What you're seeking is seeking you.

He woke me up this morning. I was clothed and in my right mind. Chorus The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! He woke me up this morning and started me on my way. The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! Verse 1 He woke me up this morning. I was clothed and in my right mind. He didn't let me sleep too late; He woke me right on time. He woke me up this morning, and started me on my way. The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! Breakdown [Part 1] The Lord is blessing me right now The Lord is blessing me right now [Part 2] The Lord is blessing me Right now right now [Part 3] The Lord is blessing me Right now, He's blessing me Chorus The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! The Lord is blessing me right now, right now! He woke me up this morning and started me on my way. The Lord is blessing me right now, right now!   Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! We have a wealth of articles and videos on spirituality  and victorious living . Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

I've got the love of Jesus down in my heart to stay. Verse 1 I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart; I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay. Chorus (Not in original hymn) Oh I'm so happy, so very happy I've got the love of Jesus in my heart Oh I'm so happy, so very happy I've got the love of jesus in my heart! Verse 2 I've got the peace that passeth understanding, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart; I've got the peace that passeth understanding, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay. Verse 3 I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart; I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay. Verse 4 For there is therefore now no condemnation, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart; For there is therefore now no condemnation, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay.   Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! We have a wealth of articles and videos on spirituality  and victorious living . Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

Castor oil offers a wide range of anti-inflammatory, and natural healing benefits for the body inside and out. Castor oil is a thick, vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and African healing systems. Natural Laxative One of its key benefits is its ability to act as a powerful natural laxative. When taken internally in small, appropriate doses, castor oil stimulates the muscles of the intestines, helping to relieve occasional constipation. Because of its potency, however, it should be used with caution and under guidance, as overuse can lead to dehydration or cramping. Reduce Inflammation Another major benefit of castor oil is its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It contains a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation when applied topically. This makes it popular for treating sore joints, muscle pain, and even conditions like arthritis. Castor oil packs—where cloth soaked in the oil is placed on the body and often warmed—are commonly used to support detoxification of the liver, relieve menstrual cramps, and reduce swelling in lymphatic tissues. Skin & Hair Castor oil is also widely used in skin and hair care due to its deep moisturizing and antimicrobial effects. It helps to lock in moisture, making it beneficial for dry skin, cracked heels, and chapped lips. Its antimicrobial properties can support healing in minor wounds and prevent infection. For hair, it is believed to nourish the scalp, strengthen strands, and potentially stimulate hair growth when massaged regularly into the scalp. Many people also use it to condition eyelashes and eyebrows naturally. Immune Support Additionally, castor oil may support immune and lymphatic system health. By improving circulation and encouraging the flow of lymph, it aids the body's natural detox processes. This benefit, along with its gentle effect on digestion and inflammation, makes it a valuable tool in holistic wellness practices. However, it's important to ensure you're using cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil and to avoid consuming it during pregnancy, as it can stimulate uterine contractions. When used mindfully, castor oil offers a wide range of gentle, natural healing benefits for the body inside and out. We offer a number of products featuring this very healing oil. Check them out at the shop. Products Featuring Castor Oil Afro Oil Body Oil King's Oil Christina V. Mills is the creator of Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine and our products. She is a lifelong spiritual seeker, writer, and yoga teacher. Follow her on Instagram @morelifemoreyoga. Liveology® Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life, drawing from spiritual traditions across the world. Our entire website is an interactive experience. You never know what you'll find! Become a Member  for access to all of our visualizations and our exclusive library of articles and videos. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

An apocryphal book attributed to Mary Magdalene.

A term popularized by Napoleon Hill. According to Napoleon Hill, a mastermind alliance is defined as "two or more minds working actively together in perfect harmony for the attainment of a definite purpose.” When two minds come together in agreement, a third, Mastermind is formed that is greater than the sum of the two parts. According to Hill, once you can make use the mastermind principle before you can take possession the master key. The mastermind principle acknowledges that one can't do everyone alone. Attempting to do so can lead to burnout and is often unsuccessful. Application of the mastermind principle enables a person to do more work in a few weeks than that can be done in a year by making harmonious and willing use of the skills and talents of those around you. None of this is done through coercion but comes from forming mastermind alliances that are mutually beneficial. Mastermind alliances can come in many different forms. A mastermind alliance can be formed amongst coworkers, with a boss, with a business partner, or in a marriage. Mastermind Steps toward the Master Key to Success: Create a 3 year plan. Decide where you would like to be and doing in 3 years. Decide how much money you want to make and what you will do to get there. Form a mastermind alliance with someone in your family and at least one person to whom you are selling your services. Cultivate a positive mental attitude and friendly attitude toward all. Your mental attitude is the only thing that you have control over, so maintain a positive attitude, and watch how it adds to your success.. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! We have a wealth of articles and videos on spirituality and victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

