#Chief & Spirits

[inspofromancientworld]

Gods of Antiquity: Trickster Deities

Source: https://garystockbridge617.getarchive.net/amp/media/zacharie-noterman-the-trickster-5aa506

Trickster deities are a part of many mythologies around the world. For a deity to be considered a trickster, it must have certain characteristics, they must be 'fundamentally ambiguous and anomalous, [a] deceiver and trick-player, [a] shape-shifter or master of disguise, [a] situation inverter, [a] messenger and imitator of the gods, [a] sacred and lewd bricoeur [a tinker or fix-it person, noted for ingenuity in transforming anything at hand in order to form a creative solution]'. They 'violate priciples of social and natural order, playfully disrupting normal life and then re-establishing it on a new basis' by both questioning and mocking authority, resulting in disruptions to it. The cross boundaries of all kinds, including gender and species.

By Pamela Colman Smith - File:Annancy Stories - Pamela Colman Smith.pdf.

Anansi or Ananse of Akan folklore is most commonly a spider and is on of the most important characters of West African and African diaspora cultures. He originated in Ghana and spread from there via the Atlantic slave trade. While he is always depicted as male, he is called 'Aunt Nancy' and 'Sis' Nancy' in the Americas. He is usually depicted with a family of a wife, three sons, and a daughter. He is skilled and and wise in his speech. He was also seen as a symbol of slave resistance and survival among the enslaved African diaspora because of his ability to turn situations to his favor, no matter how powerful his oppressors were.

By ArchaiOptix - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91758360 , By Enrique Simonet - Webpage Image, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146899620 and By Sailko - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81766727

The Greeks had many trickster gods that took on various aspects of the trickster. Dionysus, the god of wine, madness, and ecstasy was a shape-shifter and androgynous, lending to his association with actors. Eris, goddess of discord, was famous (or infamous) for being the cause of the Trojan war by starting a fight between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, which was resolved by the Judgment of Paris, leading to the abduction of Helen. Hermes, the messanger of the gods, was the god of travelers, boundaries, and thieves, though he is also credited with creating the lyre to get out of trouble resulting from stealing Apollo's cattle. Pan, god of shepherds and flocks, is known for playing tricks on children for his own amusement.

By Jastrow - own work, from the Iliade exhibition at the Colosseum, September 2006–February 2007 , By No machine-readable author provided. Atoma assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., and By Swing Painter - User:Bibi Saint-Pol, own work, 2007-02-13

Greeks also had many heroes who were tricksters. Odysseus outwitted Polyphemus by claiming to be 'no one' in order to escape. Prometheus tricked Zeus into accepting a sub-par offering and also stole fire from the gods after Zeus forbids humans from using it because of the trick. Sisyphus tricked death twice, extending his life, but angered the gods and was sentenced to pushing a bolder up a slope in Tartarus for the rest of eternity.

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2617746

Many Native American people groups had a Coyote trickster. He tried to imitate the creator gods by creating people out of mud, though they became animals since Coyote didn't have the same power. He is also a messenger at times, as well as a cultural hero. He is capable of transformation, resurrection and 'medicine'. He finds sacred things for the people and also chances the course of rivers, creating new landscapes as he does. He was able to defeat Thunderbird with the 'help of the Spirit Chief'. Sometimes he is considered noble, other times malicious. He is often associated with music and capable of changing gender.

[steveezekiel]

WORD AND PRAYER LIFE OF A MINISTER 2

12 AND I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, PUTTING ME INTO THE MINISTRY,

13 ALTHOUGH I WAS FORMERLY A BLASPHEMER, A PERSECUTOR, AND AN INSOLENT MAN; BUT I OBTAINED MERCY because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 AND the GRACE of our Lord was exceedingly ABUNDANT, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

16 However, for this reason I OBTAINED MERCY, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (NKJV)

• What the life of a minister should be built around, or things a minister's life should be pivoted or centered on:

I. Feeding on the Word of God; which includes, reading, studying, and pondering, or thinking meditatively, on the Word.

II. Jotting and preparing notes while studying, which would later be developed to messages and Teachings.

III. Praying the Word into your life, receiving the Grace to be a DOER of the Word.

IV. Making necessary corrections, and adjustments, in the areas where the Holy Spirit has convicted you while reading and studying the Word—the Bible.

