#Deuteronomy 16:19

[storytour-blog]

What Does a Bribe Look Like

Once, two men were to appear before an older judge over a matter concerning a lot of money. One of the men came the day before he was to appear in court and asked the judge to help him. As he spoke, he laid five hundred silver coins on the table. The old judge took the money and told the man to come back the next day. That evening the old judge asked that a big dinner be served. He called…

[jaguar726]

And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands

Daily Verse Reading – Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Follow the Lord’s Commands16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And…

[bojackson54]

The Four Dimensions of God's Love: How God Loves You Completely

Paul spent more than two years in Ephesus, so it stands to reason that he knew people there pretty well. He preached and taught in that crossroads city so effectively that Luke says “all of the Jews and Greeks who lived in the Province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” (Acts 19:10) When he wrote to them in Ephesians, Paul mentions the four dimensions of God’s love as if everyone knew about…

[holyspiritgirl]

What is Spiritual Warfare and how to overcome it with the help of God?

• Spiritual warfare is the idea that there's a battle going on between good and evil forces. In Christianity, this means a fight between God and His angels against the devil and his demons. It mainly happens in our minds, hearts, and spirits. It’s about resisting bad thoughts, temptations, and influences that go against what God wants for us. Though we believe that Jesus has indeed already defeated Satan by dying on the cross and coming back to life, the enemy still tries to lead us to sin in order to push us away from God, thus spiritual warfare.

• “Symptoms” vary since the devil attacks you where it hurts the most, to make you as vulnerable as possible; but here are some of the most common ones:

- believing that your not worthy of having a relationship with God or talking to God therefore feeling the need to distance yourself from him

-self destructive / sabotage / harm temptations

-paranoia / overthinking

-strong headaches / body aches

-temptations towards sin such as lust, gluttony, laziness, anger.. etc, depends on your weaknesses

-self hatred & self doubt / doubt in faithfulness

-hopelessness, fear, anxiety

-random depressive moods & replaying bad memories … the list goes on!

• Living a life more aligned with God’s will is seen as a threat to Satan and his purposes, leading to increased attempts to discourage or derail one’s faith journey. With a deeper relationship with God often comes a greater sense of purpose and mission, attracting more challenges and obstacles from evil forces trying to prevent one from fulfilling God’s plans. Our Father allows these intensified battles to refine and strengthen our faith, helping us rely more on Him and grow spiritually.

• Here are some bible verses that may help you during those tough times battling spiritual warfare :

-Corinthians 10:13

- Psalm 91

-Ephesians 6:11-18

-Isaiah 54:17

-Galatians 5:17-26

- Peter 5:8-9

-Romans 8:37-39

-Luke 10:19

-James 4:7

-John 16:33

-Deuteronomy 3:22

-Matthew 4:10-11

• Let me know if you’d be interested in me posting those verses and talking about some of them with you guys, sort of like a bible study kind of thing. It’d be a pleasure ;)

Have a blessed day 💞💓👼🏻

[artandthebible]

The Shadow of Samuel Appearing to Saul at the Woman of Endor

Artist: School of Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673)

Date: 1668

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Description

The account of the witch of Endor summoning Samuel from the dead is recorded in 1 Samuel 28:7–20. It is the only biblical account of a séance. There are differences of opinion regarding the story: did Samuel himself truly appear, was this an illusion perpetrated by the witch, or was it a demonic deception?

King Saul’s encounter with the witch of Endor took place at the very end of his reign as king. The Philistines had arrayed themselves for battle against Israel, and Saul “was afraid; terror filled his heart” (1 Samuel 28:5). Samuel was dead, so Saul sought direction from the Lord through other means, “but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.” God’s silence was a consequence of Saul’s disobedience against God (verse 6).

Having no word from God, Saul sent his servants to find a medium, and they told him of one in the town of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7). Saul had previously expelled all the spiritists and mediums from the land (verse 3), but obviously some remained. By divine law, mediums and spiritists were banned from Israel (Deuteronomy 18:11). That the king, in desperation, would seek wisdom from an occult source that he himself had outlawed shows his hypocrisy and indicates how far he had fallen from God’s grace.

