POPULARITY
The Old Growth Wood beckons. Xainan chases after Mourn. Seir tries to apologize. Lumièra reads Part Four. And Sing follows her destiny. Content warnings: fantasy violence, body horror, death of loved ones, megalophobia, romance, complex and complicated relationships, ghosts, and choking and asphyxiation. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Sea Thomas. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Morning: Isaiah 19–21 Isaiah 19–21 (Listen) An Oracle Concerning Egypt 19 An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.2 And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom;3 and the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound1 their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers;4 and I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of hosts. 5 And the waters of the sea will be dried up, and the river will be dry and parched,6 and its canals will become foul, and the branches of Egypt's Nile will diminish and dry up, reeds and rushes will rot away.7 There will be bare places by the Nile, on the brink of the Nile, and all that is sown by the Nile will be parched, will be driven away, and will be no more.8 The fishermen will mourn and lament, all who cast a hook in the Nile; and they will languish who spread nets on the water.9 The workers in combed flax will be in despair, and the weavers of white cotton.10 Those who are the pillars of the land will be crushed, and all who work for pay will be grieved. 11 The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the wisest counselors of Pharaoh give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?12 Where then are your wise men? Let them tell you that they might know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt.13 The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are the cornerstones of her tribes have made Egypt stagger.14 The LORD has mingled within her a spirit of confusion, and they will make Egypt stagger in all its deeds, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit.15 And there will be nothing for Egypt that head or tail, palm branch or reed, may do. Egypt, Assyria, Israel Blessed 16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women, and tremble with fear before the hand that the LORD of hosts shakes over them. 17 And the land of Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians. Everyone to whom it is mentioned will fear because of the purpose that the LORD of hosts has purposed against them. 18 In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction.2 19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. 20 It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. 21 And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them. 22 And the LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the LORD, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, 25 whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” A Sign Against Egypt and Cush 20 In the year that the commander in chief, who was sent by Sargon the king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and fought against it and captured it—2 at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. 3 Then the LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush,3 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptian captives and the Cushite exiles, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot, with buttocks uncovered, the nakedness of Egypt. 5 Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast. 6 And the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?'” Fallen, Fallen Is Babylon 21 The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the Negeb sweep on, it comes from the wilderness, from a terrible land.2 A stern vision is told to me; the traitor betrays, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, O Elam; lay siege, O Media; all the sighing she has caused I bring to an end.3 Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see.4 My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling.5 They prepare the table, they spread the rugs,4 they eat, they drink. Arise, O princes; oil the shield!6 For thus the Lord said to me: “Go, set a watchman; let him announce what he sees.7 When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, let him listen diligently, very diligently.”8 Then he who saw cried out:5 “Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord, continually by day, and at my post I am stationed whole nights.9 And behold, here come riders, horsemen in pairs!” And he answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved images of her gods he has shattered to the ground.”10 O my threshed and winnowed one, what I have heard from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, I announce to you. 11 The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?”12 The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again.” 13 The oracle concerning Arabia. In the thickets in Arabia you will lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.14 To the thirsty bring water; meet the fugitive with bread, O inhabitants of the land of Tema.15 For they have fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the press of battle. 16 For thus the Lord said to me, “Within a year, according to the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. 17 And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.” Footnotes [1] 19:3 Or I will swallow up [2] 19:18 Dead Sea Scroll and some other manuscripts City of the Sun [3] 20:3 Probably Nubia [4] 21:5 Or they set the watchman [5] 21:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Syriac; Masoretic Text Then a lion cried out, or Then he cried out like a lion (ESV) Evening: Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2 (Listen) By Grace Through Faith 2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body1 and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.2 4 But3 God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. One in Christ 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,4 but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by5 the Spirit. Footnotes [1] 2:3 Greek flesh [2] 2:3 Greek like the rest [3] 2:4 Or And [4] 2:19 Or sojourners [5] 2:22 Or in (ESV)
The Fourth Guide throws a party. Xainan drinks with ghosts. Seir steps into boyhood. Lumièra learns to wave-walk. And Sing assembles a rig-ferret bouquet. This episode features Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo as Pirate Queen Axel! Content warnings: complex and complicated relationships, fantasy violence, descriptions of guns, gore, heights, grief, body horror, and references to death of loved ones, death of pets, choking, and reproductive organs. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing and Sea Thomas. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
SECOND READING: Genesis 32: [3-13] 22-30 3 Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have lived with Laban as an alien and stayed until now, 5 and I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves, and I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.' ” 6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed, and he divided the people who were with him and the flocks and herds and camels into two companies, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it, then the company that is left will escape.” 9And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good,' 10I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 11Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. 12Yet you have said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.'" 13So he spent that night there, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau. 22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." 27So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." 28Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." 29Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved."
Pirate Queen Axel attacks! Xainan draws a bead. Seir remembers his teacher. Lumièra unleashes surgical precision. And Sing commands the stage. This episode features Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo as Pirate Queen Axel! Content warnings: complex and complicated relationships, fantasy violence, descriptions of guns, gore, heights, grief, body horror, and references to death of loved ones, death of pets, choking, and reproductive organs. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing and Sea Thomas. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
With family: 2 Samuel 18; 2 Corinthians 11 2 Samuel 18 (Listen) Absalom Killed 18 Then David mustered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.” 3 But the men said, “You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore it is better that you send us help from the city.” 4 The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom. 6 So the army went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. 7 And the men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the loss there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. 8 The battle spread over the face of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword. 9 And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak,1 and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was suspended between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. 10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” 11 Joab said to the man who told him, “What, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” 12 But the man said to Joab, “Even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver, I would not reach out my hand against the king's son, for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘For my sake protect the young man Absalom.' 13 On the other hand, if I had dealt treacherously against his life2 (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.” 14 Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.” And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. 15 And ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him. 16 Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them. 17 And they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the forest and raised over him a very great heap of stones. And all Israel fled every one to his own home. 18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King's Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom's monument3 to this day. David Hears of Absalom's Death 19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and carry news to the king that the LORD has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.” 20 And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king's son is dead.” 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. 22 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” 23 “Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite. 24 Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. 25 The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer. 26 The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” 27 The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.” 28 Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” 30 And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still. David's Grief 31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the LORD has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 4 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Footnotes [1] 18:9 Or terebinth; also verses 10, 14 [2] 18:13 Or at the risk of my life [3] 18:18 Or Absalom's hand [4] 18:33 Ch 19:1 in Hebrew (ESV) 2 Corinthians 11 (Listen) Paul and the False Apostles 11 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle 16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would1 but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food,2 in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. Footnotes [1] 11:17 Greek not according to the Lord [2] 11:27 Or often in fasting (ESV) In private: Psalm 73; Ezekiel 25 Psalm 73 (Listen) Book Three God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph. 73 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.111 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength2 of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Footnotes [1] 73:10 Probable reading; Hebrew the waters of a full cup are drained by them [2] 73:26 Hebrew rock (ESV) Ezekiel 25 (Listen) Prophecy Against Ammon 25 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them. 3 Say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD, Because you said, ‘Aha!' over my sanctuary when it was profaned, and over the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and over the house of Judah when they went into exile, 4 therefore behold, I am handing you over to the people of the East for a possession, and they shall set their encampments among you and make their dwellings in your midst. They shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. 