V. You would have to pray, stand in the gap, for others, especially those who are under your leadership.

a. You stand as a priest to take people's matters to God in prayer—this is one of the primary assignment of a minister (Exodus 18:19).

b. You take spiritual oversight of the people, watch over them in the place of prayers (Hebrews 13:17).

c. Your prayers as a minister would be in different form; you would have to intercede, supplicate or plead for some, or petition God on some people's cases, or battling with the devil to take his hands off on the sheep God has assigned you to watch over. You would also need to pray and inquire about whatever God would want you to do.

• Note: To carry out or do the things we are sharing here might task you physically and emotionally.

I. You may need to deny yourself a number of involvement in social activities.

II. You may have to call some relationship a quit, that is, break friendship with some people—because the time would not be available:

"NO SOLDIER IN ACTIVE SERVICE GETS ENTANGLED IN THE [ordinary business] AFFAIRS OF CIVILIAN LIFE; [he avoids them] SO THAT HE MAY PLEASE THE ONE WHO ENLISTED HIM TO SERVE" (2 Timothy 2:4 Amps).

"AND AS CHRIST'S SOLDIER, DO NOT LET YOURSELF BECOME TIED UP IN WORLDLY AFFAIRS, FOR THEN YOU CANNOT SATISFY THE ONE WHO HAS ENLISTED YOU IN HIS ARMY."

2 Timothy 2:4 (the Living Bible)

III. If you are an extrovert, someone who likes people to always be with him or her; to have many friends added with the work you are assigned to do might not be possible. You might not even have the time to be involved in social engagements, functions in your extended family, or that of the in-laws. IV. You might not have all you desired or wanted to have. Your aspirations and goals would have to be sacrificed.

V. You might be misunderstood by some people. Some may see you as an enemy because you did not participate in what they are doing, you have taken a step to leave them and not be part of whatever they are doing that would not be beneficial or help in your assignment:

3 FOR WE HAVE SPENT ENOUGH OF OUR PAST LIFETIME IN DOING THE WILL OF THE GENTILES—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 IN REGARD TO THESE, THEY THINK IT STRANGE THAT YOU DO NOT RUN WITH THEM IN THE SAME FLOOD OF DISSIPATION, SPEAKING EVIL OF YOU" (1 Peter 4:3,4 NKJV).

VI. You might be mocked, derided, and be envied by some who know the importance of the steps you had taken.

• The truth is:

- There is a time to bury your head in the Word of God and prayer, when you are yet to be known by anyone.

- In the ministry work, seek not to be known, but seek to know God and His ways (Psalm 103:7).

- When you supposed to bury your head in the Word, but chose to be going about, you might miss your time and stay longer than you supposed before you get to the limelight.

- There is a time in the ministry work when you and what you do, your work, are yet known—whatever you are doing is not acknowledged or recognized by anyone. At such a Time, you are not expected to make efforts, trying to have fame or be known (Galatians 1:22).

- When Apostle Paul received the call into the ministry, he did not go about and make efforts to announce himself, instead he waited for things to unfold according to God's plans and programmes for his life (Galatians 1:15-24).

- The primary assignment of anyone called by God is seeking to know Him, God, the Caller and the Sender. And this is basically done through the studying of the Word and prayers (Acts 6:4; Galatians 1:17).

- As a minister, your prayer and Word life must be strong! These two things should take a great deal of your time:

"BUT WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES CONTINUALLY TO PRAYER AND TO THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD” (Acts 6:4 (NKJV).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in Jesus' mighty name.

- Your deliverance is made permanent in Jesus' precious name.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. Ask that your name be written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for September 22, 2023

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for the Day

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 25:6-7 (KJV):

6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25:6-7 (AMP):

6 Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men; 7 For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you.

