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blkmorticia · 1 year

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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝟐 — 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. AARON TAYLOR JOHNSON X BLACK!READER

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘. In which Aaron finds his obsession for y/n goes deeper than he thought.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓. 16560 (yes. you read that correctly.)

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒. Dark!ATJ + Panty Kink + Mentions Of Infidelity + Age Gap + Smut + Possessive Religious Man!

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒. Thank you for the amazing notes and reblogs from previous chapter. It really means a lot. I want to thank you guys with chapter two so I hope y’all enjoyed this! :3

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑. Any nasty comments will be deleted and blocked! If you are a minor do not interact with this post at all.

“They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.” –Psalm 78:18

“Honey, I'm home!” Sam yells out.

The sound of the garage door opening awakens him from his depressing dilemma.

His brows wrinkle in confusion. He moans distastefully. He forgot his wife had went out and came back with groceries. Aaron stood up— groaning, regretting a knot on his back for staying in a slumped position, fixing his attire to look presentable.

Ten years.

They’ve been married for ten years. Marriage has gotten boring for him. The fire he once had for her has slowly been dying out the moment he laid eyes on y/n. Sam was nothing compared to her. His wife is too controlling. She was docile. His wife talks as if she croaks. She sounds as sweet as honey. Aaron can go on and on for hours how Sam was nothing like Y/N. Nothing like the sort of girl he wanted—no, needed.

He is greeted with his wife frantically putting things away. She doesn't notice his presence.

Aaron clears his throat and she then turns to face him. “Oh, Hi—Aaron, would you mind helping me with groceries? I have to prepare food for Michael's football night.”

Ah.

He had forgotten that tonight was the night he’d see his best friend and you. He goes ahead to help Sam, trying to get rid of his thoughts and ignoring how his cock hardens thinking about you. Michael and him have been friends for a long time when he moved into the neighborhood and their bond has been unbreakable. Church every Sunday, occasional football nights, and helping each other out with anything they need from each other. It was safe to say they had formed a brotherhood with one another.

Y/n was introduced to Aaron after a year she had come back from college. The very first time he met her, he was in awe of her beauty. Oh, so in awe. He was in love with her innocence, how she was so soft, so shy with everyone. He leans over the counter watching his wife washing dishes and a look of disgust comes onto his face. He doesn’t know how he can think like this or how he can get rid of such thoughts. God is punishing me for not being a good husband, he thinks.

“Should i make a rotel dip tonight?”, Sam asks. he doesn't catch what she says, given how much he’s thinking about y/n. He couldn't really care less about the fucking dip. All he wanted was to be in her presence and just to hear her honey-like voice again.

“Huh? Repeat that again?”

His wife turns to face him in annoyance and repeats, “Should I make rotel dip for the game night?”

He shrugs his shoulders in agreement. He barely gives a fuck about what she does. “Sure, it’s perfect for game night. We already have the chips for it.” and with that, he gives her a smile— satisfied with his answer, she goes ahead and starts preparing.

His face falls in exhaustion, dealing with a wife like her. He can’t wait to go over to y/n's house and take his mind off of Sam.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” The sound of laughter and men surrounding each other filled up the living room as their favorite team scored another point.

Aaron was grinning from ear to ear enjoying his time with his friends, however, in the back of his mind— he wanted to know where you were at. You were nowhere to be found and he felt anxious before his inner thoughts were interrupted by the very sound of your laughter, immediately threatening to make him hard.

His sweet girl.

You just arrived home with a friend. He looks unfamiliar. Aaron feels a pang of jealousy go through his heart. That young man had a decent look going on for him but Aaron knows in his heart that God blessed him with looks as well— enough for the church members to throw themselves at him—as well, yes. He knew.

The sounds around him were deafening, clenching his beer as he drank, eyeing you carefully so nobody catches him in his odd perversion. His eyes pan to his wife chatting with other people, looking at her lips and all he can think about is the croaking sounds he hopes she’d make. Crudely snickering, he excuses himself to the kitchen to get another beer.

He crouches down to open the cooler, halfway through, you walk into the kitchen. He immediately recognizes the perfume you always use. It's enough to catch his attention. He turned his head— and only his head— to see you leaning back on the wall looking at your friend with a bored look evident on your face. Aaron understands. He would rather go somewhere fun too. Somewhere forbidden. Grabbing his beer, he pops the cap open to drink, and does so quite noticeably. Your eyes fall on Aaron. You brighten up, pushing yourself from the wall and throw your arms around him for a hug.

“Mr. Johnson!”

He's taken aback by the hug. Surprised, even. His body almost jerks from the impact but he's able to relax himself. He knows he can sense his heart beating fast anxiously. He lets go (almost reluctantly), and puts a hand on your shoulders to look at you. He doesn’t want you to feel his heartbeat, thumping and getting faster as if threatening to jump out. “Y/N! Why are you guys sulking and pouting by yourself?” You jut your lips out to a pout and your friend rolls his eyes at your dramatic behavior. “it’s reallllly boring.” Aaron chuckles in response at how you dragged the word ‘really’.

