3

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Week 4

Judges

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Week 5

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 6

17

18

19

20

21

1 Samuel

1

2

Week 7

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 9

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 10

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Week 11

31

2 Samuel

1

2

3

4

5

6

Week 12

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Week 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Week 14

21

22

23

24

1 Kings

1

2

3

Week 15

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Week 16

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Week 17

18

19

20

21

22

2 Kings

1

2

Week 18

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 19

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 20

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 21

24

25

Isaiah

1

2

3

4

5

Week 22

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Week 23

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Week 24

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Week 25

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Week 26

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Week 27

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

Week 28

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

Jeremiah

1

2

Week 29

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 30

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 31

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Week 32

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

Week 33

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

Week 34

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

Week 35

52

Ezekiel

1

2

3

4

5

6

Week 36

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Week37

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Week 38

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Week 39

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

Week 40

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

Week 41

Hosea

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Week 42

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Week 43

Joel

1

2

3

Amos

1

2

3

4

Week 44

5

6

7

8

9

Obadiah

1

Jonah

1

Week45

2

3

4

Micah

1

2

3

4

Week 46

5

6

7

8

9

10

Nahum

1

Week 47

2

3

Habakkuk

1

2

3

Zephaniah

1

2

Week 48

3

Haggai

1

2

Zechariah

1

2

3

4

Week 49

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Week 50

12

13

14

Malachi

1

2

3

4

[albertfinch]

ADDING TO GOD'S CONDITIONS

Exodus 12:13 -- "Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you....."

On the night of the first Passover, many of the children of Israel were probably anxious. 

They may have said "Yes! We were told to put the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of our home and everything would be all right.  Is that true?"

Or "Can the blood really protect me? Or How much blood do I have to put on my doorposts? Or Will the angel of death get me if I am fearful?

We do not need to add to God's conditions.�� He said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you."

He DID NOT say, "When I see the blood, plus your understanding, efforts, obedience, faithfulness and refusal to give in to fear, then I will pass over you."

We are delivered by the blood of Jesus alone.  If we think that it is because of our faith, then we will always be wondering, "Do I have enough faith?  No, it is the blood alone that saves.

Saves from what? -- anything that doesn't match up with heaven.

Matthew 6:10 -- "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

If we think that our deliverance depends partly on God and partly on us, we will not have a settled peace in our heart.  But when we know that it its the blood alone that saves, we will have an unshakable peace.

APPLYING THE BLOOD CONTINUALLY

Zechariah 9:11 -  "As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners

free from the waterless pit."

1 John 1:7  -  "But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."

God commanded Israel to keep the Passover continually and to apply the blood even after coming into the promised land.  And so it is with us – the blood of Jesus must be applied continually on our lives.

TRIUMPH IN THE BLOOD

2 Corinthians 2:14  "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."

The attitude of those who live from the triumph of Christ is different than those who live under the influence of the past.  The only part of the past that I have legal access to is the testimony of the Lord.  The past is dead, buried, forgotten and covered under the blood which is more than sufficient.  Living from the victory of Christ is the privilege of every believer.  This realization is at the foundation of a church that will triumph even as He has triumphed.

Hebrews 9:12 & 10:12 -

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."

The apostle John wrote, "They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Rev. 12:11).

         The elements of victory are recounted to us in this passage.  They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb:  This means we no longer are fighting FOR victory but we fight FROM victory.  Being triumphant is assured when we enter the battle.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY:

[cursedbanalities]

✨Zechariah 14:12-13 Chapter 2✨

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“Yo, what’s Ethan’s problem?” Mason asks, walking to the back of Eugene’s Pizza to help Hunter finish closing.

“The man got bit on his last delivery.” Hunter says looking over his shoulder as he leans over the dish sink— there’s still a few dishes left, a couple of pizza cutters and a few lids from the deep dish pans. “Whatever it is he did, I don’t blame him.”

“Fuck, for real?” Mason asks, cocking his head and furrowing his brow. “I mean�� that’s fair then I guess. He have to shit too or something?”

“I don’t know, probably. I’m sure he’s just ready to go home. By the way, we got mostly everything done. We just have to finish up these dishes and mop,” Hunter sighs, ready for this shift to be over.

Mason nods, giving Hunter a quick smirk and a thumbs up. Hunter returns the thumbs up and scrubs at the lids and slicers, spraying them down and dunking them into sanitizing water. As he drains out the sink, Mason starts to mop. He goes around the store, mopping the walk-in freezer, the areas around the dish sink and metallic tables, and by the phones that take deliveries. Ethan stays in the bathroom the whole time, prompting Hunter to say something to Johnny as he gives him his money for the day- a whopping three order’s worth of cash, and $13 in tips.