Thought for the Day

These verses advise us not to exalt ourselves in the presence of important people, but to take a humble position. Humility is a virtue that we should strive to develop. Assuming honor for ourselves is unwise. It can cause humiliation in front of the people with whom we expect to impress. It is better to be invited to sit in a special place than to risk taking a seat reserved for another and then be asked to make way for someone in a position of greater importance. Jesus illustrated this principle in a parable: "And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, when thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and he comes and says to thee, Give this man place, and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:7-11).

Anyone who attempts to exalt himself in front of others will eventually be humbled. Allowing ourselves to become prideful, sets us up for a fall, according to the Word of God. "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:18-19). Those who think they do not need God are the proudest of all. At some point, all people will come to the end of themselves and face the fact that they are not in control of all of their circumstances. We all need God, since without Him, we face an eternity in hell.

The same scriptures that warn against exalting ourselves, tell us that if we humble ourselves, we shall be honored in due season, and recognized by others. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you " (James 4:10). If we boast of anything, it should be our boast of what the Lord has done for us! Without Him, we can do nothing. "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad" (Psalm 34:2).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for all of the wonderful things You have done for us! we do appreciate every one of them. Lord, we want to always remain humble, not only in Your sight but in the sight of men, as well. May we have the grace to be servants to others and not to think of ourselves more highly than anyone else, as every child of God is important in Your sight. Not one of Your children is more important than another. We are all important because we belong to You. Help us not to glory in that, but rather be humbled by that fact. We ask this in the name of Jesus, and through Him who humbled Himself to endure the cross for each of us. Amen.

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#GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981

[chorusfm]

Green Day Announce New Slurpee with 7-Eleven

Green Day have teamed up with 7-Eleven for an exclusive Slurpee. 7-Eleven, Inc. is turning the flavor dial to 11 once again by teaming up with Green Day and Punk Bunny to unveil an all-new, exclusive Slurpee® drink flavor: Kerplunk Kandy Grape. As an ode to the band’s 1992 album ‘Kerplunk!’, this rockin’ new flavor mashes up cotton candy sweetness with juicy grape vibes.  The Kerplunk Kandy Grape Slurpee drink is a sweet and slightly twisted treat that tastes just like the cotton candy grapes Green Day keeps as a staple on their backstage riders. Born from the band’s personal snack pile and reborn in frozen form, this isn’t your average frozen treat – it’s a full-on flavor riot. The new flavor is available now for a limited time at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide. The drinks don’t stop there – after the exclusive debut of Punk Bunny at 7-Eleven in 2024, anticipation has been building for the next drop. 7-Eleven and Green Day are rolling out three new exclusive Punk Bunny coffee varieties at participating stores: Mike Dirnt’s Turn Up the Bass Medium Roast, Punk Bunny Cold Brew Caramel Latte and Chocolate Almond Specialty Latte.  “Our first launch with Green Day and Punk Bunny was so exciting for customers because they loved seeing music and coffee culture collide in such a unique way,” said Marissa Jarratt, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at 7-Eleven, Inc. “Now, we’re channeling that same punk spirit into our iconic Slurpee drink. Kerplunk Kandy Grape is rooted in the band’s story, and we can’t wait for fans to experience this one-of-a-kind flavor.” To commemorate the new Slurpee drink flavor, fans can head to select stores to score tune-worthy drink accessories that amp up the cool factor. Fans can score limited-edition collectible cups, along with custom straws featuring built-in Bluetooth speakers – perfect for turning any sip into a jam session. Each collectible cup features a QR code linking to a Spotify playlist specially crafted by Green Day, creating the ultimate sippin’ into summer experience. “I have great memories of getting Slurpee drinks with my friends. It’s always perfect on a good day or even a bad one. Being able to create our own custom Punk Bunny flavor and bring it to everyone across the country has been an amazing moment,” shares Billie Joe Armstrong. In honor of Green Day’s legacy in Hollywood, fans in Los Angeles who purchase the Kerplunk Kandy Grape Slurpee drink can use their cup or receipt as a ticket to visit the Kerplunk Kandy Speakeasy – an exclusive 7-Eleven x Punk Bunny pop-up experience taking place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 6501 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. This exclusive event offers guests a chance to sample the new products, along with free apparel customization and limited-edition merchandise to celebrate the new flavor. The first 100 fans each day will receive free merch to personalize, including t-shirts, tote bags, hats and more. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/green-day-announce-new-slurpee-with-7-eleven/

