#obey me chapter 54

[devildomwriter]

“I suppose I’d have to say that I find you intriguing. I’m curious to know what it is about you that attracts the Young Master, Lucifer, and his brothers so much. However, that’s as far as it goes at the moment. Curiosity, and nothing more. I assume that wasn’t the answer you were hoping for.”

“You might think differently after kissing me.”

“What an odd thing to say… Well, I don’t mind. If that’s what you want… …That really is curious… Suddenly I feel a certain…warmth and affection toward you that I didn’t before.”

— Barbatos and MC (Chapter 54-7)

#obey me shall we date #obey me 31 days of kisses #obey me barbatos #obey me barbatos x MC #obey me barbatos quotes #obey me chapter 54 #obey me quote of the day

[imsorryimlate]

About to bring you very long and speculative meta about Moby Dick even though we are only 26 chapters into this thing and I have never read it before.

Back in chapter 13 when Ishmael said “from that hour I clove to Queequeg like a barnacle” I was like, huh. That’s a funny way to express it. Because clove – here being the more archaic past tense of cleave, that is, cling to – is often used in the Bible in relation to someone clinging to God, or at times clinging to a loved one.

I decided to check out the Hebrew word for it, which is דבק (dbq, dabaq) and it appears 54 times. I’m not gonna list all of them, but you can find the full collection here.

Now, let us look at this word. I will bold the English word that corresponds with dbq. I use the KJV translation because it consistently translates dbq as “cleave”, while newer translations will generally use cling, hold fast, stick, etc.

Here are some instances where it relates to love/marriage:

Genesis 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

Genesis 34:3 “And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.”

1 Kings 11:2b “Solomon clave unto these [his wives] in love.”

However, the word is not only used this way. It has more “everyday” use as well, for example:

Psalm 22:15a “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws.”

Psalm 102:5b “My bones cleave to my skin.”

1 Sam 31:2a “And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons.” (literally “the Philistines cleaved to Saul and his sons”)

I think here, what these examples demonstrate, is that this word suggests a certain intensity. The Philistines were not simply following Saul and his sons, they were clinging to their heels. The Psalmist isn’t just skinny, his flesh clings to his bones without anything in between, you can see his skeleton through his skin, etc.

It is therefore also used to demonstrate deep loyalty:

Ruth 1:14 “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.”

2 Sam 20:2b “But the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.”

Which brings me to my original point, that it is used specifically about a worshipper’s commitment and loyalty to God:

Psalm 63:8a “My soul followeth hard after thee.” (literally “my soul cleaves to you”)

Deuteronomy 10:20 “Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 “Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.”

Joshua 22:5b “To love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Joshua 23:8 “But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day.”

These are just a handful of examples, there are way more, especially in Deuteronomy. And I just feel like, with how Melville strews biblical references all around, it cannot be a coincidence. Or am I reading too much into it?

Then I started thinking about this post, where @animate-mush suggested that Queequeg is whale coded. Which would then not leave my brain.

Because see, the book very much presents whales similarly as the Bible speaks of them and other creatures of chaos, such as the leviathan (which, we do not know exactly what it is, despite the Hebrew word for whale being the same). Which is to say, primordial creatures, present since the creation of the universe, creatures of chaos that only God can control – sometimes with huge effort (depending on which theological strata we’re talking about but that’s not relevant right now). These forces of chaos are not the anti-thesis of God, per se, but they’re something on the outskirts of our world, something to fear, something to be grateful that God subdued, something that could very well be considered divine in itself (for example, the sea god Yam in Canaanite mythology).

Which leads me to my next point, which is that many theological strata in the Bible are not concerned with monotheism, but rather monolatry, that is, the acceptance of several gods existing, but only worshipping and being loyal to one. For a lot of culturally Christian people, myself included, the way God is approached is like, you either believe in God or you don’t. The constant reminders we find in the Bible to be loyal to the Lord might feel a bit like, you know, “yeah duh, if you believe in God obviously”, but it wasn’t that simple. God is the God of the Hebrew people in the Bible because they chose God, and they did it for a reason: the Exodus, that is, God saving the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt, demonstrating God’s power and loyalty. So the loyalty is reciprocal – the people is loyal to God, and God is loyal to the people (help them, keep them safe). The need for God was not placed in the future, in the idea of Heaven and eternal life, but rather it was urgent and present right then; you would rely on your God for crops to grow and children to be born, you would rely on your God to keep you safe, to help you out of your enemies’ grasp. But if your God could not provide, there were other gods to turn to, who might help you instead.

The reason I bring that up is that, well. It’s interesting that Ishmael’s statement that he “clove to Queequeg” happened after they had already done their whole marriage thing. They had already decided to be ~husband and wife~ (no matter how tongue-in-cheek that designation is), they had already decided to share their earthly possessions, they had already made their “wherever you go, I go” promises. So him cleaving to Queequeg here is not in the marriage way, since that has already been established; he cleaves to him in a different manner now.

So what I have suggested here is that Queequeg is whale coded → whales are creatures of chaos and near-divinity → people cleaved to God in a reciprocal loyal and beneficial relationship, even in the presence of other deities → Ishmael watches Queequeg save a man from the depths of the chaotic sea → Ishmael decides to cleave to Queequeg.

Now, I would definitely not go as far as suggesting that Queequeg is God or “God-coded” or whatever, or that Ishmael would worship him as such. But there is something here, isn’t it? In this scene, Ishmael cleaves to Queequeg not as a companion, but as a protector and as a force to be reckoned with.

#whale weekly #moby dick #meta #also i know the inclusion of genesis 34:3 is controversial but it is literally just for the sake of linguistics #my meta

[lightningandfireinmybones]

don’t know if you’re still taking requests for prompts but is possible can the audience get 14, 15, 36, 46, 54 all in one. thank you so much for all the wonderful writing you’ve blessed us with so far btw 🥺❤️.

HELLO MY LOVE I WASN'T IGNORING YOU I WAS JUST FINISHING UP CHAPTER 20 BUT HERE WE GOOOOOOOOO

“i want to taste you” & “open your mouth” & “you’re mine” & “you feels so good” & “don’t forget who you belong to”

(18+ !!!!!

horny jail bc we're leaning into the uncle thing in an au where it's not normalized for targs,,, you've been warned and my ticket to every religion's hell has been booked in advance so no need to remind me)

"Aemond! What the fuck-"

"Don't," Aemond hisses, continuing to drag Valaena down the hallway, the sounds of the party dying behind them the deeper into the house they go.

"Don't what? Don't object to being manhandled out of my brother's birthday?" Valaena aims a kick at Aemond's groin, one he avoids by throwing her into her darkened bedroom.

"Don't," Aemond grits out, following her in and slamming the door shut behind him, "dance with another man like that in front of me."

In the purple glow of the LEDs surrounding her bed, Aemond can see Valaena cross her arms over her chest, just accentuating the swell of her breasts over the edge of the corset top he loves and hates at once. The second he'd walked into Jace's birthday party to see Valaena dressed in a tight black and gold corset with leather pants molded to the curve of her ass, he should've known the night would bring nothing but trouble.

Seeing her grind with Cregan, Jace's best friend, on the makeshift dancefloor had tested his patience until he'd finally snapped and dragged her away.

"Oh?" Valaena arches a brow at him, accentuating the scar on her face, the one he'd given her. "Don't grind my ass against another man's dick? What, would it be okay if I ground my ass against a woman then?"

"Don't let anyone else touch that body. That ass is mine." Aemond leans against the door, blocking her way out, staring down at her as he breathes through the last of his patience.

"We're not together anymore, Aemond! You left me, remember? I can dance with whoever I want!" Valaena storms closer, teetering in the heels she's wearing, slamming her finger into the center of Aemond's chest.

"Valaena. You're mine. You always have been and you always will be," Aemond declares, grabbing her wrist and spinning her around, slamming her back against the door. He pins her wrists above her head in one hand, slots his knee between her legs, right in the cradle of warmth between her thighs. Every rational thought, every sense of self-preservation deserting him at the jealousy coursing through his veins.

"You said you were my uncle, just my uncle," Valaena pants out, her hips flush against his. "A good uncle doesn't rub his thigh against his niece like this."

"A good uncle doesn't do a lot of things," Aemond trails his hand up her side, ghosting over her breasts, just grazing her collarbones, caressing her neck. "But you're not a very good little niece, are you? Good nieces don't dress like this to tempt their uncle. Good nieces don't rub their needy little pussy on their uncle's thigh."

He tightens his grip on her throat. Giving into temptation, he licks the glitter from the elegant column of her neck.

"Tell me to stop," Aemond nips at the racing thump of her pulse. "Tell me you don't want me."

Instead of restoring sanity to them both, Valaena moans his name.

"Kepus," she says breathily, "I want to taste you."

The words are knives to the last shreds of his self-control.

In one motion, he's pushing her down to her knees, gripping her hair in his hands as he forces her chin up to look at her. Lavender eyes glitter at him, a flush working down her chest, the dark edge of a nipple poking over the edge of the corset.

"Open your mouth," Aemond says darkly.

Valaena obeys nearly instantly, lush lips parting and pink tongue poking out like she's waiting for him. Her hands are scrabbling at his hips, the metallic clang of his belt buckle the only sound in the room above their harsh breathing and the distant thud of a rap song's bass.

His cock springs free, Valaena's tongue darting out to lick at the head like it's a lollypop, big eyes on him the whole time.

He pulls the hair in his hand harshly, tugging hard enough to jerk her head back.

"No teasing. You want your uncle to fuck your mouth? Fine. Take it, Sweet Niece."

Without warning, Aemond thrusts forward, his cock disappearing deep into Valaena's mouth. She chokes nearly immediately, hands coming to clutch his thighs for stabilization. He doesn't give her any time to adjust, ruthlessly taking her mouth for his own.

Guilt doesn't exist. Time doesn't exist. The way her father is going to kill them both doesn't exist.

The only thing that is real, that is true, is the warmth of her mouth, the tears gathering in the corner of Valaena's eyes, the flick of her tongue across the head of his cock when he pulls out.

"You feel so good, taking my cock so well," Aemond groans, pushing her head deeper onto him. "You wanted your uncle's cock in your mouth? You wanted to be a dirty little whore for me, on your knees and loving every second of it?"

Valaena moans around him, the vibrations traveling up his spine to lodge in his brain. She loves this. She danced with Cregan to start this.

