#Ghost Ministry in unsuspecting places

[techyghoul]

Thinking of @crimsonclergy Midwest au stuff and I don’t know anything about the Midwest cause I’m southern. So I now want to present to you, LA Ghoulettes doing Satanic Ministry in the Appalachian way.

It would be an older Victorian building up in the mountains, on curvy back roads with a one lane dirt road that leads up to the church itself. There’s a bottle tree outside, and all sorts of trinkets along the way. The church itself holds a decoration day every few months for the families to tend to the graves of those long gone. There’s coins on the gates to the cemetery too and coins on graves.

Eden probably does a lot of teaching, with the help of Lume. One teaches the kiddos singing while the other tackles sheet music. The kids are always super cute about it too when Miss Lume or Miss Eden are there wanting to compete.

All four girls also probably play in some sort of accompaniment to services. Appalachian services get a bit excitable and other times a bit dramatic. It’s not uncommon for Nekra to provide some sort of spooky sound on her cello to add emphasis to parts of the sermon of the preacher. She also does it because spooking the older kids gets harder and it’s always fun to see who very suddenly is paying attention.

Erythra probably plays heavily into decoration day, running a lot of prep work with home grown flowers. Lots of seasonal variety because of how they have the events scheduled out. It’s quite as somber as some would expect, there’s a lot of story telling and fun stories as people come together to make it look like something.

Overall, it’s very Southern Gothic, a heavy hand in Appalachian mysticism as well. There’s at least one ghoul in the church that can do healing of some southern variety, taking the burn out injuries or soothing poison ivy, maybe someone can talk sickness out. There’s some sort of tincture being passed around that’s very potent and made with extremely high proof moonshine that no one wants to say where they got it. But it’s a peaceful time, not a lot of folks bother them. The Ghoulettes would handle that quickly when it comes to protecting their community.

#ghost bc #ghoul headcanons #ghost the band #la ghoulettes #Eden Ghoulette #Lume Ghoulette #Nekra Ghoulette #Erythra Ghoulette #Ghost Ministry in unsuspecting places

[host-club-hq]

Call of the Scar pt. 2

➼ pairing: harry potter x reader

➼ genre: sfw, fluffy, fantasy

➼ word-count: 2.9k

➼ summary: Harry Potter and Y/N Weasley embark on their great journey together in their fourth year at Hogwarts. What does this unsuspecting year hold for them this time?

➼ part 2 of many :)

➼ want to request? do it here. let me know what i can write for you :)

➼ talk to the characters!

The campsite is a ruin now, drifting in smoke. A child appears, tear-streaked, wailing for his mother. Harry is still lying upon the ground. His eyelids flutter...

A figure strides through the teeming smoke like a ghost. The man pauses, surveys the devastation before him, and lifts his wand into the sky.

"MORESMORDRE!" 

A peal of thunder shakes the earth and an eerie green blooms in the sky. Harry squints painfully, gripping his scar and peers up. A colossal skull of emerald stars erupts in the sky, a serpent coiling from its mouth. A shriek pierces the night and Harry's eyes shift, finding the motherless boy a few yards away, howling in terror at the sky. 

Harry looks back, toward the man in the distance, and sees he's coming forward. The shrieking boy turns and darts away. Harry's fingers reach for his wand, eyes squinting through the smoke, trying to see the approaching man's face, but all is still a blur, the smoke like black fog, the man a wavering wraith as he draws closer and closer...

"Harry!" 

Harry's heart unclenches at your voice and he audibly sighs in relief. Hermione, Ron, and you- tiny dots- race across the campsite. The man stops, looks, then withdraws into the smoke and vanishes. 

"Harry!" you call again. 

"Thought we'd lost you, mate. And then..." Ron nods nervously to the sky. 

"What is that?" Harry follows his eyes to the monstrous thing in the sky. 

"Don't you know...?" Hermione asks, confused. 

Just then, a popping fills the air and- one after another- ten ministry wizards apparate into view, wands poised. 

"DUCK!" Harry exclaims, and the group does as told. 

"STUPEFY!"

As they hit the ground, ten jets of fiery red light electrify the air inches above their heads. 

"Stop! Those are my children!" Arthur dashes to the rescue. 

"Are you lot alright?" Arthur breathes hurriedly. 

"Which one of you conjured it?"

Harry and the others turn and watch Barty Crouch- a stiff man with a toothbrush mustache and steely eyes- emerge through the haze.

"Mr. Crouch, you can't possibly-"

"Do not lie!  You have been discovered at the scene of the crime!" Crouch points his wand shakily to all of the teens, alternating between each one. 

"Crime?" Harry states incredulously. 

Crouch wheels, pointing his wand directly at Harry, eyes glittering lethally when... he notices Harry's scar. 

"Barty. They're just kids." Amos interjects. Harry watches Crouch blink. You side-step in front of Harry and draw him close to you. Crouch lowers his wand. 

"What crime?" Harry speaks again. 

You turns to him and nod at the sky. "That... it's the Dark Mark, Harry. It's... his mark." you whisper carefully. 

"Voldemort?" Harry questions. You shush him. "You can't keep saying that..." you remind. 

A disturbed murmur ripples through the wizards at Harry's utterance of the name. Ron looks particularly pained. 

"Why do you always have to do that?" He sighs. 

"Those people tonight- in the masks- they're his too, aren't they? His followers." 

"Death Eaters." Arthur confirms solemnly. 

Harry considers his, then gazes back down the beach, toward the spot where the mysterious figure appeared. 

"There was someone before. A man. There." Harry points. Everyone turns to look. 

"A man? Who, Harry?" you eye him carefully. 

"Dunno. One minute he was there, then... not. I never saw his face. Could've been anybody..." Harry is beginning to realize that his witness is of no value without any facial recognition. 

Harry glances upwards, clinging to the sky like a stain is the Dark Mark. 

Hogwart’s Express

Students hang out of compartment doors, talking and laughing while an old woman pushes a candy trolley up to Harry, Ron, yours, and Hermione's compartment. 

"Anything off the trolley, dears?" The trolley witch asks, out of breath. 

Harry and Ron leap up, while you and Hermione continue to read the Daily Prophet. There's a photograph of the Dark Mark, a headline screams: "TERROR AT THE WORLD CUP."

"I'll have a pack of Droobles. And a licorice wand and..." Ron digs into his pocket and frowns. "On second though, just the Droobles."

"S'alright, I'll get it-"

"Just the Droobles." Ron firmly interjects for Harry. 

Ron takes his gum and quickly ducks back into the compartment. Harry frowns, feeling guilty, when a sweet voice sounds.

"One Pumpkin Pastie, please."

Harry turns and finds a very pretty dark-haired girl standing by the cart. Sensing Harry's gaze, she looks up and smiles. Taking her treat, she heads off.

"Something sweet for you, dear?" The trolley witch leans to speak to Harry. He looks down at her. 

"Huh? Oh. No. I'm not... hungry." He decides. Harry watches Cho's lithe figure retreat, watching until she slips into a compartment and is gone.

"Head out of the clouds, Potter." you call from inside the compartment as the trolley witch moves to the rest of the train. Harry diverts his attention to you, seeing you haven’t even lifted your head from the Daily Prophet. He rolls his eyes. 

"This is bad. Very bad..."

