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onmywaytofanfic · 1 year

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Reina's birth

DISCLOSURE:

This texxt has +18 content, mentions of blood, swear words and offensive slurls. Mushi deserves to dissapear, yes I have created a horrible character and his son Kano too.

I have written this scene to give some insight on why Takeo is so protective and caring for his daughter Reina.

-Push Hana, Push!!!- Chio’s voice sounded more like a shriek. The blood did not stop, Hana seemed to be unable to be as dilated as she should to push the baby out. His son, Buna was holding one of Hana’s legs quite up to help her push while his father Hakihiro was holding the other one. They have tried everything, she tried first standing and even at four, but the baby seemed unable to com out. The father, Takeo was at her back holding her with both hands. His black beetle eyes looked worried, his face paler than usual and all the colour of his lips had already disappeared when Hana felt the first contraction. He only saw how his grandmother kept cleaning her completely cover in blood -I can’t… -muttered Hana out of strength, faith, and willpower. Takeo hugged her and kissed her head -C’mon I know you can Ladybug. I know you can do it – I CAN’T – screamed while pushing even harder.

-THE HEAD! – screamed victorious the soon to be great-grandmother. She tried her best to hold the head outside off Hana’s birth canal. -C’mon just the shoulder the rest would be easy I promise – Hana was covered in tears and letting out a big shriek pushed as hard as she could. Then a wet sound and a hard smack on her baby’s bottoms fill the room with more screams and happy faces. The baby breath without problems, not like the sibling before them, not like all those miscarriages. It cried. Chio’s smiles fainted -It’s… a girl. - said holding back some tears. The mother’s joy became sorrow as she started to cry and claim the baby to hold her -I’m sorry…I’m sorry – she kept repeating while holding the baby close to her heart – I’m sorry…- the mother kissed the baby letting the tears flow into the baby’s head. Takeo, speechless could only hold both. A girl would be a blessing…if it wasn’t because she carried the Uzumaki’s blood. He looked down to his wife and suddenly grasp a tiny hand, and even tinier mouth and a fluffy nose. His smile became wider – It is your nose…- muttered lost in the screaming love proof.

-I’m sorry…-kept muttering Hana. The sudden burst in what was left of a front door woke them up from that failed dream. Kano was there – Insects – claimed the Lord. Hakihiro, the head of the family covered his eyes with a cloth while wishing secretly that, that time was not the last time he saw her. -Greetings my Lord – Hakihiro’s voice was on the living room, they were hidden in one of the back rooms. The girl stopped screaming calmed by her mother’s touch and beating heart. Her father started to touch that little hand, he squeezes it, completely absent of what was happening in the next room and the menacing steps approaching them. -IT looks boneless…- muttered softly while squeezing again the tiny human’s hand. It felt softer that his own hand covered in some callous of hard working, he felt ashamed to be touching such a pure thing with such a hand.

-Congratulations – voices Kano. They had their eyes already covered, Buna rushed to cover his son’s eyes, that woke him from his vivid dream. – Boy or girl? – said monotonous. A vile smile flashed in his face – Such long faces…a girl it is. – He approached the bleeding mother ready to take the baby out of her hands. Hana in an act of protection kept the baby closer to her heart, tried to become the tiniest being on earth to protect that life. She kept apologizing to the new life in a low muted voice. Takeo stood up in front of both – The deal was made with pure Uzumaki blood. She is an Aburame not an Uzumaki – his voice was deep, his eyes hidden under that cloth shone with anger. He would not take her from him.

-It is not my problem that you fuck up pest. Who would have thought that insects could breed with humans. Does she have antlers? Or maybe four arms? – he was enjoying it – The thing comes with me – he tried to elude the giant, but he just need to move swiftly to his direction to stop him from coming – Get out of my way filth – Takeo did not move, talk, or show any signs to be completely sane.

-My daughter stays here

-Under which premise? Uh? Has she developed a dick while we talk? I don’t think so

-The deal is with the Uzumaki’s not the Aburame’s

-Care shit about who the hell sign those bloody papers!

A cane hit the tatami. Kano’s father, Lord Mushi. His back was already bent although he was younger than Hakihiro, but a life of excess already hit him hard. – What seems to be the problem with him, faggot? – that was the name that he gave to Hakihiro. – As my grandson states, my Lord, the deal that your noble clan made was with Uzumaki’s and here we only have Aburame’s.

Mushi touched his moustache thinking about it – The way I see it we still have her aunt, but soon she would need to step for her. She is already too used, and people are starting to complain about her, although…she can keep up the rhythm of not just the visits but also the seals… - He got closer to the mother, her blood kept flowing non-stop. Takeo stood in front of Mushi – It is not a wise choice to rebel… would you like to change the deal Aburame? – he looked the man right in the eyes- I would allow the creature to stay under this… - he looked up – kinda of roof, until she starts her bleeding. That would be the sign that her body is ready to fulfil the duty of bringing more seeds for our shelter. But… I need something in exchange… - he pondered around the room – I need if… Think about what people would say if I do not bring the promised seed. I need something that proofs that this seed is special and needs your kind’s care. – he looked at the man once more – I need to proof that she is worthy, give me a hand thinking about it, would you? – his smile showed some blackened teeth. – I have heard rumours that your clan is impossible to touch – he got near Chio – that your insects sometimes act just by instinct protecting what the host cares – he tried to stab Chio but a swarm of insects stopped the knife.

-If she is so worthy… I should be able to cut your arm. Your hive should be able to care for her more than they do for their host, shouldn’t they? Bring me an axe – Kano immediately went looking for one in the backyard. Takeo did not blink nor thought of any other idea, if that thing needed his arm so he could have his daughter, he would give it both. He took of his jacket – My Lord – ventured Buna – I don’t want the whimper’s or the faggot’s arm! – he pointed at Takeo – I want the man’s arm.

Once he took off his jacket his buffed physic showed off, broad shoulder and arms. His face did not show any sign of worry or fear. Kano brought the axe, and his father held it -Which one are you going to give me? – said with a putrid smile. The fact that Takeo did not say anything nor gave any sign infuriated Mushi. That man was ready to lose his arm, he did not fear the Lord he never had. That piss him off. He let out a yell taking all his strength to raise the axe to cut off the Aburame’s arm of, he hit him just below the elbow. Takeo did not flinch, his insect did not stop the axe. He was focused, controlling his hive towards his biceps, there the kikaichu had already started to cut of the nervous system connections to avoid all the possible pain to their host. However, that not meant that Takeo was feeling and suffering the cutting, he felt it, but his will was stronger that Mushi anger towards the shinobi. The kikaichu were also working on the blood lost that he was about to suffer. The axe kept going up and down. Hana whimpered – Takeo…Takeo please…- Her husband did not say anything, Buna got closer to her and hold her tight, Chio did that too, trying to comfort the child. Mushi’s face was vile full of enjoyment seeing the man losing his arm,, hearing the whimpers of the woman and feeling the hatred that those insect were irradiating. He enjoyed, a lot.

He through the axe to the floor, nothing but a thin meat line held now Takeo’s forearm to the elbow. Mushi wanted to feel the pleasure of cutting it himself with the knife. He took the forearm with a bright smile – So, Aburame’s can get cuts. Interesting – he rose up and left their home. Chio rushed to attend her grandson, he had lost tons of blood. His eyes started to fail him. Hana crawled towards her husband full of tears. She held his arm and started to pain his face full of kisses. -My dear, please no… my dear – the woman’s voice started to faint, she has also lost blood. Both were about to faint together holding their child closer – What is her name? – muttered Takeo – Not a flower please… - whimpered Hana – Reina – said in a subtle voice. Takeo gave them a feeble smile- Aburame Reina. – a faint laugh. He took again that tiny hand between his finger – Welcome home, my Ladybug

#+18 or +adult only #curse words #offensive #blood #takeo aburame #reina aburame #hana uzumaki #chio aburame #buna aburame #Hakihiro aburame #aburame clan #aburame oc #oc stuff #oc #Mushi is horrible #fanfiction #naruto fanfiction #warming

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aboutanancientenquiry · 2 years

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O Θεόδοτος (Τheodotus- a poem of Konstantinos Kavafis translated to English)

Ο Θεόδοτος Αν είσαι από τους αληθινά εκλεκτούς, την επικράτησί σου κύταζε πώς αποκτάς. Οσο κι αν δοξασθείς, τα κατορθώματά σου στην Ιταλία και στην Θεσσαλία όσο κι αν διαλαλούν η πολιτείες, όσα ψηφίσματα τιμητικά κι αν σ' έβγαλαν στη Ρώμη οι θαυμασταί σου, μήτε η χαρά σου μήτε ο θρίαμβος θα μείνουν, μήτε ανώτερος -- τι ανώτερος; -- άνθρωπος θα αισθανθείς, όταν, στην Αλεξάνδρεια, ο Θεόδοτος σε φέρει, επάνω σε σινί αιματωμένο, του αθλίου Πομπηίου το κεφάλι. Και μη επαναπαύεσαι που στην ζωή σου περιωρισμένη, τακτοποιημένη, και πεζή, τέτοια θεαματικά και φοβερά δεν έχει. Ισως αυτήν την ώρα εις κανενός γειτόνου σου το νοικοκυρεμένο σπίτι μπαίνει -- αόρατος, άϋλος -- ο Θεόδοτος, φέρνοντας τέτοιο ένα φρικτό κεφάλι.