Let’s take this heart-filled journey together and discover the true power of gratitude! Photo by Gabrielle Henderson Gratitude is a powerful force beyond a mere "thank-you." It can change your outlook on life, boost your mental health, and strengthen your relationships. Maintaining a gratitude journal is a fantastic way to tap into this force. Whether you're starting from scratch or seeking new prompts to refresh your routine, this post offers impactful gratitude journal prompts to enhance your heart and mind. Why Gratitude Matters Gratitude isn't just a feel-good emotion; it's backed by science! Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can increase your happiness levels by up to 25%. Moreover, it can enhance your relationships and improve your overall sense of well-being. By expressing gratitude, you teach your brain to focus on positives rather than negatives, shifting your mindset effectively. Integrating gratitude into your daily routine through journaling can profoundly transform your mental state. As you start to document moments of appreciation, you’ll notice a growing awareness of the good in your life, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment. With that said, let’s explore engaging and thought-provoking gratitude journal prompts that will enrich your practice! Daily Gratitude Prompts 1. What made you smile today? Take a moment to reflect on what brought joy to your day. Was it a cheerful chat with a friend, a funny meme, or perhaps a delicious cup of coffee? Writing these instances down allows you to appreciate the small joys that can often slip by unnoticed. 2. Who are you thankful for this week, and why? Identify someone who positively affected you this week. It might be a coworker who offered help or a friend who listened to you. Write a note expressing your gratitude. Sharing this appreciation can strengthen your connection with that person, reinforcing positive relationships. 3. What is one thing you learned today? Learning is a daily opportunity. Reflect on something new you discovered today. This might include a fact from a book, a skill at work, or insight from a conversation. Recognizing this can boost your sense of accomplishment and underscore the value of continuous learning. 4. Describe a beautiful moment you experienced this week. Beauty can be found everywhere, from a breathtaking sunset to laughter shared with friends. Capture these moments in your journal to cultivate an appreciation for the world around you. Research indicates that recognizing beauty can contribute to increased happiness levels. 5. When was the last time you felt truly content, and what contributed to that feeling? Explore a recent moment of pure contentment. Was it enjoying a cozy evening at home or a peaceful walk in the park? Reflecting on such experiences helps uncover what brings you joy, providing insights on how to recreate these moments in daily life. Themed Gratitude Prompts Photo by Darius Bashar 6. Gratitude for Your Body List three things you appreciate about your body. Maybe it's your ability to run a mile, a sense of taste that allows you to enjoy various foods, or even your unique features. Acknowledging what your body does for you boosts self-esteem and overall mental well-being. 7. Nature's Gifts Select three aspects of nature that bring you joy. Perhaps it's the sight of blooming flowers, the sound of rustling leaves, or the beauty of the ocean waves. Recognizing these gifts can ground you, reminding you of nature's constant beauty that exists beyond your everyday life. 8. The Comfort of Home Name three things in your home that you are grateful for. It could be the cozy corner where you read, the memories captured in family photos, or the comfort of your bed. Understanding these elements allows you to appreciate the safe haven your home provides. 9. Tools for Growth Identify tools, whether physical or digital, that assist you in your self-improvement journey. This might include a favorite book that inspired you or a mobile app that helps with organization. Recognizing these resources affirms your commitment to personal growth. 10. Your Favorite Memories Take a trip down memory lane and write about one of your cherished memories. Include the details, feelings, and the people involved. Reflecting on positive memories reinforces your capacity for joy and reminds you of happy times. Weekly Gratitude Challenges 11. Dedicate a Day to Kindness Plan a day next week for performing three acts of kindness. This could be helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charitable organization. Afterwards, reflect in your journal on how these acts impacted both you and others. 12. Find the Silver Lining Choose a recent challenge and write about how you discovered something to appreciate in that experience. Perhaps it was a difficult project at work that taught you resilience or support from friends. Shifting your perspective can foster growth and deepen gratitude. 13. Gratitude for Technology Reflect on how technology has improved your daily life. List three technological innovations you are thankful for, such as video calls that keep you connected with family or online courses that expand your skills. This can bring awareness to how technology enriches your experiences. 14. Transform Negativity into Positivity Write about a negative thought or situation you experienced this week. Then, reframe that into something positive. Maybe it was a setback that taught you a valuable lesson or a tough conversation that led to deeper understanding. Emphasizing the lessons learned can provide clarity and foster gratitude. 15. Create a Gratitude Playlist Compile a list of songs that evoke a sense of gratitude or happy memories. Include each song's name and reasons why it resonates with you. Music can serve as a powerful reminder of joy and create a joyful atmosphere in your life. Reflective Gratitude Prompts 16. What has been your biggest lesson in the past year? Consider a personal lesson that shaped you this past year. Was it learning to prioritize self-care or the importance of community support? Reflecting on how you’ve grown can deepen your appreciation for life’s challenges. 17. List five things that never fail to inspire you. These can be people, quotes, places, or experiences. Annotate what inspires you about each one and how you might incorporate more of these inspirations into your daily life. This can increase your motivation and sense of purpose. 18. Broaden Your Perspective Think of a time when your perspective changed. What prompted this shift? Write about how this change has shaped your understanding and appreciation for the world, and how it has enriched your viewpoint. 19. Acts of Generosity You’ve Witnessed Document acts of kindness you've observed in others. This could range from a friend helping someone in need to community initiatives that inspire you. Reflecting on these actions can motivate you to contribute to your community, fostering a deeper connection. 20. Letting Go of Grudges Identify a grudge you're holding onto and reflect on why letting go might benefit you. Write about how forgiveness opens the door to gratitude and personal peace. Remember, releasing negativity paves the way for a more joyful life. Your Heart-Filled Journey Begins Here Using these gratitude journal prompts, you can embark on a journey that reveals the hidden power of gratitude inside you. With consistent practice, you'll see a shift in your mindset, leading to increased happiness and appreciation for life’s simple treasures. Whether you're just starting or have been journaling for years, there's always room for growth. Embrace the prompts that resonate most with you, revisit them regularly, and feel free to craft your own! Now is the time to turn words into action. Dive into your gratitude journal and discover the heart-filled journey waiting for you. Remember, gratitude is a seed for joy, and the more you nurture it, the more it flourishes in your life! Happy journaling! Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! Subscribe  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Love!

Asana, pranayama, drishti. The Tristhana method is a key concept in Ashtanga Yoga, developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. The term "Tristhana" translates to "three places" or "three points," referring to the three main components that practitioners focus on during their practice. 1. Asana (Posture) The physical postures or poses practiced in yoga. Each asana is performed with attention to alignment and breath, forming the foundation for the practice. Asanas help build strength, flexibility, and stability while promoting overall physical health. 2. Pranayama (Breath) The practice of breath control, which involves conscious inhalation and exhalation. In the Tristhana method, the breath is synchronized with movement (known as Vinyasa) and is often emphasized through a specific breathing technique called Ujjayi breath. This controlled breathing helps to cultivate focus, calm the mind, and maintain a steady flow during the practice. 3. Drishti (Gaze) The point of focus during the practice. Drishti refers to where you direct your gaze while performing asanas. Each posture has a designated drishti that helps enhance concentration, center the mind, and cultivate mindfulness. This focus aids in developing inner awareness and stability. Integration The integration of these three elements creates a harmonious practice that supports physical, mental, and spiritual development. As practitioners move through sequences of asanas, they coordinate their breath with movement, enhancing the flow of energy in the body. By focusing on the drishti, practitioners cultivate a meditative state, allowing for deeper concentration and present-moment awareness. The combination of physical alignment (asana), breath control (pranayama), and gaze (drishti) helps develop a greater awareness of the body and mind, fostering a sense of balance and equanimity. The Tristhana method is fundamental in Ashtanga Yoga, guiding practitioners in developing a disciplined and mindful practice. It emphasizes the importance of integrating body, breath, and mind to achieve a holistic approach to yoga. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel!   Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on spirituality  and victorious living . Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! Subscribe  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Love!

An apocryphal book attributed to Mary Magdalene.

According to Jewish tradition, Enoch was transformed into the angel Metatron after being taken to heaven. Metatron is considered one of the highest-ranking angels in the heavenly hierarchy in Jewish mysticism and some esoteric branches of Christianity. Though not mentioned in the canonical Hebrew Bible, Metatron appears extensively in post-biblical mystical texts, especially in Merkabah (chariot) mysticism and the Kabbalah. He is sometimes identified with the biblical figure Enoch, who, according to Genesis 5:24, "walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him." While little is said about Enoch in canonical scripture, the full story of Enoch is found in the apocryphal Book of Enoch. Later Jewish tradition interprets this mysterious departure as Enoch being transformed into the angel Metatron after being taken to heaven. As Metatron, Enoch is believed to have been given immense wisdom and authority by God, serving as a celestial scribe who records the deeds of humanity in the Book of Life. He is often portrayed as the voice of God or the “lesser YHVH,” acting as an intermediary between the divine and the human realms. In some traditions, Metatron is seen as the only angel who is allowed to sit in the presence of God, a privilege usually denied to all other angels. His position and power suggest a unique blend of human origin and divine elevation, making him a bridge between heaven and earth. In Kabbalistic texts, Metatron is associated with the sefirah of Keter (Crown) or sometimes Chesed (Loving-kindness), depending on the interpretation. He is seen as the angel of divine presence and structure, playing a role in ordering creation and transmitting divine light into the world. Some mystical writings describe Metatron as having 36 wings and countless eyes, symbolizing his role in perceiving all things and executing divine will. He is also linked with the Tree of Life and sacred geometry, underscoring his connection to the spiritual blueprint of the universe. Metatron’s influence extends beyond Judaism, appearing in some Christian mystical and Gnostic texts, and even in Islamic literature under different names and interpretations. In modern spiritual circles, especially within New Age thought, Metatron is invoked as a powerful guide for spiritual awakening, healing, and accessing higher knowledge. While not part of mainstream theology, Metatron’s enduring presence in mystical and esoteric teachings reflects humanity’s deep desire to understand the nature of divine communication, transformation, and the journey between the earthly and the eternal. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

