Diacona Ministry

Group Leader Assessment: Building Relationships | Articles | SmallGroups.com

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Group Leader Assessment: Building Relationships | Articles | SmallGroups.com

This assessment is something we can do on a personal basis as well. How we get along with others is based on compromise. Now! I did not say try to use me like a door mat. Everyone has an opinion wheter we hurry up and not understand that one way or another. Plan on group participation, we all need to be welcome, engaged in planning processes prayerfully with hope. Certainly I would be more inclined to show up for meeting when others suggest a new book to review or have a plan for Missionary Fifth Sunday Celebration and Worship. Action!

FaithNet NAMI | Interfaith Worship Service

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:31:00 +0000

FaithNet NAMI | Interfaith Worship Service

The responsive reading is part of the worship service. African American traditions see that as "call and response" handed down orally for generations. Church attendees can find any number of responsive readings listed by season in the hymnal. This is another opportunity to improve Christian Education. Not only are we hearing the spoken word we actively participate by affirmation of the text whether it is Biblical or poetry or essay readings. The great commission of the church is to teach and spread the good news. Denominational churches offer any number of literary guides to membership and spiritual maturity. Growing the church comes from the spirit and attitude of abundance; even if it is evangelism. Our mission where righteousness is put forth certainly includes being right minded and having a spirit of hope toward our neighbors.

The 7 Commandments of Credit Card Interest » Credit Card Help Topics

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:33:00 +0000

The 7 Commandments of Credit Card Interest » Credit Card Help Topics

Truly amazing how money affects personal life. Although money is not happiness, sometimes that money helps life to have a happier outcome and less risky day to day finance. Likewise wealth can create violence in a person's life. Jealousy is the number one contributor to violence. I can't possibly fathom there is another reason that constitute basic violence. The action comes from a thought; moral or economic! We must truly generate tolerance for other people. Sometime that is a risk. Do you understand the principle 'what you see is (probably not) what you get.

reference: Freeman, Harrine WYSI (PN) WYG principle

Harrison, AR, Attracts Non-Violence Summit; Diversity Still a Struggle

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Harrison, AR, Attracts Non-Violence Summit; Diversity Still a Struggle

The Martin Luther King Jr Commission is doing a good thing by talking about non-violence. I truly believe it is helpful to be tolerant. We helped to integrate the public schools in Fort Smith, Arkansas; my station was Darby Junior High. We came from Lincoln High School and to this day my school records reflect that. The integration legislation is invasive in the southwest region, with Arkansas trying to settle in 2011--Dallas, TX tried to settle in 2003--Oklahoma is especially struck economic wise with school closings.

Sometimes those feelings of discrimination return. Diversity is known to be part and parcel in this world but discrimination co-exists, it is even around me personally at this stage in my life. Children suffer the most from violence. That is probably because they can't defend themselves. Social science says discrimination leads the way to the act!

What lessons teach us to discover more fruitful ways to learn to associate with people without so much of a stone in our eye? Even though familiar smirks all too often show up, it is my belief they are limited. So be constructive and show your best networking skill when that does happen so that you too can share the dream!

references: Times Record -Fort Smith, AR, Dallas Mornings News, A Latimer Tulsa Public Library

Diacona Ministry: Kyria magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:52:00 +0000

http://christianitytoday.imirus.com/Mpowered/imirus.jsp?volume=kyria11&issue=6&page=10Diacona Ministry: Kyria magazine

Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:53:00 +0000

Violence is something that is hard to deal with. One thing in particular stands out and that is poor traits. I don't mean monetary gain and a house on the top of the hill. I mean spiritual character. Where one person thinks another person has some dignity about themselves and to leave them their space. We know from culture that we give each other so much space to accept each others presence. Sometime people cross these boundaries without regard for others humanity. We can be spiritually transformed and ignore that behavior, or we can take action to minmize that behavior in our lives. Tolerance comes with the environment we are in which still holds us responsible to at least try to do better!

Involving Men in Efforts to End Violence Against Women
http://www.xyonline.net/content/involving-men-efforts-end-violence-against-women-journal-article

Monica A Coleman

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Monica A Coleman

The Dinah Project is a project based on hope for those who have been the victims of violence, sexual included. There is a wealth of data here and Violence Against Women month is soon to come..

Bishop

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:31:00 +0000

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has

recently opened a position for a woman bishop.

Much success to our zion and leaders.