Theodotus

If you are truly one of the select few, watch how you acquire your power. However much you are glorified, however much the cities in Italy and in Thessaly acclaim your achievements , however many decrees in your honor your admirers may have issued in Rome, neither your joy nor your triumph will last, nor will you feel like a superior — what do you mean superior? — man when in Alexandria, Theodotus brings you, upon a bloodstained tray, the head of the wretched Pompey. And do not rely on the fact that in your life, circumscribed, regulated, and prosaic, there are no such spectacular and terrifying things. Perhaps at this very hour, Theodotus is entering the well-appointed house of one of your neighbors — invisible, bodiless — carrying such a hideous head.

Translated to English by George Barbanis

https://allpoetry.com/Theodotus

Theodotus of Chios was one of the tutors of the young king Ptolemy XIII of Egypt. Ptolemies’ tutors decided to murder Pompey, who, after his defeat by Caesar, had escaped to Egypt. This move of the Ptolemaic government was motivated by the desire to please Caesar, but also to destroy the evidence for the covert Egyptian support for Pompey in the first phases of the Roman civil war. It was Theodotus who presented to Caesar the head and the seal ring of Pompey. According to Plutarch ( Life of Caesar, 48, 2, translated by Bernadotte Perrin):

Arriving at Alexandria just after Pompey's death, he turned away in horror from Theodotus as he presented the head of Pompey, but he accepted Pompey's seal-ring, and shed tears over it. Moreover, all the companions and intimates of Pompey who had been captured by the king as they wandered over the country, he treated with kindness and attached them to himself. And to his friends in Rome he wrote that this was the greatest and sweetest pleasure that he derived from his victory, namely, from time to time to save the lives of fellow citizens who had fought against him.

The sincerity of Caesar’s tears was much debated in the Antiquity. But it is sure that the treacherous move of the Ptolemaic government to murder the defeated and powerless Pompey eventually backfired.

Theodotus survived Caesar’s Alexandrian war, but he has been arrested in Asia Minor and put to death by Brutus and Cassius after the murder of the Roman dictator (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodotus_of_Chios).

It is remarkable how Kavafis manages to give to this tragic incident of the ancient history a universal importance.

#kavafis #hellenistic egypt #caesar #pompey #theodotus

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sxrrandomfanfics · 2 years

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Since the thumbelina psychonauts AU was completely insane how would one for a completely insane movie from the 80s like the Felix the cat movie play out with Raz as Felix and I am asking this at least in part because that film was a big part of my childhood I had it on VHS and watched it all the time usually before bed I know a lot of people find it scary but I find it heartwarming more than anything else

Okay so... Raz has to be Felix.

With the whole "transported to another dimension via a magical tear," I'm thinking it's more of a storm that when Raz is cupping his hands to catch some of the water, he finds that the Hand of Galochio ("Chio") is pointing him in a particular direction.

This takes him to a portal that he is dragged into.

Behind him, Bobby and Benny were trying to mess with him, and they end up also falling in.

Raz looses the water and starts traveling through the world, trying to figure out what exactly it is. He comes up with many theories like it's a physical construct created from a psychic, or even a hallucination dealing with the Psitanium around Camp Whispering Rock.

He meets a furry creature with a voice similar to Queepie, named Pyn, who offers to lead him to where he needs to go. Subsequently, Pyn drags Raz to a snake-esque woman by the name of Witch Sashti, who captures him and forces him to perform in a circus.

Now, Raz knows how to perform in a circus, but he doesn't want to be kept in there, so he quickly escapes. He's about to leave when he hears the others trapped, and allows them to escape. Including a very frilly looking princess version of Lili, by the name of Princess Hyacinth.

She reveals that she was the one to open the portal, hoping that someone could help her take her kingdom of Hippocampus back from her uncle, Duke Metalist: A man who uses robotics and his own brain powers to overpower others.

Raz agrees, as Princess Hyacinth promises to open a portal back home once she gets back to the Dimensporter. As Raz flees with Hyacinth, Pyn also joins, not wanting to stay with Witch Sashti.

Later, as Raz is explaining his own powers to Hyacinth and Pyn, his bag holding his merit badges are stolen again, this time by Bobby and Benny, which Raz quickly gets back with help from Pyn. Bobby and Benny also join, because they want to get home.

They get to the castle, get captured by Duke Metalist who looks... really similar to Otto Mentallis. He demands that Hyacinth reveal where "The Book of Ultimate Power," is located. She refused until Metalist threatened to kill "the group she dragged into the world."

Upon obtaining it, Metalist doesn't find anything he deems useful and instead uses his master robot to try to destroy the group of heroes. In the fray, Raz ends up TK throwing the robot's head clean off, stopping it and the other bots as well.

With his army no more, Duke Metalist flees. Princess Hyacinth thanks each one of the heroes for their work and then they all go back to Camp Whispering Rock.

#psychonauts #psychonauts crossover #felix the cat: the movie

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dfroza · 2 days

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A journey…

life on earth is.

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 20th chapter of the book of Acts:

As soon as the uproar ended, Paul gathered the disciples together, encouraged them once more, said farewell, and left on foot. He decided to pass through Macedonia, encouraging believers wherever he found them, and came to Greece. He spent three months there, and then he planned to set sail once again for Syria. But he learned that a group of Jewish opponents was plotting to kill him, so he decided to travel through Macedonia.

There was a large group of us traveling with him at this time, and we decided it was best, in light of the plot, to split up and then reunite in the city of Troas. This group included Paul, a Berean named Sopater (son of Pyrrhus), two Thessalonians named Aristarchus and Secundus, a Derbean named Gaius, two Asians named Tychicus and Trophimus, and Timothy. Some of us waited until the Days of Unleavened Bread were over; then we went to Philippi where we boarded a ship for Troas. The other group left immediately on foot, passing through Macedonia. When my group landed in Troas five days later, Paul’s group had already arrived. We stayed in Troas another week.

The Sunday night before our Monday departure, we gathered to celebrate the breaking of bread.

Imagine you are celebrating with them:

We are in an upstairs room, with the gentle light and shadows cast by several lamps. Paul is carrying on an extended dialogue with the believers, taking advantage of every moment since we plan to leave at first light. The conversation stretches on until midnight. A young fellow named Eutychus, seeking some fresh air, moves to an open window. Paul keeps on talking. Eutychus perches in the open window itself. Paul keeps talking. Eutychus drifts off to sleep. Paul continues talking until Eutychus, now overcome by deep sleep, drops out of the window and falls three stories to the ground, where he is found dead. Paul joins us downstairs, bends over, and takes Eutychus in his arms.

Paul: It’s OK. He’s alive again.

Then Paul goes back upstairs, celebrates the breaking of bread, and—just as you might guess—keeps on conversing until first light. Then he leaves. (I should add that Eutychus had been taken home long before, his friends more than a little relieved that the boy was alive!)

Again Paul wanted us to split up. He wanted to go by land by himself while we went by ship to Assos. There he came on board with us, and we sailed on to Mitylene. From there we sailed near Chios, passing by it the next day, docking briefly at Samos the day after that, then arriving at Miletus the following day. This route kept us safely out of Ephesus and didn’t require Paul to spend any time at all in Asia, since he wanted to arrive in Jerusalem quickly—before Pentecost, he hoped.

In Miletus he sent word to the church in Ephesus, asking the elders to come down to meet with him. When they arrived, he talked with them.

Paul: We will have many memories of our time together in Ephesus; but of all the memories, most of all I want you to remember my way of life. From the first day I arrived in Asia, I served the Lord with humility and tears, patiently enduring the many trials that came my way through the plots of my Jewish opponents. I did everything I could to help you; I held nothing back. I taught you publicly, and I taught you in your homes. I told everyone the same message—Jews and Greeks alike—that we must turn toward God and have faith in our Lord Jesus the Anointed. Now I feel that the Holy Spirit has taken me captive. I am being led to Jerusalem. My future is uncertain, but I know—the Holy Spirit has told me—that everywhere I go from now on, I will find imprisonment and persecution waiting for me. But that’s OK. That’s no tragedy for me because I don’t cling to my life for my own sake. The only value I place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. I now realize that this is our last good-bye. You have been like family in all my travels to proclaim the kingdom of God, but after today none of you will see my face again. So I want to make this clear: I am not responsible for your destiny from this point on because I have not held back from telling you the purpose of God in all its dimensions.

Here are my instructions: diligently guard yourselves, and diligently guard the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has given you oversight. Shepherd the church of God, this precious church which He made His own through the blood of His own Son. I know that after I’ve gone, dangerous wolves will sneak in among you, savaging the flock. Some of you here today will begin twisting the truth, enticing disciples to go your way, to follow you. You must be on guard, and you must remember my way of life among you. For three years, I have kept on, persistently warning everyone, day and night, with tears.