An apocryphal book attributed to Mary Magdalene.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest beef tallow, due to its potential health benefits compared to seed oils. Photo by Jonathan Ocampo Beef tallow is a rendered form of fat obtained from the fatty tissue of cattle. The rendering process involves slowly heating the fat to separate it from the connective tissues and other components, resulting in a pure fat product. Tallow is solid at room temperature and has a creamy, off-white color. Nutritional Profile Beef tallow is composed mainly of saturated and monounsaturated fats, with a smaller proportion of polyunsaturated fats. While it contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, its high saturated fat content has led to health concerns, particularly regarding heart health. However, some proponents argue that saturated fats can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Beef tallow has a distinctive nutritional profile that reflects its composition as a rendered fat. Here’s a breakdown of its key components: Composition Fats: Beef tallow is primarily made up of fats, with a typical composition of: Saturated Fat: Approximately 40-50% Monounsaturated Fat: Around 40-50% Polyunsaturated Fat: About 3-10% Vitamins: Tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins, particularly: Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and calcium metabolism. Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Calories: Tallow is calorie-dense, providing about 120 calories per tablespoon (14 grams), primarily from fat. Health Considerations Saturated Fat: The high saturated fat content has led to concerns regarding heart health, though recent research suggests that saturated fat may not be as harmful as once thought when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Omega Fatty Acids: Tallow contains a small amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but it is not considered a significant source of these essential fats compared to other oils like flaxseed or fish oil. Culinary Uses Historically, beef tallow has been used in cooking and frying due to its high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat applications. It imparts a rich flavor to dishes and is particularly well-known for its use in making crispy, flavorful french fries. Tallow is also used in traditional recipes for items like pastries, pies, and even some types of soap and candles. Conclusion While beef tallow can provide energy and some essential nutrients, it should be consumed in moderation, particularly for those concerned about saturated fat intake. As part of a varied diet, it can be enjoyed in traditional cooking or as a flavor-enhancing ingredient, especially in dishes that benefit from its unique taste and cooking properties. Current Trends In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional fats like tallow, particularly among those who follow paleo or ketogenic diets. Advocates appreciate its flavor, cooking properties, and potential health benefits compared to highly processed oils. However, its use in mainstream cooking and fast food has declined as many chains have moved towards vegetable oils in response to changing dietary guidelines and consumer preferences. Vegetarians typically do not use tallow because it is derived from beef fat. Since vegetarians avoid animal products, including meat and fat from animals, tallow is not compatible with a vegetarian diet. For those seeking plant-based alternatives to tallow, options include oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable shortening. These substitutes can provide similar cooking properties without the use of animal-derived ingredients. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! Subscribe  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

How to lose your mind and create a new one. Foreward by Daniel G. Amen, M.D Introduction The Greatest Habit You Can Ever Break is the Habit of Being Yourself PART I: The Science of You Chapter 1 The Quantum You Chapter 2 Overcoming Your Environment Chapter 3 Overcoming Your Body Chapter 4 Overcoming Time Chapter 5 Survival vs. Creation PART II: Your Brain & Meditation Chapter 6 Three Brains: Thinking to Doing to Being Chapter 7 The Gap Chapter 8 Meditation, Demystifying the Mystical, and Waves of Your Future PART III: Stepping Toward Your New Destiny Chapter 9 The Meditative Process: Introduction and Preparation Chapter 10 Open the Door to Your Creative Sate (Week One) Step 1: Induction Chapter 11 Prune Away the Habit of Being Yourself (Week Two) Step 2: Recognizing Step 3: Admitting and Declaring Step 4: Surrendering Chapter 12 Dismantle the Memory of the Old You (Week Three) Step 5: Observing and Reminding Step 6: Redirecting Chapter 13 Create a New Mind for Your New Future (Week Four) Step 7: Creating and Rehearsing Chapter 14 Demonstrating and Being Transparent: Living Your New Reality Afterword Inhabit Self Appendix A Body-Part Induction (Week One) Appendix B Water-Rising Induction (Week One) Appendix C Guided Meditation: Putting it All Together (Weeks Two Through Four) Summary In Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself , Dr. Joe Dispenza combines neuroscience, quantum physics, and spiritual insight to explain how our thoughts shape our reality—and how we can change that reality by changing our inner world. He starts by asserting that most people live in a cycle of unconscious habits, where their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors reinforce one another and keep them stuck in a familiar identity. These habits are often rooted in the past and prevent personal growth and fulfillment. Dispenza explains that because the brain is capable of neuroplasticity (its ability to change and rewire itself), and our biology responds to our thoughts and emotions, transformation is scientifically possible. When we continually think the same thoughts, we create the same brain patterns and emotional responses, which condition the body into a memorized state of being. The way out, he argues, is to disrupt this cycle by becoming more conscious of our inner world, breaking emotional addictions, and deliberately choosing new ways of thinking and feeling. At the heart of this transformation is meditation. Dispenza outlines a detailed meditation process that helps individuals observe their habitual thoughts and emotional states, disconnect from them, and reprogram their subconscious mind. The practice focuses on moving from survival-based thinking to creative, elevated emotions like gratitude, love, and joy, which align the mind and body with a new, desired reality. Through consistent meditation and mental rehearsal, people can shift their internal state and begin to create changes in their external world. The book culminates in a practical four-week program that guides readers through the process of inner change. Each week builds on the last, offering tools and meditative practices to help dismantle the old self and construct a new identity. Dispenza emphasizes that transformation requires commitment and emotional investment, but by aligning our thoughts and feelings with our desired future, we can "break the habit of being ourselves" and step into a more authentic and empowered version of who we want to be.   Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel!   Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on spirituality  and victorious living . Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

A retelling of the events found in the biblical books of 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, focusing on the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Summary 1 Esdras is a retelling and partial parallel of the events found in the biblical books of 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The book focuses on the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and emphasizes themes of repentance, leadership, divine justice, and the power of truth. The book begins with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. It recounts the Jewish exile and later the decree of King Cyrus of Persia allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. A key feature of 1 Esdras not found in the book of Ezra is the "debate of the three bodyguards" at the court of King Darius of Persia. Each man argues what is strongest in the world: wine, the king, or women. The winner, Zerubbabel, declares that truth is strongest of all and is rewarded by Darius, who allows him to lead the effort to rebuild Jerusalem. The rest of the book largely follows the story of Ezra the scribe, who leads further religious reforms, reads the Law to the people, and helps reestablish the covenant between God and the returned exiles. While much of the narrative is similar to Ezra-Nehemiah, 1 Esdras sometimes arranges the material differently or includes alternate versions of events. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

