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lazyheretic-blog · 5 years

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Be yourself, until you bleed

Lucifer burst through a wall, wincing as his skinned knuckles complained, and spluttering indelicately through the cloud of plaster dust. She was hot on his heels, the detective, swimming in his slipstream, brandishing a pistol in one hand and a flashlight in the other.

Ahead of them a door slammed. In the dark warehouse - if there had been any observers but the rats scampering away - it would have been relatively easy to see what the stumbling man ahead had been fleeing from.

Two points of red light in a pale face, framed by darkness, and an aura of barely contained existential fury.

The detective caught up to him and put a placating hand on his arm.

'A cupboard,' she said in a low voice, jerking her chin to indicate the door ahead of them. 'No point tearing the door down, he's got nowhere to go.'

Electrical cupboard

Warning: 10,000v

Risk of death

Lucifer narrowed his eyes, and his lips curved in an unpleasant smile. 'Right you are, detective. No point rushing this when we can have a little fun with our... miscreant.'

She rolled her eyes and huffed. 'Get behind me, Lucifer. And no staring at my ass, I need you to focus.'

He looked at her, and paused for a split second longer than necessary. Then he licked his lips and complied with a slight mocking bow.

She raised the gun. The world exploded.

....

Elaine found that the universe ran itself, mostly. The omniscience thing was really too much trouble. Why bother, if one isn't going to change anything anyway? The previous incumbent had his Plan so foresight was a given. She and Lucifer (mostly Lucifer) had blithely derailed the Plan completely, so calculating all possible actions and interactions of everything everywhere in order to see ahead more than a few minutes just seemed utterly pointless, and a massive headache. Oh, now and then she was goaded into deflecting a few asteroids away from inhabited planets and occasionally teased nebulae into amusing shapes, but nothing serious. Nothing too interfere-y. She spent much of the time in a state of dispersal, cozily intertwined with every atom in existence, experiencing and connected as though in a dream.

A tricky state to maintain, as an ex-sixteen year old schoolgirl, without losing one's sense of self. It was far too tempting to look for her old friends, her tribe, focus in on the details of their lives and want to make things right for them, but such a bad idea in every way. Dispersing for a while helped to ease the urges, until the temptation was gone, at some un-predetermined time in the future. Until they were... dead.

Ouch. A heavy obligation that Lucifer had demanded from her, when he'd taught her all about universes and such. When he'd haughtily declined his father's will that he inherit it all, and passed it over to his naive young niece in favour of quitting existence. Or just this universe. She was a bit hazy on the details.

She had, as a concession of sorts, attached a sort of thread to each person. Sort of a tracker. Not really like either of those things, but if something dire were to happen to anyone she personally cared about (as Elaine Belloc - as God she obviously cared about everyone) it would sort of tug at the back of her mind and she might go and have a quick look. Just to be certain.

Out of all of them one was on her mind the most, probably, even more than her father. She could have made another Lucifer, or another Michael, with extreme ease but it wouldn't have felt right. Disrespectful to the point of being sacreligious, even. Being God didn't change that.

Elaine shifted on the sun lounger, currently inhabiting a bubble dimension in a sunny garden in Islington, London. Around her, hazy and silent but for birdsong, three young children threw a softball for a yellow puppy that sniffed curiously then completely avoided an apparently empty patch of air in the middle of their garden. To spoil the effect, and give Elaine a slight metaphysical headache, two of the children immediately ran straight through her.

She winced again as a thread gave a sharp tweak.

She sighted along the line. It was unfamiliar, and the soul at the end of it was fizzling and spitting, like a candle flame guttering out. Had she placed it wrong? Had she, Elaine wondered with a strong twinge of guilt, forgotten someone? Whoever it was was on a pretty fast track to the afterlife.

She snatched them as they pinged past her, and set them - him - down gently on a second wooden chair, hastily stuffed with cushions.

Perhaps she had got this one wrong after all. He strongly resembled someone, if she squinted and ignored the hair, eyes, stubble and tan. There was some kind of power present, a faint angelic aura, so perhaps he had been like her - a mix of human and angel. Nice suit, too.

His eyelids fluttered, and he brought a hand up to rub at them. He stared at her blearily through smudged black eyeliner.

'Tea?' She asked brightly. Damn, the resemblance tugged at her heart. But surely Lucifer had been utterly disinclined, even violently opposed, to the idea of procreation. He didn't even have the right bits, apparently. So she'd heard.

'You're British,' he said accusingly, after a pause for some kind of mental readjustment.

She gave him an impish smile. 'Did the accent give me away?'

'No,' he said, still frowning. 'The tea. Haven't had a decent cup in yonks. They all insist on microwaving it with the bag in.'

She poured him out a cup, suppressing an un-Godlike shudder. 'Barbaric.'

He nodded, and took the cup from her delicately. The fragrant bergamot appeared to help him find some centre of calm, and he inhaled deeply several times before finally turning to face her directly.

Elaine preempted him. 'I'll be honest,' she said. 'I'm not sure who you are, exactly. You remind me of someone I used to know-'

'Lucifer Morningstar,' he interrupted her. 'Delighted, at your service, et cetera, thank you ever so much for the tea, but I have a pressing matter to attend to and I'm afraid I really can't stick around to chin wag...' he trailed off. 'What? Is there something on my face?'

Lucifer?

In utter shock, she reached for him with her metaphysical fingers and rifled through his being for the truth.

Several short years' worth of memories tangled up in tatters of powers ancient and unkind; a vast, dark, yawning trench. Peering closer, she winced at glimpses of ugly obscenities wreathed in chains, snarling and struggling as they faded in and out of sight. A gleaming mote of light brushed against her as it ascended to the surface; a tiny iota of compassion, forged in that vast, inhuman depth. There were others, too, so small but so important, rising to join the thin atmosphere of light at the surface.

'If you've quite finished fingering me?' he cut in abruptly. His eyes were a shocking red, flashing with indignation as Elaine pulled back.

