J.C. Miller's Blog

Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
My name is Gomer…no, I’m not the Pyle. (nuttin-like-him)
I’m theYou that no one knows from inside. (whoa, that’s deep)
I left my hus-band, for a new man.
And he took me back, so-yeah-we’re-gonna-have-to-dig-further-into-that.

Okay! I’m spitting bars this month. I felt that one. Poppin��� my collar; I did that!

At first glance, I thought that this month’s Woman of the Bible would be a breeze– not having to choose from a list of candidates as before because this one cornered the entire letter. Also in 2020 I wrote a novel titled, They Call Me Gomer, loosely based on her life. But no, not her! I should have known better; there’s nothing simple about any woman, especially this one. We’re all full of complexities. And newsflash, we’re all– men and women, sort of…No, we are all Gomers.

Coming in as the ONLY woman in the Bible whose name starts with the letter G, is Gomer. And if you’re keeping count and wondering what happened to the letter F, well, there aren’t any. No, not one. Not a Fatima, Fiona, or Faith. F is canceled in the Bible…unless we consider the Five wise and Five foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

Okay, let’s jump in! So there is not much to go on with this letter hogging diva. Though found in the book of Hosea as the chosen wife of the prophet of God; Gomer literally does not speak a word. [ She is however mentioned by name three times before being reduced to ���your wife��� and the pronouns ‘her and she.’ ] After that Gomer is never heard of again. But what I find super exciting, is that she���s spoken of metaphorically throughout the lines of this ancient prose. Hosea highlights the parallels between his relationship with Gomer and God���s relationship with the nation of Israel. That is why the book is so passionately written. Oops, I’m sorry…maybe you don’t know. You see, Gomer abandoned Hosea and their three children for other men���and rumor has it that the last two kids weren’t even his.

Let me start from the beginning. This is what we actually know about Gomer.

In Hosea 1:2 the Lord begins to speak through the prophet Hosea.
�����Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness…”

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t joyous for Hosea. The Bible goes on to say that Hosea ���chose/married��� Gomer, and I can’t help but to think of this verse: “A man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” That’s why I believe that there has to be a happy ending to this unlikely romance– although Gomer did put us(him) through the ringer.

This is what else we know for sure about her.

So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter, Lo-Ruhamah (which means ���not loved���)

Hmm, strange, yes? Well check this last kid’s name out.

After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. Then the Lord said, ���Call him Lo-Ammi (which means ���not my people���), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.

Tell me how you really feel. The Lord was definitely saying something.

In the case of Hosea and Gomer���Hosea you are most likely NOT THE FATHER!

That was the last time Gomer was mentioned by name. But here’s the last fact about her.

The Lord said to me, ���Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods …���So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, ���You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.���

Poor Hosea. Chile, there was so much drama.

Let’s have some fun discovering what was happening behind the scenes. Because Dina (DNA) wasn���t available, Lol, we’ll have to put on our spiritual glasses to decipher.

The bible says that there was no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. I know. Not the children of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob! But, yes; the Israelites had turned their backs on God and took up the evil practices of the foreigners around them. That includes prostitution. And unlike the other women in the old testament mentioned as prostitutes, Gomer was Hebrew. The Israelites had been bamboozled by foreign exposure. Led astray! Run amok!

The charges brought up against them were being tallied, and once again God speaks to His children through a prophet. This time, Hosea.
The book of Hosea is written to show that even though God is angry with Israel/mankind, He still loves them/us, just as Hosea still loved Gomer, despite her harlotry. Despite our ways. I know…you are starting to see the connection between Gomer and Yourself and it ain’t pretty. That’s okay,����SHHH, NO ONE WANTS TO ADMIT IT. But In order to paint this picture we have to first see ourselves in Gomer/Israel, and list the offenses that are set up against us/them.
So���Mrs. Gomer Hosea Prophet, you are under arrest. Brought in under the charges of bad life decisions. You have the right to remain silent���..(she did)…..anything you say, can and will, be used against you in a court of law.

THE CHARGES spoken through Hosea against Gomer/Israel
(what are yours?)

Cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery– they break all bounds.Greed- they will eat but not have enough.They will engage in prostitution but not flourish, because they have deserted the Lord.Drunkenness��� old wine and new wine take away their understanding.Consulting in idols– a diviner���s rod speaks to them.A spirit of harlotry leads them astray.They sacrifice on the mountaintopsThey are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer.Even when their drinks are gone they continue their prostitution; their rulers dearly love shameful ways.A spirit of whoredom is in their heart;They are unfaithful to the LordThey give birth to illegitimate children.They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets.They are all adulterers, burning like an oven.Their passion smolders all night; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire.All of them are burnt out, but they do not realize it. Their hair is sprinkled with gray but they do not notice.They speak about God falsely. They do not cry out to Him from their hearts but wail on their beds.They slash themselves– appealing to their gods/spiritsThey are wild donkeys wandering alone.Sold to lovers.They use dishonest scales and love to defraud.Plant wickedness and reap evil.Eat the fruit of deception and depend on their own strengthMultiplies lies and violence.Boasts: ���I am very rich���with all my wealth you will not find in me any iniquity���.���They became proud and forgot God.

