I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalms 16:7-8 Herein is a double reference, written by David, but reflecting the prayer of the Messiah and His first coming. He became like us to set us free; may His prayer be unto us to keep us free. The phrase, He has given me counsel, should birth in us the understanding of a fellowship with the Lord our God. For a counsel that is given, is a counsel that was received. To receive, we must be in His presence, by letting go of our many human feelings and the nature that so easily control us. This we do by faith, considering He already knows that which we are feeling, shall we then not trust in Him? Certainly. Next we read; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. The word “reins” have to do with the most secret feelings, purposes, and methods of the soul to reason, and for human, the choice of reason is usually fear and uncertainty. So then, as we read the phrase; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. That is to say, when we are in His presence, His counsel teaches us, and guides us, and in the night our conscience warns us, to trust in Him, when we learn to be in His presence. If the day is busy to keep us from the receiving of His counsel, let the ease of the night bring us into His peace. In the words of Henry, at night silence and retirement will befriend our communion with God. His kindest visits are often in the night. Whether it is the night hour, or symbolically the darkest time, let us earnestly seek His counsel. Then we shall say: I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalms 16:8-9 For no one who hopes in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous (dangerous) without cause. Insight to the Psalms The Psalm expresses a confident expectation in the Lord for life and happiness, and the eternal life to come. Based on the evidence that true attachment to God will expresses the deep conviction of assurance in those who loves the Lord, knowing He first loved us, and He will never leave us.

Following up the discussion about the painting, and some of the questions that were asked. Yes, it is different from my other works, but it was appropriate for such a time with the chaos and division in the land. The battle we face now is needless. Cops are not the enemy and every wrongdoing is not because of racism, without justifying the wrong. The two individuals are in confrontation, with weapons drawn. However, in the nick of time, the Bible becomes a revelation to perceive for a change. Even though there has been strife between the two individuals, but with the revelation through the Word of God, they both stopped and turn, and for the first time they see clearly. (Why are we doing this, why are we at odds with one another?) They can now see the masterminds behind the conflict. To the right is the serpent - cunning deception. Those that are in the street rioting are deceived. Next to the serpent is the spirit of strife – or the fighting spirit. We see the conflicts in our streets, people want to fight for no reason, they just want to do it. To the far left is the beast – the spirit of burden and forcefulness, such is the character of most young people today. Then there is the red eye with the hood, the sinister one, the spirit of fear – with it comes anxiety and uneasiness, causing people to be on edge always, while thinking someone is after them, triggering more irrational behavior among one another. Towering over them all is the dragon, the spirit of monstrosity, it makes everything seems too difficult. To the lower left is the spirit of lying, it looks innocent like every lie initially, but with a deadly result, and that spirit is in the News Media and some Far-Left politicians. The two individuals once stood against one another, now they clearly see. Understanding they shouldn’t fight one another. These things that are not seen with the natural eyes are causing the problem. Quoting the painting: “. . . Having seen the defeated foes, let us guide our thoughts which is our journey. Lest we become pawns to that which we cannot see with the natural eyes by engaging in futile fights among ourselves.” The problem we face in this country and ultimately the world, it is because of spiritual blindness, but if the Word of God is open to the world, people will see clearly. "Having seen the light, through the Word of God, let us stop, and turn away from our old ways onto the narrow path, and be the few that enter therein into rest." There is a contrast, to the left of the painting we see an open space, but darkness. To the right we see a narrow path. It is difficult to walk on a narrow path, but further down that path is the light of glory. In the words of Christ, constricted is the way that leads away into life, and few are the ones finding it. It is the Word of God through the Bible that gives us the ability to see, and the guidance to walk the narrow path to life. Lastly, there are two swords, it is all we need like the two characters in the painting. Notice the sword is not long, it is a dagger. Why? It is so because when you read in the Bible concerning the full armor of God and the sword. Ephesians 6:17 It is not talking about a long fighting sword. Christ already won the battle, so the sword we pick up is a dagger which is only used for defense. Satan and all his henchmen were defeated on the Cross, but if they rear their evil heads, we smite them back, and keep moving. The weapon of the sword is the knowing of the Bible and its teaching. In conclusion, quoting the painting again: You Are Not Your Brother's Enemy Who is the enemy? For the lack to perceive, we fight among ourselves. Nevertheless, the true battle has already been won. For the sword of the armor is but for a defense. Through the revelation of the light, having seen the defeated foes, let us guide our thoughts which is our journey. Lest we become pawns to that which we cannot see with the natural eyes by engaging in futile fights among ourselves. You are not your brother’s enemy. The forces that seek to divide are defeated by Christ, but how shall we know, if we have not heard, how can we hear if the Word of God is hidden? So then, by the revelation of the Word of God, those things that were hidden, we are now aware of, and their once work of division, shall be the reason for unity as we move forward. Like in the words of the great King, David; Your Word, O Lord, is a light unto my path. Having seen the light, through the Word of God, let us stop, and turn away from our old ways onto the narrow path, and be the few that enter therein into rest.

