during the first war, i'm pretty sure tormod and sothe got into a fight even once they became close friends.
sothe might have made an offhanded racist comment against laguzes (like maybe how ugly and stinky they were), which infuriated tormod so much that he yelled at sothe for being so insensitive, that this was why he hated beorcs so much (despite being one himself), and stormed off.
at this point of their friendship and how deadlier the war was becoming, sothe was humbled enough to become a bit scared shitless for losing the first friendship he made since micaiah. he wanted to make it up for it, but wasn't sure how. he didn't know how to say sorry without sounding ingenuine since he used to be (and can still be sometimes) unapologetic like how thieves are usually perceived as. he didn't know how to seek advice for this sort of thing either until calil saw sothe mumbling under a tree with a troubled look and asked the kid what was wrong.
sothe recognized calil as tormod's mentor, so he almost tearfully asked her for help. being the traveler that calil is who has seen the cultures of almost all of tellius, she smiled and sat by sothe's side and told him of stories of laguzes, of the prejudices they face, and why tormod became upset. this opened sothe's eyes and wished he never grew up with such a backward mindset. he finally understood the why micaiah would frown at him whenever he used to sneer at the laguzes they come across on the outskirts of daein.
it wasn't easy approaching tormod, who narrowed his eyes at sothe and looked like he was about to hiss and snarl (and maybe he did the former). he was far scarier like this than when he unleashes a fire tornado on the battlefield with a somewhat manic smile. sothe hesitated but once he finally ripped the bandage off by stuttering a quiet yet genuine sorry, how insensitive he really was of what he'd said about laguzes, and that he wanted to change and he'll never speak of them lowly again, tormod blinked back at sothe with owlish eyes and grins wide as if they never even fought, much to sothe's huge relief.
not long after, tormod was waving his arms around again and rambled to sothe about how amazing his tribe was, about maurim and his family, and this time sothe sat quietly by his friend's side and listened intently with a newer and more respectable perspective of the laguzes.
FEBRUARY 8, 2026, SUNDAY
Entry: 6:57am, Commonwealth QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
JAMES 1:2-3
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR JOY
James, the half brother of Jesus, couldn't believe that his flesh and blood sibling was the actual Son of God-until He rose from the dead. Then, he was convinced. It was that same James who wrote JAMES 1:2-3
According to the first century Jewish historian, Josephus, James was eventually martyred for his confident faith in Jesus-his brother and his Lord.
Here are five things to note from James' mini sermon:
First, the text says "WHEN troubles of any kind come your way…" It's not if but when troubles come our way. We live in a broken world that has not yet been fully restored, so we shouldn't be surprised when issues and challenges arise.
Second, the text says "when troubles of ANY kinf come your way…" Not merely justified trouble and undeserved trouble, but any kind of trouble, and even when troubles find you, it's an opportunity for joy.
Third, the text connects hardships with the testing of our faith. This doesn't mean that God causes every challenge in our life, but He can certainly use them to reveal what's inside. It's in the refining that we're made to look like Him.
Fourth, the text says, especially during difficult seasons or situations, to "consider it an opportunity for great joy" Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy is accessible no matter what.
Fifth, the text implies that troubles, trials, or difficulties all create space for endurance to grow. Think of a flower: in order for a flower to grow, it has to go through something-that something being dirt.
So when you're faced with hard things and can't undertand why, consider it an opportunity for great joy. That's when you know you're growing and becoming more like Him.
BE ENCOURAGED
Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy is accessible no matter what.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
If you're up against something difficult today. You're being sharpened. And because of Jesus, you can choose joy.
God, You are the source of my joy. Even when I face various trials, I can trust that You are using them to make me stronger. Thank You for stretching my endurance and strengthening my faith. I know You are always with me. Help me to see every day and every circumstance as an opportunity for great joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
LEVITICUS 4-5
MATTHEW 24:29-51
PROCEDURES FOR SIN OFFERING
SINS REQUIRING A SIN OFFERING
PROCEDURES FOR THE GUILT OFFERING
JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT THE FUTURE
these signs indicate that the end is near.
the sun will be darkened,
the moon will give no light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world, Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. it will be like it was in Noah’s day. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
DEUTERONOMY 15:7-11
RELEASE FOR DEBTORS
“But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin. 10Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. 11There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.
INSIGHT
As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, they were to demonstrate God’s love by giving “generously to [the needy]” (Deuteronomy 15:10). Today, believers in Jesus also have the honor of making God and His love visible to the world by loving others. “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt). God demonstrated His love for us in the person and work of Christ: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (3:16). But loving others has a price tag. It may involve giving time, money, or material goods. The key word is giving: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). And as we do, others can see God’s love and compassion through us.
By: Arthur Jackson
WHEN LOVE SHOWS UP
“Why are you crying?” The question was asked by a volunteer for a Christian relief ministry helping those whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The woman (who had burst into tears in the previous moment) replied, “I’m not crying because I lost everything. I’m crying because love just showed up.”
God’s heart shows itself in His desire that we help those in need. When Moses gave the people of Israel God’s instructions before they entered the land He’d promised them, he told them, “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted” toward the poor. “Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Their hearts toward the poor were to reflect God’s own: “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart” (15:10).
Whether in disastrous situations or everyday life, when we give to those in need out of the blessings God has kindly given us, we make evident the love of His Son, who came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In fact, God promises He “will bless” those who share His unselfishness with others (Deuteronomy 15:10), both in this life and the next (see Luke 14:14). We can’t see God yet, but others may catch a glimpse of Him when we emulate His compassion for them. May His love show up as kindness through us today.
By: James Banks
REFLECT AND PRAY
How has God shown you kindness when you were in need? How might you show Jesus’ love to someone in need today?
Merciful, generous Father, please help me give to others with an open heart, so that they may see Your love in me.
in Jesus' name, Amen.
BOLD/BRAVE
Have you ever met someone who just 'says it like it is?' You look at how they respond to things and think, I wish I could be that bold. Or maybe you are that person. Quick comebacks, not afraid to tell the truth even when it hurts. Being bold + brave comes naturally to some and for others it takes time and practice. God’s Word reminds us that our boldness must be paired with grace.
Being brave and standing up with boldness is what we’re called to and equipped for as believers. However, we must be careful not to allow rashness or aggressiveness into the mix.
The Bible tells us, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV) As you’re standing up for what you believe in, how you approach people matters. Is it helpful? Is it full of grace? Is it kind + respectful?
If you find yourself needing to grow whether in boldness or in grace while being bold, ask a close friend to give you honest feedback in this area of your life + then adjust accordingly.
PSALMS 31:23-24
23Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
24So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord!
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14
13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14And do everything with love.
PSALMS 27:14
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
EPHESIANS 6:10
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
1 CHRONICLES 28:20
20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.
PROVERBS 28:1
1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
but the godly are as bold as lions.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 4:29-31
29And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
COLOSSIANS 4:6
6Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
EPHESIANS 4:29
29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
