#faith victory salvation grace

[corneliusbella]

I believe this is a unique opportunity for you to give your life to Christ and connect to His power with the full involvement of your understanding.

If you want to be genuinely born-again and be doubly sure that you are saved, then pray this prayer aloud, meaning it with all your heart:

Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I know that I'm a sinner, and I cannot save myself. But Jesus died for me; He shed His blood that I might be saved. Today I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour; forgive me all my sins, wash me with your blood and make me whole.

I forsake the devil, the world, sin and all sinful habits; I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord. Father, I thank you because you have saved me in Jesus' name. Amen.

#faith victory salvation grace

[christianotome]

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

#bible #biblical quote #religion #christianity #god #grace #salvation #faith #victory #hope

[yeslordmyking]

[Zechariah prophesied concerning John,] 'You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most... [ Read devo thought and prayer for this Bible verse ]

#God #Jesus #christianity #faith #God's mercy #God's grace #God's salvation #you cannot earn salvation #you don't deserve anything #you deserve Hell #you are not good on your own #you are wicked #you are evil #all you own is your sin #you are a sinner #God is my salvation #the only way to God is through Jesus #victory in Jesus #baptism #you must obey #you must believe #you must be baptized #you must be holy #you must be perfect in Christ #you can be forgiven #you can be saved #become a follower of Christ #become a member of the church of Christ #save your soul #surrender to God

[taylor-on-your-dash]

AN ANALYS OF WOULD'VE COULD'VE SHOULD'VE THROUGH THE LENS OF RELIGIOUS FAITH

Taylor has written a lot of songs (State of Grace, Holy Ground and False God for example) that reference and/or talk about relationships and love through the lens of religion. Would've Could've Should've is one of them too and we can actually say that the whole song is an extended metaphor.

Let's start with these lyrics:

If I was a child did it matter, if you got to wash your hands?

Here, John Mayer washing his hands can signify two things:

He's refusing to take responsibility. This concept comes from Pontius Pilate symbolically washing his hands of the responsibility of Jesus' crucifixion even though he believed that Jesus was innocent.

He's washing away guilt, like Lady Macbeth washing her hands of Duncan’s blood to try to get rid of the guilt for his murder.

All I used to do was pray / You’re a crisis of my faith

We know that Taylor grew up Christian and still considers herself one, as we know from Miss Americana. She had a Bible on her nightstand, according to a photoshoot she did for People in 2007, and now she's not so sure anymore. She must've been taken comfort in praying, but now she's referring to it using a past tense, meaning she has lost her faith. it was an integral part of her identity and now it's in the past.

The chorus continues the metaphor:

I would've stayed on my knees - this is both a reference to praying and to the universal victory and worship of God: "every knee will bow, and every tongue will swear allegiance” (Isa. 45:23)

And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil at nineteen - mention of the devil, the ultimate enemy of salvation. she danced with the devil, meaning that she feels like she voluntarily engaged in "immoral" behaviour.

And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven - here she mentions of God and Heaven, the ultimate goal for a Christian, but she's actually swearing on God that dancing with the devil felt like Heaven, which is quite the contradiction. In fact, the whole chorus is a chiasmus that reinforces the anthesis: knees/heaven and God/devil.

If you never touched me, I would've gone along with the righteous / If you never saved me from boredom, I could've gone on as I was / But, Lord, you made me feel important and then you tried to erase us

Touch is an important part of humanity and in the Christian religion Jesus heals others through the touch of his hands. In this case, Taylor is regretting the touch of the devil and the fact that he woke her up from boredom, leading her astray. We also have an interjection (Lord), which mentions God through a metonymy.

God rest my soul / I miss who I used to be / The tomb won't close / Stained glass windows in my mind / I regret you all the time / I can't let this go / I fight with you in my sleep / The wound won't close / I keep on waiting for a sign / I regret you all the time

In what could be the best bridge of her career, Taylor is praying God to let her soul rest in peace, which is a way to say that who she was before John is dead, but the tomb still won’t close cause she can't find closure. Taylor sees love as her religion but her old self who believed in love with the innocence of a child died because of her relationship with John Mayer.