“Well, I’ve had the same kinda issue.” Johnny says to him as he counts Hunter’s money. “Y’know, I’ve been tryin’ ta reach my wife and kids all night. Just, ghosted. I figured I did somethin’ to make my wife mad at the very least, but she hasn’t even opened my texts! They just say ‘sent.’”

“Oof, man. I hope she isn’t mad or anything.” Hunter says. “But, what’s that got to do with Ethan “shittin’” his brains out up there?”

“Man, I dunno.” Johnny says, slightly exasperated. “He’s prolly jus’ mad ‘cause I made him stay here later y’know?” He finishes counting the cash, and gives Hunter his measly amount in tips.

“Thanks,” Hunter says sarcastically. He turns and starts to walk away as Johnny pulls out his phone.

“What the fuck?” Johnny mutters, just loud enough for Hunter to hear. He turns around with a “hm?” and Johnny shows him his phone screen. The last text he sent, just before he gave Hunter his tips, was grayed out with a “not delivered” just below it.

“Well at least you know she isn’t ignoring you? Hunter speculated.Johnny shook his head.

“Well, that might’ve been the case if I had any service, which I obviously must’a just lost. I was lookin’ somethin’ up just a second ago.”

Hunter pulls out his phone and turns it on. Same thing, zero bars. Andy and Cameron, who were on the other side of the kitchen talking about something else, happened to hear Johnny and checked their phones too.

Same thing.

Cameron even confirmed it by trying to look something up in his browser, with the only thing popping up being a notice for no wi-fi.

“Well, shit. I know I paid my phone bill at least,” Cameron said. “But if the network is down, wouldn’t they send out a message telling us about why it’s down or something? I’m surprised they haven’t yet.”

“Maybe they jus’ haven’ noticed it?” Johnny asks. “Whatever. Maybe the news’ll have somethin’ to say about it.” He walks out to the lobby, grabbing a tv remote from under the cash register, and turning the lobby tv on. While he did that, Mason walked into the kitchen, and told Hunter that he’s gonna kick Ethan out of that bathroom whether he’s done in there or not. Hunter gives him a shrug, so Mason grabs the mop bucket and rolls it up the inclined hallway towards the backroom.

Hunter walks out into the lobby to see what was happening on the TV. Johnny, Cameron, and Andy were staring at the TV with their arms crossed or hands on their hips. The news was talking about the viral infection coming out of Singapore.

“Well, nothing about cell phone outages,” Johnny mutters. “That infection shit is pretty fuckin’ scary though.”

“Eh, I mean. Covid wasn’t THAT bad.” Andy shrugs. “I never got it. How bad could this really be?”

The TV goes black, and a series of deep siren-sounding beeps comes out of it.

…EEEEH…

….EEEEH…

…EEEEH…

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

EAN SYSTEM

ISSUED AN

EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION

A computer-generated voice of a man comes over the tv speakers:

“We interrupt this program as this is a national emergency. Important instructions will follow. This is not a test. A severe viral infection has been located in several cities in the United States, overwhelming medical officials and the United States Military. The cities include: New York, Baltimore, Miami, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

“This viral infection has outpaced protective measures put into place by the Center for Disease Control. Citizens living within these cities are recommended to seek immediate shelter. Citizens who do not live in these cities are asked to return to their homes and lock the doors. Do not open them unless the all-clear has been given. Tune in to a local station to listen. Ensure that you have water, food, and a flashlight.”

Text on the screen changes:

Remember:

- ENSURE YOU HAVE FOOD AND WATER FOR (1) WEEK AT LEAST

- LOCK YOUR DOORS

- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PREMISES

- IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN INFECTED IN THE LAST HOUR (VIA BITE OR CONTACT WITH INFECTED BODILY FLUIDS): SEPARATE AND QUARANTINE.

The voice continues:

“The CDC has reported that the infection travels via the bloodstream through contact with the infected victim’s blood, and is often transmitted through a bite from an infected person. Avoid all contact with persons who may have been bitten. The United States Government has authorized civilians to take up arms to defend their life, and property. This message will repeat.”

…EEEEH…

….EEEEH…

…EEEEH…

Hunter, Johnny, Andy, and Cameron all look at each other, their eyes wide and mouths agape, as they hear Mason scream from the storage room.

They run into the kitchen. Mason sprints down the hallway from the supply room. Ethan’s hot on his tail, crashing into a wall as they round the corner. He launches himself at Mason and connects, bringing both of them to the ground. Mason wrestles with him, trying to keep him off as strands of red spit drip from his mouth and onto Mason’s face. Hunter and Johnny both run over to them, but Hunter gets there first. He grabs Ethan, putting him into a bear hug and pulling him off, inadvertently pointing him at the rest of the group. Ethan squirms in his arms, violently shaking his shoulders, before digging his nails into Hunter’s forearms and breaking free. Ethan flails his arms, and charges towards the first person he sees— Johnny. He grabs the wide man, sinking his nails into Johnny’s arms and shoulders as he tries to wrestle him to the ground. Johnny struggles to defend himself, and Ethan gnashes his teeth at him. He yelps as Ethan bites and scratches at him, leaving scratch marks on his face and neck.

