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drunkewok · 7 months

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Tiger Inside Chapter Twenty

Stray Kids Mafia (ongoing)

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WC: 3.4k

Pairing: Lee Know x reader

Genre: Series, Enemies to lovers, non-idol AU, Mafia AU

Synopsis: After years spent away from the family, two strangers start frequenting your place of work, only to bring daunting news. Flung back into the world of the mafia, you try to adapt to your new normal and work alongside a team of eight skilled members to uncover a mystery and take down an unknown enemy.

Warnings: 18+, Minors DNI, drinking, swearing, violence, weapons

Disclaimer: Any portrayal of Stray Kids or any other idols in this story is purely fiction and do not at all reflect their own personalities or how I view them as a person, it is purely for the sake of the story.

Please do not copy or repost my work

"You've got to be kidding me." I grumbled through a heavy sigh as I watched my hair slowly slide out of place once more and waterfall down my shoulders, the clip barely hanging on for dear life by the strands. With a frustrated huff I pulled it from my hair, letting it tumble onto the counter. My hand gripped onto the edge of the sink, attempting to take a deep breath to compose myself, trying to keep myself calm before I erupted into a volcano of irritation.

The past week has made me quite painfully aware of how much I have taken advantage of having full abilities of both arms, the most mundane of tasks creating flurries of anger as I struggled to accomplish them.

Like trying to put my damn hair up.

I grabbed onto the clip once more, placing it in the restrained hand before flipping my head forward again, my free hand twisting the strands of hair around my palm as my fingers pulled it taut. I slowly and carefully balanced the twist against the back of my head, my hand now creeping towards the clip in my other at a pace slower than a snail, too scared to lose the twist I so carefully formed.

The teeth slipped through my hair, pulling it somewhat tight as it closed in around the twist. I hesitated before rising, continuing my balancing act, slow breathing calming me as I sent silent prayers to finally be successful.

With clamped shut eyes, I slowly let myself stand fully, not even needing to open my eyes to know that the hair was falling out of place once again, the clip just barely resting on the back of my shoulders.

"OH FOR FUCKS SAKE." Pulling the clip from my hair, I chucked it onto the counter, letting it tumble against the wall before coming to a halt.

My fingers fumbled with my phone, switching on the screen at punching in the code with a bit too much aggression. Opening my messages, I clicked the name at the top, a string of previous conversations littering the screen.

Me: S.O.S

I rested my hand onto the counter as I watched the sent under the message change to seen, focusing on the brief moment of silence before a pounding of feet within the hallway could be heard through the wall.

My bedroom door slammed open with so much force I'm honestly surprised it wasn't blasted straight off its hinges, a panicked voice calling out from inside the room.

"Y/n!? What's wrong, where are you!?"

"I'm in here, Lix." The door connecting my bathroom to my room, previously only cracked far enough to let sound travel, swung open the rest of the way, a once concerned Felix now staring dumbfounded at the clip in my hand being held out before him. "Help."

"Jesus christ y/n, you can't be giving me heart attacks like that. I just about twisted my ankle throwing myself from my chair." He took the clip from my hand, twirling his finger in the air commanding me to turn around.

"Thank youuu" I sang as his fingers twisted the hair up into position effortlessly, holding tight even after the clip slipped its teeth into it. My eyes studied his handiwork in the mirror before us, only a hint of annoyance behind his eyes as they met mine in the reflection.

"You're an absolute blessing." I blew him a kiss in the mirror, watching his eyes roll back into the depths of his skull before looking down to the sling still confining me.

"When do you get to take that thing off anyways?"

"I'm actually just about to go pester Seungmin about it until he tells me I can, I'm sick of this I can't do it anymore." I slid my phone into my back pocket, eyes scanning the counter to ensure I wasn't forgetting anything of importance before sliding past Felix with a pat on his shoulder in thanks.

"Ah well good luck with that one. And when he tells you no, next time you need help with something please tell me what it is, I can't do these vague distress texts anymore."

I stepped slowly down the stairs towards the main floor, single hand holding the banister and maintaining my balance before rounding the corner into the hall. The door to the medical room sat slightly ajar, a dull glow barely emitting from inside.

"OH SEUNGMINNNN!" I nudged the door open with my foot, revealing a disheveled Seungmin turning from his desk with a scowl, the bags under his eyes leaving dark shadows. "Oh damn, you look like shit." I hopped up onto the medical bed beside his desk, taking a seat as he leaned back into his chair with crossed arms.

"What a friendly greeting. Ah yes y/n, I'm doing great thank you for asking, what about you?" His head tilted to the side as he stared flatly, clearly unamused by my abrupt and unannounced arrival.

"I'd be doing a hell of a lot better if you let me take this damn thing off." I carefully wiggled my arm in the sling, motioning towards him with it.

Seungmin's head fell back against the chair, a soft sigh leaving his lips before his hands met the arm rests of the chair, pushing him up to stand and crossing over to me.

His hands were gentle as he slipped his fingers under the strap of the sling, loosening it enough to pull the strap over my head and freeing me from it.

"Honestly, I'm surprised it took you this long to come crying about it." He gently lifted the arm, watching my face for any signs of distress as he checked the different motions of my shoulder. "You're usually a bit more stubborn than that."

"I mean, Chan told me I can't go home until the damn thing is off, so I've been trying to be patient with it to just get it over with." I stared down to my arm as its motions halted, Seungmin's hand still supporting my elbow with his hand as my eyes rose to meet his, frozen in time.

"Home?" His brows creased in confusion, his eyes darting between mine as he studied my words.

"Yeah, as in back in Gangnam. Did…did Chan not tell you guys?" My eyes scanned his face as it dropped, his eyes reflecting the expression of a sad puppy you're having to leave by themselves to go to work. Seungmin's voice grew quiet with a poor attempt to disguise the hurt hidden behind his words.

"You're leaving us?" I wanted to reach out and cup his face, the pain hiding behind his eyes was shattering my heart. I had genuinely thought that Chan would have informed the others of the plan, but my assumption now has Seungmin before me looking like I was crushing his heart into a million different shards with a single squeeze.

"It's only temporary Seungmin, Minho even has to come with me, it's not for long." His shoulders visibly dropped, the hidden tension he was holding in them now dissipated, as he closed his eyes with a soft sigh of relief. "Aw, were you really gonna miss me that much Minnie?" He swatted at my hand as I tried to pinch his cheek, the audible scoff that left him an obvious indicator that normal Seungmin quickly returned.

"Don't get too excited, I was just worried I'd have to mop Felix up off the floor." His eyes quickly broke from mine, distracting himself by acting fully engrossed unwrapping the bandage from my shoulder. I couldn't hide the small smile that stretched onto my face. The soft side of Seungmin peeking out, even if it was for a brief moment, reminded me that I did find a new home within the members.

"I'm actually impressed for once, you've done a surprisingly good job keeping this clean." He mumbled as his eyes scanned over the wound that decorated my shoulder.

"I had to get good at it, I couldn't keep bothering you to redress it all the time." A slight chuckle left his lips as he once again tested the movement of my shoulder, a slight raise of my elbow with a slow rotation back then forward.

"How is that feeling?" His eyes peeked up to me through his lashes, once again scanning my face for any sign of discomfort that I might be trying to mask.

"Honestly not that bad, just really stiff." The dull pain that came with movement was far from unbearable, nowhere near as bad as I had expected it to be while healing from a gunshot.

"Well that's gonna happen when you haven't been using it at all in a week." He held a hand up, tapping the palm with his finger as an indication to place my own hand against his. As our palms connected, his instructions were clear to start applying gentle pressure against his as he pushed back with little resistance, the tensing of muscles in my bicep stretching up into my shoulder and slowly working the abused muscle. "You said Chan is sending Minho with you?"

I gave a soft nod as we continued repetitions of pressing against his hand for a moment, then relaxing before starting the cycle over.

"I want him to help you with these. He needs to start off with very little pressure, then slowly increase it to work the muscle back up. Your main worry right now is the damaged muscle tissue from the bullet, you need to gain that strength back, slowly." I tried not to wince at the pain caused from the repetition, fear that if I showed weakness in this moment, Seungmin would pry the golden ticket home out of my fingers in the blink of an eye.

Seungmin walked me through a few different exercises that he insisted I needed to practice multiple times a day. If I wanted to be out of the sling, I had to stay consistent.

My focus had been so pinned on Seungmin I hadn't had the moment to notice Chan’s quiet arrival, much opposite of my yelling as I entered. He leaned against the doorframe, silently observing the physical therapy session taking place before finally speaking up.

"Are you taking notes?" I just about jumped at the sudden appearance of his voice, causing him to chuckle softly as he came to stand next to me. Chan's eye focused on my hand, and up to my shoulder as I let my arm drop down to my side, before turning to Seungmin. "So what's the verdict?"

Seungmin let himself fall back into his chair once more, leaning back with fingers interlocking in his lap. His head tilted slightly as he looked to me, eyes scanning over my shoulder slowly before looking back to Chan with a soft smile.