Yet, Hosea loved Gomer. Yet God loves us.

“But then I will win her back. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her fruitfulness to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young. When that day comes, she will call me ���my husband��� instead of ���my master.��� I will make her my wife forever, showing her righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to her and make her mine, and she will finally know me. I will show love to those kids I called ���Not loved.��� And to those I called ���Not my people,��� I will say, ���Now you are my people. My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.���

Just like God told Hosea to: ���Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is an adulteress. Love her��� He also says:

Go show your cheating husband love again.
Go show your wayward child love again.
Go show your abuser love again.
Go show your enemies love again.
Go show your boss love again.
Go show (fill in the blank) love again.

In the person of Gomer is every obstacle set up against us to hurdle. Every opportunity to turn the other cheek. To love because he first loved us. Let God handle the rest. He is our Judge and Redeemer. Forgive.

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

What is the lesson of Gomer in the Bible?

Let no one talk about another without first examining himself. We’re all sinners who need our Savior and Lord. The Book of Hosea is a prophetic accounting of God���s relentless love for His children.

In the words of Hosea: Let no one bring a charge, let no one accuse another…my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

Where to find Gomer in the Bible.
The Book of Hosea

Women of the Bible with names starting with G.
G

Gomer ��� Wife of Hosea and a prostitute. Hosea

Good morning, Bloggers! This is JC, and welcome to our devotional blog segment by Myriam Muniz.

Victor and Myriam Muniz started 1240 to 3:16 Ministries to be doers of the Word — remembering those in prison, honoring others above themselves, and sharing with those in need. This dynamic duo will be descending on a mission trip to Guatemala in early October. If you’d like more information, or if you would like to donate to 1240 to 3:16 Ministries, please visit their website.

Now– get comfy, and let’s join Myriam as she discusses CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Watch below.

@1240to316

For more Daily Devotionals, join Myriam and 1240 to 3:16 Ministries every morning on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Welcome to Tea Time with Charli, where we talk about all things involving etiquette.

Hello Tea Timers, I hope you enjoyed your summer. This segment of Tea Time With Charli is dedicated to Darrell Balancier.

Today we’ll be talking about life event etiquette.

Social Media has become the common conduit for us to keep in touch with family and friends–sharing photos and posts about our life events. However, in good times or bad there is still a protocol. ���Etiquette��� still applies!

Many of us know what to do for a birthday, we send a ���Happy Birthday/Meme,��� we post a pic and it’s all good. But what do we do when someone has died? When is it ok to post Condolences?

 

You do not express your sympathies until the family has officially announced the passing of their loved one(s). DO NOT Post ANYTHING before the families official announcement! This includes, personal photos, old texts, etc.

Once the family has posted their announcement of a loved one passing and you decide to respond:

��� Do not use popular cliches like he/she are in a better place, it was their time.

���Think about what you are going to say and the impact it will have on the family

���Ask permission of the family before posting funeral and repass details (the family may want a private service, with a select few)

���Before you hit send/post read what you are about to say, think about it. And once again, If you find that your condolences aren’t genuine, or you are giving personal details about the cause of death or family business, Do Not Post.

During this time we want to support the families in their darkest hour, and celebrate the life of the deceased with dignity. Attending the funeral or memorial service is the customary way to show support, but for some funerals are understandably uncomfortable.

What is proper etiquette if you cannot or don���t want to attend a funeral? If you do not want to or cannot attend a funeral, it is not disrespectful. However, show your respect by letting the family know you are sorry you won���t be able to attend. You can further show your sympathies and support by doing one or more of the following acts:

���Send a card and/or flowers (these can be sent at anytime).

���Offer to bring food/care-package.

���Help with housework.

���Offer to babysit or pick relatives up from the airport.

���Follow up after funeral with a call or visit (after life goes back to normal for everyone else).

Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
My name is Esther, yeah it’s the Queen.

I had some opps, trying to plot behind the scenes.
But amen, we defeated Haman.
Saved the Jews and changed the game, man.

Lol. This one was inspired by fellow Tik-Toker, Wande. Hallelujah!
Wulp! We’re five deep in on the Women of the Bible from A to Z; and today’s star is brought to us by the letter E, as in Esther. Hail to the Queen!

Coming in at number six on a list compiled of nine women, Esther is every woman’s favorite. Why? Because she’s like a real life Cinderella or Annie even. It’s a rags to riches story. Or is it?

Here are some interesting trivia facts. The book of Esther is one of two in the Bible named after a woman (the other being Ruth). The biblical account of the orphan girl who grew up to be a courageous queen, is also one of two books that doesn���t actually mention God���s name (the other being Song of Songs). Though we don���t read God���s name in the story, His sovereignty and loving care are obviously woven throughout the chapters. Let’s jump in; we have an entire book to cover.

These events happened in the days of King Xerxes who, at that time, ruled his empire from the fortress of Susa. In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The celebration lasted 180 days, and it was so good that the king threw another one. This time a banquet in the courtyard of the palace garden for all the people in Susa. It lasted for seven days. It probably would have gone longer hadn’t it been for Vashti.