“This day is holy to the Lord”—now they were all weeping as they heard the law—  “so go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have none. The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer The Expulsion of Foreign Wives 9:1 Then Ezra set out and went from the court of the temple to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib, 2 and spent the night there; and he did not eat bread or drink water, for he was mourning over the great iniquities of the multitude. 3 And a proclamation was made throughout Judea and Jerusalem to all who had returned from exile that they should assemble at Jerusalem, 4 and that if any did not meet there within two or three days, in accordance with the decision of the ruling elders, their livestock would be seized for sacrifice and the men themselves a expelled from the multitude of those who had returned from the captivity. 5 Then the men of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within three days; this was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. 6 All the multitude sat in the open square before the temple, shivering because of the bad weather that prevailed. 7 Then Ezra stood up and said to them, “You have broken the law and married foreign women, and so have increased the sin of Israel. 8 Now then make confession and give glory to the Lord the God of our ancestors, 9 and do his will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from your foreign wives.” 10 Then all the multitude shouted and said with a loud voice, “We will do as you have said. 11 But the multitude is great and it is winter, and we are not able to stand in the open air. This is not a work we can do in one day or two, for we have sinned too much in these things. 12 So let the leaders of the multitude stay, and let all those in our settlements who have foreign wives come at the time appointed, 13 with the elders and judges of each place, until we are freed from the wrath of the Lord over this matter.” 14 Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah a undertook the matter on these terms, and Meshullam and Levi and Shabbethai served with them as judges. 15 And those who had returned from exile acted in accordance with all this. 16 Ezra the priest chose for himself the leading men of their ancestral houses, all of them by name; and on the new moon of the tenth month they began their sessions to investigate the matter. 17 And the cases of the men who had foreign wives were brought to an end by the new moon of the first month. 18 Of the priests, those who were brought in and found to have foreign wives were: 19 of the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his kindred, Maaseiah, Eliezar, Jarib, and Jodan. 20 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and to offer rams in expiation of their error. 21 Of the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah and Maaseiah and Shemaiah and Jehiel and Azariah. 22 Of the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, and Nathanael, and Gedaliah, and Salthas. 23 And of the Levites: Jozabad and Shimei and Kelaiah, who was Kelita, and Pethahiah and Judah and Jonah. 24 Of the temple singers: Eliashib and Zaccur. a 25 Of the gatekeepers: Shallum and Telem. a 26 Of Israel: of the descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Benaiah. 27 Of the descendants of Elam: Mattaniah and Zechariah, Jezrielus and Abdi, and Jeremoth and Elijah. 28 Of the descendants of Zamoth: Eliadas, Eliashib, Othoniah, Jeremoth, and Zabad and Zerdaiah. 29 Of the descendants of Bebai: Jehohanan and Hananiah and Zabbai and Emathis. 30 Of the descendants of Mani: Olamus, Mamuchus, Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal and Jeremoth. 31 Of the descendants of Addi: Naathus and Moossias, Laccunus and Naidus, and Bescaspasmys and Sesthel, and Belnuus and Manasseas. 32 Of the descendants of Annan, Elionas and Asaias and Melchias and Sabbaias and Simon Chosamaeus. 33 Of the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai and Mattattah and Zabad and Eliphelet and Manasseh and Shimei. 34 Of the descendants of Bani: Jeremai, Momdius, Maerus, Joel, Mamdai and Bedeiah and Vaniah, Carabasion and Eliashib and Mamitanemus, Eliasis, Binnui, Elialis, Shimei, Shelemiah, Nethaniah. Of the descendants of Ezora: Shashai, Azarel, Azael, Samatus, Zambris, Joseph. 35 Of the descendants of Nooma: Mazitias, Zabad, Iddo, Joel, Benaiah. 36 All these had married foreign women, and they put them away together with their children. Ezra Reads the Law to the People 37 The priests and the Levites and the Israelites settled in Jerusalem and in the country. On the new moon of the seventh month, when the people of Israel were in their settlements, 38 the whole multitude gathered with one accord in the open square before the east gate of the temple; 39 they told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the law of Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel. 40 So Ezra the chief priest brought the law, for all the multitude, men and women, and all the priests to hear the law, on the new moon of the seventh month. 41 He read aloud in the open square before the gate of the temple from early morning until midday, in the presence of both men and women; and all the multitude gave attention to the law. 42 Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform that had been prepared; 43 and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Ananias, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus on his right, 44 and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah. 45 Then Ezra took up the book of the law in the sight of the multitude, for he had the place of honor in the presence of all. 46 When he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty, 47 and the multitude answered, “Amen.” They lifted up their hands, and fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 48 Jeshua and Anniuth and Sherebiah, Jadinus, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maiannas and Kelita, Azariah and Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, a at the same time explaining what was read. 49 Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who were teaching the multitude, and to all, 50 “This day is holy to the Lord”—now they were all weeping as they heard the law— 51 “so go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have none; 52 for the day is holy to the Lord; and do not be sorrowful, for the Lord will exalt you.” 53 The Levites commanded all the people, saying, “This day is holy; do not be sorrowful.” 54 Then they all went their way, to eat and drink and enjoy themselves, and to give portions to those who had none, and to make great rejoicing; 55 because they were inspired by the words which they had been taught. And they came together. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

An apocryphal book attributed to Mary Magdalene.

The harmonious alignment between heart, mind, and emotions. Coherence Coherence refers to a state in which the heart and brain work in harmonious alignment, producing a stable, synchronized pattern of communication between the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This concept, supported by research in neurocardiology and organizations like the HeartMath Institute, suggests that the heart is more than just a mechanical pump — it has its own intrinsic nervous system and sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. When a person experiences positive emotions such as love, gratitude, or compassion, their heart rhythms become more ordered and rhythmic, creating a coherent pattern that improves mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Incoherence Incoherence , by contrast, arises during stress, anxiety, or fear, when the heart rhythm becomes erratic and disordered. This chaotic signal from the heart disrupts communication with the brain, leading to reduced cognitive function, poor decision-making, and emotional reactivity. In a state of coherence, however, the smooth, wave-like pattern of the heart's signals promotes optimal functioning in the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, and self-regulation. This physiological harmony enhances the body’s ability to respond effectively to challenges and supports better emotional and physical health. How do we achieve increased coherence? Achieving heart-mind coherence typically involves conscious breathwork, mindfulness, and focusing on uplifting emotions. Techniques like heart-focused breathing and meditation can quickly bring the heart and mind into sync, allowing individuals to shift out of reactive states and into a calm, centered presence. Over time, coherence builds emotional resilience, increases empathy, and fosters a deeper connection with oneself and others. It is both a scientific and spiritual approach to inner balance, showing how aligning the heart and mind can lead to greater clarity, peace, and purpose. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