The preservation and the building of the future now, is predicated on how we establish the young to see the present. REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11 Within the smoldering ashes of September 11, we eagerly sought and cherished our families and neighbors. Though we watched in unimaginable horror, but in honor we cherish and support one another, and the men and women of the Law who risked their lives in hope to save others. 20 years later the ashes are gone, and the true hearts are seen, to those who still remember this day with respect and honor, and to those who have blindly despised the nation they are a part of. Nevertheless, being right is not predicated on how many others agree with you, but in the opposition of freedom, keep being a Patriot. With the absence of common sense, learn to carefully discern. When others are driven by hate, trust the Lord, love one another, without compromising the essence of your foundation. He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind; Foolish people will always be servants to the wise. Proverbs 11:29

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but His secret is with the righteous. Abomination to the LORD For the froward (perverse) is abomination to the LORD: but His (God) secret is with the righteous. In other words, the LORD hates people who do evil, but those who are righteous, He takes into his confidence. There are two kind of people in this world in the sight of God. The saved and the unsaved, the righteous and the unrighteous. Twenty Things that are an Abomination to God 1) The froward man (perverse) Proverbs 3:32 2) A proud look Proverbs 6:16-17 3) A lying tongue Proverbs 12:22 4) Hands that shed innocent blood Proverbs 6:17 5) A wicked scheming heart Proverbs 6:18 6) Feet quick to sin Proverbs 6:18 7) A false witness that speaks lies Proverbs 6:19 8) A sower of discord Proverbs 6:19 9) Wickedness Proverbs 8:7 10) A false balance scale Proverbs 11:1 11) Sacrifice of the wicked Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:27 12) The way of the wicked Proverbs 15:9 13) The thoughts of the wicked Proverbs 15:26 14) The proud of heart Proverbs 16:5 15) Justifying the wicked Proverbs 17:15 16) Condemning the just Proverbs 17:15 17) Diverse weights Proverbs 20:10, Proverbs 20:23 18) Diverse measures Proverbs 20:10 19) Refusing to hear the law Proverbs 28:9 20) Prayer of the rebel Proverbs 28:9

In simple terms what is being redeemed by the blood of Jesus?

I know the book of Ruth is being study on the site now, I'm studying it too but wonder most things in the old testament are in the New and things in the New are in the old. Is the rapture found in the Old Testament?

These were the Words of the Lord unto the prophet Jonah. Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. Jonah 1:1-2 From the words of the Lord unto Jonah, herein we see a structure and an outcome. The lessons for us today are, first and foremost, it is God who calls an individual, and for His will only is that individual called. The commission Hence, the Word of the Lord came unto Jonah. Next, he who is being commissioned is addressed. Therefore, readiness and obedience must be carried out on their part. Let us be ready and arise as Jonah was commanded, and secondly, let us show obedience towards God. Knowing this, wherever He leads us, we will follow. This is faith through trust, which is obedience. Reaction to the commission Lastly, readiness is not merely saying yes Lord. More so, to be ready is to know the ways of God. Which is the righteousness of God upon the preacher. Jonah was told by the Lord to preach against the great city of Nineveh because of their sins. Sadly so, today, how can the commission of God go forth when many preachers do not know what sin is, or ignore the appearance of sin? Endurance to the commission Are we stagnant in our lives? Let us examine ourselves, in all sincerity toward God and Him only. Success is not predicated upon perfection, but sincerity and trust in the Lord are the parameters wherewith we walk to our greatest call. It's hard to take the first step When I don't know the way Each turn is so uncertain I learn to walk by faith But you gave me a promise That you will never leave You will lead and guide me Lord I do believe Lead me lord I will follow Lead me Lord I will go