“I’d say she’s good.”

The following day had dragged on, the excitement of getting to go home causing me to pack my bags with a little bit too much haste, leaving me staring down a blank wall attempting to burn away time. My suitcase and backpack sat by my bedroom door, just as eager as I was to finally return to our familiar space of comfort.

The boredom of the lengthy day leading into night brought me to now, staring down Chan's office door, too hesitant to place the knock.

My hands were frozen at my sides, fingers just barely tangling within themselves as my nerves coursed through my veins.

I had no idea how this was going to go, and in all honesty, I hadn't thought this far ahead. I wasn't quite sure what my game plan was, how I could convince Seongho, or how I could even start laying the brickwork before setting everything in motion.

Was I too far in over my head?

Had I bit off more than I could chew?

None of that could matter. This was my chance to prove myself, to redeem myself for what I viewed as a failed mission on my part. I knew I had the ability to be an asset to the team, my connections could make us even stronger than before, I just had to get everything past Seongho.

I took a sharp deep breath before my fist connected with the wood, leaving multiple knocks before silence as I waited for Chan to welcome me in.

Minho had arrived back at the house shortly before after being sent on some tasks by Chan, the reminder of his presence being served to me on a silver platter as the door opened, Minho on the other side and stepping to the side to allow me to enter.

Chan was leaning back in his seat, letting the chair bounce every so often. His calm demeanor provides at least a little bit of comfort that this meeting might go a little smoother than the shit show my brain was making it out to be.

When I had initially proposed the idea I was impulsive, quick to act before stopping to think what implications my idea might have. This was either going to go extremely well, or this is all going to be exploding before my eyes.

I held myself composed as I settled into a seat across from Chan, Minho taking the chair next to me and leaning back as he crossed one leg over the other in silence.

"So, what's the plan?" Chan got straight to the point, staring me down and making me realize I hadn't thought this through as much as I should have, not expecting to have taken the full lead on this.

This is my own mission to accomplish, Minho is just along for the ride.

"Well." I readjusted in my seat, trying to lean against one of the arms of the chair to convince myself I was as calm as the other two. "I'm going to get through to Seongho slowly, this obviously isn't information I can dump on him all at once."

Chan pulled a paper towards him, scribbling something I couldn't decipher onto the page with a nod, his silence prompting me to continue.

"Essentially I want me and him to have the ability to keep eyes on the lounge, I can continue my old job as normal without any of the patrons thinking something is up, but it might take me a little bit to fully get him on board with this.”

"And what exactly is our end game here?" Minho's fingers tapped the armrest as he spoke, his head slightly tilted my direction as his eyes fell on me.

"I think having Big Bang on our side can be a huge benefit to us, they’ll bring different strengths to the team, and no need to mention that having a few more bodies definitely won’t hurt.”

"But why would they even agree to meet with us in the first place? Let alone help us?" He was doubtful, eyes squinting as he blinked away in my direction.

"Because you guys have me." I tried to suppress a chuckle as he gave me a flat stare, his tone morphing into one of subtle surprise.

"You're not seriously about to tell me that you have connections with Big Bang."

I grinned with a raise of the brow in his direction, my expression being enough confirmation to his question without a single word spoken.

"Well shit, okay." His head rolled back to Chan with lips pressed into a firm line, brows both raised in surprise. He was impressed, but still tried to hide it behind nonchalant expressions.

"Do you know how long this is going to take to get everything in order?" The tip of Chan's pen tapped on his desk, the subtle click echoing as he brought his attention to me.

"Honestly, I wish I could tell you. There's no telling how Seongho is going to take this…" I ran my finger across my bottom lip, contemplating the different outcomes of how he might react to the news.

It isn't necessarily an easy topic to digest, the person you've known so closely for so many years flipping everything up on its head and telling you they've been living as someone else. I couldn't plop down onto a couch next to him and be like 'so by the way, my name isn't Siu, and surprise! I'm in the mafia!' Let alone 'I'm in the mafia and my team needs your help'.

I bit the inside of my cheek as my thoughts raced, would he get angry? Would he shut down on me? Would he vanish and cut communication? I had to breach the subject carefully, cutting it into bite sized pieces instead of handing it to him on one gigantic plate and saying good luck!

"Do you think he can handle it?" Minho's voice was gentle, almost that of concern. I know it wasn't coming from doubt in Seongho, even if the two weren't crazy about each other, but more nervousness to put trust in an outsider. I couldn't say I blamed him either, if he was already hesitant when I joined, I couldn't imagine what was going through his head at the thought of someone on our side that had never known this world in the first place.

“Do I think he’ll be able to handle the night at Blossom? Most definitely. He’s powerful and honestly will be a strong player to have on our side. Now do I think he’ll be able to handle all of the information I’m about to dump on him?” I tilted my head to the side with a small grimace. “That I’m not completely positive about quite yet.”

“He seems a little strong headed, the first time I met him I thought he was about to try and fight me, you sure you can convince him?”

“Okay but can you really blame him? He’s protective over his friends, and here you come out of nowhere manhandling me, he was just worried.”

Chan’s brow raised as he looked at Minho, able to communicate to him you did what? Without speaking a single word. Minho quickly pointed a finger at him before cutting in.

“She’s making this sound worse than it was.” He turned back to me with a glare, “Plus, I feel like that was a little too protective for just a friend.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I straightened my back, sitting up as I stared back with irritated confusion, mouth hanging ajar.

“No no no, if you two argue back at her place that’s your prerogative, and it’ll be your own fire to extinguish, but you guys won’t be doing it in my office.” Chan pointed his pen between Minho and I with a stern glare before shooing the two of us off. “You leave in the morning, go make sure you’re ready or something.” He diverted his attention away from us as he focused onto something far more interesting on his computer screen, before beginning to type away.

Minho quickly stood and made his way to the door, leaving me behind as he slipped out into the hallway. With a roll of the eyes I stood, following him out as I heard Chan give out a breathy chuckle behind me. My glare back at him went unnoticed, his eyes focusing on the screen before him, as he watched me through his peripherals with a purse of the lips to suppress a grin.

In the hall, Minho leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he waited for me to join him.

“Why are we even doing this?” He sounded exhausted, face emotionless as his head tilted.

“Arguing? Good question, why do you keep picking fights?”

“You know that’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Oh, Seongho? Why not.” I pushed past him, continuing down the hall. Two can play this game.

“You can’t be serious right now.” He pulled himself from the wall, staring dumbfounded as I made it further away.

“Sorry! I’ve got packing to do! Gotta go!” I called out with a wave, still focused forward and not daring to look back.

“Oh please, we both know you’ve probably been packed all day.” I raised a single middle finger back at him as I continued walking, rounding the corner to the stairs and as far away from Lee Minho as I could possibly get.

Next Chapter

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officialyourdailyinspiration · 4 months

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A Prayer Upon a Solemn Occasion by Robert Bolton

Oh eternal God, most holy and most glorious, who dwells in the highest heavens, and with righteousness and truth sways the scepter of the whole world, … You are unto the wicked and rebellious wretches a terrible Judge and a consuming fire, but to the humble and repentant sinners a strong tower of defense, and their exceeding great reward. We [are] the most miserable and wretched of all Your creatures, though the most noble by creation, for they in their kinds and several conditions do You honor and service, but we whom You have placed in this world for a more singular and extraordinary glorifying of You have not only made ourselves more vile then the basest creatures, and more senseless in Your service then the beasts that perish; but have even combined with Satan, with hell and with all the powers of darkness, to blaspheme and dishonor Your great Name, to profane Your Sabbaths, to break all Your holy laws and commandments. Oh Lord, we thus sinful and unworthy, are here ashamed and confounded in Your presence; for our iniquities are increased over our heads, and our trespasses are grown up unto the heavens, so that if now in Your just judgment, You should come against us, as we have many times, and do daily most justly provoke You, it had been far better for us we had never been born.

Satan would challenge us for his; we should never see Your face again, nor the heavens, nor the earth, nor all the goodness which You have prepared for man. From the foul pollution of original sin, which has universally infected and possessed all the powers and parts both of our souls and bodies as from a filthy puddle, have issued all kinds of impurities, many works of darkness and fearful transgressions, both in our thoughts, words and actions. Much profaneness and hardness of heart [abounds], pride and hypocrisy, contempt of the power of godliness and godly men, a senseless neglect of Your Word and judgments, of the way to heaven and the salvation of our own souls. Even the best of us before our calling wearied ourselves in the vain pleasures and sinful fashions of this wretched world, being detained by the policies of hell, either in notorious sinfulness, or only formal hypocrisy.

We walked with boldness in the way of darkness and of death, after the devices and desires of our own wicked hearts, in much bitterness and malice against Your children and their sincerity. No, and since it has pleased You to enlighten our understandings with saving knowledge, and to pull us by the power of Your good Spirit out of the slavery of sin and Satan into the glorious liberty of Your children, our best actions and Your good graces in us, have been foully stained by privy pride and secret hypocrisy; we many times stay Your blessings from us by our dullness and untowardness at religious exercises, and by reason we do not faithfully those good things which we know, we have the knowledge of many evil things kept from us which we unadvisedly commit.