Sent I was encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and I gathered men from Israel to go up with me. ence The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem 8:1 After these things, when Artaxerxes, the king of the Persians, was reigning, Ezra came, the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, 2 son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phineas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the high a priest. 3 This Ezra came up from Babylon as a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which was given by the God of Israel; 4 and the king showed him honor, for he found favor before the king a in all his requests. 5 There came up with him to Jerusalem some of the people of Israel and some of the priests and Levites and temple singers and gatekeepers and temple servants, 6 in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month (this was the king’s seventh year); for they left Babylon on the new moon of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the new moon of the fifth month, by the prosperous journey that the Lord gave them. a 7 For Ezra possessed great knowledge, so that he omitted nothing from the law of the Lord or the commandments, but taught all Israel all the ordinances and judgments. The King’s Mandate 8 The following is a copy of the written commission from King Artaxerxes that was delivered to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: 9 “King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting. 10 In accordance with my gracious decision, I have given orders that those of the Jewish nation and of the priests and Levites and others in our realm, those who freely choose to do so, may go with you to Jerusalem. 11 Let as many as are so disposed, therefore, leave with you, just as I and the seven Friends who are my counselors have decided, 12 in order to look into matters in Judea and Jerusalem, in accordance with what is in the law of the Lord, 13 and to carry to Jerusalem the gifts for the Lord of Israel that I and my Friends have vowed, and to collect for the Lord in Jerusalem all the gold and silver that may be found in the country of Babylonia, 14 together with what is given by the nation for the temple of their Lord that is in Jerusalem, both gold and silver for bulls and rams and lambs and what goes with them, 15 so as to offer sacrifices on the altar of their Lord that is in Jerusalem. 16 Whatever you and your kindred are minded to do with the gold and silver, perform it in accordance with the will of your God; 17 deliver the holy vessels of the Lord that are given you for the use of the temple of your God that is in Jerusalem. 18 And whatever else occurs to you as necessary for the temple of your God, you may provide out of the royal treasury. 19 “I, King Artaxerxes, have commanded the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia that whatever Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Most High God sends for, they shall take care to give him, 20 up to a hundred talents of silver, and likewise up to a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, and salt in abundance. 21 Let all things prescribed in the law of God be scrupulously fulfilled for the Most High God, so that wrath may not come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons. 22 You are also informed that no tribute or any other tax is to be laid on any of the priests or Levites or temple singers or gatekeepers or temple servants or persons employed in this temple, and that no one has authority to impose any tax on them. 23 “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of God, appoint judges and justices to judge all those who know the law of your God, throughout all Syria and Phoenicia; and you shall teach it to those who do not know it. 24 All who transgress the law of your God or the law of the kingdom shall be strictly punished, whether by death or some other punishment, either fine or imprisonment.” Ezra Praises God 25 Then Ezra the scribe said, “Blessed be the Lord alone, who put this into the heart of the king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusalem, 26 and who honored me in the sight of the king and his counselors and all his Friends and nobles. 27 I was encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and I gathered men from Israel to go up with me.” The Leaders Who Returned 28 These are the leaders, according to their ancestral houses and their groups, who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of King Artaxerxes: 29 Of the descendants of Phineas, Gershom. Of the descendants of Ithamar, Gamael. Of the descendants of David, Hattush son of Shecaniah. 30 Of the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him a hundred fifty men enrolled. 31 Of the descendants of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred men. 32 Of the descendants of Zattu, Shecaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred men. Of the descendants of Adin, Obed son of Jonathan, and with him two hundred fifty men. 33 Of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Gotholiah, and with him seventy men. 34 Of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zeraiah son of Michael, and with him seventy men. 35 Of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred twelve men. 36 Of the descendants of Bani, Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him a hundred sixty men. 37 Of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him twenty-eight men. 38 Of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him a hundred ten men. 39 Of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, their names being Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them seventy men. 40 Of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai son of Istalcurus, and with him seventy men. 1Esdr. 8:41 I assembled them at the river called Theras, and we encamped there three days, and I inspected them. 42 When I found there none of the descendants of the priests or of the Levites, 43 I sent word to Eliezar, Iduel, Maasmas, 44 Elnathan, Shemaiah, Jarib, Nathan, Elnathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, who were leaders and men of understanding; 45 I told them to go to Iddo, who was the leading man at the place of the treasury, 46 and ordered them to tell Iddo and his kindred and the treasurers at that place to send us men to serve as priests in the house of our Lord. 47 And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought us competent men of the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah a with his descendants and kinsmen, eighteen; 48 also Hashabiah and Annunus and his brother Jeshaiah, of the descendants of Hananiah, and their descendants, twenty men; 49 and of the temple servants, whom David and the leaders had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred twenty temple servants; the list of all their names was reported. Ezra Proclaims a Fast 1Esdr. 8:50 There I proclaimed a fast for the young men before our Lord, to seek from him a prosperous journey for ourselves and for our children and the livestock that were with us. 51 For I was ashamed to ask the king for foot soldiers and cavalry and an escort to keep us safe from our adversaries; 52 for we had said to the king, “The power of our Lord will be with those who seek him, and will support them in every way.” 53 And again we prayed to our Lord about these things, and we found him very merciful. The Gifts for the Temple 1Esdr. 8:54 Then I set apart twelve of the leaders of the priests, Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them; 55 and I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the holy vessels of the house of our Lord, which the king himself and his counselors and the nobles and all Israel had given. 56 I weighed and gave to them six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels worth a hundred talents, and a hundred talents of gold, 57 and twenty golden bowls, and twelve bronze vessels of fine bronze that glittered like gold. 58 And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are vowed to the Lord, the Lord of our ancestors. 59 Be watchful and on guard until you deliver them to the leaders of the priests and the Levites, and to the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel, in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of our Lord.” 60 So the priests and the Levites who took the silver and the gold and the vessels that had been in Jerusalem carried them to the temple of the Lord. The Return to Jerusalem 1Esdr. 8:61 We left the river Theras on the twelfth day of the first month; and we arrived in Jerusalem by the mighty hand of our Lord, which was upon us; he delivered us from every enemy on the way, and so we came to Jerusalem. 62 When we had been there three days, the silver and the gold were weighed and delivered in the house of our Lord to the priest Meremoth son of Uriah; 63 with him was Eleazar son of Phinehas, and with them were Jozabad son of Jeshua and Moeth son of Binnui, a the Levites. 64 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded at that very time. 65 And those who had returned from exile offered sacrifices to the Lord, the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, 66 seventy-two lambs, and as a thank offering twelve male goats—all as a sacrifice to the Lord. 67 They delivered the king’s orders to the royal stewards and to the governors of Coelesyria and Phoenicia; and these officials a honored the people and the temple of the Lord. Ezra’s Prayer 1Esdr. 8:68 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, 69 “The people of Israel and the rulers and the priests and the Levites have not put away from themselves the alien peoples of the land and their pollutions, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Edomites. 70 For they and their descendants have married the daughters of these people, a and the holy race has been mixed with the alien peoples of the land; and from the beginning of this matter the leaders and the nobles have been sharing in this iniquity.” 1Esdr. 8:71 As soon as I heard these things I tore my garments and my holy mantle, and pulled out hair from my head and beard, and sat down in anxiety and grief. 72 And all who were ever moved at a the word of the Lord of Israel gathered around me, as I mourned over this iniquity, and I sat grief-stricken until the evening sacrifice. 73 Then I rose from my fast, with my garments and my holy mantle torn, and kneeling down and stretching out my hands to the Lord 74 I said, “O Lord, I am ashamed and confused before your face. 75 For our sins have risen higher than our heads, and our mistakes have mounted up to heaven 76 from the times of our ancestors, and we are in great sin to this day. 77 Because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors, we with our kindred and our kings and our priests were given over to the kings of the earth, to the sword and exile and plundering, in shame until this day. 78 And now in some measure mercy has come to us from you, O Lord, to leave to us a root and a name in your holy place, 79 and to uncover a light for us in the house of the Lord our God, and to give us food in the time of our servitude. 80 Even in our bondage we were not forsaken by our Lord, but he brought us into favor with the kings of the Persians, so that they have given us food 81 and glorified the temple of our Lord, and raised Zion from desolation, to give us a stronghold in Judea and Jerusalem. 1Esdr. 8:82 “And now, O Lord, what shall we say, when we have these things? For we have transgressed your commandments, which you gave by your servants the prophets, saying, 83 ‘The land that you are entering to take possession of is a land polluted with the pollution of the aliens of the land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness. 84 Therefore do not give your daughters in marriage to their descendants, and do not take their daughters for your descendants; 85 do not seek ever to have peace with them, so that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 86 And all that has happened to us has come about because of our evil deeds and our great sins. For you, O Lord, lifted the burden of our sins 87 and gave us such a root as this; but we turned back again to transgress your law by mixing with the uncleanness of the peoples of the land. 88 Were you not angry enough with us to destroy us without leaving a root or seed or name? 89 O Lord of Israel, you are faithful; for we are left as a root to this day. 90 See, we are now before you in our iniquities; for we can no longer stand in your presence because of these things.” The Plan for Ending Mixed Marriages 1Esdr. 8:91 While Ezra was praying and making his confession, weeping and lying on the ground before the temple, there gathered around him a very great crowd of men and women and youths from Jerusalem; for there was great weeping among the multitude. 92 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, one of the men of Israel, called out, and said to Ezra, “We have sinned against the Lord, and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land; but even now there is hope for Israel. 93 Let us take an oath to the Lord about this, that we will put away all our foreign wives, with their children, 94 as seems good to you and to all who obey the law of the Lord. 95 Rise up a and take action, for it is your task, and we are with you to take strong measures.” 96 Then Ezra rose up and made the leaders of the priests and Levites of all Israel swear that they would do this. And they swore to it. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

