#there may or may not be side james/isaiah

[rebelcracker-s]

writing a goosebumps fic bc the fandom fucking deserves better 🫡 also it's marbella centered can i get a hell yeah for gay people

also i need goosebumps friends to yell at pls interact with me if youre interested :D

[dailydemonspotlight]

The God you cravenly revere is dead...

DAY 100

Race: Tyrant

Arcana: Devil

Alignment: Dark-CHAOS

The prince of darkness needs no introduction. The Morning Star, the Devil, the Fallen Angel who brought about so much to our demon-focused blog. Sure, I may be jumping the gun a bit by covering him only on day 100, but given that his closest compatriot, Beelzebub, was covered on day 50, I feel it's warranted. Lucifer is iconic to the SMT series, a legendary figure who serves a major role in many games in the series, being the perfect representative of one of the three major alignments: Chaos. In most games throughout the series, Lucifer plays a part, even in ones disconnected from mainline- if there is chaos, there will be the dying light of the morning star. Even in Persona, a series mostly concerned with Jungian psychology, Lucifer commonly appears as a late-game persona, and even a form of him in Satanael is the final form of Joker's persona in Persona 5, being a representation of freedom and rebellion- after all, what else is more rebellious and free than rebelling against God himself?

I digress, however. Lucifer is as important to SMT as he is to Biblical history itself, after all, and this is a blog about the stories of demons, right? Lucifer himself is a major character in the Bible, appearing for certain first in the Book of Isaiah, though his overall relevance spreads beyond that. Even in the Book of Genesis, the very first story in the Bible, it's believed that the serpent that tricked Eve into eating the apple of knowledge was Lucifer, cast down from heaven. This interpretation is supported by Paradise Lost, a story I'll likely be referencing a lot here, but its importance to Lucifer and his interpretations throughout not just SMT, but history itself, cannot go understated.

The Devil's conniving ways are depicted throughout the bible in several verses, especially in the New Testament, wherein he's seen as a figure analogous to the Buddhist demon Mara, a being tempting humanity away from their rightful path of sin/good karma to partake in their desire. However, this isn't to spell a connection between the two, as Lucifer himself is given a far different story than Mara, as he is with many other tempters in religion, even including some other biblical figures such as Mastema. Instead, what we should be focusing on is Lucifer's existence as a fallen angel.

Lucifer's existence in the Bible is strange, as the name Lucifer is a translation from the original Latin Helel, meaning 'Light-bearer.' His first reference in one of the most prevalent translations of the Bible, the King James Bible, goes as follows:

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

This immediately points to Lucifer being an angel who fell for his own hype, so to speak- one who believed himself to be as strong, if not stronger than God, which led to him being cut down by the forces of Heaven. However, in Paradise Lost, it's shown that Lucifer was more than just vain- he held a rebellion, and when it fell, and he fell with it, he became Satan. I know, that's strange, but it's not really canon to the SMT interpretations of both characters- it just helps to shape Lucifer's characterization in the series as a rebellious figure who stood even against God himself. Strangely, adding on to this odd maze of interpretation, Lucifer was also commonly interpreted as the king of Babylon, the famously sinful city of evil described in the Bible. What I think all of this adds to is less a solid character of his and rather a general interpretation and idea that surrounds Lucifer- that of him being the embodiment of rebellion, chaos, and standing against the mold of society in order to partake in sin. There's a reason that his deadly sin, after all, is one of the most dangerous- that being Pride.

Lucifer's role in the Bible is strange, however, and many interpretations differ completely, whether they be him as Satan, him as the Devil, or even him as a tragic hero. However, as for SMT's purposes, it takes a very unique take, combining several aspects from several interpretations to make the Morning Star into a perfect prince of darkness. For one, it pulls a lot from Paradise Lost, giving Lucifer the role of a rebellious figure who rules over scores of demons, though it separates him from Satan in opposition to the poem. His sin of pride is intact, as he's shown to be a very individualistic figure throughout, valuing freedom and one's own strength above all else, tying very well into the purveying themes of individualism and might-makes-right that are constant in the Chaos ideology.

In terms of design, what is there really to say? Lucifer's design is utterly iconic- the six split wings, the gorgeous plays on the angelic aspects of his character, the great horns reaching sky-high, there's a reason so many were disappointed with his weird redesign in IV. Like, what were they doing? I get that he was meant to look offputting, but turning him into a skinhead was not the right way to go about it- well, whatever. Every design of Lucifer throughout the series has its merits, and I love how several games even have different human disguises for him- my personal favorite has to be Louis Cyphre, but I adore how each human disguise including Louis plays on the traditionally angelic traits of pale skin and blonde hair, though twists that on its head due to him commonly wearing all black.