Harry turns and sees Hermione shaking her head darkly behind the Prophet's screaming front page. Harry considers the image of the Dark Mark and accompanying article: "DARK MARK STIRS OLD FEARS (First Sighting in Thirteen Years)," then eyes the photo of the article's author, Rita Skeeter. Hermione snaps the paper shut and stares at him. 

"It's hurting again, isn't it? It was hurting that morning too. The day of the World Cup?" your gaze is gentle and concerned, but Harry doesn't reciprocate. Ron, full of gum, stops chewing, eyeing Harry with trepidation.

"I'm fine." Harry snaps. Your hand withdraws from his shoulder without a word. Hermione's eyebrows furrow and her eyes briefly flicker from you to Harry with distain. 

"Suit yourself. But at least tell him. You know he'd want you to." Hermione eyes Harry with determination. He sighs. 

"DEAR SIRIUS"...

Harry rolls up the parchment, fixes it to Hedwig's leg, and lets her fly free of his hands and through the open window.

Hedwig soars high, leaving the train behind as she knits her way across the sky. On the horizon, a castle appears.

The Hall glows magically, decked out for the start-of-term feast. Albus Dumbledore addresses the House Tables from the top of the Hall while Flitwick, Hagrid, McGonagall, and Snape look on. Filch flowers from the rear doors. 

"Mr. Filch, our beloved caretaker, has informed me that the list of objects forbidden within the castle now includes Screaming Yo-Yos, Fanged Frisbees, Ever-Bashing Boomerangs, and Chocolate Marshmallow Bunnies." There is a mischievous beat before he continues. "I'm joking about that last one. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items and may be viewed in Mr. Filch's office." Dumbledore smiles. 

"Mental. Always has been." Ron grumbles from where he sits at the Gryffindor table. 

Harry grins and glances to the Ravenclaw table, seeing Cho grinning appreciatively at Dumbledore as well. You follow his gaze and smirk. "Catching feelings, are we?" you mumble just loudly enough for Harry to hear, who turns. 

"What?" He asks, furrowing his eyebrows. 

"The Chang girl. Pretty, isn't she?" you glance back at her. Harry suppresses a smile.

"Shut up." He pushes you.

"Not likely." you shrug. 

"Now. There is, apparently, a rather nasty rumor flying about the school that Quidditch will not be played this year. That rumor, I'm here to tell you... is absolutely true." Dumbledore announces with suspense. Indignation fills the Hall. Dumbledore smiles in amusement. 

"There is an explanation. You see, Hogwarts will this year play host to a legendary event. An event that has not taken place in over one hundred years... the Triwizard Tournament." Excitement hakes the Hall, one voice ringing clear:

"You're joking!" Fred exclaims. You put a hand over her face and peek from under it, watching as your classmates watch your brother make a fool of himself and hiding from under the palm of your hand. 

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley. For those of you know do not know, the Triwizard Tournament was originally conceived some seven centuries ago as a way for the three largest European wizardry schools to engage in a series of magical contests while their respective student bodies experienced the benefits of cross-cultural social intercourse."

A crackling, albeit bewildered, silence hangs in the air.

"In other words: One got to spend the entire year getting to know people who spoke a funny language. Unfortunately due to a distressing high death toll, the Tournament was cancelled..."

Hermione's brows knit together with dark concern.

"Then why the bloody hell are they bringing it back?" you lean over Hermione's shoulder to voice her concerns. Hermione leans back and reciprocates her expression. "You're asking the wrong person, Y/N." she sighs. 

"... until now. Tomorrow, delegations from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magical Arts and the Durmstrang School of Wizardry will journey to Hogwarts. This year, our home will be their home. I ask only that you endeavor to make it a happy one."

Students- Harry, Ron, you, and Hermione among them- crowd the parapets, buzzing with anticipation. Far below, Dumbledore has assembled the staff as a kind of welcoming party.

Suddenly a rumble fills the sky and a team of winged Horses cleave the clouds, pulling a gigantic powder-blue carriage. Through one of the windows, a beautiful woman peers down. With an earth-shaking thud, the carriage lands. 

Just then, great bubbles roil the glassy surface of the Black Lake and a long black mast pierces the water, rising higher and higher. A black ship rises out of a great rushing whirlpool of water, looking skeletal and ghostly in the half-light. A dark figure strides out onto the deck- tall, thin, ad sleek. 

Students scramble into position and turn expectantly to Dumbledore, who stands before the staff. You notice a man near the back and nudge Harry. It's Barty Crouch.

"What's he doing here?" you ask in a low whisper. Harry shrug without a word and diverts his attention. 

"Please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic!" Dumbledore bellows. 

Music begins- light and fanciful- and a woman in a diaphanous gown strides into the courtyard. She is beautiful. She is elegant. She is ten feet tall.

"Blimey. That's one big woman." Seamus stares shamelessly up at her. 

Then, one by one, a procession of stunningly beautiful Beauxbatons girls enter in graceful synchronization. Clad in silky, skin-clinging robes, they make a decided impression on Ron- and every other boy present. You and Hermione are less persuaded. 

"It's indecent to stare at women like that, idiot." you shove your elbow into Ron's and he grunts. 

"Lay off, would you?" He sneers, earning your tongue sticking out at him in retaliation. 

Suddenly, one after another, they pitch themselves forward and cartwheel to the top of the courtyard where, allayed in a circle, they wait for their last two members: Fleur Delacour, a particularly luminous girl, and her 8-year-old sister Gabrielle, who is her double. Vaulting side-by-side to the center of the circle, Fleur pulls out a silk scarf, dangles it from her fingertips, and 'spins' Gabrielle like a top.

The courtyard roars with approval. Hermione rolls her eyes and you take notices. 

"Can you believe the lot of them?" you sigh. Hermione nods in agreement. 

"You're just jealous you're not as pretty as them." Ron snickers. Your expression remains unfazed. 

"You do remember I'm you're twin, Ronald?" you inform with a sheer, angered tone. Both Hermione and Harry burst out laughing, Ron's cheeks growing hot as the smile disappears from his face. You smirk to yourself. 

"Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts, my dear." Dumbledore welcomes with a large smile.

"Ah, Dumble-dorr. You are well, yes?" A thick French accent is heavy laden over Madame Maxime's words. 

"Blooming." Dumbledore ignores the fact that his name has just been mispronounced. 

Madame Maxime steps away, passing Hagrid. His beard twitches. Suddenly, the thrum of balalaikas fills the courtyard.

"And now... our friends from the north! Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang!"

Igor Karkaroff- tall, sleek and arrogant- strides forth, trailed by a regiment of stoic Durmstrang boys in dark fur cloaks. A pair of sleek black panthers- eyes glittering like gold- pad sullenly at Karkaroff's side. As Karkaroff reaches the top of the courtyard, he glances about imperiously. 

"Dear old Hogwarts. It's so..."

"Perfectly imperfect?" Dumbledore suggests. Karkaroff smiles and turns to Snape, who nods curtly. 

"Igor." Snape acknowledges.

"Severus. Long time, no see. And Barty. I almost didn't recognize you. You look so... tired. Sleeping well these days?" Igor grins. 

Crouch glowers. Karkaroff smiles, then snaps his fingers. A quartet of Durmstrang boys bring torches to their lips and spit dazzling comets of fire into the air. Enthusiastic applause from all. 