5 I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and Ammon1 a fold for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 6 For thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within your soul against the land of Israel, 7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand against you, and will hand you over as plunder to the nations. And I will cut you off from the peoples and will make you perish out of the countries; I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Prophecy Against Moab and Seir 8 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Moab and Seir2 said, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,' 9 therefore I will lay open the flank of Moab from the cities, from its cities on its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim. 10 I will give it along with the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession, that the Ammonites may be remembered no more among the nations, 11 and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Prophecy Against Edom 12 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, 13 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast. And I will make it desolate; from Teman even to Dedan they shall fall by the sword. 14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath, and they shall know my vengeance, declares the Lord GOD. Prophecy Against Philistia 15 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because the Philistines acted revengefully and took vengeance with malice of soul to destroy in never-ending enmity, 16 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast. 17 I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance upon them.” Footnotes [1] 25:5 Hebrew and the Ammonites [2] 25:8 Septuagint lacks and Seir (ESV)
Stormchaser departs the Riah. Xainan has a heart-to-heart with the king. Seir chokes on his words. Lumièra learns the truth behind the engine. And Sing witnesses a farewell. Content warnings: complex and complicated relationships, fantasy violence, descriptions of guns, gore, heights, grief, body horror, and references to death of loved ones, death of pets, choking, and reproductive organs. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
The Drifter speaks. Xainan leans on his teammate. Seir blooms. Sing looks for her love. And Lumièra becomes. Content warnings: fantasy violence, fire, immolation, environmental collapse, heights, flying, falling, body horror, complex and complicated relationships, romance, grief, and death of loved ones. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Iphigenia dies the way she lived. Xainan staggers. Seir wields newfound power. Sing is not the hero. And Lumièra is... gone? Content warnings: alcohol, fire, immolation, falling, sinking, death of loved ones, grief, trauma, complex and complicated relationships, fantasy violence, blood, gore, environmental collapse, pollution, and possession. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Igni burns everything. Xainan bares his heart. Lumièra protects the Hanging Gardens. Seir sinks. And Sing falters. Content warnings: fire, immolation, fantasy violence, blood, gore, death, grief, complex and complicated relationships, romance, apocalypse, pollution, environmental collapse, possession, curses, nightmares, falling, and sinking. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
The Farewell Banquet begins. Xainan breaks a heart. Lumièra supports her crush. Seir invites a shadow to dance. And Sing senses her Fate. Content warnings: heights, falling, flying, darkness, pollution, environmental collapse, possession, romance, flirting, complex and complicated relationships, trauma, fire, immolation, and references to sexual entanglements, alcohol, and substances. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Ezekiel 25–27 Ezekiel 25–27 (Listen) Prophecy Against Ammon 25 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them. 3 Say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD, Because you said, ‘Aha!' over my sanctuary when it was profaned, and over the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and over the house of Judah when they went into exile, 4 therefore behold, I am handing you over to the people of the East for a possession, and they shall set their encampments among you and make their dwellings in your midst. They shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. 5 I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and Ammon1 a fold for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 6 For thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within your soul against the land of Israel, 7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand against you, and will hand you over as plunder to the nations. And I will cut you off from the peoples and will make you perish out of the countries; I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Prophecy Against Moab and Seir 8 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Moab and Seir2 said, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,' 9 therefore I will lay open the flank of Moab from the cities, from its cities on its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim. 10 I will give it along with the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession, that the Ammonites may be remembered no more among the nations, 11 and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Prophecy Against Edom 12 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, 13 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast. And I will make it desolate; from Teman even to Dedan they shall fall by the sword. 14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath, and they shall know my vengeance, declares the Lord GOD. Prophecy Against Philistia 15 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Because the Philistines acted revengefully and took vengeance with malice of soul to destroy in never-ending enmity, 16 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast. 17 I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance upon them.” Prophecy Against Tyre 26 In the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,' 3 therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. 4 They shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers, and I will scrape her soil from her and make her a bare rock. 5 She shall be in the midst of the sea a place for the spreading of nets, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. And she shall become plunder for the nations, 6 and her daughters on the mainland shall be killed by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD. 7 “For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar3 king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers. 8 He will kill with the sword your daughters on the mainland. He will set up a siege wall against you and throw up a mound against you, and raise a roof of shields against you. 9 He will direct the shock of his battering rams against your walls, and with his axes he will break down your towers. 10 His horses will be so many that their dust will cover you. Your walls will shake at the noise of the horsemen and wagons and chariots, when he enters your gates as men enter a city that has been breached. 11 With the hoofs of his horses he will trample all your streets. He will kill your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground. 12 They will plunder your riches and loot your merchandise. They will break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses. Your stones and timber and soil they will cast into the midst of the waters. 13 And I will stop the music of your songs, and the sound of your lyres shall be heard no more. 14 I will make you a bare rock. You shall be a place for the spreading of nets. You shall never be rebuilt, for I am the LORD; I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. 15 “Thus says the Lord GOD to Tyre: Will not the coastlands shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when slaughter is made in your midst? 16 Then all the princes of the sea will step down from their thrones and remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground and tremble every moment and be appalled at you. 17 And they will raise a lamentation over you and say to you, “‘How you have perished, you who were inhabited from the seas, O city renowned, who was mighty on the sea; she and her inhabitants imposed their terror on all her inhabitants!18 Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall, and the coastlands that are on the sea are dismayed at your passing.' 19 “For thus says the Lord GOD: When I make you a city laid waste, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you, and the great waters cover you, 20 then I will make you go down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of old, and I will make you to dwell in the world below, among ruins from of old, with those who go down to the pit, so that you will not be inhabited; but I will set beauty in the land of the living. 21 I will bring you to a dreadful end, and you shall be no more. Though you be sought for, you will never be found again, declares the Lord GOD.” A Lament for Tyre 27 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Now you, son of man, raise a lamentation over Tyre, 3 and say to Tyre, who dwells at the entrances to the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coastlands, thus says the Lord GOD: “O Tyre, you have said, ‘I am perfect in beauty.'4 Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders made perfect your beauty.5 They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you.6 Of oaks of Bashan they made your oars; they made your deck of pines from the coasts of Cyprus, inlaid with ivory.7 Of fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail, serving as your banner; blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah was your awning.8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers; your skilled men, O Tyre, were in you; they were your pilots.9 The elders of Gebal and her skilled men were in you, caulking your seams; all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to barter for your wares. 10 “Persia and Lud and Put were in your army as your men of war. They hung the shield and helmet in you; they gave you splendor. 11 Men of Arvad and Helech were on your walls all around, and men of Gamad were in your towers. They hung their shields on your walls all around; they made perfect your beauty. 12 “Tarshish did business with you because of your great wealth of every kind; silver, iron, tin, and lead they exchanged for your wares. 13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech traded with you; they exchanged human beings and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 From Beth-togarmah they exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares. 15 The men of Dedan4 traded with you. Many coastlands were your own special markets; they brought you in payment ivory tusks and ebony. 16 Syria did business with you because of your abundant goods; they exchanged for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and ruby. 17 Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, meal,5 honey, oil, and balm. 18 Damascus did business with you for your abundant goods, because of your great wealth of every kind; wine of Helbon and wool of Sahar 19 and casks of wine6 from Uzal they exchanged for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise. 20 Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding. 21 Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your favored dealers in lambs, rams, and goats; in these they did business with you. 22 The traders of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; they exchanged for your wares the best of all kinds of spices and all precious stones and gold. 23 Haran, Canneh, Eden, traders of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad traded with you. 24 In your market these traded with you in choice garments, in clothes of blue and embroidered work, and in carpets of colored material, bound with cords and made secure. 