So now I put you in God’s hands. I entrust you to the message of God’s grace, a message that has the power to build you up and to give you rich heritage among all who are set apart for God’s holy purposes. Remember my example: I never once coveted a single coin of silver or gold. I never looked twice at someone’s fine clothing. No, you know this: I worked with my own two hands making tents, and I paid my own expenses and my companions’ expenses as well. This is my last gift to you, this example of a way of life: a life of hard work, a life of helping the weak, a life that echoes every day those words of Jesus our King, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Once again, imagine this scene:

As Paul finishes speaking, he kneels down; and we all join him, kneeling. He prays, and we all join him, praying. There’s the sound of weeping, and then more weeping, and then more still. One by one, we embrace Paul and kiss him, our sadness multiplied because of his words about this being our last good-bye. We walk with him to the ship, and he sets sail.

The Book of Acts, Chapter 20 (The Voice)

Today’s paired reading from the First Testament is the 3rd chapter of the book of Exodus:

Now one day when Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, he guided the flock far away from its usual pastures to the other side of the desert and came to a place known as Horeb, where the mountain of God stood. There, the Special Messenger of the Eternal appeared to Moses in a fiery blaze from within the bush. Moses looked again at the bush as it blazed; but to his amazement, the bush did not burn up in flames.

Moses (to himself): Why is this bush not burning up? I need to move a little closer to get a better look at this amazing sight.

When the Eternal One saw Moses approach the burning bush to observe it more closely, He called out to him from within the bush.

Eternal One: Moses! Moses!

Moses: I’m right here.

Eternal One: Don’t come any closer. Take off your sandals and stand barefoot on the ground in My presence, for this ground is holy ground. I am the True God, the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

A feeling of dread and awe rushed over Moses; he hid his face because he was afraid he might catch a glimpse of the True God.

Eternal One: I have seen how My people in Egypt are being mistreated. I have heard their groaning when the slave drivers torment and harass them; for I know well their suffering. I have come to rescue them from the oppression of the Egyptians, to lead them from that land where they are slaves and to give them a good land—a wide, open space flowing with milk and honey. The land is currently inhabited by Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The plea of Israel’s children has come before Me, and I have observed the cruel treatment they have suffered by Egyptian hands. So go. I’m sending you back to Egypt as My messenger to the Pharaoh. I want you to gather My people—the children of Israel—and bring them out of Egypt.

Moses (to God): Who am I to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel’s children out of Egypt?

Eternal One: Do not fear, Moses. I will be with you every step of the way, and this will be the sign to you that I am the One who has sent you: after you have led them out of Egypt, you will return to this mountain and worship God.

Moses: Let’s say I go to the people of Israel and tell them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to rescue you,” and then they reply, “What is His name?” What should I tell them then?

Eternal One: I AM WHO I AM. This is what you should tell the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to rescue you.”

This is what you are to tell Israel’s people: “The Eternal, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob is the One who has sent me to you.” This is My name forevermore, and this is the name by which all future generations shall remember Me.

Round up all the elders in Israel and tell them, “The Eternal, the God of your fathers and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has revealed Himself to me and said, ‘I have been watching over you, and I am deeply troubled by what has been done to you in Egypt. So I will rescue you from the oppression you have suffered in Egypt, and lead you to the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—a rich and productive land flowing with milk and honey.’” They will listen to all that you tell them; you and the elders will then go to visit Egypt’s king and tell the king, “The Eternal, the Hebrews’ God, has appeared to us. We ask that you allow us to travel three days’ distance into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Eternal.”

But I already know that Egypt’s king will turn down your request. He will not allow you to go, unless he is compelled by a hand stronger than his own. So I will stretch out My hand, display My power, and crush Egypt with a series of miracles I will perform. After that the king will send you out of Egypt. I will make it so the Egyptians treat My people favorably; and when you leave Egypt, you will not leave empty-handed. Every Hebrew woman will ask her Egyptian neighbor and any foreigner in her home for anything made of silver or gold or even fine clothing. You will give all the items you collect to your children to wear. In this way, you will strip these items from the Egyptians.

The Book of Exodus, Chapter 3 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, April 24 of 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New) of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about Presence:

Though studying the Scriptures is of course essential, "theology qua theology" is useless if we do not realize that we are always standing before the Divine Presence....

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 139:3 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm139-3-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm139-3-lesson.pdf

4.18.24 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel365:

True growth requires resistance. When good is not progressing and fails to actualize its potential, forces of evil oppose the good and force it to awaken, move forward and develop in ways it never imagined it could.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

April 24, 2024

Waterless Clouds

“Woe unto them!...clouds they are without water, carried about of winds.” (Jude 1:11-12)

This appears to be the only reference in the Bible that compares clouds to people. Several references use cloud imagery to depict the presence of God directing Israel (Exodus 13:21), speaking to Moses (Exodus 16:10-11), anointing the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38) and the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), and speaking to the apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). Our Lord Jesus was taken up to heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:9) and will return in a cloud as well (Luke 21:27).

Here, however, Jude applies a strong negative imagery. Those who introduce evil into the Lord’s churches may seem to represent the presence of God, but their misty vapor holds no “water”—it will only obscure the brilliance of light and obfuscate the real “temperature” of the environment.

In an agrarian-based economy, clouds were hopeful signs of rain to refresh the land. Some of that positive view has been lost by urban societies, which often see rain as an inconvenience. New Testament imagery connects water with life-giving properties emanating from the Holy Spirit and with the cleansing value of the words of Scripture (John 4:14; Ephesians 5:26). Paul warned Pastor Titus about many “unruly and vain talkers and deceivers” who must be stopped so that “good men” would become “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:8-13).

Thus, Jude compares those who hinder “the faith” to those who appear to represent godly pursuits and character but are empty of the refreshing and guiding power of the Holy Spirit and void of biblical wisdom and insight. They are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) and “serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18). HMM III

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orthodoxydaily · 21 days

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Saints&Reading: Friday, April 5, 2024

march _ april 5

MONK-MARTYR NICON AND 199 DISCIPLES IN SICILY (251)

youtube

The Monk Martyr Nikon was born at Neapolis (Naples). His father was a pagan, and his mother a Christian. He was not baptized, but his mother secretly instructed him in the tenets of Christianity. Nikon was still a pagan when he reached adulthood. He served as a soldier, and showed unusual courage and strength.

Once, Nikon and his military company were surrounded by enemies. In deadly peril, he remembered the Christian precepts of his mother and, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, he prayed to God, vowing to be baptized if he were saved. Filled with unusual strength, he killed many of the enemy, and put the rest to flight.

He managed to return home, giving thanks to God for preserving his life. With the blessing of his mother, he set off in search of a priest. This was no easy thing to do in a time of persecution. Saint Nikon took a ship to the island of Chios. He went up on a high mountain and spent eight days in fasting and prayer, entreating the Lord to help him.

An angel of God appeared to Saint Nikon in a dream, showing him the way. Saint Nikon went to Mount Ganos, where many monks were hidden, headed by Theodosius the Bishop of Cyzicus. Saint Nikon received from the bishop both the mystery of Baptism and the angelic schema (i.e., monastic tonsure). Living in the cave church, Saint Nikon became an example for all the brethren.

When Saint Nikon had lived on the mountain for three years, an angel revealed to the bishop that Saint Nikon should be consecrated bishop, and should move to the province of Sicily with all the monks. Bishop Theodosius obeyed the angel, and then died after he had entrusted the 190 monks to Saint Nikon. After he buried Bishop Theodosius, Saint Nikon sailed to Sicily with the brethren, and so was saved from approaching barbarians.

By God’s grace, Saint Nikon came to his native city Neapolis. He found his mother still alive, and he remained with her for the final day of her life. His mother collapsed on his chest with tears of joy and kissed him. Making a prostration to the ground, she said, “I give thanks to You, O Lord, for You have permitted me to see my son as a monk, and as a bishop. Now, my Lord, hear Your servant, and receive my soul.” When she had finished this prayer, the righteous woman died. Those present glorified God and buried her with psalmody.

Rumors of Saint Nikon’s arrival spread through the city, and ten soldiers, his former companions, came to see him. After conversing with the saint they believed and were baptized, and went with him to Sicily. Having arrived on the island, Saint Nikon settled with the monks in a desolate area, called Gigia, near the river Asinum.

Many years passed, and there was another persecution against Christians. Quintilian, the governor of Sicily, was informed that Bishop Nikon was living nearby with many monks. All 199 monks were seized and beheaded, but they left Saint Nikon alive in order to torture him.

They burned him with fire, yet he remained unharmed. They tied him to the tails of wild horses to be dragged over the ground, but the horses would not budge from the spot. They cut out the saint’s tongue, threw him off a high cliff, and finally beheaded him. The body of the hieromartyr Nikon was left in a field to be eaten by wild beasts and birds.

A certain shepherd, possessed by an evil spirit, went to that place, and finding the body of the saint, he immediately fell to the ground on his face. The unclean spirit, vanquished by the power of the saint, had thrown him to the ground and gone out from him with a loud shriek: “Woe is me, woe is me, where can I flee from Nikon?”