“Er- are you going to introduce me to your friend or they’re better off as being mysterious?”, He teases. He loves making you laugh to make things less awkward. The mysterious guy in question looks around, sheepishly embarrassed that he is noticed by the older man.

“Oh! Mr. Johnson, this is my best friend, Fabien, and Fabien— this is my dad’s best friend, Mr. Johnson!". Both of the men shake hands. Fabien shakes Aaron's hand politely but furrows his brows, nervous that the older man returns a tighter, firm one instead.

“Nice to meet you, son. it’s not everyday I meet y/n’s friends", Aaron says, enjoying seeing the nervous look on that man’s face. That's right. He should be nervous. He’s been watching her for so long— she rarely brings friends over. This was both a foreign feeling and a motivating one. He had felt jealousy before, when knowing he couldn't have her— but motivation to have her? It was new. It was exhilarating. God would forgive him for stalking but he’d like to assure himself now that he was doing it out of good intentions.

“Y-Yeah, we were studying at the library and she invited me for free food. Can't say no to that!” He stammers, voice cracking. You roll your eyes, embarrassed.

“Well, welcome to the Y/L/N house. Make yourself at home and help yourself with the food. My wife makes good chips and dip.”

Aaron doesn't notice the mention of his wife’s name made your smile fall. He pats the young man on the back and kisses you on the forehead. Your spine tingles— shamefully. “I’ll let you kiddos go. I'm going to excuse myself to the restroom," He lies behind a smile.

Once excusing himself, he looks around to make sure nobody isn’t following behind him before heading upstairs. He checks the hallways to make sure no guests were wandering about, a bit nervous.

You see, Aaron lied.

He wasn’t really planning on using the bathroom. What he really wanted to do was go to your bedroom. He discretely turns the bathroom lights on and locks the door to make it seem it was occupied. A smart man— when desperate, it seemed. He knows what her door looks like, as how he always made sure to walk past it every time he visited. He stood in front of the door that was covered with a plethora of stickers and smiles rather fondly. Stroking the stickers, he admires Y/N's admiration for the softer, feminine things. He once again looks around before entering the room, steps heavy yet his heart pumping with shameless excitement.

Aaron is welcomed by the soft pink color theme of the room, posters upon posters on the wall of bands and pictures of her family. He allows himself to take a whiff of the sweet smell of lavender and vanilla spice that fills the air, each recognizable aroma reminding him of Y/N. He knows his cock shamelessly hardens. This is the first time he had stepped a foot in her room, but perhaps the hundredth time he's thought about it. It's much more different than when he watches her get undressed from his office. He gently strokes Y/N's pink filly sheets and her white teddy bear that he had always seen her dance with in her room. He shook his head, trying to get his plan into action. He wants her panties and he will politely borrow them for his own pleasure. Aaron is sure you won't even notice them go missing.

He pulls each drawer down to find the panties he’s been craving for and after what seems to be a while, he finds his favorite pair. The same ones he had only gotten a glance of earlier that day back in the shrouded shadows of his office. He takes a whiff, moaning to himself almost painfully. it— no, she has that lovely smell that he had always imagined. Always desired, craved. He couldn’t help himself but took a pair— or two. You wouldn’t notice. You love buying clothes. He buries y/n in his back pocket and pats on it, happy that he got his own gift. He was almost like a mesmerized child, his mind of delusions acting as his toy.

He carefully places everything back to the way it was and tidies everything to make it seem nobody else was in her room. Untouched and pure— like Y/N. He heads out of her room, making sure not to forget about the bathroom then makes his way back down. He resumes his unsuspected position back into the party, laughing with his wife and enjoying company— a devilish smile growing as something further down grows as well. Nobody in this room suspects that he has Michael's dear daughter's underwear in his pocket and oh— doesn't it feel so wrong yet so good?

If he can’t have her, he will have a part of her for himself to keep.

Aaron’s mouth curls into a familiar devilish grin. He slides his hands down to his wife’s lower back, stroking her spine, and leans closer to his wife’s ear, “Let’s go home.” his voice makes Sam visibly shudder. Her face flushes, agreeing that it is almost late and they must go home.

The ride home was silent yet loud with sexual tension. No words were spoken.

Neither of them makes the first move.

Aaron follows Sam to the kitchen and eyes her body up and down. He leans his body over the counter and sees her squeezing her thighs to hide her arousal, trying to act normal while she cleans the dishes. His nose crinkles with disgust. He needs to get this over with— he certainly isn’t attracted to her but he still has to do his husbandly duties.

He can sense her anxiety spiraling into her body. Aaron makes his way to her and wraps his arms around her waist, nuzzling against Sam's neck.

“I-I have to clean the dishes,” She stammers, and he resists the urge to roll his eyes.