25 The ships of Tarshish traveled for you with your merchandise. So you were filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas. 26 “Your rowers have brought you out into the high seas. The east wind has wrecked you in the heart of the seas.27 Your riches, your wares, your merchandise, your mariners and your pilots, your caulkers, your dealers in merchandise, and all your men of war who are in you, with all your crew that is in your midst, sink into the heart of the seas on the day of your fall.28 At the sound of the cry of your pilots the countryside shakes,29 and down from their ships come all who handle the oar. The mariners and all the pilots of the sea stand on the land30 and shout aloud over you and cry out bitterly. They cast dust on their heads and wallow in ashes;31 they make themselves bald for you and put sackcloth on their waist, and they weep over you in bitterness of soul, with bitter mourning.32 In their wailing they raise a lamentation for you and lament over you: ‘Who is like Tyre, like one destroyed in the midst of the sea?33 When your wares came from the seas, you satisfied many peoples; with your abundant wealth and merchandise you enriched the kings of the earth.34 Now you are wrecked by the seas, in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and all your crew in your midst have sunk with you.35 All the inhabitants of the coastlands are appalled at you, and the hair of their kings bristles with horror; their faces are convulsed.36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.'” Footnotes [1] 25:5 Hebrew and the Ammonites [2] 25:8 Septuagint lacks and Seir [3] 26:7 Hebrew Nebuchadrezzar; so throughout Ezekiel [4] 27:15 Hebrew; Septuagint Rhodes [5] 27:17 The meaning of the Hebrew word is unknown [6] 27:19 Probable reading; Hebrew wool of Sahar19and Dan and Javan (ESV)
Morning: Psalm 25:1; Psalm 63:3–4; Psalm 86:4–5; Psalm 113:5–6; Psalm 143:6–8; Lamentations 3:41; John 14:13 Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven. Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?—To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.—I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land…. Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.—Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do.” Psalm 25:1 (Listen) Teach Me Your Paths 1 Of David. 25 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. Footnotes [1] 25:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (ESV) Psalm 63:3–4 (Listen) 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. (ESV) Psalm 86:4–5 (Listen) 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. (ESV) Psalm 113:5–6 (Listen) 5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,6 who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? (ESV) Psalm 143:6–8 (Listen) 6 I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (ESV) Lamentations 3:41 (Listen) 41 Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: (ESV) John 14:13 (Listen) 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (ESV) Evening: Psalm 130:5–6; Isaiah 21:11; Matthew 24:32–33; Matthew 24:35; Matthew 25:13; Romans 13:11–12; Revelation 22:20 “Watchman, what time of the night?” The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates…. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Psalm 130:5–6 (Listen) 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. (ESV) Isaiah 21:11 (Listen) 11 The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?” (ESV) Matthew 24:32–33 (Listen) The Lesson of the Fig Tree 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. (ESV) Matthew 24:35 (Listen) 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (ESV) Matthew 25:13 (Listen) 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (ESV) Romans 13:11–12 (Listen) 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (ESV) Revelation 22:20 (Listen) 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (ESV)
The Prin reveals dark truths. Xainan imparts wisdom. Lumièra learns to tie a tie. Seir blows up at his twin. And Sing hits back. Content warnings: earthquakes, death of loved ones, grief, trauma, ghosts, nightmares, complex and complicated relationships, curses, possession, environmental collapse, apocalypse, war, fire, immolation, romance, flirting, and references to birth, suffocation, and sexual entanglements. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Nova explores the Riah. Xainan makes the acquaintance of a tryphoradon handler. Lumièra takes a stroll through the garden. Seir earns his wings. And Sing leans in for a kiss. Content warnings: heights, flying, falling, war, complex and complicated relationships, pollution, environmental collapse, and references to possession and nightmares. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Strike Team Nova finally arrives in the floating reach of the Riah. Xainan keeps a secret. Lumièra considers safety. Seir dreams of flying. And Sing rallies the royals. Content warnings: heights, flying, falling, war, complex and complicated relationships, pollution, environmental collapse, and references to possession and nightmares. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Sunny, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
En 6AM Hoy por Hoy de Caracol Radio estuvo el periodista venezolano Seir Contreras, para hablar sobre su reciente despido del medio Globovisión después de haber realizado una polémica entrevista.
The Admiral tells all. Xainan makes a gorgeous mistake. Lumièra investigates the engine. Seir fights his shadow. And Sing hardens her resolve. Content warnings: war, complex and complicated relationships, trauma, pollution, environmental collapse, flirting, romance, references to sexual entanglements, and body horror. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
2 Chronicles 25–27 2 Chronicles 25–27 (Listen) Amaziah Reigns in Judah 25 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart. 3 And as soon as the royal power was firmly his, he killed his servants who had struck down the king his father. 4 But he did not put their children to death, according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, “Fathers shall not die because of their children, nor children die because of their fathers, but each one shall die for his own sin.” Amaziah's Victories 5 Then Amaziah assembled the men of Judah and set them by fathers' houses under commanders of thousands and of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He mustered those twenty years old and upward, and found that they were 300,000 choice men, fit for war, able to handle spear and shield. 6 He hired also 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for 100 talents1 of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel, with all these Ephraimites. 8 But go, act, be strong for the battle. Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy? For God has power to help or to cast down.” 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” 10 Then Amaziah discharged the army that had come to him from Ephraim to go home again. And they became very angry with Judah and returned home in fierce anger. 11 But Amaziah took courage and led out his people and went to the Valley of Salt and struck down 10,000 men of Seir. 12 The men of Judah captured another 10,000 alive and took them to the top of a rock and threw them down from the top of the rock, and they were all dashed to pieces. 13 But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, not letting them go with him to battle, raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck down 3,000 people in them and took much spoil. Amaziah's Idolatry 14 After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the LORD was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” 16 But as he was speaking, the king said to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.” Israel Defeats Amaziah 17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 18 And Joash the king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son for a wife,' and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle. 19 You say, ‘See, I2 have struck down Edom,' and your heart has lifted you up in boastfulness. But now stay at home. Why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” 20 But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 23 And Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for 400 cubits,3 from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 24 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God, in the care of Obed-edom. He seized also the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria. 25 Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26 Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, from first to last, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27 From the time when he turned away from the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and put him to death there. 28 And they brought him upon horses, and he was buried with his fathers in the city of David.4 Uzziah Reigns in Judah 26 And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah. 2 He built Eloth and restored it to Judah, after the king slept with his fathers. 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 4 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 5 He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. 6 He went out and made war against the Philistines and broke through the wall of Gath and the wall of Jabneh and the wall of Ashdod, and he built cities in the territory of Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabians who lived in Gurbaal and against the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong. 9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the Angle, and fortified them. 10 And he built towers in the wilderness and cut out many cisterns, for he had large herds, both in the Shephelah and in the plain, and he had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil. 11 Moreover, Uzziah had an army of soldiers, fit for war, in divisions according to the numbers in the muster made by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer, under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king's commanders. 12 The whole number of the heads of fathers' houses of mighty men of valor was 2,600. 13 Under their command was an army of 307,500, who could make war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. 14 And Uzziah prepared for all the army shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging. 15 In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong. Uzziah's Pride and Punishment 16 But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the LORD who were men of valor, 18 and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the LORD God.” 19 Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy5 broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense. 20 And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the LORD had struck him. 21 And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the LORD. And Jotham his son was over the king's household, governing the people of the land. 22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from first to last, Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz wrote. 23 And Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the burial field that belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And Jotham his son reigned in his place. Jotham Reigns in Judah 27 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD according to all that his father Uzziah had done, except he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still followed corrupt practices. 3 He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD and did much building on the wall of Ophel. 4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills. 5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed against them. And the Ammonites gave him that year 100 talents6 of silver, and 10,000 cors7 of wheat and 10,000 of barley. The Ammonites paid him the same amount in the second and the third years. 6 So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David, and Ahaz his son reigned in his place. Footnotes [1] 25:6 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [2] 25:19 Hebrew you [3] 25:23 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters [4] 25:28 Hebrew of Judah [5] 26:19 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 [6] 27:5 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [7] 27:5 A cor was about 6 bushels or 220 liters (ESV)