"Oh my God! It's him!" Ron gasps and straightens. 

Harry looks. At the end of the line, brooding behind his shadowed brow, is Victor Krum. Just then, Flitwick- striking his finest conductor's pose- lifts his arms before a ragtag band of students and a discordant tune fills the courtyard. Instantly, the Hogwarts students serenade their visitors with a glorious cacophony, then Hogwarts Anthem"

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts....

Teach us something please

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff 

For now they're bare and full of air

Dead flies and bits of fluff."

Karkaroff raises an eyebrow.. Maxime struggles to hold a smile. Dumbledore beams.

"We just might have the worst school anthem ever written." you groan as she cover your face with your hands while the school continues to sing the horrid song.

"I never will understand who wrote it and why." Harry sighs in exasperation. 

"Dead flies and bits of fluff? Why in Merlin's name is that necessary?" you scoff. Harry chuckles. 

"Maybe if they're talking about you." Harry mutters. You gasp and turn to him.

"How dare you? My grades are better than yours have ever been." you whack Harry on his upper arm and he scowls at you.

"Not better than Hermione's." Harry reminds with a smug expression to which you roll your eyes. 

"Hermione is inhuman, no one can have the grades that she has." you inform. Harry considers this a moment and nods.

"You're right." He sighs. 

"So we bid you truly welcome

You are a funny lot

But any guests of Hogwarts

Can't be all rot!"

You snicker to yourself at the last few words and Harry nudges you, struggling to suppress a smile himself. 

"It's not funny." Harry's lips twitch upwards as he wags a scolding finger at you as you laugh. 

"It's a little funny. Can't be all rot?" you snort and induce laughter within Harry, who covers his own mouth in attempts to keep from disturbing the welcome. "Stop it." He pleads and shoves your shoulder with his own.

"Quiet, the both of you. There's nothing to laugh about." Hermione scoffs, which only results in harder laughter from the two of you. Hermione rolls her eyes exaggeratedly. "Honestly."

"Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here." Dumbledore sighs as the song comes to an end- thankfully for the two students in stitches. 

Everyone feasts. Bewitched by Madame Maxime, Hagrid stares down the tall table to where she sits... and absently spears Professor Flitwick's hand with his fork. Karkaroff eyes Crouch darkly, then turns and sees that Snape is watching him. Smiling thinly, Karkaroff tips his goblet.

Harry eyes the Ravenclaw table, where the Beauxbaton girls sit and Fleur converses with Cho. Ron stuffs his face and stares at Krum, who sits with the Slytherins.

"Brilliant, isn't he?" Ron speaks up as he chews slowly, in a trance.

"He's eating." you smack your brother's shoulder and push his face to look at something other than Krum.

"Why d'you suppose they've been put at the Slytherin table?" Harry's eyebrows furrow as he peeks over at Durmstrang every now and then.

"Birds of a feather. Durmstrang puts a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts." Hermione takes a bite of her meal as she informs the group.

Hearing this, Harry's eyes shift, considering Karkaroff.

"Wishing it was you over there instead of Krum, are you?" Ron suddenly pipes up. Harry turns to see who he's talking to- and it's surprisingly his own sister.

"Ronald, what in Merlin's name are you talking about?" Hermione sets down her fork and leans forward to glance at Ron incredulously. 

"What? Everyone knows Malfoy's got a thing for her. As much as I hate to admit it. That guy's the worst." Ron grumbles. You scoff in disbelief. You turn to look at the Slytherin table and then quickly back to your brother.

"Now what would provoke you to say such a thing?" you laugh humorlessly. Harry looks to Ron expectantly. 

"Malfoy's a git to all of us." He reminds. Ron sighs. 

"Especially to Y/N- don't you see it?" Ron looks around expectantly. Everyone looks at him with vacant expressions and he groans. 

"Everyone knows the boys who tease the girls the most fancy them." Ron states like it's obvious and everyone around him is an idiot.

"That's like saying Malfoy's got a thing for Harry. Harry, do you think Malfoy has a thing for you?" you glance over at Harry and stare at him.

"What? No. That's... weird." Harry shivers to even think about that. "I'd prefer you never mention that again." He requests. You ignore him a moment.

"Besides, Ron. I'm related to you. Of course he hates me." you snort as you return to your meal. Ron shrugs without another word. 

#Harry Potter #harry potter x reader #harry x reader #harry potter fluff #harry potter angst #harry potter smut #harry potter universe #hogwarts #hermione granger #Ron Weasley #fred weasley #george weasley #weasley #x reader #reader insert #fan fic #witches #wizards #hermoine #ron

[chaoswillfallrpg]

EVAN ROSIER is TWENTY-NINE YEARS OLD and a SOLIDER AND ADVISOR in THE DARK LORD’S ARMY at THE DEATH EATER HEADQUATERS. He looks remarkably like AVAN JOGIA and considers himself aligned with THE DEATH EATERS. He is currently TAKEN. 

→ OVERVIEW:

tw: blood, death, murder

Pessimistic and vengeful, Evan Rosier is someone that many hold with respect and at a great distance. Easily angered, he holds bitterness towards the world, years of heart ache and bubbling inner turmoil only leaving him downcast and resentful. Though, the broken male has not always been filled with sarcasm, hatred and regret. While now his name strikes fear and panic into those that dare say it, once he had a caring heart though very few around him remember it. Born to AXEL and ADELE ROSIER, Evan was cherished from a young age. Loved by his parents, he was overly spoiled with the vast riches their family possessed. Dressed in fine clothes, he was adorned in velvet blacks, crisp shirts and held an air of entitlement that came with being a member of one of The Sacred Twenty Eight. Never left needing or wanting, everything he desired was easily at his fingertips. His youth was spent with his parents and sister ALEXANDRA, inhabiting their home in Kensington London while their father held high office as a high standing judge in Wizengamot. The family was highly respected, both within England and in France where they split their time. With family roots in Paris, the Rosier’s preferred to escape the often heaviness of London to their preferred city. Rooming along the side of the Seine, reveling in the sites and the atmosphere of a place that had always felt more like home. Only apparating to their second home in Lyon after visiting their family tomes. Joint in arm as they recited their family mantra to their ancestors: Si vous ne trouvez pas de chemin, faites-en un. If you can’t find a path make one.  

As the sole male air, Evan was expected to carry on the Rosier line. Compared to many of the sacred twenty eight, the Rosier siblings had a relatively ‘normal’ childhood. Unlike his other counterparts, the regulations he had to meet were reasonable. Stay out of trouble, marry well and produce a male air carry on the family name. Associate with other Pure-Blood’s and hold them in high regard. Above all else, respect the legacy in which you’re a part of; meaning no diluting the bloodline with dirty blood. His parents were traditionalists, while they didn’t hate Half-Bloods or Muggle-Borns as passionately as other purist families, they knew the legacy that they had to uphold and made sure to instill the same ideologies within both of their children. The Rosier family were known as being insular, it was rare to see them at functions and associating with many of the other twenty eight. It wasn’t because they didn’t value their company, rather they were simply more selective with their time. His father digressing his free time was of great value to him and he’d rather spent it with family. Instilling in both Evan and Alexandra that above all, family was the most important thing. Though they parted ways for the majority of the year when it came to school, the siblings remained close. Sending owls to one another from their respected schools and marveling at their differing experiences after their mother insisted on sending Alexandra to Beauxbatons. Their father agreed, only seeing it as a chance for them to interact with their future societal peers and establish strong connections for the family in both England and France. 

