2018 Christian Random Thoughts ... Forsaking Compromise

Shimmie

"God is the Only Truth -- Period"
Staff member
To help me release my worries/concerns. I visually pick up the problem and lay it at my Father’s feet. Every single time it pops into my mind.

It helps to make me feel lighter and I’m more at peace.
Beautiful... :love2:

God loves this, for you are His precious child and whenever you call upon Him and lay your cares before Him, He smiles and gives you a great big Father's Hug. :love5: You're 'Daddy's Girl'...
 

Maracujá

November 2020 --> 14 years natural!!!
The first video with the cross really spoke to me. For the past three days I've been asking God, "why?" Why so much sorrow, why so much pain? The cross video really touched me and gave me a little more encouragement to keep going.

It spoke to me too, when my bil casually posted it on FB. Just a small story that is related to it, hope you're able to see this: I've been following Lamar & Ronnie Tyler's journey since they first began. They're the duo who run www.blackandmarriedwithkids.com. Prior to meeting Lamar, Ronnie was in another relationship that brought forth two children. So when Lamar met her, she was a single mom just doing her thing.

She could've fallen into the woe is me attitude, I'll never get a man because of my predicament. But she didn't and that's what made Lamar fall in love with her. He literally said that what attracted him to her, is how she handled her business and took care of her daughters and household. Our greatest sorrow can be our greatest triumph, if only we let God use it.
 

Sharpened

A fleck on His Sword
Went on Google and typed, "there are no others words like the name of Jesus" because they appeared in my mind and this video popped up first:

Even in seemingly randomness, He has an order we cannot comprehend. All we have to do is follow along and recognize His handiwork.
 

mz.rae

Well-Known Member
The past couple of days all I can do is cry. I sit and think about life, and think about how nothing seems to work out. How I keep sabotaging opportunities, and wondering where it is I can go from here. I pray for guidance and direction for my life. But I don’t know what to do, I feel like I wasted my life doing and accomplishing nothing.
 

blessedandfavoured

Well-Known Member
The past couple of days all I can do is cry. I sit and think about life, and think about how nothing seems to work out. How I keep sabotaging opportunities, and wondering where it is I can go from here. I pray for guidance and direction for my life. But I don’t know what to do, I feel like I wasted my life doing and accomplishing nothing.

Praying for you, @mz.rae.
 

newgrowth15

Well-Known Member
The past couple of days all I can do is cry. I sit and think about life, and think about how nothing seems to work out. How I keep sabotaging opportunities, and wondering where it is I can go from here. I pray for guidance and direction for my life. But I don’t know what to do, I feel like I wasted my life doing and accomplishing nothing.
@mz.rae, I have been exactly where you are, especially after my mom passed 18 months ago. The pain and anguish you feel is real. I encourage you to hold on to God's hand and the promises in His Word for your life. I am praying for you and I will send you some scriptures to help you through this trying time.
 

mz.rae

Well-Known Member
@mz.rae, I have been exactly where you are, especially after my mom passed 18 months ago. The pain and anguish you feel is real. I encourage you to hold on to God's hand and the promises in His Word for your life. I am praying for you and I will send you some scriptures to help you through this trying time.
Thank you so much!! I would really appreciate the scriptures.
 

movingforward

Moving forward and onward
I find it interesting that I tend to sense death and how the person is going to die. I never know who, but always the how and usually where.
 

Lucia

Well-Known Member
The past couple of days all I can do is cry. I sit and think about life, and think about how nothing seems to work out. How I keep sabotaging opportunities, and wondering where it is I can go from here. I pray for guidance and direction for my life. But I don’t know what to do, I feel like I wasted my life doing and accomplishing nothing.

This is attack of the enemy whatever you’re going through he’s taking advantage and stepping in to make things worse. Sometimes we sabotage out of fear or from childhood experiences or the negative soundtrack that may be playing in our heads can hurt us, so we have to heal from those wounds so that we can live better lives.

I’m going to suggest some things:

1. If you need to cry, feel, grieve, heal please do that in your own time. Don’t let anyone tell you what time span is appropriate.
2. Pray, even if it seems self centered like”God I need help here” pour out your heart to Him no matter how small or big you think your sproblem/situation is. (If you’re Catholic I would say get yourself to an adoration chapel ASAP in the presence of the Holy Eucharist our Lord Jesus Christ and pour your heart out, pray, read some scriptures, journal to God,or just sit there in His presence and go back often)

3. Some scriptures that will help comfort you.

Ecc 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Remember that no matter what Jesus loves you and has a plan for you (Jer 29:11) because nothing is wasted. (Rom 8:28) He will turn all bad for your good.
I hope you come to have peace and comfort.