Fuck. They'd never escape each other.

He is unforgiving, but she takes every inch of him, choking and gagging around the thick length. It is heaven, it is hell, it is every condemnation they deserve mixed with absolution they do not.

With his fingers digging into the back of her neck, Aemond comes with a cry of her name.

Every drop, every spurt down her throat, she takes, swallowing with fervor, sucking him for all he's worth. It spills out of her mouth, her tongue following, an obscene scene dragging him down.

When he can finally bear to part from her, he pulls himself out of her mouth, crouching down to her level. Mascara tracks run down her cheeks, her lips are swollen from the abuse, but her eyes are bright. Happy.

Aemond runs his thumb over her lip, catching a stray drop of his cum. He pushes his thumb past her lips, into the sweetness of her mouth.

"Don't forget who you belong to, Sweet Niece."

#i leaned into the uncle thing #might as well enjoy the ride if i'm going to hell #enjoy you heathens:') #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen smut #aemond targaryen fanfiction #hotd fanfic #tdopom fic #ask #minors dni

[paralyze-fic]

Paralyze.

Chapter 54

But Shoto and Katsuki had their extra classes, so only eighteen of us could stay in.

|Heads up, the story gets so dumb after this chapter, I don't know what I thinking when I wrote this|

When I woke up the next morning, Katsuki wasn't here with me, and I remembered him telling me about having to wake up early. Aizawa had told us we could take today off from school because he had things to do too so class 1-A had a day off.

I mentally groaned at having woken up on my own pretty early, so I just decided to close my eyes and sleep again. As I turned around a pretty awful pain went through my entire body making me stop abruptly and growl lowly.

My whole body was aching and twitching. The nurse had told me my muscles were going to take a few days to go back to their normal state, but this meant they'd be stronger than before. That was good, but when this fucking pain was filling my whole body it wasn't.

And yep, I spent most of the morning in bed, sleeping and using my phone until it was lunchtime, and Iida came knocking on my door to wake me up to eat something because I skipped breakfast.

"I'm coming..." Slowly, I sat up and pushed the covers off of me, placing my feet on the wooden floor, standing up with various groans and curses getting out of my mouth.

Basically, this was my entire day, groaning and barely being able to move.

So, by the time Katsuki came back I was lying on the couch and Izuku was massaging my back, well, more like rubbing it. I only felt tickles.

Katsuki's eyes locked with mine, and then he turned to look at Izuku, his hands instantly heating up and crackling explosions.

"Izuku?" He made a panicked noise, and I just looked at him over my shoulder, "Run."

"Sure will do," and as fast as lighting, Izuku got off the couch and ran to the kitchen. I didn't even try to sit up, because my whole body was still in pain, so I just pressed my face into one of the cushions.

"Why was that damn Deku giving you a fucking massage?" Moving my face to the side so he could hear me, I answered.

"Because my whole stupid body hurts," I groaned out, and I heard Katsuki chuckle. I looked at him, and he was kneeling beside me, getting his face close to mine, his breath hitting my ear.

"I'm sure I can give you an even better massage than Deku's." His voice sent a shiver down my spine, and I wasn't going to back down from that offer.

//////

I regret not having backed down from that offer!

The very moment I was face down on Katsuki's bed, he started making explosions, and that scared me.

"Why are you using your quirk, Katsuki?" He stared at me and tsked.

"A warm massage would help your muscles relax more than a normal one, now lay down and be a good boy," I hesitantly obeyed his words, lying on his bed once more.

In my attempt to relax, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, but when I felt Katsuki's body on top of mine I got tense.

"Can you relax for a goddamn second, (M/n)? I'm not going to hurt you." His voice had an annoyed tone to it, I shook my head, getting rid of all the bad things Katsuki could do to me at the moment.

His hands pressed on my shoulder, and slowly, I felt the heat of his palms on my skin, and like that, he started massaging my shoulders.

It felt good, I'm not gonna lie, and that made me let out some grunts and gasps.

Katsuki's hands went lower, to the middle of my back, making his way up again. He repeated the same thing a few times until his palms were now on my lower back.

"Katsuki... it feels good~" I whispered and I heard him swallow.

That made me feel quite concerned. Was he doing something that he didn't like? So I tried to look over my shoulder.

"Kats-?" He pressed my face into his pillow with a yelp.

"S-stay still, Idiot..."

Now something was wrong. Definitely. Katsuki only stuttered when he was embarrassed or nervous.

"Katsuki, you don't have to do this if you don't want to, you know that, right?" I said softly, moving around to get a bit more comfortable, and then I heard him gasp.

Yes, Katsuki is not feeling well right now.

"Get off of me, puppy." His nails dug into my back, making me flinch a bit, "Katsuki, please."

After a few seconds, very slowly, he got off of my body. I turned around and sat on his bed, only to see him holding his legs close to him and with his face on his knees.

I shifted closer to him and placed my hand on top of his head.

"Katsuki, are you okay?" He shook his head no and I heard a quiet whimper.

What's wrong now?

I bit my lip nervously, thinking about what to do.

In a quick movement, I situated myself behind him and wrapped his waist with my arms, Katsuki shifted around, trying to get off my grip, but I didn't let him, pressing his back closer to my chest and resting my chin on his shoulder. When I was next to his ear, I saw the red colour on it.

He's... embarrassed.

"Katsuki?" He gasped again and covered his ear with one of his hands.

"D-don't s-say my name so... close to me..." I felt his body trembling slightly.

What the hell is wrong with him now? He was fine a little while ago.

But in the meantime, I spent it thinking of what to do, and while doing so I absentmindedly caressed his abs, which usually worked to calm him down.

"Gah~"

A really quiet moan filled my ears, making me tense instantly. I kept moving my hand up and down his abs, but during one motion down I felt...

"Katsuki..."

"Mmh~" his hands holding his legs went down to mine on the side of his hips. "I said I wasn't fine."

He... Got an erection.

#paralyze fic #bakugou katsuki fanfic #bakugou x male #bakugou x male reader #male reader #reader insert #x reader

[royalelusts]

i love the teenage m! reader hcs you wrote for obey me! could you write some hcs with the same prompt but different characters? have a nice day!!

im glad you enjoyed reading them! i had fun writing it! i hope you enjoy this one too.

✰ mammon

⚬ When i tell you he was annoyed

⚬ Not only does he have to watch the exchange student

⚬ The exchange student is a random teenage boy

⚬ Not to mention a human

⚬ What was lucifer thinking??

⚬ But his annoyance didn’t last long

⚬ This brought opportunity!

⚬ He could plan out so many schemes using you

⚬…was his first initial thought process

⚬ How was he supposed to know you were going to get this close to his heart?!

⚬ Oh well now you have big brother mammon in your life

⚬ He definitely still pulls you into his schemes

⚬ Well he tries to

⚬ He’ll come up to you all excited telling you his next plan

⚬ Only for you to look him dead in his face and say “that is the stupidest shit i've heard all day”

⚬ >:/

⚬ Well damn you couldve just said you didnt like it and kept it moving

⚬ But it does pull him out of a lot of dumb things so its technically a win

⚬ Oh do you remember that one devilgram story where mammon left for a while?

⚬ When he came back to see how concerned you were he lowkey felt bad

⚬ Like wow i really left my partner in crime

⚬ He is your number one supporter

⚬ You got a 54 on a test?

⚬ Hell yeah lets go celebrate

⚬ He’s like one of those moms who complain about you telling him about a project at the last minute but then breaks their back to help you finish it

⚬ When you came back to the house of lamentation after chapter 16 he was the first one you talked to

⚬ More like clung to but whatever

⚬ Tbh he was the one that convinced you to come back

⚬ “Even if you’re obnoxious sometimes you’re my responsibility. I got you.”

✰ leviathan

⚬ To be honest when you first met leviathan you were kinda excited

⚬ One of the pins on his shirt (vest? jacket?? cloak???) was from an anime you liked

⚬ It was just a bit of normalcy considering the whole situation

⚬ Then he called you a normie…

⚬ YOU GAVE HIM THE MEANEST SIDE EYE

⚬ “At least im not a shut in”

⚬ …

⚬ that lowkey hurt his feelings :/

⚬ There was so much tension between both of you

⚬ It was unbearable for everyone

⚬ This also made it difficult when you needed to borrow his vinyl

⚬ And when he wouldnt let you in his room?

⚬ You did the most logical thing in the world obviously

⚬ “It doesn’t matter. TSL sucks anyway.”

⚬ WHEN I TELL YOU THE DOOR FLEW OPEN

⚬ Mammon had to drag you away before things got too heated

⚬ After the whole tsl fiasco the tension dialed down

⚬ The hatred turned into competitive energy :D

⚬ By default you are now Henry

⚬ Sorry there isn’t any room for arguments

⚬ Levi now indulges in all of your interest

⚬ You even got him interested in some of them

⚬ he keeps a lookout for exclusive items to get you

⚬ Why shouldnt you have the best items???

⚬ Late night binges and game nights!!!

⚬ Lucifer has scold you many times about staying up for diavolo knows how long

⚬ But why would you listen to an old man like him anyway?

⚬ You had mentioned that you’ve never been to a convention before and levi was appalled

⚬ He now takes you to all of them with full cosplay if you want

⚬ Lets just say everyone wants to be you two

⚬ Moral of the story y’all are besties now

✰ belphegor

⚬ “You’re bullshitting me right? I risked my life to get that stupid vinyl from Levi to get up here only to find some random guy locked away?”

⚬ …huh

⚬ The person that’s going to let him out was a human?

⚬ Not to mention a teenage boy at that

⚬ Well we cant be picky

⚬ Assumed you were gonna be easy to manipulate

⚬ …key word assumed

⚬ WHY WERE YOU SO STUBBORN??

⚬ “Even if you are a human you’re locked up for a reason right?”

⚬ No matter how much he tried he couldn’t convince you to help him

⚬ Wanted to slam his head into the wall with the headache you were giving him

⚬ Somehow you left agreeing to get the rest of the pacts

⚬ (you vaguely remembered seeing a picture of him and beel happy together so you caved)

⚬ Throughout the process though you would manage to slip past lucifer to visit the attic

⚬ You would tell belphie about the crazy adventures you’ve been through since arriving

⚬ As obnoxious as you were he did find the stories of his twin enduring

⚬ Anyway to the attic events

⚬ “See i knew there was reason your ass was locked up”

⚬ When he went in for the “hug” you socked him straight in his jaw and booked it down the stairs

⚬ *cue cat and mouse chase music*

⚬ After that things were….mhm

⚬ You refused to stay at the hall of lamentation for a while

⚬ Even when you were convinced to come back you were obviously tense around them

⚬ The first time you spoke to belphegor again was when he caught you late at night in the kitchen

⚬ He apologized but didnt blame you if you didnt want to be around them

⚬ “Its not everyday i get strangled by a guy i saved”

⚬ You both chuckled

⚬ Building trust was an extremely long process and you made belphegor work for it

⚬ Oh but when things do get better though??