Thank you all for tagging along with this series, and it is so ridiculously lucky that day 100 was placed perfectly on my birthday. There's gonna be more, for sure, coming soon, don't worry- but for now, I love you all, and goodnight. Or good morning. Whichever works.

You didn't even mention his role in Gnosticism!

Jack, I'm not touching on Gnosticism with a ten foot pole for the time being. I don't even know what's going with that half the time. Wait for the Demiurge analysis.

Coward.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

O God of Our Salvation

1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:

7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. — Psalm 65 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 1:11; Genesis 2:5; Numbers 16:5; Deuteronomy 32:2; Deuteronomy 32:43; Job 36:28; Job 38:16; Psalm 2:8; Psalm 4:3; Psalm 22:27; Psalm 38:4; Psalm 45:4; Psalm 48:10; Psalm 50:14; Psalm 86:9; Psalm 93:1; Psalm 98:8; Psalm 145:21; Psalm 147:14; Isaiah 30:23; Isaiah 44:23; Amos 4:13; Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39; Acts 14:17

[bills-bible-basics]

THE SKY AND OUTER SPACE -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth . . . And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day . . . And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good . . . And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." Genesis 1:1, 6-8, 14-18, 20, KJV "And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be." Genesis 15:5, KJV "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;" Genesis 22:17, KJV "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;" Genesis 26:4, KJV "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever." Exodus 32:13, KJV "The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude." Deuteronomy 1:10, KJV "And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven." Deuteronomy 4:19, KJV "Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude." Deuteronomy 10:22, KJV "And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God." Deuteronomy 28:62, KJV "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera." Judges 5:20, KJV "Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it." Nehemiah 9:23, KJV "Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!" Job 22:12, KJV "‭Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth [constellations of the Zodiac] in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?" Job 38:31-32, KJV "For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine." Isaiah 13:10, KJV "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:" Isaiah 14:13, KJV "And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 32:7-8, KJV "And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them." Daniel 8:10, KJV "Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away." Nahum 3:16, KJV "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" Matthew 24:29, KJV "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." Mark 13:24-25, KJV "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars [planetes aster], to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." Jude 1:13, KJV "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." Revelation 6:12-14, KJV "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars . . . And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Revelation 12:1, 4, KJV Please also read Psalm 19. If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/the-sky-and-outer-space-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?THE%20SKY%20AND%20OUTER%20SPACE%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

1st October >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor 

on

Tuesday, Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time.

Tuesday, Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Tuesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23 Why did I not perish on the day I was born?

Job broke the silence and cursed the day of his birth. This is what he said:

May the day perish when I was born, and the night that told of a boy conceived. Why did I not die new-born, not perish as I left the womb? Why were there two knees to receive me, two breasts for me to suck? Had there not been, I should now be lying in peace, wrapped in a restful slumber, with the kings and high viziers of earth who build themselves vast vaults, or with princes who have gold and to spare and houses crammed with silver. Or put away like a still-born child that never came to be, like unborn babes that never see the light. Down there, bad men bustle no more, there the weary rest.

Why give light to a man of grief? Why give life to those bitter of heart, who long for a death that never comes, and hunt for it more than for a buried treasure? They would be glad to see the grave-mound and shout with joy if they reached the tomb. Why make this gift of light to a man who does not see his way, whom God baulks on every side?

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 87(88):2-8

R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before you. Let my prayer come into your presence. O turn your ear to my cry.

R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. I am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength.

R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

Like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those you remember no more, cut off, as they are, from your hand.

R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath your waves.

R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 118:36,29

Alleluia, alleluia! Bend my heart to your will, O Lord, and teach me your law. Alleluia!

Or: Mark 10:45

Alleluia, alleluia! The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Alleluia!

Gospel Luke 9:51-56 Jesus sets out for Jerusalem.

As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Isaiah 66:10-14 Towards Jerusalem I send flowing peace, like a river.

Rejoice, Jerusalem, be glad for her, all you who love her! Rejoice, rejoice for her, all you who mourned her!

That you may be suckled, filled, from her consoling breast, that you may savour with delight her glorious breasts.

For thus says the Lord: Now towards her I send flowing peace, like a river, and like a stream in spate the glory of the nations.