And whereas heretofore in our new birth, the sins of our unregeneration have woefully vexed and disquieted our consciences; yet such is the wretchedness of our corrupted nature, that we have sometimes looked back upon them even with delight, if we have escaped relapse and backsliding, we do not with that thankfulness and cheerfulness, as we ought, embrace in this happy time of grace and peace, those good means which You have ordained for our comfort and salvation; so that indeed we walk not worthy of that blessed vocation whereunto we are called, but by our many slips, imperfections and carelessness, we bring much discomfort upon our souls, disgrace to our Christian profession, dishonor to Your Majesty, and offense to our brethren.

Oh Lord, we beseech You for Your holy Name's sake, and for Your rich mercies in Christ Jesus to pardon us all these our offenses, and to forgive us all our sins known and unknown, howsoever, or whensoever committed, since or before our calling, and to bury them in the death and passion of our blessed Savior, and to hide them in His righteousness for evermore. There is no comfort to be expected to our conscience wounded with the terror of sin, either in heaven or in earth, in angel, saint, or mortal man, but only in the spotless justice of Your dear Son. Persuade therefore, we beseech You, upon a good ground, with plentiful assurance every one of our souls, that His precious blood was shed for our sins in particular, that we may sensibly feel the forgiveness of our sins and rejoice in the hope of eternal life.

And for the time to come we humbly entreat You to mortify in us all sinful affections, unruly lusts, and unlawful desires, to subdue in us the power of sin, and every corruption whereby Satan keeps us any way in his slavery, or at any time gets the dominion over us. Save us, we beseech You from idleness, worldliness, profaneness, security and all occasions whereby Your good Spirit is grieved in us, our graces weakened, and Your great Name dishonored. Vouchsafe us the spirit of judgment, that we may discern between the short span of this wretched life, and the length and breadth of immortality, that we never prefer the pleasures of sin for a moment, and a little glory and preferment in this world, before the testimony of a good conscience, and that excellent weight of glory laid up in heaven for all Your children.

Make us faithful and conscionable in our callings, zealous and sincere in all religious duties and services, and wisely resolute to stand for Your honor and truth against all opposition either by devils or wicked men. And so direct, we beseech You, and sanctify all our courses, that for a few and evil days in this vale of tears, we may so store ourselves with spiritual comfort, with a sound heart, with a strong faith and a good conscience, that we may stand firm and sure at the day of our visitation, and when upon our deathbeds we shall be set upon, by the weakness of our own flesh, the terrors of death, the fearfulness of the grave, and the fieriest darts of Satan, we may comfortably pass through them all, in the Name and power of Your Son, and be received with joyfulness and triumph into those sacred mansions, which He has already made ready in heaven for all those who truly love and fear You.

In His blessed name we pour out our souls in thankfulness, for all those many blessings and comforts which You have vouchsafed us, both upon our souls and bodies, both for this life and a better; for our health, wealth and liberty, our peace, plenty and prosperity, our food, apparel and preservation from our infancy to this very hour, and for all the good means of all these; for the free passage of Your glorious gospel now so many years amongst us. But amongst all other temporal blessings of our times, let us never forget, nor we, nor all our posterity forever, how it pleased You in our days miraculously to magnify the glory of Your mercy in our wonderful deliverance from the most secret, bloody, and fiery plot of the gun-powder treason, that great astonishment of men and angels.

All these outward comforts both public and particular are excellent and precious; yet they are such as we have common with the reprobates and those who shall never see Your face with comfort, but after a short time spent in the miserable pleasures of this vain world, shall be turned to hell and everlasting fire. We therefore more especially magnify Your great name for the more special pledges and tokens of Your infinite love, for that it has pleased You to confirm and seal unto us by our effectual calling, and the earnest of Your good Spirit, our election to eternal life from all eternity, our particular redemption from the powers of hell by the death of Your Son, and an undoubted assurance of the joys of heaven in the world to come. Increase in us good Lord, we beseech You, daily more and more this blessed assurance, which we infinitely esteem more dear then ten thousand worlds, by making us to grow in repentance and faith, and spiritual wisdom, and framing us to the obedience of Your Son in all knowledge, love and obedience.

Furthermore gracious Father, we humbly entreat You, with the bowels of Your tenderest compassions to be merciful unto Your whole church and every member thereof. Fence it mightily, we pray to You, with the Spirit of truth, knowledge, and zeal and constancy, that in these worst and last days it may make a strong resistance against the great main floods of popery, schism, profaneness and atheism.

Be gracious unto this sinful kingdom, and enter not into judgment with the horrible and crying sins, and the many fearful provocations thereof.

In the same look down with the special eye of providence and protection upon our dread sovereign James, by Your grace king of Great Britain, France and Ireland, defender of the truly catholic faith, and in all causes, and over all persons, next and immediately under Your Son Christ Jesus in all his dominions supreme governor. Oh Lord, as You have enlarged his royal heart even as the sand which is on the seashore for understanding, learning and wisdom, so we beseech You to continue unto him a proportionate measure of holiness, zeal and sanctification for the execution of that great place wherein You have set him, and the enlargement of Your Kingdom here on earth. Settle his crown fast upon his head, that he may long and religiously reign over us in despite of all his enemies both at home and abroad. Vouchsafe all the graces of Your good Spirit unto his gracious queen. Plant the true fear of Your great Name in the princely heart of his son, and let Your watchful providence and Your loving mercies forever rest upon all that royal family. Inspire his honorable privy counsel, his nobility, gentry, and magistracy with spiritual wisdom and heavenly understanding. Lead them all into Your sanctuary, and teach them out of Your holy Word, first and chiefly those things which concern Your honor and glory, the good of the people which depend upon them, and lastly the comfort of their own souls at the dreadful day of judgment, when they shall give an account of their stewardships.

Enrich, we pray to You, with Your best graces all the reverend bishops and ministers of this land. Endue them plentifully with knowledge, zeal, sincerity and discretion, that by their faithfulness and conscionable discharge of their duties, the many multitudes in this land that lie in darkness, ignorance, profaneness, popery and schism may be brought to the knowledge of Your truth, into a holy obedience to Your heavenly gospel to their own everlasting salvation.

Bless and be merciful to both our universities, Oxford and Cambridge. Comfort all Your distressed children wheresoever, or howsoever afflicted, whither with pestilence, war, famine, banishment, sickness, poverty, imprisonment, disquietness of mind, vexation of conscience, want of spiritual comfort, or whatsoever other cross or calamity it pleases You to exercise them with. Give them in the meantime a sure faith in Your promises, and inward comfort in Your blessed Spirit, and in Your good time a happy deliverance, whether by life or death, as it shall be best for Your glory and the good of their own souls.

Lastly, gracious Father for this sacred business we have now in hand, we humbly beseech You to bless and sanctify unto us at this time the preaching and hearing of Your holy Word, it is the ordinance of Your own infinite wisdom, it is the glorious instrument which You have appointed for the conversion and salvation of the souls of men. But unto us miserable wretches it has been many times through the barrenness of our hearts, the secret and deceitful corruptions of our nature, much sleepiness and drowsiness, but as water spilled on the ground, and even the breath of Your ministers scattered in the air. Forgive us, dear Father, all our former untowardness, irreverence and unprofitableness in these holy exercises; and now at length before we go down into our graves, into black and cruel habitations, from where we must never return to praise You upon earth; let us feel Your divine finger working in us effectually at the preaching of Your Word. Let us have the sense of Your omnipotency in conquering our corruptions and temptations, that we being thoroughly sanctified both in our souls and bodies, forsaking all our known sins, and laboring with sincerity to please You in all things, may have our fruit in holiness, and the end everlasting life. Amen.

Source: Gleaning from Puritan Prayers (Vol. II)

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yieldfruit · 6 months

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please send a prayer for me. i’m a first time mom and i’m about to give birth to a baby boy this coming december. i feel anxious and scared at the same time. i’m always praying everytime i feel those and claim peace to Jesus. i want to have peace that i can trust Him, i can trust my body because He made it and i can trust his grand design with birthing, praying to trust that he will give knowledge to all the doctors who will hold me & my baby. pregnancy humbles me so much and made me realize i can only relay on myself in a certain amount of time but not in everything.

Thank you for sharing this and congratulations! This is wonderful news. I have prayed for you, to raise this baby for the glory of God and to teach him Scripture and to emulate what it is to follow/love Christ with our heart, mind, and soul (Mark 12:30).