King Saul fasted all day, disguised himself, and visited the witch of Endor with two of his servants. Saul told her, “Consult a spirit for me, . . . and bring up for me the one I name” (1 Samuel 28:8). The woman, wary of a trap, balked at the request. Saul swore an oath that she would not be punished (verse 10), and he indicated that he wished to speak to Samuel. During the séance the prophet appeared: “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’” (verse 12).

Saul, who did not see what the woman saw, told her not to be afraid and to describe what she saw (1 Samuel 28:13). The witch said, “I see a ghostly figure a coming up out of the earth,” further describing him as “an old man wearing a robe” (verses 13–14). “Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground” (verse 14).

In the ensuing conversation, “Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’” (1 Samuel 28:15). The king explained about the Philistines and how God was no longer answering him (verse 16). Samuel then gave Saul a chilling message:

Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 28:16–19) Upon hearing of his fate, Saul was very afraid. The witch prepared a meal for Saul, who had not eaten all day, and she and Saul’s two servants prevailed upon to partake of what was probably his last meal (1 Samuel 28:20–25). The next day, in battle, Saul and his sons died (chapter 31).

The passage does not give any indication that the apparition the witch of Endor saw was anything other than Samuel himself. We know that the medium was not producing an illusion because she screams in surprise when she sees Samuel (1 Samuel 28:12). Also, the spirit rising from the earth is called “Samuel.” The text does not say that the spirit “appeared to be Samuel” or that the medium “thought it was Samuel”; the text directly refers to the spirit as “Samuel.” Further, the spirit spoke the truth; the message Saul received was accurate.

The witch of Endor was likely expecting to hear from her “familiar spirit” (a demon) during the séance, and that explains her startled reaction to seeing Samuel. It seems that, in this case, God allowed Samuel to return in order to give King Saul the news of his coming defeat and death.

[alwaysrememberjesus]

The Discipline of Consistent Giving

Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up…” — 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (NIV)

When a financial crisis hit the church in Jerusalem, Paul didn’t respond with panic, he responded with order. He instructed the Corinthian believers to set aside something each week. Not randomly, emotionally or when they felt led to, but with discipline, intent and consistency.

Paul knew what many modern believers forget: true generosity isn’t spontaneous… it’s planned, regular and in step with your income but primarily guided by your heart for the Kingdom. The early church understood what it meant to care for one another. A healthy church will always reflect that same heartbeat; it will have both in-reach and outreach. In other words, it will feed the spirit and also meet the need.

God said in Deuteronomy 15:7, “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren… you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother.” That’s not a suggestion, it’s a command. And when Jesus truly gets a hold of your life, that command becomes your instinct.

Ask Zacchaeus. The moment Jesus changed his heart, he changed his giving. “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:8–9 NKJV)

That was not charity. That was transformation. Real salvation will always change the way you handle your resources. Yes, the tithe is the baseline. Malachi 3v10 says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… and try Me now in this,” says the Lord. But God is not just checking the math. He is watching the motive. That is why 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” As outlined all week, this isn’t about pressure, it’s about posture. It’s about giving back to the One who gave you everything.

So ask yourself: Are you giving with discipline? Are you giving with purpose? Are you giving in step with what God has poured into your life? Because if God can trust you to release it, He will trust you to carry more of it. Not just for your gain, but for His glory.

[iipeleng]

Why Free Will Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

Many people believe that free will gives us unlimited freedom, but Scripture suggests otherwise: we’re given the freedom to choose between two distinct paths, not infinite options.

Free will, from a biblical standpoint, means choosing between God’s way and the enemy’s way—life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19), blessings or curses (Deuteronomy 11:26), commitment or lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:16). In God’s eyes, there’s no grey area, only two clear directions.

God calls us to live on purpose. Purpose isn’t just about existing; it’s about living with intention and direction according to God’s will.

“We are born looking like our parents, but we die looking like our decisions.”- Pastor Joshua McCauley

Each decision shapes our lives, and with the freedom God gives us, we decide if we follow His path or attempt to make our own way.

Purpose is the reason we exist , we all strive to figure out what our purpose is on this earth and how to fulfill it. all of this must mean something right? I was brought here for something right?

"So, what is my purpose?"

Well, it's not something we create on our own. A purposeful life is a gift from Jesus, one we can’t achieve just through behavior or goals. It’s a life given, not earned. Through Jesus, we receive grace, freeing us from sin’s power and aligning us with God’s purpose.

Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law” (NKJV).

In Hebrew, ḥāzôn or “revelation” here means prophetic vision or God’s guidance. Without it, life becomes chaotic, like a river spilling beyond its banks. True happiness (ashrei in Hebrew) is rooted in following God’s direction, bringing peace and purpose that go beyond surface-level happiness. Keeping (shamar in Hebrew) His law is about actively choosing and protecting our relationship with God’s Word. This dedication to God’s guidance brings a stability and joy that temporary pleasures can’t match.

“So Why Doesn’t God Stop Me from Messing Up?”

A common question: “If free will isn’t total freedom, why doesn’t God stop me from making bad choices?” God, like a loving parent, warns us but lets us experience the outcomes of our decisions. Think of it like a parent warning a child not to touch a hot stove; if the child ignores the warning, they’ll get burned. It’s a lesson in trust and obedience.

Psalm 81:11-12 explains it: “But My people would not listen to Me… so I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” God respects our choices because forced obedience isn’t real love. He wants us to choose His path willingly, knowing that His guidance is meant to protect, not control.

In the end, God offers two paths: His way, leading to purpose and peace, or the enemy’s path, leading to chaos. True freedom isn’t the power to do whatever we want, but the wisdom to choose the way that brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

[rabnerd28]

Chronicling the Cats Broadway Revival Lifts

Hey, you know how we joke that you could make a drinking game out of all the lifts that they do in the Broadway Revival? Don’t do it. You will die of alcohol poisoning before the Jellicle Ball.

4:54 Electra, Victoria and Tantomile are all lifted during the "Heaviside Layer" line of Jellicle Songs for Jellicles Cats (3)

9:20 Electra and Tantomile during Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats. (2)

9:28 Not a lift, but Tanto, Victoria and Electra are swung forward across the floor. Doesn’t count but I’m marking vaguely lifting actions.

14:41 Sillabub is lifted in the background at the start of Invitation. There might be more cats being lifted but my bootleg is mostly focused on the main cats for each number. (1)

14:50 Not even a full 10 seconds later, Sillabub and another cat (I think it’s Tantomile) are lifted again. (2)

18:45 Coricopat and Skimbleshanks lift Jenny so that a ball can go under her (1)

19:39 Bomba and Demeter grab Jenny and slide her across the large sports balls. (Side note: I really fucking hate the balls. Why are they in this number???)

23:28 Tumble and Plato lift Victoria and Tugger walks under her. (1)

22:36 Rumpleteazer, Demeter and Victoria are all lifted (3)

23:40 Victoria and Tanto are flung forward and then flung back.

24:05 Electra, Tantomile, Victoria and Rumpleteazer are held on at their armpits as they drop so that they would be flat on their faces if their partners weren’t holding them, followed by said partners lifting them off the ground and spinning them. I’m counting it. (4)

24:32 Tantomile and Victoria are spun on the ground and then lifted by cats right after. (2)

26:08 Sillabub, Victoria and Electra are mid cartwheel when their partners (Mungojerrie, Plato and Pouncival (?)) grab them and slow them down. Tantomile is then lifted by Coricopat. (1)

All lift adjacent behaviors are forgiven for Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. What’s not forgiven is how literal the choreography is.

39:25 We went almost a full fifteen minutes. Coricopat lifts Tantomile when they first sense Old Deuteronomy. (1)

39:34 Once again, Tanto is lifted by Cori. (1)

40:14 Tanto climbs on Cori’s back and Victoria climbs on Plato’s and they are lifted. (2)

43:15 Victoria is lifted by Alonzo, Tanto is lifted by Cori (?). (2)

45:07 Mungojerrie lifts Rumpleteazer onto the stage, same for Cori and Tanto. They then lift them both again to go behind Old Deuteronomy. Followed by another lift after those. (6)

45:22 Munkustrap carries Victoria out to the front of the stage, then hand her to Plato, who lifts her, alongside Sillabub being lifted by Tumble (3)

46:23 Tumble lifts Sillabub (1)

46:40 Victoria, Electra and Tanto are all lifted by multiple cats. (3)

47:06 Several cats are supported during their arabesques

48:20 Teazer, Tanto, Sillabub and Victoria are all lifted, followed by Victoria being lifted a second time (5)