A courageous and wise Jewish heroine whose story is told in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Photo by Valery Sysoev Esther is a courageous and wise Jewish heroine whose story is told in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. She becomes queen of Persia and risks her life to save her people from genocide. Her story is the basis for the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates deliverance from destruction. Esther was a young Jewish woman living in exile in Persia, raised by her cousin Mordecai. When Queen Vashti is banished, King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) holds a beauty contest to find a new queen, and Esther is chosen—though she keeps her Jewish identity secret. Meanwhile, a powerful official named Haman plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom because of his hatred for Mordecai. When the plot is revealed, Mordecai urges Esther to act, famously telling her, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther bravely approaches the king—despite the risk of death for doing so uninvited—and reveals Haman’s scheme. The king is enraged, Haman is executed, and a decree is issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Esther’s story highlights themes of divine providence, courage, identity, and justice. Though God is never mentioned by name in the book, His guidance is seen throughout the events, and Esther becomes a symbol of faithful bravery and wisdom in the face of danger. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles, videos, and courses on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

They sacrificed the passover lamb for all the returned captives and for their kindred the priests and for themselves. The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer The Temple Is Dedicated 7:1 Then Sisinnes the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates, following the orders of King Darius, 2 supervised the holy work with very great care, assisting the elders of the Jews and the chief officers of the temple. 3 The holy work prospered, while the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied; 4 and they completed it by the command of the Lord God of Israel. So with the consent of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of the Persians, 5 the holy house was finished by the twenty-third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius. 6 And the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of those who returned from exile who joined them, did according to what was written in the book of Moses. 7 They offered at the dedication of the temple of the Lord one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, 8 and twelve male goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel; 9 and the priests and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments, according to kindred, for the services of the Lord God of Israel in accordance with the book of Moses; and the gatekeepers were at each gate. The Passover 10 The people of Israel who came from exile kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, after the priests and the Levites were purified together. 11 Not all of the returned captives were purified, but the Levites were all purified together, 12 and they sacrificed the passover lamb for all the returned captives and for their kindred the priests and for themselves. 13 The people of Israel who had returned from exile ate it, all those who had separated themselves from the abominations of the peoples of the land and sought the Lord. 14 They also kept the festival of unleavened bread seven days, rejoicing before the Lord, 15 because he had changed the will of the king of the Assyrians concerning them, to strengthen their hands for the service of the Lord God of Israel. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

if anyone should transgress or nullify any of the things herein written, a beam should be taken out of the house of the perpetrator, who then should be impaled upon it, and all property forfeited to the king. The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer Work on the Temple Begins Again 6:1 Now in the second year of the reign of Darius, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews who were in Judea and Jerusalem; they prophesied to them in the name of the Lord God of Israel. 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak began to build the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, with the help of the prophets of the Lord who were with them. 3 At the same time Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia and Sathrabuzanes and their associates came to them and said, 4 “By whose order are you building this house and this roof and finishing all the other things? And who are the builders that are finishing these things?” 5 Yet the elders of the Jews were dealt with kindly, for the providence of the Lord was over the captives; 6 they were not prevented from building until word could be sent to Darius concerning them and a report made. 7 A copy of the letter that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates the local rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, wrote and sent to Darius: 8 “To King Darius, greetings. Let it be fully known to our lord the king that, when we went to the country of Judea and entered the city of Jerusalem, we found the elders of the Jews, who had been in exile, 9 building in the city of Jerusalem a great new house for the Lord, of hewn stone, with costly timber laid in the walls. 10 These operations are going on rapidly, and the work is prospering in their hands and being completed with all splendor and care. 11 Then we asked these elders, ‘At whose command are you building this house and laying the foundations of this structure?’ 12 In order that we might inform you in writing who the leaders are, we questioned them and asked them for a list of the names of those who are at their head. 13 They answered us, ‘We are the servants of the Lord who created the heaven and the earth. 14 The house was built many years ago by a king of Israel who was great and strong, and it was finished. 15 But when our ancestors sinned against the Lord of Israel who is in heaven, and provoked him, he gave them over into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, king of the Chaldeans; 16 and they pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried the people away captive to Babylon. 17 But in the first year that Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylonia, King Cyrus wrote that this house should be rebuilt. 18 And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the house in Jerusalem and stored in his own temple, these King Cyrus took out again from the temple in Babylon, and they were delivered to Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar the governor 19 with the command that he should take all these vessels back and put them in the temple at Jerusalem, and that this temple of the Lord should be rebuilt on its site. 20 Then this Sheshbazzar, after coming here, laid the foundations of the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem. Although it has been in process of construction from that time until now, it has not yet reached completion.’ 21 Now therefore, O king, if it seems wise to do so, let search be made in the royal archives of our lord the king that are in Babylon; 22 if it is found that the building of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem was done with the consent of King Cyrus, and if it is approved by our lord the king, let him send us directions concerning these things.” Official Permission Granted 23 Then Darius commanded that search be made in the royal archives that were deposited in Babylon. And in Ecbatana, the fortress that is in the country of Media, a scroll was found in which this was recorded: 24 “In the first year of the reign of King Cyrus, he ordered the building of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, where they sacrifice with perpetual fire; 25 its height to be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits, with three courses of hewn stone and one course of new native timber; the cost to be paid from the treasury of King Cyrus; 26 and that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of gold and of silver, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the house in Jerusalem and carried away to Babylon, should be restored to the house in Jerusalem, to be placed where they had been.” 27 So Darius a commanded Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates, and those who were appointed as local rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, to keep away from the place, and to permit Zerubbabel, the servant of the Lord and governor of Judea, and the elders of the Jews to build this house of the Lord on its site. 28 “And I command that it be built completely, and that full effort be made to help those who have returned from the exile of Judea, until the house of the Lord is finished; 29 and that out of the tribute of Coelesyria and Phoenicia a portion be scrupulously given to these men, that is, to Zerubbabel the governor, for sacrifices to the Lord, for bulls and rams and lambs, 30 and likewise wheat and salt and wine and oil, regularly every year, without quibbling, for daily use as the priests in Jerusalem may indicate, 31 in order that libations may be made to the Most High God for the king and his children, and prayers be offered for their lives.” 32 He commanded that if anyone should transgress or nullify any of the things herein written, a beam should be taken out of the house of the perpetrator, who then should be impaled upon it, and all property forfeited to the king. 33 “Therefore may the Lord, whose name is there called upon, destroy every king and nation that shall stretch out their hands to hinder or damage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 34 “I, King Darius, have decreed that it be done with all diligence as here prescribed.” New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