So... not human, not in the slightest. Demons had no souls, so. Angel, then. Could he really be...?

He didn't remember her. Had no more than a handful of years of memories, almost no power, and a vast, yawning chasm in his soul. What in the actual Hell, excuse her French?

'Who in Dad's bloody name do you think you are?' he demanded. Clenched his fists and glared.

Damn, those micro expressions, so painfully human-seeming she could cry. Her uncle Lucifer had a repertoire of maybe three facial expressions; stone cold, haughty, and furious, but his motives and intentions were unchanging and eternal. This man, wearing his heart raw on his tailored sleeve, was a stranger. Unreadable even as he was highly expressive.

Wait... Dad?

How was this hollow angel be unaware that his creator was gone?

'I apologise,' she said with genuine remorse. 'I didn't think you would notice if I took a quick look. It was wrong of me. We're in a bubble outside time, so if you don't mind I have a few questions?'

He seemed mollified, and inclined his head in gracious acquiescence.

'I knew Lucifer Morningstar,' she began, 'some time ago. He rescued me from a... bad situation.' Understatement of the millennia. 'He had blond hair and golden eyes, and all the emotional depth of a puddle. But his piano playing could break your heart.'

He cocked his head quizzically. 'Thank you, I think.'

'And he had enough power to will the universe out of existence. He hijacked Naglfar from Valhalla to bring my friends to save me. He was offered his Father's job and refused. Please don't take offense, but there's something very odd here. Lucifer was my uncle, and although I would love for him to come back, I think he's dead.'

Her last sentence seemed to echo in the silence. He rubbed a hand through his hair and looked away. He didn't look surprised, only sad and a little tired.

'Please,' he said quietly, 'don't tell me any more.

'I'm sure it's all true. I know a very few things because Maze told me - I swore her to secrecy about the rest. I didn't remember that Dad - that he's gone. If you tell me any more I might lose everything. Please just let me go back.'

'Lucifer,' she tried again gently, 'you were on the way to the Silver City. I don't know how but I think you died.'

He sat very still, his face ashen. Elaine could feel the darkness roiling inside him, threatening to eclipse those tiny points of light, thrashing taut chains against his self control. Was he worth breaking her code of honour for? The only authority she compelled herself to answer to: do not meddle.

Yes, he was. Sod it, she wasn't going to let him end like this. Buck up, girl.

'I'll make a deal with you,' she said, choosing her words carefully. 'Whatever happened, I'll fix it. Within reason. In return, tell me as much as you can.'

He pretended to mull, but it was obvious that he was desperate to accept. 'There's a human,' he said. 'She has to be alright after this. Whatever happens to me, make sure she's bloody alright.'

He was prepared to give up salvation for a human woman?

'I'll fix this for both of you, on your promise that you tell me everything and - I can't emphasize this enough - tell her nothing. You know, afterwards.'

He leaned forward, earnest and intense. 'You have my word.'

And just like that, his demons were leashed. Could she, this unknown woman, sense that darkness just under the surface waiting for a provocation to swallow him up?

'I pieced some of this together,' he started, 'after Mazikeen apprised me of the details I sanctioned.

I awoke on the shore of Los Angeles several years ago, without any memories, and a lot more missing besides. That power you mentioned - I can feel the void where it's supposed to be, but I don't know where I put it. I was a wreck, back then,' he said baldly. 'Tried to fill the void with various hobbies that I'd prefer not to extrapolate on. Turns out I already owned the perfect venue for vice, and I could play every instrument in the place. I could make a crowd of humans do and feel whatever I wanted them to.

'But I still felt numb, like a useless lump of ice. Couldn't get maudlin drunk, couldn't get a euphoric high, couldn't get any emotion out of a shag other than a touch of job satisfaction.'

So much for not sharing the gory details. Thanks, uncle.

'I tried to go down the satisfaction route with fulfilling favours. Tad cliché for my liking but diligently chasing that dragon worked for a while, to a certain extent. Making dreams come true and so on. Then a couple of years ago, poof, breakthrough. Not in a way I'm proud of, but one of my favour-clients was murdered in front of me and I felt...' he trailed off, evidently reflecting. 'I'm pretty sure it was sorrow. Not just for me, that was the big thing. Sorrow on behalf of someone else. So I changed tack.

'I was going to get justice for her sake. Because some pissant knuckle-dragging window-licker took a trinket in return for stealing her life and leaving her in the gutter. She died in my arms!' he snarled, and he really seemed to be reliving the experience as his eyes blazed.

'That led me to her. To the detective. Around her, I'm vulnerable. I can be shot, I can feel pain, get drunk, get high. Everything a human can do, I can do better!'

God damn.

Lucifer had given up everything that made him who he was, to become one of the creatures he held in contempt. The creatures he waged war on Heaven to protest. The free will that was theirs alone, the tapestry of emotion that only a species shaped by suffering, by holding back the darkness can ever need to experience.

He'd disappeared in search of something he hadn't found in all his geological ages of existence, and concluded that what he was missing was internal?

No wonder he was reluctant to remember. He didn't want to be that person anymore, the implacable angel so filled with power there was no room for anything else.

He was gazing at her expectantly.

'Thank you,' she murmured. 'At least I know what happened to you. To him.' It sounded, even to her own ears, as if she was unhappy. A selfish, childish, human desire for the world not to change, for people to stay as she remembered them. Little wonder he had cautioned against it. She took a breath.

'I'm sorry, that came out wrong. I am happy for you, uncle. It isn't the future I thought you would find, but it's so much better.' Why did she always have to tear up at times like these? Stupid habit.

'Uncle,' he repeated, trying out the word in his mouth as if for the first time. 'Am I that to you?'

She nodded. 'It's a long story. Part of your story, so perhaps...'

'Thank you. I'll ask if I need to know. Now I do hate to skip out on a date, but do you think you could click those delightful heels of yours and convey me back to Kansas as promised?'

She threw him a comb. 'Make yourself presentable then. One more favour, for me?'