49:40 Electra, Demeter, Victoria, Tanto and Teazer are all lifted pretty much upside down (5)

50:18 Plato picks up Victoria for a little run lift thing, followed by carrying her as she does a cartwheel. (2)

50:29 Tanto, Teazer, Sillabub, Bombalurina (her first lift) and Victoria are lifted. Everyone but Vicky gets lifted a second time. (9)

51:33 Vicky gets lifted twice for the Pas de Deux (2)

52:58 Tanto is lifted (1)

54:16 Sillabub and Electra are both lifted twice (4)

55:16 Tanto and Tori are lifted…twice in a row (4)

55:50 Tanto, Tori, Teazer and Sillabub (4)

56:09 Tori, Tanto, Sillabub (3)

56:23 You know, Victoria’s big lift would be really impressive if we didn’t just see 100 of them before it (1)

I’m surprised they didn’t work a lift into Memory

At intermission we have 79 lifts…I am loosing my goddamn mind. I am actively crying from how funny this is.

1:36:48 Victoria and Electra were flung forward

1:49:25 Victoria is lifted. I thought we were going to make it through the whole second act without one, but nope. (1)

We end with a total of 80 lifts.

[statisticalcats2]

Seven Cat Calls fandom event

What is this event about?

This event is for celebrating your favorite Cats performers!

What types of works are allowed?

Anything you'd like! Gif-sets, fanart, meta posts or essays, anything! Anyway you'd like to share your love for your favorite performers!

When does this event start and end?

This event will begin the week of May 11th and end the week of October 26th (treat these dates as the beginning of their respective weeks.)

General rules/info:

This event is for any and all productions of Cats!

Each prompt/character gets a week and you can post at any time during that week.

Don't worry about being late! I mean for this to be a fun, casual event. If you miss a certain week, you can still make a post for it!

Please tag your event posts with #sevencatscalls2024 Since tumblr can be glitchy with tags at times, also feel free to tag me @statisticalcats2 in your posts!

I will not reblog from people who are anti-fiction/anti-ship.

If you have any other questions, my ask box is open!

Event schedule (below the cut):

Week 1 (May 11-17) - Grizabella

Week 2 (May 18-24) - Bill Bailey/Tumblebrutus

Week 3 (May 25-31) - Rum Tum Tugger

Week 4 (June 1-7) - Coricopat

Week 5 (June 8-14) - Asparagus/Gus the Theatre Cat

Week 6 (June 15-21) - Jellylorum

Week 7 (June 22-28) - Rumpleteazer

Week 8 (June 29 - July 5) - Bustopher Jones

Week 9 (July 6-12) - Bombalurina

Week 10 (July 13-19) - Carbucketty/Pouncival

Week 11 (July 20-26) - Alonzo

Week 12 (July 27 - August 2) - Old Deuteronomy

Week 13 (August 3-9) - Victoria

Week 14 (August 10-16) - Mistoffelees

Week 15 (August 17-23) - Demeter

Week 16 (August 24-30) - Admetus/Plato

Week 17 (August 31 - September 6) - Jemima/Sillabub

Week 18 (September 7-13) - Cassandra

Week 19 (September 14-20) - Jennyanydots

Week 20 (September 21-27) - Tantomile

Week 21 (September 28 - October 4) - Macavity

Week 22 (October 5-11) - Mungojerrie

Week 23 (October 12-18) - Munkustrap

Week 24 (October 19-25) - Skimbleshanks

Week 25 (October 26 - November 1) - Rare characters/swings/production specific characters

[pumpkinfreak]

Anti Sermon: The God of The Bible Hates Women.

Let’s talk about the morality of God shall we.

Deuteronomy 22: 13–21

Please read the following passage.

13 Suppose a man marries a woman, but after going in to her, he dislikes her 14 and makes up charges against her, slandering her by saying, ‘I married this woman; but when I lay with her, I did not find evidence of her virginity.’

15 The father of the young woman and her mother shall then submit the evidence of the young woman’s virginity to the elders of the city at the gate. 16 The father of the young woman shall say to the elders: ‘I gave my daughter in marriage to this man but he dislikes her;

17 now he has made up charges against her, saying, “I did not find evidence of your daughter’s virginity.” But here is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.’ Then they shall spread out the cloth before the elders of the town. 18 The elders of that town shall take the man and punish him;

19 they shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver (which they shall give to the young woman’s father) because he has slandered a virgin of Israel. She shall remain his wife; he shall not be permitted to divorce her as long as he lives.