At her breast will her nurslings be carried and fondled in her lap. Like a son comforted by his mother will I comfort you. And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.

At the sight your heart will rejoice, and your bones flourish like the grass. To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 130(131)

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. A weaned child on its mother’s breast, even so is my soul.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and forever.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 11:25

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 18:1-5 Unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[yellingintothedarkness]

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" - Isaiah 5:20 KJV Galatians 6:7 New King James Version 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. What side are you on ? What are you sowing ?

May God lead you to love May God lead you to peace May God lead you to healing May God lead you to wisdom May God lead you to gratitude May God lead you to joyfulness May God lead you in His mercies Father, Jesus, HolySpirit, One God

[steveezekiel]

SECRETS OF ANSWERED PRAYERS

12 ON THE DAY THE LORD GAVE THE ISRAELITES VICTORY OVER THE AMORITES, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” 13 SO THE SUN STOOD STILL AND THE MOON STAYED IN PLACE UNTIL THE NATION OF ISRAEL HAD DEFEATED ITS ENEMIES. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 THE LORD FOUGHT FOR ISRAEL THAT DAY. Never before or since has there been a day like that one, WHEN THE LORD ANSWERED SUCH A REQUEST FROM A HUMAN BEING.” Joshua 10:12-14 (NLT)

The issue about the above Bible passage is not whether the sun moves or it does not. Even if we agreed that the sun does not move, It is a miracle for the earth that is rotating round the sun to stop moving at the request or command of Joshua in prayer—the leader of Israel, and a mortal person. There was no night that day based on Joshua's prayer!

The LORD fought for Israel that day. God will also fight for you and you will hold your peace in Jesus' name. If you belong to God, you are on the Lord side, He will surely fight for you.

God will not forsake you in the time of your predicament. He will answer your requests, if you walk in close fellowship with Him.

Uncommon request of Joshua was granted. No matter how difficult it may be, your request can be granted, if you are in a good term with God.

You do not rush to God in prayer in the day of adversity, you have to build a relationship and communion with Him, even before any adversity.

If you rushed to God for help in the day of adversity, without a solid relationship and communion on ground, you may not get His attention.

God will honour your word and prayer, based on your commitment in your relationship with Him. If you are not committed to Him unreservedly, He would as well not be committed to you (Zechariah 7:13; 2 Timothy 2:12,13).

• Joshua made a request which no man had ever made before (Joshua 10:14).

God honoured Joshua’s request because of his relationship and communion with Him. Let be known to you that you cannot use God or take advantage of Him.

The secret of answered prayers is deeper commitment to God. Willingness to follow Him and do His Will, all the time.

If you relate with God because of what you want or need from Him, you may not get His attention when challenges come. You are called to walk with Him, consistently, not to take or receive from Him and abandon Him.

If you are not serious with your Christian life, you only get committed when there are needs in your life; but once the needs are met, you get back into spiritual apathy. With an attitude of such in your walk with God, you cannot receive the best of Him.

You cannot mock God. You cannot deceive Him, nor take advantage of Him. No. God is too big and great to play on His intelligence.

God is all knowing, He knows the intents of every heart. God knows your thought: “AS FOR YOU, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, AND SERVE HIM WITH A LOYAL HEART AND WITH A WILLING MIND; FOR THE LORD SEARCHES ALL HEARTS AND UNDERSTANDS ALL THE INTENT OF THE THOUGHTS. IF YOU SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND BY YOU; BUT IF YOU FORSAKE HIM, HE WILL CAST YOU OFF FOREVER" (1 Chronicles 28:9 NKJV).

If you want to use Him to achieve your goals, He knows, you cannot deceive or cajole Him.

Friends of God (Isaiah 41:8; John 15:14; James 2:23).

You need to become His friend, for you to receive an answer to the request that seems difficult to be granted, although there is nothing too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17,27; Luke 18:27).

Work on your relationship and fellowshipping with God, in order to become His friend and confidant. Build up your relationship with God, to the friendship level: "YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU" (John 15:14 NKJV).

It takes someone who walks with God, in the light of His Word, with deeper commitment, to ask God for sun to stand still and be granted: "LET THE SUN STAND STILL OVER GIBEON, AND THE MOON OVER THE VALLEY OF AIJALON" (Joshua 10: 12 NLT).

Nothing happens by chance, commitment on your part begets His own commitment also (John 15:14). If you did not honour God when you are in comfort, when you seem not to need anything from Him; He also might not give you an audience when you call on Him in the time of distress (Zechariah 7:13; 2 Timothy 2:12).