Vashti was the King’s wife. The Queen. She’s infamous for her beauty and declining a grand invitation to dine with her husband. Lol! Vashti literally shut em down — by not showing up to the banquet. I think we all know the story. The King was drunk (in good spirits the Bible says). He asked that Queen Vashti be brought out with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to ‘gaze’ on her beauty. Well, she said, nope! Because I’m a woman!

 

Here are some thoughts on Vashti to ponder.

Vashti was actually having a party of her own for all the women in the royal palace. Esther 1:9 . The Midrash says that she was a clever politician and that the banquet represented an astute political maneuver.It’s said that when the king suggested that she be brought out in her crown, he implied that that’s all she wore.I’m adding this one, she was tired of all the ding-dang partying!

Nevertheless, Vashti was deposed and banished from the presence of King Xerxes at his Court’s suggestion. Out of fear they believed that women would begin to despise their husbands when they learned of what Vashti did, and that their own wives would start treating them the same way– with contempt and anger it says. I laugh at that part every time. The audacity.

 

So, a beauty pageant of sorts was held to find a new queen. The most beautiful girl in the world. The King and his Court agreed that husbands everywhere would receive proper respect if the King chose a new wife. SMH. Esther, an orphan girl, living with her cousin, Mordecai and his family, was chosen from the bunch. It’s said that she was very lovely, even before the year of beauty treatments that she and the other contestants received.

 

Like the story of Samson and Delilah, Esther’s story is often glamorized. But King Xerxes was a womanizer and tyrant. Here are some facts that maybe you didn’t know.

Esther and her family were Jewish. Her actual name is Hadassah. It was most likely changed to hide her identity upon becoming Queen of Persia.Young Esther was brought up poor in a tumultuous time where she was one of many Jewish children whose parents died.When Esther was taken for the King���s beauty contest, she had no choice in the matter.She would lose her virginity in the process– whether or not the King chose her as his wife.If not chosen, she would become the King’s property������never allowed to return to her life.She would never go to the King again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name.

So a beautiful young girl is chosen by the King to become his new bride and part of his royal harem. Whoopie…in my most cynical tone. So, little orphan Annie moves into the palace. She receives her own wing, maid servants, jewels, and a Punjab!

All the while, Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret, following Mordecai (who had become a palace official) directions.
All was well. But such is life, and in every motion picture, something must go sideways. Two things happened to threaten this Disney-like fairytale.

 

#1 Cousin Mordecai overheard a plot to assassin the King. He told Queen Esther who in return alerted Xerxes. After an investigation, Mordecai���s story panned out and the men were killed. Mordecai received no credit. (We’ll get back to that)

#2 King Xerxes promoted Haman over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. All the King���s men had to bow down before Haman to show respect whenever he passed by. But Mordecai refused to bow or show him respect. Of course Haman is outraged.

Haman was an Agagite, the descendant of Agag, King of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were ancient enemies of the Israelites. Upon learning of Mordecai’s nationality, Haman convinced the King to issue a decree that the Jews be destroyed. He also donated 10,000 sacks of silver to be deposited in the royal treasury to close the deal. Xerxes agreed and removed his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman to do as he pleased. The decree was Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

 

The Jews in all the provinces that King Xerxes ruled were in an uproar. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes. In short, Queen Esther was told and messages were sent back and forth between her and Mordecai. Her older cousin, who was like a father figure to her, wanted her to reveal her heritage and approach the King on their people’s behalf.

 

To be courageous was not Queen Esther’s first response to God���s Call. Let’s face it, it’s rarely anyone’s first response? Esther���s reluctance makes her������well, human. In her defense the circumstances were deadly. Anyone who appeared before the King in his inner court without being invited was doomed to die unless he held out his gold scepter.

This is where Mordecai gives his famous “For such a time as this” speech.
���Don���t think for a moment that because you���re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed���”

Ouch!

The Queen was convicted and took her wise cousin’s advice. She waited on God���s timing in prayer, fasting for His direction on how and when to approach the King. Unbeknownst to her, God was already working on Xerxes.

On the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, just across from the King���s hall. Xerxes was sitting on his throne, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.

Then the King asked her, ���What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!���
And Esther replied, ���If it pleases the King, let the King and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared.���

These people loved to eat and drink! They had such a good time at the banquet that Esther invited them again the next day. She had not yet figured out how to break the news.

That night God used the King���s sleeplessness to cause him to call for the chronicles to be read to him. Remember when Mordecai saved the King’s life, well it was read.

The next day he asked his top official, Haman, ���What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?���

Haman thought to himself, ���Whom would the King wish to honor more than me?���
So he laid it on thick– I mean all the bells and whistles.

Imagine Haman’s surprise when King Xerxes said that Mordecai was the man who pleases him, and furthermore “Quick! Take the robes and my horse, and you do just as you have said for Mordecai the Jew. Leave out nothing you have suggested!���

Womp, Womp, Womp!

Haman was modified and his anger grew. At the suggestion of his wife and friends he had already set up a sharpened seventy-five-foot tall pole to impale Mordecai on. Imagine his insult.