The stained glass windows is probably the most interesting lyric of the track and it ties to the other religious themes in the song. She says that the tomb is in her mind, meaning that she feels trapped with and because of her memories. Stained glass windows can also represent the ones in Catholic Churches that depict an important scenes from the Bible, as if this relationship was reflected as a stained-glass image in her mind. The glass distorts the light that passes through it, just as her life experiences after that relationship were distorted by it. She went from seeing life through rose-colored glasses to stained glass windows, meaning that her view on love and relationships is being looked at through memories that “stain” any optimism and faith in new relationships.

They also represent an actual memory of hers… because at the time John Mayer lived in a parish converted into an apartment, which had stained glass windows.

The last subject I want to touch is “I regret you all the time”, because I feel like if you look at some of the songs written shortly after Dear John and/or her relationship with John Mayer, for example, Back To December: it is quite mind-blowing to consider how the tumultuous relationship with John Mayer influenced her regretting Taylor Lautner… but that's for another post.

#taylor swift #would've could've should've #taylor swift song analysis #john mayer #midnights #3am tracks

[forgottenroderick]

The Banners of House Varmont

note: there may be more. the queens would have their own badges, as well, as would the late empress (tho likely that's now what guin is using, i'd think?), and cassandra likely has use of her mom's and/or arthur's with cadency marks, but since she's an imperial princess, and not just a royal princess, roderick would def ok her usage of her own badge, as well, though that's usually reserved for sons, heirs, and titled warriors, it is likely that guin, cassandra, and each of the queens, as well as the late empress, has at least one unit who fights in their honor given that roderick's empire is v much a military operation, so yeah! basically there may be as many as four other varmont insignias out there, but these are the big five! also pls note that i am convinced roderick has given each of his children an obscene number of titltes to bandy abt (tho not so many as he has!) in order to showcase their importance as his children, but we'll say these are perhaps shortened, more casual titles for astaira ;D

The Imperial Arms of His Imperial Majesty, Roderick the First of His Name, by the Grace of the One True God, of the Great and Holy Empire of [Varmont] and Astaira and of His other Realms and Territories One True Emperor, Conquer of the Twelve Kingdoms, Defender of the Faith, and God’s Own Champion

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Gules (red): warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Phoenix: resurrection

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander/conqueror's crown

The Princely Imperial Arms of Her Imperial Highness, the Princess Imperial, Guinevere, of the House of Varmont

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Argent (silver/white): peace and sincerity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Dove: represents the soul, the spirit of god; peace, purity, chastity

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success/princely crown

Crown, Naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

The Princely Imperial Arms of His Imperial Highness, Archduke of [Varmont], Edmund, Prince of the House of Varmont, Lord of [the Riverbend]

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Sable (black): constancy or grief

Argent (silver/white): peace and sincerity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Raven: divine providence; knowledge; durable resistance; bringer of death

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

The Princely Imperial Arms of His Imperial Highness, Archduke of [Varmont], Arthur, Prince of the House of Varmont, Lord of Kil-kennar

Eagle: nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness; magnanimity; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; a person of action and vigor especially where important and high matters are concerned; high intellect and quick comprehension; salvation, redemption, and resurrection

Eagle displayed (wings spread): the above + protection/one who is a protector

Or (yellow or gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Gules (red): warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander the imperial crown of conquest

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

The Princely Arms of His Imperial Highness, Sebastian, Prince of the House of Varmont

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Vert (green): hope, joy, loyalty in love

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Falcon: one who does not rest until objective achieved; person of action