God will honour your word, if you can honour His Word, and If you dishonoured Him, He also will dishonour you: "THEREFORE the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ BUT NOW THE LORD SAYS: ‘FAR BE IT FROM ME; FOR THOSE WHO HONOUR ME I WILL HONOUR, AND THOSE WHO DESPISE ME SHALL BE LIGHTLY ESTEEMED" (1 Samuel 2:30 NKJV).

"I WILL NOT ANSWER WHEN THEY CRY FOR HELP. Even though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. FOR THEY HATED KNOWLEDGE AND CHOSE NOT TO FEAR THE LORD." Proverbs 1:28,29 (NLT)

If all you wanted is miracle and blessing from God, but had no regard for His Word. That is, you do not want to live your life according to His Word or His commands—He also would not listen to you, when you call on Him (Zechariah 7:13).

It is the Will of God that miracles take place in your life daily, only if you can follow Him and be committed to Him.

You will not fail in mighty name of Jesus.

Healing is children's bread, thus, healing belongs to you, as believer in Christ Jesus; thus, receive your healing from every oppression of the devil now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

The hold of sicknesses is totally broken in your life in the precious name of Jesus Christ. 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 He will write your name 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!

[news4usonline]

Chargers offense stumble in preseason opener

The Los Angeles Chargers take on a new identity under Jim Harbaugh this season. The head coach's presence alone seemed to have brought on a newfound level of confidence during training camp. Harbaugh's style translates to any level of football, and he is already a proven winner at the collegiate and NFL levels. Winning football was not what Los Angeles put on the field during their first preseason game against Seattle. They lost 16-3 and will have to play better when the regular season rolls around if they want to live up to the standards of the new regime. Luckily, it was just an exhibition game, but with Justin Herbert or not, the offensive scheme for Los Angeles looked pedestrian. In the first half, they went three-and-outs on their first three drives, followed by an interception and two more three-and-outs.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs for some tough yards against the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason game played at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 10, 2024. Photo credit: Rick Stallworth/News4usonline "There is a lot of work to be done, but now we have begun, which is positive. We have a place to start, but offensively, there was some good thing, not nearly enough," said Harbaugh. "I don't think anyone on the offensive side of the ball would be happy with that." A short field gave the Chargers their first points of the season when Cameron Dicker booted a 58-yard attempt through the uprights. Dicker is a weapon. He has been crushing field goals in practice, and after getting Los Angeles on the board with 3:26 left in the half, he then made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff. In three professional seasons, he is 52-55 on field goal attempts. https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1822440073750626396 It is very early, but they will need to start opening up the playbook as the preseason games continue. There were very few downfield opportunities, and the run game was stagnant. Considering the time of possession working against them and several star players sitting out, the defensive unit was solid. They battled against short fields and minimal rest to hold the Seahawks to only 16 points. Troy Dye and Nick Niemann help limit the damage, anchoring the defense at the linebacker position. The duo combined for eight solo tackles and two sacks in the first half. In the second half, the Seahawks managed to run over eight minutes off the clock on the first possession. They drove the ball all the way down the field to set up a first and goal from the three-yard line before the Chargers' defense stuffed them on three straight plays for an impressive goal-line stand. https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1822437287658934736 "I thought our defense played winning football. I thought our special teams played winning football, and offensively, we underperformed," said Harbaugh. Herbert's status for week one is up in the air, making the backup quarterback position an important one to figure out. Easton Stick finished the game 5/13 for 31 yards and an interception. He needs to be better in the next preseason game, or Los Angeles may start to look at other options. "Ultimately just not executing at a high enough level obviously to move the football, and that starts and ends with me, so that is frustrating," said Stick. "I think we will watch the tape and see what happened. We will go through the video and learn and grow personally and as an offense." The defense can be the anchor for this team. Although they did not play on Saturday, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James are all returning, and anytime you have three All-Pro-level players on one side of the ball, that could mean big things to come. The star trio needs to stay healthy, and other players obviously need to contribute as well, but if all goes according to plan, they should be a stout group. "I am always excited to play with that guy," Mack said of playing alongside Bosa. "We haven't had a lot of time together on the field, which is unfortunate at this point. He is a special talent. He can be one of the best guys in the league when healthy." Mack and Bosa are still two of the top pass rushers in the league, which will really help Harbaugh and his staff in year one. Better days are ahead for the Chargers, and there is a lot of optimism that this will be a very competitive team when everyone is on the field. Read the full article

[heelsandhalos]

Good morning, everyone!