Here’s a prayer for you:

In Jesus name I cast out and bind the spirit of strife confusion and hopelessness in and around me to go to the foot of the cross and never return. I pray that my pain, confusion, frustration is taken away and replaced with peace, clarity, and quiet wisdom from the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen!
 
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mz.rae

Well-Known Member
This is attack of the enemy whatever you’re going through he’s taking advantage and stepping in to make things worse. Sometimes we sabotage out of fear or from childhood experiences or the negative soundtrack that may be playing in our heads can hurt us, so we have to heal from those wounds so that we can live better lives.

I’m going to suggest some things:

1. If you need to cry, feel, grieve, heal please do that in your own time. Don’t let anyone tell you what time span is appropriate.
2. Pray, even if it seems self centered like”God I need help here” pour out your heart to Him no matter how small or big you think your sproblem/situation is. (If you’re Catholic I would say get yourself to an adoration chapel ASAP in the presence of the Holy Eucharist our Lord Jesus Christ and pour your heart out, pray, read some scriptures, journal to God,or just sit there in His presence and go back often)

3. Some scriptures that will help comfort you.

Ecc 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Remember that no matter what Jesus loves you and has a plan for you (Jer 29:11) because nothing is wasted. (Rom 8:28) He will turn all bad for your good.
I hoped you come to have peace and comfort.

Here’s a prayer for you:

In Jesus name I cast out and bind the spirit of strife confusion and hopelessness in and around me to never return. I pray that my pain, confusion, frustration is taken away and replaced with peace, clarity, and quiet wisdom from the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen!
Thank you so much!!!
 

alex114

Well-Known Member
I haven’t been on this side of the forum in a while. There were times this past semester when I felt like if I articulated everything I have to pray/ask God/repent/thank Him for, let alone all of my requests, the weight might crush me, so I didn’t post in the Prayer Request Thread.

There were also times where I, personally, was riding on such a high of God’s grace, mercy and love, but my husband or family was going through it, so it didn’t feel right to post in the Praise Report thread quite yet.

I’m in a similar state right now— so much going on on both ends that I’m not sure how to categorize my spiritual needs at the moment.

By the everlasting grace of God, I finished my year in residency at the business school, and this time next year, I’ll have had my baby, graduated from law school and business school, and will be studying for the NY bar exam, which in Jesus’ name, I will pass on the first try. And then in October, also by God’s wonderful grace, I will start my career in the NY office of my current firm.

I’m still praying faithfully (and looking for a temporary church home here in London), repenting daily, and keeping myself covered in the Blood. I suppose I’m at a loss as to how to care for my husband’s spiritual needs, but I’ve prayed so long and so hard about that, sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find the right words.
 

Lucia

Well-Known Member
I haven’t been on this side of the forum in a while. There were times this past semester when I felt like if I articulated everything I have to pray/ask God/repent/thank Him for, let alone all of my requests, the weight might crush me, so I didn’t post in the Prayer Request Thread.

There were also times where I, personally, was riding on such a high of God’s grace, mercy and love, but my husband or family was going through it, so it didn’t feel right to post in the Praise Report thread quite yet.

I’m in a similar state right now— so much going on on both ends that I’m not sure how to categorize my spiritual needs at the moment.

By the everlasting grace of God, I finished my year in residency at the business school, and this time next year, I’ll have had my baby, graduated from law school and business school, and will be studying for the NY bar exam, which in Jesus’ name, I will pass on the first try. And then in October, also by God’s wonderful grace, I will start my career in the NY office of my current firm.

I’m still praying faithfully (and looking for a temporary church home here in London), repenting daily, and keeping myself covered in the Blood. I suppose I’m at a loss as to how to care for my husband’s spiritual needs, but I’ve prayed so long and so hard about that, sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find the right words.

Keep praying and for your husband and family may I am suggest looking up by topic some some already written prayers.
Like prayers for your spouse or husband prayers in times of difficulty etc....
When you’re praying to keep yourself covered in the blood please include your husband and your baby’s to come always pray for your family as a unit. Most people don’t know there’s a strict military heierarchy in the spirit world.
Now in the hierarchy of things it’s

God
Jesus Christ
Man
Woman
Children
Animals

So you should ask God in Jesus name for protection blessings wisdom understanding etc for your husband because you as a woman are not over him and have no authority to directly bless him that his blessings come from God.