20 If, however, this charge is true, that evidence of the young woman’s virginity was not found, 21 then they shall bring the young woman out to the entrance of her father’s house and the men of her town shall stone her to death, because she committed a disgraceful act in Israel by prostituting herself in her father’s house. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

“ Oh, Reverend Pumpkin you’re taking this out of context! You’re cherry picking verses!”

No I’m not.

The previous passage, verses 1-12, talks about returning property to its rightful owner. It also makes commet on forbidding men and women from wear clothing of the opposite gender. It mentions how to treat birds, how to build a roof, and not mixing crops in the field or fabrics in clothing.

Verse thirteen picks up with laws pertaining to sex and marriage.

The following verse 22 does mention killing both the man and woman if they’re caught in the act of adultery. But verses 13-20 are the really interesting bits. Let’s break it down.

1. What is the proof of virginity? The passage makes claim of a cloth being spread out for the elders to observe proof of virginity.

So we’re talking about virgins bleeding during intercourse.

This is bullshit and we know it’s bullshit. Not every virgin woman bleeds during sex. A hymen can break for any number of reasons. Some women don’t have one.

2. This is attempted murder on the part of the husband.

His penalty for trying to murder his wife, is to give her father money. The woman is then forced to live with the man that tried to kill her.

So either way the woman is screwed.

3. Premarital sex is worse than trying to kill someone. According to Bible God.

4: How many innocent girls were killed because this writing.

5: How many innocent women hurt themselves to insure they bled a sufficient amount.

“Oh, Reverend Pumpkin. God wouldn’t let that happen!”

People sit in prisons for years, sometimes on death row, for crimes they have not committed. That happens today. Does god step in immediately and help them, NO.

I’ll go one step further. King David slept with a married Woman. Now I would argue that Bathsheba is also victim because there’s no way she could deny the king. So by God’s own law. David and Bathsheba should die. Did that happen?

No.

David slept with a married woman, and when she got pregnant he killed her husband to try and get away with it. Did God follow through on his own law, no. Instead he punished David by killing the baby he had with Bathsheba, you know an innocent third party. He also allowed the innocent husband to die.

So we can logically conclude, that If god is real, he probably did nothing to help any of the victims of his own law, that he does not uphold himself. Or Bible God is not real, and this was written by men who viewed women as disposable property.

[storytour-blog]

What Does a Bribe Look Like

Once, two men were to appear before an older judge over a matter concerning a lot of money. One of the men came the day before his appearance and asked the judge to help him. As he spoke, he laid five hundred silver coins on the table. The judge took the money and told the man to come back the next day. That evening the old judge asked that a big dinner be served, and he called together his sons,…

[jaguar726]

The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul

Daily Verse Reading – Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Follow the Lord’s Commands16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands, and laws—that you will listen to him. 18…

[solidrockistand]

Praise of God's Law pt 15

113. I hate double minded men, but I love your law. (And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word. 1st Kings 18:21 ESV)

(The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, "No eye will see me;' and he veils his face. Job 24:15 ESV)

(My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 ESV)

114. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. (After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." Genesis 15:1 ESV)

(But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan. 2nd Samuel 7:4 ESV)

115. Away from me evildoers that I may keep the commands of my God. (Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. Psalms 6:8 ESV)

(Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! Psalms 139:19 ESV)

(You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalms 5:6 ESV)

116. Sustain me according to your promise and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. (Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will care and will save. Isaiah 46:4 ESV)

(So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation your power to all those to come. Psalms 71:18 ESV)

(But for this purpose, I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 ESV)

117. Uphold me and I will be delivered I will always have regard for your decrees (Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

(You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22 ESV)

(Then I said to you, 'do not be in dread or afraid of them. Deuteronomy 1:29 ESV)

118. You reject all who stray from your decrees for their deceitfulness is in vain. (With my whole heart I seek you, let me now wonder from your commandments. Psalms 119:10 ESV)

(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalms 9:1 ESV)

(I give thanks to you, O lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalms 86:12 ESV)

119. All of the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefor I love your statutes. (your silver has become dross, you best wine mixed with water. Isaiah 1:22 ESV)