⚬ MENACES I TELL YOU

⚬ Y’all can shit talk everyone for hours

⚬ Its how you two bond <3

⚬ You thought the dissing was limited to the privacy of your rooms?

⚬ You my little friend are sadly mistaken

⚬ There are codenames for people if you’re talking in public

⚬ No one is safe

⚬ Oh and if said person/demon/angel does something around you two?

⚬ Sending a single look across the room will say everything you need to

⚬ You’re now an honorary member of the anti-lucifer league

⚬ You found out that belphegor has the comfiest bed out of everyone

⚬ So now that’s where you take majority of your naps

⚬ Though if you lay down before him he will not hesitate to fall on top of you

⚬ No use complaining young human

⚬ This is your fate now

#✰—writes!!! #mammon x reader #mammon fluff #leviathan x reader #leviathan fluff #levi x reader #levi fluff #belphegor x reader #belphegor fluff #obey me x reader #obey me fluff

[settsunoie]

Osomatsu-san Character book - Osomatsu 01 - English translation WIP

I guess I have to since no one did it -Settsu who will surely regret it Btw I have photos in this post please excuse my poor photo taking skills, if anyone has the scans I will gladly use them instead

Page 1

              Summary Osomatsu sticker sheet................................01 Special poster [Doctor Matsu]......................03 Shinpin Brothers now airing.........................05

Chapter 1 - Osomatsu  Close up Osomatsu....................................08  Close up Osoko..........................................12  Close up F6 Osomatsu...............................13  Fun facts about Osomatsu..........................14  Sextuplet's relashionships chart..................15  We're not the same ! Sextuplets ver OSO...16  Ending themes Osomatsu ver......................18  Gallery..........................................................22

Chapter 2 - Side characters and other   Close up of side character and other...........26   Pick up story.................................................28   A walk into the world of Osomatsu-san........32   The favorite places of Tsukkomimatsu.........34   Places to enjoy yourself...............................38

Chapter 3 - Collection of random things   Matsuno Osomatsu's character sheet..........40   Iyami's character sheet.................................44   Quote-matsu.................................................46   Osomatsu's divination...................................48   Story Staff Data.............................................51   Available goods.............................................52   Available mangas..........................................54

Page 2 (sticker sheet yay !)

1 - Osomatsu fan 2 - Sextuplets 3 - Osomatsu on board 4 - Don’t underestimate the elder ! 5 - You will surely find your dream ! Come on !

Page 8

1 - Look stupid but in reality...he's smart ? 2 - Two ahoges 3 - Can pour water out of his nipples ? 4 - Wears very clean briefs 5 - When he stops smiling you better start moving

Page 9

1 - I'm Matsuno Osomatsu ! CV Sakurai Takahiro 2 - (from left to right) *smile*, *dizzy*, “unforgivable...”, *sad sigh*, “bullshit...”, “Yay” 3 - The stupid and miraculous elder of the Matsuno family !    The elder of the Matsuno family. He has the mind of a elementary schooler and isn't very popular among the 6 brothers. But sometimes, he can also act like a true older brother. Isn't he hard to understand...?

Page 10

1 - Hey, I beg you please lend me some money 2 - King of trash ! More like king of honesty !! His own trashiness is a sort of pride !? Things like sentiments of guilt don't matter, that'sa true scum ! 3 - I'm motivated and I'm gonna give my all (not sure about this one?) 4 - I want mom to take care of me ! Osomatsu don't even try to keep those horrible wishes secret !! 5 - I'm kida lucky my brothers died 6 - I don't care if my brothers die if can be the protagonist ! The worst of all !! 7 - Iyami : He's the worst sibling ! 8 - Raise your voices, all against the elder !! Usually, you can't ask for help from the lazy Osomatsu. The siblings seem to more of less obey their big brother 9 - The leader says "sextuplets assembly !" 10 - In order to fight against Chibita we joined forces ! That's what I thought, but in reality the one that was shoved to the side was 11 - The seducer badly injured 12 - I got beaten up by a girl but at least I have her number ! That's the pride of the elder ! 13 - Jyushimatsu : Awesome big bro Osomatsu !! Todomatsu : I also admire you ! So please, give me some money ♡ 14 - Fictional QnA 15 - Q1 : Favorite drink Beer of course ! There is nothing best than beer !! If you start to talk, you'll want to drink, it's unavoidable~! 16 - Q2 : Favorite food Things like fried rice and high carbs foods but the others wouldn't like it 17 - Q3 : About your gambling addiction I go to horse races, pachinko and play mah-jong. No matter matter the game I always am confident. Would you like to play once against me ? Just kidding !!

#osomatsu san #mr osomatsu #book #book translation #english translation #translation #i wanna die #wip

[casspurrjoybell-17]

HEART'S FATE - CHAPTER 54

*Warning Adult Content*

As Skylar West disappears from sight, dragged into the abyss by the weight of the rock chained to his tail, a yelp of agony rips itself from Martin Hunter's lungs.

He lunges at the barrier, as if he could somehow reach Skylar in time but Anemone throws her arms around his neck and holds him back.

"Martin. No. You can't help him now. He's... he's gone."

Her breath catches on a sob and trembles shake her thin frame.

Martin could easily throw her off but whether because of the power in her voice or because he simply lack the strength to resist the truth, his muscles go weak with grief and he collapses with a whimper.

"I'm sorry," Anemone whispers, laying her head atop his as she hugs him tight. "I'm so sorry, Martin."

A whine is all he can do to express similar sympathy but she understands.

As her tears wet his fur, pain fills Martin's chest, making it difficult to breathe.

"Martin?" Anemone sits up and shakes me lightly. "Martin."

He had stopped breathing altogether for a moment and rouse himself with an effort.

Between the remnants of his first mate-bond and now losing his second, the Devouring will almost certainly claim him.

'First, though, Natalis will pay.'

He gets to his feet, his limbs trembling and takes an unsteady step, head lowered and hackles raised.

Anemone grasps a handful of his fur, attempting to hold him back and he turns and snaps at her.

A wounded animal is the most dangerous sort and Martin is in too much pain to think clearly.

Undaunted, Anemone refuses to let him go.

Ill-advisedly, she gets in front of him, putting her face right in front of his.

Her eyes, fringed by long, ginger lashes, are the same ocean green as Skylar's.

"Martin, listen to me," she says, so intently he can't help but obey. "You won't win if you challenge her directly. Believe me, I know. But there's another way. Look."

From a pocket of her loose gown, she produces a familiar object.

Skylar's amulet.

"Help me," she says. "Help me find my mother's statue. If we can free her, she will have the power to stop Natalis and put her in her place."

Martin's heart aches with a burning mix of rage and sorrow and he wavers between warring impulses.

Part of him wants to find Natalis and tear her throat out and part wants to lie down, go to sleep and never wake up again.

She's right, though on his own, the first well-thrown spear will put an end to Martin's endeavor and he owes it to Skylar not to give in to despair just yet.

So he snorts, shakes out his fur and touches his nose to Anemone's forehead, a wolfish way of saying 'let's go.'

Grimly, she nods.

"I don't think Natalis can have moved the statue very far, not out of the palace, anyway and she'll have to have made the replica somewhere nearby as well. We'll search every room."

She rises, determination hardening the set of her jaw but Martin gently grasp her hand in his teeth and whine insistently.

They don't have time for that.

She shakes her head.

"I know. Natalis and her guards won't waste time now they've gotten rid of Sky. We'll just have to stay ahead of them as long as we can."

Martin nuzzles her hand.

Frowning, she unclasps it to reveal the amulet.

"You want this?"

He whines again.

Finally, understanding blooms on her face.

"Of course. It led Sky to you, maybe it will lead you to Mother. Here."

Bending, Anemone places it around his neck.

Sitting on his haunches, Martin tilts his head to the side in anticipation but the amulet is nothing but a cold weight upon his fur.

Then, faintly, he feels a trace of heat as the stone warms and a strange vibration like the buzz of a trapped insect fluttering it's wings.

Anemone watches anxiously.

"Anything?"

Martin snorts and gets to his feet, claws clicking on cold stone.

Experimentally, he takes a few steps in one direction, pauses, double backs and tries the other.

The amulet warms a little on the second try and the vibration increases.

He looks back at Anemone and barks softly.

The pain in his heart remains and fatigue makes his head spin but it feels ever so slightly good to be on even this tiny trace of a trail.

"Alright," she says. "You lead the way."

Her expression is set, though her voice trembles with fear.

Martin can't blame her, if he were related to Natalis, he'd be scared, too.

They set off, wending a chaotic path down corridors and flights of stairs.

The amulet's pull is constant but the layout of the palace prevents Martin from following it in a straight line.

Several times he turns to Anemone, confounded by some obstacle and relies on her knowledge of the floorplan to get them where they need to go.

Fortunately, she knows the place as well as any kid knows her childhood home and gets them back on track without fail.

Finally, they arrive in an area Martin recognizes, emerging from a passageway into the grand hall.

Anemone holds him back while she checks that the coast is clear but the palace remains eerily quiet.

"It won't last," she says, reading his mind. "But Natalis can't just disappear after what she did. There will be questions to answer and condolences to exchange. We've got a few minutes yet before she can slip away without raising more eyebrows than are already up."

Martin leans his head against her leg to signal his understanding and then trots out into the hall.

The click of his claws echoes in the massive space and Anemone tiptoes after him.

In the center of the open space, Martin pauses once more, uncertain but the amulet's direction is clear.

Pointing his snout towards the throne room, he imitates a hunting dog and growls.

"In there?" Anemone asks, resting her hand on his head. "Are you sure?"

Martin whines and nips at her fingers.

It makes no sense to him either.

It would be silly of Natalis to keep the real and the fake statues in the same room and Natalis is anything but silly and yet the amulet's pull is undeniable.

