Writer_After_Dark

Verse of the Day
          
          Romans 8:5-6
          
          "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."
          
          What I find interesting about these verses is that Paul doesn't start with actions—he starts with the mind. Before we speak, act, or choose, there is first the question of what occupies our heart and mind.
          
          Truth is, our thoughts shape much of how we live. In these verses, Paul draws our attention not merely to our actions, but to the condition of our hearts and minds.
          
          What are we setting our minds upon each day? Are we pursuing the things of this world, or are we seeking the things of God?
          
          To set our minds on the Spirit is not simply to think about spiritual things occasionally. It is to orient our lives toward God, seeking His perfect will and allowing Him to shape our desires.
          
          When we allow the Spirit to guide our thoughts, desires, and decisions, we find something the world cannot offer: life and peace. God's peace does not depend on our circumstances, but on the presence of God working within us.
          
          So, let us take the time today to examine where our minds and hearts are focused and ask the Lord to set our hearts fully on Him.
          
          Blessings and Love,
          
          -- Ari

Verse of the Day
          
          Romans 8:3-4
          
          "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
          
          So we technically have two verses today, but I couldn't have one without the other.
          
          It’s amazing how much truth can be held within just a couple of verses. In these lines, Paul beautifully summarizes the work of Christ on the cross and the incredible exchange that took place on our behalf.
          
          "What the law could not accomplish, God Himself fulfilled through His Son". 
          
          Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are not only forgiven, but also invited into a new way of living—one led by the Spirit rather than the flesh.
          
          There is something deeply humbling about the fact that righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own, but something God fulfills in us through Christ. (Which leaves me in awe of my Savior.)
          
          Let us take time today to reflect upon this gift, and to consider how we can walk more closely in step with the Spirit in our thoughts, words, and actions.
          
          Blessings and Love,
          
          -- Ari

@Kosi_nweze I want to start a Bible Study here. I plan to begin with Romans. Would you help me pray for that?

Verse of the Day
          
          Romans 8:2
          
          "Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."
          
          It feels unfair to cut off the chapter right here, doesn't it? The book of Romans is truly one of my favorite books of the Bible, and chapter 8 might be my favorite chapter of all.
          
          God has given us victory through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us take time today to reflect upon our lives and consider how we can serve the Lord in our words, actions, and hearts.
          
          Blessings and Love,
          
          -- Ari.

 Verse of the Day
          
          Romans 8:1
          
          "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
          
          What a way to begin Romans 8.
          
          After all the struggle and frustration of Romans 7 (which I am looking forward to share with you all soon!), Paul reminds us of a wonderful truth: those who belong to Christ are no longer condemned. Our hope is not in our ability to be perfect, but in what Jesus has already done for us.
          
          Have a blessed day! 

Hi guys,
          
          I've spent a long time thinking about this, and I believe it's time to be honest.
          
          Many of you know me as a writer, but there is something important about me that I've never shared openly on this account: I am a Christian.
          
          When I first created this account, I was trying to build a life separate from the one God was calling me to live. I wanted to keep my faith in one corner and my writing in another. Over time, I learned that this division wasn't sustainable.  I was trying to live two different lives, and in the process, I drifted away from God.
          
          The amazing thing is that God did not abandon me.
          
          Over the past months, He has been changing my heart, teaching me, correcting me, and drawing me back to Himself. Because of that, I can no longer approach my writing the same way I once did.
          
          As a result, I will be temporarily unpublishing my stories. This is not because I hate these stories or regret every moment of writing them. They represent a chapter of my life and growth as a writer. However, I want to revisit them carefully and make sure the work I share reflects the convictions I hold today.
          
          Going forward, I want my account to reflect who I truly am. I don't want to hide my faith, and I don't want to separate my writing from the God who gave me the desire to write in the first place.
          
          I know this decision may not make sense to everyone. Some people may choose not to continue following my work, and I understand that. But I would rather be honest about who I am than continue pretending to be someone I'm not.
          
          For those who have supported me throughout this journey (@SarahRCubitt13), thank you. Your encouragement has meant more than you know.
          
          My next project will be a Narnia fanfiction, and I'm excited to share it with you all soon.
          
          Most importantly, I want to give credit where it belongs: any good change in me comes from Jesus Christ. He is the reason I'm making these changes, and He is the reason I have hope for the future.
          
          Blessings and love,
          
          - Ari.

V4v f4f ?

So I recently found some old drafts for a Narnia story I had....would you guys like to see that?

To all of you expecting an update:
          
          I apologize for the sudden inactivity this week. I'm currently preparing for finals and my schedule had been pretty tight. 
          
          However, I will try to upload as soon as possible.
          
          Thank you for understanding.
          
          Much luv,
          
          -- Ari.

Okay. I'm gonna be real honest here. I'm a bit confused about the new Story Type feature Wattpad added. 
          
          How exactly does it work? 
          
          Because I don't really know how to classify my stories. Lol. 
          
          In essence, my stories are born from inspiration (Decelis Academy is inspired by Dark Moon: The Blood Altar...even if they have little to nothing in common at this point. Lol.) but the plot and characters are completely original.
          
          Does that mean my story is a fanfic, or an original story?
          
          If any of you have the same struggle, or have read my story and have a better way of classifying it, please let me know.
          
          Luv, 
          
          -- Ari.