The only men women have authority over is their sons grandsons first then nephews.
 
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alex114

Well-Known Member
What a word @Lucia thank you! I have no authority to directly bless him, only God can do it. For some reason, that is such a comfort to hear, as if I can stop feeling guilty that my prayers for my husband often seem to fall flat or not have the same resonance as the ones for myself or my unborn child. I can just be free to pray for him and ask humbly that God would bless him and protect, with no added pressure or responsibility. Thank you for your counsel!
 

mrselle

Well-Known Member
What a word @Lucia thank you! I have no authority to directly bless him, only God can do it. For some reason, that is such a comfort to hear, as if I can stop feeling guilty that my prayers for my husband often seem to fall flat or not have the same resonance as the ones for myself or my unborn child. I can just be free to pray for him and ask humbly that God would bless him and protect, with no added pressure or responsibility. Thank you for your counsel!

I would encourage you to read The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I had this book for several years, but it didn't hold my interest. I dug it out several months ago and began reading it. Its an easy read, the chapters are short and the prayers are scripture based. You can never go wrong when you are praying God's word. These prayers cover so many areas of a man's life that I would have never thought to pray and they articulate what I am often not able to. There are also many prayers online and pintetest. When I began to pray God's word for my husband I saw positive changes. It wasn't always easy and there were times I wondered if my prayers were even working, but I kept praying.
 

mrselle

Well-Known Member
Keep praying and for your husband and family may I am suggest looking up by topic some some already written prayers.
Like prayers for your spouse or husband prayers in times of difficulty etc....
When you’re praying to keep yourself covered in the blood please include your husband and your baby’s to come always pray for your family as a unit. Most people don’t know there’s a strict military heist by in the spirit world.
Now in the hierarchy of things it’s

God
Jesus Christ
Man
Woman
Children
Animals

So you should ask God in Jesus name for protection blessings wisdom understanding etc for your husband because you as a woman are not over him and have no authority to directly bless him that his blessings come from God.

The only men women have authority over is their sons grandsons first then nephews.

Could you say a little bit more about the bolded?
 

alex114

Well-Known Member
I would encourage you to read The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I had this book for several years, but it didn't hold my interest. I dug it out several months ago and began reading it. Its an easy read, the chapters are short and the prayers are scripture based. You can never go wrong when you are praying God's word. These prayers cover so many areas of a man's life that I would have never thought to pray and they articulate what I am often not able to. There are also many prayers online and pintetest. When I began to pray God's word for my husband I saw positive changes. It wasn't always easy and there were times I wondered if my prayers were even working, but I kept praying.


Thank you so much! I just bought it and Prayers that Rout Demons on Kindle. I'll be reading both over the weekend, and I will let you know how they end up blessing me (I know they will be blessings, but not how as of yet.) I think the not knowing if my prayers are working is what makes it difficult. When I am praying for myself, I can feel the grace and peace coming over me that signals connection and rightness in the prayer I am practicing. But when praying for others, and especially my husband, not feeling that can be so disconcerting. I suppose also because it generally feels like we are one, I almost expect to feel some sort of rebound effect when I pray for him, as if to know, yes, this prayer was effective and timely and relevant.
 

movingforward

Moving forward and onward
WELP!!!! The LORD DID IT!!!

I am debt free! This job that I considered a curse was really a financial blessing. I received bonus payouts, that allowed me to pay off ALL OF MY DEBT!!!! My car and credit cards.

Again, I considered this job a curse but my blessing was in this curse.

I’m just waiting for my student loans to be discharge (yes all $200k). Watch God do it. I’ll be back with another testimony on that score.

PLUS!!! God is so good! I was just offered a new job. All glory to God!!

I’m so excited! Thank you to the prayer warriors that have prayed for me over the years. I am a new creature in Christ. HALLEUJAH!
 

Lucia

Well-Known Member
Could you say a little bit more about the bolded?

OK there’s choirs of angles but they each have their categories which pertains to their proximity to God and they have different duties and assignments.
Now on scripture we are given a little glimpse into those hierarchies. When I say military it’s because they’re a big spiritual army of which we humans are the foot soldiers here on earth and Jesus is the King.