He looked at her askance. 'Mmm?'

'I want to visit you. Check up on my last living relative occasionally.'

He still looked infuriatingly doubtful, as if she were an overbearing aunt rather than a niece who'd just saved his life.

'I'll take Maze out drinking.' She waved the carrot of distraction and gave what she hoped was a reassuring grin.

'Fine.'

....

Humans don't last forever. His final lesson, and its consequences. Chains snapped like brittle elastic bands, and the creatures of the deep broke free.

Lucifer, Archangel of Light, Will of the Demiurge and erstwhile Lord of Hell, filled the universe he had created. He filled it with his entire being the way he had filled it before his fall, aware of each tiny sun in the vast, echoing spaces of his mind and eternal body. Instinct had him reaching beyond the boundaries for Heaven, for the Silver City and he recoiled violently, pummeled by recollection.

The war to end all wars. Brother against brother. Ignited by fury, by injustice, fighting for his very existence, his right to think and feel and decide.

But as he held his hand still outstretched in freshly remembered horror, he felt warm fingers touch his, pad to pad.

He was toppling again, and she caught him.

Be yourself, until you bleed.

#lucifer #fanfiction

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allfandomxreader · 6 years

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The Interview pt. 2

Pairings: Joe x Reader Words: 1,812 Summary: Joe finally realizes he can’t hide his feelings anymore and decides to tell you. Part: 2/5 Warnings: Light swearing A/N: It’s what you’ve all been waiting for, part 2! I hope you guys enjoy it. This one is a little rushed because I just needed to get it rolling so I’m really sorry if it sucks. Tags will be at the bottom, thank you everyone for your amazing support and feedback on the first part! Feel free to continue to let me know what you think :)

Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Strangers crowd all around us in the bustling airport, they cheer and reach for our hands as we enter the building. I wave towards the paparazzi as cameras flash blinding lights in our faces. Y/N greets our fans giving them warm hugs and autographs whenever they ask, she snaps a few photos with them before they exchange goodbyes and she makes it back to me. “Do you ever get used to that?” She smiles and lets out a long breath, “They’re so supportive, I love each and every one of them. That gave me such a rush!” She watches as some girls look through the pictures they took with her. I couldn’t help but smile at her warming words, “What?” She nudges me with her shoulder playfully as we continue through the airport.

We come to a slow stop when we arrive at her gate. Neither one of us could find the words to say, instead, we stand in silence, refusing to look at one another. “Three months is a long time without seeing my best friend,” She mumbles, still looking straight ahead of her, “I don’t know how I’ll manage without you.” Her hand grips around her suitcase handle tighter as she speaks.

“I’ll call and text you every day, okay? It’ll be like I’m right there with you.” I try to find comforting words despite I felt the same way, if not worse.

“You and I both know that’s not the same thing.” She sighs before slowly turning to face me. “Call me as soon as you land, I’ll stop being sappy,” She plasters a grin onto her features, a smile that could’ve fooled anyone; but not me. “I’ll miss you,” Her arms wrap around my neck, I pull her body close to me as we embrace each other for several moments.

The dreaded moment arrives as she pulls away and walks towards her gate. She clutches her boarding pass tightly after the lady scans the thin piece of paper. Y/N waves one final time before she disappears through the long tunnel towards her plane. I stand for minutes after I watched her walk away, I couldn’t find the desire or the strength to move, I felt the sudden urge to chase after her, to scream her name, to refuse to leave her side. But my feet stay planted on the carpeted floor and for the first time in months I feel utterly alone.

I spin on my heel and head towards my own designated area weaving through the chattering people, avoiding eye contact at all costs. It felt unnatural to be in the public eye without Y/N, ever since season three began we practically went everywhere together. I want her to be here with me now, to ease the sorrow that festers in my stomach at her absence, to make me laugh at her corny jokes, to play stupid children’s games to pass time. I want her to tell me everything's okay like I’ve done to her so many times before.

I push the thought of Y/N out of my head completely as I take the seat closest to the window. I shove my earbuds in my ears and blare anything that will bring peace to my wild mind. People shuffle in the aisle, shoving their luggage overhead before finding their seats. The flight attendants speak over the intercom but I pay no attention.

The plane’s engine revs and lurches into movement, I stare out the window trying to occupy my thoughts with something other than my best friend. The man beside me jingles his seatbelt for what seems like the seventh time, I couldn’t help but stare at his motions. “I’m sorry,” He speaks, I remove the earbuds to be polite, “I’ve never flown before.” He admits shyly. I offer him a small smile before speaking.

“It’s okay, the worst part only lasts a few seconds,” I try my best to calm his nerves. It was more difficult than I expected. Usually, I know just what to say to calm Y/N down but when it came to strangers I didn’t have a clue how to help.

“Oh yeah? What’s the worst part?” As soon as the words slip out of his mouth, the plan pulls backward as it ascends into the air. He grips onto the arm rests tightly in fear, “Please tell me it’s this,” He squints his eyes closed and a few moments later the plane is in the sky making it easier for him to relax.

“Congratulations,” I smile, “Wasn’t so bad, huh?” He chuckles before extending his hand out to me.

“I’m John,” I take his hand, giving it a firm shake.

“Joe, nice to meet you.” An awkward silence settles over us, neither of us knowing what to say.

“I’m sorry if I talk your ear off, I get really talkative when I’m anxious.” He explains, slightly embarrassed.

“No worries, I could use good conversation to get my mind off of things.” I run my hand through my hair avoiding his stare.

“If you want to talk about it -whatever’s on your mind I mean- I’m happy to listen,” He offers, “I’ve been around for awhile, people say my advice is pretty good too.” I smile at his kindness, glancing out the window only to find it foggy with clouds. “Is it… A girl?” The blush that creeps along my cheeks gives him the answer that he was looking for only to be confirmed with my nod. “Do tell me about this girl.”