Sorted into Slytherin with his cousins BELLATRIX, ANDROMEDA and NARCISSA BLACK, Evan didn’t waste time in befriending like minded Pure-Bloods whom he knew his father would be content with. Namely, he found friends in a group of Slytherin’s orchestrated by his cousin Bella including: RODOLPHUS LESTRANGE, CASTOR WILKES, ASTAROTH SNYDE and EDRICK SELWYN. The group were notoriously feared thanks to his cousin. It wasn’t uncommon to see the Slytherin’s openly mocking Hufflepuffs and throwing a jinx at an unsuspecting Mudblood. His time had been running smoothly, his parents instilling hard work as an desirable trait; the eldest Rosier excelled in his classes. Only fitting for a boy who was fluent in English, French and Latin by the time he was merely eleven. Though as charming as his life had been, the summer between his sixth and seventh year changed Evan forever. Long gone was the once charming and witty male, left in its place a ghost of a boy. Summering in their home in Lyon as they waited for Alexandra to finish her term, Evan had been tending to the white rose bushes that adorned the property with his father. Leaving the scene only for a moment to retrieve a glass of lemonade for the pair, what waited for him upon his return was horrifying. To this day, Evan can only remember the series of events in fragments. The piercing screech of a gunshot, roses stained red, shattered glass and his father’s limp corpse sprawled on the grass. 

A part of Evan was stolen that day, he became bitter, grief consumed him leaving him tormented and riddled with nightmares. His mother was inconsolable and much as Alexandra tried, there was nothing that could ease their mother’s wails of agony at loosing her husband. Evan became absent, reclusive and full of rage. Betrayed by the very justice system Axel Rosier had served in, the Ministry deemed the murder as an accident. Instead ‘compensating’ the family for their loss and silence. Insisting the public knowledge that one of the highest ranking wizards in their society was murdered in his prime by a gang of muggles no less, would cause anarchy. In turn, they did nothing. Amid the heartache, there was one person that became a saving grace to Evan; Bellatrix. Though some who knew the situation - particularly Alexandra - would have deemed her as a heathen or more accurately one of the Erinyes praying on the vulnerable. Bella acted as a catalyst. Igniting an anger within him that only burned brighter with every passing day. From an outside perspective, some would say Bella ruined Evan. Prayed on his grief and used his anguish to boil it into something sinister. But in Evan’s mind, she saved him. Showed him what the world really was and how it could be. How it should be. Bellatrix spoke of a new world, a concept imagined by THE DARK LORD, where muggles knew their place and would be unable to hurt any other wizard again. It was that that captured Evan’s attention. Left betrayed by the Ministry who deemed muggles seemingly more important than one of their own, Evan longed for something more.

Days past and Evan’s mind only grew darker. Troubled by images of hooded figures, sleep was a luxury he never had. Horrors were painted on the back of his eye lids that he dared not close from fear of never escaping. He’d spend hours scrubbing his hands raw as if that would somehow erase the memories of blood from his mind. He grew bitter and sadistic. Love was not something he knew how to possess anymore and he didn’t want it, not if it only led to more pain. Instead he found distractions. Smoking cigarettes, drinking fire whiskey until his throat burned and sleeping with others equally as troubled and damaged as him; both parties only wanted to escape one thing, their heads at night. Granted it wasn’t healthy, but he was far past caring. One particular person that quickly became a part of his distractions was ANTONIN DOLOHOV. Both equally troubled, they came to a mutual agreement to use the other as they saw fit. A distraction without the repercussions of getting attached and over sharing. Though regrettably because of their evenings, Antonin has seen more of his broken heart and his insomnia than anyone else. Evan despises the vulnerability that comes with showing his weakness and torments, but still he can’t help but feel grateful for someone to hold onto at night when everything feels like it is cascading around him.

Though his sister has tired to talk sense into him and ease his grief, nothing seems to comfort his darkened heart. Family is the only thing he holds trust in now, while keeping everyone else at a safe distance in a meek attempt to somehow save guard the remaining pieces of his black heart from being ripped from his chest. Joining The Dark Lord’s army after the introduction from Bellatrix, it gave him a purpose that he so desperately craved and a way to channel the rage that had been boiling in his chest for years. Fighting and screaming as if that could bring upon his own form of justice for his father. Holding onto a raged dream that they could build a world where no wizard would be taken too soon by a mere filthy Muggle, they’d finally know their place. Wilkes became his right hand when it came to fulfilling the Dark Lord’s work. Tormenting Muggles, Mudbloods and Half-Bloods, bringing upon the change his cousin had instilled in him. Though while Evan held his suspicions of members namely SEVERUS SNAPE, the opportunity to finally bring change was upon them and he wasn’t letting the opportunity slip through his fingers. Evan planned on making his own justice as if that could be penance for his father. One day under the new rain of the Dark Lord, he’d finally get what he longed for. Fire would rain and he’d gladly bask in the embers.

→ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Blood Status → Pure-blood

Pronouns → He/Him

Identification → Cis Male 

Sexuality  → Homosexual

Relationship Status → Single

Previous Education →  Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Slytherin)

Family → Axel Rosier (deceased father), Adele Rosier (mother), Alexandra Rosier (sister), Cygnus Black (uncle), Druella Black (aunt), Bellatrix Black (cousin/close friend), Andromeda Black (cousin), Narcissa Black (cousin)

Connections  → Castor Wilkes (best friend), Rodolphus Lestrange (close friend), Astaroth Snyde (close friend), Edrick Selwyn (close friend), Antonin Dolohov (friend/romantic liaison/potential love interest), Lucius Malfoy (friend), Severus Snape (adversary)

Future Information → N/A

EVAN ROSIER IS A LEVEL 8 WIZARD.

#evan rosier #avan jogia #death eater rp #harry potter rp #death eater rpg #death eater #dark lords army #magic #tw: death #tw: blood #tw: murder #taken death eater #taken wizard #taken #taken lgbtqia+

[ballerinaroy]

thoughts from a survivor

He’d thought it before, the first time around. How young they’d all looked. In comparison those sitting here now were infants. Constantly he fought the urge to curse the bright looks out of their eyes.

Aberforth Dumbledore in the second war.

Read on Ao3

Did they know of what happened of those before them? The fate of those who had taken the torch in the first war? The lives of the people whos chairs they fill with no regard for the reverence of empty space?

So few of them had made it to the second. One by one picked off with equally terrible deaths.

“Fools,” Mad-Eye would growl when laughter dominated their meetings. “All of them.”

This Aberforth could agree with. They were all fools, even he, to think their efforts would be enough to spare their lives. Perhaps they were the only ones to understand it. They were among the few who could see the ghosts of the Order before them.

Did they know their fate too?

One day this war would be over, because, in the end, only one side could prevail. If it were anything like last time, half of the seats of the table would be empty. Lives cut off. Too young to even know what they were giving up.

He’d thought it before, the first time around. How young they’d all looked. In comparison those sitting here now were infants. Constantly he fought the urge to curse the bright looks out of their eyes.