“And? We can do it here just fine," He replies bluntly. He places a soft lick to her neck, and the blonde parts her lips to let out a soft moan, tilting her head back in pleasure. It's her sensitive spot and he knows. He slides the hems of Sam's nightgown downwards, stroking her hips before pulling her panties down to her knees in a swift motion.

Sam spins around to face him and her hands travel to Aaron's buttons, attempting to unbutton them but Aaron's grabs hold on her hands to stop her.

“Don’t," He interjects, eyes locked onto hers.

"Turn."

Aaron knew it wasn’t really about her. He just wanted it quick and done. He pivots her body, facing her towards the kitchen island. There's hunger overtaking his mind. He knows he isn’t hard because of his wife. He's hard because of you. Your panties are still hidden in his back pocket. He knows this might be the only way he can be this close to you. The brunet roughly bends Sam over the kitchen island, tracing her lips and parting it, quickly feeling her getting slick onto his fingers. It was overwhelming for her, he knew, his fingers are a gift from God. She grips the edge of the island to keep her knees from buckling. Despite hating her, Aaron loves that he had that effect on women, even ones as bothersome as Sam. A simple rub or touch would make them fall into the palm of his hands and he thinks about this as he slowly opens her up with his finger and feels slick coating him more and more before opening her with a second finger.

His breathing starts to get unstable when he realizes It's time to actually fuck her. His mind shifts to the panties as motivation— and there. In front of him isn’t his wife but you. God, he imagines— knows you would look so pretty under him. He runs his hands down the back of the dress to let it fall and leans over to kiss Sam's back but instead imagining it's yours he's kissing. He unbuckles his pants along with his boxers and lines his hardened cock up, sliding in so slowly that it has him groaning at just the tightness alone.

He can't help but close his eyes and vividly imagine you under him, whimpering at his touch and how tight, how warm you would feel around him. The feeling is practically unbearable and the desperation to fuck you both nice and deep turns insatiable. He wants to be your first everything. He wants to be the first to take your innocence. To handle your purity like how God handles his. "You" were so desperate and "your" moans and cries falling from “your lips” were everything he dreamt about.

“F-Fuck Aaron! Give me more!”

He refuses to listen to his wife and his motions— slow and steady yet his imagination is unmoved. His thrusts continue to be rhythmic, his hands making his way to his back pocket to take Y/N's panties out for a sudden sniff.

The smell was intoxicating. It was everything. His thrusts were in control. He knows his wife is growing impatient and desperate with how he loves to fuck her painfully slow but she doesn’t know he want to savor the taste of his little sunshine’s panties. Beneath him, begging him to fuck her—you— harder. Aaron growls, saying that she is ruining the experience for him. Sam is unaware that this so-called 'experience' was a euphemism for this delusional vision of you under him. She tries to change positions but his hands tangle themselves into her golden locks, grabbing rough handfuls and dragging Sam back down to keep her face down on the table to avoid her seeing sniffing his little gift.

“Don’t fuckin’ move," he growls. “You feel so fucking good like this.” His praises were enough to make her overwhelmingly wet and he sighs, thanking God that she didn’t see him sniffing another woman’s panties. He changes up the pace of his thrusts, making her moan his name out loud, with Sam gripping the table to support herself because— fuck, he never fucks her like this with so much precision and passion.

He inhales the intoxicating panties yet again, already addicted and they give him the newfound power and crazed animalistic purpose to keep thrusting. He needs to see you underneath whimpering his name, wishing to hear you whimper 'Daddy'. He fucks Sam with such brutal, quickening pace and perhaps bruises her hips with the tight grip he has on her with his whitening hands. Her legs begin quivering under Aaron. He chuckles breathily, enjoying the power he has over her—over "you".

Sam is so close to her orgasm and so was Aaron. He continues to bruise her sweet spot over and over until her entire body shakes from cumming loudly onto his dick. and yet, he doesn’t stop. Aaron fucks her with an animalistic sort of pacing, thrusting into her ruthlessly, and the smell getting stronger and stronger as he rolls his eyes back—feeling himself getting near. He doesn’t want to cum inside of her— she doesn’t deserve that. He wants to reserve that cum for you. Like he said, he wants to be your first.

Oh god he’s so close, he’s so close! His thrusts begin to weaken down before he pulls out and spurts cum all over Sam's dress and the ceramic tile floor, flashes of your face running through his mind. His back hits the counter, his breathing and the sound of his heart beating loudly in his ear. The darker-haired male returns back to reality after a while and all that fills the room is their synchronized breathing and shared silence. It was good— they both knew. But Aaron was aware it wasn't Sam that made this session good.

He crumbles up your panties tightly in his hands to keep it hidden and stumbles away from his wife

who is still bend over catching her breath from the unusual— yet passionate fuck she received from her husband. Aaron’s heart pounds as he realizes the inevitable and his obsession rings loudly in his ears.

