#Breastplate of Righteous

[cactusnymph]

shielding the other one with their body for laeheart 👀👀👀

They've been fighting the shadows for what feels like hours now, even though Shadowheart is aware that it's been barely two minutes. She's exhausted, her left eyebrow has been cut and is bleeding heavily, obscuring her vision and filling her mouth with the taste of metal. No matter how many she eliminates, more keep coming out of the dark to swam them, shoot them, hack at them.

Her spirit guardians dissolved into smoke after she was hit by two arrows into her thigh and now she's on one knee, shield and mace in hand, panting heavily as she tries to hold the line to protect the gods damned portal glowing behind her on the shore of the lake.

Every muscle in her body hurts and she doesn't have any potions left. All that's left is her shield and her mace and hopefully Lady Shar's mercy.

"Fucking birds, fuck you!", Karlach roars somewhere behind her as her ax cleaves through dozens and dozens of shadow-cursed ravens while Tav is planted directly in front of the portal, a bulwark made of muscle, heavy armor and a huge greatsword.

Shadowheart looks over her shoulder to check if either of her companions need healing. She knows that Tav has some healing capabilities but they seem to be all tapped out. Shadowheart holds out her mace-wiedling hand to cast a healing word at them, wrapping their body in soft, white light.

"Thanks!", Tav shouts and grins at them, their canine teeth sharp and covered in blood. This probably shouldn't be as attractive as it is.

Tav's grin turns into a concerned shout in a heartbeat and Shadowheart swirls back around, trying to raise her shield in time to block the twisted vine shooting directly towards her ribcage.

She won't make it.

"Tsk'va!", an angry voice exclaims and then there's a flash, a grunt and a splatter of blood on Shadowheart's face, her breastplate, the floor to her feet. She blinks and lowers her eyes to see the vine protruding from Lae'zel's back, having pierced her armor and her abdomen.

"What the—", Shadowheart starts. She struggles to her feet despite the arrows stuck in her muscle tissue as her and Lae'zel's blood mix in her mouth and she spits on the ground.

The vine rips out of Lae'zel and Lae'zel staggers but stands, the sword in her hands trembling slightly from the struggle to hold it up despite the pain.

"You are ghustil! What are you doing?", Lae'zel snarls back. Shadowheart wants to argue that she has no fucking clue what that word is supposed to mean but Lae'zel has just saved her life, used her own body as a shield to keep Shadowheart from further harm and gods, this sucks.

Shadowheart does not want to be saved by Lae'zel.

"Shut up", she hisses, heat in her cheeks and anger in her belly.

Shadowheart doesn't need protection and the last person she needs it from is a self-righteous gith who Shadowheart hates with a burning passion.

Lae'zel doesn't budge, doesn't move. Like a living shield she stands in front of Shadowheart, taking any hit meant for her as if this is nothing, as if they don't hate each other, as if Lae'zel wouldn't love to slit Shadowheart's throat for stealing that damned relic.

Fuck.

She puts her mace away and lays her hand on Lae'zel's back to pump every bit of healing power she has left into her, trying her best to seal the wounds as quickly as they appear.

When Karlach rushes past them to kill the last vine Lae'zel staggers and falls to both knees, breathing heavily as blood and sweat drips onto the dark ground in front of her. She's surrounded by corpses.

"Holy fuck that was some hot, hot swordfighting there", Karlach says with a grin and pats Lae'zel's shoulder when she walks past her and back towards Tav. "You two good?"

"We'll be alright", Shadowheart says, her voice tense. As soon as Karlach is out of earshot Shadowheart turns back towards Lae'zel.

"What in Shar's name were you thinking?", she hisses.

"Tsk'va! You would have been killed had I not intervened!", Lae'zel spits and stares at Shadowheart over her shoulder, one hand still on her sword, the other one on the gaping wound in her abdomen.

"Oh please, I would have been fine. Don't think I'm in your debt now, Lae'zel", Shadowheart fires back and staggers over to Lae'zel to kneel beside her. "Let me heal this damn wound."

"Your fighting style is terrible and your battle stance leaves much to be desired", Lae'zel snarls.

"Shut up or I'll let you bleed out", Shadowheart shoots back and presses her hand over the gushing wound without being as gentle as she probably should be with a cut this deep. Lae'zel makes a sound in the back of her throat and slumps forward and maybe Shadowheart enjoys this a little too much. She really needs sleep.

"When you two are done flirting we can get back to Halsin", Tav's voice comes from behind them. Shadowheart feels heat rising into her cheeks and ears and Lae'zel mumbles something under her breath. She shoots Shadowheart an unreadable look before struggling to her feet and sheathing her sword.

Shadowheart is tempted to just kick Lae'zel for good measure. Instead she limps over to Lae'zel, grabs her arm and puts it around her shoulder to help Lae'zel walk.

"What are you doing?", Lae'zel asks, slowly and in a sharp tone.

"Shut up. Don't think I'm doing this for you. I just don't want to owe you anything", she says and juts her chin forward. Lae'zel snorts and rolls her eyes but doesn't answer. She also doesn't pull away from Shadowheart's side or insult her any further. It's not like Shadowheart wants to read anything into it, but maybe their hatchet has actually been buried.

feel free to send me more of these <3

#lae'zel #shadowheart #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #laeheart #shae'zel #lae'zel x shadowheart #bg3 fic #mi writes #the rituals are intricate etcetcetc

[aggywytchking]

Who is Aziraphale?

Another unhinged (and long) Good Omens Theory by yours truly

Spoilers ahead & s3 predictions

I’ve heard a lot of theories floating around on who Az could be, will be, or who he is based off of. As we have learned- angels tend to change names as they fall or ascend to signify their rank or side change.