And then there was the Potter boy and those friends of him. Not even of age and Albus was sending them to their fate. Aberforth knew the prophecy, he’d overheard what had been whispered in his own establishment. Of a boy born in July who would be the only one with the power to defeat Riddle.

But he’d never understood his bother’s ability to ignore everyone else’s feelings for the sake of his own plan. They were children, accomplished children, sure, but too young to have a fate thrust upon them.

“In case of my death,” Albus said, just weeks before it, passing a broken mirror across the table.

“Are you planning on dying?” Aberforth replied, pocketing the mirror.

“At my age, it would be foolish planning otherwise,” Albus answered.

Aberforth made a point of looking at his hand, crusted and dying. Aberforth had spent too long running an unsavory pub not to notice the signs. But he wouldn’t argue, he never had.

“What’s it for?” he asked of the mirror.

“Mr. Potter has the other half, should he desperately need help I expect he’ll call upon it."

“You don’t trust me,” Aberforth accused, even as he pocketed the mirror.

“You’ve never wanted to be in my confidence.”

They never spoke again.

Estrangement was a strong word for them. It implied a relationship prior, something to break. Albus had always been too busy for them, too bright. Even as a boy Albus had had no interest in his younger brother. The shared the same name and parents but their bond was never deeper. Particularly when Albus pledged himself to the study of magic and Aberforth his loyalty to his family.

Perhaps if Albus hadn’t been his brother he could have been remarkable. But it was hard for any sort of brilliance to penetrate his brother’s shadow. So Aberforth had found a way to make himself comfortable in the background, figured out a way to make himself unseen. He emerged only when needed, did his job and volunteered for nothing more.

The ministry had fallen, the order shortly after. Chaos because his brother had never trusted enough people with enough secrets. He’d promised to mind the mirror and nothing more. Aberforth didn’t make promises he couldn’t keep.

It was everyone’s responsibility to fight against Voldemort and he would do his part just as he had before. Not with the meetings and secret plotting but with information and overheard conversations. A pub was the perfect place for him, unsuspecting, simple. His job was to serve his customers, provide them with a place where they could feel at ease enough to have loose tongues and report back his findings to whoever asked.

Less and less people asked. More and more died. Potter never called and Aberforth saw his mission as complete.

And then, as Aberforth ate alone one evening, a ghost appeared in his sister’s portrait and climbed down his mantle.

“Longbottom, Neville Longbottom sir,” the boy said and even as he spoke Aberforth could see his father in his hungered face.

“And what you here for?”

But it was obvious, from the way he stared hungrily at the scraps on his side table.

“They not feeding you at the school, boy?” Aberforth growled, pushing the plate towards him and standing.

“It’s not safe for us to go to meals,” the boy explained even as he shamelessly sat in the empty chair and shoved an entire mouthful in his hands. “And we don’t know how to conjure food-“

“You can’t conjure food,” Aberforth snapped from the stove, lighting the burner with his wand and summoning more meat from the icebox. “Don’t they teach you anything at that school, boy?”

Neville flushed but didn’t say anything. Aberforth passed him a glass of mead.

“How many are there of you, hiding out?” he asked.

“Half a dozen,” he answered, “But our numbers are just going to grow once they realize we’re not getting caught.”

Aberforth shook his head, but had nothing more to say. The remains of his meal were demolished before he could make him a proper plate and when he set it before the weaning boy, he scarcely cut his meat before shoving it into his mouth.

“You’re Dumbledore’s brother, aren’t you?” Neville asked when he’d swallowed.

“Aye,” he answered. “Aberforth Dumbledore, at your service.”

Neville reached out and shook his hand as if just remembering his manners. “Has this passage been here long?”

“You’re the first to impose yourself,” he grunted. “I suppose things must be bad at the school if it’s sending it’s students to a pub.”

The boy nodded, taking another swig of mead. “Think it’ll hold long enough to get us out?”

“And where would you go?” he said harshly. “Nowhere is safe and so long as you’re certain those monsters the Carrows can’t get in, you’re as safe there as you would be anywhere.”

Neville didn’t flinch at his tone but nodded thoughtfully. “We can’t survive without food. I suppose Gran could start sending rations here-“

He couldn’t help his burst of laughter. “Augusta showing her face around here would be just as bad as that Potter boy coming round for a pint.”

“Well, then how do you suppose we survive then?” Neville asked and though his tone was calm Aberforth could tell he was getting under the boy’s skin.

“I run a pub, don’t I? No one’s going to blink if I put in an extra food order a week.” Said Aberforth trying not to feel stung at the look of surprise on the boy’s face. Did he really think that he wouldn’t help? “How many do you think’ll join you?”

He couldn’t save them, but he could do his part to make sure that their children didn’t die before getting a chance to raise their wands.

#Aberforth Dumbledore #Neville Longbottom #harry potter fanfiction #fanfiction

[angielou7]