Anemone nods.

"Alright. I suppose if there's one place I'd never think to look, it's in plain sight."

A sound startles them both and the tell-tale tone of angry voices tells Martin, their time is nearly up.

Together, they dash to the throne-room doors, where Anemone throws them open and slams them shut at their backs.

"Quick. Help me with the barricade. That will buy us a bit more time," Anemone whispers breathlessly once we're safely inside.

Unsure how much use he'll be in this form, Martin stays close to her side but it seems the emotional support is enough.

The heavy wooden beam, perhaps once salvaged from the mast of a ship, rests in a groove parallel to the wall.

With one good shove, it slides along an oiled track and falls into place with a satisfying thunk, a clever design obviously intended for one person to use as a last resort.

"There," Anemone says, dusting off her hands and huffs. "That should hold them for a bit. Now, as for Mother..."

She chews her bottom lip and scans the rounded walls of the cupola, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of the statue the way one finally spots an illusive item in a seek-and-find game.

With a quiet yip, Martin begins his own investigation, running a quick circuit of the room, letting the amulet guide him.

The heat and vibrations are strongest near the place where the false throne once stood and on his second round of the room, he begins to despair.

What if, this whole time, the amulet had only been attracted to the lure of the place it's former owner had worn it last?

What if Natalis had lied and she'd actually destroyed her mother's form long ago?

With no answer in sight and suddenly drained of energy, he lies down, rests his head on his paws and shuts his eyes.

"Martin?" Anemone kneels at his side and lays her hand on his back. "Don't give up now. We're so close. We've got to be."

A whimper and a shiver are the best reply he can give.

Meanwhile, new sounds reach them from the hall and Natalis' voice breaks through the clamor.

Anemone shrinks against Martin and buries her face in his fur.

"Please," she whispers. "Please, Martin. Sky believed in you. He'd never have brought you here otherwise. I believe in you, too. The amulet led you here for a reason. I'm sure of it."

A shudder wracks his frame, making his wolf's teeth clack together.

He wants to believe her but the truth is Skylar maybe made a mistake or the amulet did, leading the handsome merman to him.

Just as it made a mistake now, leading Martin here.

'I, on the other hand, feel I should have known better than to believe myself worthy of happiness, should have known it was too good to be true.'

Grief weighs on his heart, as heavy as the stone bound to Skylar and the urge to sleep is strong.

If he shuts his eyes, he can conjure his lover in memory, just as he appeared when Martin first met him in the art room, that fateful afternoon, when his life began to come undone.

'No,' he thinks. 'No, my life was already undone. Sky put it back together, one act of love at a time.'

Maybe the amulet made a mistake, maybe Martin never deserved Skylar and never will but for whatever reason, Skylar chose Martin anyway.

The least he can do is try to put things right now.

With an effort, he opens his eyes and raises himself to his feet.

Giving Anemone a reassuring lick on the cheek, he trots over to where a drapery or curtain hangs in loose folds against a wall.

Nosing his way behind it, he Shifts.

"Martin?" Anemone's voice lifts with alarm as his wolfish whimpers become a human cry of pain. "What are you... oh."

He steps from behind the drapery, holding a fold of it in front of himself for modesty, as the amulet is all he wears.

"I can sense it better like this and I need to think," Martin says, pressing the warm gem against his bare skin.

His voice is rough and raspy and he leans on the wall for support.

"Is there... something I can use to cover myself?"

Anemone shakes her head.

"Never mind. I've seen a naked man before."

He only hesitates a moment.

Skylar said the Mer-folk had no qualms about nudity and now isn't the time to be shy.

Still, Anemone definitely looks when Martin lets go of the cloth and he's far from comfortable as he circles the room, doing his best to ignore the shouts and bangs from the other side of the door.

"They'll be through, soon," Anemone says, anxiously chewing a nail. "They'll have the hinges off."

"What's on the other side of this wall?" Martin asks, resting his hand against the stones as the amulet's vibrations subtly increase.

"Nothing," Anemone says, shrugging. "The sea."

"Is there another way out of here?"

"There's the viewing platform but it hasn't been used in ages."

"What is it?"

"Just a window, really. Sometimes when Mother gave important speeches it would be opened so people could gather and watch from outside."

"Show me."

Anemone joins Martin by the wall and presses a recessed panel.

A section of stone bricks lowers into the floor, revealing what appears to be glass but when he reached out, his fingers encounter something more like jelly.

It ripples beneath his touch and he suspects if he pushed hard enough, his hand would pass right through.

"Careful," Anemone says. "You can get out but not back in. For security, you know."

Withdrawing his hand, Martin studies the scene on the other side.

It looks like an overgrown, undersea field, full of waving kelp and glowing corals.

"She's out there," Martin says, somehow certain of it. "In the sea grass somewhere."

Anemone gasps.

"But that's... There must be a hectare of the stuff. It would take forever to search it. Much longer than you could hold your breath, anyway."

The shouts on the other side of the door grow louder and Martin hear wood splintering.

"We won't have to search the whole thing," Martin says. "The amulet will guide me right to her. Come on, it's that or face Natalis and her guards."

"Martin... you don't understand," Anemone lays her hand on my arm and gestures at the view with her other. "This is outside the palace walls. Outside the barrier. If you go out there, there's no quick way back in. You'll drown."

Martin looks at her and smiles.

"Not before I free the queen."

Her eyes fill with tears and the corners of her mouth tremble.

"How many people do I have to lose today?"

"Hopefully just one. And you'll get your mom back."

"I want Sky back more," she whispers.

"Me, too," Martin says, taking her hand. "Come on. Let's do this before they break through. It won't take them long to figure out where we've gone."

Anemone nods miserably but her eyes shine with determination as well as tears.

"Deep breath," she says.

'Last one for the win,' Martin thinks and fills his lungs.

Then, hand in hand, they step through the barrier and into the sea.

[takeachillpillshawty]

Update on book five.

Stuck on chapter 54

I love Niege LeBlanche, would die for him.

Rook looks ugly without his hat.

Adding Epel to my kin list

WAS THE MICKEY MOUSE?!

Deuce x Epel when?

I would not survive a day at Pomifoire.

Vil is an asshole, but you are what you eat.

Jamil and Kalim singing lives in my head rent free.

So gay.

A slight obey me crossover.

Also: SANSSWEEP! SANSSWEEP! oh God better luck next time renagede.

#twisted wonderland shitpost #riddle rosehearts #jamil viper #twisted wonderland original character #azul ashengrotto #deuce spade #floyd leech #heartslabyul #twisted wonderland #obey me luke #obey me #obey me mammon #obeyme mc #obey me lucifer

[san-fics]

Sexting Time

Felinette

Chapter 49 (Ao3 / Wattpad / Patreon)

Summary:

It was as if everything happened in slow motion, – a dark butterfly flapping its wings against the backdrop of fighting men, Marinette’s own raging emotions throbbing in her temples, where every beat of her accelerated heartbeat reverberated, dwarfing her ability to think clearly and even try to take off her earrings to give Tikki a chance to try to save the miraculous...

___

More chapters are available on patreon.com/san_fics

spoilers:

WARNING: aged-up characters, adult content

p. 50

“Hey guys!” Adrien’s voice came from behind them as the model got out of the taxi and walked towards them. “Sorry I didn’t wait for you in the morning, I had to…” He trailed off when he caught up with them and saw Helen, who had previously been shielded from his view by the others. “...sign the last papers…” He finished quietly, stopping next to the company. “Hey, Ellie…” He said hesitantly, rubbing his neck nervously. “Long time no see…”

“Since my uncle’s funeral.” The girl snorted, glaring at him with anger. “Oh, wait, you weren’t there!”

*

p.51

“How do you comment on the fact that after you stole Adrien from the Gabriel brand, the rating of this company is constantly falling?” The woman continued after Helen nodded positively.

Marinette tensed and glanced at her boyfriend, worried about how any harsh remark Helen would make about the model could show internal conflicts in their team and cut down the newly emerging brand in the bud – maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to have an unresolved conflict within the team?..

*

p.52

Marinette lifted the phone she was holding in her hand, slid the screen to camera mode, caught Felix in frame, and pressed record.

“Today you’ll show me how well you can obey, little puppy, and I’ll reward you for it.” She announced, feeling a slight shiver run down her spine, and patted the spot on the bed next to her with her free hand anyway.

*

p. 53

“You seem to have a personal relationship not only with the heroes but also the villains of this city, Marinette.” Helen said.

Marinette frowned at Helen – unable to comprehend the blond’s statement. “What do you mean?” She asked in confusion.

“Well, since I’ve been in Paris, most of the Akuma revolve around you in one way or another.” The guest spoke. “It seems like this psychopath doesn’t like you personally.”

* p.54

The shelf with costumes was reminiscent of the shelves from a children’s store before Halloween, with the difference that the models on the covers were all adults, the costumes often covered only a small part of their body, and if they covered more skin, there were slits in the most necessary places, – with a blurry picture inside so that the intimate parts weren’t visible.

__

Felinette Tag list (ask me to join)

@mochegato

@thepapillonnoir

@snow-leopard-777

@loves-books

@turiankitty

@toodaloo-kangaroo

@readingismyoxygen

@aespades

@starlightshield

@jessigurl-design

@trippingovermyfeet

@apasponsor

@avs17

@fangirlingfanatic

@psychicdelusionwerewolf

@ur-beautiful-when-u-smile

@spicemallow

@kking13

@frieddonutsweets

@miraculous-panic

@ateneagirasol

@its-maemain

@unoriginalmess

@achaoticmess1

@starfire21

@peachayim

@starling218

@iloontjeboontje

@jennifer-rose123

@a-slytherinish-gryffindor

@wegetitethan

@jacimari

@hammalammadamdam

Sexting Time Felinette AU Tag list (ask me to join)

@miraculous-panic

@ateneagirasol

@achaoticmess1

@hauntedhoagiehorsetree

#felix graham de vanily #miraculous felix #felix miraculous #mlb felix #felix agreste #felix culpa #felix mlb #felinette #felinette fanfic #felinette november #marinette x felix #felinette forever #aged up felinette #felix fathom #flairmidable #argos #miraculous ladybug #miraculous lb #miraculous fandom #miraculous fanworks #mlb #mlb fandom #felinette month 2022

[casspurrjoybell-29]

Healing Ties - Chapter 54 - Part 3

*Warning Adult Content*

The humans spent as much time looking at one another as they did at them, nobody seeming quite sure what was happening or how they should respond.