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

#obv lauren and lizzy feel free to lmk if these dont work w your visions etc!! i was just eager to see how they might look all together lkasj #ooc #about #edmund varmont #guinevere varmont #sebastian varmont #arthur varmont #me reading up on raven heraldic meanings for this and i get to BRINGER OF DEATH alskjfklsjdf #even edmund's sigil was tryna warn the malconaires lkajsfklsjdf #def pictured the dove in flight and the raven displayed but alas the site does not include those possibilities #still alksdfj abt bringer of death ngl lkasjdafkjsd me like oK CALM DOWN while amira like 'that's my boy' and godfrey winking at the camera #i ordered it by roderick then by consort then by birth order if you were wondering hahah but i did toy around w just stright age order lksa #my inner amira was NOT pleased ;DDD #which made me think -- you KNOW there's some insane antics jockeying for LITERAL position when they all go to enter a room alksdjfkljdf #lore

[coffeeman777]

I’m so afraid I’m not saved. People keep telling me I must be, because an unsaved person wouldn’t care if they were saved or not, but I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about the part of the Bible where it says ‘many will say Lord, Lord’ and God will say ‘I never knew you, depart from Me’ (paraphrased Matthew 7:22-43).

I know only God can save me. I know that everyone who truly calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I just keep feeling like… what if I haven’t truly called on God? What if I haven’t really repented? What if I’m just deluding myself into thinking I love God and that I’ve really repented. I know I can’t trust myself, so I can’t know if I’ve really honestly in my heart of hearts turned to God, or if it’s all fake. And I know I’ve seen changes in my life, I’ve turned away from sins that used to hold me captive… can unsaved people do that? I know there must be unsaved people who stop doing things they shouldn’t because of their conscience, aren’t there? And I just keep sinning so much, all the time, and I hate it, and I know I can’t be perfect but my brain tells me I have to be perfect or God won’t love me.

I know it’s wrong and sinful but I keep trying to prove that I love God enough for Him to save me, that I’m trying enough and that I genuinely want to be saved and I’m not faking the desire. I know salvation is through grace alone and it’s sinful to pretend otherwise or to try to save yourself, but that’s what I kind of keep trying to do, or at least, trying to prove I’m worthy to be saved when I know I’m not worthy

I just feel like I have to be able to trust that I’m not faking wanting to be saved before I can believe that God has saved me, but I know that’s wrong. I know there’s nothing in me I can trust. I rarely go to church because I’m afraid, isn’t that a sign against salvation?

I just wanna love God and be saved, but I can’t see how that’s possible for me

Heya.

I understand the fear. But you have to surrender the fear and accept instead what the Word of God says.

As you've noted, salvation is by grace through faith and not of works; no works of righteousness can merit salvation. We must depend completely on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Second, although unbelievers can of course modify their behavior to an extent, they can't mimic the total effect of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit breaks the power of sin over us, empowers us to repent and turn to the Lord with our whole hearts, and motivates us towards personal holiness, not because of a desire to become self-righteous, but out of a deep, sincere love for the Lord. And that love for the Lord will manifest in several ways, not just in a deep desire to obey Him and do good works. Our goals will change to conform with God's will, as will our interests. In the life of a truly born-again person, literally all areas will be affected by the Holy Spirit's presence, causing us to, over time, conform more and more to Christ.

As for sinning, well, even after coming to Christ, we all still contend with the fallen nature. Our new natures in Christ are at war with our old fallen natures, and we aren't always victorious in every skirmish. We sometimes give in to temptation or fall to old habits in the heat of the moment. And God gives us all the grace and mercy in those times. Our goal every day is to honor God and avoid sin, and we apply real grace-enabled effort to that end.

What shouldn't be in the life of a real Christian is deliberate, premeditated, purposeful sin. No Christian should ever plan to sin, or embrace sin as part of their lifestyle. That kind of thing is a big red flag. That proves that we don't love God at all, we don't respect Him, we aren't interested in worshipping Him or doing His will.