Motherhood is precious, it is beautiful. Besides coming to know Christ, my second most grateful aspect of life I am grateful for is: being a mother to my child and fostering children in difficult circumstances for a few years. Truly, knowing Christ is paramount and the most important and secondly for me, relationships, specifically relationships in the home. Being a mother is a joy, and yes, it can be heart-work as well and the first year it can be less sleep, but the Lord has bestowed this upon you and it is an honor and it is worth it. Oh, it is a great joy to be a mother, but it can also be scary. One thing I did was write letters to my baby while she was in the womb and even after, letters about my desires for her life (most importantly to know Christ as her Savior and walk with Him all the days of her life). I would encourage you: keep it simple with motherhood, we don't need all the stuff/complications we think we do. It's like our walk with Christ: keep it simple in the sense of focusing on His finished work on the cross on your behalf (you're saved! It is finished!) and be in His Word daily and pray to live out what He has taught you in His Word. Oh, it's really simple in a way, isn't it? Motherhood can be like that–joy, simplicity, forgoing the bells and whistles of what the world and others say, and keeping it about love, nurturing, closeness, being there for them, being present emotionally/mentally/physically/spiritually, and as you mention, relying on Christ in motherhood. We need Him as our Heavenly Father (parent) to show us how to parent. His Word reveals wisdom in how to parent.

Congratulations! Blessings upon you and yours!

"When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli [a priest and a judge of the Israelites in the city of Shiloh, ancient Israel]. 'Sir, do you remember me?' Hannah asked. 'I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the LORD. I asked the LORD to give me this child, and He has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.' And they worshiped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:24-28

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amourcheol · 11 months

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i have a few things to say and first of all i’d like to say how dare you? genuinely, how dare you? you are absolutely insane

the way i went through an entire rollercoaster of emotions that went from pure despise to shedding actual real salty tears is sickening, i want to yell at you fr

to repeat myself: how dare you? how dare you write such a fic that left me in shambles, on my knees, crying in a walmart parking lot, going through as many divorces as txt did for lovesong, bawling my eyes out, throwing myself against a wall and did i mention i cried?

jesus christ dear god goodness gracious holy mother mary i am NOT okay, it is 5am and i need to work tomorrow (more like getting up in 1 hour to leave for work) and i just could NOT stop reading your cheol work, i HAD to know how it ends, i could physically not handle not knowing how it plays out

first of all id like to say that the way you write is pure poetry, the words and descriptions you use are so rich in detail (like the paintings hehe) and gave your fic so so so soooo much life and depth, your writing style is just so mwah mwah 5 star michelin level, i can not stress enough how incredibly good your writing is

and the plot???? i saw 41k words and was legit like 👁️👄👁️->🫥->🤨-> 🥶 because i have the brain capacity of a fly that just flew against a window at full speed but OH GOD reading it was SO worth it and let me tell you, the plot was so good ???? like never did i ever even think about skipping a paragraph ahead

also, the way you wrote the characters is so good i don’t know if i want to throw something at you or smooch your brain, you really said enemies to lovers and not:

person a: “i don’t like you.”

person b: “fine i hate you too”

person a : “shall we still kiss?”

person b: “okay”

you legit said you’re whipping out a steven spielberg quentin tarantino oscar worthy plot i’d pay for to see in a movie because DAMN the characters (especially cheol lmao) were so well written and had SO much depth to them

next up, the scenes, THE SCENES

i hope you know you took my heart, shredded it, let birds pick it apart, threw it into the smoothie mixer and blended it, cut it with a chainsaw and then made it combust with that scene with cheol and his uncle talking about how he is in love and risking his career

also, the way you gave the nickname so much depth???? how did you even come up with that like??? your brain is built different, i swear if you were to take an x ray it’d be heart shaped because WHAT i SOBBED and i CRIED like actual water in my eyes down my cheeks, that was so cute, so precious and so tooth rotting sweet i want to run into a streetlight i could not handle that part of the plot i am still in shambles i want to sob every time i think back like ?????? (not spoiling anything specific here BUT AH THIS WAS SO KSKSKSKS)

in conclusion, i’d like to throw something at you for attacking the entire fandom like that BUT i would also like to wholeheartedly thank you for putting so much time and effort and thinking and love and brain capacity (yes your heart shaped brain, prove me wrong!) into that fic which is so so long but so full of plot and plot twists and lovely details and in total so lovingly written, your writing style is so nice like ???? the whole fic is a giant piece of art for real, thank you so much for blessing us with this, i wish you all the best and someone like the cheol you wrote to be your special someone, you deserve someone kind and caring and loving and only wanting the best for you because that is what you deserve

also i wrote this in a rush of emotions it is 5am my brain is dead and there might be typos grammar mistakes anything of the sort but i’d like to say i don’t know you but i love you sm for putting this out i hope i gets the appreciation it deserves and mwah i hope you’re having a great day

oh my fucking god this ASK THIS FUCKING ASSKKKK 😭💖💖🩷🩷💖💖😞😞😞💖😭🩷🩷💖 CURRENTLY SCREAMING CRYING INTO MY PILLOW SHITTING MY PANTS GIGGLING EXPERIENCING RESURGENCE OF GIRLHOOD

TXT DIVORCES SCR E AMMMING GGG G what i like to do is HURT BITCHES ☝🏼😍 WAIT SCREAM 5AM ??;£;£: OH MY FOD I HOPE U WERENT TOO SLEEP DEPRIVED RHE NEXT DAY IM SO SORRY 😭😭👹👹👹👹👹

5 star Michelin level 😞😞😞💖💖😞💖💖😞💖💖😞💖 PLEASEEE im so glad u enjoyed the paintings description!! the art whore in me is very very happy 😞😭

A STEVEN SPIELBERG QUENTIN TARANTINO STAWPPPPPP ITTTT STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY I WILL KISS YOU 😞😞😭😭🥹🥹🩷 i was so nervous about pacing their hatred/love because I didn’t want them to just fall in love w each other quickly cause it wouldn’t be realistic at all !! thank u for appreciating that 🥹💖

SCR E WAMINGGGG UR WAY W WORDS ARE MILES BETTER THAN MINE ?;£:!3£33 UR TOO FUNYN LFMAOA I’m glad I had this much of an effect 😍🙏🏼 i will take being thrown shit at for my work LMDAO

HEART SHAPED BRAIN 😞💖💖😞💖 I’m so so happy u enjoyed the nickname bit cause idk nicknames are such an important aspect of ur identity and cheol is such a cute fucking nickname i feel like shitting screaming crying over it whenever I see him so i needed to express that 🙏🏼🙏🏼

OH GOD UR LITERALLY SO INSANELY SWEET??? I could only hope i find a man as insanely kind, beautiful, endearing as cheol (me and him would eat each other alive)

thank YOU for the kindest words, your ESSAYYTT of a review 😞😞😞💖💖💖💖 i honestly wasn’t expecting anything like this when I released cheol fic, but it’s people like you that make posting worth it 🩷🩷💖

#asks #foxdaisy asks #the great war tings #might be the sweetest ask I’ve ever received #thank you for writing this #AT FUCKING FIVE AM TOO #MY GIRL I REALLY HOPE U HAD SOME SLEEP LATER #the threats are so funny MY HANDS ARE UP IN SURRENDER !!!#I’m so so happy u enjoyed it dearest !!#i was actually not gonna post this fic #because I was like … so embarrassed by how niche it was in the sense of like #cause i literally just wrote for myself 👹 but I’m glad alice convinced me thank u Alice #I hope you are having the bestest of days #MWAH !!

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angeltreasure · 8 months

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Hi Cecilia here! The school year is about to start, gonna be pretty busy with the students here, but glad to see the little ones again. I hope you're doing well. I might have spammed your blog with likes from the prayers you put up the other day. I finished a little prayer of my own for the Dead, if you don't mind me sharing it here. Here's what I came up with, I will take constructive criticism if you have anything to add, I was also reading the litanies you posted and prayers you had earlier that pertained to the praying for souls in Purgatory for inspiration. Here it is: "Lord Jesus, I love thee above all and before all. My love and my life, I ask of thee, thou poor daughter, to grant me a favor. I pray for the poor souls in Purgatory. Grant them rest and allow them to see the light of Thy face forevermore. They have burned for their sins, I beg thee to allow them peace and repose in you, O Lord my God. Grant this unto me, I ask for nothing more. For thou art great and wonderous in thy works, and I know through You all is possible. Grant them eternal rest O Lord, and let Your perpetual light grace them once more. Through Christ our Lord, Amen." What do you think? Also God Bless you and I hope you're doing great with everything, the rosary skills are coming along!

Good Afternoon Cecilia!,

Oh yes School has started not too long ago here in the desert as well. It is truly a gift to see a smile because smiles are one of the first steps to peace.

I was very sick last night— I didn’t post about it, but I was so weak. I didn’t mind for the most part, because the suffering was a gift I could offer up to God as a sacrifice with union Jesus on the Cross, for my priest, who suffers a lot. Even mother was worried, I looked so pale and I was so weak… I only wanted the Eucharist. I feel much better today after waking up! You brighten my day whenever I see your asks (and don’t worry you can spam all the likes and reblogs you want hahahah)!!!

I would love to see this prayer! Now, I will read it after I lit my candle and grabbed a new cup of coffee.