Most recently I heard a few people say that Az will assume the name Raphael (which I do think is a fun twist from the more common theory that Crowley was Raphael). But I disagree with it overall.

My good people I propose that Aziraphale will be named (and is based off of) Azazel.

Azazel, a fallen angel in the Apocalypse of Abraham. Here, Azazel is said to have lost his former glory as a servant of God to humans.-source

Now, we know that Az is not technically a fallen angel (yet). Many other parallels exist in their stories.

Azazel is most commonly known for his association with the “scapegoat” ritual. Azazel, in Hebrew, even meaning “scapegoat.” Or it refers to the cliff that the ritual occurs on.

"Azazel" designated a rugged mountain or precipice in the wilderness from which the goat was thrown down -source

I found this very interesting- as we see initially in the s2 opening our main characters on such a cliff. Now initially, this was all signaling Crowley to me- as he was the one crawling back up the ledge, but as I dug into the story of Azazel more- it became very clear that it is more like our Az’s.

In this scapegoat ritual two goats are sacrificed. One is marked for the lord and sacrificed and the other for Azazel. Now there are different telling on how these two goats are sacrificed. Some say the one marked for the lord is killed on the spot, or cast from the cliff. Other say it is Azazel’s that is thrown from the cliff- or alternatively- simply let go into the wilderness.

The idea though is that the people are sending their sins on the day of atonement to that who is responsible for introducing them to humanity (Azazel).

However, he did not see the sending of the goat as honoring Azazel as a deity, but as a symbolic expression of the idea that the people's sins and their evil consequences were to be sent back to the spirit of desolation and ruin, the source of all impurity. The very fact that the two goats were presented before God, before the one was sacrificed and the other sent into the wilderness, was proof that Azazel was not ranked alongside God, but regarded simply as the personification of wickedness in contrast with the righteous government of God.-source

Essentially it is a a ritual for forgiveness (hmmm who do we know that loves forgiving).

Now is our Az the “personification of wickedness”? The source this sin in humanity?

No of course not-

Well, not at least obviously, or on purpose.

That’s where we can pull another fun tidbit of Azazel’s story to light. Azazel’s big sin as it were that caused him to fall- was that he taught the humans the art of war and beautification, essentially.

And Azazel taught men to make swords and knives and shields and breastplates; and made known to them the metals [of the earth] and the art of working them; and bracelets and ornaments; and the use of antimony and the beautifying of the eyelids; and all kinds of costly stones and all colouring tinctures. And there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they were led astray and became corrupt in all their ways.-source

This is what really started to convince me- Aziraphale is canonically the one to give the first sword to human kind when he gives Adam his flaming sword.

Azazel in 1 Enoch has been compared to Greek Titan Prometheus. He might be a demonized counterpart of a heavenly creature, who provided knowledge for people to make weapons, thus causing bloodshed and injustice. -source

Now Prometheus’s story is also important here. He is known to be a trickster (much like our little magician) but more importantly introduces humanity to several important pieces we can again associate with our Az.

Prometheus is best known for defying the Olympian gods by stealing fire from them and giving it to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge, and more generally, civilization. Prometheus. God of forethought, fire, and crafty counsel -source

Again, with the flaming sword, Az is the first one to give humanity fire. (He is also very fond of the cultivation of knowledge, as we seen in his bookstore).

Now did he mean any of this poorly? No, as he said, he wanted the to be warm, he wanted them to be safe.

In the Western classical tradition, Prometheus became a figure who represented human striving (particularly the quest for scientific knowledge) and the risk of overreaching or unintended consequences. -source

We see time and time again Aziraphale’s desire to do good having unintended negative consequences. Something that is highlighted in s2 with the grave robbing episode.

So who is to say that all war, sin, bloodshed, etc, didn’t come from that moment of Az acting with the very best of intention?

Funny isn’t it?

But wait- there’s more!

Back to Azazel- one of his other main sources of damnation (as spoken by both Gabriel and Abraham) was that he became overly fond of Earth and humans.

"This is disgrace—this is Azazel!" And he said to him, "Shame on you, Azazel! For Abraham's portion is in heaven, and yours is on earth, for you have selected here, [and] become enamored of the dwelling place of your blemish. Therefore the Eternal Ruler, the Mighty One, has given you a dwelling on earth. Through you the all-evil spirit a liar, and through you wrath and trials on the generations of men who live impiously (Abr. 13:4-9).-source

Again, as I mentioned in my last theory post. We have focused a good deal on our Az’s ability to lie this past season.

In other telling of Azazel, he is specified as being appointed to guide earth inhabitants to do good (basically our Az’s exact job in good omens)

He grew up pious and was lifted up to live with the angels in the first heaven. Then he was sent by God to the jinn on earth to persuade them to follow the right path.

Furthermore in some Islamic tellings, we actually see Azazel go back to heaven after his fall. (Similar to how we now see our Az going back to work for heaven).

Just as in 3 Enoch, angels complained about humans iniquity, whereupon God offered a test, that the angels might choose three among them to descend to earth, endowed with bodily desires, and prove that they would do better than humans under the same conditions. Accordingly, they choose Aza, Azzaya and Azazel. However, Azazel repented his decision and God allowed him to turn back to heaven. -source

BUT WAIT- there’s still more, tying back into all that.

In many story’s of Azazel, he is one of three angels either sent to Earth (as seen in the quote above) or that oppose Metatron.