My Father’s Demons

The drive home from the airport was a stark difference in comparison to the drive there. The silence that had dared us to defy it had boarded that airplane with my father. Now, my mother, baby sister and I were on our way home. WITHOUT HIM! Silence no longer ruled in our realm. The windows were down, the radio was blaring southern gospel music and my mama was singing along. She let me sit up front and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was so beautiful. I can close my eyes to this day and see her as though there is a polaroid in the forefront of my mind. Her hair with its rich Cherokee heritage was untamed by the wind’s embrace. Her dark, freckle sprayed complexion could make the mythical Aphrodite mad with envy. And those eyes, so warm with love and affection for her children, for my sister, for me. She would look over at me from time to time as though every word she was singing was just for me and I knew that it was. When she turned the radio down my stomach twisted inside me. I knew she wanted to talk about events that I had been witness to over the past few weeks. Things I had tried so hard to erase from my mind. She started with an apology. An APOLOGY! Why is she apologizing for what my father did to her? For what HE did to the man in the car? I tried to tell her, “Mama, it wasn’t your fault.” but, she wouldn’t listen. She was ashamed that she hadn’t left him, but she was afraid of what he might do if she tried to. It was at that moment, at five and a half years old that she first told me why she was too scared to leave my father. Over the years I have heard the story many times, but I only really needed to hear it once for it to be branded onto the fabric of who I am. Before I tell you that story let me give you a little background on my upbringing in the Pentecostal Faith. My paternal grandparents, James W. Wilkins Sr. and Darlene Wilkins(yes, my father’s parents)were Pentecostal. My Papa Wilkins was an evangelist, pastor, preacher and a teacher until the day he died. My Nana Wilkins was the organist for his ministry. They had two biological sons and in addition they raised two of my half-brothers. They were both beautiful, warm and loving people who dedicated their lives to the ministry. My maternal grandparents, Bunnie and Nellie Lee, were poor sharecroppers who worked the cotton fields of Dothan Alabama along with their eight children, two boys and six girls(of which my mother was the second youngest). Papa and Granny Lee moved to Florida when their children were young and they settled in an area known as Plant City. There they attended a small church known as Southside Pentecostal Church of God. It is this church that I grew up in as my family attended this church until I married at seventeen. As far back as I can remember it was normal to have a deliverance during a church service. Our pastor, Sister Edna Mae Royster, was truly a woman of God and she was gifted with many gifts one of which being discernment. If someone came to church and they were possessed by an evil spirit she and the elders of the church would pray and cast it out of the person. There would always be one elder who would come around to the children and anoint our heads with oil while praying that the blood of Jesus would cover and keep us lest the evil spirit try to possess one of us. I have seen so many things as a Pentecostal that would be hard for anyone who is not Pentecostal to believe. I recall one instance where a woman, who could not have weighed more than one hundred and ten pounds, physically threw four grown men who were not so small, across the room before the spirits were cast out and she expelled the evidence of them into a garbage can in the form of vomit. I feel that it is imperative as I tell my story that you know I have never been sheltered from the reality that evil exists and that we are in a constant battle with it regardless of age, race, religion, gender or relation. With that in mind, please understand that my mother was attempting to prepare me for battle that day by equipping me with the knowledge of what we were really fighting. It was not my father, but an evil that had such a stronghold on him it would eventually take him to his grave. My mama started by telling me that she loved me and that she knew my daddy did too. Then I watched as she gathered her composure and prayed for God to help me understand what she was about to tell me. This story took place shortly after I was born. My mother had not long been filled with the Holy Ghost during one of my Papa Wilkins’ tent revivals. She was excited and full of joy as a result of a renewed relationship with God after falling away from her faith for a while. While my mother was finding her way back to God, my father was reconnecting with a friend of his who was a minister himself and the two of them had become inseparable. Little did my mother know that they were two scheming con-men who were preying on unsuspecting people who attended this “Minister’s” revival services. This man was holding a tent revival in the heart of Tampa every night and, after very lively and exciting performances, he would instruct my father to take up an offering. The offering was portrayed as a way to help feed and clothe the poor and homeless in the area so people would give even when they really couldn’t afford to give. On the last night of the revival my father insisted that they all stay in a suite at the motel across the street from the tent and “celebrate their success”. My mama said that she had gone to the room as soon as the service was over so that she could nurse me and put me to bed. Shortly after putting me down on a pallet beside the bed she heard my father, the “minister” and a woman come in the door. They were laughing and carrying on and she immediately knew they were all intoxicated. She was shocked to see that the minister was with a woman she recognized as his piano player and not his wife, whom she had met on several other occasions. My mother was in shock that this man, who presented himself as a minister of God, would be so irreverent and cruel, not to mention evil. He had fleeced God’s people for profit and she wanted no part of it. My father, on the other hand, insisted that she join them in their jubilation and libations. She refused. Her refusal was more than a dark cloud raining on their triumphant celebration, it was an embarrassment to him that she had disobeyed his order in front of these people. He punched her in the face, knocking her to the floor. He then excused himself to his friends and pulled her to the bedroom by the hair on her head. Once there he proceeded with her punishment, blow after blow until he could no longer stand. At that point he undressed and passed out on the bed. With me still asleep on the pallet by the bed, my mother tried to muffle her cries as she crawled over me and eased onto her side of the bed. She reached into the bedside table and took out the Gideon’s Bible that had been placed there and she started to read. She took turns reading, then praying both in silence for fear she might wake him. She didn’t understand why this was her lot in life. She didn’t understand why this man couldn’t be the charming, charismatic man that she loved all of the time. Mostly she didn’t understand how she could not have seen this side of him before she tied her life to him forever by having his child. No, that is not right. This is her child. I am her child. As she sat there making that silent declaration in her spirit, he sat up instantly, eyes wide and head turned toward her. He started speaking, but the voices coming from him were none his. She recalled a child’s voice, a woman’s voice and a malevolent voice as he asked her, “Who am I?”. With all of the strength she could muster she replied, “You are Skip.”. Again and again he asked “Who am I?” and each time she would reply “You are Skip.” Then all of the voices faded with the exception of the malevolent one and he looked in her eye and demanded, “I said, WHO AM I?”. At that moment she knew to who it was she was speaking and it was not my father so she answered, “You are Satan!”. He replied, “That’s right. I have got him and I will soon have you.”. My mama defied him as though she was standing on the shoulders of a giant facing down a measly ant when, in all actuality, she felt it was the other way around. With the backbone of Samson she told that demon, “You will NEVER have me. I belong to God”. The demon replied, “Oh yeah? Watch this. I can make him do anything I want him to.”. That is when my father got up from the bed and walked around to the side where I lay sleeping on the floor. He picked his foot up and put it on my head and said to my mama, “I can make him do anything I want him to do. I can make him crush her head with his foot if I want to.” That is when my beautiful, beaten, skinny little mama told the demon that she and I were covered by the blood of Jesus and “Satan, you can’t cross the bloodline!”. Immediately he removed his foot from my head and walked back to his side of the bed and laid down without another word. Mama said that when he woke up the next morning he did not remember any of what had happened, but she did....

#domesticviolence #mystory #demonicpossession #abuse #writer #installment4

[ringthatbell]

Ghosts From The Past || Self Para

It was early morning when the wizard heard the thumping coming from downstairs – loud, purposeful knocks on his front door. Half asleep, Alec assumed that it may have been Elsie since he hadn’t seen her come in the night before. It was a weird hour to assume she’d be knocking at, but his groggy mind didn’t focus too much on that. Besides, it didn’t seem too out of character for his sister. He quickly pulled on a t-shirt and some jeans before running down the stairs and opening the door. At first, he was a little taken back by the bright light before his gaze managed to focus on the two figures that stood before him. “Alec Bell?” They asked, and he responded with a tentative nod of his head. Before he knew it, he was being pinned against the interior wall of his own home, hands secured behind his back. “We’re going to ask you a few questions, and you’re going to come quietly – without making a scene.” Alec couldn’t help but feel that this constituted them making a scene, but he didn’t say anything to that effect. Instead, he simply nodded.

             “I’ll offer all the assistance I can.” He said, and the grip on him loosened and a hand rested on his shoulder, guiding him toward the other ministry wizard. Alec wasn’t worried, there wasn’t anything against him. Though, he couldn’t help but feel that these wizards were needlessly aggressive in their approach. He’d have suggested they simmer down if he thought it would have anything but negative consequences.

             It didn’t take long for the wizards to lead him to the station in which they detailed their plans to question him. He was placed in a white brick room. He was alone at first – that only lasted around five minutes before he was joined once again by the two wizards. They were carrying a brown file. Alec couldn’t quite make out the name of the file from this distance, but when it was set on the table in front of him, he saw that it read Confirmed Death Eater Activity. It looked somewhat unofficial, yet it had the Ministry’s seal on it. It had numerous tabs throughout the file of what seemed to be name after name of what Alec could only assume were confirmed Death Eaters. “Mr. Bell, when were you last in contact with your brother, Elliot?” It seemed like a weird question to Alec. It hit a nerve, of course.

             “My brother is dead.” As far as he and anyone else in his family knew. Why would they bring it up now? “He has been for years.” Alec couldn’t even remember the last time he had spoken to his brother, the conversation had been so insignificant. Of course, had he known that was going to be the last time he spoke to him, he might have said something more prominent – something that meant something to the both of them.