Instead of telling the King of his plans for Mordecai that day, he was forced to parade him around the city square on a royal horse, stating “This is what the King does for someone he wishes to honor!���

That night at Queen Esther���s second banquet, while they were drinking wine, the King again said to Esther, ���Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!���

Queen Esther replied, ���If I have found favor with the King, and if it pleases the King to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared���

The queen went on to reveal Haman���s evil plan.
���Who would do such a thing?��� King Xerxes demanded. ���Who would be so presumptuous as to touch you?���

Esther replied, ���This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.���

Ayy, shucks! This is getting good!

The Bible says that Haman turned pale with fear he threw himself at Esther���s mercy. But his fate would meet him that day. Haman was impaled on the pole he erected for Mordecai.
Whatcha see is whatcha get.

And that’s how a little orphan girl from Susa helped in saving the day. What happened with the Jews you ask?

Well, King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, ���I have given Esther the property of Haman, and he has been impaled. Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the King���s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with my signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written in the King���s name and sealed with his signet ring can never be revoked.���

So a decree was written exactly as Mordecai dictated. The Jews in every city had the authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies. The decree was sent to the Jews and to the highest officers, the governors, and the nobles of all the provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. It was written in the languages of all the peoples of the empire in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with his signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode horses especially bred for the King���s service.

The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. On the appointed day they struck down their enemies with the sword. But they did not take any plunder.

To this day the Jewish community still celebrates an annual festival and holiday where they rejoice and send gifts of food to each other. The Festival of Purim will never cease to be celebrated nor will the memory of what happened ever die out among their descendants.

What is the lesson of Esther in the Bible?
*Make a commitment to be a good influence. One of the first steps in being a person who has ���come for such a time as this��� is to make a decision that the Lord can use you to do His work and be an influence for good.
*Always do the right thing, using the influence you possess to help others.
*When you face challenges in life, seek to know what God wants you to do, and then do so, confident that He will do His part.
*Fast and pray. There’s actually an Esther fast observed mostly by the Jewish people.

Where to find Esther in the Bible.
The Book of Esther

Women of the Bible with names starting with E.

E

Eglah ��� One of King David’s wives.
Elizabeth ��� Mother of John the Baptist and the wife of Zacharias.
Elisheba ��� Wife of Aaron.
Ephah ��� one of the concubines of Caleb (prince of Judah)
Ephrath ��� Second wife of Caleb (the spy)
Esther ��� her Hebrew name was Hadassah) ��� Queen of the Persian Empire in the Hebrew Bible, the queen of Ahasuerus.
Eunice ��� mother of Timothy
Euodia ��� Christian of the church in Philippi
Eve ��� First woman, wife of Adam.

Welcome to THE QUEEN OF QUOTES. I���m the Queen, Janice Alston. When I think of quotes, I think of expressions I���ve heard others say. They are often words from family and friends, as well as known/famous people. This month our quotes and expressions come from the Bible and a few that are interpretations of the scripture.

1. God won���t give you more than you can bear.

This quote is often spoken and attributed to the Bible; however, it is not associated. It is an interpretation from 1 Corinthians 10: 13, which states;
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2. These quotes are from the history of creation. Genesis chapter 1.

��� Verse 3 God said let there be light.
��� Verse 6 God said let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters.
��� Verse 9 God said let the waters be under the heavens be gathered together into one place and let the dry land appear and it was so.
��� Verse 11 then God said let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind whose seed is in itself on the earth and it was so.
��� Verse 14 then God said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the nights, and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth and it was so.
��� Verse 20, then God Said, let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across their face of the firmament of the heavens.
��� Verse 24 then God said, let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind.
��� Verse 26 then God said, let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.
��� Verse 28 then God blessed them and God said to them be fruitful and multiply fill the earth and subdue it have dominion over the fish of the sea over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
���Verse 29 God said, see I have given you every herb that you���ll see which is on the face of the earth and every tree whose fruit you’ll see, to you it shall Be for food.

 

3. The Ten Commandmentsyou should have no God before meyou shall not make for yourself a carved imageyou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vainremember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holyhonor your father and your motheryou shall not murder.you shall not commit adulteryyou shall not stealyou shall not bear false witness against your neighboryou shall not covet.4. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus is answering Peter’s question regarding How Often Should We Forgive.

Jesus said to him, ���I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

That means we are to forgive our brothers and sisters not once, twice, or seven times– but 70×7 which represents continued forgiveness. Just as we are forgiven. Forgiveness is the key to a peaceful living. Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean that you must be in the company of the person whom we have forgiven. It means forgive them as often as we want. Ask or seek forgiveness from God.

5. Now for a short walk in 2 kings chapter 4. Here the Shunamite woman gives us an expression that I love.

Her brief story begins at verse 8. Elisha the prophet wants to do something for the Shunamite woman. She has no child, her husband is older, yet she���s been very kind to the prophet. Fast forward to verse 18. She now has a son but he became sick and died. And a mothers going to do what mothers do– saddle up and let���s ride! The Shunamite woman was asked by her husband, ���where are you going? It���s neither the New Moon nor Sabbath.��� Her reply, ���IT IS WELL.��� Further on when the man of God saw her coming, and she was riding that donkey hard, he told his servant to run and meet her. Ask her, ���Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?��� And she replied, ���IT IS WELL.��� This Shunammite woman said what I’m learning to say– even when things are not going as I desire. IT IS WELL. Now that’s a quote that we should all learn.