“I don’t even know where to begin,” I smile at just the thought of Y/N, “She’s my best friend, I can tell her everything, we know each other like the back of our hands. We can read each other’s minds and have conversations with our eyes even if it’s across the room.” I laugh thinking of all the times we used our eyes to talk about the people on set. “She’s fantastic at her career, she’s so hardworking and determined to make everything perfect and will redo everything if it isn’t to her liking. She’s smart as hell too, so smart it’s intimidating. She’s also beautiful but in her own special way. She has the perfect smile, and her eyes always sparkle when they look at me, and the way she carries herself just makes her drop-dead gorgeous. Just-” I search for more words to string together to try my best for John to understand just how perfect Y/N really was. “I could write a whole book about her and even then it wouldn’t be enough,” I mumble, mainly to myself, but he heard anyways.

“She sounds incredible.” His eyebrows are raised in my rambling, trying to process all the words I threw at him. “What seems to be the problem then?” He asks. Music still slips out of the earbuds and can quietly be heard, I quickly pause the music to answer his question but he asks another before I even have a chance. “Is that her?” He points at the exposed screen, the wallpaper of Maika and I caught his attention. My stomach tied in knots as I stare at the picture, Maika’s eyes bore into mine as if she’s reading my soul and devouring all my secrets. I knew then and there it was a mistake to get on this plane, to leave unsaid feelings floating in the air between Y/N and I. I know now that Maika and I had to end, I know that I needed to be with Y/N, but this time, as more than just best friends.

The elevator door dings as it slides to its open. I count the doors I pass before standing in front of her’s. My hands begin to sweat, my heart wants to lurch out of my chest, it pumps so fast I can hear its pulse in my ears.

I rap my knuckles to the door, the knock echoes around the hall full of doors making it seem like I was even more alone. I hear quiet shuffling behind the door before it opens to reveal Y/N. She stands before me in nothing but a t-shirt and her beloved sweats. Her hair is tied into a messy bun, her mascara is smudged under her left eye. In her most natural state, she is absolutely breathtaking.

“Joe?” Her voice drips with confusion, she steps to the side inviting me in. “What the hell are you doing here? You’ve been completely MIA for the past few days then you decide to show up on my doorstep?” Her tone is harsh as she spits questions towards me. I run my fingers through my already disheveled hair as panic starts to set in. Her eyes grow soft as she reads me.

“We need to talk,” It sounded horrible as soon as the words touched the air, I desperately wanted to take them back, I’ve already lost the script I had mapped out specifically for the purpose of saying something stupid or not quite right. “Maika and I broke up,” I curse myself, out of the whole feeling speech that’s what I decided to say first? She reaches out her hand to comfort me, her touch warms my whole arm, I want to lean into it, I want her to hold me.

“Joe, I’m so sorry,” She whispers, her eyes scour mine in search of something as I shake my head.

“It’s fine, I came to talk about us.” I pause, taking a look at her quaint apartment before speaking again, “I’ve come to realize that I wasn’t happy with Maika. I wanted to hold you, kiss you, laugh with you, be with you, and not just as my best friend. It wasn’t fair to Maika for me to wish it was you every time she touched me. It wasn’t fair to either of us for me to trap each other in a failing relationship.” I ramble, “I met a man on my flight home, we nearly talked the whole flight about you and I knew it was you I wanted to be with when I wasn’t talking about Maika.” I sigh and find myself looking at the floor. Hesitantly, I take her hand in mine. “What I’m trying to say is, from the moment I met you I felt a connection and I should’ve faced my feelings a long time ago instead of hiding them, I’m done hiding and I’m done running. I believe that our bond is special and I want to take it further than just being best friends.” I finally build up enough courage to meet her eyes once again, her face is blank giving no clues to how she was feeling. Moments pass and her mouth still doesn’t move.

Her silence grows deafening.

Tags: @stevieboyharrington @thechandlerbingdance

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington protection squad #steve harrington one shot #stranger things #stranger things x reader #stranger things preference #stranger things blurb #stranger things imagine #joe keery #joe keery imagine #joe keery blurb #joe keery x reader #joe keery headcanon

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dfroza · 3 years

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Today’s reading from the ancient book of Proverbs and book of Psalms

for August 5 of 2021 with Proverbs 5 and Psalm 5, accompanied by Psalm 47 for the 47th day of Astronomical Summer and Psalm 67 for day 217 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 5]

[Avoid Promiscuity]

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you—

run away from her as fast as you can!

Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered—

given over to the cruel one.

Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price—

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

[Sex Reserved for Marriage]

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and do not share it with another.

Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress—

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and that the scars of your own conscience don’t

become the ropes that tie you up.

Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages—

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 5]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by flutes.

Bend Your ear to me and listen to my words, O Eternal One;

hear the deep cry of my heart.

Listen to my call for help,

my King, my True God;

to You alone I pray.

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;

in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer.

You’re not a God who smiles at sin;

You cannot abide with evil.

The proud wither in Your presence;

You hate all who pervert and destroy what is good.

You destroy those with lying lips;

the Eternal detests those who murder and deceive.

Yet I, by Your loving grace,

am welcomed into Your house;

I will turn my face toward Your holy place

and fall on my knees in reverence before You.

O Eternal One, lead me in the path of Your righteousness

amidst those who wish me harm;

make Your way clear to me.

Their words cannot be trusted;

they are destructive to their cores.

What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse;

their words stink of flattery.

Find them guilty, O True God;

let their own devices bring them ruin.

Throw them out, and let them drown in the deluge of their sin,

for in revolt they brazenly spit in Your face.

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;

let them break out in joyful song.

May You keep them safe—

their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted.

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 5 (The Voice)

[Psalm 47]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah.

Clap your hands, all of you;

raise your voices joyfully and loudly.

Give honor for the True God of the universe;

Here’s why: The Eternal, the Most High, is awesome and deserves our great respect.

He is the great King over everything in this world.

He’s helped us win wars, suppressed our enemies,

and made nations bow at our feet.

He decides the extent of our inheritance and selects the land where we and our children will live,

for we are the pride of Jacob, the ones He loves.