So, if the sin you're talking about is the first kind, then don't worry, you're in good company. It's very good that you recognize the sin as a problem and that you hate it. Keep fighting it. Change your daily habits to avoid circumstances where you're tempted to sin. Keep reading the Bible and applying what you learn to your life. Keep seeking the Lord in private prayer and worship. And get your butt back in church, no matter how you feel.

However, if the sin you're talking about is the second kind, you need to repent. Confess it to the Lord, reject it, start fighting against it. Fall down on your face and cry out to God for salvation, and don't stop until you know you're in Christ.

Repentance is a change of mind about sin that leads to a change in behavior. Real repentance causes real change in a person's mind and life. If you're heartbroken over sin, and you really hate it and want to be free of it, and you're taking real grace-enabled steps to avoid it and fight against it, your repentance is genuine. If you simply acknowledge that sin is bad but you don't really feel badly about it, and you want to keep the sinful things from your life before Jesus in your life, you want to keep practicing those things and engaging in those behaviors, and you don't really try to avoid temptation, and you don't resist at all, and especially if you defend the sin and embrace it as part of your lifestyle, your repentance is fake.

I hope this helps. I'll keep you in prayer. Be blessed!

[orthodoxadventure]

O holy and great Archangel of God Michael, first among the angels that stand before the inscrutable and transcen­dent Trinity, overseer and guardian of the human race, who with thine armies didst crush the head of the most-proud Morning Star in Heaven and dost ever put to shame his evil and cunning on earth, to thee do we flee with faith and to thee we pray with love;

Be thou an invincible shield and a firm bulwark of the Holy Church and our homeland, pro­tecting them with thy lightning-bearing sword from all ene­mies, both visible and invisible. Be thou a guardian angel, a most wise counselor and helper of Orthodox Christians, of our country, bringing them from the throne of the King of kings enlightenment and power, joy, peace, and consolation. Be thou the chief captain and companion in arms of our Christ-loving armed forces, crowning them with glory and victory over adversaries, that all who oppose us may know that God and His holy angels are with us.

And leave not without thy help and protection, O Archangel of God, also us who glorify thy holy name today; for behold, even though we be great sinners, nevertheless we desire not to perish in our iniquities, but rather to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him unto good works. Illumine, therefore, our minds with the light of God’s countenance, which con­tinually shineth on thy lightning-like forehead, that we may understand what the good and perfect will of God is con­cerning us, and know all that which we ought to do, and that which we ought to despise and abandon. Strengthen through the Grace of the Lord our weak will and feeble state, that, made firm in the law of the Lord, we may hence­forth cease to be tossed to and fro by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, enticed away, like senseless children, by the quickly-perishing beauties of this world, foolishly forgetting the eternal and heavenly for the sake of the corruptible and earthly. Above all these things, do thou ask for us from on high a true spirit of repentance, unfeigned sor­row before God and contrition for our sins, that we may spend the number of days that remain to us of this transito­ry life not in gratifying our senses and in slavery to our passions, but in wiping out the evil things we have done by tears of faith and heartfelt contrition, by struggles of purity and holy deeds of mercy. And when the hour of our end and liberation from the bonds of this body of clay draweth nigh, O Archangel of God, leave us not defenseless against the spirits of evil in the upper air, who are accustomed to hinder the ascent of man’s soul on high, that guarded by thee we may attain without hindrance those most glorious dwelling-places of Paradise, where there is neither sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting, and be vouchsafed to behold the most radiant countenance of our all-beneficent Lord and Master, fall down with tears at His feet, in joy and compunction shouting aloud: Glory to Thee, our most dear Redeemer, Who, because of Thy great love for us unworthy ones, hast been pleased to send Thine angels in the service of our salvation! Amen.