In 3 Enoch, Azazel is one of the three angels (Azza (Shemhazai) and Uzza (Ouza) are the other two) who opposed Enoch's high rank when he became the angel Metatron. Whilst they were fallen at this time they were still in Heaven, but Metatron held a dislike for them, and had them cast out. They were thenceforth known as the 'three who got the most blame' for their involvement in the fall of the angels marrying human women. It should be remembered that Azazel and Shemhazai were said to be the leaders of the 200 fallen, and Uzza and Shemhazai were tutelary guardian angels of Egypt with both Shemhazai and Azazel. They were responsible for teaching the secrets of heaven as well. The other angels dispersed to 'every corner of the Earth'.-source

I found that last sentence so fun because in a QA when Neil was asked if it’s just Crowley and Az doing their jobs on Earth he answers that they are the only ones on “this corner of the Earth.”

And one last fun tidbit- especially for you Crowley is Raphael lovers: Raphael is in some tellings RESPONSIBLE FOR CASTING OUT AZAZEL.

Raphael was tasked to deal with Azazel himself and the archangel descends down from the Heavens, quickly subduing the contemptuous Watcher angel. Raphael bound Azazel's hands and feet, before opening a fissure in the desert which leads to Dudael and tosses him inside, again binding him against a set of jagged pointy rocks whilst also covering his face so that he might never see the light again.

Wouldn’t that be painful? Ha.

#good omens #good omens s2 #good omens series 2 #good omens season two #good omens spoilers #good omens speculation #neil gaiman #aziraphale #crowly x aziraphale #crowley #ineffable husbands #ineffable idiots #ineffable spouses #ineffable lovers #ineffable fandom #go2 #go2 spoilers #writers on tumblr #bible fanfiction #angels and devils #raphael

[tinyshe]

I arise today  Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.

I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

[Note that people sometimes pray a shorter version of this prayer just with these 15 lines about Christ above. The conclusion follows below.]

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

[ST. PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE prayer]

#catholic #prayer #saint patrick #St. Patrick's Breastplate #Lorica of Saint Patrick #The Cry of the Deer #Armor of God

[allaboutjoseph]

Breastplate of St. Patrick (Prayer)

(Complete)

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.

I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

[Note that people sometimes pray a shorter version of this prayer just with these 15 lines about Christ above. The conclusion follows below.]

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, March 1st, 2024

february 17_march 1

THE HOLY MARTYR THEODORE OF TYRE (306)

The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit1 was a soldier in the city of Amáseia in Pontus (Asia Minor) on the coast of the Euxine (Black) Sea, under the command of the Praepositus (regimental commander) Brincus. Saint Theodore was ordered to offer sacrifice to idols, but he proclaimed his faith in Christ the Savior in a loud voice. Brincus gave him a few days to think it over, during which time the Saint prayed.

Theodore was accused of setting a pagan temple on fire and destroying the idol of Rhea, and so he was thrown into prison to be starved to death. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him there, comforting and encouraging him. When he was brought before the Governor Publius, Theodore boldly confessed his faith, for which he was subjected to new torments and condemned to be burnt alive. The Great Martyr Theodore mounted an enormous pyre, and after he made the Sign of the Cross, the wood was lit, but the Holy Spirit cooled the flames. Saint Theodore stood in the flames, praising and glorifying God. Then he gave his holy soul into God's hands, and the onlookers saw his soul ascending to Heaven, according to the author of his Life, who was also an eyewitness.

This occurred in about the year 306 under the Roman Emperor Galerius (305-311). Unharmed by the fire, Saint Theodore's body was buried under a widow's house in the city of Eukháϊta, not far from Amáseia. Later, his relics were transferred to Constantinople, to the church which bears his name. His head is in the city of Gaeto, Italy.

Fifty years after the Saint Theodore's martyrdom, Emperor Julian the Apostate (reigned 361-363), planned to commit an outrage upon the Christians during the first week of Great Lent. He ordered the city magistrate of Constantinople to sprinkle all the food in the marketplaces with blood which had been offered to idols. Saint Theodore appeared to Archbishop Eudoxios in a dream, and told him to inform all the Christians that no one should buy anything in the marketplaces, but to eat boiled wheat with honey (kolyva) instead.

In remembrance of this occurrence, the Orthodox Church commemorates the holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit each year on the first Saturday of Great Lent. On Friday evening, at the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, after the prayer at the Ambo, the Canon to the Holy Great Martyr Theodore, composed by Saint John of Damascus, is sung. After this, kolyva is blessed and distributed to the faithful. The celebration of the Great Martyr Theodore on the first Saturday of Great Lent was established by Patriarch Nektarios of Constantinople (381-397).

The Troparion to Saint Theodore is very similar to the Troparion for the Prophet Daniel and the Three Holy Youths (on the Sunday Before the Nativity of the Lord). The Kontakion to Saint Theodore, who suffered martyrdom by fire, reminds us that he also had faith as his breastplate (see I Thessalonians 5:8).

In iconography, Saint Theodore the Recruit is depicted in four different ways: either alone in military garb, battling a large snake, or together with Saint Theodore the Commander, standing upright or riding horses. He always wears his military uniform.

We pray to Saint Theodore the Recruit for the recovery of stolen articles.

1 His title comes from the Latin word tiro, because he was a newly-enlisted recruit, not because he came from the city of Tyre, as some misinformed persons imagine.

SAINT MARIANNE, SISTER OF PHILIP THE APOSTLE (1st.c.)

Righteous Mariamne “The Apostolic Virgin” and sister of the holy Apostle Philip (November 14), made a vow of virginity and became the companion of her brother Philip and the holy Apostle Bartholomew (June 11), actively assisting them in their apostolic work.

The Church historian Nikēphóros Callistus describes their successful preaching in the Phrygian city of Hieropolis, where they were arrested and locked up in prison. They put the Apostle Philip to death on a cross, but Saint Mariamne and Saint Bartholomew were set free. Saint Bartholomew went to preach the Gospel in India. Saint Mariamne, after burying the body of Saint Philip, preached the Gospel at Lykaonia (Asia Minor). She died there in peace.