Over the weekend, my fiance and I had multiple encounters with references to the book of John. Interestingly, we also had the incredible experience of seeing an eagle not just once, but twice. The first time, I was taken aback by its majestic presence—it felt almost angelic with its enormous, white wingspan. It got me thinking about the symbolism of eagles in the Bible, particularly their association with GOD, his love and care, and the Apostle John/John the Evangelist.

What's even more intriguing is that last week, I had a dream about eagles, and at the time, I had a hunch it would hold significance, but I couldn't quite grasp its meaning. Now, it seems clear to me that God was revealing a message for this week.

Therefore, I'm excited to announce that the theme of our devotional this week is "Soaring High on Wings Like Eagles."

I believe there's a divine purpose behind these encounters and that God is guiding us to explore the deeper significance of soaring like eagles in our spiritual journey and trusting in his love for us, and that he will always provide.

Let's dive into this week with a sense of anticipation and open hearts, ready to uncover the rich truths and insights that God has in store for us.

Monday: Rising Above Challenges

Isaiah 40:31

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

KING JAMES VERSION (KJV)

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Reflection:

As we embark on this journey, let's remind ourselves that challenges are simply opportunities for growth. Just like those majestic eagles soaring effortlessly through the sky, we have the ability to rise above the storms that life throws our way. God's promise to renew our strength is not just a comforting thought but a reality that we can hold onto with unwavering faith. So let's embrace these challenges with courage and determination, knowing that with God on our side, we can conquer anything that comes our way.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the midst of life's challenges, we come before you seeking strength and guidance. Grant us the courage to face each obstacle with unwavering faith in your promises. Just as eagles soar fearlessly through the skies, may we too rise above our difficulties with confidence, knowing that you are with us every step of the way. Amen.

Closing Thought:

As we set out on this new week, let's do so with heads held high and hearts filled with confidence. Remember, with God's strength flowing through us, there's no obstacle too big for us to overcome. So let's spread our wings and soar to new heights, knowing that the best is yet to come.

I hope you ladies have a glorious week full of overflow and grace! Xo

Image: ️Heels and Halos (@heelsandhalosofficial) / (@arieyfullofgrace) partnered with CoPilot AI

[shammah8]

Prayer Intimidator #3 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I confess that this was a major prayer intimidator to me. You see, I am a fairly unemotional person. Therefore, except when the Lord moves mightily on me, it is difficult for me to pray fervently.

And what does James 5:17-18, say? It says that it’s fervent prayer that counts! Right? Wrong!

In fact, the New International Version says, “The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective.” My favorite treatment of this verse is the International Children’s Version of the New Testament, which says, “When a good man (or woman) prays, great things happen!”

Also, 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers . . .” Christian, it’s really not that complicated. I repeat: it is not so much the fervency of our praying, but the righteousness of our living that catches the ear of God and provokes Him to answer. And it is God who makes us righteous! (2 Corinthians 5:21) Now God loves fervent people. There are many fervent people in the Body of Christ. I’ve noticed that intercessors, those whose primary ministry is prayer, tend to be rather fervent. In fact, many people refer to the intercessor-prophet Jeremiah as “the weeping prophet.” He’s the one who said, “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people” (Jeremiah 9:1). Now that is fervent!

However as a side note, Jeremiah’s concern wasn’t that he was weeping, but that he wasn’t weeping. In fact, although he may have wept many times, we don’t find any reference to Jeremiahactually shedding a tear. Nevertheless, he was fervent.

Don’t get me wrong. God loves tears! Most of us are familiar with Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Amazingly, according to Psalm 56:8 God puts our tears into a bottle and records them in a book! In 2 Kings 20:5, Isaiah told King Hezekiah who was sick, “Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee.” Yes, as the late songwriter Dottie Rambo wrote, Tears Are A Language God Understands.

Life is not a rose garden. There certainly are pressing times and issues that we will all face that will bring us to tears. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus’ praying in the garden when facing the cross. “While Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death. And his prayer was heard because he left it all up to God” (Hebrews 5:7, ICB). Notice, Jesus was heard because He left it all up to God.

Yes, tears communicate our soul’s sincerity to God. But they aren’t to be a bargaining chip we use to wrestle things from a reluctant God. He is more than willing to keep His promises to us.