The healed shepherd related this to the people. The bishop of the city of Messina also learned of this, then he and his clergy buried the bodies of Saint Nikon and his disciples.

MARTYRS PHILETOS, HIS WIFE LYDIA, THEIR SONS MACEDONOS AND THEOPREPIOS, TOGETHER WITH CRONIDES AND AMPHYLOKIOS (1600)

Saint Philetus was a dignitary at the court of the emperor Hadrian (117-138), a persecutor of Christians. For openly confessing his faith in Christ the Savior, Saint Philetus was brought to trial with his wife Saint Lydia and their sons Macedonius and Theoprepius. By Hadrian’s order, Saint Philetus was sent with his family to Illyria to the military governor Amphilochius to be tortured.

Amphilochius gave orders to suspend them from a tree and to torture them with knives. After this, they were locked up in prison with the jailer Cronides, who believed in Christ and was also thrown in jail. An angel came to them by night and eased their sufferings.

On the following day the martyrs were plunged into a cauldron of boiling oil, but the oil cooled instantly, and the saints remained unharmed. The military governor Amphilochius was so astonished at this miracle that he himself believed in Christ and went into the boiling oil saying, “Lord, Jesus Christ, help me!” and he remained unharmed. The tortures were repeated when the emperor Hadrian came to Illyria. They threw the holy martyrs into the boiling oil again and again, but by the power of God they remained alive.

The humiliated emperor returned to Rome, and the holy martyrs gave thanks to God, then they surrendered their holy souls to Him.

ISAIAH 13:2-13

2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger— Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The Lord of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven— The Lord and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. 11 “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.

GENESIS 8:4-21

4 Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. 6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. 10 And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. 11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12 So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. 13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. 15 Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16 “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17 “Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. 19 Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark. 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

#orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #easternorthodoxchurch #originofchristianity #spirituality #holyscriptures #bible #wisdom #saints #Youtube

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mastichagum · 3 months

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Exploring the Wonders of Greek Chios Mastic Gum

Introduction:

Greek Chios Mastic Gum, often referred to simply as "mastic," is a unique and valuable natural resin with a rich history and a wide range of applications. Harvested exclusively from the mastic trees on the Greek island of Chios, this precious substance has been treasured for centuries for its distinct flavor, therapeutic properties, and cultural significance.

The Origin of Chios Mastic Gum:

Chios, a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for being the sole source of authentic mastic gum. The resin is extracted from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree, also known as the mastic tree. The process of harvesting mastic is labor-intensive, as it involves making small incisions in the tree's bark to allow the resin to ooze out. Once collected, the resin is left to solidify, resulting in the formation of transparent "tears" that are then carefully cleaned and sorted.

Culinary Delight:

One of the most popular uses of Chios mastic gum is in the culinary world. Its unique flavor, reminiscent of pine and vanilla, adds a distinctive touch to a variety of dishes and beverages. Mastic is often incorporated into desserts, such as ice cream, pastries, and puddings, enhancing the overall taste with its aromatic and resinous notes. Additionally, it is a key ingredient in traditional Greek liqueurs like Mastiha, providing a refreshing and flavorful experience.

Health and Wellness:

Beyond its culinary uses, Chios mastic gum is renowned for its potential health benefits. It has been traditionally used in Mediterranean cultures for its digestive properties, believed to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and stomach discomfort. Mastic is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable ingredient in oral care products and dietary supplements.

Cultural Significance:

Chios mastic gum holds a special place in Greek culture and tradition. Known as the "tears of Chios," it has been used since ancient times in various rituals, medicines, and even as a chewing gum. The production of mastic is deeply rooted in the identity of the island, with the cultivation and harvesting of the resin passing down through generations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Greek Chios mastic gum is a fascinating and versatile natural product that encapsulates the rich history and cultural heritage of the island of Chios. From culinary delights to potential health benefits, the applications of mastic are diverse and enduring. Whether enjoyed in a delectable dessert or embraced for its therapeutic properties, Chios mastic gum continues to captivate and inspire, offering a unique taste of Greece to the world.

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dybdahltravels2022 · 2 years

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Hios

I am writing this on September 9. 2022 from Inverness, Scotland and last night we received the news that Queen Elizabeth II has died. in Balmoral Castle in Aberdeen, Scotland The oldest and longest reigning monarch, she was much beloved and things have kinda' stopped here. One of the locals told us to expect closures of everything for the next 10 days. We have train tickets to Aberdeen on Sautrday AM - we will see how that goes... Back to the travelogue.

August 29, 2022

On the map is is called Chios, but the locals call it Hios.

We didn't travel until early in the morning as the Greek Islands of Lesbos and Chios are very close in the beautiful blue waters of the northeast Aegean Sea and are tucked right up against the coast of Turkey.

Hios is nicknamed Mirovolos, or “fragrant island,” for its intoxicating scents of jasmine, wild tulips, thyme, and mastic trees. Ok, I know jasmine, tulips and thyme - but what are mastic trees? Never heard of these trees - oh the things I do not know...

People all over the island have groves of mastic trees.

The ground under each tree is swept clean and covered with calcium carbonate - a natural process that keeps insects off of the tree. The tree is riddled with cuts and sap drips from the cuts in small teardrops.

These teardrops are gathered and turned into a myriad of productions including gum, creams, lotions and many other things. It is claimed to have medical qualities as well. Mark took a couple of tear drops and chewed them - they turned into a gum-like substance but an hour later the taste had not changed. Talk about labor intensive. Who knew?!?!

Chios is also known for its rugged terrain and well-preserved medieval villages. Throughout the centuries, this strategically positioned island has been coveted by the Ionians, Persians, Byzantine Greeks, Saracens, Venetians, Turks, and more. (pirates every one!!) It finally became a part of the Greek nation in 1912. We headed out explore Mesta, one of the medieval walled fortified settlements in southern Chios. It was simply lovely. Leave your car outside the gate because it would have to be tiny to go down these streets.

Just a few minutes away is the town of Pyrgi, known as the “painted village” due to the unique, intricate designs patterned on its medieval buildings. FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. This is another walled city besieged by pirates over the centuries.

The pattern and colors are controlled by the city council - but there is color as sun dried tomatoes are a BIG "thing" here and you see them everywhere.

In the heart of the village was a Greek Orthodox church built more that 1,000 years ago. And as we learned in Lesbos the icons are exactly in the same order and placement. WOWZA!!

We had a full day - but it wasn't over yet as we had an opportunity to be entertained with Greek dancers on the ship. What a great time we had.

We were not finished with Hios but we were finished with the day. More on Hios tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

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smygoodness · 5 years

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Ep28 - Mastic, Mastiha, Mummies and Massage with Aristea Zougri of Althea Massage Therapy and Yoga

Links to some creative friends Aristea mentions on the podcast:

Greg Papagrigoriou - visual artist / graphic designer / calligraphy - designer of Althea website (IG - greg_papagrigoriou)

Tim Parker - Web Developer, Designer, DJ and host of You'll Soon Know, the monthly radio programme on NTS - designed Althea Massage body oil labels

Catie Foroughi - Yoganster- Catie is an organic vegan Yoga Coach and trained Yoga Therapist who's core approach is anything is possible! Cyoga (IG: cyoga1ove)

Goldie - all around legend - (IG: mrgoldie)

Houghton Festival - A celebration of art and music in the Norfolk countryside

Soul Circus - A wellbeing festival where music, yoga and holistic therapies meets glittery, festival antics and after parties. Stretch out in yoga tipis and lush Gloucestershire countryside by day and dance under the stars by night!

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stuck-in-jelly · 3 years

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Hate those moments when so many things go wrong at once and you gotta cry for a bit

#stabbed myself then hit my toe then bumped into a chair and then my chio bag wouldnt open so i burst into tears #jelly tarts

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damselofblueroses · 3 years

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Bambi, Prologue

You are my Bambi, girl, I am your candy, tell me what are you waiting for?

Summary: As an archaeologist who works on the Ancient Greece, you were on the verge of excavations' session. While you have been preparing your team, you learned that your institute decided on your team has to work with another team as they wanted the outcome as a collaboration. The head of other team was your biggest rival, a scumbag in your eyes: Byun Baekhyun.

You two were supposed to work together for three months, in a Greek Island, Chios.

Could you manage to not kill Byun Baekhyun for three months?

Content: AU, heavily Greek mythology, enemies to friends.

Warnings: Well, the story contains NSFW/Smut, please minors do not continue.

Note: This story will be four or five chapters if I will not change my mind in the meantime. It is inspired by my major; however, I do not have a complete knowledge on archaeology, I am a historian. If I will make a technical mistake, please let me know. I am willing to receive any kind of feedback; you are more than welcomed to drop a message.

Prologue

The Mid of April, Sejong Institute, the Department of Archaeology

“Could you give me Bulfinch?” you asked to your teammate. “I have to check the layers of the Underworld.”

“Here you go.” Junmyeon gave the thick book to you. While you were searching for the details in your mind, Junmyeon was dealing with the plan of construction.