Christmas, in short, but its effect endures. Christmas is hope, to the redeem it represents a precious gift from God into the world through Jesus Christ, to be a gift of life and abundant blessings, to all who believe. To the unredeemed, it is a hope that someday, they too may partake of the Father’s love and blessing. Even for those who yet don’t fully understand the meaning of Christmas, for a child, Christmas is also a time of hope, to receive gifts and the promise of that which they desire. Ahead of the hope is the promise and the dream. Before Christmas came the promise. The promise of Christmas is the birth of our Lord. Isaiah 7:14 When we receive a promise, we are committed to undertake to receive that which is promised. After the promise, comes the dream. Matthew 1:20-21 Therein, we receive a directional glimpse to the fulfillment. We are driven by our dreams. Therefore, may it be centered on the Lord, for in Him we know there is the assurance of Hope. He once gives Himself on a tree as a sacrifice that we may partake in the Father’s everlasting love and blessing. Today, as we celebrate Christmas, we gathered around the evergreen tree, not for the worship of the tree, but as Christ gives Himself on a tree as a gift for a blessing to all, thus, we freely share our gifts of love among one another at the break of dawn, at the evergreen tree. Love grew where His Blood fell, today on Christmas day, as we uphold the Cross of Christ in our hearts, may we reap the benefit of His blood, which is now the life and the love we partake of as believers, in sharing and loving on Christmas day. Merry Christmas and God bless you. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 The Child is now the Savior, and on this day, we honor His Miraculous birth. Let our joy be unconfined and let us sing with unrestraint, and let it reign, Christ was born, He lives, He died and lives again, and Christ is coming back. Until then, may our hearts merry in Christ, on this day and forever more. Amen. RELATED TOPICS The attack against Christmas The Birth of Christ The Wise Men of Christmas

Perceiving two images in one image from one painting, in two views for one explanation. The horizontal position of the painting speaks of weariness. Observe, the individual is lying down. Tired, but still is holding on to the Word of God. The left leg in idleness became like a mountain in the background, a dark shadow, but the Word of God is still above it all. And now unto the vertical position, we perceive a whole new painting. The individual is no longer lying down, but they are now standing, which indicates readiness and a waiting position of anticipation. The same leg, which was once a mountain of obstacles and of shadow, now thereon they stand as a pillar of establishment, and the Word of God is now in a forward position. So are those who have awakened from their slumber. In readiness and anticipation, they stand. Due to the unique style and the method of this painting, it became one of the only paintings that is intentionally without the PSW signature. (So that it could be view in both horizontal and a vertical position.) Congratulations to the few who spotted the distinction and earn the site's badge for participating. And the other details, like that of the paint strokes which gives a proportion to the vertical and horizontal views.

Building a personal library from scratch, a book at a time. There are many ways knowledge is accumulated. Despite modern innovations, books remain one of the primary ways of accumulating knowledge. Virtually in every home there is a book, or there you will find multiple books. A book is like a tool, and a tool is only useful when it is rightly used. Or else its purpose is for decoration or ornamentation. With that being said, without further ado, let's continue to the reason for this topic. Which is, Building a personal library from scratch. One book at a time. The first thing not to do is, waiting to get a lot of money to buy many books to start your library. It is better to start with one book, a book you can read through than having three or more books you’re likely are not going to read. Selecting the books The way in which you select the books for your library will determine how fast your library will expand and what kind of library you will have. You will have to select a topic or subject to study. From there, you can start to look for books dealing with that given subject or topic. This will cause your library to grow without any further effort. Places of purchase Not all books you will find in a shrink-wrap, so most books will come from the unlikeliest of places. Locally or online. Searching online will put a vast index of books at your exposure. However, it is good and bad. For you can't really know the condition of the book until you take it out of the box. Organizing and caring for your books We all start by having one or two books on the night-stand, then coffee table. Those books usually end up in a box. Which usually is not the best place to keep a book or books. Instead of waiting to have 20 or more books before buying a bookshelf. You can start with a bookshelf by only having one or two books. Though it is not pleasing to the sight for a book lover, but it will be a reminder to fill those empty shelves up. Standing the book upright on the shelf is the best choice, this will cause less surface area of the book to be exposed, thereby reducing the dust impact of the book. While giving you an easy view of the title of the book, on its spine. Standing the books upright will cause a natural support from the other books on the shelf by keeping the spine firm for a long time. Standing the book upright will cause air to flow through the pages, a natural defense against mole and stench. Also, this will give you an easy access to clean and dust the head of the book. Reading your books Although the books on a bookshelf is a beautiful display, but reading them through and often is more beneficiary for the accumulation of knowledge. In the presence of your book, you'll get to travel back in time or to the future. The more you read your books, after your favorite authors, therein you will find references to other books and writers your favorite authors read after. This will prompt an easy transition to other writers and books you will find familiar to your collection of books. The edification of reading The knowledge possessed through reading must be a knowledge use in wisdom. However, we know that not all things read in a book we can enact right away. For that which can edify, may it edify us. Although all things cannot be enact right away, but we can take notes of that which we read. Through this, reading is more than a luxury time, but an edification for the betterment of the reader. Through the taking of personal notes. Conclusion As a Christian, all things in my library are built upon the Book of all books, the Bible. For many non-Christians, their view of a Christian is that of a simpleton. Nevertheless, our God, in His wisdom chooses to reveal Himself, and communicate to mankind, not through superstitions, but by reading through His word. This in itself, is the evidence of the importance of reading. Therefore, take heed to what you read. You can hear a conversation and walk away without an impact to your being. You can see a visual presentation without yielding to that which you see. But when you open a book, it is a silent agreement to open your soul to that which is written therein. For the better or for the worse.