That was so beautiful! You are humble in that prayer I am in awe that you ask nothing more. Many people when they are in prayer ask God for so many things and many times they forget to thank God for many things. The length of it is perfect. With a short prayer like this, you can say it by itself or even add the prayer to another one, so there are many possibilities for its use! Make sure you write it down so you can bring it with you. Eventually, you will memorize it if you pray it enough times so you won’t need the paper. I honestly wouldn’t add or delete anything to it, I like it that much. If I may suggest, definitely share it with others especially if you have a spiritual director, with the Sisters, or perhaps your own Pastor. Powerful prayers like this will move the hearts of others and in time, more people will pray for the souls of Purgatory again.

My mother’s Rosary broke so I will be remaking it now that I feel better with knots. I will try to post a picture. I’ve been doing so good otherwise. Thank you, may God bless you.

#asks #Cecilia

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rahleeyah · 2 years

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Thanks for answering even months later 😊 OH and don't get me started on the christmas ep! I too am still angry about it!!! I really really wanted that to have been processed somehow and I was hoping it would at least come up in therapy: you know, your life hasn't been easy during this last year, it's okay to be sad... NOPE it's Elliot's/your lack of a romantic relationship's fault, like what???

the fucking christmas episode tho. liv and noah are at church??? (this is related to something that's been on my mind lately, how much of liv's character has been eroded in recent seasons, how they have blunted her rough edges and made her "soft" in so many ways that feel like "she's of a certain age and she's a mother she can't be a bulldog anymore she has to be sweet" and that is. a) not a good look and b) not true to who olivia IS) which doesn't make any sense bc apart from having baby noah blessed in a church (also. sidebar. amanda's from georgia. what are the chances she went to a church where babies get baptized i'm sorry i do not believe she was raised catholic) we have had zero reason to suspect that liv has been going to church all this time although. i can't remember now. has liv come out and said in recent seasons that she believes in god now? or is that just a fanon thing i'm thinking of? ooooh there's something about liv turning to the church after elliot is gone as a way to still feel close to him but that is neither here nor there lemme rein this in-

so we have the squad being ripped away from their families on christmas to work a hate crimes case (bc WL is still salty his hate crimes show didn't get made, which, thank god it didn't, they do not possess the nuance to produce that show with grace), we have the retconning of murphy and rollins' relationship/baby stuff, we have amanda's parents looking after the girls and noah which is INSANE bc her mother is an awful bitch who treated amanda like shit and her dad is an abusive alcoholic why were those children not with the carisis. we have the initial red herring, which was super racist and never revisited and wasted a bunch of time, NOT TO MENTION that for a white supremacy storyline a lot of the actors were not actually white?? and rollins flashing a white power sign on tv which imo was unnecessary and yes she was only doing it to entrap that guy but given their whole "we needed a character to represent the Good Kind Of Republican, bc that's definitely an underrepresented group, and we might as well use the southern girl bc they're all like that, right?" thing was in extremely bad taste. and then liv shoots some dude in front of a crowd of witnesses on christmas day and no one goes to comfort her. no one goes to speak to her. murphy says merry christmas, not dryly, not ironically, no liv says thank you like she thought he was being sincere and then he vanishes again. fade to black. never mentioned again, not even once.

no one steps up for olivia. we do not get to see olivia and rollins with their kids. we never hear about it again, like it never even happened.

bc to WL et al, it didn't bear revisiting. all they cared about was the "she saved the city" narrative; there was zero care for olivia as a person. which has kinda become par for the course over the last two seasons; svu does not care about her personhood. they care about her as a prop. they had her stand still while men emoted around her, doing nothing but covering her heart in a sweet gesture of compassion. they waited until the finale to allow her to express any of what she's been feeling, and like you said pinned it all on elliot, WITHOUT EVEN ACTUALLY LETTING OLIVIA TELL US HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT HIM. they had lindstrom and barba - they had two men - tell us what olivia is feeling.

jesus christ. i am so glad they're bringing in fresh blood. it is desperately needed.

#anonymous #e.o asks #s.vu

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heartbreakfeelsogood · 2 years

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i watched the new episode of the owl house . i am not okay (spoilers under the cut)

-opening scene broke me just as much as it did at the end of season 2

-CAMILA SOBBING WHILE HOLIDING LUZ WAHHHH

-gus using magic to help with chores slay

-luz and hunter my traumatized babies :(

-“who knows if we will ever figure that out” luz ur such a bad liar

-camila just taking them all in and saying they’re safe 😭😭😭

-GUS FREAKING OUT OVER HUMAN STUFF AS WE DESERVE

-AMITY AND WILLOW BREAKING THE ALARM CLOCK LMAO PLS

-this intro is so cute that has to be noted

-i’m excited for willow’s photographer era i need her to be a vsco girl

-THEYRE PRACTICING SPANISH 🥺

-camila is a milf idc she has style

-making fun of duolingo pls

-“i never expected to be a mother of six”

-their new fits SLAYYYY

-amity being worried that “camila can’t take care of them forever” makes me so :(((

-they’re all besties they’re found family i’m crying

-luz’s main character moment in class is kinda making me giggle ngl why is she standing on a desk <- it’s because she’s traumatized

-camila wishing she could make them “demon food” wahhhh

-the deer that wasn’t a deer…

-hunter sewing and loving wolves and being happy and having a real smile and gus saying it’s good to see you happy and “one of us might as well be” and i’m gonna die

-“humans like spreading their junk everywhere” LMAO SO TRUE GUS

-gus’ nerd shrine <3

-the fact they basically added two beds to luz’s room for the girls 😭 wahhhh 😭

-camila dreaming about all the times she had to defend luz and the reality check camp…… :(

-mom why aren’t you mad at me” 🥺

-luz sleeping in camila’s bed and the bi “love” bracelet and also camila in pajamas makes her more of a milf idc

-okay once again their outfits slay

-hunter being a nerd with gus pls

-“hunter i don’t think the world is ready for the brave fashion choices of the year 2008” “DON’T listen to her”

-hunter’s blush when willow winks 😭

-HUNTER IS SOOO 🥺🥺🥺🥺

-aw the way they all cover their ears

-LMAO WILLOW SWEETIE THAT ISNT HUMAN MONEY

-i love how they hate giraffes so much

-vee has a crushhhhh… hehe

-masha’s pronouns on their name tag <333

-SLAY WILLOW WITH YOUR SCRAPBOOK

-the hooty and king masks i luv them

-luz and hunter why would you go down there ALONEEEEE

-let it all out hunter my special lil baby i love you :(

-AW IT WAS CAMILA’S NERD SHRINE LOL

-luz’s video diary is breaking my heart

-omg their costumes are so good wtf i wish i was that good at costumes 🙄✋🏼

-not that crazy middle aged asshole again

-BELOS WHY ARE YOU EVERYWHERE WBAT DO YOU MEAN HES PART OF THE HISTORY IN THIS TOWN

-the way masha definitely thinks this is a fake silly story and all the kids are ready to shit themselves bc none of it is fake

-hunter yelling at flapjack nooooo :(

-camila finding luz’s video diary

-OHHHH LUZ’S DAD LEFT HER GOOD WITCH AZURA 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

-okay luz slay that magic

-this isn’t hunter i can tell this isn’t hunter this isn’t him oh my god it’s belos it’s belos i can TELL

-FUCK FUCK FUCK THIS SCENE

-these poor kids :((((((

-HE HURT FLAPJACK WHAT THE FUCK BELOS

-hunter is coming out to fight omg omg omg

-CAMILA JUMPING IN AFTER HUNTER JESUS CHRIST IM LOSING MY SHIT RN

-SHE GOT BELOS OUT OF HIM BLESS

-flapjack sacrificed himself for hunter i’m cwying :(

-camila calling hunter baby :(

-OH MY GOD WHEN LUZ WAS ABOUT TO SAY SHE HAD TO STAY AND CAMILA JUMPED IN AND SAID “TAKE YOUR MAMA TO THE DEMON REALM” I LOVE HER WORLDS BEST MOM AND I MEAN THAT

-THEYRE GOING INTO THE PORTAL SCREAM

-willow: thanks for the memories

me: fall out boy reference 😩

-vee’s gonna cover for camila that’s so cute to me

-i literally wanna sob camila is the best parent ever i love this show so much im CRYING