Warships appear on the horizon. Xainan digs up clues. Lumièra puts them together. Seir reaches out to the darkness. And Sing rallies. Content warnings: war, complex and complicated relationships, body horror, trauma, nightmares, pollution, environmental collapse, fire, immolation, and flirting. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, jinn, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
2 Chronicles 17–20 2 Chronicles 17–20 (Listen) Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah 17 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. 10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats. 12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities, 13 and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 14 This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor; 15 and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000; 16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the LORD, with 200,000 mighty men of valor. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war. 19 These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah. Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab 18 Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab. 2 After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead. 3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” He answered him, “I am as you are, my people as your people. We will be with you in the war.” 4 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.” 6 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” 7 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 8 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 9 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes. And they were sitting at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.'” 11 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph. The LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” 12 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 13 But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” 14 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he answered, “Go up and triumph; they will be given into your hand.” 15 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?” 16 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.'” 17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 18 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 19 And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?' And one said one thing, and another said another. 20 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.' And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?' 21 And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' 22 Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. The LORD has declared disaster concerning you.” 23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?” 24 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 25 And the king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah and take him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son, 26 and say, ‘Thus says the king, Put this fellow in prison and feed him with meager rations of bread and water until I return in peace.'” 27 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!” The Defeat and Death of Ahab 28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 29 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. 30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” 31 As soon as the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; God drew them away from him. 32 For as soon as the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 33 But a certain man drew his bow at random1 and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 34 And the battle continued that day, and the king of Israel was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians until evening. Then at sunset he died. Jehoshaphat's Reforms 19 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2 But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD. 3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” 4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” 8 Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem. 9 And he charged them: “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart: 10 whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. 11 And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!”2 Jehoshaphat's Prayer 20 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites,3 came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom,4 from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6 and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment,5 or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' 10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the LORD came6 upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. 19 And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. 20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 22 And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. The Lord Delivers Judah 24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there7 were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah,8 for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. 29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. 31 Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 He walked in the way of Asa his father and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD. 33 The high places, however, were not taken away; the people had not yet set their hearts upon the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign 35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. 36 He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber. 37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish. Footnotes [1] 18:33 Hebrew in his innocence [2] 19:11 Hebrew the good [3] 20:1 Compare 26:7; Hebrew Ammonites [4] 20:2 One Hebrew manuscript; most Hebrew manuscripts Aram (Syria) [5] 20:9 Or the sword of judgment [6] 20:14 Or was [7] 20:24 Hebrew they [8] 20:26 Beracah means blessing (ESV)
An awkward breakfast ensues. Xainan confronts his ex. Lumièra peruses a forbidden tome. Seir tries to connect with his twin. And Sing is shaken. Content warnings: trauma, complex and complicated relationships, interpersonal conflict, food and eating, pollution, bug horror, animal horror, swarms, snakes, romance, apocalypse, environmental collapse, and war. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, jinn, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Nightmares plague Nova. Xainan relives two loves lost. Lumièra is haunted by the Incident™. Seir loses control. And Sing shares a vision with the princess herself. Content warnings: fantasy violence, nightmares, smoking, romance, flirting, kissing, apocalypse, environmental collapse, pollution, grief, complex and complicated relationships, interpersonal conflict, fire, gore, blood, body horror, and falling. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. Check out our brand-new MERCH COLLECTION with VOIDMERCH, featuring three exclusive designs you can't find anywhere else including a goth logo, Andake University alumnus status, and Transplanerd pride! For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, jinn, Jade, JesterOfWinter, Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Jordan, Cassidy, and Rose.
Isaiah 18–22 Isaiah 18–22 (Listen) An Oracle Concerning Cush 18 Ah, land of whirring wings that is beyond the rivers of Cush,12 which sends ambassadors by the sea, in vessels of papyrus on the waters! Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide. 3 All you inhabitants of the world, you who dwell on the earth, when a signal is raised on the mountains, look! When a trumpet is blown, hear!4 For thus the LORD said to me: “I will quietly look from my dwelling like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he cuts off the shoots with pruning hooks, and the spreading branches he lops off and clears away.6 They shall all of them be left to the birds of prey of the mountains and to the beasts of the earth. And the birds of prey will summer on them, and all the beasts of the earth will winter on them. 7 At that time tribute will be brought to the LORD of hosts from a people tall and smooth, from a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide, to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the LORD of hosts. An Oracle Concerning Egypt 19 An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.2 And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom;3 and the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound2 their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers;4 and I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of hosts. 5 And the waters of the sea will be dried up, and the river will be dry and parched,6 and its canals will become foul, and the branches of Egypt's Nile will diminish and dry up, reeds and rushes will rot away.7 There will be bare places by the Nile, on the brink of the Nile, and all that is sown by the Nile will be parched, will be driven away, and will be no more.8 The fishermen will mourn and lament, all who cast a hook in the Nile; and they will languish who spread nets on the water.9 The workers in combed flax will be in despair, and the weavers of white cotton.10 Those who are the pillars of the land will be crushed, and all who work for pay will be grieved. 11 The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the wisest counselors of Pharaoh give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?12 Where then are your wise men? Let them tell you that they might know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt.13 The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are the cornerstones of her tribes have made Egypt stagger.14 The LORD has mingled within her a spirit of confusion, and they will make Egypt stagger in all its deeds, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit.15 And there will be nothing for Egypt that head or tail, palm branch or reed, may do. Egypt, Assyria, Israel Blessed 16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women, and tremble with fear before the hand that the LORD of hosts shakes over them. 17 And the land of Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians. Everyone to whom it is mentioned will fear because of the purpose that the LORD of hosts has purposed against them. 18 In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction.3 19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. 20 It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. 21 And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them. 22 And the LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the LORD, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, 25 whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” A Sign Against Egypt and Cush 20 In the year that the commander in chief, who was sent by Sargon the king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and fought against it and captured it—2 at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. 3 Then the LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush,4 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptian captives and the Cushite exiles, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot, with buttocks uncovered, the nakedness of Egypt. 5 Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast. 6 And the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?'” Fallen, Fallen Is Babylon 21 The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the Negeb sweep on, it comes from the wilderness, from a terrible land.2 A stern vision is told to me; the traitor betrays, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, O Elam; lay siege, O Media; all the sighing she has caused I bring to an end.3 Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see.4 My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling.5 They prepare the table, they spread the rugs,5 they eat, they drink. Arise, O princes; oil the shield!6 For thus the Lord said to me: “Go, set a watchman; let him announce what he sees.7 When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, let him listen diligently, very diligently.”8 Then he who saw cried out:6 “Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord, continually by day, and at my post I am stationed whole nights.9 And behold, here come riders, horsemen in pairs!” And he answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved images of her gods he has shattered to the ground.”10 O my threshed and winnowed one, what I have heard from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, I announce to you. 11 The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?”12 The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again.” 