[pause]

The True God ascends the throne acclaimed by shouts of the people.

The Eternal is announced by the blast of a trumpet.

Sing! Shout! Play instruments!

Praise our God and King; sing praises to Him who is worthy.

For He is the King of all the earth. Sing praise, all who can.

Put words to music, and then sing praises

At the feet of the God who sits on His holy throne,

ruling over all the nations.

All those with influence in this world—princes, kings, and satraps—

gather with those who follow Abraham’s God.

For these defenders belong to God

who reigns over the nations!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 47 (The Voice)

[Psalm 67]

For the worship leader. A song accompanied by strings.

May God pour His grace and blessings into us

and turn His face to shine His light on us.

[pause]

So all those on earth will learn to follow Your way

and see Your saving power come to redeem all nations.

May all people live to praise You, Our True God;

may all come to praise You.

May all nations celebrate together, singing joy-filled songs of praise to You

because You judge the people fairly

and give guidance to all the nations of the earth.

[pause]

May the people praise You with their whole hearts, O God;

may every man, woman, and child on the earth praise You.

The land has supplied a bountiful harvest,

and the True God, our God, has poured out His blessings to us all.

God is the source of our blessings;

may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 67 (The Voice)

0 notes

worth-it-dump-blog · 6 years

Text

Stars and the taste of wine

Chapter 1:

The tantalizing music made the smoke and warm currents in the room quiver as the patrons of the lonely bar slowly swayed. The singer pretended the room was empty as slow tones penetrated the hearts of any who actually listened to foreign words that felt like a river of molasses in a blue moon-soaked forest on the verge of catching fire. The pianist tried to just keep the melody alive, as it took twists and turns that no one, not even the players themselves really expected. But they were a team, the singer and the pianist. They fit and were almost one being as they produced sounds that would fill the room now but just be a hazy and warm memory for the patrons later. This was no special night. This hadn´t been a special week. The bar on the hectic street seemed the same as always. The guests were the same mix of regulars, new faces and lonely ghosts that drifted in every few months or so. This was no special night. It had no plans to become extraordinary either. So… what was this sense of foreboding? The bartender, a man with a history of knowing events before their time, took a moment to determine the nature of this shift of feelings. He poured himself a glass, determining there was no danger coming, so he may as well let himself be surprised by the present, not the future. His wine distinctly tasted like a dry summer day. He was slightly weary. The city that never slept certainly had streets asleep in the night. This bar was in a limbo between reality and dream. So, it was no coincidence that everything was in a tight balance. There were the humans whose presence kept the slightly less human patrons in check. Ambrosia looked like white wine after all. The bar had sprung up in the city of New York quite some time ago, but no one really had kept a record. The duo playing never changed in that time, but thanks to a hazy atmosphere hardly anyone noticed or care. The duo was related to the muses in some way, at least the singer, the pianist might have some blood of one of the graces and even Apollon. But like it was said, no one really kept a record of things around here. The owners liked their small reputation and lack of any bigger deities, since that kept things from getting messy. They liked the easy atmosphere and heavy air. The casual mixes, may it be the drinks or the patrons. In their whole times they hardly had any problems here. Creeps were swiftly dealt with and fights were stopped with a flexing doorman´s arms.

So, their dismay was big when they felt the aura of one of the bigger deities enter their little haven. Of course, they still had to be hospitable. But every head in the bar turned. The reality won over the dream. The river of molasses turned clear. The dream was over. And the deity looked ignorant to the attention. All eyes, may they be obvious or subtle, were on his person. He seemed almost unsure now, but still made his way to an empty bar stool. The music continued, but now painted a different picture. It was clearer, like salty foam covering green rocks with grey paint strokes that disappeared in seconds. A cautious yet beautiful melody, slightly distracted as the pianist kept his eyes on the new-comer. Whose hair, like molten silver, and occasional flash of gold in brown eyes made his out-of-this-world-ness obvious. The beauty of eons on a youthful face was fascinating. Yet the natural aura of old power had all the other patrons keep a healthy distance from him. Luckily the bartender seemed brave enough to approach him. They couldn´t afford pissing him off, it didn´t matter that he looked like he wouldn´t hurt a fly. The elusive stranger smiled an honest ray of sunlight as he ordered the sweetest cocktail on the menu with extra ambrosia. The bartender, a quiet soul that exuded warmth from his very being, let the stranger talk a water fall over him, answering in gestures more than in words. The bar settled down and only some of the not entirely human guests were still tense.

“I like this bar… Are you open every night?” the voice was surprisingly nervous, a slight accent playing at the edges of words. It made the powerful deity more sympathetic in the eyes of the bartender. “We- we mostly play it by feelings, so we don´t have set opening times…. Your highness?” the added title was a careful question, meant as a subtle invitation for the stranger for an introduction. The deity laughed and waved him off. “Please! Call me Steven, we´re at a bar, not the Jade Emperors palace.” Steven laughed, a throaty but melodious sound, and took a sip. At least the question of his pantheon was now cleared. Steven leaned closer as if to share a secret, false worried sketched in his face, “But be honest… is it that obvious? Do the others here know?” The bartender quirked a lip under his warm beard. “Well let´s just say, even the mortals noticed you, and they are blinder than the fates without their eye…” “Oh noooo” Steven laughed again and turned some heads in the process. Intelligent and old eyes on a young face kept his gaze of the bartender though. “And your name, Mister Bartender? It´s only fair to exchange names” The bartender raised a strong brow but had to smile at the deity’s antics. “Well, I go as Adam around here” they both knew the names, Steven and Adam, weren’t their original names, but it was hardly important in these circumstances. They felt right enough.