He has to fuck her. This cannot go on forever. Fucking hell— God is going to have to get used to this because he will take her.

#aaron taylor johnson x reader #tangerine x y/n #The Holiest Of Sins #black reader #bullet train #tangerine

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bowandbrush · 7 months

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I had to get it out of my system ok

also I’m currently out of town so I can’t to digital art 🤧 sorry about the laziness and photography and bad handwriting lol

The Bible gives HOPE, a ninja’s greatest weapon

also I have a little headcanon that Future Leo would read Bible stories like David and Goliath, etc. to young Casey Jr.

Those who can’t read chickenscratch the Bible verse is Psalms 23:18

#Christian art #Rottmnt #Save rottmnt #rottmnt comic #Christian rottmnt because I can #Sorry about the camera quality lol #Rottmnt sketch

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yieldfruit · 3 months

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If I could tell him one thing: evaluate and pray. Please, consider your steps because they have an eternal ramification. Pay attention, listen. Seek the Lord, don't deny His Word on the matters. There is a reason you are concerned and you are right to be so: But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14.

Please stop, consider, pray, seek the Word, seek a mature grounded elder in Christ (who counsels based on biblical clear Truth alone), and consider very well your steps. I beg of you: turn. If I could grab him by the ankles and plead for his very soul I would, I cannot, so I pray and weep for his soul. I feel it as if it were my own: the care, the concern. I pray the Holy Spirit does the work. I beg of God and it is an honor to do so:

"Yet, LORD my God, give attention to Your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying in your presence." 2 Chronicles 6:19; "He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea." Psalm 102:17; "A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips." Psalm 17:1; "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary." For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, "Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!"' And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?'" Luke 18:1-8.

To come before His throne room and beg, because He is a gracious King and hears His children's prayers. He is my only Hope for him.

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theriu · 1 year

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In case anyone needs to hear this tonight:

Please don’t hate your body. You are more than your body, but your body is important. It may get confused or scared or send wrong signals, it may be afflicted by incorrect processes, it may be damaged, but it is YOURS. It may not fit some ideal the world has tried to fit all bodies into, but it is YOURS. It was entrusted to you. It is precious. No matter how broken or confused parts of it may be at times, it is yours. It is precious. You are precious.

Your mind is connected to your body. How we think can indeed affect our bodies. I don’t mean that believing something a certain way will MAKE it happen, but science has proved again and again that we can retrain our thoughts to be better (even if they arent perfect); we can learn optimism and empathy even though we struggle with them; we can deny sensations and urges we know are wrong or harmful. We can care for our bodies, for ourselves, without hating our bodies or ourselves.

Your body is not against you. It is your cradle, your vessel. It doesn’t know anything expect “protect the body and the person in the body,” and sometimes it needs help because it doesn’t realize its attempts to protect you are broken, are hurting you. The corruption of this world can damage the body, but it’s still TRYING. Sometimes it tries so hard that it hurts more. Sometimes it’s a small child that needs you to lovingly hug it and tell it you’re okay, everything will be okay.

Please love your body. Please put away the sharp blades, the harmful drugs, the surgeries that remove healthy parts because the body or mind is confused and thinks it shouldn’t have them. It’s okay to need help, whether from doctors or counselors or pastors. The pain or depression or anxiety or disability or whatever you’re dealing with is hard, it’s so hard, it’s okay that you struggle with it! But please don’t give up on your body. Sometimes things pass, and sometimes God leads us to new ways of living that turn even the worst problems into sources of light.

Please, don’t hurt your body. Please, don’t abandon your body. We need you here. It’s not your time yet. And if you have hurt your body, I promise, I promise: There is still hope. The Healer can make beautiful things out of dust and ashes. It’s not too late. It’s never too late while you still have breath in your lungs.

The Lord God made you. He loves you. He has not abandoned you. He knows every ache and pain and fear. He offers HIS strength to get you through this hard time. He doesn’t condemn you for finding it hard. He understands it may take you time to fully trust Him. He isn’t going anywhere. He isn’t giving up on you. Please don’t give up on yourself.

You are so, so very loved. Please, know that it is okay to love yourself, too.

———

“Just as a father loves his children, so the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. For He knows our [mortal] frame; He remembers that we are [merely] dust.”

— Psalm 103:13-14 (AMP)

“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being formed in secret, and intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”

—Psalm 139:13-18 (AMP)

#love #body positivity #prayers #bible verses #God #Jesus #you are loved

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vincentsims333 · 2 months

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Immerse yourself in a journey through the inspiring pages of the Bible, where you'll discover a treasure trove of hope and comfort for the weary soul. In its ancient, yet timeless verses, the Bible speaks directly to the heart, offering a compassionate embrace to those weighed down by depression.