6. When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2. Solomon���s wise quotes and expressions will definitely open the eyes of our hearts and help us to be wiser. Check out chapter 10 and 11 too; they are truly wise.

7. There’s a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted.

Continuing with Solomon���s wisdom, we are now in Ecclesiastes chapter 3– my go to. Each quote is meaningful and surpasses time constraints. Read it for yourself. It’s enlightening.

8. In the pages of my women’s study Bible are a couple of quotes from Barbara Bush that I will share.

Mrs. Bush states, ���the God of materialism offers nothing permanent to the woman who succumbs to it. She does not view the past with satisfaction because she never got all she wanted. The present is unappreciated because a whole focus is on the future.���
Mrs. Bush gives another quote, ���how much better is the woman who trusts in God? She can regard the past as part of God’s plan for her life. She can enjoy her family, her home, her entire life now because she knows God will add to her everything He wants her to have.��� Thank you Mrs. Barbara Bush.

9. To close, I’m going to Matthew chapter 5, The Beatitudes. I’ve always loved them.There are nine beautiful quotes from Matthew to encourage us when we’re not feeling our best or just need some uplifting.Each beatitude begins with BLESSED are.Verse 4 BLESSED are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.Verse 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filledVerse 9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.Read all of them.

I can go on and on through the Bible with quotes that inspire and uplift us. The best quotes and expressions for living a good life are found in God’s holy written word. Many things that are said in life and quotes are taken from scripture to give strength and hope– like God won’t give us more than we can bear. The Bible is God’s book of quotes given through man for mankind. They tell us how to live a good and fruitful life.

I hope you have enjoyed this little trip with me. I won’t say goodbye, because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting. So, I’ll say see you next time.

When I started writing this Blog, I talked about several causes for BURNOUT. I shared with you different aspects and encounters in life that you can come across– like bumps in the road, storms that seem like cyclones, and even rainy days. I also discussed ‘Stinking Thinking’ and how we can ‘literally’ talk ourselves into misery. No matter the way, life can seem to wear us down.

Sage words of wisdom: Never let fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

I would like to move forward and conclude this session on BURNOUT and move into Creating Your Place of PEACE��� WITH A VICTORY PRAISE!

PSALM 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

So no matter what you encounter in life, you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.

I recently took a break from social media because I encountered some BURNOUT. I���m, by no means, new to it, but this one hit differently. This came through grief. Having lost two brothers, two sisters, a niece, a nephew, a sister-in-law, an ex mother-in-law, my sweet mother, other friends and family, and not to exclude battling my own life from COVID. And all this since 2019. It is safe to say that life finally took its toll on me. All of a sudden it HIT! But what kept me, and what is still keeping me, is God���s word.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of GOD, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For me, taking time out was a dose of medicine. My favorite ‘time away’ is alone time. Time alone to reflect and ponder on how grateful I am to be able to share my journey. I share in hopes of helping others along the way. Writing also helps me express my thoughts and emotions. It heals the hurt and pain.
There is a place in my home where I look out the window and meditate. The view really is pleasing. All I can see is God���s masterpiece through nature– the birds fly from tree to tree or across the sky and the deer, and sometimes wild turkeys, crossing the road. The butterflies, flying freely, only remind me that God will care for me, just as He does for them.
I have realized so much more through this process of being grateful.

LEARNING HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CALM.

Creating your own calm is a place where you press into your sense of peace and serenity. It’s a place where you block out the noise, and filter through the brain fogs. It definitely requires putting your calls on pause and not allowing TIK TOK on the clock to steal your time away. No IG. No FB. Instead, try resting in the deep crevices of your heart, mind, body, and soul.

A RESET FOR A COMEBACK!
My energy creates my reality.
Everything is energy.

If you look at anything with a strong enough microscope, you will find that nothing is solid��� everything is made of tiny particles vibrating at different frequencies. The storms of life aren���t even solid; they too vibrate at different frequencies. It is up to us to choose how to ride out the storms. So no matter the chaos, stay focused on what you need instead of what you do not have.

YOU ARE NEVER STRONGER THAN WHEN YOU LAND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF DESPAIR.
Fear is a factor. We can fear things that may never take place.

What are you fearful of right now that���s robbing you of peace?What is the likelihood this will happen?How much time have you wasted worrying, and have you solved anything with this method?

JUST BREATHE
Have you noticed how your breath changes when your emotions are challenged? Try working on controlling your breathing by consciously being in tune with your body and mind. Thinking of good thoughts and seeing yourself as a conqueror is an excellent tool to refocus your anxieties.

TRUE HAPPINESS IS TO ENJOY THE PRESENT WITHOUT ANXIOUS DEPENDENCE UPON THE FUTURE.
The Bible also tells us to be anxious for nothing and not to be worried about tomorrow but to live today because tomorrow has enough problems of its own.

DAILY BENEFITS
When we arise each day, think about what a precious privilege it is to live– to breathe, think, partake, and to love.

What are you grateful for?What experience brought you to a place of being grateful?What is something that you are grateful to have?Who is someone you are grateful for?