[daveolivetti]

I did this interview for the Drum Media in 1999. Drum Media was a free street press paper at the time. Nunchukka Superfly were an amped-up, in-the-red distortion power trio. They were about to go on the road after a two year break. The interview with Blackie aka Peter Black. He is the chief songwriter, and he seemed pretty pumped to be back playing in this outfit after being away with the Hard Ons. I spoke to him over the phone from my small flat in Balmain. I'd seen the band a few times before, and always admired Blackie's unbridled creative spirit and uncompromising attitude toward the music business.

Nunchukka Superfly Interview - Drum Media (1999)

The dream becomes a reality, or something like that. It's taken two years for Nunchukka Superfly to get their act together. For Blackie and Ray, the past came back to haunt them. The Hard Ons are popular again. However, flying all over the world has not dampened their interest in breaking the sound barrier. Nunchukka Superfly is a three piece reconstructing sound with a brand of terror unique.

Blackie aka Peter Black formed Nunchukka Superfly out of the frustration that plagued his previous group, The Hard Ons. A twitching spontaneity and eagerness was creeping into his songwriting, and a method of attack for the Hard Ons - fast and furious garage punk/pop - had gradually worn thin.

He hankered for a sound he heard in his dreams and on the road that suggested a serious, thought-out approach towards songwriting that coalesces intuitively. Hard Ons bassist Ray Ahn joined his lifelong friend to crystallise his penchant for amplified, riff-based noise. Alongside Joel Ellis, a nervous drummer with a healthy appetite for Jazz replaced the original drummer some months ago. The band has delivered a stunning self-titled EP.

The fact the band's name came to Ray Ahn in a dream, "We did an outdoor festival and our drummer put down his sticks and went 'thanks very much. We're Nunchukka Superfly' is symbolic of a band and its songwriting ideas developing naturally.

"Just after finishing the Yummy album with the Hard Ons, I started getting into the Beatles White Album and rediscovering things like The Birthday Party and P.I.L." says Blackie, who is the chief songwriter of the band.

"One thing that I liked was that they used a lot of stream of consciousness. Like things that don't make sense, they didn't worry about. They just did it anyway. I started doing that as well. It was a real eye-opener."

A fair step away from the adolescent punk of the Hard Ons, and certainly not as odd as Blackie's other project, Chrackie, Nunchukka Superfly showcases Blackie's murderous side. Crunching riffs, lurching bass runs, and a brutal drum sound.

Impressive is their successful combination of controlled feedback, rhythmic agility, and band inter-communication. Ray and Joel play the perfect foil for Blackie's expansive pieces. He says there is room for improvisation.

"It's a pretty creative situation, which is awesome and obviously very important. Our songs have structures but within the structures there are certain elements that we can do what we want with them. Hopefully as we get further along and more comfortable with each other and start to get that telepathic sense we can expand on that."

The project illustrates Blackie's evolving songwriting and guitar playing. He possesses a deep-rooted sensibility to paint pictures through guitar sounds, while lyrically he's learning to trust his initial creative impulses.

Blackie really liked psychedelic music from a young age. "The British stuff like Pink Floyd, and the Chocolate Super Diabetic records, a lot of sixties English stuff, which was just out-there," he enthuses.

"When I first started all I could play was bar chords. I was never able to explore that myself but, now I'm playing a bit better."

The reason for this faith in cosmic sound is a philosophical one.

"It's a sound that I really like and it's just happening. I accept it. To me music is the purest form of magic."