The exception was a middle aged man in full military uniform whose expression was that of someone who had just been offered faeces to eat.

He was the one who stepped forward.

"What do you want?"

"Peace, if that's possible," Yore said. "If it's not, we're willing to consider other ways of keeping our families safe that might not be so diplomatic."

"We didn't come here for peace," the middle aged man said. "We want our world back and we're willing to fight for it."

"It's not yours. It doesn't belong to you."

"We were here first."

"We are you," Yore said, frustration creeping into his voice.

"We're not some alien invaders from outer space. Why should someone who's been changed by the Fae have any less right to life than you do?"

"I'm not interested in debating this. As the general of this army, I'll give you one chance to walk away."

One of the men whose armour seemed to mark him as higher up in command had been staring at them with wide, stunned eyes since they'd entered the camp.

At first Fanner had thought that he had been stunned by the sight of the Orcs or the Centaurs but his gaze was fixed and not on any of the more unusual members of their group.

He was staring at Hamish.

Yore held eye contact with the general for a long moment before finally shaking his head.

"I'm done talking to you. Would anyone else like to have a productive conversation?"

"Hey," the general said, hand on the hilt of his sword as he took a step forward. "Leave. Last chance."

Yore ignored him.

"Anyone?"

The man who had been staring at Hamish slowly raised a tentative hand.

"Yes?"

"I have a question."

He pointed to Hamish.

"How is he alive?"

"Oh," Hamish said, a smile overtaking his face. "Lying. Did you miss me, Reid?"

The look Reid levelled at Hamish was pointedly unimpressed, though there was the slightest hint of vulnerability in the way he held himself.

"You faked your own death, then."

"Yup. And Simon, too, if you care."

"And... why? To come and live here?"

"With the mages, yes. Have you ever noticed how enslaving people isn't a very nice thing to do?"

Reid ignored that.

"But Lainton, the tunnels. They were cleared out."

"Yup," Hamish said. "You're a smart man. An experienced fighter. You knew a half dozen men didn't kill all of those vampires on their own. We're good but we're not that good."

"Of course. I saw the bodies. I know what weapons we have and the wounds they leave. Sometimes it's better not to ask questions."

"Some of my friends here today helped. Werewolves, Centaurs, Mages. They're the ones who deserve the credit."

"None of it would have happened without you and the other humans," Yore told Hamish.

"That's just one of the good things that can happen when we work together instead of trying to kill one another."

"That is not an option that's on the table," the general said. "This is our world."

"Anyway," Yore said. "We came here to make a gesture of peace. We hear you have wounded and we'd like to offer our help."

"Absolutely not," the general said.

"Does anyone have friends who they would prefer didn't die?"

"Enough."

The general pointed a finger towards them.

"Kill them."

Hands drifted towards weapons, the humans looking between one another to try to gauge the mood of the group.

None of them moved.

One of the Orc guards sat down on the ground and started trying to dig a splinter out of his foot with his big, awkward hands.

"That's an order," the general said.

"Sir, with all due respect, I don't think that would be the most productive move right now," Reid said.

"Why don't we give them a chance to help?"

"If you respect me, you will obey me."

"Hmm, well..." Reid tipped his head to the side. "I think it might be time you stepped down."

The general drew his sword.

"What did you say?"

Reid's gaze flicked up and down the general.

He didn't look impressed.

"I'm willing to die for a lot of things but not for nothing. It's time to change our approach."

The general swung his sword but Reid easily dodged under it and then came up and knocked it out of the general's hand with a well placed strike to his wrist.

"I fight vampires, sir. You will lose this fight every time."

Until now, the humans had just been watching but as the general reached to retrieve his sword, someone grabbed him from behind and restrained him.

Many of the humans looked unsure but nobody moved to defend the general as he was dragged away.

Reid sighed and forced a smile.

"Sorry about that. Let me show you to where we're setting up the medical tents."

[devildomwriter]

“You go, ___! Show him what a sheep is capable of!”

— Asmodeus (Chapter 54-12)

#obey me quote of the day #obey me quotes #obey me asmodeus #obey me asmodeus quotes #obey me chapter 54

[600shekels]

The Book of Chronicles, Part 2. Introduction, "Comes the Angel of Death."

For the second half of the Book of Chronicles, Part 2, the second half of a kind of Hebrew-Greek dictionary called a Septuagint, we are going to begin at the end. The final words of Chronicles 2, Chapter 36 are:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

Both Books of Chronicles conclude with the building of a temple. The first part ends with Solomon's Temple, Part 2 with the building of a Third Temple by King Cyrus of Persia.

There are 54 Chapters in the Torah, which are Gematria for 5+4= 9 meaning the nine months it takes for a human being to gestate in the womb.

The first part of Chronicles has 29, which is 2+9=11 indicating the Eleventh Commandment, "Teach these Commandments to your children." This is the thrust of the first part to be sure.

The second part, Chronicles 2, has 36 Chapters, which has Gematria for 9 also, but instead of the first birth, these are called the Second Seal, Gematria of 308, ג‎אֶפֶסח or gimmel 'efes het, which is "Passover."

Passover is a prerequisite for what is called Mashiach, the mass departure of Hebrew slaves from Egypt for salvation in the Promised Land, a world without strife.

Prior to Passover, God proclaims there can be no more Egyptians, men without conscience born into the world, and the firstborn of Israel, must be reared in the outside world, far away from the delusory influences of the Egyptian Confederacy.

It's a scary time- to trust in God and obey, and put the lies and the liars asunder and think for oneself. Everything has to be challenged, real or unreal, practical or impractical, fair and just or just plain evil and corrupt?

What stays and what goes? Decide for comes the Angel of Death, at least for some. And then- freedom for the rest.

[jaymarlowgirlinnovators]

I AM MALALA: Changing the World Through Girls Education

I want to start by saying thank you for this assignment this week...

Part 1

Period: End of a Sentence is an amazing initiative that goes beyond being able to provide women with necessary products that will elevate their health. They strive to educate communities and provide support to those especially where there is shame around menstruation. There are many places in the world where women are meant to serve a specific role and are not encouraged to ask questions. Continuing to shame women for experiencing something that is natural is what divides communities. Imposing shame around menstruation gives men the idea that because they don’t go through it, they must be superior and that’s most certainly not the case. Having equal access to these products and this knowledge is not only helpful, it is essential. 

Part 2

1. If you could describe this book in one word what would that be?

The one world that I would use would be HOPE. This book was so descriptive about her home. I found many moments where I would shut my eyes and try to envision what she was seeing. I also found that as negative aspects of her life, such as conflict arose, she would revert back to those descriptive words providing the reader with a sense of “it’s going to be okay.” Her relationship with her parents, especially her father, is extremely important to her development. In Chapter 4, her father tells her “I will protect your freedom, Malala. Carry on with your dreams.” Her father took notice of the power that she had to make a difference and wanted to afford her every opportunity to turn those dreams into a reality. 

2. What does this book reveal about Islam, women, girls and education?

Women are not given the same opportunities as men are. Malala is extremely aware of the outdated customs. She speaks out on injustice and leads her life outside of the general mold that is set for her (within reason)  On pg. 54, she writes “ I am very proud to be a Pashtun, but sometimes I think our code of conduct has a lot to answer for, particularly where the treatment of women is concerned.”  

Within the household, women are responsible for cooking, cleaning and making sure the men in the house are provided for. She makes mention that women are rarely given the prime cut of meat and don’t receive cream for their tea until the men have had theirs. Education for women is far from prioritized. She writes “There seemed no point in going to school to just end up cooking, cleaning and bringing up children…” (pg. 32) 

Arranged marriages are the custom and women are often treated as currency to resolve civil disputes. I found it heartbreaking that the mind of a woman is not valued outside of the meals that they cook or producing children. The pressures of quality wedding jewlery stood out to me and to read that women would sell their jewelry to help their husbands open their businesses affirms the notion that the husband is the priority and women giving up their rights and freedoms was seen as a sign of devotion. 

Side note: there are many examples of this throughout several cultures. I come from a Puerto Rican household and my mother and aunts were raised to think their place is the kitchen preparing dinner for the brothers and husbands. There are outdated customs in wedding vows (the use fo the word obey) from the wife’s side insinuates that a woman’s place is to do whatever the husband tells her. I’m glad these trends are changing as time goes on and the mold of a “perfect household” changes. 

3. What elements of chance are crucial to her story? 

On pg. 45, Hidayatullah says “Malala was a lucky girl. When she was born our luck changed.” I think the inspiration shared between Malala and her father was reciprocated. Watching him go through his journey to fight for education influenced her decisions. His unwavering support allowed her to think that there are no limits to what she could do. Another example is her entering the public speaking competition and the topic being “Honesty is the best policy.” This was a topic that she was very passionate about as she worked on being the best daughter and friend possible. Delivering the speech also influenced the way she wrote speeches in the future. Instead of having a man write the speech for her, she wrote her own. 

4. Unesco estimates over 160 million girls worldwide are not educated due to refugee status, war relocation, poverty and gender preference.  What would the world look like if all girls were educated? What do you think would change?

I think there would be an initial shock because men have this idea that they created this world and they should dictate what should happen in it. No one likes change at first and they need to be subject to change to realize the positive outcomes that can come from it. Ultimately, this would be extremely beneficial for a multitude of reasons. Having more educated women leads to more women in power. Women having a “seat at the table” of change would offer a perspective that many men were either too stubborn or too uneducated to see the value in. Women like Vice President Kamala Harris and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson are paving the way for women and women of color to bring this world into a new era. I believe that with more educated women, leading to more women in power that there would still be conflict in the world, but there would be less casualties as a result of the conflict.  

5. What is your favorite quote from the book? Please explain why.

“Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.” This quote stuck out to me and is so prevalent to what we are going through today with the Jan. 6th hearings and our former president’s claims. We’re constantly inundated with news coverage that a peaceful transition of power was not achieved and had it been, a lot of legal action could have been avoided. 

 Malala continues to write that we are human and humans make mistakes. I think this quote teaches us that we should honor history. Learning from the past, both from victories and atrocities is the only way we will know what worked and what didn’t. Another great quote that I liked was when Malala says “No, the chicken is innocent, we should not kill her.” There is a purity to the way she sees the world. She’s obviously beyond her years and understands a lot more than what people give her credit for. She believes that just because it is custom, doesn’t mean it’s right. 