It is not enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it and pursue it. Every day is a new beginning. This is a new month. The eighth month, August, and the number eight represents a new beginning. If you are doing the same things and getting the same results but desiring something different. I would strongly suggest a RESET to begin again and CREATE YOUR OWN CALM.

Enjoy life in a place called PEACE
It may not always be easy, but it will be well worth it!!!

I hope this will bring peace and comfort in knowing that the best is yet to come���I thought it, I believe it, and it is so.
Let’s walk through the process and address some common causes of burnout together.
GET STARTED NOW!

Send in your questions, either comment below, email me, join me LIVE on Facebook, or address me anonymously here. During the Facebook LIVE videos we will have the opportunity to communicate in real time as I relate ideas to help reduce any stresses and anxieties. (please note that if any symptoms are beyond your control seek the care of a professional health care provider).

I hope this segment has lightened your stress levels and increased your peace.

Sincerely,

ASK JANICE

Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.

Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.

My name’s Delilah…I’m hella fine.

Samson was my man–the strongest in the land.

He had them inches,

flowing down his back.

Ayy,

I-gave-him-a-shape-up-he-lost-his-strength...and yeah, that was kinda whack.

Lol, I’m coming through with bars this time!

Okay, I stole them from a fellow Tik-Toker. I Am Not Ashamed! This rap game is harder than it sounds. Much respect to the Sugar Hill Gang for their eight-minute debut, Rapper’s Delight.

 

So up next on the list of The Women of the Bible from A to Z is Miss Hella Fine herself, Delilah– the cunning temptress. Coming in at number four on a list compiled of seven women, Miss Delilah is no heroine. I could have explored a biblical great, like Deborah– the prophetess and first woman judge, but let’s face it not everyone is perfect. There are scandalous women in the Bible too. However, everyone has a purpose.

 

Before I get into Delilah’s story I have to discuss her victim. Samson. There’s always a man lurking around. Trying to consume Every Breath You Take. But was Samson really a victim? I don’t know. Let’s find out.

 

In Judges 13 The angel of the Lord appeared to Samson’s mother and said,

���You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son.

 

Samson’s mother then agreed to a vow that she wouldn’t drink wine or any other fermented drink while she was pregnant. She wouldn’t eat anything unclean and the baby she was carrying, his head was never to be touched by a razor because he was to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He would grow to take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

 

Wow, now those are some big shoes to fill from birth.

So, Samson goes on to grow into a Greek God, if you will. The real life Hercules. Hercules was probably modeled after him, a real life Israelite beach body. Samson once massacred a lion with his bare hands.

 

It’s safe to say that Samson made some enemies along the way. The Philistines were afraid and in awe of his superhuman strength. Lucky for them, in walks Delilah, and their chance to defeat the Israelites. This is how the story goes.

 

The story of Samson and Delilah is often romanticized and dramatized. The truth of the matter is that Samson fell in love with a woman from the Valley of Sorek. Delilah. Miss Hella Fine. A working woman. The Book of Judges portrays Samson as being attracted to both Philistine women and prostitutes, so it’s assumed Delilah was both.

 

The rulers of the Philistines went to Deliah and said, ���Can you lure Samson into revealing the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him…each of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.���

 

The Philistine rulers asked Delilah to deceive Samson because the two were indeed an item or at least regular companions.They weren’t simply Friends. The bible doesn’t mention a marriage either– unlike with the first young lady that Samson was with in Judges 14. However, it does say that he loved Deliaih and yes, they were having sleepovers– not so Secret Lovers.

 

Hollywood depicts a different type of picture. Two lovers divided by the government. The truth is, we don’t know if Delilah shared Samsons same feelings? Did the money tempt her, or was the thought of betraying her people or losing her life her deciding factor? I don’t know, but even though money was involved, I don���t believe that the Philistine rulers really gave her an option. Delilah had to deceive Samson– the one unlike any man in the land.

 

��Instead of sharing the information with her young and strong suitor who by the way once killed 1000 men with the bone of a donkey, Delilah turned ‘Informer’ and said to Samson, ���Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.���

Yeah, it was probably for the money!

 

Teasing her, Samson responded,

���If anyone ties me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I���ll become as weak as any other man.���

 

“Gotcha!”

Delilah must have thought. She ran and told the authorities of her findings and they in return brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried.

 

Delilah wooed her lover asleep, most likely after a night of passion (their last night together, she probably thought). The Bible says, Delilah tied Samson with the bowstrings and the entire time there were men hidden in the room waiting to capture him.

Eww, that’s creepy!

 

Samson probably thought things were going in an entirely different direction when he allowed her to rope him up, but when he dozed off Delilah yelled,

�����Samson, the Philistines are here!���

He jumped up and snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. Like a moth to a flame, burned by the fire. So, that’s what Janet was singing about.

 

Anyway, the men probably raced out, running in fear, attempting to escape a beat down. Delilah then said to Samson,

���All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied.���

 

Chile!

Samson never said, hey, there Deliliah, what’s up with you? He was obviously ‘whipped��� and responded to her foolishness again. “If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I���ll become as weak as any other man.���

 

On their next night of passion Delilah tries it again. She took new ropes and tied Samson with them. Then, with men hidden in the room again, she called out,

���Samson, the Philistines are upon you!���

 

Startled, Samson arose, and just like the Hulk he snapped the ropes off his arms like flimsy threads.