You have been knowing each other since the last 10 years, working together was nothing but natural as breathing for both of you. Junmyeon was older than you and supposed to be superior to you, however he decided to pursue a career not in the field, but in the library, you became the leader of the archaeological team of Sejong Institute.

“Indy,” Junmyeon called you by your nickname. You automatically lifted your head, your nickname became your Pavlovian weakness, sometimes you forgot your real name. “Be a good girl and pass me the cookie jar.”

You wholeheartedly laughed at his face expression and threw him his favourite chocolate cookie.

“Do you want a cup of coffee?” you asked, stretching your body. “My battery is literally going down; let’s grab an americano.”

“Only if you buy me a carrot cake.”

Junmyeon had a sweet tooth, as he opened the package and swallowed the cookie just without even chewing.

“Okey, big boy.” you smacked his shoulder, standing up. “You are goddamn lucky for having that fast metabolism, you know.”

“My darling girl, I work out in a fucking routine.” he grinned like a 5-year-old boy. You really loved to see his cockiness. “My body ratio is not a heavenly gift; I gain every muscle with tears and blood.”

“What kind of god can reward you, shitty dandy?” you chuckled. “You are a walking blasphemy.”

“Still better than you.” Junmyeon pulled your hair by laughing.

“You are definitely right.” you lolled your tongue out of your mouth. “Come on, move your bloody but peachy butt!”

Actually, you were shy, quiet but quick to make sharp remarks. However, Junmyeon was more than a teammate; he was the closest one to a brother for you, you have been always so relaxed when you were with him. The outcome of your friendship was the freedom of speech, you could be vocal as much as you wanted. Junmyeon was never offended by anything you would say, the same applied also to you. You were his dear sister, your families became friends because of you.

You could not imagine your life without Junmyeon.

“What do you think about the digging session?” you asked to him when you were waiting in the line. Junmyeon was trying to select his dessert, carrot cake was already forgotten.

“Well, you will be the team leader, that is sure thing.” he huffed. “Most probably they will ask you who do you want in your team, and you will not name me if you want to live.”

“You are the last one who I am going to choose when it comes to work in the trenches.” you smirked. “Who wants a cry baby in the field?”

“Oh.” Junmyeon turned you, shooting a dirty look, which only led you to bite your upper lip in order to prevent bursting into laughs. “You need a brain; those muscular tough babies cannot figure even how to use tools out.

“But they do not run away when they see a bug.” you could not help but start to laugh. “Do you r-

“Shut the fuck up.” Junmyeon covered your mouth with his hand. “You are banned to talk about that incident from now on. Ever.”

“But,” you took his hands off you, tears forming in the edges of your eyes due to the memory you remembered. Junmyeon gave you a deadly stare, but you could not help. “You were running over the hill because you came across to a spider in your trench. Didn’t you give up on becoming Indiana in our first digging session?”

“No, I preferred to protect my own dignity.” he shook his head, then he also burst into laughs. “Jesus, I hate spiders and one Indy is enough for the family.”

“At least you learned that X never marks the spot before quitting.” you murmured, then pointed what you want to him. “Blueberry muffin, Jun. It looks yummy.”

“At least you learned that rolling in the dirt is not for the people who has a class.” Junmyeon ordered two americanos, one blueberry muffin and one red velvet cake. “Jokes aside, there are some gossips. Did you hear any of them?”

“Damnit, yes.” you exhaled and pinched the bridge of your nose. “The Executive Board is thinking to build a collaboration between us and Sunkyungwan people.”

“Yeah.” Junmyeon sat down on a chair, helped you to settle yourself. “And if they do, you know who is going to be the other team leader, right?”

“Do not tell me.” you covered your ears with your hands. You knew, you already heard the possible name, however even the possibility was giving you nothing but headache. “That’s why I asked your opinion. If that bastard will be my fucking colleague for Chios, I think I will pass this session”

“Hell, over my dead body.” Junmyeon aggressively grasped his little fork. “I know how much you guys despise each other, but this is your fucking career. Do not even dare to think you can turn your back to an opportunity.”

“But, Ju-

“No.” he was firm as fuck. “If they will give you the excavation of Chios, you will be fucking happy and you will accept their fucking propose. Chios will be the icing of the cake for you, you always want to lead an excavation in the Aegean.”

“You are right.” you knew when the occasion called to not push Junmyeon’s limits. Career came first, the rest is not important was his mentality. “You are right, but I really do not draw myself working with him.”

“Ignore him. You do not have to see him every day, ditch him in the field, goddamn.” Jun chewed a mouthful bite of his cake. “I do not want you to be facing with the Board, standing for no ground. If they will manage to build the connection, Sunkyungwan will appoint Byun Baekhyun as the leader for sure.”

You did not answer his god-fucking-damn-it prediction, but even thinking about it made you want to puke.

You vividly remember Byun Baekhyun, a fucking tease, and a smartass, from your bachelor years. You were not the type of people who could easily hate someone, but you hated Byun Baekhyun since the first day you met. He was a cockhead and dandy, he was a real scumbag, always so full of himself, underestimating everyone and their abilities, thinking he was the star of the universe. To your dismay, both of you were accepted from same university for your master and you had to endure his presence till he accepted the offer of Sunkyungwan.

You never tell this to Junmyeon, hell, he would not spend even a second to kill you if he would learn this, but you turned the offer of Sunkyungwan just because of Byun Baekhyun’s acceptance.

You hated him to the bits.

And you really did not know what the heck you were going to do if Sejong’s Executive Board was going to approve the collaboration. You looked at Junmyeon, he certainly was not going to let you to turn the offer down, and this time you could not hide the fact from him.

You grunted inside of your brain.

The Beginning of May, Sunkyungwan, the Department of Archaeology

Byun Baekhyun was happy.

More than happy till now.

He just stormed into his room, trying to register the news.

You? Were you really going to be his fucking colleague for fucking three months?!

He remembered you very well, and he was %100 sure of there was no person in this universe, he despised more than you. He even could not endure to share same atmosphere with you. He always wanted to fuck your attitudes out of you since he met you.

And was he really going to see your fucking face for three months, in an island?!

It had to be a bloody joke. A bloody plot on Baekhyun.

“I said,” he screamed when he heard his door was opened. “I do not want to see anyone!”

“Even an old friend?” a kind voice asked, Baekhyun immediately turned to the door.

Junmyeon was there, smiling to him. Baekhyun was startled, he was definitely caught off guard.

“Hyung?” he murmured. “Junmyeon Hyung?”

“Yeah.” Junmyeon’s smile widened. “May I come or not?”

“JUNMYEON HYUNG!” Baekhyun forgot you for a second and threw himself onto Junmyeon. He loved Junmyeon very much, enough to forgive his close relationship with you. “Welcome!”

Junmyeon smiled and hugged to Baekhyun but averted his eyes from him.

There was a plan in Junmyeon’s mind since years, and he had the chance of making it true after the news of collaboration. He averted his eyes also from you because he did not want anyone to understand his real intentions about you and Baekhyun.

Junmyeon smiled to Baekhyun.

#baekhyun fluff #baekhyun x reader #baekhyun smut #byun baekhyun #baekhyun #exo baekhyun #baekhyun fanfic #baekhyun angst #exo series #exo fanfiction #exo x reader #exo fanfic #exo smut #exo #exo fic #exo imagines

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babybottlepop96 · 3 years

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Always: Shikamaru x Reader

Warnings: death, sadness, fluffy shit.

A/N: this one is about 2.2k words, it kinda got away from me lol enjoy and request!

Being Naruto Uzumaki's fraternal twin sister had its perks. I mean, the excessive amount of friends, ramen 24/7, always having a best friend that would be there for me and have my back no matter what but would also put me in my place if he had too. Being born five minutes after the infamous jinjuriki he was also so protective. Threatening any guy that would just have the nerve to flirt with me, the sister of the future Hokage.

We only had each other for so long, sure, our relationship took a bad turn for a while. While he was usually ignored and looked at as a monster, I didn't get the kind of treatment. Being the "normal" one of the twins, I was treated with more respect because I didn't have a tailed beast to host. I always felt awful for that and no matter how many times I stood up for my brother, he refused to accept my sympathy. The Chunin Exams came and went when he finally came to me after a few weeks of ignoring me. It was after Saskue had left and he was a mess. He cried into my shoulder and told me he was sorry. I just held him close and told him that I was never mad at him. I could never bead at him for how he felt about everything. It was unfair to him to be treated that badly, unfair that he had no say in being a host and I told him that he was so strong and had such a kind heart and people would eventually see that. I mean, they had to right? He was going to be the future Hokage.

When he left for those years with Jiryia, it was hard. It was like half of me was missing and I felt kind of lost without him. While he was out training, I had passed the Chunin and the Jonin exams. I was so proud of myself, but it would've felt even better if my twin was with me.

When he came home, I wasn't there to greet him. I was on business with the Kazekage. Gaara became a close friend, he accepted my friendship because he felt like he could trust me. He became like a little brother. And then everything happened with the Akatsuki and I ended up losing an arm trying to save a few children from a clay bomb. I laid in one of the beds while everyone was trying to get Gaara back and I felt like I failed. I was a fucking Jonin for kage sake and I couldn't protect or retrieve Gaara. It hit me hard.