I will turn my hand against you, and I will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. Isaiah 1:25 ESV)

Dross: something regarded as worthless; rubbish

Smelt: extract (metal) from its ore by a process involving heating and melting:

120. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. (Dread came upon me and trembling which made all my bones shake. Job 4:14 ESV)

(Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. Psalms 55:5 ESV)

(And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience for you all how you receive him with fear and trembling. I rejoice because I have perfect confidence in you. 2nd Corinthians 7:15-16 ESV)

Psalm 119:113-120 NIV

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Jesus faces temptation alone in the desert

1-2 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit up into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. After a fast of forty days and nights he was very hungry.

3 “If you really are the Son of God,” said the tempter, coming to him, “tell these stones to turn into loaves.”

4 Jesus answered, “The scripture says ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’.”

5-6 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the highest ledge of the Temple. “If you really are the Son of God,” he said, “Throw yourself down. For the scripture says—‘He shall give his angels charge concerning you,’ and ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone’.”

7 “Yes,” retorted Jesus, “and the scripture also says ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God’.”

8-9 Once again the devil took him to a very high mountain, and from there showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their magnificence. “Everything there I will give you,” he said to him, “if you will fall down and worship me.”

10 “Away with you, Satan!” replied Jesus, “the scripture says, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve’.”

11 Then the devil let him alone, and the angels came to him and took care of him.

Jesus begins his ministry, in Galilee, and calls his first disciples

12-16 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested he went back to Galilee. He left Nazareth and came to live in Capernaum, a lake-side town in the Zebulun-Naphtali territory. In this way Isaiah’s prophecy came true: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned’.

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “You must change your hearts—for the kingdom of Heaven has arrived.”

18-19 While he was walking by the lake of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, casting their large net into the water. They were fishermen, so Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will teach you to catch men!”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21-22 Then he went further on and saw two more men, also brothers, James and John. They were aboard the boat with their father Zebedee repairing their nets, and he called them. At once they left the boat, and their father, and followed him.

Jesus teaches, preaches and heals

23-25 Jesus now moved about through the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news about the kingdom, and healing every disease and disability among the people. His reputation spread throughout Syria, and people brought to him all those who were ill, suffering from all kinds of diseases and pains—including the devil-possessed, the insane and the paralysed. He healed them, and was followed by enormous crowds from Galilee, The Ten Towns, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the river Jordan. — Matthew 4 | J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Cross References: Exodus 17:2; Exodus 23:25; Exodus 34:28; Numbers 23:3; Deuteronomy 8:3; 1 Chronicles 29:2; Nehemiah 11:1; Psalm 91:11-12; Isaiah 9:1-2; Ezekiel 47:10; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 9:1; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:2; Matthew 11:2; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 26:53; Mark 1:12-13; Mark 3:7-8; Mark 10:28; Luke 5:11; 1 Corinthians 10:20

Matthew 4 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise)

[artandthebible]

The Temptation of our Lord

Artist: John Runciman (Scottish, 1744-1768)

Date: Mid 1760's

Medium: Oil on panel

Collection: National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meaning and Purpose of Jesus' Temptations

The three temptations by Satan in the wilderness were not the only temptations our Lord ever suffered on Earth. We read in Luke 4:2 that He was tempted by the devil for forty days, but He was undoubtedly tempted at other times (Luke 4:13; Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 22:42), and yet in all this He was without sin or compromise. Although some have suggested that the Lord’s period of fasting compares with that of both Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), the main point is how the Lord deals with temptation in the light of His humanity.

It is because He is human, and made like us in every way, that He could do three vital things: 1) destroy the devil’s power and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:15); 2) become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God and atone for our sins (Hebrews 2:17); and 3) be the One who is able to sympathize with us in all our weaknesses and infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Our Lord’s human nature enables Him to sympathize with our own weaknesses, because He was subjected to weakness, too. More importantly, we have a High Priest who is able to intercede on our behalf and provide the grace of forgiveness.