Be hopeful; for aforetime ye were put to shame through ill and affliction; but now ye shall shine as the lights of heaven, ye shall shine and ye shall be seen, and the portals of heaven shall be opened to you. Book V Chapter 6 1 I swear unto you that in heaven the angels remember you for good before the glory of the Great One: and your names are written before the glory of the Great One. 2 Be hopeful; for aforetime ye were put to shame through ill and affliction; but now ye shall shine as the lights of heaven, ye shall shine and ye shall be seen, and the portals of heaven shall be opened to you. 3 And in your cry, cry for judgement, and it shall appear to you; for all your tribulation shall be visited on the rulers, and on all who helped those who plundered you. 4 Be hopeful, and cast not away your hopes for ye shall have great joy as the angels of heaven. 5 What shall ye be obliged to do? 6 Ye shall not have to hide on the day of the great judgement and ye shall not be found as sinners, and the eternal judgement shall be far from you for all the generations of the world. 7 And now fear not, ye righteous, when ye see the sinners growing strong and prospering in their ways, be not companions with them, but keep afar from their violence; For ye shall become companions of the hosts of heaven. 8 And, although the sinners say: "All our sins shall not be searched out and be written down," nevertheless they shall write down all your sins every day. 9 And now I show unto you that light and darkness, day and night, see all your sins. 10 Be not godless in your hearts, and lie not and alter not the words of uprightness, nor charge with lying the words of the Holy Great One, nor take account of your idols; for all your lying and all your godlessness issue not in righteousness but in great sin. 11 And now I know this mystery, that sinners will alter and pervert the words of righteousness in many ways, and will speak wicked words, and lie, and practice great deceits, and write books concerning their words. 12 But when they write down truthfully all my words in their languages, and do not change or minish ought from my words but write them all down truthfully − all that I first testified concerning them. 13 Then, I know another mystery, that books will be given to the righteous and the wise to become a cause of joy and uprightness and much wisdom. 14 And to them shall the books be given, and they shall believe in them and rejoice over them and then shall all the righteous who have learnt therefrom all the paths of uprightness be recompensed. 15 In those days the Lord bade to summon and testify to the children of earth concerning their wisdom: "Show unto them; for ye are their guides and a recompense over the whole earth. 16 For I and My son will be united with them for ever in the paths of uprightness in their lives; and ye shall have peace: rejoice, ye children of uprightness. Amen." Translated from the original Ethiopic manuscript and logically organized by Dr. Jay Winter, 2015. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