When Temari, Sakura, Kakashi and Naruto arrived, they went straight to Kankauro. That poor boy was in such pain from the poison, it hurt my heart when I heard him scream from the extraction. I was so focused on not paying attention I hadn't realized Naruto had made his way over to me and held my left hand. Once I felt his hand touch mine, my eyes flew open and he had tears in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, (y/n)! I should've been here to protect you! I failed and I'm so sorry you got hurt." He his head dropped to the side of the bed and cried.

"Hey, hey it's okay Naruto. This shit happens you know that. And it is not your fault, okay? You had to go and train. This was just a mission that turned wrong. But you're here now! And I just know you're going to go after Gaara and bring him home. And I'll be rooting for your success.. believe it!" I smiled, small tear trails staining my own cheeks. He looked at me and gave a small smile.

After everything that happened at the sand and Gaara's return home, no longer a host for the one tail, things seemed to go somewhat better. I got a fake arm that works well with my chakra and I had been training non stop with all my friends. But I mostly spent time with one particular ninja the most. A cute, lazy Pineapple haired Nara. You see, Shikamaru and I had been close and dating for about a year at this point. We never particularly told anyone, but people seemed to know. Well, all except Naruto. He was so oblivious to it all, he didn't realize how close Shika and I were until Pein attacked the Hidden Leaf. So, that's where I'll begin this little tale.

~~~~~~~

"Shit shit shit!" I was running around trying to get civilians to safety, grabbing children and pushing other civilians towards the Hokage head mountain. A building was starting to crumble and fire and explosions were coming from everywhere it seemed. Once I felt like I got everyone I could I ran back to where the main event was happening. Thankfully Naruto wasn't here, I wouldn't even begin to imagine what they would do if they had captured him. I mean, they killed Gaara, but Lady Chio had that special secret jutsu that she took to the grave. I couldn't bear to lose my brother.

To fight was lasting so long, there was no way to tell when it would all be over. I was separated from Choji, Ino and Shikamaru when everything began. The three started fighting while I helped get the civilians to safety, but I knew they had to be around here. Alive. They just had to be. Things were seemingly going fine until I heard a small child scream. I snapped my head to the sound so fast I swore I got whiplash. A small girl was cowering against a wooden wall, the enemy heading toward her. I ran as fast as I could and snatched the girl away. I tossed her to the side gently and told her to run. She just looked at me, her big brown eyes filled with tears and a worried look on her face. "It's okay, you go to the mountains and find your family. Okay? Go!" She nodded and took off. I fought off the enemy for as long as I could. My chakra was running extremely low, so low that I wasn't able to dodge the wooden spear that came hurtling towards me. It went straight through my chest, pinning against the wooden wall behind me. I coughed up blood and my vision started to go a bit fuzzy.

"Your time is now over. You were a decent Shinoni, but you were still weak." The enemy spat out. I didn't say anything as I clutched the wooden spear that pinned me to the wall, trying to take in air. It felt like I was drowning, I could feel my lungs filling with blood and tears start to run down my face. I would never see my friends again, see my brothers happy go lucky smile while down bowl after bowl of ramen. I would never be able to Shika that I loved him. Everything was fading to black, my head dropped and my arms went limp by my side.

I woke up in a dark place, no longer in pain. I was dead. "Hello little one." A voice spoke and I looked around to see a small light. I ran towards it, hoping maybe I'd wake up for real and I was alive and well. That this was just a sick dream or a gentusu. But what I saw when I reached the light was unbelievable. I saw the fourth Hokage with a woman with red hair.

"Welcome, (y/n)." The woman came over to me and gave me a hug. "I'm your mom." She whispered in my ear and turned to the man. "And that's your dad." To say I was crying was an understatement. There was a river flow of salty tears streaming down my face as I hugged them both.

NARUTO'S POV

I ran back towards the village at full speed, I just had to get back. I had to protect my friends and mentors. I had to protect (y/n). I saw the massive crater when I returned to what was supposed to be my village. Injured and dead ninja and civilians alike were being gathered in a clearing. I ran ahead, I had to find them, I had to find everyone. I spotted Sakura first and ran towards her, "Sakura!" She turned her head, tears running down her face and I stopped in front of her. "Where is everyone?" She pointed to our group of friends, everyone is there except for Kakashi-Sensei and my sister. "S-Sakura? Where… where is Kakashi and (y/n)?" She sobbed louder which caused all of our friends to look over. I walked towards them and the moment I spotted Shikamaru on the ground holding someone, sobbing, I froze. I knelt down and looked over him. He was holding my sister, cradling her head in his lap. Her body was paler than normal against the red stain on her shirt. I didn't move, I didn't cry, I just stared, not convinced that she was actually gone. After a few moments I got up and made my way towards the true enemy.

"N-Naruto? Where are you going?" Sakura asked me, her voice meek and breaking.

"To end this."

SHIKAMARU'S POV

The enemy had retreated for a bit, allowing us to gather our injured and deceased. I was frantically looking for (y/n) I had to make sure she was okay. "(Y/n)!!" I heard Ino yell from behind me. I ran towards her voice as fast as I could. Once I reached her, my blood ran cold. There she was, the one that I truly cared about and loved, pinned against a wall, spear straight through the chest. I tentatively reached out and touched her and my instantly moved back as I felt her cold, stiff, lifeless body. I stood frozen. The rationalist inside me was gone and I then pulled the spear from her form and caught her in my arms and she limply fell. The cry that ripped from my throat was inhuman, angry and broken. I fell to the ground holding her close to my chest. "W-wake up, please!" I cried even harder knowing it was useless. She was already gone. Passed onto the afterlife while I was here to deal with the heartbreak. The pain. I knew this love thing was a drag, but I endured it for her. She made my days brighter, the sun burn hotter, she made everyday so much better.

"Sh-Shika? W-we should get her to the others." Ino whispered, scared her own voice would break, as she gently put a hand on my shoulder. All I could manage was a small nod and tried to suppress my cries. I carried her to where everyone was putting the deceased and all our friends stood there with wide eyes and I carried their closest friend in my arms. Everyone was shocked, too stunned to say anything as I put (y/n) on the ground. But I still cradle her head in my lap, I couldn't let her go just yet. The tears still slipping down my cheeks were enough for everyone to know this was real. When Naruto showed up I sobbed, he was just in shock as the rest of us. When he left to go confront the real Pein, none of us stopped him. If anyone could end this. He could.

YOUR POV

Talking to my parents had been the most calming time of my life. Well, afterlife. They told me stories about what it was like before they died, how Kakashi was like another son to him. How they never wanted Naruto to host the nine tails. I told them how life was growing up, how I was dating Shikamaru and my dad gave me a whole lecture on safe sex, even though I was dead and I wouldn't have to worry about any of that. Well, until I started to glow. "Looks like you still have a full life to live my sweet." My mother smiled and I looked at them with a smile and tears in my eyes.

"I love you both." I said as I faded back into the darkness. This time though, when I opened my eyes I saw a face I never thought I'd be able to see again. "Shika?" His eyes snapped open and he stared down at me, his eyes wide and mouth open. He stared at me for a moment, not believing what he was seeing. His dead girlfriend, breathing. Alive.he held me so close to his chest and sobbed even louder. Ino and Choji were all giving him sad looks until they saw my arms wrap around his neck and held him closer.

"OH SHIT!" Choji yelled as the other dead bodies were coming back from death. I sat up slowly and grabbed Shikamaru's face and kissed him. I kissed him like it would be the last time I ever would.

"I… I thought I lost you for good this time." He spoke softly.

"I will always come back for you." I smiled at him, tear glazed eyes staring into his own. "Always." We kissed again, pulling each other close. We stayed like that for a moment until we heard a certain obnoxious blonde yelling at us.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING?! SHIKAMARU THAT'S MY SISTER! WHEN THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?!" Causing everyone to let out a laugh. Resting his forehead on mine Shikamaru spoke quietly. "I love you."

"I love you too, Shika. I love you too."

#shikamaru nara x reader #naruto #choji akimichi #sakura #ino #fluff fluff fluff #death #sad

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maradigma · 3 years

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okay I think I’m on the SessKik train lol. can I get some fic recs plz? 👀

*punches ticket*

Hello and welcome aboard friend, good taste 🤩

Not gonna lie, Sesskik are difficult to grasp. So even though I love this ship a lot, unfortunately not many writers can pull them off (to my personal standards) since I’m real picky when it comes to too much OOCness, and cause of that I dropped quite a few fics in my time sorting through the already small pile lol. But, glad to say there are special exceptions that tbh either blew my mind with the potential those two have together or just managed to make me like this ship even more. 💯

Multichapter

⭐️ . The Rift Between Auras // Chio Saki : Canon-compliant. Kikyo begrudgingly joins Sesshomaru’s group after she saves Rin on Mt. Hakurei. Listen, this one you should read regardless of what you even ship, it’s on a whole different level. Just the sheer respect and love put into every single character/relationship in the series and the 1:1 in-character portrayal - a straight up masterpiece that uses the Sesskik potential to the max. (It’s so good that us Sesskik shippers just accepted this as our one true canon lol.)

⭐️ . Forbidden // Tsuyu no Inochi : AU, post Naraku. The OG. One of the firsts I ever read and I have a lot of love for this oldie but goodie. Really nicely written with interesting and well-developed OCs, explores Sesshomaru’s royal court life and his duties and how our regal Kikyo fits into them perfectly. Also has some very spicy moments and an ongoing sequel to it.

⭐️ . One Thousand And One // WWT4982483 : AU. Sesshomaru captures Kikyo as her Saint Hijiri self. Really well-written and I like the creativity and world building of this one.