13 The oracle concerning Arabia. In the thickets in Arabia you will lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.14 To the thirsty bring water; meet the fugitive with bread, O inhabitants of the land of Tema.15 For they have fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the press of battle. 16 For thus the Lord said to me, “Within a year, according to the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. 17 And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.” An Oracle Concerning Jerusalem 22 The oracle concerning the valley of vision. What do you mean that you have gone up, all of you, to the housetops,2 you who are full of shoutings, tumultuous city, exultant town? Your slain are not slain with the sword or dead in battle.3 All your leaders have fled together; without the bow they were captured. All of you who were found were captured, though they had fled far away.4 Therefore I said: “Look away from me; let me weep bitter tears; do not labor to comfort me concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people.” 5 For the Lord GOD of hosts has a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the valley of vision, a battering down of walls and a shouting to the mountains.6 And Elam bore the quiver with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.7 Your choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen took their stand at the gates.8 He has taken away the covering of Judah. In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, 9 and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, 10 and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. 11 You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago. 12 In that day the Lord GOD of hosts called for weeping and mourning, for baldness and wearing sackcloth;13 and behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”14 The LORD of hosts has revealed himself in my ears: “Surely this iniquity will not be atoned for you until you die,” says the Lord GOD of hosts. 15 Thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him: 16 What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock? 17 Behold, the LORD will hurl you away violently, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you 18 and whirl you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a wide land. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master's house. 19 I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your station. 20 In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. 22 And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father's house. 24 And they will hang on him the whole honor of his father's house, the offspring and issue, every small vessel, from the cups to all the flagons. 25 In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, the peg that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall, and the load that was on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken.” Footnotes [1] 18:1 Probably Nubia [2] 19:3 Or I will swallow up [3] 19:18 Dead Sea Scroll and some other manuscripts City of the Sun [4] 20:3 Probably Nubia [5] 21:5 Or they set the watchman [6] 21:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Syriac; Masoretic Text Then a lion cried out, or Then he cried out like a lion (ESV)
Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “The Struggle." Links: Give to PNEUMA Church Key Verses: Genesis 32:22-28 NLT “During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob's hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”” Genesis 32:3-8 NLT “Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom. He told them, “Give this message to my master Esau: ‘Humble greetings from your servant Jacob. Until now I have been living with Uncle Laban, and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my Lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me.'” After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, “We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!” Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups. He thought, “If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape.”” Sermon Topics: Struggle
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24–25 2 Chronicles 24–25 (Listen) Joash Repairs the Temple 24 Joash1 was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 3 Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters. 4 After this Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD. 5 And he gathered the priests and the Levites and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you act quickly.” But the Levites did not act quickly. 6 So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?” 7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken into the house of God, and had also used all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD for the Baals. 8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD. 9 And proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in for the LORD the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished.2 11 And whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king's secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance. 12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the LORD, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. 13 So those who were engaged in the work labored, and the repairing went forward in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its proper condition and strengthened it. 14 And when they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made utensils for the house of the LORD, both for the service and for the burnt offerings, and dishes for incense and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD regularly all the days of Jehoiada. 15 But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house. 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. Joash's Treachery 20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”3 Joash Assassinated 23 At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah4 had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash. 25 When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son5 of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he died, and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. 26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabite. 27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him and of the rebuilding6 of the house of God are written in the Story7 of the Book of the Kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his place. Amaziah Reigns in Judah 25 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart. 3 And as soon as the royal power was firmly his, he killed his servants who had struck down the king his father. 4 But he did not put their children to death, according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, “Fathers shall not die because of their children, nor children die because of their fathers, but each one shall die for his own sin.” Amaziah's Victories 5 Then Amaziah assembled the men of Judah and set them by fathers' houses under commanders of thousands and of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He mustered those twenty years old and upward, and found that they were 300,000 choice men, fit for war, able to handle spear and shield. 6 He hired also 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for 100 talents8 of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel, with all these Ephraimites. 8 But go, act, be strong for the battle. Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy? For God has power to help or to cast down.” 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” 10 Then Amaziah discharged the army that had come to him from Ephraim to go home again. And they became very angry with Judah and returned home in fierce anger. 11 But Amaziah took courage and led out his people and went to the Valley of Salt and struck down 10,000 men of Seir. 12 The men of Judah captured another 10,000 alive and took them to the top of a rock and threw them down from the top of the rock, and they were all dashed to pieces. 13 But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, not letting them go with him to battle, raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck down 3,000 people in them and took much spoil. Amaziah's Idolatry 14 After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the LORD was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” 16 But as he was speaking, the king said to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.” Israel Defeats Amaziah 17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 18 And Joash the king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son for a wife,' and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle. 19 You say, ‘See, I9 have struck down Edom,' and your heart has lifted you up in boastfulness. But now stay at home. Why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” 20 But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 23 And Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for 400 cubits,10 from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 24 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God, in the care of Obed-edom. He seized also the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria. 25 Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26 Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, from first to last, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27 From the time when he turned away from the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and put him to death there. 28 And they brought him upon horses, and he was buried with his fathers in the city of David.11 Footnotes [1] 24:1 Spelled Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:1 [2] 24:10 Or until it was full [3] 24:22 Or and require it [4] 24:24 Hebrew they [5] 24:25 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew sons [6] 24:27 Hebrew founding [7] 24:27 Or Exposition [8] 25:6 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [9] 25:19 Hebrew you [10] 25:23 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters [11] 25:28 Hebrew of Judah (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 23 Psalm 23 (Listen) The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.13 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness2 for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,3 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely4 goodness and mercy5 shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell6 in the house of the LORD forever.7 Footnotes [1] 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest [2] 23:3 Or in right paths [3] 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness [4] 23:6 Or Only [5] 23:6 Or steadfast love [6] 23:6 Or shall return to dwell [7] 23:6 Hebrew for length of days (ESV) New Testament: Mark 2 Mark 2 (Listen) Jesus Heals a Paralytic 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Jesus Calls Levi 13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of1 the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat2 with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” A Question About Fasting 18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”3 Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath 23 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of4 Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Footnotes [1] 2:16 Some manuscripts and [2] 2:16 Some manuscripts add and drink [3] 2:22 Some manuscripts omit But new wine is for fresh wineskins [4] 2:26 Or in the passage about (ESV)