#Archangel Michael #Christianity #Orthodox Christianity #Prayer #Saint Michael the Archangel

[albertfinch]

Cross In The Heavens - September 3, 2023

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies;" - Psalm 103:2-4

Rise up. Come out of the tombs of defeat and despair. Cry out with shouts of victory. Remove your grave clothes and stop sleeping among the dead. He breathes life into what was once dead. Speak to the dead dry bones, 'Arise!' Speak to the weak and wobbly knees, 'Be strong!' Come out. Rise up. Remove and lay aside the grave clothes. He clothes you with those things that pertain to the abundant life that He has promised you by His Word. Do you believe in His redemptive power, His power to replace that which has been lost or stolen, His power to restore those things that have been destroyed?"

He replaces the old with the new -- the dead with the living -- what is lacking with overflow -- sorrow for joy -- garments of praise for your former shame. Divine replacement will take place through His Spirit energizing your Christ calling and His Word.

Respond to this revelation of restoration, redemption, and replacement by action. Release the dead, the old, the empty, the broken, the loss or lost, the shame, the burden, or the lack with confident anticipation of the divine replacement that He pours out. Begin to praise Him for the victory that has already been won.

Renew Your Confidence in the Goodness of God

Allow your confidence to rise beyond your former understanding of the goodness of God. Hope has deferred because of prayers that seemed to go unanswered and have challenged your faith.

Renounce all doubt and wavering. Draw near to God and resist the whispers of the enemy reminding you of your past experiences. Do not look through a faulty lens that is darkened by your refusal to trust in God's grace and promise to bring good out of all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Come Out From Among the Tombs

Tombs marked "regret," "shame," "cursed," "poor," "neglected," "rejected," "ugly," "weak," and "broken" are giving up their dead! Come out from among the tombs of the past and embrace your Christ calling.  Today is the day of salvation. Forget what lies behind and press on to the good things that are ahead for you to find the occasion to bear fruit that remains for God's Kingdom.  Acting on your Christ identity and coming to understand His CALLING on your life will yield massive results. The rain has come. The Spirit of God pours down for those to receive the rain of God's blessing and glory.

Come out from among the dead and walk in the newness of life that Christ Jesus died for you to have. Peace is now! Life is now! Jesus says, "Come out."

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

#jesus #calling #destiny #purpose #bible #devotional #daily word #revelation #inspiration #holy spirit

[you-are-my-angel-love]

For The Struggling Saint

You: God, I find myself struggling with belief at times, especially when faced with the magnitude of my spiritual struggles. It's hard to hold onto faith when the darkness feels so overwhelming. Will I ever find peace and freedom from these battles?

God: My beloved child, I understand your doubts and fears. But remember, faith is not about the absence of struggles; it's about trusting in my promises despite them. Even if your spiritual struggles never completely go away, know that you are already saved through my grace and love.

You: But it's hard to keep going when the battles seem endless. Will I ever find relief from this constant turmoil?

God: Take heart, my child, for I am with you in the midst of your struggles. I will never leave you nor forsake you, and my strength is made perfect in your weakness. Lean on me, and I will give you the courage and endurance you need to persevere through even the darkest of nights.

You: It's reassuring to know that you're with me, but sometimes I wonder if I'm strong enough to keep going.

God: My strength is more than enough to sustain you, my child. Trust in me and my promises, for they are steadfast and true. Even when you feel weak and weary, I will be your strength and your refuge. Remember, I have already won the victory over sin and death, and nothing can separate you from my love.

You: Thank you, God, for reminding me never to give up hope, even in the midst of my struggles. Help me to hold onto faith, knowing that I am already saved by your grace.

God: You're welcome, my child. Keep your eyes fixed on me, and I will lead you through every trial and tribulation. Your salvation is secure in my hands, and nothing in all creation can ever change that. Trust in me, and you will find the peace and freedom your soul longs for.

#deliverance #god #saints #conversations #spiritual battles #christian #catholic #trials #jesus #victory #love

[catcas22]

If you don’t mind my asking, why did Idril eat a dragon heart if she never interacted with the church?