Now when praying you must pray with authority as in having strong faith in God that what you pray for will come to pass in Gods best plan for you, not always what we want but what we need. Also there is authority in your spiritual life as in where you are in the earthly part of the Gods kingdom ie. you prayer life, anointing, us regular church going folks aka we lay people are at the bottom mostly not always, step up to clergymen (pastors, bishops, priests, nuns), have special responsibilities, duties to serve and lead their flocks they have more authority/spiritual power through study prayer life, anointing and laying of hands, then saints (we ask them to intervene, through intercessory prayer they pray for us, aka communion if saints) higher up then comes angels (right now earth bound humans before the Lords second coming we are below angels in rank just to keep it simple for now, check Rev for more)

Since we are spiritual as well as humans of flesh and bone we have our “place” in this hierarchy spiritually. This really comes into play when doing deliverance healing ministries or exorcisms (anointing call from God and in case of Catholic Church training, high level study, permission from the Bishop also known as “authority” not every Preist is, nor can any Preist can be an excorist)

“Authority differs from power in that the term “authority” suggests a right to or fittingness for the power that goes with it. True authority is justified by what a person is, by what he has received from a higher authority, or by his relationship to other persons. Through any or all of these means he is connected to the “authorship” or origination of the power he will exercise. It is this connection that constitutes authority. When things are well-ordered, power derives neither from the will to exercise it nor from the strength to enforce that will. Power derives from authority, which is rooted in the nature or office of persons in their relationships with one another.” https://bit.ly/2MbBRTI

Remember in Daniel he was praying and fasting for days when an angel came to him and said we heard your prayers but the demonic principality/prince of Persia blocked that angel.

Daniel 10:12-14
Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, so I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia 14 and came to make you understand what is to befall your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”

Now how this also relates is whatever God does the enemy copies and perverts and subverts. So the same hierarchy exists on the demonic side as seen in Daniel and in many other places in the Bible like in book of Tobit. So those who serve the demonic kingdom pray to these princes and powers to do evil works.
Notice the angel could not get passed the demon prince of Persia he had to call on the heavenly Prince Archangel Micheal to defeat the Prince of Persia and get his message to Daniel and an archangel is higher in rank to an angel. Remember also Eph 6:12 we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers...

Spoken Words have power in the spirit world and in turn the physical world. When formulating your prayers you should keep in mind not only what your asking for but Whom you’re addressing and how you’re formulating that prayer so that it is respectful, mindful, reverent, and as specific as you can get it. We Catholics call on the Saints to intercede in their area of anointing/expertise when they were on earth. That’s where pre-written prayers come in someone else usually a Saint, anointed lay person, exorcist, Preist, or nun has done the research and most times their “formula” has been proven to work. Personally, I’m always worried about leaving an important point out of my self made prayers so I could never rely completely on them.
I know you asked for a quick note excuse the looong post

Here’s some info references

https://bit.ly/2MMf8yF

https://bit.ly/2MfD7oV

FIRST CHOIR
1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubin, 3. Thrones - closest to heaven concern themselves with contemplating the glory of God. It is the 6-winged Seraphim who sing the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts" (Isaias 6:3).

++ 1. SERAPHIM ++
Seraphim (singular "Seraph"), mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7,[3] serve as the caretakers of God's throne and continuously shout praises: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled with His Glory." The name Seraphim means "the burning ones." It is said that the charity of the Seraphim burns like white heat in a flame. The Seraphim have six wings; two covering their faces, two covering their genitals ("feet"), and two with which they fly.

++ 2. CHERUBIM ++
Cherubim have four faces: one of each a man, an ox, a lion, and a griffon vulture. They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, and they have ox's feet. Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24)[4] and the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16).[5] -- The cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24;[4] Exodus 25:17-22; 2 Chronicles 3:7-14; Ezekiel 10:12–14,[6] 28:14-16;[5] 1 Kings 6:23–28;[7] and Revelation 4:6-8. Cherubim are also the angels often depicted as babies with wings in Christian art.

++ 3. THRONES ++
The "Thrones" (Gr. thronos) or Elders, are a class of celestial beings mentioned by Paul of Tarsus in Colossians 1:16 (New Testament). They are living symbols of God's justice and authority, and have as one of their symbols the throne. These high celestial beings appear to be mentioned again in Revelation 11:16. Also seeEzekiel 10:17, and vision of Daniel 7 - 9). The Thrones are said to be the way by which God accomplishes his judgements (St. Gregory).

SECOND CHOIR
4. Domininations, 5. Virtues, 6. Powers. The second order of angels are charged with governing and ordering the laws of the created universe.