1 JOHN 2:7-17

7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

MARK 14:3-9

3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. And they criticized her sharply. 6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.

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

[gobboguy]

Chapter 11: Prophecy Unveiled

Gelbeg returned to the village, the steel weapons he had discovered glinting ominously in the fading twilight. The village warriors gathered around, their eyes wide with fascination and envy as they admired the lethal craftsmanship of the foreign weapons. Stone and bone implements, once cherished, now lay discarded in the dirt, rendered obsolete by the gleaming steel.

Amid the murmurs of awe, Gelbeg's imposing figure stood tall. The warriors, their faces painted with admiration, pledged to transform the stranger's armor into a breastplate worthy of Gelbeg's powerful physique. Saera, his mother, her eyes reflecting the pride that swelled within her, praised her son for his find. Laughter echoed through the village as the Orcs, their bellies quivering with mirth, slapped their ample stomachs joyfully. One exuberant Orcess spoke up, her voice hearty with delight, "These dead things will feed us for a week!"

Among the revelry, a dark cloud loomed. Split-Nose, draped in a flowing black robe, approached the assembly with a scowl etched deep on her face. Her voice, sharp as a blade, sliced through the celebration. "This is corruption, a gift from the demons of the sea," she declared, her finger accusatorily pointed at the snake figurine cradled in Gelbeg's hand. A shrill scream pierced the air, denouncing the artifact as blasphemy.

In the face of Split-Nose's righteous fury, Saera stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm, "Due to the riches Gelbeg has found, we should have one night to decide what to do." Her words carried a weight of authority, momentarily quelling the storm of Split-Nose's indignation.

The village fell into a tense silence, uncertainty hanging in the air like the heavy fog that rolled in from the sea. The decision to be made come morning would shape the very core of the tribe. In the flickering light of the village fires, Gelbeg's eyes burned with determination. He understood that this night would define the future of the Orcs on Orc Island. Tonight, beneath the vast expanse of stars, alliances would be forged, and a battle of beliefs would commence, setting the course for the destiny of their people.

In the depths of the night, beneath the shimmering tapestry of stars, Gelbeg was ensnared in a dream woven with threads of destiny. He found himself standing atop a mountain peak, his bare skin tingling in the icy embrace of the night. A silvery moon cast its ethereal glow upon the snow, illuminating the vast expanse around him. At his side stood an otherworldly being, her eyes akin to the boundless sky and her hair flowing like strands of pure sunlight. Despite her delicate appearance, an undeniable aura of power and purpose emanated from her. Gelbeg felt a profound connection; deep within his heart, he recognized her as an Orc.

In the hushed silence of the dream, she uttered words in the ancient tongue of Orcs, "Jiak liwo mikar lat an porandor." The sound resonated through the night, carrying the weight of a divine promise, a covenant between Orc-kind and destiny. Translated into English, the words echoed a solemn oath, "I will bear you an empire."

As if moved by an unseen force, Gelbeg, fueled by a sense of profound purpose, unburdened himself onto the pristine snow. The warm stream of his urine mingled with the icy crystals, an offering to the earth and the heavens alike. The ethereal Orc maiden, undeterred by the implications of the moment, gracefully lowered herself, pressing her face into the snow where Gelbeg had marked. Rising, her countenance bore a halo of frozen urine, the traditional and symbolic testament to their connection. Gelbeg did not know this mysterious but beautiful Orcess, but her actions there had bound them together forever as Bloodmaaves.

The dream's tableau shifted abruptly, transporting Gelbeg to a land of untamed beauty. A vast field of wheat and grass stretched as far as the eye could see, whispering promises of abundance and prosperity. Deep within his soul, Gelbeg recognized this place as the Orcs' destined homeland, a sanctuary beyond the seas where their dreams would flourish.

His gaze wandered, drawn to the distant horizon where a great city blazed in the night. The triumphant roars of Orcish voices reverberated through the air as the city's flames painted the sky in hues of orange and red. Amidst the conflagration, a flag fluttered defiantly, its design etched into Gelbeg's memory: a black canvas adorned with a vibrant green handprint, a symbol of their strength and unity.

With a start, Gelbeg awoke, the remnants of the dream still lingering like tendrils of mist in his mind. The vivid images, the touch of the ethereal Orc maiden, and the warmth of his urine on the snow had left an indelible mark on his consciousness. Propelled by the conviction that gripped him, Gelbeg knew that his people's destiny lay beyond the sea, in a land where they would rise as a powerful empire, their strength unmatched and their legacy eternal.

As the village hummed with anticipation, Orcs clustered in groups, their voices animated with the fervor of shared revelation. One burly Orc, his tusks gleaming in the morning light, turned to his companion, Gralk, a fellow warrior whose eyes were wide with excitement.

"Did you see the wheat, Gralk?" the burly Orc exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "I could almost taste it, sweet and crisp underfoot. A land of plenty, just waiting for us!"

Gralk nodded vigorously, his excitement matching that of his companion. "And did you see the city?" he replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Flames soaring into the sky, the sound of our victorious roars echoing through the streets. We'll be rulers, my friend, with riches beyond our wildest dreams!"

The fervor spread like wildfire, conversations rippling through the crowd like waves crashing upon the shore. Orc-Maidens, their faces streaked with ceremonial paint, whispered among themselves, speaking of spilling blood in honor of MOG, their words carrying the weight of sacred devotion.

Amidst the spirited chatter, Gelbeg approached his mother, Saera, his eyes burning with determination. "Mother," he said, his voice resonating with purpose, "MOG has shown us a vision—a land of abundance, cities ripe for conquest. We must seize this opportunity, unite the twelve tribes, and fulfill our destiny."