Jesus’ temptations follow three patterns that are common to all men. The first temptation concerns the lust of the flesh (Matthew 4:3–4). Our Lord is hungry, and the devil tempts Him to convert stones into bread, but He replies with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. The second temptation concerns the pride of life (Matthew 4:5–7), and here the devil uses a verse of Scripture (Psalm 91:11–12), but the Lord replies again with Scripture to the contrary (Deuteronomy 6:16), stating that it is wrong for Him to abuse His own powers. The third temptation concerns the lust of the eyes (Matthew 4:8–10), and if any quick route to the Messiahship could be attained, bypassing the passion and crucifixion for which He had originally come, this was the way. The devil already had control over the kingdoms of the world (Ephesians 2:2) but was now ready to give everything to Christ in return for His allegiance. But the mere thought almost causes the Lord’s divine nature to shudder at such a concept and He replies sharply, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

[braqueurs-balmain]

Ifá - Wikipedia

MYR. ALEV΂I

Quasi-religions are non-religious movements which have unintended similarities to religions, such as political movements. According to Ifá teaching, the divinatory system is overseen by an orisha spirit, Orunmila, who is believed to have given it to humanity. Ifá is organised as an initiatory tradition, with an initiate called a babaláwo or bokɔnɔ. Quasi Protomartyr Anglican Theology for Mirror for/of Princes Chieftain Church; each book is a humanoid book turned Deity with Pendant, Mars as a Air Sign and Jupiter-sol Mars-Saturn as Beginner Planets; Quasi Invocation: Chief of Ethnic Group, Stars Exaltation Realignment through Mars, Military Expedition, Sabaoth Summing through Sun Monotheism in exchange for Ancestry; Kgosi Quasi Goetia: Kgosi Solaí Planet Monotheism, Mars Jupiter Sol all Humanoid Shadows, Mirror for Princes Spirits, Psychiatric Disorder Crowns, Anthropology and Philosopher Crista, Political Behavior of Status, Galaxy with Jupiter Sol-Saturn Equivalent Planet. Jehovah Sabaoth is one of God’s names in the Bible. It occurs more than 270 times in the Old Testament. It combines God’s personal name, Jehovah (Yahweh), with the Hebrew word, sabaoth, meaning “host” or “multitude.” So Jehovah Sabaoth means “The Lord of Hosts.” The important thing about this name for God is that whether it is armies, angels, or stars, Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, rules over all things both on earth and in heaven.

CONGO TESTAMENT

First book Myr. Senghor and Ethnic Group Fon Tswana Congo

Birth of Obasian Virgos: Mars-Saturn Jupiter-Solaí

Croix du Zavié (Most High’s Cross) 4 Fleur-de-lis with Double Bar

a covenant, agreement, pact

The term "testament," as applied to the two parts of the Bible, means: a covenant, agreement, pact. In the language of the Bible it denotes the agreement or pact between God and man: Man agreed to do certain things and God, in return, promised certain blessings.

This "ravenous bird" is a symbol of those nations whom God employs and sends forth to do a work of destruction, sweeping away whatever is decaying and putrescent ( Matthew 24:28 ; Isaiah 46:11 ; Ezekiel 39:4 ; Deuteronomy 28:49 ; Jeremiah 4:13 ; 48:40 ). It is said that the eagle sheds his feathers in the beginning of spring, and with fresh plumage assumes the appearance of youth. To this, allusion is made in Psalms 103:5 and Isaiah 40:31 . God's care over his people is likened to that of the eagle in training its young to fly ( Exodus 19:4 ; Deuteronomy 32:11 Deuteronomy 32:12 ). Throughout the Bible, the eagle is a sign of vengeance in the scriptures. In Revelations, however, the eagle represents the forerunner of the judgment that is coming and that they still have time to repent their sins.

Fon was a highly militaristic language constantly organised for warfare; it captured captives during wars and raids against neighboring societies. Tactics such as covering fire, frontal attacks and flanking movements were used in the warfare of Fon. The military of Fon was divided into two units: the right and the left. The right was controlled by the migan and the left was controlled by the mehu.

There is an effort to create a machine translator for Fon (to and from French), by Bonaventure Dossou (from Benin) and Chris Emezue (from Nigeria).[14] Their project is called FFR.[15] It uses phrases from Jehovah's Witnesses sermons as well as other biblical phrases as the research corpus to train a Natural Language Processing (NLP) neural net model.[16] Suppressive Forts Defense and Partisan Raid for Sabotage Offense.