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24–25 2 Chronicles 24–25 (Listen) Joash Repairs the Temple 24 Joash1 was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 3 Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters. 4 After this Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD. 5 And he gathered the priests and the Levites and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you act quickly.” But the Levites did not act quickly. 6 So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?” 7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken into the house of God, and had also used all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD for the Baals. 8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD. 9 And proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in for the LORD the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished.2 11 And whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king's secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance. 12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the LORD, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. 13 So those who were engaged in the work labored, and the repairing went forward in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its proper condition and strengthened it. 14 And when they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made utensils for the house of the LORD, both for the service and for the burnt offerings, and dishes for incense and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD regularly all the days of Jehoiada. 15 But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house. 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. Joash's Treachery 20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”3 Joash Assassinated 23 At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah4 had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash. 25 When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son5 of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he died, and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. 26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabite. 27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him and of the rebuilding6 of the house of God are written in the Story7 of the Book of the Kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his place. Amaziah Reigns in Judah 25 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart. 3 And as soon as the royal power was firmly his, he killed his servants who had struck down the king his father. 4 But he did not put their children to death, according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, “Fathers shall not die because of their children, nor children die because of their fathers, but each one shall die for his own sin.” Amaziah's Victories 5 Then Amaziah assembled the men of Judah and set them by fathers' houses under commanders of thousands and of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He mustered those twenty years old and upward, and found that they were 300,000 choice men, fit for war, able to handle spear and shield. 6 He hired also 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for 100 talents8 of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel, with all these Ephraimites. 8 But go, act, be strong for the battle. Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy? For God has power to help or to cast down.” 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” 10 Then Amaziah discharged the army that had come to him from Ephraim to go home again. And they became very angry with Judah and returned home in fierce anger. 11 But Amaziah took courage and led out his people and went to the Valley of Salt and struck down 10,000 men of Seir. 12 The men of Judah captured another 10,000 alive and took them to the top of a rock and threw them down from the top of the rock, and they were all dashed to pieces. 13 But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, not letting them go with him to battle, raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck down 3,000 people in them and took much spoil. Amaziah's Idolatry 14 After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the LORD was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” 16 But as he was speaking, the king said to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.” Israel Defeats Amaziah 17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 18 And Joash the king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son for a wife,' and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle. 19 You say, ‘See, I9 have struck down Edom,' and your heart has lifted you up in boastfulness. But now stay at home. Why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” 20 But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 23 And Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for 400 cubits,10 from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 24 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God, in the care of Obed-edom. He seized also the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria. 25 Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26 Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, from first to last, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27 From the time when he turned away from the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and put him to death there. 28 And they brought him upon horses, and he was buried with his fathers in the city of David.11 Footnotes [1] 24:1 Spelled Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:1 [2] 24:10 Or until it was full [3] 24:22 Or and require it [4] 24:24 Hebrew they [5] 24:25 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew sons [6] 24:27 Hebrew founding [7] 24:27 Or Exposition [8] 25:6 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [9] 25:19 Hebrew you [10] 25:23 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters [11] 25:28 Hebrew of Judah (ESV) New Testament: Galatians 1:11–24 Galatians 1:11–24 (Listen) Paul Called by God 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.1 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born,2 and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to3 me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;4 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me. Footnotes [1] 1:11 Greek not according to man [2] 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother's womb [3] 1:16 Greek in [4] 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 23 Psalm 23 (Listen) The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.13 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness2 for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,3 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely4 goodness and mercy5 shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell6 in the house of the LORD forever.7 Footnotes [1] 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest [2] 23:3 Or in right paths [3] 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness [4] 23:6 Or Only [5] 23:6 Or steadfast love [6] 23:6 Or shall return to dwell [7] 23:6 Hebrew for length of days (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 20:11 Proverbs 20:11 (Listen) 11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.1 Footnotes [1] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright (ESV)
Nova boards their Wildsea ship, Stormchaser. Xainan calls a team meeting. Lumièra catches strays. Seir ruins everything... again. And Sing flirts with a princess. Note: We're taking next week off from our regular release schedule. E9 will come out Tuesday, August 8. Content warnings: complex and complicated relationships, heights, interpersonal tension, romance, and references to storms. THE CHAOS PROTOCOL is Transplanar RPG's brand-new main campaign that stars Valiant Dorian, Samm Star, and Cai K. as the players with Sea Thomas as the producer and Connie Chang as the Game Master. This podcast episode is edited by Marisa Ewing. Our original intro music is by Jonathan Charles. For Arc One, we are playing The Wildsea by Mythworks! The Wildsea is a narrative, fiction-first, action-packed RPG that uses a d6 dice pool system where players embody wildsailors traversing an ocean of verdant greenery. Use TRANSPLANAR for 15% off a hard copy or PDF of the game. Transplanar RPG is sponsored by ExplainTrade, a negotiation skills training consultancy that wants you to pledge to Transplanar's Patreon for a patron-only aftershow, early podcast episodes, GM notes, and even the chance for your OC to cameo in our show. This episode is also sponsored by Die Hard Dice, an indie tabletop dice vendor with iconic metal dice, polymer sets, and velvet dice bags, trays, and portable scrolls. Use CHAOS at checkout for 10% off any order! Finally, special thanks to our Hands of Fate and Precepts: Charles, Cora Eckert, Brooke Brite, River, chillacres, Lex Slater, Scruffasus, Hat, Alex, Mark J., Lyle and Peanut, Spencer, Brooke in Seattle, Aria, Derryk Davidson, Phil, Azra, Summer Rose Folta, @brownestnerd, Isabel, Seth, Emma, Finn, Kevin O., Faebelle, Rose, AshRex, Gavin, Nate Rose, Taylor, jinn, and Mycah.
Faction Cannot Prevail (7) (audio) David Eells – 7/26/23 God by David had to conquer the old man of the Land, the Jebusites before Jebus was called Jerusalem or Zion. In a very real way our war has been with the factious satanists since 2011. Now God’s vengeance is coming for them and the factious murderers of our missionaries. Juggernaut Against the Satanist Faction Missy Pollock 7/17/23 (David’s notes in red) I was dreaming but don't remember what about other than I knew there were odd words that were spoken but I didn't remember what it was as I was waking up. I was wondering as I was waking up why and what were these odd words. Right then as if the Lord was answering my thoughts, juggernaut came to me. I was not totally awake yet and had to consciously keep repeating it in my head so I didn't forget it. I had no idea what this word was and not sure I ever heard it before. After the morning prayer meeting I looked up just the word, juggernaut. I was surprised I spelled it correctly! What came up was that it was a Marvel comics super hero character by the name of Juggernaut and I read about it. Then I searched, "What does juggernaut mean?" It means a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in it's path. Also, an unstoppable force. What came to my mind is the only unstoppable force is GOD! No fictional satanic idol with superpowers can even compare! (What comes to my mind is what is about to happen. A juggernaut force of Jesus manifested by Word and Spirit in the David Man-child body of reformers will come against the satanist faction and other forces of evil to destroy them. This is a type as David did to the Edomites in His day. These are manifested sons of God who will go forth in the power of Jesus who lives in them. This is not mere men but the seed of the future sons of God by God’s hand. They are one in Christ the anointed. The first true body in whom dwells Christ. David conquered the Edomites and “the things that have been are the things that shall be”, history always repeats. So how does this text fit when Jesus said “No man is with me” when he conquers the Edomites? Rom 8:19-21 For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. The faction are the bondage of corruption that God’s creation must be delivered from. The manifest sons are to deliver the creation of the corruption that is satans forces holding them in bondage by their witchcraft and voodoo slander trap. Jesus, the only begotten Son, did this when he came and destroyed the devil’s forces in those he called “sons of your father the devil”. Whether they knew it or not they were satanists and the corruption holding in bondage the true creation of God. So now we can see how both Jesus and David conquer the Edomite faction. Isa 62:11 Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. It was David who delivered Zion of the Jebusite corruption. When Jesus came they did not recognize him, accusing Him of being a man who was making himself God. They will not recognize him again as He comes once again looking like man.… 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah (The Edomite satanist sheep fold) ? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: (The manifestation of the sons of God are sons manifested in spirit and soul as was Jesus when He walked the earth. The full manifestation is when they get their redeemed body like Jesus later did.) yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. (As we can see this is a juggernaut unstoppable force. This is a blitzkrieg, a German word meaning “lightning war” Britannica called it a military tactic calculated to create psychological shock and resultant disorganization in enemy forces through the employment of surprise, speed, and superiority in material of firepower. The elect among God’s people will be redeemed from the corruption and bondage of the satanist faction at their destruction, being prophesied now… Like the Gulf war of Shock and Awe. Remember when in a dream the satanists were going to sacrifice Eve but something happened and they ran away from the alter as fast as they could and I said it was the beginning of their destruction. She was redeemed. We can see the same principle of Jesus in the David Man-child reformers conquering the Satanist faction in many other places to prove my point above. Eze 34:22-28 therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I, Jehovah, will be their God, and my servant David prince among them; I, Jehovah, have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those that made bondmen of them. 28 And they shall no more be a prey to the nations, neither shall the beasts of the earth devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. So now under the David Man-child and their God we see the destruction of the Edomite factious satanists. 35:2-15 Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir (The son of man is set against the leadership of Edom who hated, factioned, and brought into bondage their chosen brother Israel, a type of the Church) and prophesy against it, 3 and say unto it, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, O mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against thee, and I will make thee a desolation and an astonishment. 4 I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate; (So how many times can God destroy the Edom faction? This is speaking of the same situation.) and thou shalt know that I am Jehovah. 5 Because thou hast had a perpetual enmity, and hast given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end; (Are we not at their end?) 6 therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: since thou hast not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue thee. (Sounds like the blood stained garment of the Lord as he destroyed them.) 7 Thus will I make mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation; and I will cut off from it him that passeth through and him that returneth. 8 And I will fill its mountains with its slain: in thy hills and in thy valleys and in all thy watercourses shall they fall that are slain with the sword. 9 I will make thee a perpetual desolation, and thy cities shall not be inhabited; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. 10 Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas Jehovah was there: 11 therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast showed out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I shall judge thee. 12 And thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, have heard all thy revilings which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to devour. 13 And ye have magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard it. 14 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate. (Remember the dream when the satanist factions house of Kevin and Eddy was burned over them by an angel as they were raping a woman.) 15 As thou didst rejoice over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it; and they shall know that I am Jehovah. Missy: Then what came to my mind about juggernaut was Michael’s vision of the army of angels and the word that the Lord gave Samuel talking about that God sent for a division of holy angels, thousands of them. (These are the heavenly forces that will join with and empower the Man-child body to conquer the forces of darkness and bring the beginning of the renewed Kingdom.) I asked the Lord for verses by faith at random concerning this word juggernaut and got 2Ch 7:22 ( in context 19-22) 19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods (like Beelzebub satan), and worship them; [20] then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. [21] And this house, which is so high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall say, Why hath Jehovah done thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because they forsook Jehovah, the God of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. (When God is finished testing the Bride by the satanist faction to see who is worthy to go to the Kings house, then God destroys the satanists. 2Th 1:6-10 if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, 7 and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, 8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: 9 who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, (When do they get destroyed? When the saints are purified.) 10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. (We see here that the faction can escape destruction by believing the Word that they so hate.) Psa 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I destroy: Him that hath a high look and a proud heart will I not suffer. (Their pride will not permit them to confess their dins for deliverance.) 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall minister unto me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: He that speaketh falsehood shall not be established before mine eyes. 8 Morning by morning will I destroy all the wicked of the land; To cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of Jehovah. And so Zion, the Bride, is cleansed of all evil.) I also received 2Ki 4:33 ( in context 32-33) [32] And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. [33] He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah. This woman went to Elisha because her son had died. When she got to Elisha he asked her if it was well with her, her husband and her child and each time she said, "It is well" 2Ki 4:26. She was believing her son would live before she saw. Afterwards Elisha prayed for the child and he was resurrected. I had a dream of Amber being back but I didn't see her in the dream. The Lord reminded me that, "Blessed are they that believe yet have not seen." This is the story that David and Brandy told me came to their mind when I sent my dream to David. The Lord is the unstoppable force through our prayers and sending out the angels to defeat our enemies, bringing back the exiled captives speedily and to resurrect Amber as well as others! Glory to God! Thank you Father for the faith to believe we have received the answer to our prayers and for being the unstoppable force through your angel armies!! The end of the wicked is always the same but their demons will not allow them to believe it. Father through the prophet David pronounced this. Psa 109:1-20 A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit have they opened against me: They have spoken unto me with a lying tongue. 3 They have compassed me about also with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries: But I give myself unto prayer. 5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love. 6 Set thou a wicked man over him; And let an adversary stand at his right hand. (satan is the adversary) 7 When he is judged, let him come forth guilty; And let his prayer be turned into sin. 8 Let his days be few; And let another take his office. (Judas) 9 Let his children be fatherless, And his wife a widow. 10 Let his children be vagabonds, and beg; And let them seek their bread out of their desolate places. 11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; And let strangers make spoil of his labor. 12 Let there be none to extend kindness unto him; Neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children. 13 Let his posterity be cut off; In the generation following let their name be blotted out. 14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with Jehovah; And let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. 15 Let them be before Jehovah continually, That he may cut off the memory of them from the earth; 16 Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them. 17 Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; And he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him. 18 He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment, And it came into his inward parts like water, And like oil into his bones. 19 Let it be unto him as the raiment wherewith he covereth himself, And for the girdle wherewith he is girded continually. 20 This is the reward of mine adversaries from Jehovah, And of them that speak evil against my soul. (Notice this is “from the Lord” for we cannot curse them. The curses for evil are already spoken in the Word. God can speak a curse through anyone but of our selves we cannot or it can come back on us.) Psa 106:9-12 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: So he led them through the depths, as through a wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their adversaries; There was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; They sang his praise. The way out the flood waters for the wicked is this: Psa 32:1-6 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom Jehovah imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed as with the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this let everyone that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him. 1Jn 1:7-10 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, (As I was told by Kevin) we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Good Things Coming to the House of David Vanessa Weeks - 7/11/23 (David’s notes in red) In a dream, I was out on David's patio. (A place of rest while soaking in the Son.) I was riding a small vehicle clockwise around his patio set.(As we go clockwise, we go forward in time.) As I did this I was saying, "Her walls are salvation and her gates praise." (Within her walls is manifest salvation. The Son’s Name is Jesus, Hebrew Yeshuah, meaning Yah, short for Yahweh. So we have Yah saves, delivers, and rescues. I remember an apostle told me that the Lord spoke to him saying, “I Am Zion”. Zion was a place of safety and within it is the temple of God’s presence. This salvation from our enemies reminds us of Luk 1:68-75 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To show mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father, 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.) (This text "Her walls are salvation and her gates praise." is from Isa. 60:18 and is about the good things the Lord will do for Zion, and the house of David within.) (Father once said of my physical house that this is His house and His mountain as a representation I believe of David’s house on Mount Zion.) Isa. 60:14-22 And the sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee The city of Jehovah, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man passed through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. 16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the nations, and shalt suck the breast of kings; and thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (He is mighty to redeem and save.) 17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. (This is an excellent exchange for higher value. A great economy for Zion the Bride.) I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. (And a great change of leadership) 18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, desolation nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. 19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but Jehovah will be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for Jehovah will be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. 21 Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. 22 The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time. (This represents a great revival and extreme growth.) I was also speaking that since Jesus is in me and His name means Salvation, that His salvation is in me to help others. 2Co. 