“C’mon Ethan!” he yells, “Get the fuck off of me!” Johnny starts to lose strength as Ethan relentlessly fights to bite a chunk out of him.

Hunter freezes with fear. All he can do is watch as his friend clacks his teeth, trying to rip out his manager’s throat. He snaps out of it when he sees Cameron pat his lower back, just above his waistline. He pulls up his shirt, revealing a semi-automatic pistol with a wooden grip and polished silver finish. He pulls it out, cocks the slide back, and points it at the side of Ethan’s head. Hunter and Andy both jump when they see the gun, and Hunter reflexively ducks when Cameron points it at Ethan.

“YOU BROUGHT YOUR FUCKING GUN?” he lets out, causing Ethan to look at him just as Cameron pulls the trigger, shooting the back of Ethan’s head.

Hunter flinches as Ethan’s forehead explodes, leaving a large crater behind and spraying Mason and Johnny with blood. Hunter’s ears ring, and he feels the bile rise in his throat. Everything’s spinning, and he starts hyperventilating. He backs up until he hits a wall and clutches at his chest. He looks down at Ethan’s body. His arm is mangled, with deep scratches and bite marks covering his right arm and hand. It looked like he had been chewing on himself— chunks of missing flesh went right down to the bone. His teeth were a bloody red, and blood pours out of his nose, mouth, and the gaping hole in his head.

He sees Andy yelling at Cameron, trying to grab the gun out of his hand, but Cameron pushes him away. Andy’s screams are muffled since Hunter’s ears are still ringing, but after a few seconds it starts to dissipate. His heart is still pounding. He fully regains his hearing while Andy is still yelling at Cameron.

“-ou fucking crazy?” Andy screams at him. “Dude, what if there was a cure or something? You just murdered Ethan!”

“How do you know if there’s a cure? Haven’t you ever seen a zombie movie? There’s never a cure!” Cameron fires back.

“How the hell do you know that? Even then, rule number one about zombie movies is to NEVER shoot your fucking gun! For all you know, you just brought them all here!”

Mason shakily stands up, trying to avoid looking at the growing pool of blood seeping out of Ethan. He takes a few steps back, and starts to stutter something. He points at Johnny, eyes wide, who’s clutching at his forearm. His hand is soaking in blood. Hunter’s eyes widened.

“T-take your hand off.” Hunter stutters, still shaken up from the gunfire. Andy and Cameron whip around, as though forgetting there were other people with them. Johnny shakes his head.

“Yo, don’t play with me man,” Cameron says, pointing the gun at him. Andy tries to tell him to put the gun down, but puts his hands up after Cameron points it at him. “Back up! Show me your arm!” Johnny shakily removes his hand, showing the wound: two large curved lines nearly touch, creating an oval on his forearm. Hunter gasps, Mason and Andy let out an exasperated groan when they see the bite, and Cameron’s eyes start welling up.

“Please, PLEASE, man!” Johnny pleads, “I gotta get back to my wife and kids!”

“How the fuck are you going to get back to your family if you’re bitten? Do you want to kill them?” Cameron shouts at him, putting his finger on the trigger. “I’m sorry man, but we can’t take that risk!” Johnny starts to cry.

“Dude, will you chill out a second? We can figure something out!” Andy exclaims. “Your first thought shouldn’t be to just fucking kill him!”

Hunter speaks up, “Look, we don’t know how long this thing will last. Couldn’t we at least give him the benefit of the doubt? Hell, Ethan lasted at least an hour before turning.” Cameron gives him a glare, but Mason disagrees.

“Didn’t you see how Ethan almost got us? Imagine if Johnny was able to move like that! Could you imagine trying to wrestle him off of you? We wouldn’t stand a chance!”

“No, please! I can just go and lock myself in the bathroom or-”

“I don’t have any choice, man!”

“Cameron, just do it!”

“What are you fucking nuts? Just make him quarantine! We can-”

A figure walks by the window, illuminated by the fluorescent lights of Eugene’s Pizza. Everybody in the store to go silent. It stops, and walks towards the window. A man, with bloody teeth and a large chunk missing from his shoulder, walks towards the window, and starts awkwardly pounding at it. The glass bends and shakes with every impact. In the distance, the group can see more figures walking towards Eugene’s.

“Holy shit,” Andy mutters, sprinting to the lobby to lock the double push doors. He runs back to the kitchen. His eyes are wide with fright, but he takes a deep breath to steady himself.