Saera's eyes glowed with pride and understanding. "Yes, my son," she replied, her voice filled with maternal wisdom. "The Orcs are bound by a shared dream, a vision gifted to us by MOG. We shall honor his will and carve our legacy in the lands beyond the sea."

Inspired by the shared vision and the words of their leaders, the Orcs raised their voices in a resounding roar of agreement. They thumped their chests, their eyes alight with determination, their hearts aflame with the promise of conquest. In that moment, Gelbeg knew that they were not just a people; they were the heralds of a new era, destined to rise, united and invincible, in the face of whatever challenges lay ahead.

Split-Nose approached, her eyes wide with fervor, and announced to the village that MOG had sent them a vision—a divine instruction to leave the familiar shores of their island and embark on a grand raid of the lands beyond the sea. Her voice, carrying the weight of the divine, resonated through the village square.

"The time has come," she declared, her tone unwavering, "for us to heed the call of MOG. He has shown us the path to glory, the lands ripe for our conquest. We must unite, leave this island, and bring his wrath upon the world beyond!"

Gelbeg stepped forward, his voice thundering with conviction. "The Orcs were made to rule," he proclaimed, his words echoing Split-Nose's divine declaration. "We will conquer, we will pillage, and we will kill until we control all the land before us. But first, we must unite our tribes. I will lead you, my tribe, across this island until we are one people, one tribe. Together, we will become an unstoppable force, and then, we will spread out across the promised land, and we shall want for nothing!"

The Orcs cheered, their voices rising like a primal roar, the sound of triumph echoing through the air. They slapped their bellies so loudly that the very sky seemed to shake in terror of a new age—a time when the Orcs, united and fierce, would stride across the world, leaving a legacy of conquest and power in their wake. The vision had set their destiny, and they embraced it with every beat of their savage hearts.

#fantasy #goblins #orcs #literature #gobboguy #SongsofPower5

[justhereforthesherlock]

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

I arise today 

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

of the Creator of creation.

I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,

Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today

Through the strength of the love of cherubim,

In the obedience of angels,

In the service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In the predictions of prophets,

In the preaching of apostles,

In the faith of confessors,

In the innocence of holy virgins,

In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today through

The strength of heaven,

The light of the sun,

The radiance of the moon,

The splendor of fire,

The speed of lightning,

The swiftness of wind,

The depth of the sea,

The stability of the earth,

The firmness of rock.

I arise today through

God's strength to pilot me,

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's host to save me

From snares of devils,

From temptation of vices,

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

afar and near.

I summon today

All these powers between me and those evils,

Against every cruel and merciless power

that may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;

Christ to shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

of the Creator of creation.

#st. patrick's day #st. patrick’s breastplate #st. patrick’s lorica #the deer’s cry #christianity

[albertfinch]

ENLIGHTENING THE EYES OF OUR HEART

Ephesians 1:18-19 (NASB): "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe..."

We know that unless God enlightens the eyes of our heart, we will never arrive at the hope of our CALLING in Christ, nor will we have any comprehension of the riches of His goodness towards us.

SEEING WITH THE EYES OF YOUR HEART

The more we pray those verses (Ephesians 1:18-19), the more sure our steps become and the brighter the God's light gets.

Sometimes we may feel we are walking in a trackless wasteland, as if our difficulties have almost started defining us, giving us an unwanted -- we see all sorts of hidden side alleys and unforeseen obstacles, and potential pitfalls.

This gives us all the more reason to learn to see with the eyes of our heart. When we view our life from God's perspective and let Him shine His glorious light on it, all of the detours and potholes start to make sense.

As we pray, affirm and meditate on those verses several times a day those words  invite God to open the eyes of our heart.

We want the eyes of my heart – our spirit-eyes – to be clearly focused and "single," as the King James Bible puts it (Luke 11:34).

With God, all things are possible (see Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27), and He easily factors in our human weaknesses. He knows what the devil does to us.

LOOKING FOR GOODNESS

"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38 NASB).

Jesus is always going about doing good, because He said that He would never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5).  He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us (see 1 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:11) so that we would be fruit-bearing in Gods Kingdom through ministering and discipling others into their Christ identity.

KEEPING YOUR CORE VALUES

Continually affirm the following:

1) God is good all the time;

2) God has given me the power to help others with their spiritual needs. (Galatians 1:16)

3) I reap eternal life from the Holy Spirit since I sow my righteous actions and the Word of God to my spirit.  (Galatians 6:8)

"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day...having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." - 1 Thessalonians 5:4,5,8

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[the-whatcherof-89]

Jack Manifold AKA “Thunder1408” Jack Frost the guy who came back from hell.

Irit Inquisitor(Immolator)16 XP76800

Neutral (With LOTS of chaotic tendencies) Medium Humanoid Outsider(fire)

HP133(16d8+48)

AC34(+4Dex+10Armor+6Shield+3Natural+1Insight)

BaB+12 BMC+14 DMC+28

FORT+16 REFL+12 WILL+21

Racial traits: Native outsider, Darkvision 60ft, Fire affinity, Efreeti magic, Energy resistance fire 5.

Traits: Self reliant, Righteous indignation.

Class abilities: Servant of the flame, Judgment 6/day(Type I, II, III), Burnt offering, Exploit weakness, Teamwork feats(Lookout, Paired opportunists, Precise strike, Shake it off), Monster lore, Stern gaze, Cunning initiative, Detect alignment, Track, Solo tactics, Discern lies, Stalwart.

Spellcasting CL16 DC18 Spells per day 7/7//6/4/2 Spells known:

VI-Heal, Blade barrier.

V-Flame strike, True seeing, Break enchantment, Righteous might.

IV-Freedom of movement, Cure critical wounds, Divine power, Death ward, Restoration.