The secret of his strength was not discovered that night either.

 

���All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied.��� Delilah insisted.

 

The Philistines rulers were most likely harassing her–�� threatening her life and coaxing her with money. However, Samson lied again, keeping his vow as a Nazirite to himself.

���If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I���ll become as weak as any other man.���

 

And of course this doesn’t work either. Samson awoke from sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric.

 

Delilah was then forced to bring on the waterworks, pulling at Samson’s heartstrings.

�����How can you say, ���I love you,��� when you won���t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven���t told me the secret of your great strength.���

The bible says with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.

 

��And Samson told her everything!

�����No razor has ever been used on my head, because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother���s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.���

 

Delilah saw something different in his eyes that time. She sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, ���Come back once more; he has told me everything.��� So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands.

 

The Bible says after putting Samson to sleep on her lap, Delilah called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair.

SMH. Samson’s strength left him.

 

Then Delilah called,

���Samson, the Philistines are upon you!���

 

Samson awoke from his sleep and thought, �����I���ll go out as before and shake myself free.��� But he did not know that the Lord had left him.

 

As the story goes, the Philistines seized Samson, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze shackles, and assigned him to grinding grain in the prison. Keeping him around as the constant butt of the joke.

 

Just like that, we don’t hear from Delilah anymore. Her betrayal has been compared to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Both Delilah and Judas were paid in pieces of silver for their respective deeds. However, some view Delilah in a somewhat sympathetic light, suggesting that she never intended Samson to be killed or wounded, merely weakened.

 

But, what did happen to Samson? The Bible says that after his hair had been shaved it began to grow again. Remember that his birth was to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

 

Samson prayed to the Lord,

���Sovereign Lord, remember me. (I love that part).

Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.���

 

God’s Word never returns void. Despite Samson’s many sins, God used him to fulfill His own purpose. Samson was tied near two pillars– structural beams. He said, ���Let me die with the Philistines!��� Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

 

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Delilah’s name has become synonymous with a voluptuous, treacherous woman. The use of her name connotes deceit or betrayal and can be found in works such as The Invisible Man. Deliah may not be a popular character in the Bible, but her involvement with Samson led to a great defeat against the Philistines and earned her a place in the old testament. The only woman called by name in the story of Samson.

 

What is the lesson of Delilah in the Bible?

I don’t know if we can use Delilah as a good teaching example, do you? However, in her relationship with Samson I would say the lesson taught is to expose pretenders, be careful to whom you share your secrets, don’t be morally weak, rely on God’s strength and be obedient to God’s commandments.

 

Where to find Delilah in the Bible.

Judges 16

 

Women of the Bible with names starting with D.

D

Damaris ��� Acts

Deborah #1 ��� Nursemaid to Rebekah and later to Jacob and Esau.

Deborah #2 ��� Prophetess and the fourth, and the only female, Judge of pre���monarchic Israel in the Old Testament. Judges

Delilah ��� The ���woman in the valley of Sorek��� who Samson loved.

Dinah ��� Daughter of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites and Leah, his first wife.

Dorcas ��� also known as Tabitha.

Drusilla ��� The wife of a judge named Felix, mentioned in Acts.

Morning Devotional with 1240 to 3:16 Ministries
by Myriam Muniz

Good morning, Bloggers! This is JC, and welcome to our devotional blog segment by Myriam Muniz. Let me start by first reintroducing the ministry.

Victor and Myriam Muniz started 1240 to 3:16 Ministries to be doers of the word, remember those in prison, honor others above themselves, and share with those in need. If you’d like more information on this dynamic duo, please visit their website.

 

Now– get comfy, and let’s join Myriam in Genesis chapter seven for a deeper dive.

Watch below.

 

For more Daily Devotionals, join Myriam and 1240 to 3:16 Ministries every morning on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Welcome to Tea Time with Charli, where we talk about all things involving etiquette.

Hello Tea Timers, I hope you have been enjoying your summer. In our last blog, we discussed the importance of the R.S.V.P. and how to successfully execute it. Today we’ll be talking about etiquette.

Etiquette is more than replies and responses or knowing how to set a table– although these things are beneficial! Etiquette is about showing respect and caring enough about people to treat them the way you want to be treated– fostering a positive and comfortable environment by developing a standard of decorum. Knowing that people remember how you make them feel. We want to be socially aware and emotionally intelligent, whether in a social or professional environment. God���s Word provides us many rules of etiquette, think about it! One of the golden rules in Matthew (7:12) is: ���In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you������

Listed below are some basic etiquette rules everyone should know and follow:

1. Don���t be Late – being on time indicates that you value other people’s time, if you can, be 10-15 minutes early.

2. Dress Appropriately – Before attending an event, if the invite doesn���t specify a dress code, you can ask the event planner if the event is formal or informal or google the location to get an idea of the environment. If you are not sure it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Greetings – When entering a room make eye contact and lead with a smile. Greet the room with a general hello. If you are entering a room with people you are meeting for the first time make sure to introduce yourself and shake hands.