[writer59january13]

Bittersweet pyrrhic victory...

if a 2024 November presidential Biden win pandemonium likely to occur, subsequently figurative tectonic upheaval might set United States in a tailspin. Though discouraged, disenchanted, disheartened, et cetera Democrat, I intend to exercise enfranchisement wherein human made his habitat within Schwenksville, Penna, a washed out town with one laundromat pessimism rains heavy on my heart reverberating a prominent pitapat hoping on a broken wing and a prayer trumpeting Republican theocrat blessedly outvoted videre licet sense and sensibility courtesy electorate. Yours truly attests the candidate signified by donkey the lesser of two evils, a cruel trick doled out courtesy fickle finger of fate braying against lumbering Elephantidae Thomas Nast of Harper's Weekly in 1870 he did illustrate

said animals as caricature he did humorously sketch though expressing tacit approval for elder incumbent octogenarian quintessential statesman, he (a common gentile Joe) exhibits the preferred alternative, though secular Semitic humanist,

I vouchsafe present commander in chief bares the sisyphean onus to foster entente cordiale among various and sundry governments linkedin across the webbed wide world, particularly vocalizing, orchestrating,

invoking dovish overtures unnamed politician obligation his adherents must take a stand and serve as ambassadors representing peace and harmony for instance such as conferring freedom regarding oppressed Palestinian people Israel must liberate

allowing, enabling, and providing their own destiny (lies) to operate versus being humiliated courtesy where boot heel diplomacy of autocrat bully and regulate every friggin action brutally commanding, goading, lording over, et cetera subjects

when, where, and how to breathe or urinate, plus current occupant of Executive Mansion must not resist parlaying olive branch, which amped up energy, would tax even an envoy

even at her/his prime, which younger generation must be entrusted to govern since four score chronological orbitz logically, seriously, zealously... automatically must disqualify office holder/seeker, whose emotional, mental, and spiritual fitness necessitates body, mind, and spirit triage

no more than half life of aforementioned age, cuz youth in general, (and women in particular) bubble with near boundless energy regarding promulgating win/win within realm of conflict resolution emblematic of Lake Wobegon, the little town time forgot,

and the decades could not improve .

[giftexoperfumes]

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue Perfume for Women

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue  incense for women is a  dateless  scent that captures the  substance of the Mediterranean  life,  eliciting  fancies of azure waters, sun kissed  strands, and  debonair summer days. Launched in 2001, this iconic scent has come a  chief in the  scent collections of women worldwide, celebrated for its fresh, citrusy notes and  royal  fineness.   At the heart of Light Blue is a  stimulating  mix of Sicilian bomb, crisp apple, and bellflower, creating an amping  and lively opening that  incontinently uplifts the senses. The citrusy accord is evocative of a cool  breath on a hot summer day, awakening the spirit and setting the stage for the olfactory  trip ahead.   As the  scent develops, delicate  flowery notes of jasmine and white rose  crop , adding a soft and  womanlike touch to the composition. These  flowery nuances  inoculate the scent with a sense of  love and  complication, while maintaining its light and airy character.   Underpinning the bright top and heart notes is a warm and  voluptuous base of cedarwood and amber, which adds depth and complexity to the  scent,  resting it with a subtle earthiness. This woody undertone lends life to the scent,  icing that it lingers on the skin throughout the day, like a fond memory of a sun- drenched  flight.   Light Blue is housed in a  satiny and minimalist bottle that reflects the simplicity and  complication of the  scent within. Its clean lines and translucent blue  tinge  elicit the  chastity and newness of the Mediterranean  ocean, while the  tableware cap adds a touch of  ultramodern  fineness.   In summary, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue  incense for women is a  dateless  scent that embodies the  appeal of the Mediterranean  life. With its  stimulating citrusy notes, delicate florals, and warm woody base, it offers a  sensitive escape to sun- drenched plages and endless summers, making it the perfect choice for the  ultramodern woman who seeks  fineness, vitality, and joie de vivre. 