#op #the owl house

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lindajenni · 2 months

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feb 17

faith becomes sight "therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." mark 11:24 now let me tell you a little story. ------- there was a little about ten years of age. his grandmother had promised him a stamp album for christmas. christmas came, but no stamp album, and no word from grandmother. the matter, however, was not mentioned; but when his playmates came to see his christmas presents, his mom was astonished that after he had named over this and that as gifts received, to hear him add, "and a stamp album from grandmother." she had heard it several times, and called him to her, and said, “but, georgie, you did not get an album from your grandmother. why do you say so?” there was a wondering look on his face, as if he thought it strange that she should ask such a question, and he replied, “well, mamma, grandma said, so it is the same as.” she could not say a word to check his faith. a month went by, and nothing was heard from the album. finally, one day, she said, to test his faith, and really wondering in her heart why the album had not been sent, “well, georgie, i think grandma has forgotten her promise.” “oh, no, mamma,” he quickly and firmly said, “she hasn’t.” she watched the dear, trusting face, which, for a while, looked very sober, as if debating the possibilities she had suggested. finally a bright light passed over it, and he said, “mamma, do you think it would do any good if i should write to her thanking her for the album?” “i do not know,” i said, “but you might try it.” a rich spiritual truth began to dawn upon her. in a few minutes a letter was prepared and committed to the mail, and he went off whistling his confidence in his grandma. in just a short time a letter came, saying: “my dear georgie: i have not forgotten my promise to you, of an album. i tried to get such a book as you desired, but could not get the sort you wanted; so i sent on to new york. it did not get here till after christmas, and it was still not right, so i sent for another, and as it has not come as yet. i am sending you three dollars to get one there. your loving grandma.” “as he read the letter, his face was the face of a victor. ”now, mamma, didn’t i tell you?“ his words spoken came from the depths of a heart that never doubted, that, ”against hope, believed in hope" that the stamp album would come. while he was trusting, grandma was working, and in due season faith became sight. it is so human to want sight before faith when we step out on the promises of God, but our Savior said to thomas, and to the long roll of doubters who have ever since followed him: “blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.” ------- child-like faith - that's what our Lord wants from us. it doesn't take any faith to believe for something readily available or even easily attainable. i am reminded again of the story about the town that was gathering together to pray for long-needed rain. it was only one small child who took her umbrella to the meeting and was confused why everyone else had not. she alone expected it to rain. it takes faith to believe when all the facts are shouting otherwise at your senses; when scoffers and mockers abound. "the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 pet 1:7 how's your sight? can you see it now? if so, to all the doubting thomas' we boldly proclaim: "and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith." 1 john 5:4 faith has enabled us to see!

#prayer #faith #rapture #jesus #jesus is coming

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itsyourchoicedevotionals · 3 months

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A Negativity Break

“Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always)” 1Thessalonians 5:16AMPC

Where was the happy rejoicing in our faith? Listening to the other people’s conversations at church smacked me in the face. Was I speaking like everyone else? — ‘Oh it was a hard week.’ — ‘Everything that could go wrong went wrong.’ — ‘Ran out of money and couldn’t do __.’ —‘In so much pain I can’t stand up for worship.’ —‘Everything is horrible at work, so much pressure.’ —‘Our government is against us.’

And then we all sang— ‘How Great Thou Art,’ ‘Nothing Is Impossible With God.’ “But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter?” James 3:8-11AMPC. How often do we speak negatively about situations? People? Ideas? Government? Negativity is cursing because it opens the words for satan to fulfill.

How many people do we hurt with our negative speaking? Dissatisfaction— Criticism— Anxiety— Impatience— Irritability —etc. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the head, into Christ,” Ephesians 4:15ESV Aren’t we supposed to be blessings to others?

God’s been dealing with me on this. Our words can open the door to sickness and the demonic realm. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen… Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29, 31-32NIV. Dad would tell Mom, ‘just because it’s true doesn’t mean you need to say it. Praise comes better coming from your mouth.’

Lou and I are joining a public 21 day fast for our nation; our elections without corruption; a national turning to God; Israel awakening to God; God’s glory to come to our churches. Yahweh spoke into my heart— ‘add to your fasting a fast of all negative speaking.’ Yew!!! To complete this kind of fast I and anyone joining me will have to focus on our text verse— “Rejoice always,” ESV, “Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice…” AMPC.

Paul instructed Believers 1Thessalonians 5:18KJV “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In focusing on being thankful, speech always changes. — Philippians 4:4ESV “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Romans 5:3ESV “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,” — Romans 15:13ESV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” — Isaiah 65:18ESV “But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.” — Zephaniah 3:14NIV “Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!” Zephaniah was prophesying about a very negative situation. Telling them to rejoice spurred on God’s happy plans for them— see V15-19.

I NEVER HAVE READ in the Bible — criticism is gladly received for promoting good? — negative words encourage everyone — where God jumps with glee at our complaints. NOT!!! —— I can list scriptures stating the opposite. Yahweh’s right. My mouth needs a negativity break. Does yours? Shouldn’t we be rejoicing and happy in our faith instead? It’s your choice. You choose.

LET’S PRAY: Lord God forgive my past negative words. May they fall idle and dead performing nothing. Create in my mouth, our mouths words of goodness and rejoicing instead, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

#Jesus Christ #lord of lords #word of god #holy spirit #god #it's your choice #devotional #negativity #break #happy #rejoicing #compassionate #listen #rid #bitterness #speech #love #hope #faith

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dailyaudiobiblechronological · 5 months

Text

12/9/2023 DAB Chronological Transcription

Romans 8-10

Welcome to Daily Audio Bible Chronological. I'm Jill. Today is the 9th day of December. Welcome everybody. It's so good to be here with you as we wind our way through the Bible- completion of the Bible and just less than a month which is kind of crazy to think about but that is the whole reason why we're here. And what an incredible thing it is to see so many people, so many believers, wanting to know God through his word and to be enlightened by the word and to allow the Spirit of God to speak to us as we meet here with him. That is truly my hope and prayers that we are all engaging in a more intimate relationship with God through his word- intimacy with Christ that is the goal. Today we're continuing the book of Romans, reading chapters 8, 9 and 10 and today's the last day in the Christian Standard Bible. Romans chapter 8.

Prayer:

Father we thank you for your word. We thank you for this week, this time that we've had together, this transformation in our hearts from the inside out. We let go of all that we're carrying that is not ours to carry. We release worry and anxiety, the things that we are anxious about that are out of our control. We give them to you, lay them at the cross of Christ. I ask that as we are turning the page and heading into a new week tomorrow that we would consider the things that we are giving ourselves to. Are they life-giving? Will they lead us to righteousness? Will they lead us to life and life more abundantly? I pray that we would take you with us everywhere we go and be true examples of a follower of Christ. I pray this now in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Announcements:

That's going to do it for me today. I'm Jill. We'll turn the page together tomorrow and start a brand new week together. Until then, love one another.

Community Prayer Line:

Greetings to you my DAB family. This is Walking in The Light in Tennessee. I am just checking in to say hello to everyone and to ask for prayers again for the many many things that are going on in my own life. If you'll just lift up walking in the light in Tennessee and ask for peace that would be a great blessing unto me. But I'm calling in because I heard Ebony from Nashville I believe and she was talking about- Ebony you were talking about having migraines and I went through a period in my life early on when I was raising my children- I had terrible terrible terrible migraines and so whenever I hear of anyone who is suffering in that area I'm always touched in my heart and lifted in my spirit to pray for you. So I want to pray for you my sister. It's probably many of you who are on DAB have had migraines and if you haven't, then stop right now pause and thank God that you haven't and if you have join us in the prayer of deliverance. Father God, in the name of Jesus we know oh Lord that you are able to do all things and we know that we suffer in this life. Your word even tells us that in this world we would have tribulation but we are to be of good cheer because you have overcome the world. So Lord I ask that you would place your loving hands and healing hands on my sister Ebony in Tennessee and relieve her of the pain of migraines. In this season of hope and joy, we ask it in Jesus name. Lord I love you and I love this family. Be blessed everyone and have a Merry Merry Christmas. Bye.

Good morning DABC, it's His redeemed daughter from Florida. I wanted to come on and say a little prayer for Mindy who lost her dad. Mindy I just lost my dad too in September- you in November. And it was kind of a sudden thing but my older sister's nickname is Mindy as well so I just really felt compelled to come on here and pray for you and for your mom. And even though we know and we know that our dads are with the Lord, it's just always the fact that we're going to miss them so much. And you're right, life is not going to be the same without them and the holidays come up and we just miss them. So I just pray for you and then praying peace for your mom and for you both. And just want you to know that we are here for you and for Ebony she called about the migraines and said that somebody had laid hands on her and she felt she was healed. I just want to give you a little thing that happened to me when somebody laid hands on me to quit smoking at church one time- I really believe that I was going to be healed, too. It took 6 years. To me it could have been 6 days because his timing is totally different than ours. So just believe when you feel like you don't believe. You know that prayer- help Jesus, help my unbelief. Have to say that a lot, too. So just keep believing and we'll keep praying for those migraines but that you are healed. He probably definitely has healed you. Absolutely, just believe. Love you guys.

Good morning DAB, this is Tanya from Suffolk. I wanted to lift up Kindergarten Katie, Mindy called in to reference to her father passing and then also Ebony from Tennessee. I think she said as well called in dealing with migraines. So father I lift up your children to you father. Dear Lord I'm asking father you just to have your way Lord God. Father you know what Kindergarten...Father I'm asking you to intervene right now in the mighty name of Jesus. I'm trusting believing Lord God that your will be done in her life father and many father. Thank you for allowing her father to be at rest Lord God, to be with you Lord God and glory Lord. And just continue to strengthen her and her family as well and her mom though God for the many years that they have been married father, just continue to wrap your loving arms around them in your son Jesus' name. And also for Mindy with the migraine father. I'm asking Lord God. I'm sorry Ebony... father I'm asking Lord God you just to continue God to show her favor. Lord God we continue to buy these headaches. Father we know she have been healed and delivered Lord God from the migraines. Lord God we continue to stand on that continuous trust despite Lord God the outbreak of headache that she has been having. Father we know this is not of you. Look I was just continue to trust you, continue to love you Lord God in your son Jesus' name. Amen. As always they have seen. Continue to be encouraged. I love you all. I'm continue to, I just continue to lift everyone in prayer- I can't remember everybody's name...I'm just trusting believing right now in Jesus name. Amen. You guys have a wonderful day.