III-Searing light, Greater magic weapon, Heroism, Dispel magic, Magic vestment.

II-Blistering invective, Honeyed tongue, Interrogation, Invisibility, See invisibility, Flames of the faithful.

I-Lend judgment, Cure light wounds, Divine favor, Burst bonds, Shield of faith, sanctuary.

0-Guidance, Virtue, Detect magic, Acid splash, Create water, Disrupt undead. 

STR14 DEX18 CON16 INT10 WIS26 CHA10

Feats: Instant judgment, Share judgment, Finesse weapon, Quicken spell, Fire sight, Craft magic armor and weapons, Combat expertise, Improved disarm.

Skills: Bluff+11, Climb+6, Craft(Armors and weapons)+8, Diplomacy+4, Disguise+4, Intimidate+19, Knowledge (Arcana) +11, (Dungeon)+11, (Nature) +11, (Planes)+11, (Religion)+11, Perception+27, Ride+8, Sense motive+30, Spellcraft+19, Stealth+8, Swim+6, Survival+12.

Languages: Common, Ignan.

Equipment: Mithral breastplate+4 of frost resistance 10, Wyrmslayer shield, Amulet of natural armor+3, Ioun stones: Dusty rose prism, Pale blue rhomboid, Sunblade, Repeating crossbow+3, 50+2 Bolts, Headband of inspired wisdom+6, Belt of constitution+2, Gloves of dexterity+2, Boots of speed, Cloak of resistance+3, Inquisitor’s monocle(shaped like 3D glasses), Inquisitor’s bastion vambraces, Handy haversack, Manual of understanding+2 (used), Rod of cancellation, Ring of sustenance, Potions: Cure critical wounds(4), Heroism(2), Inquisitor kit, Holy silver symbol, Blacksmith kit, 241gp.

Special: When Jack dies, he is not actually dead but he is instead plane shifted into the Nether or Hell. While there, Jack can travel into either cold or hot areas of these realms(any soulsand valley for the Nether and Cocytus for Hell are considered cold areas). Here, after spending a week he can return to the realm of the living but all his attributes change into the opposite of the area he is in(Hot to cold, cold to hot). All weakness, attacks, resistances, abilities, spells, items and also his subtype becomes of the opposite category. Jack can also decide to remain in an area of the element that he already is in order to keep his attributes. While there, he must perform a single task that an outsider requests him that must not take more than a week. If Jack does not complete the task, he must first complete the task in order to resurrect. He is then automatically returned to the world of the living. If Jack is slain while in the Nether/Hell, he dissipates and he is restored after a year, a month and seven days upon which he resurrects. Spells used to resurrect him must be performed in the exact spot where he perished the second time and perform a  caster level check DC22. If his soul is removed from his body via trap the soul, his body falls to the ground lifeless and when either his body or the gem containing his soul are destroyed before his soul return to his body, he goes in the Nether/Hell and must repeat the seven days process. While in there, he is immune to such effects. A miracle/wish spell requires no caster check.

Background: Jack Manifold is one of the many inhabitants of the land that somewhat looks like living running gag of walking content-relief. While for some he might appear to many as a walking joke he looks only for acceptance and good relationships(probably) even if he fails as an investigator. Jack was abused by Tommyinit too many times but somehow he always comes back to him, like a boomerang in both good and bad ways. For some reasons he both likes him and hates him at the same time wanting to perform all sorts of shenanigans on him, ultimately with the intent of killing him if his mood will ever allow it. He partnered with Niki when they attempted to use Tubbo’s nukes to “accidentally” kill Tommy to teach him a lesson failing by 30 seconds and making them actual secret partners in crime. In the end, all that Jack wanted was some attention and he sought to achieve this even by blowing up the Big Innit Hotel and framing Hanna for it. In the end, they also became partners in crime, another running gag. His determination goes a long way so much that he tried to become a guard at Pandora’s Box Prison so that he could get closer to Tommy. But his most impressive feat ever was him DEFYING death and hell itself as he somewhat self resurrected after losing his 3 canon lives by sheer determination and anger. Literally, too angry and/or determinate to die. Not only that, he also appear to have attained some sort of resilience to the corruption of the EGG. After his rebirth he also decided to kill Dream as well, because like Tommy, they are the reasons he lost everything. Despite his anger issues he has many other friends he loves to spend time with; Foolish, Tubbo, Antfrost, Ranboo and Wilbur are all like old time friends he meet from time to time and spend while not busy with his pub or New Manyfold Land. However Jack realized at one point that all he did was for Tommy and that somehow he was happy about it but he still not liked the fact as he felt that it went against his desires to kill him. He was at a standstill: kill him, or not kill him, be his friend or be his enemy. The person that somehow mostly detested also gave him reason to be and a reason to strive. As he was looking around his land a voice clung to his ear: “Friend or foe, you want both. What a though decision.” Jack tumbled down and almost died. “What the Fu**!? Tommy i swear to god this is the last joke of you life! I will…!” But there was no one as he looked around in disbelief. “You swear to me? I am flattered. But perhaps you want to hear this: I will grant you a wish. ANY WISH. If you find me that is. “ Said the voice. “Who FU…no…wait! Are you that green guy that flies around and mess around with people? The Exdee guy?” A little laugh was heard. “No, he is busy now. I am here tho. And the others have already accepted. Even that so-called frenemy of yours.” Jack realized that also Tommy could have this wish and used it against him, or worst. In his mind raced a single thought “THAT WISH MUST BE MINE.” He cleaned himself and fixed his shades. “Where do i sign?” A finger snap was heard. “If you are willing, you have already accepted.” The world changed and so he did, his conflicting thoughts pulled him apart and then reunited him in a single entity. “Oh this is interesting. Your determination is so strong on both sides it creates a dual-formed existence in the same spot. And i am all about surprises. I think i will like you A LOT”. And Jack finally was moved into a new realm. “Have fun. I will see you around.” Said the voice. Jack looked around as he took a big breath. “Be better. Be worse. Either way… it will be ME!” And we was off without a single remorse.