[clickvibes]

I Don’t Need Title To Serve In Tinubu’s Administration — Fashola

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) says he does not need a title to serve in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which in his view, is birthing the next generation of leaders. Fashola, a close aide of Tinubu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Lagos State University, Ojo, on Tuesday. He was at the University to deliver a keynote address at the institution’s fifth research and innovation fair. The former Lagos State Governor, who also served as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff when the President was governor of the state. was responding to a question on his role in the present administration at the federal level and possibility of an appointment. He said, “I do not need a title to serve: the president can only appoint at least one minister, for example, from each state which he has done that. “There are just enough places in parastatals, they are doing that; we are estimated to be 200 million, so there are not enough offices to take everybody. “All of us must play our roles as citizens, and a citizen does not need a title to serve. “The biggest title you need is that of being citizen and play our role; we are also talking about the next generation. ”If some do not move on, where is the place for the next batch?” He said there was the need to bring more outstanding public spirited people to occupy spaces as they evolve. Fashola said he looked forward to a lot more youthful people being part of the administration. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/09/i-dont-need-title-to-serve-in-tinubus-administration-fashola/amp/ Read the full article

[benevolentwoman]

Build Your House on The Rock!!!

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; And it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

" And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: And great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7: 24-27, KJV). 

If you wonder, why many are killing others and themselves? Why is mental instability "the new norm"? Why do so many lack coping skills? 

Here is your answer. "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is from the LORD and is His doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118: 22-24, AMP). 

I was led to add this so that we don't get it twisted. "Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan), and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven" (Luke 10: 19-20, AMP). 

Jesus is the only Way!!! 

Always coming from a place of love and in truth!!! 

https://benevolentwoman.com/

[hilite-head]

NY March ArtXop Highlights

[bharatlivenewsmedia]

Implement central & state schemes in letter and spirit: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary

Implement central & state schemes in letter and spirit: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary

Implement central & state schemes in letter and spirit: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Addressing the principal secretaries, commissioners, directors, deputy commissioners and other senior officers, Kumar asked all to take serious note of the policy documents. Addressing the principal secretaries, commissioners, directors, deputy commissioners and other senior officers, Kumar asked all to…

[houseofbrat]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11921479/amp/It-big-mistake-Queen-Consort-Camilla-reject-ivory-sceptre-Coronation.html

Lookie here - our favorite Pearl clutcher in Chief was WRONG again (just like when he exclusively told us the Coronation was in June). His speculation caused so much vile comments towards Queen Camilla from “royalists” and fed the “KC3 is too woke” trolls.

Meanwhile since Eden was proved wrong, the Daily Mail has a new article out to drag Camilla for using the ivory sceptre, which will no doubt keep the hate train going.

The Fleet Street circus rolls on 🎪

There's Richard's pearl clutching article, above.

Camilla will be crowned alongside her husband the King on May 6, during an ancient ceremony at Westminster Abbey featuring deeply symbolic objects representing the royal duties and responsibilities of the sovereign. 

It has now emerged that she will hold two sceptres, will court controversy by using one made with ivory. 

[...]

But despite the Prince's vehement position, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday that the sceptre would be among the regalia used at the coronation.  

The ivory sceptre is part of the crown jewels and regalia held in trust by the monarch for the nation. 

The crown jewels form part of the Royal Collection and have traditionally been held at the Tower of London which is managed by Historic Royal Palaces. 

Kathryn Jones, senior curator of decorative arts, at the Royal Collection Trust, speaking about previous coronation ceremonies, said: 'The Queen is also presented with two sceptres... this is again this symbol of temporal power - so with the cross.

'And the second sceptre, like the King's sceptre, has the dove on the top, (and is) symbolic of equity and mercy. 

And this one the wings are folded, rather than spread, it has the same symbolism - so it's the Holy Spirit.' 

The original coronation regalia was destroyed by order of parliament after King Charles I was executed after the Civil War, briefly leading to a republic with Oliver Cromwell as the head of state.

The regalia was broken up and melted down into gold coins and the jewels were sold. 

The ivory staff which Camilla will use was made in 1685 by Sir Robert Vyner for Queen Mary of Modena, the wife of James II. 

She was the first Queen Consort to participate in a coronation ceremony following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. 

Symbolic of the monarch's spiritual power, it is topped with a distinctive enamelled dove with spread wings. 

The three-foot-seven-inch-long staff cost £440 in 1661 and is encircled in four places with jewelled colours. 

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: 'As with any historical collection of its size, it is to be expected that the Royal Collection includes items that contain ivory as this reflected the taste at the time.' 