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dailyaudiobible · 8 months

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9/15/2023 DAB Transcript pt3

According to Paul, those…those they need to end because we are a part of a new thing God is doing in this world. Jesus was the firstborn, and we are following Him into this new life. And in this kingdom, there isn't a hierarchy. We are all one in Christ, we are all equal in Christ and…and that…that teaching that we would go, yes, we are all trying to live into that. That put Paul on a pretty tough situation because in many ways, this would make classical Judaism at his time obsolete. And so, he had incredible opposition over this belief and as we know he died for his beliefs. So, as we move forward in…in Galatians and for that matter, as we move forward in…in Paul's letters, we’ll see Paul explaining that we are justified by faith in Christ alone, and that gives us true freedom that rules can never ever provide. But us having a bit of an understanding of the back story and the tensions that are going on, help us to understand these letters more intimately and apply them more succinctly into our own context.

Prayer:

And so, Jesus we invite You into that, as we continue this journey. Now the journey of the early church and the tensions and difficulties that were faced, and the victories and triumphs that were experienced, we thank You. We are reading the beginning of a story that we are currently writing our chapter in and You have allowed us to be here to look back, to look at where we are, and to imagine forward as we walk with You. Come, Holy Spirit, and lead us into all truth. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer and Encouragements:

Hello, my wonderful DABers. This is Chicago Peg. And recently encouraged to call in person, so to speak. It is just so good to hear our prayers and of course, lift each other up in praise reports and be encouraged and continue to encourage and lift each other up. Oh, praise God for DAB. And I’m encouraged today as I’m catching up on the community prayers. I heard the August 19th community prayer, I heard Libby in Texas. Oh, my sister. Libby, you touched my heart as I…I empathize when you called or we heard your call on the 19th of August, you said just that day you had found your husband Michael, your husband of 16 years, he had passed away during the night and you found him. Oh, Libby, my heart goes to you as I was with my husband years, a few years ago, as he passed. And my heart is right with you, Libby. And I immediately lifted you up and I lift you up now. Yes, I’ praying encouragement for you, Libby. We love you so much and I pray God’s strength and emotional healing and all the things that you are ask in prayer. And I lift you up. Whatever family you have, all the prayers of your heart that our Lord knows, we are with you Libby. And I pray with you, I pray for you. I lift you up and I pray God’s blessing over you. In Jesus name. Love you Libby.

Hello, this is Alissa, Worshiper of God. Today, is September 11th and I’m just calling in to add my prayers to those going up for Liza, who is challenged with a cancer diagnosis. So, let’s pray. Father, we just ask You to watch over Liza. Give her the time and the strength and the wisdom and the health that she needs to complete Your purposes for her life. And we just ask this in Jesus name. Amen. God bless everybody. Bye Bye.

Greetings DAB family, this is Abraham’s niece. I am a new listener; this is my 9th day, and I am hooked, I’m a superfan. This prayer is specifically for Jerry from Deluth. Jerry, brother, I just, I heard your voice for the first time on the September 9th community prayer call. And you mentioned that you finally read the death of porn. And I want you to know that I am so proud of you. And I’m very proud of you for being in the men’s cohort that you mentioned. I am an older millennial. So, my brothers and I, we grew up with the internet and each of us has struggled with porn. I’m grateful to God that I am two, over two years sober from pornography, from cannabis, from caffeine. And I really want you to feel my encouragement. It really, really takes something to have the intention and also to do the work to become sober from these things. God willing, maybe one day on a future prayer I’ll read you my recovery poem. And I just want you to know that my prayers are specifically for you, Jerry from Deluth. You’re not alone, men and women are really struggling with pornography, and it is reeking havoc. Not only in the millennial generation but in the generation prior and the generation after millennials. Even my own father. So, literally, so let me think, there are 6 people in my family, five out of six of us in two generations are struggling with it or have struggled with it. So, I’m very proud of you. The Bible says that when we confess our sins to one another, we will experience healing. So, I’m so excited for a healing.

Hi, beloved family. This is Prisoner of Hope. And I’m calling in to lift up some of our DABers who are dealing with marriage difficulties. I have Saved by His Grace in New England, your husband’s been emotionally abusive, and you’ve been separated relationally from him for two to three weeks and he’s been watching pornography, and you have communication issues. You have three adult daughters. You don’t want to break up this family. Also, a woman called in, you said your sister C has been in an abusive situation with Q. And she’s leaving him with three small children. And she needs her spirits lifted. I’m also lifting up Morning Lift. Your court was one of the most painful and sad days of your life. The judge gave you the best outcome, but you still want her heart to be softened. You want reconciliation with your beautiful wife. And I’m gonna be lifting you up as well. And then Diana from Florida, I heard your prayer. Your husband has been showing progress and has been intentional but then he goes back to old habits and becomes reclusive, and you feel alone in your marriage and feel like your husband doesn’t care about you. And these are just tough situations. Father, we lay these troubled marriages before You. We ask You to please revive their relationships, renew their love for one-another and help them to work through the differences they have with respect. And in the powerful name of Jesus, we ask that You would destroy the plans of the enemy concerning these relationships. Lord, their marriages are struggling, and they need Your help. They need Your strength to keep going, they need Your wisdom to know how to proceed. Lord, for the one person that is thinking about leaving and help them to love one another, the way You love. Lord, help them to forgive, heal and work on restoration. We know You are for marriages, Lord. And we ask that Your hand would be upon each of these people. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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pooma-bible · 8 months

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Sister. Savita Manwani

Praise the Lord. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I welcome you all to hear the word of God and be blessed.

Let us Pray: Gracious Father, we thank you for this privilege you gave us to study your word today. Lord, I pray you bless us this day, anoint us, and help us to learn from you and live our lives according to your word. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Topic - CHARACTERISTICS OF FALSE TEACHERS

That Satan labors might and main, by false teachers, which are his messengers and ambassadors, to deceive, delude, and forever undo the precious souls of men (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 3:4-6; Titus 1:11,12; 2 Peter 2:18,19): 'I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.' (Jer. 23:13).

'The prophets make my people err.' (Micah 3:5). They seduce them, and carry them out of the right way into by-paths and blind thickets of error, blasphemy, and wickedness, where they are lost forever.

'Beware of false prophets, for they come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves'. (Mat. 7:15). These lick and suck the blood of souls: 'Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.' (Phil. 3:2). These kiss and kill; these cry, Peace, peace, till souls fall into everlasting flames, Proverbs 7.

Now, the best way to deliver poor souls from being deluded and destroyed by these messengers of Satan is to discover them in their colors, that so, being known, poor souls may shun them, and fly from them as from hell itself.

Now you may know them by these following characters:

1. False Teachers are Men-Pleasers

False teachers are men-pleasers (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:1-4). They preach more to please the ear than to profit the heart: 'Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophecy not unto us right things: speak unto us smooth things; prophecy deceits'' (Isa. 30:10).

And what will you do in the end thereof?' (Jer. 5:30, 31). They handle holy things rather with wit and dalliance (playful come-on) then with fear and reverence. False teachers are soul-undoers. They are like evil chirurgeons (surgeon) that skin over the wound, but never heal it.

Flattery undid Ahab and Herod, Nero and Alexander. False teachers are hell's greatest enrichers. Not bitter, but flattering words do all the mischief, said Valerian, the Roman emperor. Such smooth teachers are sweet soul-poisoners (Jer. 23:16, 17).

2. False Teaches Throw Dirt at Christ's People

False teachers are notable in casting dirt, scorn, and reproach upon the persons, names, and credits of Christ's most faithful ambassadors. Thus Korah, Dathan, and Abiram charged Moses and Aaron that they took too much upon them, seeing all the congregation was holy (Num. 16:3).

You take too much state, too much power, too much honor, too much holiness upon you; for what are you more than others, that you take so much upon you?

And so Ahab's false prophets fell foul on good Micaiah, paying of him with blows for want of better reasons (1 Kings 22:10-26). Yea, Paul, that great apostle of the Gentiles, had his ministry undermined and his reputation blasted by false teachers: 'For his letters'' say they, 'are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and contemptible' (2 Cor. 10:10). They rather contemn him than admire him; they look upon him as a dunce rather than a doctor.

And the same hard measure had our Lord Jesus from the Scribes and Pharisees, who labored as for life to build their own credit upon the ruins of his reputation. And never did the devil drive a more full trade this way than he does in these days (Matt. 27:63). Oh! the dirt, the filth, the scorn that is thrown upon those whom the world is not worthy.