They laid the foundation of the temple of God on the new moon of the second month in the second year after they came to Judea and Jerusalem. The Books of the Bible Photo by Ben Ostrwomer List of the Returning Exiles 5:1 After this the heads of ancestral houses were chosen to go up, according to their tribes, with their wives and sons and daughters, and their male and female servants, and their livestock. 2 And Darius sent with them a thousand cavalry to take them back to Jerusalem in safety, with the music of drums and flutes; 3 all their kindred were making merry. And he made them go up with them. 4 These are the names of the men who went up, according to their ancestral houses in the tribes, over their groups: 5 the priests, the descendants of Phinehas son of Aaron; Jeshua son of Jozadak son of Seraiah and Joakim son of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, of the house of David, of the lineage of Phares, of the tribe of Judah, 6 who spoke wise words before King Darius of the Persians, in the second year of his reign, in the month of Nisan, the first month. 7 These are the Judeans who came up out of their sojourn in exile, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had carried away to Babylon 8 and who returned to Jerusalem and the rest of Judea, each to his own town. They came with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Resaiah, Eneneus, Mordecai, Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reeliah, Rehum, and Baanah, their leaders. 9 The number of those of the nation and their leaders: the descendants of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. The descendants of Shephatiah, four hundred seventy-two. 10 The descendants of Arah, seven hundred fifty-six. 11 The descendants of Pahath-moab, of the descendants of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. 12 The descendants of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. The descendants of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. The descendants of Chorbe, seven hundred five. The descendants of Bani, six hundred forty-eight. 13 The descendants of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three. The descendants of Azgad, one thousand three hundred twenty-two. 14 The descendants of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. The descendants of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-six. The descendants of Adin, four hundred fifty-four. 15 The descendants of Ater, namely of Hezekiah, ninety-two. The descendants of Kilan and Azetas, sixty-seven. The descendants of Azaru, four hundred thirty-two. 16 The descendants of Annias, one hundred one. The descendants of Arom. The descendants of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. The descendants of Arsiphurith, one hundred twelve. 17 The descendants of Baiterus, three thousand five. The descendants of Bethlomon, one hundred twenty-three. 18 Those from Netophah, fifty-five. Those from Anathoth, one hundred fifty-eight. Those from Bethasmoth, forty-two. 19 Those from Kiriatharim, twenty-five. Those from Chephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 20 The Chadiasans and Ammidians, four hundred twenty-two. Those from Kirama and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 21 Those from Macalon, one hundred twenty-two. Those from Betolio, fifty-two. The descendants of Niphish, one hundred fifty-six. 22 The descendants of the other Calamolalus and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five. The descendants of Jerechus, three hundred forty-five. 23 The descendants of Senaah, three thousand three hundred thirty. 24 The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah son of Jeshua, of the descendants of Anasib, nine hundred seventy-two. The descendants of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two. 25 The descendants of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. The descendants of Charme, one thousand seventeen. 26 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel and Bannas and Sudias, seventy-four. 27 The temple singers: the descendants of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight. 28 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, the descendants of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. 29 The temple servants: the descendants of Esau, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sua, the descendants of Padon, the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, 30 the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Uthai, the descendants of Ketab, the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Subai, the descendants of Hana, the descendants of Cathua, the descendants of Geddur, 31 the descendants of Jairus, the descendants of Daisan, the descendants of Noeba, the descendants of Chezib, the descendants of Gazera, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Phinoe, the descendants of Hasrah, the descendants of Basthai, the descendants of Asnah, the descendants of Maani, the descendants of Nephisim, the descendants of Acuph, a the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Asur, the descendants of Pharakim, the descendants of Bazluth, 32 the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Cutha, the descendants of Charea, the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Serar, the descendants of Temah, the descendants of Neziah, the descendants of Hatipha. 33 The descendants of Solomon’s servants: the descendants of Assaphioth, the descendants of Peruda, the descendants of Jaalah, the descendants of Lozon, the descendants of Isdael, the descendants of Shephatiah, 34 the descendants of Agia, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the descendants of Sarothie, the descendants of Masiah, the descendants of Gas, the descendants of Addus, the descendants of Subas, the descendants of Apherra, the descendants of Barodis, the descendants of Shaphat, the descendants of Allon. 35 All the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon’s servants were three hundred seventy-two. 36 The following are those who came up from Tel-melah and Tel-harsha, under the leadership of Cherub, Addan, and Immer, 37 though they could not prove by their ancestral houses or lineage that they belonged to Israel: the descendants of Delaiah son of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two. 38 Of the priests the following had assumed the priesthood but were not found registered: the descendants of Habaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Jaddus who had married Agia, one of the daughters of Barzillai, and was called by his name. 39 When a search was made in the register and the genealogy of these men was not found, they were excluded from serving as priests. 40 And Nehemiah and Attharias a told them not to share in the holy things until a high priest should appear wearing Urim and Thummim. b 41 All those of Israel, twelve or more years of age, besides male and female servants, were forty-two thousand three hundred sixty; 42 their male and female servants were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven; there were two hundred forty-five musicians and singers. 43 There were four hundred thirty-five camels, and seven thousand thirty-six horses, two hundred forty-five mules, and five thousand five hundred twenty-five donkeys. 44 Some of the heads of families, when they came to the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed that, to the best of their ability, they would erect the house on its site, 45 and that they would give to the sacred treasury for the work a thousand minas of gold, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests’ vestments. 46 The priests, the Levites, and some of the people a settled in Jerusalem and its vicinity; and the temple singers, the gatekeepers, and all Israel in their towns. Worship Begins Again 47 When the seventh month came, and the Israelites were all in their own homes, they gathered with a single purpose in the square before the first gate toward the east. 48 Then Jeshua son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, with his kinsmen, took their places and prepared the altar of the God of Israel, 49 to offer burnt offerings upon it, in accordance with the directions in the book of Moses the man of God. 50 And some joined them from the other peoples of the land. And they erected the altar in its place, for all the peoples of the land were hostile to them and were stronger than they; and they offered sacrifices at the proper times and burnt offerings to the Lord morning and evening. 51 They kept the festival of booths, as it is commanded in the law, and offered the proper sacrifices every day, 52 and thereafter the regular offerings and sacrifices on sabbaths and at new moons and at all the consecrated feasts. 53 And all who had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God, from the new moon of the seventh month, though the temple of God was not yet built. 54 They gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food and drink 55 and carts a to the Sidonians and the Tyrians, to bring cedar logs from Lebanon and convey them in rafts to the harbor of Joppa, according to the decree that they had in writing from King Cyrus of the Persians. The Foundations of the Temple Laid 56 In the second year after their coming to the temple of God in Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with their kindred and the levitical priests and all who had come back to Jerusalem from exile; 57 and they laid the foundation of the temple of God on the new moon of the second month in the second year after they came to Judea and Jerusalem. 58 They appointed the Levites who were twenty or more years of age to have charge of the work of the Lord. And Jeshua arose, and his sons and kindred and his brother Kadmiel and the sons of Jeshua Emadabun and the sons of Joda son of Iliadun, with their sons and kindred, all the Levites, pressing forward the work on the house of God with a single purpose. So the builders built the temple of the Lord. 59 And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments, with musical instruments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, 60 praising the Lord and blessing him, according to the directions of King David of Israel; 61 they sang hymns, giving thanks to the Lord, “For his goodness and his glory are forever upon all Israel.” 62 And all the people sounded trumpets and shouted with a great shout, praising the Lord for the erection of the house of the Lord. 63 Some of the levitical priests and heads of ancestral houses, old men who had seen the former house, came to the building of this one with outcries and loud weeping, 64 while many came with trumpets and a joyful noise, 65 so that the people could not hear the trumpets because of the weeping of the people. For the multitude sounded the trumpets loudly, so that the sound was heard far away; 66 and when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it, they came to find out what the sound of the trumpets meant. 67 They learned that those who had returned from exile were building the temple for the Lord God of Israel. 68 So they approached Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the ancestral houses and said to them, “We will build with you. 69 For we obey your Lord just as you do and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of King Esar-haddon of the Assyrians, who brought us here.” 70 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the ancestral houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building the house for the Lord our God, 71 for we alone will build it for the Lord of Israel, as Cyrus, the king of the Persians, has commanded us.” 72 But the peoples of the land pressed hard upon those in Judea, cut off their supplies, and hindered their building; 73 and by plots and demagoguery and uprisings they prevented the completion of the building as long as King Cyrus lived. They were kept from building for two years, until the reign of Darius. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

And I will bring forth in shining light those who have loved My holy name, and I will seat each on the throne of his honor. Book V Chapter 5 1 Another book which Enoch wrote for his son Methuselah and for those who will come after him, and keep the law in the last days. 2 Ye who have done good shall wait for those days till an end is made of those who work evil; and an end of the might of the transgressors. 3 And wait ye indeed till sin has passed away, for their names shall be blotted out of the book of life and out of the holy books, and their seed shall be destroyed for ever, and their spirits shall be slain, and they shall cry and make lamentation in a place that is a chaotic wilderness, and in the fire shall they burn; for there is no earth there. 4 And I saw there something like an invisible cloud; for by reason of its depth I could not look over, and I saw a flame of fire blazing brightly, and things like shining mountains circling and sweeping to and fro. 5 And I asked one of the holy angels who was with me and said unto him: "What is this shining thing? For it is not a heaven but only the flame of a blazing fire, and the voice of weeping and crying and lamentation and strong pain." 6 And he said unto me: "This place which thou seest−here are cast the spirits of sinners and blasphemers, and of those who work wickedness, and of those who pervert everything that the Lord hath spoken through the mouth of the prophets − the things that shall be. 7 For some of them are written and inscribed above in the heaven, in order that the angels may read them and know that which shall befall the sinners, and the spirits of the humble, and of those who have afflicted their bodies, and been recompensed by God. 8 And of those who have been put to shame by wicked men: Who love God and loved neither gold nor silver nor any of the good things which are in the world, but gave over their bodies to torture. 9 Who, since they came into being, longed not after earthly food, but regarded everything as a passing breath, and lived accordingly, and the Lord tried them much, and their spirits were found pure so that they should bless His name. 10 And all the blessings destined for them I have recounted in the books. 11 And he hath assigned them their recompense, because they have been found to be such as loved heaven more than their life in the world, and though they were trodden under foot of wicked men and experienced abuse and reviling from them and were put to shame, yet they blessed Me. 12 And now I will summon the spirits of the good who belong to the generation of light, and I will transform those who were born in darkness, who in the flesh were not recompensed with such honor as their faithfulness deserved. 13 And I will bring forth in shining light those who have loved My holy name, and I will seat each on the throne of his honor. 14 And they shall be resplendent for times without number; for righteousness is the judgement of God; for to the faithful He will give faithfulness in the habitation of upright paths. 15 And they shall see those who were, born in darkness led into darkness, while the righteous shall be resplendent. 16 And the sinners shall cry aloud and see them resplendent, and they indeed will go where days and seasons are prescribed for them." Translated from the original Ethiopic manuscript and logically organized by Dr. Jay Winter, 2015. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop  our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! Create a free account  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.