6. What positive global messages does this book provide, and why does it continue to be relevant? 

This book can be seen from multiple angles. For me, it was her relationship with her parents that allowed her to step outside of what was initially expected of her. A great passage from the book is when she was caught stealing from Safina. The guilt that she had for the act and for lying to her parents led her to a life of honesty and purity. I think it’s interesting that she doesn’t wear jewelry today and it strengthens her message that the most powerful thing a woman can have is her mind. The Ghandi quote her father passed on to her was spot on in the way she lives her life: “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” (pg. 58) This adds to what makes her so special because she chooses forgiveness and empathy as she navigates her world. She knows that there is a lot of work to be done to correct the mistakes of the past and with encouragement from her parents, she takes on the task and leads the charge. I think everyone should read this book (it’s also on audible) more than once because there is so much descriptive language and she takes us down so many moments of her history that we’re bound to learn more with each time we read it.

[lesfeldickbiblestudy]

  Through the Bible with Les Feldick LESSON 3 * PART 2 * BOOK 54 Practical Godly Living - Part 2 I Peter 2:15 - 3:22 All right, we’re going to go right on from where we left off in the last lesson in I Peter. We’re beginning today in chapter 3 verse 1. In the last lesson, we were talking about practical godly living, and what it is to be good under various circumstances - and it’s not always easy to be good, but nevertheless, that’s the admonition. Now you come into chapter 3 and the first word is, "Likewise." In other words, in chapter 2, he was probably addressing men more than the women, but lest anybody get the idea that the women weren’t of any count in all this, he says: I Peter 3:1a "Likewise, ye wives,…" So these verses are first and foremost for women who are burdened with unsaved husbands. And I don’t envy them. That is not a very comfortable situation. But nevertheless, Iris and I have seen that it works, as we admonish people to listen to what the Scripture says here. Even though it’s Peter writing to Jews, yet, here again, this is so applicable for any period of time. I Peter 3:1a "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;..." That’s not politically correct is it? But we don’t pay any attention to political correctness; it’s the Word of God that counts. And here Peter is admonishing these wives to be in subjection to their husbands. Now remember, I’ve always stressed, even when we were back in Ephesians when Paul addresses the marriage relationship, that when he points out that the husband is the head of the wife, that doesn’t mean that she’s his ‘go-for.’ When we first started farming, Iris didn’t know how to drive; and after I taught her how to drive, she found out why I taught her. It’s, "Go get this and go get that!" But I don’t think she has ever been able to accuse me of being a slave master over her. But nevertheless, the husband, according to God’s design, is the head of the home and he’s to treat his wife, not as a slave nor as a servant, but as a co-heir and as one who is intricately involved in his business, whatever it may be. All right, now Peter is going to use the same analogy. I Peter 3:1b "…wives be in subjection to your own husbands; (and especially) that, if any obey not the word, (for salvation) they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;" Now that’s the whole concept here in these verses - that if a saved woman has an unsaved husband, she’s never going to win him by preaching at him or by trying to drag him to church every time she goes. But, rather, through her Christian testimony that she can just live godly. Now, often, it won’t be easy. He’s going to try and take her, no doubt, to places that are totally uncomfortable for her. But I think it behooves the believing wife, if at all possible, to accompany him and be a constant testimony of her faith. Sooner or later (we’ve seen it happen. Sometimes it takes a little longer than others, but), these ungodly men will suddenly realize what a rat they’ve been compared to their godly wives. And that’s exactly what Peter is saying here. If you have an unsaved husband, just live such a Spirit-controlled life before him that, sooner or later, it’s going to convict him and he’s going to find salvation; and the two of them then can go on and have a happy and a successful marriage.Now verse 2, and here he just simply puts the frosting on the cake. I Peter 3:2 "While they behold your chaste conversation (righteous, Christian living) coupled with fear." Remember, the word ‘fear’ here, and in many other portions of the New Testament, is not shaking in your boots with fear. Fear, here, is a respect and an awe because, after all, the God that we serve is the Creator of everything and we’re to recognize Him as such. Well, the same way with the wife’s respect for her husband. It’s not a fear that she’s scared to death that he’s going to browbeat her, but rather that she recognizes his place in God’s economy as the head of the home. Okay, now verse 2 again and verse 3.

I Peter 3:2-3 "While they (these unsaved men) behold your chaste conversation (or your righteous manner of living) coupled with fear (or respect, or reverence) 3. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting (or today we would call it the braiding) the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;" All right, now I always have to stop at this verse because too many groups have taken the approach that this just forbids the woman to do anything to make herself look attractive to the husband. I don’t buy that. I think it is perfectly appropriate for a wife to be appealing to her husband; not to anybody else, but certainly to her husband. And there is nothing that forbids her wearing some jewelry or fixing her hair, whatever the case may be. But, what’s the emphasis? Don’t let that be the means of winning his approval. You know several years ago there was a book written, and I don’t even like to quote it, it was so awful. But it was written, if I’m not mistaken, by a pastor’s wife who was telling women how to win their husband. I mean it was awful. It was atrocious. It was strictly from Hollywood and I could never go along with that. But what Peter is saying here - let the behavior of the wife be so godly; let it be so reflective of the Christ who has bought us and redeemed us; that this man is going to finally come under conviction; and, like I said, we’ve seen it happen. I’ll never forget one gentleman, years ago, told me, "Les I was getting ready to go out with the boys and hang one on, and all of a sudden I came under such conviction. How could I live this kind of a life when my wife had become so Godly, and had loved me so much when I didn’t deserve it?" He continued, "I just dropped on my knees right in my office and asked God to save me." Well the man went on from there and became a real trophy of God’s Grace, all because his wife did what I told her to do six-months earlier. She, at the time, had said, "I don’t know if I can do this." But she did. And the fruit was born. All right, so let it not be just an outward physical attraction (that which pleases the flesh), but now verse 4. I Peter 3:4a "But let it be the hidden man of the heart,…" Now we’re talking about the personality - that’s what the generic term ‘man’ is. Let these women who have an unsaved husband or maybe unsaved children (it can go all the way down the line), let their testimony be such from within, from the heart: I Peter 3:4b "…in that which is not corruptible, (that which is in the realm of the Spirit) even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Now you see, that’s why I will always admonish women or, if it’s the other way around, a husband with an unsaved wife. You don’t win them by haranguing them and preaching at them and pestering them - you just simply live that quiet peaceable life of God’s Grace and it will do its work. All right, now verse 5. I Peter 3:5 "For after this manner (This isn’t anything new, it isn’t something psychology has suddenly dreamed up. This goes all the way back to antiquity. Even in this manner) in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:" We don’t see much about the faith of the women in the Old Testament economy. We know there were a few in Israel’s history like Deborah and Ruth and so forth, but for the most part we do not have a lot of detailed descriptions of the Godliness of these Hebrew women. But they were. Not all of them of course. But, Sarah and Rebecca and some of these were Godly women; and were they bad to look at? How about Sarah and Rebecca? They were so gorgeous that the King of Egypt wanted them in his harem. They weren’t awful-looking women. They didn’t just let their hair grow all scraggly and not care how they looked. No, they were beautiful; the Scripture says they were. But they weren’t just beautiful on the outside, they were beautiful on the inside and that’s what counts.

And this is what Peter is admonishing - that even these women on the Old Testament economy who, we know from Scripture, were beautiful, they were attractive; yet their major attraction was the meek and quiet spirit which was of the heart, incorruptible and in the sight of God a great price. I Peter 3:5a "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, …" So these "holy women." Now there’s that word ‘holy,’ and I guess I’d better stop and define it. It scares a lot of people to be called holy. Well, I’ve explained it before and I’m going to explain it again. To be holy doesn’t mean that you are so God-minded that you are of no earthly good. That’s not what holy means. Holy simply means you’re set apart. You’re not the same as the crowd. You’re different. And that’s all it means. For example, the utensils in the Temple were called ‘holy.’ Why? Because they were not to be used for the mundane butchering of the meat, and so forth, during the week - they were to be used only for the sacrificial worship. And so they were called holy. They were set apart for God’s purposes. That’s all it means. All right, so don’t let the word ‘holy’ scare you. I Peter 3:5a "For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also,…" They’d been set apart. They weren’t like the pagan Canaanites around them, and so forth. And they were in subjection to their own husbands. They knew God’s order because that’s the way God ordained it. Now let’s go back to I Timothy. Often people will accuse Paul of being anti-feminist and that was not the case at all. Paul was strictly inspired of the Spirit, every word he wrote - it all was according to God’s provident design. And it started way back with Adam and Eve. I Timothy 2:12. Now don’t read more into this than what it says. I Timothy 2:12a "But I suffer (permit) not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,…" Now that’s the key part of that phrase. God never intended for women to be in authority over the men. I Timothy 2:12b "…but to be in silence." In other words, they were to know what and where and when to speak. Now here’s the reason in verse 13. Not because Paul had a thing against women, not because I, or anybody else, would have a thing against women, but it’s God’s design. The reason Paul says what he says in verse 12 is: I Timothy 2:13 "For Adam was first formed, and then Eve." And that was to be the process from that time forward. See? That Adam was the head of the home and Eve was subjected to his authority. Never forget that. And, again, like I mentioned either in the early part of this program or in the last program, always remember that, as God instituted these things, it was for mankind’s own good. And when it got defiled, it was because man’s Adamic sinful nature spoiled the original. So, now then, back to chapter 3 of I Peter: I Peter 3:6a "Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord:…" Now the word ‘lord’ here is just like we would use ‘Sir.’ It has no divinity associated with it whatsoever. I Peter 3:6b "…whose daughters (remember he’s still addressing the women) ye are, as along as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." All right now verse 7, he’s going to come right back and hit the men between the eyes with the same concept. I Peter 3:7a "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, (God’s knowledge) giving honor unto the wife,…" Saying it a little different way than what I said a moment ago - the woman is not just to be walked on, she’s just not to be the husband’s ‘go-for’ - she is to be treated with honor. I Peter 3:7b "…as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together…" Now speaking of heirs, this is a good time to look at joint-heirs and heirs. So, come back to Romans chapter 8 and see that this is what makes our Christian faith so glorious - and nobody but Paul teaches this. Peter doesn’t speak of this relationship with Christ as Paul does. Romans 8:16-17a "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, (that is those