⭐️ . First Sight, Yet Nostalgic // WWT4982483 : A fully translated story from Chinese and is just gorgeously written. This author translated a few other stories too and every single one of them is so pretty.

⭐️ . Cold // EnigmaticArsenic : Kikyo finds Sesshomaru unconscious and hurt after a battle and decides to take care of him. A classic.

Oneshots

⭐️ . Dear // @skylxft : Gorgeous. Angsty. Wonderful. Feeeeeels. Honestly, every single one of Ellie’s Sesskik oneshots is gold. Go check them out!!

⭐️ . Kintsugi // CardyDesu : Modern AU. Sadly will forever be only a oneshot, but I still liked it a lot.

⭐️ . Little Girls Have Their Ways // @modinu : Modern AU. Cute and wholesome. Rin does what she does best and slaps Kikyo in the face with “you like my dad dont you? get tf on that!!!” This oneshot is no different.

⭐️ . Give Your Tears To The Tide // marsmagari : Sesskik from confused Inuyasha’s POV. Short but good.

Anyway this took longer than I thought so I’ll stop here, I think.

Also, this is just my personal list, anyone else - feel free to add to it!!

#inuyasha #sesskik #sesshomaru #kikyo #kikyou #fic rec #i hope i didnt mess up the links #anyway here you go anon enjoy #the beauty and sense that is sesskik #ask

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dfroza · 9 months

Text

“I served the Lord with humility and tears, patiently enduring the many trials that came my way…”

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 20th chapter of the book of Acts:

The Sunday night before our Monday departure, we gathered to celebrate the breaking of bread.

Imagine you are celebrating with them:

Paul: It’s OK. He’s alive again.

In Miletus he sent word to the church in Ephesus, asking the elders to come down to meet with him. When they arrived, he talked with them.

Once again, imagine this scene:

The Book of Acts, Chapter 20 (The Voice)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 43rd chapter of the book of Isaiah that points to God wiping the slate clean through (A new covenant of grace):

Eternal One: Remember who created you, O Jacob?

Who shaped you, O Israel?

See, you have nothing to fear. I, who made you, will take you back.

I have chosen you, named you as My own.

When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm;

you will not be engulfed in raging rivers.

If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs,

keep going; you won’t be burned.

Because I, the Eternal One, am your God.

I am the Holy One of Israel, and I will save you.

I have traded in nations to win you back,

Egypt, Cush, and Seba, in exchange for your freedom.

Because you are special to Me and I love you,

I gladly give up other peoples in exchange for you;

They are trivial by comparison to your weighty significance.

So don’t be afraid. I am here.

I will reunite you with your children,

bringing them back from wherever in the world they are—East, West, North, or South.

No place will be able to hold you when I demand your release, when I order them,

“Bring My children—My sons and daughters—from far away.

Bring the ones who are called by My name;

the ones I made, shaped, and created for My profound glory.”

Even though they fail and seem blind and deaf (and not for lack of eyes or ears),

bring them out.

All the nations gather together; peoples from all over the world assemble.

Who among them could have forseen this?

Let them call their witnesses to make their case, prove they are in the right—

that it is the truth.

Eternal One: You are My witnesses; You are My proof.

You whom I chose for special purpose, My servant,

in order that you would know Me, trust Me, be faithful to Me,

Understand that I alone am God; no god was formed before Me,

and there will be no god after Me.

I, I am the Eternal;

there is no Savior except for Me,

I alone told that this victory would happen. Then I saved you and made it known.

No other god worked among you—You know the truth.

You can testify that it is so; as I declare, I alone am God.

Indeed, from day one, I am He. No one can wrest another from My hand.

I make things happen; who can turn them around?

The Holy One of Israel, the Eternal One who redeemed you, says,

Eternal One: For your good, I will send another against Babylon

and make all of them outcasts from their own land;

The Chaldeans will set sail and try to escape on their celebrated ships.

For I am the Eternal, your Holy One. I am your King,

Creator of Israel, My people.

This is what the Eternal One says, the One who does the impossible,

the One who makes a path through the sea, a smooth road through tumultuous waters,

The One who drags out chariots and horses,

armies and warriors, and drowns them in the sea—

They will go down, never to rise again;

their lives are snuffed out like a candle wick:

Eternal One: Don’t revel only in the past,

or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by.

Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak,

and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert;

Waters will flow where there had been none.

Wild animals in the fields will honor Me;

the wild dogs and surly birds will join in.

There will be water enough for My chosen people,

trickling springs and clear streams running through the desert.

My people, the ones whom I chose and created for My own,

will sing My praise.

In truth, you never really called upon me, did you, Jacob, My people?

So how then could you be tired of Me, Israel, My own?

You didn’t present Me with sheep for burnt offerings

or acknowledge Me in sacrifices.

I didn’t tire you by demanding so many gifts of offerings and incense.

No sweet cane, no money or glorious excess have you given to Me.

You didn’t even try to satisfy Me with the fat of your sacrifices.

Instead, you tired Me with your sins—bloodshed and lies, crimes and offenses;

you wore Me down with all your belligerence and faults.

So let’s get this clear: it’s for My own sake that I save you.

I am He who wipes the slate clean and erases your wrongdoing.

I will not call to mind your sins anymore.

Now help Me remember. Let’s get this settled.

State your case, and prove to Me that you are in the right.

From the very beginning your founding father sinned,

then your leaders defied My laws and instructions.

So I brought disgrace on the princes of your sanctuary, your priests.

I turned them over to barbarian assault,

Leaving Jacob to the batterers, Israel to humiliation.

The Book (Scroll) of Isaiah, Chapter 43 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, August 8 of 2023 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about heaven and hell:

"Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." - 2 Cor. 5:11

====

The parable of the "Rich man and Lazarus" (Luke 16:19-31) is one of the most sobering and consequential of the Scriptures. Yeshua's concise and brilliant story ranges over the issues of life and death and of our ultimate destiny beyond the grave. It answers perennial questions about where people go when they die, and it gives counsel about how to plan for the inevitability of judgment. It forewarns of the terrifying prospect of hell and eternal torment while it comforts those who seek heavenly blessing and eternal life. It tells of an "unbridgeable chasm" that exists after death that prevents any return from our final destination, implying that what we believe and how we live in this life has eternal significance and consequences. Those who believe in God's truth as revealed in creation, in history, in the testimony of Scripture, and above all in the revelation of Yeshua will find salvation, consolation, and everlasting fellowship in the Father's House, but those who turn away from the message of life will be consigned to irremediable suffering, sorrow, and terrifying loss. In this short essay, I hope to discuss this parable in a manner that will encourage us to "make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to" (Luke 13:24).

By way of providing some context to the parable, note that the Pharisees at that time taught that obedience to God's commandments led to prosperity and blessing, whereas disobedience led to poverty and curses, and they therefore apparently justified the accumulation of riches as a sign of divine approval. Because of this, when they heard Yeshua say that no one can serve both "God and mammon," they scoffed, though he replied to them by saying: "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:13-15). He then went on to say that with his arrival a "new era" had arrived, “the time was fulfilled,” and the Kingdom of God was being opened up for all who were willing to enter. This new way, or new covenant, was offered to the needy, the broken, and to all who realized they were sinners in need of the promised divine redemption (Luke 16:16-18). It is part of the irony of the parable that Lazarus, the outcast, was the blessed one accepted into heaven, whereas the rich man, the Pharisee, was cursed and locked outside of heaven's gate.

I should add that some read the parable as a morality tale about economics and social justice, saying that God condemns the rich and vindicates the poor, though the sin of the rich man was not in his possession of wealth per se, but in his misuse of it, since he withheld charity that the Torah required to help his needy neighbor. After all, wealth by itself is neither good nor bad but depends on how it is used. Abraham was a very wealthy sultan who is called the "father of faith," the prototype of a hospitable and gracious man of God. Likewise the prophet Job was described as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God," though he was the "wealthiest man in all the east" (Job 1:1,3). So it is a distraction to interpret the parable in "Marxist" terms to make it about the evils of economic disparities and inequalities. Moreover, justice and economic responsibilities such as employment wages, ownership, tithing, lending, giving charity, and so on are matters that are clearly defined in the law of Moses.

The parable obviously concerns more than issues of economic injustice, however, and this is evinced by Yeshua's description of the spiritual condition of each man that was revealed after their death. As Yeshua tells the tale we are given a vision beyond the grave, seeing the consequences of how the decisions we make in this life will play out in eternity. The issue of social injustice is secondary at best; what is at issue is the ultimate destiny of the soul.

The parable begins: "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day, and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores, who desired to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores" (Luke 16:19-21).

The story opens with this unnamed rich man living in luxury and opulence, elegantly attired and well-fed, going about his business, when a destitute, sickly, and disabled beggar named Lazarus was carried to his house and "laid at his gate." Perhaps the citizens of the town had no other option than to drop Lazarus off at the rich man's place, hoping that a man of his means would show compassion and help the poor wretch. For Lazarus' part, he was nearly starving and hoped he might eat scraps from the man's table that otherwise would be thrown in the garbage. Whatever else we can say, it's clear that Lazarus was the embodiment of need: penniless, covered with putrefying ulcers, and unable to walk; his only companions were stray dogs who would lick his wounds…