So, the Father is not only looking for fervent men and women, He is looking for faithful men and women! (Ezekiel 22:30) The Bible confirms that He’s not as moved by our tears as by our faith.

(Matthew 9:2, 22, 29; 15:28; 17:20) Look at this Scripture. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).☕️Eddie Smith

[rainsmediaradio]

Open Heaven 21st December 2023 RCCG Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – You Can’t Box God in II.

TOPIC: You Can’t Box God in II. MEMORISE: Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, READ: Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

Some people think they have God all figured out. They think they know all that there is to know about Him and how He does His things. After several encounters with God, a lot of sufferings for His work and even episodes of being stoned and left for dead while preaching the gospel, Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:10: “That I may know him,and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”. When you go for a service, how much you get from it can be limited by your expectations. If you expect that the Pastor will mention your own particular case and he doesn’t, that is not proof that God has not answered your prayer. God can decide to work loudly or quietly; all He requires from you is faith, not an analysis of how He will work. He expects us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). There was a testimony of a lady who was born with so many abnormalities – including having one lung instead of two, and her heart being on the right side of her chest instead of the left. As such, she struggled with her health from the day she was born. Finally, somebody recommended a hospital in Dubai, but she decided to go to the Holy Ghost Service first but nothing special appeared to happen in relation to her case during the service. Afterwards, she went on to Dubai as she had planned. When she got there, the doctors examined her and had to ask what she actually came in for, because they could not see anything wrong with her. She thought the people there didn’t know what they were saying so she went to another Hospital in Dubai. They also examined her and said there was nothing wrong with her. The Doctors could not believe that she was the same person they had read her case note from Nigeria Blessed Redeemer because they could see her heart on the left and she had two lungs, not one. If she had assumed that, because I had not mentioned her case at that Holy Ghost Service, then God was not interested in her, she might have missed her miracle. You at all times, in Jesus’ name. Bible in one year: James 1-5 Hymn 16 Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus Our Read the full article

[occupyhades]

God's Whistleblower

What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their evil deeds in the dark! “The LORD can’t see us,” they say. “He doesn’t know what’s going on!” Isaiah 29:15 (NLT)

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8 (BSB)

What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars. Proverbs 6:12 (NLT)

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exodus 20:16 (KJV)

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, That they may add sin to sin." Isaiah 30:1 (NKJV)

When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. Ecclesiastes 8:11 (BSB)

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. Apocalypse 20:12 (BSB)

And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Apocalypse 20:15 (BSB)

[nba-updates-ph]

In a blockbuster deal, the Lakers trade for the Knicks' Julius Randle

The last few years of the Los Angeles Lakers' past have been very interesting. Few NBA teams have changed as much as this one has. Even if a team is rebuilding, they might think about selling their young core for a superstar. So, they think LeBron James will only sign with them if they're still trying to get better.

The Lakers lost because of this. Put it down to the Lakers being different. This is one of the league's best names and biggest markets. Most of the time, a good player will want to play for the Lakers. James was a big name. After he signed with them, it was clear that they should trade their young core for Anthony Davis. 

Still, the Lakers traded away a lot of guys who went on to have great careers. Since leaving L.A., Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Josh Hart have all been great. Julius Randle of the New York Knicks has also been great. Could he one day play for the Lakers again? 

The Trade Proposal 

New York Knicks Receive: G D'Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, C Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F C Isaiah Hartenstein and Julius Randle

The Knicks' recent past has been very different. In some ways, the Knicks have been known for what they didn't do, while the Lakers have been known for what they did. This team almost did things, but they have yet to go through with them.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were meant to play for New York. In the end, the two stars turned down the Knicks and joined the Brooklyn Nets, a city foe of the Knicks. The Knicks were then expected to trade for Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers were faster and caught up to them. How has everything gone for New York?

Rather well. Last season, the Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs. This team has kept up with the competition and kept all of its properties. Should Randle be moved now? 

Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal

Some new rumors have given rise to this idea. Randle has just switched from CAA to WME sports. Why does it matter that he changed sides? Well, CAA is very close to Leon Rose, the president of the Knicks. 

Does that mean that Randle is going to leave New York? In no way. Still, it gives people a chance to guess. Also, this is not the first time we've talked about how the Knicks might trade Randle. As brilliant as he is, he is very hard to predict—Randle's production changes from one game to the next and from one season to the next. Here, the Knicks have decided that enough is enough.