The use of the sceptre was confirmed as part of an announcement from the palace on the regalia that will feature at the service, including the Sovereign's Ring and St Edward's Crown.  

I swear that Richard gets paid to pearl clutch every week. He wouldn't have anything else to say otherwise.

We may need to fetch that man some smelling salts if his belt is on too tight and he faints.

[steveezekiel]

PASTORING AND TAKING THE SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT 3

2 SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD WHICH IS AMONG YOU, SERVING AS OVERSEERS, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

4 AND WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF GLORY THAT DOES NOT FADE AWAY."

1 Peter 5:2–4 (NKJV)

• Other things to note, which could be considered your responsibilities.

I. You would need to raise the would-be leaders up before God in prayer, at your personal time of prayers.

II. You call them for counseling from time to time.

III. You would need to correct them; rebuke or reprove, when needed:

"HE WHO WITHHOLDS THE ROD [of discipline] HATES HIS SON, BUT HE WHO LOVES HIM DISCIPLINES AND TRAINS HIM DILIGENTLY AND APPROPRIATELY [with wisdom and love]" (Proverbs 13:24 Amps.)

- That said, there are some things which the Holy Spirit might ask you not to talk on or try to change. He may want to teach the emerging leader through the experience of life. He wanted him or her to learn that which you have seen in his or her life that is wrong, through practical knowledge—the experience of life (Judges 2:21-23).

- In such a person's case, you would need to allow God, through the Holy Spirit on the inside of him or her, to teach and correct whatever the defect or error you have seen in such a person's life—the would-be leader.

- Do not take the place of the Holy Spirit in the life of the people you are raising, and at the same time, do not hesitate to correct whatever error or defect which you observed that needed to be corrected in their lives.

- Let them watch you how you do things, for them to learn from you.

• The exercise of feet washing was done by Jesus Christ Himself, He wanted to teach the disciples about serving others. AFTER the exercise, He told them the importance and the essence of what He did.

HE said they should go and do Likewise: 12 SO WHEN HE [Jesus] HAD WASHED THEIR FEET, taken His garments, and sat down again, HE SAID TO THEM, “DO YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE DONE TO YOU? 13 YOU CALL ME TEACHER AND LORD, AND YOU SAY WELL, FOR SO I AM. 14 IF I THEN, YOUR LORD AND TEACHER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET, YOU ALSO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET. 15 FOR I HAVE GIVEN YOU AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE TO YOU" (John 13:12-15 NKJV).

- Do not hide whatever you know that could help them to grow and make them effective in their leadership assignment.

- Reveal the things which you know, that could help them grow, step by step.

- Do not overfeed them, that is, do not drive them so hard, let them learn systematically and progressively.

- And, do not expect too much from them. You would need to consider and be patient with those who might seem to be slow learners among them.

• REACHING OUT TO OTHERS

- A minister, who pastors a church, should develop and has a way of reaching out to other people, apart from those who are already under his or her leadership.

- Your ministry should go beyond the four corners of your church building. That you must endeavour to reach out to the unchurched, and those who might not be physically present in your church, but could be blessed through what you preach or teach in your base—your church.

- Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you could be given a programme to conduct or hold that would attract both the members, those already under your leadership, and the nonmembers, the unchurched, and every potential person that could be blessed by your ministry.

- Break any denominational barrier, go beyond your church denomination, reach out to other people.

- Some of the people whom you might have the opportunity or privilege to minister to might not have the opportunity or privilege of hearing what you are teaching or preaching, where they go to church. They may not be properly fed with the Word of God where they attend church meetings.

- Some might eventually be touched to become a member of your church, or might be stirred to be part of those who supported or financed your work.

- Do not be rigid about it, that you are strictly ministering to the people under your leadership alone, that is, your church members or the people in your denomination. The point is, you can be used to bless others apart from your regular church members.

BUT strive and be concerned about the number of souls you are reaching out to, to bless and impact positively for God.

- Note: It is usually those who have definite encounter through your ministry, that is, your outreaches, that would later become your followers, or be a part of your vision, or announce your work—tell others about what you are doing, your ministry.