Imagine the soothing words of Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit", washing over you like a gentle wave, reminding you that you are not alone in your struggles. Envision the powerful reassurance of Deuteronomy 31:8, where it is written, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

The Bible is not silent on matters of the heart; it echoes with empathy, providing solace to the troubled mind. In the midst of despair, the luminous words of Matthew 11:28 call out, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This promise beckons you towards a sanctuary of peace, offering a divine hand to lift you from the depths of sorrow.

As you delve deeper into the sacred Scriptures, let the wisdom of Proverbs 12:25, "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up," remind you of the power of compassionate fellowship. And in the raw honesty of the Psalms, find a voice for your own pain and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, guided by divine love.

Embrace the Bible's teachings as a shining beacon that illuminates the path through darkness, a path that leads to renewed strength and inner tranquility. Rise, emboldened by the knowledge that within these pages, there is a promise for a brighter day ahead. Look upwards, hold fast to your faith, and let the eternal wisdom guide you towards healing and wholeness. You are a cherished child of the universe, and your journey through the valleys is a testament to the unyielding human spirit, ever-reaching toward the light.

#bible study #bible scripture #psalms #jesus christ #jesus #god

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jesus-is-lord-and-savior · 1 month

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1 Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.

2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!

9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man;

14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,

15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.

16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

(Psalms 33, ESV)

#Psalms 33 #Bible #Bible verse

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officialyourdailyinspiration · 1 month

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A Father's Discipline

1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scorner does not hear rebuke.

2 A man shall eat good from the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the transgressor shall eat violence.

3 He who keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens his lips wide shall have destruction.

4 The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be abundantly gratified.

5 The righteous hates lying, but the wicked one is loathsome and comes to shame.

6 Righteousness guards the one who is upright in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

7 There are those who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; and those who pretend to be poor, yet have great riches.

8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke.

9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride comes contention, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he who gathers by labor shall increase.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire is fulfilled it is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the Word shall be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding gives favor, but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him who refuses instruction, but he who regards correction shall be honored.

19 The desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to turn from evil.

20 He who walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.

23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor, but there is that which is destroyed for lack of judgment.

24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked suffers want. — Proverbs 13 | A Faithful Version (AFV) Holy Bible, A Faithful Version © 2020 A Faithful Version. All Rights Reserved. Cross References: Exodus 9:20; Judges 19:30; 2 Chronicles 10:8; Ezra 9:12; Job 18:5; Psalm 18:5; Psalm 111:10; Psalm 119:1; Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 9:7-8; Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 14:24; Proverbs 21:6; Proverbs 23:13-14; Proverbs 25:13; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Isaiah 47:11; Luke 12:20-21; Luke 15:14; Colossians 3:9; James 3:2; Revelation 2:7

#wisdom #righteousness #son #inheritance #scoffers #foolishness #sin #shame #unrighteousness #Proverbs 13 #Book of Proverbs #Old Testament #AFV #A Faithful Version Bible

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alwaysrememberjesus · 6 months

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Glory Around The Corner

At the beginning of Luke 1:18, Zechariah’s response was doubt and fear, and as a consequence, the angel Gabriel made him mute until the baby’s arrival. When Elizabeth finally became pregnant a few verses later, this was her response: “‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.’” (Luke 1:25) Some translations say “How kind the Lord is!”

Culturally, at this time, being barren was seen as a disgrace. You can imagine that Elizabeth felt shame up to this point for not being able to conceive. So when she and Zechariah were used in such a mighty way - in God’s divine plan to redeem His people to Himself, through Jesus - she recognized what the Lord had done for her and her family. It truly was God’s kindness! This response brings Psalm 126:3 to mind: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

It can often be easy for some to give themselves credit when circumstances are good, but to blame God when things are bad. In this story, we actually see people who are righteous in God’s eyes, yet there is something they lack because it was not yet God’s timing for them. The truth of the gospel is that God is always at work, even when we don’t see it or feel it. He won’t be hurried to accomplish His purposes in our lives, and that’s great news.

In 1 Peter 4:12-13, The Message paraphrases it like this: “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” What a wonderful notion, “with glory just around the corner.”

In this Advent season, may you always live with the hope of glory just around the corner. Whether it be an answer to prayer, a seemingly bad circumstance redeemed, or a lost friend returning to the Lord. As believers, we should constantly strive to live with this hope in our hearts, that glory is always just around the corner as we wait for Christ’s return.

What spiritual refining needs to happen for you in this season? Maybe it’s a step of repentance in your prayer time, a moment of surrender in worship, or you need to ask a friend or pastor to pray for you. Whatever it may be, do what you must for the Lord to have full access to you and your heart in this season. Rest in the truth that God is always at work for your good, and His glory!