In the process, they might go backward. Still, they would be getting more money. This first-round pick is very important because it is far away, and the Lakers are getting older. When you add in interesting young players like Hachimura and Hayes, the Knicks might decide to move on from their star forward. Should the Lakers take on a guy with so many ups and downs? 

Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

Randle may not always be the same. That could be a result of him having too much on his plate. He was the first choice in New York, and Randle might not be the right person for that job. On the other hand, he would be one of the best third-string players in the NBA. That would be his job for the Lakers.

Randle, on the other hand, could be a better defense. In Los Angeles, that wouldn't be a big deal. Anthony Davis is one of the best players at the back of the defense in the league. He could make up for Randle's weaknesses on that end of the court. Randle would make the Lakers much more exciting to watch on offense.

He would have such an effect that they wouldn't miss Russell all that much. Randle is also a player like that. Lastly, he would take Hachimura's place in the starting group. Overall, this trade should help the Lakers become a better team. It could help them win the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the second time in recent history. 

[wisdomfish]

A Scientist’s Testimony: Sir James Young Simpson, Pioneer Of Anaesthetics

When I was a boy at school I saw a sight that I can never forget – a man tied to a cart and dragged before the people’s eyes through the streets of my native town, his back torn and bleeding from the lash. It was a shameful punishment. For many offences? No; for one offence. Did any of the townsfolk offer to share the lashes with him? No; he who committed the offence bore the penalty alone. It was the penalty of a changing human law, for this was the last instance of its affliction.

When I was a student at the University I saw another sight that I can never forget – a man brought out to die, His arms were pinioned, his face was already pale as death while thousands of eager eyes gazed on him as he came up from the gaol.

Did anyone ask to die in his place? Did any friend come and loose the rope and say: ‘Put it around my neck and let me die instead’? No; he underwent the sentence of the law. For many offences? No; for one offence. He had stolen a parcel from a stage coach. He had broken the law at one point and must now die for it. It was the penalty of a changing human law in this case too; it was also the last instance of capital punishment for that offence.

I saw another sight – it matters not when – myself a sinner standing on the brink of ruin, deserving nought but hell. For one sin? No; for many sins committed against the unchanging laws of God. But again I looked and saw JESUS, my substitute, scourged in my stead and dying on the cross for me. I looked and cried and was forgiven. And it seems to be my duty to tell you of that Saviour, to see if you will not also look and live:

Bound upon th’ accursed tree, Faint and bleeding, who is he? By the eyes so pale and dim, Streaming blood and writhing limb, By the lash with scourges torn, By the crown of twisted thorn, By the side so deeply pierc’d, By the baffled burning thirst, By the drooping death-dew’d brow, Son of Man, ‘tis thou! ‘tis thou!

Bound upon th’accursed tree, Dread and awful, who is he? By the sun at noon-day pale, Shiv’ring rocks and rending veil, By earth trembling at his doom, By the saints who burst their tomb, By Eden promis’d ere he died To the felon at his side, Lord, our suppliant knees we bow; Son of God, ‘tis thou! ‘tis thou!

How simple it all becomes when the Holy Spirit opens the eyes! A friend from Paris told me of an English groom there, a careless old man who during a severe illness had been made to feel that he was a sinner. He dared not die as he was. The clergyman for whom he sent grew tired of visiting him, having often told him the way of salvation.

One Sabbath afternoon, however, the groom’s daughter waited in the vestry after church, saying: ‘You must come once more, sir; I cannot see my father again without you.’ ‘I can tell him nothing new,’ said the clergyman, ‘but I may take the sermon I have been preaching and read it to him.’

The dying man lay as before in anguish thinking of his sins and whither they must carry him. ‘My friend, I have come to read you the sermon that I have just preached. First, let me tell you the text: ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53 verse 5). Now I will read…’

‘Stop! said the dying man, ‘I have it! I have it! Read no more. He was wounded for my transgressions. That is enough!’ Soon afterwards he died rejoicing in Jesus.

When I heard the story I remembered Archimedes running through the streets of Syracuse straight from the bath where he had discovered in bathing the secret of testing whether King Hiero’s crown had, or had not, been alloyed by the goldsmith in making it – and as he ran he cried: Eureka! Eureka! (I have found it! I have found it!)

Poor philosopher! You had merely found out a new principle in science. Happy groom! You had found in JESUS Christ a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’

~ Sir James Young Simpson.’