THE woman of Samaria who was ministered to, by Jesus Christ at the WELL, ran to the city to tell others about Jesus Christ, His Ministry, and the people came en masse to listen to Him:

28 THE WOMAN THEN LEFT HER WATERPOT, WENT HER WAY INTO THE CITY, AND SAID TO THE MEN, 29 “COME, SEE A MAN WHO TOLD ME ALL THINGS THAT I EVER DID. COULD THIS BE THE CHRIST?” 30 THEN THEY WENT OUT OF THE CITY AND CAME TO HIM" (John 4:28-30 NKJV).

39 AND MANY OF THE SAMARITANS OF THAT CITY BELIEVED IN HIM [Jesus] BECAUSE OF THE WORD OF THE WOMAN WHO TESTIFIED, “He told me all that I ever did.”

40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.

41 AND MANY MORE BELIEVED BECAUSE OF HIS [Jesus'] OWN WORD.

42 THEN THEY SAID TO THE WOMAN, “NOW WE BELIEVE, NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU SAID, FOR WE OURSELVES HAVE HEARD HIM AND WE KNOW THAT THIS IS INDEED THE CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.”

John 4:39-42 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in Jesus' mighty name.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for September 22, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living Devotional Scripture: Proverbs 25:6-7 (KJV): 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25:6-7 (AMP): 6 Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men; 7 For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you.

Thought for the Day

These verses advise us not to exalt ourselves in the presence of important people, but to take a humble position. Humility is a virtue that we should strive to develop. Assuming honor for ourselves is unwise. It can cause humiliation in front of the people with whom we expect to impress. It is better to be invited to sit in a special place than to risk taking a seat reserved for another and then be asked to make way for someone in a position of greater importance. Jesus illustrated this principle in a parable: "And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and he comes and says to thee, Give this man place, and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:7-11).

Anyone who attempts to exalt himself in front of others will eventually be humbled. Allowing ourselves to become prideful, sets us up for a fall, according to the Word of God. "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:18-19). Those who think they do not need God are the proudest of all. At some point, all people will come to the end of themselves and face the fact that they are not in control of all of their circumstances. We all need God, since without Him, we face an eternity in hell.

The same scriptures that warn against exalting ourselves, tell us that if we humble ourselves we shall be honored in due season, and recognized by others. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10). If we boast of anything, it should be our boast of what the Lord has done for us! Without Him, we can do nothing. "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad" (Psalm 34:2). Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for all of the wonderful things You have done for us! We do appreciate each and every one of them. Lord, we do want to always remain humble, not only in Your sight but in the sight of men, as well. May we have the grace to be a servant to others and not to think of ourselves more highly than anyone else, as every child of God is important in Your sight. Not one of Your children is more important than another. We are all important because we belong to You. Help us not to glory in that, but rather be humbled by that fact. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who humbled Himself to endure the cross for each of us. Amen.

[feedingtheflockministry]

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19‭-‬22 amp

[queerasfact]

This shirt and badge were created by the WeWah & BarCheeAmpe organisation, a group of Two Spirit people founded in New York City in 1989. The group was named after two famous Two Spirit individuals.

Wewah (or We’wha) was a lhamana - a Zuni gender including both masculine and feminine roles. In 1885, We’wha travelled to Washington DC as a representative of the Zuni people, where they worked with anthropologists and the Smithsonian museum to demonstrate and share information about Zuni crafts and culture. You can learn more about We’wha in our podcast!

BarCheeAmpe, a Crow woman, appears in the memoir of fur trapper James Beckwourth, where she’s described as serving as a warrior and chief, both traditionally masculine roles. We talked about BarCheeAmpe, and Crow gender roles more generally, in our podcast on Bíawacheeitchish, another female Crow chief and warrior.

[Images: source; Yellow badge with an image of a person dressed half in feminine and half in masculine clothing, text reads ‘WaWah & BarCheeAmpe Native 2 Spirits in NYC’; t-shirt printed with an image of We’wha and text reading WE WAH & BAR CHEE AMPE NEW YORK CITY’]