The rich man, however, lived lavishly in his exclusive and "gated" home, and while he knew of the plight of Lazarus, he did nothing to alleviate his suffering. He offered no meal. He offered no shelter. He didn't even offer a shekel or two to help the beggar buy some bandages or go see a doctor. His hardness of heart was wicked and clearly violated commandments of Torah to care for the needy brother and not to turn him away (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7-8).

Lazarus, on the other hand, is depicted as a nobody, an outcast, a leper. However, he is a lowly man of faith, as indicated by his Hebrew name Elazar (אֶלְעָזָר) which means "God (אֵל) will help (עָזַר)." Lazarus represents someone "poor in spirit," someone who mourns over his life, a humble and broken soul that hungers and thirsts for God's righteousness and mercy, and so on (see the "Beatitudes" listed in Matt. 5:1-12).

The story continues. "And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus upon his bosom" (Luke 16:22-23). This is another contradiction of the Pharisaical expectation. The soul of the outcast, the unclean leper, and the beggar who was not even given a proper burial, was collected by the angels of God and carried up to lean upon "Abraham's bosom" (or chest) - a beautiful image of intimate embrace and comfort - whereas the rich man found himself in hell. This place of torment, called Hades (or she'ol in Hebrew), is a place of punitive confinement where the unrighteous dead are gathered to await their final judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). Note that the rich man was conscious; he could see Abraham with Lazarus by his side, and he remembered who Lazarus was...

So he cried out and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame" (Luke 16:24). Note that the rich man called Abraham his "father," perhaps alluding to an early mishnah of the sages that every son of Abraham is given a share in the world to come: כל ישראל יש להם חלק לעלם הבא. In other words, the rich man appealed to Abraham as his child, and asked him to command Lazarus to bring him some water to allay his suffering...

"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who would pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us'" (Luke 16:25-26).

There are a few things to note here. First, Yeshua was not teaching that those who have wealth and good things in this life are necessarily going to be tormented, nor was he saying that simply being poor and afflicted makes a person fit for heaven. As mentioned above, a wealthy person such as Abraham can be declared righteous while a poor person like Judas Iscariot can be treacherously wicked. Ultimately the destination for each soul is based on their faith in God, and that was likely Yeshua's point to the Pharisees: temporal prosperity is not an indication of divine favor (Prov. 10:2), nor does it define what makes a good Jew (Rom. 2:28-29). Secondly we note the "great gulf" (χάσμα μέγα) is immovably fixed so that no one can cross over or escape from their destiny. After death, your fate is sealed. There is no going back; there are no "re-do's"; there is no further chance to repent at that time... This is it. This is what has become of your life, and now all that's left is God's judgment.

Yeshua therefore teaches that hell is not some form of annihilation, nor is a place of "purgatory" wherein the soul suffers and learns to repent after death. No, "it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this is judgment" (Heb. 9:27). Hell as a dreadful eternal reality is terrifying to consider. Those who go to hell will be fully conscious and will experience an unending nightmare of regret and sorrow that will never be extinguished. Indeed, eternal torment is gruesomely likened to worms feeding upon rotting corpses in “Gehenna,” the Valley of Hinnom, an ancient garbage dump used to burn waste. Hell is likened to the state "where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:44; Isa. 66:24). Some have said the "worm" here likely is a metaphor for a guilty conscience that forever gnaws away with no end to the remorse. This is all terrifying to consider, dear friends...

The story continues: "Then he said (to Abraham),`I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him (i.e., Lazarus) to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment'" (Luke 16:27-28). The rich man now is beginning to understand his irretrievably lost condition, his need for deliverance, and yet it is too late for repentance. In a moment of apparent contrition, he beseeches Abraham to command Lazarus (whom the rich man never addresses directly) to go to his brothers and warn them of the danger that they too may end up in the same terrible place as he. Implicit in his request is the allegation that if only God would do a miracle like this, his brothers would believe, since he would have believed had God done this for him. In other words the man is indirectly accusing God of being unfair to him because he was not given enough reason to believe. In response, "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them'" (Luke 16:29).

And now we getting to the point of the parable that reveals the divide between the destinies of the righteous from that of the wicked. The rich man denied that the word of God was sufficient to save his brothers from perdition, and that some great miracle was needed instead. He therefore protested to Abraham saying, "No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent." The parable concludes emphatically with Abraham saying: "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded even if one rises from the dead" (Luke 16:30-31).

So what are we to learn here? What conclusion might we draw? The parable teaches that Lazarus was accepted because he believed in the promise of God, whereas the rich man did not. Yeshua indicates this by having Abraham repeatedly say that salvation comes from listening to Moses and the Prophets, that is, believing in the testimony of the Scriptures and how they point to him (Deut. 18:15; Isa. 53; John 1:45; 5:46; Luke 24:27; 24:44). Again, when the doomed man objected that listening to God's word was insufficient, he was rebuffed: "If they do not listen (i.e., ἀκούω, understand, perceive) Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded even if one rises from the dead." Miracles are not enough. After all, even those who saw Yeshua raise Lazarus (of Bethany) from the dead refused to believe that he was Israel's Messiah and Savior (John 11:40-53). So seeing isn't believing, though believing God's word enlightens the eyes of the heart to see. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes from the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Therefore it is understanding the word of God and believing its truth that saves the soul from death. Abraham believed the Lord (regarding the promised child) and the Lord declared him righteous for doing so (Gen. 15:6). This is the touchstone of faith (Rom. 4:1-13; Gal. 3:7-9; 3:29). Amen: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). So the destiny of each soul turns on the inescapable responsibility to believe in God and to trust in his promises (John 6:47).

"It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this is judgment" (Heb. 9:27). Each of us, then, must confront not only his own death, but also his own destiny... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. Therefore we are admonished to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).

God has given many convincing proofs of his reality (Acts 1:3); he has implanted eternity within our hearts (Eccl. 3:11); he enables us to use logic and to clearly infer his power (Rom. 1:20); he testifies of his moral authority by the voice of conscience (Rom. 2:15); he reveals his glory in the splendors of creation (Psalm 19:1-3), and most especially, he reveals himself to faithful witnesses who have preserved the prophetic in the holy Scriptures (Matt. 5:17; Luke 11:49-51; John 20:31; Rom. 3:1-2; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16).

The gift of the Holy Spirit assures the heart and confirms the truth of God to those who listen and believe the testimony (John 14:26; John 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). We can know God as our “Abba” by the inner witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:15). Our hearts experience real peace as we are transformed by the grace of his love. We trust that the Lord will shepherd our lives and faithfully bring us into the glories of heaven when we die. Amen.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 23:6 Hebrew reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm23-6-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page pdf:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm23-6-lesson.pdf

8.7.23 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel 365:

The message of Psalm 78 is still relevant today. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and distractions, it can be easy to forget the lessons of the past. But if we take the time to learn from our history, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes. As we learn Psalm 78, we are prompted to reflect on our own lives and the ways we navigate our spiritual journeys. Are we, like the Ephraimites, prone to rush ahead, driven by our own calculations, or are we ready to embrace the wisdom of patience, and the virtue of faith and obedience in our quest for redemption? The answers may be as enlightening as the Psalm itself.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

August 8, 2023

Things of the World

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2:15)

We must be wary of the world’s “things,” because we are “in the world,” not “of the world” (John 17:11-16). The command in our text is that we are not to love the world or its things, not that we should remain blissfully ignorant of them. We are to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

There are big things of the world like nations and kingdoms (Matthew 4:8; Luke 12:30), as well as cares and riches (Mark 4:19), that can sap our focus and drain our loyalties. And there are “rudiments” and “elements” (Colossians 2:20; Galatians 4:3) that can twist our thinking and “spoil” us (Colossians 2:8).

We are warned that friendship with the worldly lifestyle and that which espouses the “things” of the world makes us an “enemy of God” (James 4:4). That’s because such people embrace the “spirit of the world” and not “the spirit which is of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). Those people speak about the things of the world, and the world listens to them (1 John 4:5).

God’s people may be “base” and “weak”—even “foolish” in the eyes of the world (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Since the great Creator God has chosen us out of the world (John 15:19), it should not surprise us that the world “hates” those who belong to the Lord Jesus (John 17:14). Hence, the ungodly passions that drive the ungodly behavior of the world, “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).

Those passions and the people who embrace them will “pass away.” But “he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17). HMM III

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