3. False Teachers are Driven by Their Own Heads and Hearts

False teachers are venters of the devices and visions of their own heads and hearts. 'Then the Lord said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them: they prophecy to you a false vision, divination, and a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart (Jer. 14:14); This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions. (Jer. 23:16).

Are there not multitudes in this nation whose visions are but golden delusions, lying vanities, brain-sick fantasies? These are Satan's great benefactors and such as divine justice will hang up in hell as the greatest malefactors, if the physician of souls does not prevent it.

4. False Teachers Pass over the Law and the Gospel for Other Things

False teachers easily pass over the great and weighty things both of law and gospel, and stand most upon those things that are of the least moment and concernment to the souls of men. 'Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned; from which some have swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, and understand neither what they say nor whereof they affirm' (1 Tim. 1:5-7).

'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint, and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone' (Matt. 23:2, 3). False teachers are nice in the lesser things of the law, and as negligent in the greater.

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain (1 Tim. 6:3-5).

If such teachers are not hypocrites in grain, I know nothing, Romans 2:22. The earth groans to bear them, and hell is fitted for them, Matt. 24:32.

5. False Teachers use Clever Language and Appearances to Disguise Themselves

False teachers cover and color their dangerous principles and soul-impostures with very fair speeches and plausible pretenses, with high notions and golden expressions. Many in these days are bewitched and deceived, viz. illumination, revelation, deification, fiery triplicity, etc.

As strumpets paint their faces, and deck and perfume their beds, the better to allure and deceive simple souls (Gal. 6:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rom. 16:17,18; Mat. 16:6,11,12; 7:15), so false teachers will put a great deal of paint and garnish upon their most dangerous principles and blasphemies, that they may better deceive and delude poor ignorant souls. They know sugared poison goes down sweetly; they wrap up their pernicious, soul-killing pills in gold.

6. False Teachers Strive to Win People to Their Opinions by Winning Debates

False teachers strive more to win over men to their opinions than to better them in their conversations. 'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves' (Matt. 24:17). They busy themselves most about men's heads. Their work is not to better men's hearts, and mend their lives; and in this, they are very much like their father the devil, who will spare no pains to gain proselytes.

7. False Teachers Gain from Their Followers

False teachers make merchandise of their followers. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness, they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

They eye your goods more than your good; and mind more the serving of themselves than the saving of your souls. So they may have your substance, they care not though Satan has your souls (Rev. 18:11-13). That they may the better pick your purse, they will hold forth such principles as are very indulgent to the flesh. False teachers are the great worshippers of the golden calf (Jer. 6:13).

Now, by these characters, you may know them and so shun them and deliver your souls out of their dangerous snares; which that you may, my prayers shall meet yours at the throne of grace.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE IN THIS GROUP.

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gracebeyondmeasuree · 9 months

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Dear Heavenly Father lord, just want to take this time to come before you and to thank you for being my God. Forgive me father for the sins of my heart - Lord you remind me time and time again (and this morning) of the potency of sin, and how it can leave a spot in the centre of our being that can get us. Lord I confess how even today I’m tempted in so many ways - pride lust arrogance a fixation on appearances a selfishness that resides in my being and keeps me from giving an unwillingness to let go / forgive. Oh lord help me to see the many ways in which these sins will eat at me and in doing so help me to repent of my sins through you; to come before you daily just pleading for mercy and grace and strength to overcome. Help me not to wallow in self pity father and to buy into the lies of the world but to see just how blessed I am, how much you’ve given me, and how your strength and grace and love never fails. So lord you break me down daily and it is in these moments where I cannot stand that I run to thee - lord forgive me for this wilful pride and help me to hold on to you more and more - let it not take a storm in my life for me to realise my own weakness and dependency but Lord vanquish my pride and help me to lean into you now and forevermore. Lord indeed my worth is not in what I own but in my identity as your child, praise God for that. Continue to lead and guide me on this journey father and help me to turn to you time and time again for strength and grace that I do not possess. Pray that you’re multiply the love in my heart - that my love for you may overflow and that I may begin to use that to serve people and not just wait to be served / to take from others. Lord you are holy righteous full of grace and mercy my shepherd and the anchor of my soul. May I love you more and more each day not for what you can give me but for who you are.

Lord help me to get rid of the fig leaves in my life, help me to let Jesus clothe me with his love, to accept what he has done, ask God to receive you because of what Jesus has done and ask the Holy Spirit to make real in your heart what he has done for you. And that will begin to cover not only your sin objectively so God accepts you and you can go to heaven, but subjectively it will start to heal your heat of sin - the cancer - the thing that is destroying all your relationships because you are so needy nervous and ashamed and you’re trying to prove yourself. And when the love of God comes in there it changes everything. To ask God to cover you with the righteousness of Christ now so someday you can be covered with the glory of God.

Our father we are so grateful that it’s possible for us to know that this horrible spiritual cancer of sin is going to (has already been) dealt with completely. Until then we as that you would help us to receive your salvation your grace into our life in such a way that we can begin to more and more die to sin and live and live more unto righteousness and be conformed to the image of your son.

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weallwantabetterlife · 9 months

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Shoes in Church

I showered and shaved................ I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat................ In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer............ As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me....... Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.. But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought,

'This man with the shoes, has no pride. They’re dusty, worn, and scratched.

Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said................. A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again..

Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began .

The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering........ And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft 'clink' as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........ As is the custom here.

We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow........... And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.....

But I thanked him for coming.......... For being our guest...

He said, 'My name’s Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin..

'Let me explain,' he said............. Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months...... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance...........Is not like all the rest.

'But I really do try....................To always look my best.'

'I always clean and polish my shoes...Before my very long walk.'

'But by the time I get here........They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize.......... For daring to sit so near

He said, 'When I get here............ I know I must look a sight.'

'But I thought if I could touch you....Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment............. Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison.... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part'

'That the best of any man..............Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,............... This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am.... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

Live each day as your last, for we never know our time here on earth. Love and Peace My Friends and remember that it is not how we look on the outside but how we look within.

#beautiful #mother #dad #friend #dream #bible #love #happy #saint #life #family #grateful #God #jesus #believe #church #freedom #veteran #Lord #Christ #prayer #memories #USA #HolySpirit #blessed #faith #alabama #salvation #peace

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god-whispers · 10 months

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jul 7

familiar friday - friendship (a repeat daily)

i am blessed to have some good friends. a while back a good friend sent me what is called a "prayer patch". it's just this little square patch of cloth sewn together into a one inch square. when rubbed you can feel this tiny little cross within.

it didn't really come with instructions, so i kind of used my imagination. i have recently decided to take it into my prayer time with me. it's my way of saying, "Lord, this is Your time now. i have things i need to bring to You and i definitely want to listen for what is on Your heart. (i'll let the Holy Spirit take care of that part.) i want to soak in your presence and thank You for all You have done".

i hold it, rubbing occasionally, making me remember the cross He bore was so much heavier than this tiny one. it was His love for us that held Him on that tree, not the nails. the load of sin and guilt, it became His burden. what words could i ever say? what debt could i ever pay. there is nothing that would suffice.

then i remember the words He spoke. "if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." matt 16:24 He has left me this tiny cross to carry, while He carried the one that would have surely crushed me. and oh, how often i complain about how heavy my load is and how weary i grow. then, even in the midst my complaining, He lovingly reaches down and steadies me whenever my knees begin to buckle.

You are the Master i never want to leave. "but if the servant plainly says, 'i love my master, my wife, and my children; i will not go out free,' then his master shall bring him to the judges. he shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever." exo 21:5-7 i am Your bond servant for life. this is slavedom i never want to be freed of.

you see, we are all slaves to one thing or another. "Jesus answered them, “most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." john 8:34 another scripture i quoted rather recently remains appropriate here also. "if you do well, will you not be accepted? and if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. and its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." gen 4:7 sin's desire is to rule us. only through the Spirit of Christ can we rule it.

i have another friend (yes, i am blessed with several). the other day she sent me a little bookmark that after a few minutes in the light, it will glow in the dark for awhile. of course the glow always wears off.

the face of moses shown brightly after he had been in the light of the Lord. the people "could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away." 2 cor 3:7 His glory is fading from us if we don't spend time in His presence. time in His presence assures the light (the glory) will not fade. "but we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 cor 3:18

yes, i have several friends. "but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." prov 18:24 his friendship requires a separation, a sanctification. "do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." james 4:4

abraham was called the friend of God. i don't know about you, but i want to be His friend also. He has said, "be holy, for I am holy." 1 pet 1:16 that's something this flesh cannot do: be holy. but it is required. it is commanded. "o wretched man that i am! who will deliver me from this body of death? i thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!" rom 7:24-25

here are some song lyrics you might well remember:

i come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses and the voice i hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.

and He walks with me and he talks with me and He tells me i am His own and the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.

it is indeed the joy none other has known. know it for yourself. you too can be God's friend. "for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." heb 13:5

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