++ 4. DOMINATIONS ++
The "Dominions" (lat. dominatio, plural dominationes, also translated from the Greek term kyriotites as "Lordships") are presented as the hierarchy of celestial beings "Lordships" in the De Coelesti Hierarchia. The Dominions, regulate the duties of lower angels. It is only with extreme rarity that they make themselves physically known to humans and are believed to look like beautiful humans with feathered wings as shown in art. They are also the angels who preside over nations.

++ 5. VIRTUES ++
The "Virtues" or "Strongholds" lie beyond the ophanim (Thrones/Wheels). Their primary duty is to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order. The term also appears to be linked to the attribute "might", from a Greek root. In Ephesians 1:21, which is also translated as "Virtue". They are charged with giving the power with which to accomplish the ordering of Nature.

++ 6. POWERS ++
The "Powers" (lat. potestas (f), pl. potestates), or "Authorities", from the Greek exousies, (see Greek root in Eph 3:10) appear to collaborate, in power and authority, with the Principalities (Rulers). They are bearers of conscience and keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels created to be completely loyal to God. Their duty is to oversee the distribution of power among humankind, hence their name. Finally, the choir of Powers are given the duty to order out how to execute what has been commanded. The choir of Powers direct the lower choirs on how to order creation.

THIRD CHOIR
7. Principalities, 8. Archangels, 9. Angels (closest to earth) concern themselves with creation and are the most familiar to us.

++ 7. PRINCIPALITIES ++
"Principalities" (lat. principatus, pl. principat?s) also translated as "Princedoms" and "Rulers", from the Greek arche (see Greek root in Eph 3:10), appear to collaborate, in power and authority with the Powers (Authorities). Shown wearing a crown and carrying a sceptre, their duty is also said to be to carry out the orders given to them by the Dominions and bequeath blessings to the material world. Their task is to oversee groups of people. They are the educators and guardians of the realm of earth. Like beings related to the world of the germinal ideas, they are said to inspire living things to many things such as art or science. Principalities are the leaders of the last order, and direct the actual implementation of God’s will.

++ 8. ARCHANGELS ++

The word "arch-angel" comes from the Greek (archang?l?s), meaning chief angel, a translation of the Hebrew (rav-mal'ákh) [9] It derives from the Greek arch?, meaning to be first in rank or power; which means messenger. The word is only used twice in the New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 1:9. Only archangels Michael and Gabriel are mentioned by name in the New Testament.

++ 9. ANGELS ++
The "angels", (malakhim Greek for messengers), are the lowest order of the angels, and the most recognized and are most concerned with the affairs of living things. In this category of angels, there are many different kinds with different functions. Archangels and Angels actually carry out and execute what is to be done. They are the messengers to mankind. This is why angels (such as Gabriel and Raphael) are the choir sent to communicate with man.

The Nine Choirs of Angels

Seraphim
These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

Cherubim
Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him.

Thrones
Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submisssion. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God.

Dominions
Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Virtues
Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.>

Powers
Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.

Archangels
Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St. Michael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly.

Of special significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)

Principalities
In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16) and thrones (Col1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)

Angels
These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any time. They are the most caring and social to assist those who ask for help.
 
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Maracujá

November 2020 --> 14 years natural!!!
Turned 33 four days ago and ended up celebrating the entire week with friends and family members.

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It felt good to be surrounded by loved ones like this. We don't always have time to see each other, because we all have to make a living. The first six months of 2018, I just put a file together about turning 33 and dying to my ego. What that means to me is what He exclaimed at the cross: not my will, but yours. This means accepting God-ordained suffering rather than self-imposed struggling.

Been thinking about my life on earth so far and I'm pretty content. It has not been perfect, but God has always been there all along, long-suffering with us. There isn't really a specific area of my life that I am 100% satisfied with, they all need some kind of tweaking, but it's OK, I'll be patient :).

Life is so funny: I have been thinking about a particular romantic interest I had in my late teens, a guy from Cameroon. We were both college students at the time and he was a total blerd. But he only dated Asian girls, because he felt they were smarter and he abhorred Black culture, whereas I was majoring in African Studies. I've always felt that this may have been one of the reasons why he really never wanted to make a move, as he was working in a high tech field.

Fast forward about 15 years later and I now keep getting jobs in low tech fields. And I find it so interesting that I'm looking into ways to combine it with my main interest: Africa. #wontHedoit

How is everyone else doing?
 
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