Link for the image: https://twitter.com/noranikoletta/status/1393243024059162625?s=12

#minecraft #dream smp #jack manifold #Pathfinder Roleplaying Game #jack manifold fanart

[hiswordsarekisses]

“I’m just like holy moly these birth pangs are overlapping! We have odd things going on in the sky, we have salmonella strawberry’s, salmonella salad, salmonella pb, listeria cheese, food factories burning to the ground AT HIGH RATES to add the the food shortage, nation has been against nation and kingdom against kingdom- the hate, the love of self, the lack of normal affection towards family, living in the days of Noah sexually, covid, monkey pox, and this massive dividing line that’s happening where people- one by one- are either stepping into knowledge that is so rapid that grandparents are saying “it took us all our life to get to where you are now in wisdom” OR they are degrading at a fast pace, becoming unrecognizable- people we loved and knew becoming people we do not want to be around and we feel we don’t know. Has the ark door closed? Is everyone inside?

It would make sense that these things happen in the way that they’re happening and it be the end. Because the wicked are not noticing anything other than the world has gone mad. But we are standing back looking at this like “God has put it into their hearts to do until all things are accomplished” (something like this) - we know that these things aren’t by chance. We know that God allows the things to happen. When we see the food shortages, we know it’s a sign. When we see the wars, we know it’s a sign, when we see peoples minds changing like nothing that’s ever been witnessed before, we know it’s a sign.

It’s so crazy

Baby formula to add to the shortage. Whoa to those who are pregnant and nursing in those days!!! (“How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.” - see Luke‬ ‭chapter 21 and Mathew chapter 24)

Jesus says be watchful lest that day come upon you like a thief in the night! No one knows the day nor the hour, but the righteous can detect the season. However, the wicked will be caught in a snare.” (My daughter, Jordan Ries)

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:1-11‬

⚔️ 📖 ⚔️ Read His Word!!!

[zerogate]

Special “scrying” stones were the best known emblems of the seer’s work. These stones, which accompanied Smith through much of his formally religious career, illuminate the connections between treasure and the dead, between Smith’s early quest and his later religious activity.

The stones included both visually distinctive rocks and Native artifacts inaccurately denominated gorgets. Seer stones could discover the location of other stones or treasures, especially when enclosed in the hollow of a hat pressed over the seer’s face. These seer stones, critical to Smith’s project, are often passed over as minor folk magic emblems, mineralized versions of the divining rods occasionally pressed to similar tasks. Stones may have been a consolation prize for some—the clank of a spade leading to something other than treasure. Importantly, though, seer stones and their treasure were integrated into and then removed from the earth. Though seers occasionally discovered stones in dry riverbeds, Smith generally disinterred his, maintaining that “men can pick stones out of this Earth & see knowledge of futurity.”

Joseph Smith possessed several seer stones, probably a brown stone, a white stone, a green geode, and—probably later—at least one gorget. The brown and white stones were most important and had been buried deep within the earth. The first, apparently the brown stone, guided him to the more potent white stone, which he disinterred while digging a well, possibly combined with, or a front for, a treasure dig. According to Brigham Young’s reminiscence, Smith found the stone “in an Iron kettle 15 feet under ground,” a depth amplified in a later retelling to thirty feet.

Just as treasures were interred, so were the obdurate fragments of earth that provided access to them. From early on Smith situated these special stones within Bible narratives. The Urim and Thummim—oracular jewels in the Israelite priestly breastplate—were the sacred archetype for seer stones. In William Phelps’s phrase, the “Urim and Thummim” were “the spy-glass of a seer.” Phelps exulted that “The Urim and Thummim, Seer stones, Teraphim, and Images, whatever name is given to them; are found in the United States of America.”

Such stones sat beside Moroni’s gold plates in their stone sepulchre in Cumorah. (Early Mormon descriptions favor two stones set in a large figure-of-eight frame like a pair of “spectacles.”) Armed with these stone relics of America’s sacred past, Smith undertook the translation of the gold plates. Throughout his career Smith made clear that seer stones were central to the process of revelation itself. Rereading Revelation 2:17 in 1843, Smith saw the apostle John receiving his great Apocalypse through such stones, just as Smith’s scriptures had come. He preached that such stones were the birthright of the righteous, as “every man who lived on earth [is] entitled to a seer stone, and should have one.”

-- Samuel Morris Brown, In Heaven as It Is on Earth: Joseph Smith and the Early Mormon Conquest of Death

#quotes

[ebexplore]

Get Ready

Would a doctor begin an operation without surgical gear? Would a firefighter run into a burning building without a protective suit? Would a soldier head into a battle without armor?

With the exclusion of extreme situations, of course they wouldn’t.

In fact, not only do they spend years preparing for such moments, but they also learn to protect themselves from harm. If they aren’t prepared, they cannot do their job. 

Writing to the believers in Ephesus from a Roman prison, the apostle Paul said:

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Every day, we face battles that we can’t fully see. And if we’re not prepared, we cannot do our job of loving God and people well. 

God’s armor is readily available, but we must make the intentional decision to dress ourselves for battle. 

And what does that armor consist of? 

- The belt of truth: If we don’t know what’s true, how can we discern a lie? We must look to God’s definition of truth, which is found in Scripture. His truth is unchanging, but also constantly being revealed to us. So look for what you know to be true of God, and then apply it to your life.