             The aurors’ eyes narrowed at this answer, and though they didn’t outright accuse him of lying, their expressions and tone of voice implied otherwise. “Your brother was last seen two weeks ago, slaughtering a town of muggles with other individuals suspected to be followers of Lord Voldemort.” Alec felt his whole body grow cold and still. The hair on his arms stood up and his eyes widened. He wasn’t sure how to process this information. It couldn’t have been Elliot – he would never associate with those people, much less participate in the mass murder of muggles. They were, without a doubt, wrong about this. But, if they weren’t, then Elliot was alive. He felt a mix of feelings stirring within him. Were they wrong? Was he wrong? A photo was placed in front of him after the wizards obviously determined that Alec was not going to reply to their other comment. “This,” one of them began, “is Elliot, is it not?”

             Alec’s eyes lingered on the photo. The first thing he saw was the bloodied figure of what was unmistakably his brother. Crimson liquid dripped down his arm in the photo, as he lifted his wand and cast the killing curse – not at a muggle, but at another wizard who was pursuing him. The scene was undeniable. It was Elliot. But, it wasn’t the Elliot that Alec knew. He couldn’t process the photo properly. He felt deep worry for his brother – concern both for his physical well-being after seeing him so hurt – and for any situation he had got himself into. Yet, he still couldn’t quite believe it. “This couldn’t have been two weeks ago.” Alec protested, his voice almost shaking. “My brother is dead.” The disbelief in his voice was still evident, though it was clearly breaking some.

             “Mr. Bell, we have been pursuing your brother and his accomplices for quite some time. We have reason to believed that you are involved in an effort to cover his disappearance and in consequence are thus a believer in Voldemort’s cause.” Alec’s gaze finally moved from the photo that sat on the table in front of him, meeting the other wizard’s gaze. Was he serious? A believer in Voldemort’s cause? While he couldn’t speak for Elliot’s state of mind, he was absolutely certain of his own.

             “I thought my brother was dead.” He repeated, thinking it absolutely insane that they were still insisting that he had known his brother was alive. “I didn’t cover anything up. My family has been mourning him for years.” He explained, though before he could continue his comments, they interjected.

             “Just your family?” One of them asked, as if they’d suddenly caught him out on something. Alec couldn’t quite believe that they’d be stupid enough to even imply such things.

             “All of us. Myself included.” There really shouldn’t have been a need to clarify that, and yet here he was, practically defending himself against these individuals. Of course he hadn’t actually been accused of anything but the way they were speaking to him truly made him think they were about to charge him with being a follower of Voldemort’s. If he was honest, the thought made him sick. In fact, even his brother being aligned with them – supposedly – made him sick to his stomach. Alec still couldn’t fully comprehend the idea of his brother being alive – that picture could have been taken at any time – so he wasn’t sure whether the feeling came from the two wizards attempting to spoil the memory of Elliot or from the potential truth that he had aligned himself with Voldemort. A moment of silence passed before Alec met their gaze. “Do you have more pictures?” He asked, needing to see for himself – more proof. “Of Elliot.” Further clarifying, so the wizards knew just what he was asking. Alec could have sworn he saw a smirk pull on the corner’s of one of the men’s lips but just a moment it was gone. The file opened once more and another photo was placed beside the first. This one was unmistakably recent – the snow that lined the ground and the lights that hung from the rooves of houses marked the picture as at least December. It might not have been the December just gone, but he certainly looked older – hardened, even. And there, as his arm extended to point his wand at an unsuspecting figure, Alec saw what was before obscured by the blood that had been smeared over his arm. It was dark, embedded in the skin. The skull and the snake were immediately recognisable.

             An audible gasp passed through his lips – disbelief. But Alec knew that last he had seen his brother, there had been no mark on his forearm. Nothing but bare skin. No. It couldn’t be. Was someone controlling him? Forcing him to do this? Or, was he doing it out of his own desires? The question lacked a definitive answer, but the smirk that animated his brother’s face in the photo would suggest the latter to be true. He could feel his eyes begin to sting and he clenched his jaw in an effort to remain somewhat in control. His gaze flitted between the two photos, not even bothering to look at the other wizards. “That will be all for now, Mr. Bell.” One of the men cleared his throat before reaching for the photos and taking them away from Alec’s line of sight. He wouldn’t need them to remember those images anyway – they would be etched into his memories for a long time. “Should we need anything further from you, we expect you to be available and cooperative.” They stood up and made their way to the door at the far end of the room. “You’re free to go.” The door remained open but the two men disappeared from sight.

            Alec could barely move. All he could think about was his brother – he was out there somewhere. But did Alec want to see him if the pictures rung even the slightest bit true?

#self para #[ yeah idk man ]

[gospellighthouseofprayer]

Whyte House Family Devotions #355 (05/12/18): "The Need for Wisdom," by Billy Graham

https://soundcloud.com/danielwhyteiii/whyte-house-family-devotions-355-051218-the-need-for-wisdom-by-billy-graham

My family and I have had morning devotions, or family altar as some people call it, every day ever since my wife, Meriqua, and I were married 30 years ago. We have prayed and read the Bible together as well as other devotional books as a family, and it is the only reason why this family has stayed together, and the only reason why God has blessed our family and used our family in ministry all of these years. We read Ephesians 5 and 6 every morning as it relates to the role of each member of the family and how that we need to put on the whole armor of God to fight against the devil who is seeking to destroy our family and all Christian families, churches, and Christians. So, now after 30 years of doing this in our home, we are opening this up to others who don't have a family to pray with, who don't have a spouse, or who are single by choice, and to encourage all families who are still intact to go back to the family altar and have devotions together every morning. In these devotions, you may hear me deal with a temptation I'm facing in my life, you may hear me rebuke my wife about not doing what she should be doing, or you may hear me get on one of my children's cases about something they're doing. Don't be shocked; this is real life. SING "DOXOLOGY" Praise God from Whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Amen Billy Graham said, “There are those today that say we must do as others do, that we must conform to the world to win it, that we must swim with the tide, that we must move with the crowd. But the believer should say, ‘No.’” ------ PRAY "THE NEW COMMON PRAYER" Almighty and most merciful Father; We have sinned, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no peace and joy in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou us, O God, who confess our sins, our faults, and our failures. Restore those of us who confess our sins and repent; According to Thy promises declared unto us in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life. To the glory of Thy holy Name. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. ------ EPHESIANS 6:12-13 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stephen J. Cole writes in his commentary on this passage: "Satan also uses deception when he tempts us to sin. He always portrays sin as attractive and fulfilling. He convinces us that a particular sin will meet needs that God has not met. Are you single and desiring a mate? Have you prayed, but God has not answered? Satan comes along and says, ‘Here is an attractive young man [or woman] for you!’ You ask, ‘Is he [or she] a committed believer in Jesus Christ?’ The devil says, ‘No, but look at how nice he is. He treats you well! You know supposedly Christian men that abuse their wives, so being a Christian is no guarantee of getting a loving mate. Besides, you aren’t committing to marry him. Just go out with him and see how it goes.’ And so the unsuspecting get lured into premarital sex and marriage to a nice unbeliever! “Satan uses the same deceptive tactics to lure married believers into adultery. You’re having problems in your marriage, and along comes the most understanding, sympathetic, and attractive person! Whereas your husband never listens to you, this man always listens. Whereas your wife never responds to you sexually, this gorgeous woman is ready and willing! Be forewarned! The devil is powerful because he is a deceptive schemer." ------- PRAYER ------- DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE: Psalm 139:7-12 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Regarding this passage, Matthew Henry writes: “We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend.” --------- PRAYER FOR THE ESTATES 1. Family 2. Clergy (church) 3. Government 4. People (citizens) 5. The press (media) 6. New media/Online journalists PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT LEADERS 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." President Donald Trump and his administration Vice President Mike Pence First Lady Melania Trump Second Lady Karen Pence All White House staff including: Special Counsel to the President Ann M. Donaldson All leaders of federal agencies including: United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa All state governors including: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker All city mayors including: Crescent City, FL, Mayor Joseph Santa All members of Congress including: Florida Representative Ted Yoho All law enforcement officials including: Crescent City, FL, Police Chief Angelo Damiano All military leaders including: Defense Secretary James Mattis / Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley Leaders of nations around the world including: The Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte The peace of Jerusalem PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE / CITIZENS PRAYER FOR THE MEDIA PRAYER FOR CURRENT EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD - For the safety of the people of Kenya who are suffering from extreme flooding; for the comfort of the families of those who have been killed - For the safety and protection of the people of Congo where a new ebola outbreak has been reported. - For the protection of the people of Hawaii who have been displaced because of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes PRAYER REQUESTS Rajiv please bless their ministry to children who lost their parents to HIV and bless the church planting outreach, school, widows ministry, Gospel meetings, pastors conference, and social work; enable them to reach all of Odisha state with the Gospel and turn all of India to You Bhima please provide them with the money they need to build orphanages and plant churches; bless the seminary students and teachers with all that they need Bushebi Please bless the reopening of their Bible school and protect the students; protect and provide for the people suffering in Kenya and Somalia because of floods; help Timothy to recover completely THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR Frank Joshua Lucas THOSE WHO HAVE RECOMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST Anne Celestino Bryce DEVOTIONAL READING: “The Need for Wisdom,” by Billy Graham Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. ” “Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going? “The answer is ‘no.’ We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Now, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, allow me to show you how you can place your faith and trust in Him for Salvation from sin and Hell. First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death…" Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Now that is bad news, but here's the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:9 & 13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen. If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to congratulate you on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Until next time, May the Lord Bless You!