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Then I went on the grass and sat down against the wooden fence. (There is no fence there in real life but it is like a wall. Her walls are salvation.) A seal appeared on the patio where I was, and sat down right beside me. (I think seal is a play on words about the Lord sealing the Man-child. Rev. 7:4 NENT And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of Israel’s sons:) (End of dream.) While praying about what the seal represented the Lord reminded me of John 6:27 NENT Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of *man shall give you: for him the Father, *God, hath sealed. John 3:33 NENT Who hath received his *witness hath set his seal to this, that *God is true. The wicked will learn too late that the Lord has chosen Zion and they have chosen against Zion and chosen their lusts over the Lord. Psa 132:13-18 For Jehovah hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my resting-place forever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 Her priests also will I clothe with salvation; And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. 18 His enemies will I clothe with shame; But upon himself shall his crown flourish. Psa 126:1-4 When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them. 3 Jehovah hath done great things for us, Whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South. Psa 125:1-5 They that trust in Jehovah Are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth forever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So Jehovah is round about his people From this time forth and for evermore. 3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel. Factious Damned, Bride Rewarded Anna Stewart - 8/10/22 (David’s notes in red) I dreamt that myself and a few others were walking down a road, traveling to go meet my brother at a restaurant. My brother's name means “dark hair" and I believe he represents the factious who were once our brothers, but are now submitted to darkness. (Which is the meaning of dark hair as per 1Co 11.) There was a group of young men, who were all wearing white T-shirts, that were following with us. I didn’t know any of them, but they were somehow an extended part of our group (angels). When we got to the restaurant, the young men in white were seated all around us. (Protected by the angels) We waited for a long time for our food and for my brother to arrive. (Waiting for the factious to return from bondage and eat the food that matures them to acceptable fruit.) The waitresses kept bringing us complementary food to eat while we waited on the meals we had ordered. (Perhaps this represents God’s mean-time provision while we wait for the things He has promised the Bride.) After about an hour (Rev. 3:10, 11 Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.) someone said that my brother was not coming because he had died. I looked at my husband and asked if it were true. He said, “Yes.” I was so shocked that this happened and I didn’t know it. (The death happened before the Bride knew it. I believe it’s already happened because the angels said the factious leadership has been reprobated. We don’t know how many of the rest are.) I looked behind me and to the left and saw a pair of gray (representing death), size 13 (representing witchcraft), men’s sneakers (They have to sneak and hide all they do for it is against God’s laws and man’s laws.) on the ground. I knew that they were my brother's and somehow this confirmed to me that he had indeed died. (In real life my brother wears size 12 shoes, so this is spiritual.) I then had a vision in the dream of how he died. I saw a huge concrete dam on my right rising out of a body of water on my left. (Representing the goats) It had a rounded slope at the bottom and then rose up perfectly vertical, like a skateboarding ramp. He had somehow driven a jeep-type vehicle up the wall of the dam, and he thought he could make it to the top, but as he got almost to the top, his front wheels began to lose contact with the concrete. I watched as the vehicle came crashing down, bouncing down the dam as it went, before it was thrown into the water. I knew they were going to pull his body from the water. (The Factious that he represents exalt themselves and find no grace and are damned. They can’t overcome the dam-nation.) Then the vision ended. We left the restaurant and that same day, two or three different women came up to me and said things like, “The Lord told me to give this to you,” and, “I just have to give this to you.” and then put pieces of fine jewelry into my hands. ("His recompense is before him and His reward is with Him". The Man-child comes here and joins the Bride.) I told them, “Wow, this is the Lord, because, you don’t know, but I’m having a bad day.” Then I woke up. (It’s a bad day when you lose so many friends to reprobation but the tears will be softened by the coming of the Lord in His Man-child body to pick the Bride.) (Exo. 12:35, 36 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and the asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. And they despoiled the Egyptians.) In the natural, I actually had all my jewelry stolen from me, except my wedding ring, and another ring my husband bought me. (The faction stole much that belonged to the Bride but they won’t get to use it.) So, I believe it has a double-meaning, of God’s provision and of the restoration of things stolen from the body of Christ. (Joe. 2:25, 26 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and shall praise the name of the Lord your God, the hath dealt wondrously with you; and my people shall never be put to shame.) (The angel gave us this text about our personal restoration: Psa 103:5 Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle. He also said it would be a complete personal restoration for the first-fruits on a DNA cellular level. And the leaderships are reprobated and will die at this time. He didn’t say how many others.)
Psalms and Wisdom: Song of Solomon 4:9–5:1 Song of Solomon 4:9–5:1 (Listen) 9 You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.10 How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!11 Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.12 A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard,14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices—15 a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon. 16 Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Together in the Garden of Love She Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits. He 5 I came to my garden, my sister, my bride, I gathered my myrrh with my spice, I ate my honeycomb with my honey, I drank my wine with my milk. Others Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love! (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Judges 5 Judges 5 (Listen) The Song of Deborah and Barak 5 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day: 2 “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! 3 “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel. 4 “LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the region of Edom, the earth trembled and the heavens dropped, yes, the clouds dropped water.5 The mountains quaked before the LORD, even Sinai before the LORD,1 the God of Israel. 6 “In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned, and travelers kept to the byways.7 The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel.8 When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel?9 My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD. 10 “Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets2 and you who walk by the way.11 To the sound of musicians3 at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the LORD, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD. 12 “Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, break out in a song! Arise, Barak, lead away your captives, O son of Abinoam.13 Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the LORD marched down for me against the mighty.14 From Ephraim their root they marched down into the valley,4 following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the lieutenant's5 staff;15 the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.16 Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds, to hear the whistling for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he stay with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, staying by his landings.18 Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the field. 19 “The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver.20 From heaven the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera.21 The torrent Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! 22 “Then loud beat the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. 23 “Curse Meroz, says the angel of the LORD, curse its inhabitants thoroughly, because they did not come to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. 24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed.25 He asked for water and she gave him milk; she brought him curds in a noble's bowl.26 She sent her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmen's mallet; she struck Sisera; she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple.27 Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay still; between her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead. 28 “Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera wailed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?'29 Her wisest princesses answer, indeed, she answers herself,30 ‘Have they not found and divided the spoil?— A womb or two for every man; spoil of dyed materials for Sisera, spoil of dyed materials embroidered, two pieces of dyed work embroidered for the neck as spoil?' 31 “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” And the land had rest for forty years. Footnotes [1] 5:5 Or before the Lord, the One of Sinai, before the Lord [2] 5:10 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain; it may connote saddle blankets [3] 5:11 Or archers; the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [4] 5:14 Septuagint; Hebrew in Amalek [5] 5:14 Hebrew commander's (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Jeremiah 21 Jeremiah 21 (Listen) Jerusalem Will Fall to Nebuchadnezzar 21 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying, 2 “Inquire of the LORD for us, for Nebuchadnezzar1 king of Babylon is making war against us. Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all his wonderful deeds and will make him withdraw from us.” 3 Then Jeremiah said to them: “Thus you shall say to Zedekiah, 4 ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands and with which you are fighting against the king of Babylon and against the Chaldeans who are besieging you outside the walls. And I will bring them together into the midst of this city. 5 I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath. 6 And I will strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast. They shall die of a great pestilence. 7 Afterward, declares the LORD, I will give Zedekiah king of Judah and his servants and the people in this city who survive the pestilence, sword, and famine into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and into the hand of their enemies, into the hand of those who seek their lives. He shall strike them down with the edge of the sword. He shall not pity them or spare them or have compassion.' 8 “And to this people you shall say: ‘Thus says the LORD: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who are besieging you shall live and shall have his life as a prize of war. 10 For I have set my face against this city for harm and not for good, declares the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.' Message to the House of David 11 “And to the house of the king of Judah say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, 12 O house of David! Thus says the LORD: “‘Execute justice in the morning, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed, lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of your evil deeds.'” 13 “Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, O rock of the plain, declares the LORD; you who say, ‘Who shall come down against us, or who shall enter our habitations?'14 I will punish you according to the fruit of your deeds, declares the LORD; I will kindle a fire in her forest, and it shall devour all that is around her.” Footnotes [1] 21:2 Hebrew Nebuchadrezzar, an alternate spelling of Nebuchadnezzar (king of Babylon) occurring frequently from Jeremiah 21–52; this latter spelling is used throughout Jeremiah for c