The music had been slowly transforming its tone during their slow conversation. It reminded of a hazy lilac sky whose orange stars slowly fell and left shining streaks in their wake. Adam knew, the duo would take a break soon. The bar and it´s staff developed their own rhythm and non-verbal language over the decades, and Adam recognized starry melodies as the duos need for a break. Steven seemed enchanted by the music. And Adam felt more talkative and jolly than normally: “What do you see when you hear it?” Steven pondered the question with closed eyes and slightly parted lips as he listened more closely. “It feels like flying. And falling? I think? It´s just- I see the night sky and I am- the stars are slowly descending, but not in a threatening way. It´s peaceful…” Adam smiled slightly, is this a clue? Did he have a star sitting across him? Or even a constellation? Steven almost shined with glee as Adam recounted his own music-fueled visions. “It´s truly amazing how music can do that!” The duo ended their song, though it didn´t sound like a real ending and bowed swiftly as the whole bar clapped and whooped. The pianist came over, while the singer chose to get lost in the crowd. He made himself comfortable next to Adam and started mixing himself a drink. Towards the deity he gave a slow nod, that may have been an implied bow, not daring to not recognize the presence of someone with that kind of power oozing into their natural aura. “You play wonderful! I´m quite enthralled! Do you play every night?” Steven leaned forward and gave a glinting smile, accidently showing sharp canines in the process. The pianist looked pleased at the praise and nodded his head as thanks, while never leaving his eyes from the golden orbs of the deity. “Mostly, we try and have live music every evening. But sometimes Jazzmyne just sings alone, or I try my hand at solo-playing. Sometimes we also have guest players” almost breathless after saying so much, the pianist gulped half his drink of scotch down, suddenly unnerved by the molten gaze.

Steven kept his gaze springing between the two, who, well aware of the attention, while they tried getting busy with bartender obligation. Their effort at keeping busy had it´s origin in an uncertain feeling they got when meeting the gaze of the deity. A warm sensation usually found when feeling truly at home. Steven tried to not let his disappointment show. “Hey ho Adam-bro, can ya get me something?” A tall lanky figure leaned on the bar next to Steven, in his arms a much smaller more solid built male. Adam sighed and put a glass down that he was cleaning. “Sure Shane, what do you want?” Shane smiled innocently while sitting down on a bar stool next to Steven. The other male, once in Shane arms, seemed annoyed but still sat on the other side of Shane and linked their hands. “Go and surprise me, bar-man!” Shane’s companion let out an annoyed huff and lightly kicked the others shin. “You always say that and then you complain about the flavor and I have to drink it!” “You love trying new things, Ryan! And Adam has no idea of good taste!” Andrew glowered at Shane and forcefully set down a glass that was filled with a clear fluid. Shane grinned and raised his glass in salute. He took a sip and immediately spit it out. He would have looked furious, if Ryan hadn´t ascended into giggles and wheezes, inspiring the same reaction in him. “Did you just give me fucking lighter fluid?!?” Andrew shrugged nonchalant and possessively put his arm around Adams waist; “You shouldn´t insult Adam.” Though blushing Adam pinched Andrew and escaped his grip to clean up the mess. Steven observed this all with an unreadable expression. He fiddled with the orange wedge of his almost empty drink and looked forlorn into its depts. His melancholy was interrupted as a refill was presented to him by Adam. “Don´t worry, no lighter fluid in this one… It´s on the house” If Steven didn´t know better, he would have thought the bartender winked. Adam was rewarded with his trouble by an honest twinkling smile that made Andrew also stop in his tracks and just watch. For a moment Steven was glowing from within as he gave some heartfelt thanks. Now Shane and Ryan and even some nearer stand-byes just watched in slight amazement.

The night slowly ended and as the bar emptied more and more until even the tipsy bickering of Shane and Ryan got quieter as they walked down the street homebound. Soon it was only the employees left. Andrew and Adam talked quietly among themselves as they cleaned up the bar and surrounding areas. Their conversation seemed to only turn around one particular deity though. “I think Steven might be a star-deity” Andrew stopped mopping the floor to muse on Adams words. “He did shine like one earlier…” Adam nodded fondly at the memory. “We´re lucky to have seen that” “We´re lucky the mortals stayed oblivious” “Don´t pretend that you didn´t think that that might have been one of the prettiest things you have ever seen.” Andrew leaned on his mop while grinning flirtatiously: “How can that be, when I get to see your eyes every day?” Adam threw a towel after him while his ears burned: “Go mop the floor, lover-boy!” Despite golden light slowly filling up the air in the bar, these two were not particularly tired anymore.

#stadamdrew #steven x andrew x adam #worth it fic #i hope you like it #i´m new #the god fic noone asked for #like get a grip #tell me if you guys like it?#maybe?#is this how tagging works #gods au #firstfic #be gentle #no beta

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dfroza · 3 years

Text

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for may 5 of 2021 with Proverbs 5 and Psalm 5, accompanied by Psalm 47 for the 47th day of Spring and Psalm 125 for day 125 of the year

[Proverbs 5]

[Avoid Promiscuity]

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you—

run away from her as fast as you can!

Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered—

given over to the cruel one.

Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price—

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

[Sex Reserved for Marriage]

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and do not share it with another.

Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress—

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and that the scars of your own conscience don’t

become the ropes that tie you up.

Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages—

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 5]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by flutes.

Bend Your ear to me and listen to my words, O Eternal One;

hear the deep cry of my heart.

Listen to my call for help,

my King, my True God;

to You alone I pray.

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;

in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer.

You’re not a God who smiles at sin;

You cannot abide with evil.

The proud wither in Your presence;

You hate all who pervert and destroy what is good.

You destroy those with lying lips;

the Eternal detests those who murder and deceive.

Yet I, by Your loving grace,

am welcomed into Your house;

I will turn my face toward Your holy place

and fall on my knees in reverence before You.

O Eternal One, lead me in the path of Your righteousness

amidst those who wish me harm;

make Your way clear to me.

Their words cannot be trusted;

they are destructive to their cores.

What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse;

their words stink of flattery.

Find them guilty, O True God;

let their own devices bring them ruin.

Throw them out, and let them drown in the deluge of their sin,

for in revolt they brazenly spit in Your face.