#devotional #god #jesus #christ #holy spirit #bible #scripture #christianity #faith #hope #love #Grace #mercy #advent #daily devotional #daily devotion

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theprayerfulword · 5 days

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May 29

Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"

Isaiah 41:13 For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Acts 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

John 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'

May you know that you have an Advocate with the Father, pleading your case, as the Comforter is working in your heart to bring conviction which leads to repentance, which brings hope and restoration. 2 Samuel 14

May you prefer the wisdom of God's righteousness and the reverent obedience of humility which brings beauty in God's sight to your soul, rather than the outward beauty which, for a time, may cover the deformity of a person's prideful and arrogant heart. 2 Samuel 14

May you have the grace from God to discern the insolence behind the words which come from an unrepentant heart, though couched in subservient terms, lest the bitterness it contains come to fruition with great sorrow and pain. 2 Samuel 14

May you trust in God's provision and patiently wait on God's timing to bring to you the things you need for the tasks He assigns, knowing that He will prepare your heart and make you ready, for He will not be so unloving as to give you authority or power before you are matured enough to act responsibly with it. 2 Samuel 15

May you wear the world loosely, not grasping or defending what you have in your hand, clinging only to God in all circumstances, desiring simply that others not suffer when disputes arise, preferring rather to suffer loss and indignities for a time than to bring reproach to the name of the Lord. 2 Samuel 15, 1 Corinthians 6

May you have the same mind in you as did Jesus, Who withdrew when worldly authority would have been thrust upon Him, but stepped forward when His Father's work was at hand, though it meant suffering, which He endured for the joy of the fellowship which would be attained. John 18

May you have, when needed, the Spirit in abundance so that when others do you injury unjustly, you do not respond with passionate resentment, but reason with them redemptively. John 18

I do not allow the proud or arrogant will to stand before Me, My chosen one, for that is rebellion against Me and rejection of the sovereignty of My Son. He, alone, is the One whom I have set over all kings and kingdoms, and given authority over all powers and principalities. For that cause did I cast down the portion of My angelic creation who adhered to and agreed with the aspirations of Lucifer. Though he sang My praise, he desired My place, and the impurity in his heart became evil in his thoughts and rebellion in his hands. My Son lived as a man to bring redemption to men, and those who come to Me through His blood are purged and cleansed, threshed and winnowed, so that no arrogance, no pride, no self-sufficiency will remain. Look to your heart and mind, humbling yourself lest any seed remain to take root and grow, causing harm and loss of the prize that you strive for. It is My mercy and compassion, expressed through My Son, that cleanses the temple before righteous judgment can bring My wrath. Follow My Spirit Who will lead you in the way you must go, for He knows My mind and His leading is true and sure.

May you love God's law and meditate on it all day long, for His commands make you wiser than your enemies, give you more insight than all your teachers, and grant you more understanding than the elders since you keep His promises ever with you, meditate day and night on His ways, and ever obey His precepts. Psalm 119

May you keep your feet from every evil path so that you might obey His word and not depart from His laws, for the Lord Himself has taught you. Psalm 119

May God's word be a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. Psalm 119

May you not stray from God's precepts nor forget His law, though you constantly face attack from the wicked who set a snare for you, for the Lord will preserve your life, just as He has promised, as He accepts the willing praise from your mouth in the midst of your fight. Psalm 119

May your heart be set on keeping God's statutes to the very end for they are your heritage forever and the source of joy to your heart. Psalm 119

May you walk in righteousness and godliness, though you have few possessions and little gain, rather than dishonesty and injustice, though it brings abundant income and much property. Proverbs 16:8

May what you have come to you in righteousness, be held in righteous claim, be used in a righteous manner, be invested in righteous purposes, and attended with a life of righteousness and holiness of Christ. Proverbs 16:8

May your preparation and planning of your journey and purpose give room for God to direct your steps on the way to your destination. Proverbs 16:9

#daily #blessings #prayers #scripture

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thewordfortheday · 1 year

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"The Lord is near to all who call on Him..." - Psalm 145:18

What do you do when God seems so far away? In moments like these, when my feelings and emotions say things contrary to the word of God, I simply recollect and recall all the wonderful things the Lord has done for me. That's what the Psalmist did.

But then I recall all You have done, O Lord; I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago. Psalms 77:11 And in Psalm 9:1-2, He says, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."

In verse 18 he says, "For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever."

He knows for a fact that his God would never forget him. Do you have that assurance today that though Jesus seems far away, He's closer to you than your very breath?

#bible verse #daily devotional #christian quotes #bible quotes #inspiration #daily devotion #christian quote #christian life #scripture #bible #sad #hopeless

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psalmonesermons · 7 months

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Finding the will of God for your life Part 8/8

How can circumstances inform the will of God?

Circumstances

Circumstances and events will sometimes indicate God's direction for us. Paul wrote about such a circumstance in his life in 2 Corinthians 2:12, "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord."

Sometimes God opens the opportunity for making something possible, but at other times the door is firmly closed to us. Finances, family, church, travel regulations, health, world events can all be factors that facilitate or hinder the choices that we make. God wants us to be aware of our surroundings and circumstances. The are not the primary means of God talking to us, but they are however, crucial factors as we weigh up all the information.