“O-okay, listen. We have to get this place barricaded. Hunter, get those tables from the back and put them in front of those doors, I’ll help you. Mason, you gotta find some weapons. Maybe try sharpening the pizza cutters, or find something to make a spear with the brooms and knives we have.” Hunter and Mason nod. Andy turns to Cameron, “Please. We have to deal with this before we deal with Johnny. We’ll just lock him in the freezer. Is that okay, man? Are you going to put the gun down?”

Cameron keeps pointing the gun at Johnny, whose eyes are red and filled with tears. His hand starts to shake as he white-knuckles the gun. The thumping at the window grows as more people with bloody teeth start smacking at the windows. Cameron’s face turns to stone, and he shakes his head. “No. I-I’m sorry.”

Johnny screams, before being cut off with the flash of the gun’s muzzle and an explosion. He falls over, the wall behind him painted red. Andy screams, Hunter and Mason both jump from the sound and look away.

“You fucking asshole!” Andy yells, punching Cameron in the jaw. Cameron takes it, and stumbles back, but he looks like he didn’t feel it. He’s still in shock, staring at the two dead bodies of his coworkers- both dead by his hand. The infected outside of the store start screaming, throwing themselves at the window. There's at least a dozen of them. “You have to get those bodies out of here. NOW.” Andy commands, pointing at Johnny and Ethan.

Cameron doesn’t look like he heard Andy, so Andy yanked the gun out of his hand and slapped him— not hard, just enough to snap him back to reality.

“Take care of their fucking bodies. You killed them, after all.” Andy said, cold as ice.

Cameron opens his mouth to speak, but silently relents. After putting a couple pairs of nitrile gloves, he walks over to their bodies and starts dragging them out the back door, leaving a trail of slick scarlet in their wake. He gags while he does it, but manages to roll them out of the way.

Hunter and Mason look at each other. Despite their disagreement, they know that fighting amongst themselves would only kill them— not like they have much of a chance at living, anyways. The screams of the infected are only getting louder. It feels like the group outside is only getting larger.

Hunter gives Mason a thumbs up. Mason returns it, and they get to work trying to save their lives.

[angrybell]

Yesterday, IDF forces recovered the bodies of two people who had been taken hostage. One had been alive at the time of abduction, Eden Zechariah, while the other, Zic Dado, was killed during the attacks on 19/7/23.

The following list are those hostages who have been pronounced dead.

Civilians

1 Shani Louk (23) Nova

2 Mia Goren (56) Nir Oz

3 Aryeh Zalmanovich (86) Nir Oz

4 Judith Weiss (65) Be’eri

5 Clemence Mtenga (22)Nir Oz , unclear if was taken to Gaza ?

6 Ofir Tsarafati (27) Nova

7 Aviv Atzili (49) Nir Oz, unclear if was taken to Gaza ?

8 Ronen Engel , announced Dec 1 (55) Nir Oz

9 Guy Iloz , announced Dec 1 (26) Nova

10 Ofra Keider - Dec 1 (70) Be’eri

11 Eliyahu Margalit - Dec 1 (75) Nir Oz)

12 Yonatan Samerano (21) , Nova . Announced Dec 4

13 Sahar Baruch (24), Beeri. Announced Dec 8

14 Eitan Levy (53) Beeri . Body being held in Gaza . Dec 8

14 Aden Zachariah (27) Nova. Body recovered.

Kidnapped soldiers:

1 Noa Marciano (19, taken alive )

2 Kiril Brodsky (19)

3 Tomer Yaakov Achims (20)

4 Shaked Dahan (19)

5 Col Asaf Hamimi - killed on 7th, body held by Hamas (41)

6 Ziv Dado (36) body recovered via IDF op

Baruch Dayan Emmet.

[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.

[pugzman3]

Zechariah 12:1-14 KJV

1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.

3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord Has Told You

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 5:22; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:15; Proverbs 21:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Jeremiah 22:3; Ezekiel 33:14; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 12:6; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:9; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 12:14

[saltoftheearth5x2]

Luke 1

Over the 24 days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to be posting a chapter of Luke every day. I encourage you to read through Luke's gospel and reflect on Jesus's time here on earth. Perhaps you'll find something new.

Masterlist

Dec 1 - Luke 1 (NIV)

Introduction

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Zechariah’s Song

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

71 salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us—

72 to show mercy to our ancestors

and to remember his holy covenant,

73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

and to enable us to serve him without fear

75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

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All of this was taken from the Bible Gateway, which is an online Bible that you can easily search up. For those of you who do not have Bibles of your own, I encourage you to use online resources like Bible Gateway to read God's word.

Happy Holidays!

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If you have any questions regarding the Christian faith, please ask me in my ask box. I am not a perfect person, but I will try and answer your questions as best as I can. We all have much more to learn, myself included. So please, do not be shy.