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;

let them break out in joyful song.

May You keep them safe—

their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted.

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 5 (The Voice)

[Psalm 47]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah.

Clap your hands, all of you;

raise your voices joyfully and loudly.

Give honor for the True God of the universe;

Here’s why: The Eternal, the Most High, is awesome and deserves our great respect.

He is the great King over everything in this world.

He’s helped us win wars, suppressed our enemies,

and made nations bow at our feet.

He decides the extent of our inheritance and selects the land where we and our children will live,

for we are the pride of Jacob, the ones He loves.

[pause]

The True God ascends the throne acclaimed by shouts of the people.

The Eternal is announced by the blast of a trumpet.

Sing! Shout! Play instruments!

Praise our God and King; sing praises to Him who is worthy.

For He is the King of all the earth. Sing praise, all who can.

Put words to music, and then sing praises

At the feet of the God who sits on His holy throne,

ruling over all the nations.

All those with influence in this world—princes, kings, and satraps—

gather with those who follow Abraham’s God.

For these defenders belong to God

who reigns over the nations!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 47 (The Voice)

[Psalm 125]

A song for those journeying to worship.

All who have faith in the Eternal stand as Mount Zion:

unmoved, enduring, eternal.

Just as the mountains around Jerusalem embrace her,

the Eternal, too, wraps around those who belong to Him—

for this moment and for every moment to come.

For wickedness will not get the upper hand;

it shall not rule the land where righteous people live

Lest good people go bad

and do what is wrong.

Be good, Eternal One, to those who are good,

to those who are filled with integrity.

The Eternal will send all the wicked away

along with those who pervert what’s good and twist it in their own crooked way.

May peace be with Israel.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 125 (The Voice)

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dfroza · 4 years

Text

Today’s reading in the ancient book of Proverbs and Psalms

for Wednesday, August 5 of 2020 with Proverbs 5 and Psalm 5 accompanied by Psalm 47 for the 47th day of Summer and Psalm 68 for day 218 of the year

[Proverbs 5]

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you—

run away from her as fast as you can!

Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered—

given over to the cruel one.

Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price—

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

[Sex Reserved for Marriage]

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and not with another.

Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress—

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and the scars of your own conscience

become the ropes that tie you up.

Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages—

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 5]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by flutes.

Bend Your ear to me and listen to my words, O Eternal One;

hear the deep cry of my heart.

Listen to my call for help,

my King, my True God;

to You alone I pray.

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;

in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer.

You’re not a God who smiles at sin;

You cannot abide with evil.

The proud wither in Your presence;

You hate all who pervert and destroy what is good.

You destroy those with lying lips;

the Eternal detests those who murder and deceive.

Yet I, by Your loving grace,

am welcomed into Your house;

I will turn my face toward Your holy place

and fall on my knees in reverence before You.

O Eternal One, lead me in the path of Your righteousness

amidst those who wish me harm;

make Your way clear to me.

Their words cannot be trusted;

they are destructive to their cores.

What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse;

their words stink of flattery.

Find them guilty, O True God;

let their own devices bring them ruin.

Throw them out, and let them drown in the deluge of their sin,

for in revolt they brazenly spit in Your face.

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;

let them break out in joyful song.

May You keep them safe—

their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted.

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 5 (The Voice)

[Psalm 47]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah.

Clap your hands, all of you;

raise your voices joyfully and loudly.

Give honor for the True God of the universe;

Here’s why: The Eternal, the Most High, is awesome and deserves our great respect.

He is the great King over everything in this world.

He’s helped us win wars, suppressed our enemies,

and made nations bow at our feet.

He decides the extent of our inheritance and selects the land where we and our children will live,

for we are the pride of Jacob, the ones He loves.

[pause]

The True God ascends the throne acclaimed by shouts of the people.

The Eternal is announced by the blast of a trumpet.

Sing! Shout! Play instruments!

Praise our God and King; sing praises to Him who is worthy.

For He is the King of all the earth. Sing praise, all who can.

Put words to music, and then sing praises

At the feet of the God who sits on His holy throne,

ruling over all the nations.

All those with influence in this world—princes, kings, and satraps—

gather with those who follow Abraham’s God.

For these defenders belong to God

who reigns over the nations!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 47 (The Voice)

[Psalm 68]

A David Psalm

Up with God!

Down with his enemies!

Adversaries, run for the hills!

Gone like a puff of smoke,

like a blob of wax in the fire—

one look at God and the wicked vanish.

When the righteous see God in action

they’ll laugh, they’ll sing,

they’ll laugh and sing for joy.

Sing hymns to God;

all heaven, sing out;

clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider.

Enjoy God,

cheer when you see him!

Father of orphans,

champion of widows,

is God in his holy house.

God makes homes for the homeless,

leads prisoners to freedom,

but leaves rebels to rot in hell.

God, when you took the lead with your people,

when you marched out into the wild,

Earth shook, sky broke out in a sweat;

God was on the march.

Even Sinai trembled at the sight of God on the move,

at the sight of Israel’s God.

You pour out rain in buckets, O God;

thorn and cactus become an oasis

For your people to camp in and enjoy.

You set them up in business;

they went from rags to riches.

The Lord gave the word;

thousands called out the good news:

“Kings of the armies

are on the run, on the run!”

While housewives, safe and sound back home,

divide up the plunder,

the plunder of Canaanite silver and gold.

On that day that Shaddai scattered the kings,

snow fell on Black Mountain.

You huge mountains, Bashan mountains,

mighty mountains, dragon mountains.

All you mountains not chosen,

sulk now, and feel sorry for yourselves,

For this is the mountain God has chosen to live on;

he’ll rule from this mountain forever.

The chariots of God, twice ten thousand,

and thousands more besides,

The Lord in the lead, riding down Sinai—

straight to the Holy Place!

You climbed to the High Place, captives in tow,

your arms full of booty from rebels,

And now you sit there in state,

God, sovereign God!

Blessed be the Lord—

day after day he carries us along.