 

4. Always use your Manners – Without fail, use ���please��� every time you make a request and use ���thank you��� when you are being assisted, complimented, provided information, or waited on.

5. Think before you Speak – Do not use vulgarity not even in jest, and stay away from political and sensitive subjects, especially if children are in attendance. Avoid gossip.

6. Personal Space – Do not invade people���s personal space by ���close talking,��� looking over their shoulders at their cell phones, or touching them (their hair). Always ask permission before touching.

 

7. Cell Phone Management – Be in the moment: if possible don���t use your cell phone, give people your undivided attention. When eating, put the phone away. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and take it in a private location– and remember to use a respectable speaking voice.

 

8. Apologies – If you find yourself in a situation where you are at fault or there is a ���misunderstanding,��� apologize– when they go low, you go high! Proverbs (15:1) ���A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger������

9. Introducing People – if introducing someone to a host you can say ���This is my husband, John��� or “This is my friend, Sarah���. However, the basic protocol is to introduce the lesser-ranking person to the higher-ranking person. Ex: “Professor Haynes, I would like to introduce you to Cara. Cara, please meet Professor Haynes.” If you feel the need you can share some information about the two parties.

10. Always say Goodbye – you should never leave an event without telling the host or hosts goodbye. If you enjoyed yourself, let the host know that you had a great time, if not simply thank them for being invited.

Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
My name is Chloe…I’m seeking peace, yo.
Don’t want division– so calling Paul to end the tension.

Lol, something like that. I declare– it’s getting worse. We may need the assistance of a professional rapper to continue with this blog–Yo.

Next on the list of The Women of the Bible from A to Z is a one-hit-wonder. Coming in at number two on a list compiled of four women is Ms. Chloe. A New Testament mystery woman. A lady in red, if you will.
Like Double-dutch, I’m jumping in on this one.

There is little known about Chloe. Paul only mentions her once.

“My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.”
1 Corinthians 1:11

I like Paul. He’s a man of few words…unlike his brethren, King David– Psalms– that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

As a writer, we often take on the task of research analyst. I love digging deep and finding gems. Getting to know Chloe took some digging and imagination. So, in the not exact words of Biggie Smalls, “to all the people in the place with style and grace, allow me to lace these spiritual lenses like cleanses. I love it when you call me Big…” okay, let me get back on track. You guys need Jesus! Lol.

We know from the Apostle Paul’s brief introduction, that Chloe was a Christian, a homeowner, a resident of Corinth, and an acquaintance of Paul’s. He refers to her by her first name so that’s a given.

Because Paul called Chloe by name, we can gather that she greatly influenced the believers in the area and was well known. She most likely hosted a house church. The early church didn’t have an official building or gathering place they met in people’s homes.

The fact that this house church was referred to as “Chloe’s household” meant she was the homeowner and likely a wealthy widower who financially supported the church by opening her home for gatherings. Chloe was an active member of the church of Corinth in which Paul is addressing. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called “life”…

Here’s the deal: It was brought to the apostle’s attention by members of Chloe’s household that folks were fighting up in the sanctuary. But why?

In doing a good Bible study, it’s fundamental to read the chapters before and after the verse to get a better understanding of what is happening. Here’s where I put on my spiritual lenses. This was the argument.

Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into fractions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!
1 Corinthians 1:12‭-‬13

Chloe and those of her household were insightful enough to perceive that divisions were occurring. The people were segmenting themselves unnecessarily.

The tendency of the Corinthian church to elevate men above God needed to be addressed, and so some wrote to Paul asking for his assistance.
The letter probably went– Look at all this rumors, I can’t take it no more.
Being hostess of the home, Chloe would have been well aware of the matter and the letter. In fact, theologians attribute her with the virtues of humility and wisdom for seeking Paul’s advice on the issues. And it’s a good thing she did. Remember what happened to Deborah when she and Aaron were minding God’s business. Leprosy.

Paul responded to the letter by reminding the church of Corinth and us that Christ is not divided and that Jesus is the name under which all believers are saved and baptized. He finished by saying that Christ had appointed him to preach the gospel. In your spare time I suggest reading the letter in its entirety. Good stuff!

Chloe may not be a main character in the Biblical cannon, but her involvement in the early church still shows that God uses all types of people to spread the gospel. He uses men and women. Rich and poor. Old and young. You are chosen. Hello, my name is…

What is the lesson of Chloe in the Bible?
Seek out wisdom over quarreling. In seeking the assistance of the proper authority in the church, Chloe and her household were peacemakers. Another takeaway is that as believers we should invite people into our homes for the sake of the gospel. Start a community group or Bible study.

Where to find Chloe in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:11

Women of the Bible with names starting with C
C
Candace – Ethiopian queen. A eunuch under her authority and in charge of her treasury was witnessed to by Philip the Evangelist, led to God and baptized.
Chloe – mentioned in Corinthians. Means “Green herb”
Claudia – greeted by Paul the Apostle.
Cozbi – A Midianite princess who was killed by Phinehas (grandson of Aaron) because her evil influence was seen as the source of a plague among the Israelites according to Numbers 25. The incident was then taken as a pretext for the War against the Midianites.