- The breastplate of righteousness: The only way for us to be righteous is to be covered in Jesus’ righteousness. We have to daily choose to remember that Jesus alone makes us worthy of God’s unending love. 

- The shoes of peace: Jesus said that He was leaving us with a gift—peace of mind and heart. This peace isn’t something we can get from the world around us. It’s a peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit inside of us. It’s a peace that transcends our circumstances and informs our decisions.

- The shield of faith: Trusting in God’s ways and character helps to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. When attacks like anxiety, disappointment, fear, or depression come whizzing at us—faith helps us stand our ground and press forward. When we cling to faith, we cling to the hope we have in the One who fights with and for us.

- The helmet of salvation: Salvation comes through Christ alone, and nothing can separate us from Him. So when we trust in Christ for salvation, our souls are protected, our eternity is secure, and we can put our hope in the finished work of the cross. 

- The sword of the Spirit: Scripture clearly describes this “sword” as the Word of God, which can be used both defensively and offensively. We “wield” this “sword” by memorizing Scripture and applying its teachings. When we know what God’s Word says, we can confidently deflect the half-truths the devil tries to tell us.

It’s important to remember that while we do have an enemy, it’s not each other. 

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

We need spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle. 

When we intentionally dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be ready for the attacks that will inevitably come our way.

[living-for-jesus-and-telenovelas]

Get Ready

Would a doctor begin an operation without surgical gear? Would a firefighter run into a burning building without a protective suit? Would a soldier head into a battle without armor?

With the exclusion of extreme situations, of course they wouldn’t.

In fact, not only do they spend years preparing for such moments, but they also learn to protect themselves from harm. If they aren’t prepared, they cannot do their job. 

Writing to the believers in Ephesus from a Roman prison, the apostle Paul said:

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Every day, we face battles that we can’t fully see. And if we’re not prepared, we cannot do our job of loving God and people well. 

God’s armor is readily available, but we must make the intentional decision to dress ourselves for battle. 

And what does that armor consist of? 

- The belt of truth: If we don’t know what’s true, how can we discern a lie? We must look to God’s definition of truth, which is found in Scripture. His truth is unchanging, but also constantly being revealed to us. So look for what you know to be true of God, and then apply it to your life.

- The breastplate of righteousness: The only way for us to be righteous is to be covered in Jesus’ righteousness. We have to daily choose to remember that Jesus alone makes us worthy of God’s unending love. 

- The shoes of peace: Jesus said that He was leaving us with a gift—peace of mind and heart. This peace isn’t something we can get from the world around us. It’s a peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit inside of us. It’s a peace that transcends our circumstances and informs our decisions.

- The shield of faith: Trusting in God’s ways and character helps to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. When attacks like anxiety, disappointment, fear, or depression come whizzing at us—faith helps us stand our ground and press forward. When we cling to faith, we cling to the hope we have in the One who fights with and for us.

- The helmet of salvation: Salvation comes through Christ alone, and nothing can separate us from Him. So when we trust in Christ for salvation, our souls are protected, our eternity is secure, and we can put our hope in the finished work of the cross. 

- The sword of the Spirit: Scripture clearly describes this “sword” as the Word of God, which can be used both defensively and offensively. We “wield” this “sword” by memorizing Scripture and applying its teachings. When we know what God’s Word says, we can confidently deflect the half-truths the devil tries to tell us.

It’s important to remember that while we do have an enemy, it’s not each other. 

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

We need spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle. 

When we intentionally dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be ready for the attacks that will inevitably come our way.

#christianity #christian faith #christian things #christian encouragement #Bible verse of the day #daily devotional #guided prayer

[onewaytherightway]

Get Ready Would a doctor begin an operation without surgical gear? Would a firefighter run into a burning building without a protective suit? Would a soldier head into a battle without armor? With the exclusion of extreme situations, of course they wouldn’t. In fact, not only do they spend years preparing for such moments, but they also learn to protect themselves from harm. If they aren’t prepared, they cannot do their job.  Writing to the believers in Ephesus from a Roman prison, the apostle Paul said: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 NLT Every day, we face battles that we can’t fully see. And if we’re not prepared, we cannot do our job of loving God and people well.  God’s armor is readily available, but we must make the intentional decision to dress ourselves for battle.  And what does that armor consist of?  - The belt of truth: If we don’t know what’s true, how can we discern a lie? We must look to God’s definition of truth, which is found in Scripture. His truth is unchanging, but also constantly being revealed to us. So look for what you know to be true of God, and then apply it to your life. - The breastplate of righteousness: The only way for us to be righteous is to be covered in Jesus’ righteousness. We have to daily choose to remember that Jesus alone makes us worthy of God’s unending love.  - The shoes of peace: Jesus said that He was leaving us with a gift—peace of mind and heart. This peace isn’t something we can get from the world around us. It’s a peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit inside of us. It’s a peace that transcends our circumstances and informs our decisions. - The shield of faith: Trusting in God’s ways and character helps to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. When attacks like anxiety, disappointment, fear, or depression come whizzing at us—faith helps us stand our ground and press forward. When we cling to faith, we cling to the hope we have in the One who fights with and for us. - The helmet of salvation: Salvation comes through Christ alone, and nothing can separate us from Him. So when we trust in Christ for salvation, our souls are protected, our eternity is secure, and we can put our hope in the finished work of the cross.  - The sword of the Spirit: Scripture clearly describes this “sword” as the Word of God, which can be used both defensively and offensively. We “wield” this “sword” by memorizing Scripture and applying its teachings. When we know what God’s Word says, we can confidently deflect the half-truths the devil tries to tell us. It’s important to remember that while we do have an enemy, it’s not each other.  “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT We need spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle.  When we intentionally dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be ready for the attacks that will inevitably come our way.