[blackchristiannewswire]

LISTEN: Whyte House Family Devotions #355 (05/12/18): "The Need for Wisdom," by Billy Graham

https://soundcloud.com/danielwhyteiii/whyte-house-family-devotions-355-051218-the-need-for-wisdom-by-billy-graham

[caption id="attachment_40916" align="alignleft" width="156"] Daniel Whyte III[/caption] My family and I have had morning devotions, or family altar as some people call it, every day ever since my wife, Meriqua, and I were married 30 years ago. We have prayed and read the Bible together as well as other devotional books as a family, and it is the only reason why this family has stayed together, and the only reason why God has blessed our family and used our family in ministry all of these years. We read Ephesians 5 and 6 every morning as it relates to the role of each member of the family and how that we need to put on the whole armor of God to fight against the devil who is seeking to destroy our family and all Christian families, churches, and Christians. So, now after 30 years of doing this in our home, we are opening this up to others who don't have a family to pray with, who don't have a spouse, or who are single by choice, and to encourage all families who are still intact to go back to the family altar and have devotions together every morning. In these devotions, you may hear me deal with a temptation I'm facing in my life, you may hear me rebuke my wife about not doing what she should be doing, or you may hear me get on one of my children's cases about something they're doing. Don't be shocked; this is real life. SING "DOXOLOGY" Praise God from Whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Amen Billy Graham said, “There are those today that say we must do as others do, that we must conform to the world to win it, that we must swim with the tide, that we must move with the crowd. But the believer should say, ‘No.’” ------ PRAY "THE NEW COMMON PRAYER" Almighty and most merciful Father; We have sinned, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no peace and joy in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou us, O God, who confess our sins, our faults, and our failures. Restore those of us who confess our sins and repent; According to Thy promises declared unto us in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life. To the glory of Thy holy Name. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. ------ EPHESIANS 6:12-13 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stephen J. Cole writes in his commentary on this passage: "Satan also uses deception when he tempts us to sin. He always portrays sin as attractive and fulfilling. He convinces us that a particular sin will meet needs that God has not met. Are you single and desiring a mate? Have you prayed, but God has not answered? Satan comes along and says, ‘Here is an attractive young man [or woman] for you!’ You ask, ‘Is he [or she] a committed believer in Jesus Christ?’ The devil says, ‘No, but look at how nice he is. He treats you well! You know supposedly Christian men that abuse their wives, so being a Christian is no guarantee of getting a loving mate. Besides, you aren’t committing to marry him. Just go out with him and see how it goes.’ And so the unsuspecting get lured into premarital sex and marriage to a nice unbeliever! “Satan uses the same deceptive tactics to lure married believers into adultery. You’re having problems in your marriage, and along comes the most understanding, sympathetic, and attractive person! Whereas your husband never listens to you, this man always listens. Whereas your wife never responds to you sexually, this gorgeous woman is ready and willing! Be forewarned! The devil is powerful because he is a deceptive schemer." ------- PRAYER ------- DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE: Psalm 139:7-12 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Regarding this passage, Matthew Henry writes: “We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend.” --------- PRAYER FOR THE ESTATES 1. Family 2. Clergy (church) 3. Government 4. People (citizens) 5. The press (media) 6. New media/Online journalists PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT LEADERS 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." President Donald Trump and his administration Vice President Mike Pence First Lady Melania Trump Second Lady Karen Pence All White House staff including: Special Counsel to the President Ann M. Donaldson All leaders of federal agencies including: United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa All state governors including: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker All city mayors including: Crescent City, FL, Mayor Joseph Santa All members of Congress including: Florida Representative Ted Yoho All law enforcement officials including: Crescent City, FL, Police Chief Angelo Damiano All military leaders including: Defense Secretary James Mattis / Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley Leaders of nations around the world including: The Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte The peace of Jerusalem PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE / CITIZENS PRAYER FOR THE MEDIA PRAYER FOR CURRENT EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD - For the safety of the people of Kenya who are suffering from extreme flooding; for the comfort of the families of those who have been killed - For the safety and protection of the people of Congo where a new ebola outbreak has been reported. - For the protection of the people of Hawaii who have been displaced because of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes PRAYER REQUESTS Rajiv please bless their ministry to children who lost their parents to HIV and bless the church planting outreach, school, widows ministry, Gospel meetings, pastors conference, and social work; enable them to reach all of Odisha state with the Gospel and turn all of India to You Bhima please provide them with the money they need to build orphanages and plant churches; bless the seminary students and teachers with all that they need Bushebi Please bless the reopening of their Bible school and protect the students; protect and provide for the people suffering in Kenya and Somalia because of floods; help Timothy to recover completely THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR Frank Joshua Lucas THOSE WHO HAVE RECOMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST Anne Celestino Bryce DEVOTIONAL READING: “The Need for Wisdom,” by Billy Graham Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. ” “Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going? “The answer is ‘no.’ We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Now, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, allow me to show you how you can place your faith and trust in Him for Salvation from sin and Hell. First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death…" Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Now that is bad news, but here's the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:9 & 13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen. If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to congratulate you on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Until next time, May the Lord Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books including the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com national bestseller, Letters to Young Black Men. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University's Rawlings School of Divinity (formerly Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary). He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

#christian #devotion #family #pray #prayer