[bills-bible-basics]

SECULAR HUMANISM -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:1-4, KJV "And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me." Judges 7:2, KJV "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 14:12-15, KJV "The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." Daniel 4:30-37, KJV "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Matthew 24:1-2, KJV "And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Mark 13:1-2, KJV "And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Luke 21:5-6, KJV "And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost." Acts 12:21-23, KJV "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/secular-humanism-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=263930&SECULAR%20HUMANISM%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[anthonybialy]

Post-Preseason Scrutiny for the Buffalo Bills

Slackers mooched free water on the sideline despite not playing.  Benched preseason players just don’t care.  Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs wearing their uniforms will remain this month’s funniest moment.  Engaging in cosplay is their own form of gaming.

Infinity percent fewer snaps than last preseason works out.  We saw that Buffalo’s king remembered how to throw with no need to work on timing around this time last summer.  Yelling at coaches to yank him was the most drama during the previous preseason.  Those repetitions still apply.  These games are there if teams need them.  Many on this particular team do not.

Getting Kyle Allen jokes out of the way is easier based on a performance that didn’t quite wow.  Worries about his play distract from how he doesn’t have his first name’s initial on his jersey. I guess the equipment staff figures we can tell apart Allens. The players with the same family name are unlikely to be on the field simultaneously.

The Bills knew who they were before the real pretend kickoff.  I mean, they sort-of have it down.  Defining ourselves is always tricky even with established behavioral patterns.

At least, they knew more than their foe.  Indianapolis tried much more urgently to determine their identity.  They have to show more than the Isaiah McKenzie resentment agenda.  Striving to make his previous employer rue not continuing their work agreement took the form of returning a quite deep kickoff.  A desire for revenge can affect decisions.

Watching a quarterback debut during organized scrimmages is a relief when your favorite side is facing him.  Those associated with the Colts have spent the week diagnosing confirmed starter Anthony Richardson’s handful of snaps in a glorified exhibition as if they’re new commandments.  Coaches must spend the rest of the month fretting that an early interception is a bad sign.  An understandably rocky start in an imitation outing will be forgotten forever if he was just adjusting.

Either way, teams like the Colts should minimize their greatest hope’s exposure to danger.   Seeing their top choice tackled on a read option to start his second series and later on a keeper in the red zone called back on a penalty adds unnecessary stress to a preseason that’s already packed with stress.  You can feel bad for them in a detached way.

Looking for signs of progress becomes more urgent with desperation.  Preseason is the time for haruspicy.  Practitioners aren’t even professionals, although that may not affect the accuracy percentage.  Check the entrails again.

The easy way to guess what will happen is to look at what’s already happened.  I boldly predict many teams that experienced success last season will achieve similarly welcome results during upcoming games.  I’ll see if I also know Powerball numbers.

Keep wagering success is indefinite just like how every stock always goes up in value.  Don’t bring me down with examples that note success could possibly do anything but necessarily increase indefinitely.  Netflix is trying not to match Blockbuster’s performance.  Still, some trends may continue.  Teams that seemingly make the postseason by custom don’t have to place faith on glimpses the announcers might not have bothered to catch.

Some younger guys took advantage of opportunities for us to excessively analyze.  James Cook’s touchdown featured a nice bounce matched by speed.  Finding a replacement for Devin Singletary is as tricky as remembering to keep using a running back in this offense; such an impression may make it easier.  And O’Cyrus Torrence bowled over enough defenders to inspire optimism he could remedy interior line concerns from his first NFL game.

The biggest test came for someone who also didn’t play.  Sean McDermott must get used to managing every situation while managing to call the defense.  He doesn’t get to take it leisurely while Buffalo has the ball.  That’s even with his starting quarterback keeping busy while watching.  The endlessly impressive Josh Allen compensated for not taking snaps by calling plays.  The biggest competition is for the offensive coordinator position.

Get overreactions out of the way.  Pretend games offer fans a chance to adjust, too.  Going from cheering for a guy making the team to sighing that he’ll get cut in a second is as natural as making playoff projections during the summer.  You don’t have to tell anyone what you claimed would happen during a rash summer moment.

One player found a way to make it matter.  Damar Hamlin making plays will serve as the preseason’s biggest moment.  That’s not just for Buffalo.  Watching from a suite would have been an incredible accomplishment.  Participating in action again even in preseason means the comeback player of the year race is for second place.

Three inconsequential games are our reward for waiting since the Super Bowl.  It’s natural to embrace any fragment of positive anticipation from a tackle for loss or concerted third down.  True fun commences in September.  The faux season opener was at least a little exciting,