of us who are believers) that we are (not hope to be, not may be, but are) the children of God: (we’re the born-ones of God by virtue of the work of the Holy Spirit) 17. And if children, then heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;…" That’s our relationship and one day we’re going to cash in on it! My, we have no idea of the glory that’s awaiting us. The Bible doesn’t tell us much, and I think that’s the reason. My, if the Bible would just give us a real good look at what’s waiting for us, we’d probably all be prone to start starving ourselves to death and get off this planet as soon as possible because that’s how glorious it’s going to be - so He hasn’t told us a lot.So all we know is that God is getting something ready that is beyond human comprehension because we are joint-heirs with Christ. What a relationship! How few people understand that - that just like the husband and wife are joint-heirs in their physical and material properties; so also, one day, we’re going to be in that position with Christ Himself. All that’s His is going to be ours. That’s what it means to be a joint-heir. And then people are afraid to become a Christian because they’re afraid they’re going to lose out on something? I’ve got news for them - the things of this world are nothing, as Paul says in the next verse. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." So the best is yet to come. Okay, back to I Peter again. I Peter 3:7a "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life:…" There can be nothing happier on this earth than a Christian home. A father and a mother who love the Lord, and kids who love the Lord; that’s almost Heaven on earth, see? And so the Scripture is admonishing the husband to realize that when he becomes a joint-heir with a believing wife then, together, the two of them can cash in on the Grace of life, even in this material world. And, then, here comes the spiritual promise: I Peter 3:7b "…that your prayers be not (what?) hindered." Now what does that tell you? That when a husband and wife can pray like-minded, they are far more apt to see those prayers answered than if they pray separately. Now, that should also answer a question that comes up so often back in Acts chapter 16. Paul and Silas have been up there in Philippi, and have been put in prison. They’ve been scourged by the authorities and they’re bleeding and they’re hurting and in stocks. But, in spite of all of that, they have been singing praises unto the Lord,even at midnight - and God miraculously sent an earthquake that opened the prison doors and dropped all the shackles. And the keeper of the prison was going to commit suicide thinking he’s lost all his prisoners. Acts 16:28-30 "But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29. Then he (jailer) called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" No doubt, he had heard Paul preaching up in Philippi that afternoon before they arrested him and Silas - and I think he must have gotten pretty much the message that Paul had been talking about. How that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and to believe that for salvation. And so now he comes under conviction and he says, "What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And that throws a curve at people. Yeah, what does that mean? Just because the man was saved, does that mean that automatically his wife and kids are going to be saved? No, not automatically, but what is it? It’s a matter of chances. If you’ve got a saved husband, the chances of him winning the wife and his children are pretty good. But if you’ve got a saved husband and a saved wife, the chances of winning their kids are very good.

Not always 100% but they’re going to have a real good chance of winning most of their kids to the Lord. And that’s the whole concept - that if you have that Christian influence from the father and the mother on the kids, you’re quite likely – I’m not going to guarantee it in every case - to have a Christian family. And you know, I’ve mentioned on the program before, we get so many phone calls of parents, sometimes fathers, sometimes mothers; almost weeping that their kids are out in the world. Married and they’ve got kids with no spiritual concern whatsoever. And you know my first question? Where were you when you should have been winning those kids to the Lord? Well, too many times, they were lost themselves. They were bar-hopping. They were partying. And they were doing anything but being spiritual parents. So, it just naturally follows that, when parents are believers, they’re going to have a far better chance of winning those kids to the Lord, than if they are not. Okay, now back again to I Peter chapter 3 verse 8. I Peter 3:8a "Finally, be ye all of one mind,…" Now Peter is talking to the whole congregation again, the men and the women and the younger people. I Peter 3:8-9 "Finally be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, (in other words have feelings for everybody else’s needs and hurts and sorrows,) be courteous: 9. Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise (on the other hand) blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Now what is this? This is just the good life. You know I was thinking the other night as I was mulling all this over in my mind and Iris was laying there sleeping. I go clear back, and we had come down to visit Iris’s mom here in Poteau, Oklahoma (we were farming up in Iowa). I had to have some work done on my car and it was a beautiful Spring day. So I just drove down to the garage, which was only about a mile from her folks, and I left the car and I walked back. And like I said, it was a nice Spring day, so doors and windows were wide open and I walked by this one house; and such screaming, and such profanity, you can’t believe! I could hardly wait until I was out of earshot. When I got home, I told Iris about it.And I have to wonder, how many homes are like that almost all the time?’ The husband was screaming at the wife, and the wife was screaming back at the husband. The kids were bawling and you could just almost, in your mind’s eye, see what was going on in there. Well is that a happy home? Horrors! And yet that’s the case with far too many. But see the Christian doesn’t have that kind of thing, hopefully. If everything is as it should be (because Peter is saying that if we have this kind of behavior between the wife and the husband and between believers and other believers), then he will love life. I Peter 3:10a "For he that will love (what?) life,…" Now we all like the ‘good life’ don’t we? That’s what this is. This is promoting the good life. I Peter 3:10b "…and see good days,…" Now there’s nothing wrong with being happy; there’s nothing wrong with being prosperous. I Peter 3:10c "…let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:" Well now, did I leave you with the picture of the opposite? Oh, my, it was days before I got the sound of that raucous argument out of my mind; and it stands to reason it cannot promote happiness. I Peter 3:11-12a "Let him eschew (or hate) evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous,…" And with that, I’m thinking of a verse over in the Book of Proverbs –"righteousness exalteth a nation." Never forget it.

[the-christian-walk]

WHILE WE WAIT

Can I pray for you in any way?

Send any prayer requests to [email protected] In Christ, Mark

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

** Follow The Christian Walk on Twitter @ThChristianWalk

** Like posts and send friend requests to the author of The Christian Walk, Mark Cummings on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mark.cummings.733?ref=tn_tnmn

** Become a Follower of The Christian Walk at http://the-christian-walk.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 5:2-5

This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Death is not the end for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior. This is truth.

In yesterday’s message from the opening verse of 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we have an “eternal house in heaven” which wasn’t “built by human hands” but rather the hands of God. For Jesus followers, it will be one last move, one final address change.

But what do we do until then while we wait?

As we continue looking at the next verses in chapter 5, we find Paul giving us a few things and I will add one to it.

First, let’s look again at what the Apostle had to say:

Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  2 Corinthians 5:2-5

Here we find Paul using an illustration of two states of dress, being naked and being clothed, to explain the delineation between living in this temporary worldly life and the eternal one to come.

In this present life, the pre-heaven existence for Christians, we groan and feel burdened because of our “nakedness” while abiding “in this (earthly) tent”. We grow increasingly dissatisfied with this world and the evil we see within it every day. We yearn for the better life, the best ever life yet to come, the life where we will see that death does lose its sting as it is swallowed up by a victory that leads Christians to everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). As I grow older, I find these verses mean more and more to me as I begrudge my nakedness and look forward to be clothed in my “heavenly dwelling” with other Jesus believers.  

This is how Paul sees Christians as they live in the world waiting with the promise of heaven after death assured.

But is this all we are to do, sit around and wallow naked in our earthly tent, impatiently waiting for glory?

Jesus certainly didn’t tell us to do that. Rather, He called us to be busy carrying on His work. Here’s His tasker for all believers:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Our Savior called us to action here. He commissioned all Christians to go and make disciples, baptizing them in His name as well as the name of God the Father and the Holy Spirit while teaching them to obey what He commanded which includes carrying out this great commission themselves.

This is what we are to do while we wait and note we don’t do it alone. Jesus promised He would be with us until the end of the age, the day when He returns to judge the earth and everyone on it. He guides us, convicts us, comforts us, encourages us, and loves us through the Holy Spirit, the Counselor and Advocate sent by God to help us, the Spirit given to us by God “as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come”.

Jesus tells us to labor in our nakedness as we live in this earthly tent while we wait to be clothed with the splendor and majesty of our heavenly dwelling once we leave this temporary life for the exponentially better one to come.

This is our call from the Savior who saved us, the call we are to answer while we wait.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to [email protected]

[pooma-bible]

Pas. Johnraj Lamech

🍁

Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Topic: The First Martyr, Stephen: A Study of Martyrdom.

Rhema Word: John 11:25-26 (NKJV) “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Let’s pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank you for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with your children who have been called to live a holy life Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each and every Word which is living and active Lord. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the beginning of Acts chapter 6 we see Stephen was one of those leaders chosen to help with the issue related to the care of widows. After Stephen is chosen to help make sure that the widows are cared for, Scripture says of him: ”And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 NASB)”

Stephen was a layman, an extraordinary layman, a great servant of God. His name means a “crown”. The following are the facts about Stephen – the First Martyr:

He was full of Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3,5,10).

He was full of grace (Acts 6:8).

He was full of power (Acts 6:8).

He was full of wisdom (Acts 6:3, 10).

He was a man of great reputation or testimony (Acts 6:3).

He was of great works (Acts 6:8).

He was man of great defender of faith (Acts 6:10).

He was the first deacon of the church (Acts 6:5).

He was the first martyr of the church (Acts 7:59-60; 22:20).

Let us try to understand this vivid study of martyrdom, a study that should encourage believers to stand fast in persecution, no matter the cost, with the help of Holy Spirit, today:

1] The cause of martyrdom: Reaction against God (Acts 7:54)

2] The Lord’s provision (Acts 7:55-56)

3] The insanity of murdering the believer (Acts 7:57-58)

4] The believer’s supreme confidence (Acts 7:59)

5] The believer’s forgiving spirit (Acts 7:60)

6] The believer’s peaceful departure (Acts 7:60)

1] The cause of martyrdom: Reaction against God (Acts 7:54):

The Bible says in Acts 7:54 ”When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.”

There is the cause of martyrdom – reaction against God. Remember, Stephen was on trial for his life. He had been called upon to defend himself (Acts 7:1). But instead of actually defending himself, Stephen had preached about the tragic failure of the people to follow and obey God.

(a) Yes, he had shown how God called and founded the nation of Israel to seek and inhabit the “promised land”.

(b) Yes, he had shown Israel had rejected God’s call and the hope of the promised land, rejected it time and again all through their history.

(c ) Yes, he had shown how God delivered the nation time and again, trying to stir within the people an obedience to Him.

(d) Yes, he had made eight severe charges against the nation including the murder of the righteous One, God’s very own Son:

Charge 01: The people of Israel did not worship God, but worshipped false gods (Acts 7:42).