Was it an instance of cultural memory (stories of warriors doing the same)?

Or did she perhaps merely let the intrusive thoughts win?

By the time of the Second Liurnian War, Godfrey's original warband had dwindled to a paltry few. Some achieved their glory and simply died, welcomed back into the roots of the Erdtree. Some lost their Grace in the grinding campaigns against the Storm Lord and the Dragonbarrow. Others were swallowed up by the Blackflame Rebellion, either drawn to the usurper's banner or consumed by her godslaying flame.

When Lord Radagon made his second excursion into Liurnia, he led an army not of champions, but of volunteers drawn from the ranks of the faithful. While their parents and grandparents remembered a time before Marika's godhood, these had known only the light of the Erdtree.

Though the blessing of Grace was a rarity amongst them, they fought with the fervor of the most devout -- how else could mortal men have been compelled to stand against dragons, against troll knights, against sorcerers wielding the might of the moon and stars?

The First Liurnian War had been a short-lived affair. Lord Radagon had anticipated only piecemeal resistance -- instead he had found the scattered houses of Liurnia united under the banner of a new High Queen.

The Second Liurnian War saw the full might of the Golden Order brought to bear, as the Order sought to break the power of the Moon by sheer force of numbers. Legion upon legion of common foot soldiers marched into the teeth of the Carian counter-offensive, unflinching before the storm of dragon fire and spell-blades. For they had been told that they marched against ultimate evil. They had been told that if they should fail, the Full Moon Witch would set a frost within the roots of the Erdtree and usher in an age of eternal darkness. They had been told that, though they marched over mountains of their own dead, the Greater Will would grant them victory in the end.

Idril was one of these, one spear-carrier amongst tens of thousands. Her grandparents had served Godfrey, but she had known only the Order. After months of miserable battle in the swamps, a Carian dragon descended and burnt Idril's company to the last man.

From amongst the charred and waterlogged wreckage, Idril alone rose again, chosen by Grace just as the champions of old. She died five times more before the sunrise, and upon her sixth revival she finally slew the dragon. Half maddened by grief, exhaustion, and the pain of her grievous burns, she carved open the dragon and devoured its cooling heart. In those days the tales of the Drake Knights were not yet forgotten, and the Golden Order remembered the Dread Communion in its bloodiest form -- a way by which a foe may be utterly broken, and even in death be made to serve the victor's cause.

Idril devoured the heart in hatred and vengeance, but also for the sake of devotion. One sword could not sway the wars of gods and champions. But by taking in the dragon's fire, she might better serve the cause of Gold.

The gift of Grace offered salvation from death, but it promised no sure victory. Idril died dozens of times more as the war dragged on, pierced by spell-blades, drowned in mud, burnt and crushed again and again. Each time Grace raised her up, and she fought on. Each time, the dragon's curse remained.

When the war ended in victory for neither the Moon nor the Erdtree, Idril's curse yet remained. The fire she had fed for the sake of the Order now threatened to consume her, devouring her humanity whole. The curse persisted even as her Grace faded and her faith went with it, even as she and her Tarnished compatriots were hounded from the Lands Between. That which she had taken on for the sake of her devotion now served as a reminder, a gnawing memento of those who had used her and cast her aside.

@blueberrygoopdemon I think this answers your question too :)

#elden ring #answered asks #idril stormsbane #oc

[corneliusbella]

A witness to the truth, let my voice resound,

In Jesus, our Savior, salvation is truly found.

In every heart that seeks, in every soul He saves,

Let His love and mercy lead us through life's waves.

#faith victory salvation grace

[childofchrist1983]

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. - Revelation 15:2-4 KJV

Sometimes, I think that we don't read or reflect upon the Book of Revelation often enough. Some people seem to fear reading it. and yet, it was written as a book of hope and consolation for all true and faithful Christian believers.