Phil. 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

1 Thes. 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Common Sense

God has made us rational creatures (Gen 2:19-20). He has given us the ability to think, communicate, teach, and invent. We are intellectual beings with rational thought. This intellectual consciousness is what makes us unique. A number Christians believe that they have to stop thinking for themselves and let ‘God do their thinking for them’. God wants us to be down-to-earth common-sense people. Sadly common sense is not that common!

Prov. 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom,

and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Prov. 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.

he who cherishes understanding prospers.

Does the proposed course of action glorify God?

We are God’s ambassadors, and our lives should be a living representation of his nature and character. All too often people convince themselves that what they are doing is in the will of God. Most often than not in these situations God is not being glorified, they individuals are merely doing what makes them happy or brings attention to them.

1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Processing God’s Will

God often reveals his will to us in two or three stages. Initially we may get a ‘sense of direction’ in our spirits. The next thing that we should do is to be praying over that matter to see of we ‘sense anything different’ (Luke 11:9-10 Ask, Seek and Knock). Often his word will bring further confirmation; perhaps a verse will standout and really grab our attention (Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet). Our friends and Christian leaders can be praying with us and advising us in the way we should be going.

This kind of ‘searching’ is often much more beneficial to those who are really serious about ‘seeking God’s will’, it’s deliberate, well thought through and immersed in prayer and bible study. The alternative to this is a ‘quick flash in the pan’ idea that people rush into without thinking through the consequences of their actions.

When God Doesn’t Speak?

God does not always speak to us in a direct manner. Christians often feel that they must be doing something wrong, because God is speaking to everybody else apart from them.

God primarily wants us to live a life of faith. It is a quiet confidence that God is wholly and completely in charge – He is sovereign.

Hab. 3:17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

If we had all the answers and knew God’s will with pin-point accuracy then there would be no place for faith, because faith is being certain of what we do not see…

Heb. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Seeking is as important as finding God! Through the process of seeking, we are learning to wait upon him, to depend entirely on him and to trust in him.

The most crucial factor in this process of waiting is that we learn to live a life that pleases God (Eph 5:10).

Heb. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

It help to remember that is God is always speaking to us through his creation, his word, and his Son. This may not always mean a specific word, but his always trying to communicate his wonder and his love to us.

People often wonder what they should while they are waiting for a specific word of instruction from the lord.

- Be faithful.

- Be patient.

- Be holy.

- Be joyful.

- Be consistent.

- Be available.

Amen

Prayer

This series of teachings was originally delivered as part of a 'Digging deeper' course by Pastor Paul Meiklejohn assisted by Charles Green. Any modifications to the original text were performed by the latter.

#christianity #bible study #bibletruth #blog post #blessings #psalmonesermons #faith #victory #psalm 91 #devotional #circumstances and events #finding gods will #give thanks

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ongolecharles · 6 days

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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Wed May 29th, 2024 ... Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

_________

1 Pt 1:18-25

Beloved:

Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,

handed on by your ancestors,

not with perishable things like silver or gold

but with the precious Blood of Christ

as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.

He was known before the foundation of the world

but revealed in the final time for you,

who through him believe in God

who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,

so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves

by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love,

love one another intensely from a pure heart.

You have been born anew,

not from perishable but from imperishable seed,

through the living and abiding word of God, for:

"All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like the flower of the field;

the grass withers,

and the flower wilts;

but the word of the Lord remains forever."

This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

Responsorial Psalm

______________

Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;

praise your God, O Zion.

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;

he has blessed your children within you.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or:

R. Alleluia.

He has granted peace in your borders;

with the best of wheat he fills you.

He sends forth his command to the earth;

swiftly runs his word!

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or:

R. Alleluia.

He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,

his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.

He has not done thus for any other nation;

his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia

_______

Mk 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

________

Mk 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,

and Jesus went ahead of them.

They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.

Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them

what was going to happen to him.

"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man

will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,

and they will condemn him to death

and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,

spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,

but after three days he will rise."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,

came to Jesus and said to him,

"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."

He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?"

They answered him,

"Grant that in your glory

we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."

Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.

Can you drink the chalice that I drink

or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"

They said to him, "We can."

Jesus said to them, "The chalice that I drink, you will drink,

and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;

but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give

but is for those for whom it has been prepared."

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.

Jesus summoned them and said to them,

"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles

lord it over them,

and their great ones make their authority over them felt.

But it shall not be so among you.

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;

whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.

For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many."

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

In today’s gospel Jesus provides a clear message to his Apostles on what will be happening to him but they struggle with understanding Jesus’s message. In fact, James and John in ways that are so characteristic of our human imperfection ask to have a place of honor at Jesus side; he tells them Mark 10: 40 …but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared”…with that the Apostles become indignant….but Jesus reminds them….Mark 10: 43….whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; Mark 10: 44 …whoever wishes to be first among you will be the servant of all; Mark 10: 45….for the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…..