He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!

He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us.

Lord God knows all

death’s ins and outs.

What’s more, he made heads roll,

split the skulls of the enemy

As he marched out of heaven,

saying, “I tied up the Dragon in knots,

put a muzzle on the Deep Blue Sea.”

You can wade through your enemies’ blood,

and your dogs taste of your enemies from your boots.

See God on parade

to the sanctuary, my God,

my King on the march!

Singers out front, the band behind,

maidens in the middle with castanets.

The whole choir blesses God.

Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God.

Look—little Benjamin’s out

front and leading

Princes of Judah in their royal robes,

princes of Zebulon, princes of Naphtali.

Parade your power, O God,

the power, O God, that made us what we are.

Your temple, High God, is Jerusalem;

kings bring gifts to you.

Rebuke that old crocodile, Egypt,

with her herd of wild bulls and calves,

Rapacious in her lust for silver,

crushing peoples, spoiling for a fight.

Let Egyptian traders bring blue cloth

and Cush come running to God, her hands outstretched.

Sing, O kings of the earth!

Sing praises to the Lord!

There he is: Sky-Rider,

striding the ancient skies.

Listen—he’s calling in thunder,

rumbling, rolling thunder.

Call out “Bravo!” to God,

the High God of Israel.

His splendor and strength

rise huge as thunderheads.

A terrible beauty, O God,

streams from your sanctuary.

It’s Israel’s strong God! He gives

power and might to his people!

O you, his people—bless God!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 68 (The Message)

0 notes

dfroza · 4 years

Text

Today’s reading of the ancient book of Psalms and Proverbs

for Wednesday, february 5 of 2020 with Psalm 5 and Proverbs 5, accompanied by Psalm 47 for the 47th day of Winter and Psalm 36 for day 36 of the year

[Psalm 5]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by flutes.

Bend Your ear to me and listen to my words, O Eternal One;

hear the deep cry of my heart.

Listen to my call for help,

my King, my True God;

to You alone I pray.

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;

in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer.

You’re not a God who smiles at sin;

You cannot abide with evil.

The proud wither in Your presence;

You hate all who pervert and destroy what is good.

You destroy those with lying lips;

the Eternal detests those who murder and deceive.

Yet I, by Your loving grace,

am welcomed into Your house;

I will turn my face toward Your holy place

and fall on my knees in reverence before You.

O Eternal One, lead me in the path of Your righteousness

amidst those who wish me harm;

make Your way clear to me.

Their words cannot be trusted;

they are destructive to their cores.

What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse;

their words stink of flattery.

Find them guilty, O True God;

let their own devices bring them ruin.

Throw them out, and let them drown in the deluge of their sin,

for in revolt they brazenly spit in Your face.

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;

let them break out in joyful song.

May You keep them safe—

their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted.

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 5 (The Voice)

[Psalm 47]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah.

Clap your hands, all of you;

raise your voices joyfully and loudly.

Give honor for the True God of the universe;

Here’s why: The Eternal, the Most High, is awesome and deserves our great respect.

He is the great King over everything in this world.

He’s helped us win wars, suppressed our enemies,

and made nations bow at our feet.

He decides the extent of our inheritance and selects the land where we and our children will live,

for we are the pride of Jacob, the ones He loves.

[pause]

The True God ascends the throne acclaimed by shouts of the people.

The Eternal is announced by the blast of a trumpet.

Sing! Shout! Play instruments!

Praise our God and King; sing praises to Him who is worthy.

For He is the King of all the earth. Sing praise, all who can.

Put words to music, and then sing praises

At the feet of the God who sits on His holy throne,

ruling over all the nations.

All those with influence in this world—princes, kings, and satraps—

gather with those who follow Abraham’s God.

For these defenders belong to God

who reigns over the nations!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 47 (The Voice)

[Psalm 36]

For the worship leader. A song of David, the Eternal’s servant.

Sin speaks in the depths of the soul

of those who oppose God; they listen closely to its urgings.

You’ll never see the fear of God

in their eyes,

For they flatter themselves—

convinced their sin will remain secret, undiscovered, and so unhated.

They speak words of evil and deceit.

Wisdom and goodness, they deserted long ago.

Even as they sleep, they are plotting mischief.

They journey along a path far from anything good,

gravitating to trouble, welcoming evil.

Your love, O Eternal One, towers high into the heavens.

Even the skies are lower than Your faithfulness.

Your justice is like the majestic mountains.

Your judgments are as deep as the oceans, and yet in Your greatness,

You, O Eternal, offer life for every person and animal.

Your strong love, O True God, is precious.

All people run for shelter under the shadow of Your wings.

In Your house, they eat and are full at Your table.

They drink from the river of Your overflowing kindness.

You have the fountain of life that quenches our thirst.

Your light has opened our eyes and awakened our souls.

May Your love continue to grow deeply in the lives of all who know You.

May Your salvation reach every heart committed to do right.

Give me shelter from prideful feet that hunt me down

and wicked hands that push me from Your path.

It is there, far away from You, that the wicked will be forced down,

face to the earth, never again returning to their feet.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 36 (The Voice)

with these lines repeated in The Message:

How exquisite your love, O God!

How eager we are to run under your wings,

To eat our fill at the banquet you spread

as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water.

You’re a fountain of cascading light,

and you open our eyes to light.

Keep on loving your friends;

do your work in welcoming hearts.

Don’t let the bullies kick me around,

the moral midgets slap me down.

Send the upstarts sprawling

flat on their faces in the mud.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 36:7-12 (The Message)

to be concluded by chapter 5 of Proverbs in which is seen the significance of the marital bond and its intimacy (and guarding its treasure) that was created by an act of Love who is God our Creator

[Proverbs 5]

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you—

run away from her as fast as you can!

Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered—

given over to the cruel one.

Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price—

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

[Sex Reserved for Marriage]

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and not with another.

Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress—

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and the scars of your own conscience

become the ropes that tie you up.

Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages—

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

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