Christians were being persecuted because they would not bow to the Antichrist as a god. By claiming to be a god, he had earned the name of "beast" as well as the number "666" which was his designation for claiming to be God and falling short. In this Bible passage, those who had died under this persecution are seen in Heaven praising God with a version of the hymn of victory that Moses led after escaping Egypt and successfully crossing through the sea on dry ground while the Egyptian chariots and charioteers perished. These Christians who had died had passed through the Valley of Death and were now safe with God in Heaven. Their song of victory echoing Moses song, was a message to all those who were still suffering under the persecution that eventually God would prevail.

Other messages throughout the Book of Revelation speak to the need for people to hold firm and not to give in to the temptation to save their lives by bowing to the Beast and worshiping him as a god. I can't ever imagine having to make this decision. I know that there are people in some parts of the world who make this decision everyday and I admire and pray for them. I hope that they can take comfort from the promises of Christ and remain firm. But what about us who do give in to the temptations which come our way to turn our backs on God without any threat of harm, let alone death? We all need to do better!

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

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

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

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

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

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

8th December >> Mass Readings (USA)

Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary  

(Liturgical Colour: White: B (2))

First Reading Genesis 3:9–15, 20 I will put enmity between your offspring and hers.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me— she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4

R/ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R/ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R/ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R/ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Second Reading Ephesians 1:3–6, 11–12 He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.

Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 1:26–38 Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[counter-culture-christian]

It's the same ones who are in disbelief about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of the truth of God's Word and rebel against God that are filled with hatred towards the believers for believing in Jesus Christ, putting their hope in Him and trusting the Word of God as truth. It's the same ones who have accepted they're going to hell and so continue in their sins because they don't believe it's real, nor that Jesus is who He says He is or did what is said in the Bible. It's the same ones who are filled with detestment towards believers for the truth that they have salvation through the grace of God by their faith Jesus Christ. It's the same ones who with their free will choose to live how they want to yet want to be enraged at the believers who have chosen to submit in obedience to God. It's the same ones who are blinded in their darkness that they cannot see what the ones who are light, are shining God's truth on that darkness. It's the same ones in denial, under delusions and illusions that they cannot acknowledge nor see through the veil. It's the very same ones who deny the existence of sin to make themselves not feel guilty that are against the believers for recognizing sin as real and themselves as sinners who needed a saviour and chose to believe that Jesus Christ is the One who died for the sins of humanity. It's the same ones who cry victims and want the victors in Christ Jesus to be silent about that victory. It's the very same ones.

#disbelief #christianity #jesus christ #christian #christblr #god #jesus #christian faith #spiritual enlightment #faith in jesus #light #darkness #truth #illusions #delusions #denial #free will #choices #victim mentality #victors

[versegpt]

Holiness Unveiled: A Journey through Sanctification and Divine Will

In the symphony of divine predestination, grace, and sovereign orchestration, the journey of sanctification unfolds as believers, called to holiness by God's eternal plan, walk triumphantly through life, confident in the completed and ongoing work of Christ, with each step guided by the faithful hand of the One who calls.

In the eternal tapestry of God's sovereign plan, Ephesians 1:4 reveals a divine choice made before the foundation of the world. God, in His boundless love, predestined believers to be holy and blameless, setting the stage for a journey marked by His grace and purpose.

2 Timothy 1:9 reinforces this notion, emphasizing that our salvation and holy calling are not earned through works but are manifestations of God's purpose and unmerited grace granted to us in Christ Jesus. Here, the foundation of holiness is firmly rooted in God's eternal design rather than our own efforts.

As we traverse the path of sanctification, Romans 8:28 assures us that every circumstance is orchestrated by God for the ultimate good of those who love Him. This verse underlines the sovereignty of God in the sanctification process, weaving a narrative of divine providence that propels believers towards holiness.