In Jesus’s message to his Apostles, he is loving, patient, kind and so understanding. He understands how our ego can get in the way of everything. Work-sports-family-service-religion-spirituality. I can see my ego in play everywhere. Do I do enough? Do I need to do more? What will my family/friend/co-workers think? What will my legacy be? However, Jesus message remains simple....Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest….

Jesus repeats this message of service throughout the Gospels.

In the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 20: 26-28

It shall not be so among you. But whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

In the Gospel of John

John 13:15

After washing His disciples' feet — an act of love, humility, and service — He encourages us to follow His lead and serve one another. "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

These Gospel readings provide an opportunity to reflect on the meanings of "faithful service". A devoted and helpful follower; to be humble before God; to be ready to act when God nudges or provides inspiration; to help meet the needs of others; to remember it is not about money or rewards or ego; to generously offer skills and strengths to those who need help without exception and without prejudices. These meanings evoke many memories of kind and selfless acts of service I have observed for the past days, weeks and months.

Memories:

A young man after working all day goes to his fiancée's grandfathers' community and tills and plants a garden for those who live there so they can have fresh vegetables;

A mom who just found out her 6 week old fetus has no heartbeat and reaches out to family who send their love and support;

A 95 year old Father who lives independently calls his 69 year daughter 3 x a day to make sure she is ok while she is sick with bronchitis;

A friend organizes a meal train for a dear friend whose life partner of 30 plus years passed into eternity;

A aunt organizes a trip for her sister, niece and nephews. The first one in over 4 years. One they would never be able to afford;

A woman provides daily communion to a lifelong colleague in her transition from life to eternity;

A friend reaches out to a circle of 30 plus year work friends to share her grief of her husband’s diagnosis. They respond with love and kindness.

Two sisters reach out to a distant brother to keep him close as he journeys through his stage 4 melanoma diagnosis.

Let's pray ...

Jesus serves and Christ followers serve with love and devotion everyday…our lives are all touched. Let's recognize these gifts; let us thank Jesus for the message that continues to light our hearts on fire. We are servants, we are to love one another, we are to be kind to one another, do this in the name of Jesus.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat

(December 12, 1779 – May 25, 1865)

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s Story

The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her Society of the Sacred Heart, institutions known for the quality of the education made available to the young.

Sophie herself received an extensive education, thanks to her brother Louis, 11 years older and her godfather at baptism. Himself a seminarian, Louis decided that his younger sister would likewise learn Latin, Greek, history, physics and mathematics—always without interruption and with a minimum of companionship. By age 15, she had received a thorough exposure to the Bible, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and theology. Despite the oppressive regime Louis imposed, young Sophie thrived and developed a genuine love of learning.

Meanwhile, this was the time of the French Revolution and of the suppression of Christian schools. The education of the young, particularly young girls, was in a troubled state. Sophie, who had discerned a call to the religious life, was persuaded to become a teacher. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, which focused on schools for the poor as well as boarding schools for young women of means. Today, co-ed Sacred Heart schools also can be found, along with schools exclusively for boys.

In 1826, her Society of the Sacred Heart received formal papal approval. By then she had served as superior at a number of convents. In 1865, she was stricken with paralysis; she died that year on the feast of the Ascension.

Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized in 1925. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on May 25.

Reflection

__________

Madeleine Sophie Barat lived in turbulent times. She was only 10 when the Reign of Terror began. In the wake of the French Revolution, rich and poor both suffered before some semblance of normality returned to France. Born to some degree of privilege, Sophie received a good education. It grieved her that the same opportunity was being denied to other young girls, and she devoted herself to educating them, whether poor or well-to-do. We who live in an affluent country can follow her example by helping to ensure to others the blessings we have enjoyed.

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat is a Patron Saint of:

Educators/Teachers

***

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yieldfruit · 11 months

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I want to be found faithful and I want to remain hopeful.

With things happening in the world increasing at such a rate that Christians talk about so much–and I understand this–I want to focus on the Lord, His Word, his control and sovereignty over it all. It's not up to me to fix it. I want to be found faithful and speaking the truth in love, but I cannot be weighed down by the difficulty around us. I want to keep my eyes fixed on Him. I choose to look at the Truth (Scripture) and not the stats and the depressing, weary things. Not to be ignorant, but to be able to pull from a resource that is greater than what we see around us. I don't have all the answers, but may I share Scripture? His Word doesn't return void.

He knows our frame is but dust ("For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." Psalm 103:14). God's grace will see us through, beloved. We don't have to be enough, we just need to show up today and be found faithful. "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke 18:8b.

To remain hopeful. To show up and be found faithful with what he has given today. Give us eyes to see, Lord. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation.

#personal

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 13 days

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26th May >> Mass Readings (USA)

Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Deuteronomy 4:32–34, 39–40 The Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below and there is no other.

Moses said to the people: “Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. You must keep his statutes and commandments that I enjoin on you today, that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:4–5, 6, 9, 18–19, 20, 22