Vitality from oppression, or the demise from pressure. The lesson from history through the discernment of what is now, and the prevention from what was. Though we cannot undo the past, but if the past served as a lesson through history, it will be a reminder of a guideline to stay within the boundary of that which is right. For the student of history and precisely those in The Americas, the term Cinco de Mayo – Spanish for “Fifth of May,” is recognized as, the fifth of May, which is observed in Mexico and the United States to commemorate the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This is true, but without discernment of the past and present, crucial dates of the past and the events surrounding them are merely a festival and a date inscribed to a calendar. The effect of an oppression or the tribulation experienced by an individual, or a collective; it will determine the vitality from oppression, or the demise from pressure. That is to say, although tribulation is unpleasant to experience, nevertheless, how it is dealt with will produce a vitality of life in those who faced the tribulation, or the demise from pressure from those who fell under the crushing power of the tribulation. As well as those who follow thereafter, without giving heed to the lesson from the past. Before the event of Cinco de Mayo, is the account of Napoleon – the French general and military leader who became an emperor. In his quest of power and control through his military brilliancy, about 1807, Napoleon invaded Spain. This is important because from the country of Spain, or the Iberian Peninsula, would come forth 20 countries with Spanish as its official language. Spanning from Africa to Europe and The Americas. Before all this, as aforementioned in 1807, Napoleon invaded Spain, which led to the Madrid revolt. Man’s effort to restore what was lost, for their lack of discernment and God’s given duty. When the Church ceases to infuse the nation as the beacon of that which is right, sin will become a reproach to any people. This is the Curses for Disobedience, as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 28. The stranger that is within thee (the Land) shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. This was seen with the invasion of Napoleon and his attempt to oppose any opposition. Consequently, he brought in the Muslim Mameluke to subdue the Spaniards in their own land. With the sword, the Spanish resistance was crushed. The verse from Deuteronomy became more clearer when the brother of Napoleon, named, Joseph Bonaparte was made king of Spain. The stranger that is within (the Land) shall get up above thee very high. This was before Christianity was an offense, as it is in modern times. Nevertheless, God’s people didn’t call upon Him, as He has given His promise to us. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Spanish America fights toward independence Instead, in 1810, Spanish America began to declare their independence from Spain, which was now controlled by the outsiders, the French. One may argue, in favor of the Declaration of Independence from tyranny. Wasn’t the United States birth as the greatest nation from its Independence from the British? Certainly, it was. However, the ongoing existence of the United States as a world power, is not predicated upon its leader, rather, its Constitution. The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, which acknowledged God, men and then Government. Thus, a portion of it reads We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, (the people) that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Note, the government was never meant to rule over the people, instead the government should work alongside with the people. It is God who rules above all, for in His sight we are all equal. The existence of the people must be in line with the right which God has given to them. They should live, as it is recorded in Genesis 9:7. Be fruitful, and multiply, unlike the extinction of the future generation by aborting them before they are born. Government is instituted among men, not above men. If these are the basics of a society, it shall prosper and not withered away. So it was in the beginning with the Spanish America, under the command and leadership of Simon Bolivar. A Constitution was written which was similar to the United States Constitution. However, all fell apart when Simon Bolivar, rose above the people, setting himself up as president for life. The effect of this was felt all through The Americas. The desire to do good, by leaving the right path, doesn’t justify the wrong. So it was in Mexico, when priest Miguel Hidalgo gives his famous speech, The Cry of Dolores. The call for the people to revolt against the control of Napoleon in Spain and its elites. The argument of the justification of this revolt in Mexico is, it led to the independence of the nation. Indeed, but so was the demise of many. Including Hidalgo, who was executed and the defeat of almost 100,000 of average Mexicans and struggling farmers who joined with the priest in the Battle of Calderon Bridge, there they were defeated. Though the dawn of peace was seen in Mexico