Charge 02: The people of Israel did not carry the tabernacle of God, but of false gods (Acts 7:43).

Charge 03: The people of Israel were inexcusable. Why? Because, they were greatly blessed. (Acts 7:44-47).

Charge 04: The people of Israel did not understand the temple – God is not limited to only one particular place. (Acts 7:48-50).

Charge 05: The people of the present generation of Israel were resisting the Holy Spirit. (Acts 7:51).

Charge 06: The people of Israel persecuted all the prophets – the very servants who predicted the coming of the Righteous One (the Messiah) (Acts 7:52).

Charge 07: The people of the present generation of Israel fulfilled the prophecies. Yes, they betrayed and murdered the Righteous One, God’s very own Son (Acts 7:52).

Charge 08: The people of the present generation of Israel have not kept the law (Acts 7:53).

Stephen’s message had been effective and convicting. It had done its job. Both the leaders and the people were convicted. The response was up to them. Conviction can go either way. It can either cause a person to turn to God, confessing his sin, or cause a person to react against God. Here, the Bible says in Acts 7:54 ”When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.”

Yes, the people were in a rage, filled with anger and malice, ready to do violence, ready to unleash the fury of their emotions. When the human heart rebels against God, it becomes disturbed and tormented. Rebellion against God causes the human heart to be (i) uncertain & insecure, (ii) disturbed & troubled, (iii) indignant & reactionary, (iv) passive & inactive, (v) withdrawn & lonely and (vi) purposeless & meaningless.

Here, just see the faithfulness of Stephen in bearing witness to the truth. His purpose was not to escape condemnation, not at any price. He, of course, was not wishing to die. But he was not willing to deny the truth in order to live. His desire was to proclaim the truth, hoping the leaders and people of his beloved nation would heed the call of God and be saved. What a dynamic challenge for bearing testimony in difficult situations!

That is why Peter and John said in Acts 4:19-20 “ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Remember, what Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:7-8 “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.”

Peter also says in 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

2] The Lord’s provision (Acts 7:55-56):

The Bible says in Acts 7:55-56 “ But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

God is always present when one of His children is facing a crisis, especially martyrdom. But note this: the person must be a true child of God, faithful and obedient to the Lord of glory. Stephen was so faithful and obedient to the Lord. He was doing exactly what Jesus had said to do, bearing testimony to the world. Therefore, Stephen had the promise of the Lord, ”And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) Yes, Jesus was there with Stephen, there in the most wonderful way. Note the marvellous provision of God to those who face martyrdom.

i) God filled Stephen with the Holy Spirit. Stephen was a man who was always filled with the Spirit (Acts 5:3,5), but the idea here would be a very special infilling of the Holy Spirit. He received a very special presence and manifestation of the Holy Spirit: a special consciousness; an awareness; a sense surrounding, engulfing, and embracing him; a presence carrying him through the great trial. He also received a very special power and grace to bear and go through whatever lay ahead.

ii) God gave Stephen a vision into heaven; enabling him to see into the other world, the spiritual world, or spiritual dimension of being. (a) Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw God in the brilliant light of His person, full of splendour and radiance. (b) Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Jesus is usually said to be sitting at the right hand of God, symbolizing His authority as man’s Lord and Intercessor (Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 10:12-13). But here He is seen standing. This symbolizes His overlooking the scene. His care for His dear follower and the joyful reception of His faithful servant.

Here we need to understand this: Imagine the glorious sight! There will be no difference between the vision of Stephen and the actual experience of God’s glory for any believer. We shall all behold every sight in Stephen’s vision and much more. Yes, in a moment’s time, in the twinkling of an eye, the genuine believer will pass from this life into the next world immediately, never tasting or experiencing death.

That is what Jesus said in John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” He further said John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

Jesus said in John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Apostle Paul while writing to Timothy says in 2 Timothy 4:18 “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” He also said while writing to Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

The author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 2:9-10 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

iii) God gave Stephen a glorious testimony. Seeing such a scene, Stephen just burst forth proclaiming the glorious vision he was experiencing. It was most likely a natural outburst of joy and ecstasy, a testimony of the truth of the other world to those standing around. Note this part of the truth: the Son of Man, Jesus, is there. He is at the right hand of God.

Stephen was proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. Yes, he was proclaiming that our faith in Jesus is not in vain. Yes, he was proclaiming that Jesus is exactly whom He claimed to be.

The Bible says in Mark 16:19 “After the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Apostle Paul while writing to Ephesians says in Ephesians 1:20-21 “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

Paul further said while writing to Philippians in Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

That is what Apostle John says in his vision in Revelation 5:11-12 “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” Hallelujah!!

3] The insanity of murdering the believer (Acts 7:57-58):

The Bible says in Acts 7:57-58 “ Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

There was the insanity of murdering the believer. This is seen in two things:

(i) The insane rejection:

The persecutors were actually opposing a person who only wanted to help and minister to people and to offer the hope of living forever. The sole purpose of the believer is to minister to and meet the desperate conditions of man who is being lost, in hunger, suffering from disease, depression, loneliness, lifelessness, etc.

Whatever the predicament, the believer is called to minister. He is not out to destroy, but to build. It is utter insanity to oppose and kill such a person. For men to oppose a genuine believer, their behaviour has to reach a peak of insanity. Note what is involved here: ”yelling at the top of their voices” so as o drown out the truth, ”covering their ears” so as to keep from hearing the truth, ”rushing to him” so as to attack and take vengeance, ”dragging and stoning him” so as to get rid of the convicting message, allowing them to live as they desire instead of living for God.

(ii) The insane leadership:

A person who takes the lead in persecution is in rebellion against God. Those who follow such a leader are following a person who is actually reacting against the Lord, not against a believer. The man who took the lead in Stephen’s murder was Saul of Tarsus. He was kicking against the pricks, the conviction of conscience.

It is dangerous to follow man in rebellion against God. The path of rebellion leads to destruction. The man in rebellion shall perish. There is no exception.

That is why Jesus said in Matthew 23:33 “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?”

Apostle Paul while writing to Romans said in Romans 1:28-32 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Paul further said in Romans 2:5 “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

While writing to Galatians, Paul said in Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Apostle John while seeing the vision revealed in Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The Bible cautions about the fate of a stiff-necked person in Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

4] The believer’s supreme confidence (Acts 7:59):

The Bible says in Acts 7:59 “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

The believer’s supreme confidence and hope is assurance of heaven. Here note four points:

(i) Stephen experienced the pain and suffering of the trial. This is seen in that he called for the Lord’s help. Believers are not removed or relieved from the sufferings of trials, but they are given the grace and strength to endure the trials, even martyrdom.

(ii) Stephen called upon the Lord Himself. It was the Lord Jesus who was standing, ready to receive him. Jesus wishes all believers to be with Him where He is (John 14:2-3; John 17:24). This is the very reason for which Jesus humiliated Himself in coming to earth, sacrificed His life in death and prays and longs for believers to join Him in heaven.

(iii) Stephen called for Jesus to receive his spirit. Stephen was still trusting the grace of God, the righteousness of Jesus, for his salvation. He was not trusting his own works and goodness. He was still depending upon Jesus and the wonderful love of God. Yes, Stephen had trusted and lived for Christ during life so he could expect to trust and live for Christ in eternity as well.

(iv) Stephen was going to be where Jesus was. He called for Jesus to receive his spirit, to accept him where He was. Remember, where Jesus is – Jesus is in heaven and He is at the right hand of God (verse 55). Yes, Stephen and all other believers are to be with Jesus right where He is, in heaven itself.

Jesus said in John 14:2-3 “ My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus while praying for His disciples prays in John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

5] The believer’s forgiving spirit (Acts 7:60)

There was the believer’s loving and forgiving spirit. Yes, Stephen’s last act was to kneel in prayer and to plead for his persecutors and murderers as recorded in Acts 7:60 “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Yes, he possessed the very sprit of Christ Himself, who had prayed the same prayer in Luke 23:34 “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Here, the words “do not charge them with this sin” means three things:

(i) Stephen was filled with compassion for his persecutors. He warmed them to be saved.

(ii) Men will be charged with sin.

(iii) Men must have the charge of sin removed from them to be acceptable before God.

6] The believer’s peaceful departure (Acts 7:60):

There was the believer’s peaceful departure. Scripture simply says, ”He fell asleep”. Yes, there is no death for the believer. Yes, Stephen simply passed from this life into the next world, an experience that amounts to nothing more than falling asleep. Sleep is often used to describe the “death” for the believer. Jesus said in John 11:12-13 “Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.”

That is what Jesus said in John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

Jesus said to Martha in John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

While writing to Corinthians Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 “For this corruptible must put on incorruptible, and this mortal must put on immortality. So, when this corruptible has put on incorruptible, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.”

Paul further said in 2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Here the lesson for us is: believers are to forgive men no matter what the offense may be.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:7,44 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”.. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”.

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:9 “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.”

Prophet Micah says in Micah 6:7-8 “Should we offer Him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Yes, let us be ready and stand fast in persecution, no matter the cost, like Stephen.

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we preach the Word of God effectively so as to convict the congregation?

Whether our hearts still rebel against God?

Shall we remove our rebellion nature completely so as to allow God’s will is being manifested in our lives?

Shall we stand for the truth in order to live till the end like Stephen?

Shall we have the confidence and belief that our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us when we are facing crisis, especially martyrdom?

Shall we have the confidence and belief that in a moment’s time, we will pass from this life into the next world immediately, never tasting or experiencing death?

Shall we remove our stubbornness and unrepentant hearts today so as to pre-empt storing up wrath for the judgement day?

Shall we have the forgiving hearts to plead for persecutors and murderers as well like Stephen and our Lord Jesus Christ?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank you for helping us to understand about the “The First Martyr, Stephen: A Study of Martyrdom” and introspecting ourselves today Father. Father, please help us to preach the Word of God effectively so as to convict the congregation, to remove our rebellion nature completely so as to allow God’s will is being manifested in our lives, please help us to stand for the truth in order to live till the end like Stephen, help us to have the confidence and belief that our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us when we are facing crisis, especially martyrdom, Father. Please help us to have the confidence and belief that in a moment’s time, we will pass from this life into the next world immediately, never tasting or experiencing death Father. Father, please remove our stubbornness and unrepentant hearts so as to pre-empt storing up wrath for the judgement day besides having the forgiving hearts to plead even for persecutors and murderers like Stephen and Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.