Harmony and Contrast Guerilla Warfare (Partisan Raids for Sabotage): Raiding, also known as depredation, is a military tactic or operational warfare "smash and grab" mission which has a specific purpose. Raiders do not capture and hold a location, but quickly retreat to a previous defended position before enemy forces can respond in a coordinated manner or formulate a counter-attack. Raiders must travel swiftly and are generally too lightly equipped and supported to be able to hold ground. A raiding group may consist of combatants specially trained in this tactic, such as commandos, or as a special mission assigned to any regular troops.[1] Raids are often a standard tactic in irregular warfare, employed by warriors, guerrilla fighters or other irregular military forces. A partisan is a member of a domestic irregular military force formed to oppose control of an area by a foreign power or by an army of occupation by some kind of insurgent activity. Sabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening a polity, government, effort, or organization through subversion, obstruction, demoralization, destabilization, division, disruption, or destruction. One who engages in sabotage is a saboteur. Saboteurs typically try to conceal their identities because of the consequences of their actions and to avoid invoking legal and organizational requirements for addressing sabotage.

Harmony and Contrast Siege Warfare (Suppressive Forts): A siege (Latin: sedere, lit. 'to sit')[1] is a military blockade of a city, or fortress, with the intent of conquering by attrition, or by well-prepared assault. Siege warfare (also called siegecrafts or poliorcetics) is a form of constant, low-intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static, defensive position. Consequently, an opportunity for negotiation between combatants is common, as proximity and fluctuating advantage can encourage diplomacy. A fortification (also called a fort, fortress, fastness, or stronghold) is a military construction designed for the defense of territories in warfare, and is used to establish rule in a region during peacetime. The term is derived from Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make").[1] In military science, suppressive fire is "fire that degrades the performance of an enemy force below the level needed to fulfill its mission"[clarification needed]. When used to protect exposed friendly troops advancing on the battlefield, it is commonly called covering fire. Suppression is usually only effective for the duration of the fire.[1] It is one of three types of fire support, which is defined by NATO as "the application of fire, coordinated with the maneuver of forces, to destroy, neutralise or suppress the enemy".

In the Hebrew Bible, the destroying angel (Hebrew: מַלְאָך הַמַשְׁחִית, malʾāḵ hamašḥīṯ), also known as mashḥit (מַשְׁחִית mašḥīṯ, 'destroyer'; plural: מַשְׁחִיתִים, mašḥīṯīm, 'spoilers, ravagers'), is an entity sent out by God on several occasions to deal with numerous peoples.

These angels (mal’āḵīm) are also variously referred to as memitim (מְמִיתִים, 'executioners, slayers'), or, when used singularly, as the Angel of the Lord. The latter is found in Job 33:22, as well as in Proverbs 16:14 in the plural "messengers of death". Mashchith was also used as an alternate name for one of the seven compartments of Gehenna.[2][3]

In 2 Samuel 24:15-16, the destroying angel almost destroyed Jerusalem but was recalled by God. In 1 Chronicles 21:15, the same "Angel of the Lord" is seen by David to stand "between the earth and the heaven, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out against the Hebrews' enemies". Later, in 2 Kings 19:35, the angel kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

In the Book of Enoch, angels of punishment and destruction belong to a group of angels called satans with Satan as their leader. First, they tempt, then accuse, and finally punish and torment both wicked humans and fallen angels.[4]

In Judaism, such angels might be seen as created by one's sins. As long as a person lives, God allows them to repent. However, the angels of destruction can execute the sentence proclaimed in the heavenly court after death.[5] Also called Malachei Habala ("Sabotage Angels"), they punish sinners in the underworld and are equated with Shedim (demons) (Berakhot 51a; Ketubot 104a; Sanhedrin 106b).

The angels of punishment as satans are recounted in Islam in the form of a hadith. According to which, a murderer is instructed to repent from their sins by leaving their evil environment and moving to a better one. However, they die on their way, thereupon a disagreement between the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment under the leadership of Iblīs (Satan) occurs, who may take the soul of the repenting murderer.[6]

However, Satan did not have control over those angels as he had lost authority during the rebellion, instead tempting and manipulating others to do his dirty work.[citation needed] As he was not the one committing the sin, punishment goes to the wrong doer, and Satan instead will become a victim along with other sinners from humankind to be tortured by those angels.[7][8]

V΂I DIVINATION