in 1821, Agustín de Iturbide became Emperor of Mexico. However, for about three decades the country struggled through numerous governments. Unlike their neighbor to the North, the United States, which enjoyed Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness through its Constitution and the equal balance of power and governing by terms. When God is not the focus of a society, men elevate themselves above other men. Like Santa Anna, he told the Americans, my people (the Mexican) are only fit to be ruled by despotism - A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator, thereby dominance through threat of punishment. Consequently, Santa Anna puts away the law of the people of Mexico and made himself a despotic dictator. The histories of such and the likes, are rampant all through history. When the Church fails to serve its role as a beacon of hope through God, to the nation and as a moral compass. In such case when the people of God no longer stand for righteousness, they removed themselves from the providence of God. The world shall become the judge of the Church. Through persecution and oppression, men shall rise to power, by the expense of others. As Mexico drew closer to what is now celebrated as Cinco de Mayo, the conflicts and struggle continue between the people and governments. Even the outside forces of Europe through the French army were felt in Mexico. Under the rule of Benito Juárez of Mexico, the French army landed in Mexico in 1862. During the month of May of that year, the French Army suffered a setback during the Battle of Puebla. This we know today as Cinco de Mayo. It was a victory for the Mexican, but not the end of bloodshed and wars. Even unto 1913 the struggle continues, the year of another assassination. The assassination of Francisco Madero of Mexico. All through this, to the north of Mexico, the Americans experience less of the bloodshed and wars than that of their southern neighbor. The relationship of the two nations is unique, opposing at times, but closely bonds. The American played a major role, with help in the removal of the outside forces of Europe from Mexico. There are few nations on earth that two can observe and celebrate a day together, like the United States and Mexico. The Remembrance of Cinco de Mayo, the event of this day, and the preceding history and the latter are not of a rosy delight. It is that of pain, hurt, war and death. Yet it is remembered. The lesson from history through this event and the others, should serve as a discernment and warning to the world, precisely to Mexico and the United states. Through those things we observe on the daily news today. The lesson of history and the warning for the present. To the Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo served as a reminder of the will of the people, to unite and overcome any threat from within or from without. Nevertheless, when government erects itself as god to provide all the needs of the people. As an elite class of its own, but ignores the will of the people. Then division is near, and the defense of the nation will be a flaw from outside forces. History cannot repeat itself in an exact scenario, but the scenarios of the past are accustomed to happening in the present when the people of the present forget the past. To the Americans, Cinco de Mayo is observed alongside with the Mexicans, although it was a time of inequality, wars and bloodshed and destruction. Yet, we remembered and observed this date. However, there are rising voices in the United States today, with a goal of abolishing and wiping out all American history, if it wasn’t a happy history. Consequently, there are uproars for the removal of the representation of American history like that of the Statues representing the American civil war. Statues of Generals who fought in the war, like that of General Robert E Lee, and others who fought for states that supported slavery. This goes further, the same voices are even calling for the purging of the founding fathers of the United States. They were white, they say, and white men supported slavery, so all accounts of them must be wiped out. If we as a nation are so civilized that we must blot out all the inconvenience inequality of history. What shall be the reminder to the future generation, for the result of inequality and the fallouts of men usurping other men? There will be no reminder, and eventually history will repeat itself, worse than it was in the past. In closing, may the words of the 13 President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, be a discernment to us all. “Our grateful thanks are due to an all-merciful Providence . . . We owe these blessings, under Heaven, to the happy Constitution and Government which were bequeathed (left) to us by our fathers, and which it is our sacred duty to transmit in all their integrity to our children." ___ We do not erase history, we learn from the mistakes, so that the history of the past will ever serve as a reminder of the present, less we also fail in doing that which is right.

Due to the apes having some human similarities, some have said it was Adam's attempt to create a human, like God, is this so?