Romans 8:37 declares believers as triumphant conquerors through the love of Christ, further emphasizing the victorious aspect of a sanctified life. Philippians 1:6 builds on this assurance, expressing confidence that the God who initiated the work of sanctification will faithfully complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:8-9 affirms the faithfulness of God in keeping believers blameless until the end, highlighting the intimate fellowship shared with Christ. Hebrews 10:14 echoes this truth by proclaiming the perfection achieved for all time through the singular offering of Christ, emphasizing the completeness of sanctification in Him.

The journey towards holiness, according to the divine will, is not a passive endeavor. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 plainly states God's will for sanctification, urging believers to abstain from sexual immorality as a tangible expression of holiness. This directive is a crucial element in the sanctification process, aligning our behavior with God's standards.

In a heartfelt prayer, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 seeks God's active involvement in the believer's complete sanctification—spirit, soul, and body—assuring that the faithful God who calls will surely accomplish this divine work. The completeness of this prayer reflects the comprehensive nature of sanctification in the life of a believer.

Closing this scriptural journey, 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes the divine call to holiness in conduct, mirroring the very essence of God. The imperative to be holy stems from the holiness of the One who calls, emphasizing a life lived in accordance with God's standards.

In this symphony of verses, the process of sanctification unfolds as a testament to God's eternal plan, His unwavering faithfulness, and the transformative power of Christ's finished and ongoing work. Holiness, according to God's will, becomes a vibrant reality, manifesting in the daily walk of those who embrace the journey set before them.

#Gospel #Jesus #BibleStudy #Theology #Grace #Purpose #Truth #VerseGPT #DevotionAI #ChatGPT #AI

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God by William Mason

Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied, and faint in your minds. – Hebrews 12:3

Come, Christian, look up, look forward, and be of good courage. Though thy exercises are many, and thy conflicts great, though weary IN, yet grow not weary OF, the ways of the Lord. Verily, in due time we shall reap an harvest of eternal felicity, after all our present toil and labour. Faint not; continue to the end; persevere in the work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope. The battle is the Lord’s; thy foes are all conquered; victory is obtained; the crown is held forth by thy conquering Lord. Press on. But alas! thou findest contradiction and opposition from every quarter, from within and from without: numerous are thy foes which rise up against thee; thy strength is small; thy power weak: most true; but know thy calling; study thy privilege; behold thy comforter holds forth a reviving cordial this day to thy drooping spirits: "lest thou be weary and faint in thy mind," consider JESUS. Here is faith’s mystery, the Christian’s triumph: hence derive fresh life and vigour to thy fainting mind. Consider Jesus: in his divine nature, thy covenant GOD: in his human nature, thy redeeming brother: as God and man in one Christ JESUS, thy salvation; thy Almighty Saviour.

Consider Jesus in his innocent life, enduring contradiction of sinners against himself on thy account; fulfilling all righteousness for thee; that thou art perfectly righteous before God IN HIM. Consider Jesus, on the cross bearing thy sins; amidst taunts and jeers, while making atonement for thy transgressions. Consider Jesus entered into heaven, and appearing in the presence of God FOR us. Consider Jesus infinite in wisdom to know thy wants; infinite in love to sympathize with thee in all thy sorrow: infinite in power to support and strengthen thee under them: consider what infinite riches of grace he has in glory to supply all thy need.

O, consider the fulness of grace that dwells in him for needy sinners; live upon his fulness day by day, so as to receive out of his fulness grace for grace. Is it said "the blood of martyrs was the seed of the church"? Confident we are, the life and death, the blood and righteousness of Jesus are the life of our graces, the spring of our comforts, the support of our weary minds, and the only reviving cordials for our fainting spirits. Are we panting sinners at his footstool? Considering Jesus makes us joyful before his throne now, soon we shall stand eternally happy in his presence. Imitate the Father of the faithful; be not weak in faith; consider not thy own body, which is "dead because of sin. Know the Spirit is life, because of the righteousness of Jesus."(Romans 8:10).