The episcopal districts in Africa also have a

new bishop from among their zions. We live in hope.

"I have it all planned out - plans to take care

of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the

future you hoped for.

(Jeremiah 29:11 the Message Bible.

Afracentric Spirituality

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Sunday school lesson eight teaches us about the Nazarite vow and its preparation. The hair in particular should never be cut. The 21st century school often quotes these verses as valid grooming rationale. Some people actually prefer their hair natural while others option toward maintenance. Samson's mother fulfilled her role in preparation of her son's mission to judge. Womanist in her relationship with her husband she most certainly filled a role in salvation history.

1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When either men or women make a special vow, the vow of a nazirite, F15 to separate themselves to the Lord, 3 they shall separate themselves from wine and strong drink; they shall drink no wine vinegar or other vinegar, and shall not drink any grape juice or eat grapes, fresh or dried. 4 All their days as nazirites F16 they shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins. 5 All the days of their nazirite vow no razor shall come upon the head; until the time is completed for which they separate themselves to the Lord, they shall be holy; they shall let the locks of the head grow long. 6 All the days that they separate themselves to the Lord they shall not go near a corpse. 7 Even if their father or mother, brother or sister, should die, they may not defile themselves; because their consecration to God is upon the head. 8 All their days as nazirites F17 they are holy to the Lord. 9 If someone dies very suddenly nearby, defiling the consecrated head, then they shall shave the head on the day of their cleansing; on the seventh day they shall shave it. 10 On the eighth day they shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting, 11 and the priest shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, and make atonement for them, because they incurred guilt by reason of the corpse. They shall sanctify the head that same day, 12 and separate themselves to the Lord for their days as nazirites, F18 and bring a male lamb a year old as a guilt offering. The former time shall be void, because the consecrated head was defiled. 13 This is the law for the nazirites when the time of their consecration has been completed: they shall be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting, 14 and they shall offer their gift to the Lord, one male lamb a year old without blemish as a burnt offering, one ewe lamb a year old without blemish as a sin offering, one ram without blemish as an offering of well-being, 15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of choice flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers spread with oil, with their grain offering and their drink offerings. 16 The priest shall present them before the Lord and offer their sin offering and burnt offering, 17 and shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of well-being to the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest also shall make the accompanying grain offering and drink offering. 18 Then the nazirites F20 shall shave the consecrated head at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair from the consecrated head and put it on the fire under the sacrifice of well-being. 19 The priest shall take the shoulder of the ram, when it is boiled, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them in the palms of the nazirites, F21 after they have shaved the consecrated head. 20 Then the priest shall elevate them as an elevation offering before the Lord; they are a holy portion for the priest, together with the breast that is elevated and the thigh that is offered. After that the nazirites F22 may drink wine. 21 This is the law for the nazirites F23 who take a vow. Their offering to the Lord must be in accordance with the nazirite F24 vow, apart from what else they can afford. In accordance with whatever vow they take, so they shall do, following the law for their consecration.

"Blessing"

The Lord Bless you and keep you

The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

from the bible crosswalk

Ephphatha Book Companion

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Diacona Ministry: Ephphatha Book Companionhttp://www.google.com/books?hl=en&uid=10669873962227597567

Zipporah! Cushite Wife of Moses "Ephphatha Book Companion"

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:04:00 +0000

Daughter's of Dignity:
Zipporah narrative:

Moses rescues Zipporah and her sisters from a group of harassing shepherds. Reuel, her fathe gives Zipporah to Moses in marriage. The have a son Gershom and another Eliezer Exod. 2.16-22. Moses is under some type of spell where he is about to die and Zipporah saves him by circumcising her son Gershom. Later they are reunited in the wilderness.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright writes in "Africans Who Shaped Our Faith" emphasiizes Zipporah's role as the daughter of a priest and the wife of a preacher. Wright ascribes to her a spiritual wisdom and attentiveness to ritual and tradition that forms the foundation for her immediate response to Moses' attack by God. He paints a picture of a woman who is wise beyond her years, using the African rituals of her father to save the life of her husband. Thus McCain Gill supports Zipporah's role in salvation history. (Daughter's of Dignity, Laverne McCain Gill).
Elevated womanist status comes from domestic enterprise where they are the authority and decision making is done around the campfire in close proximity to the home site in rural areas or villages.

Moses was born a Herew slave and thrown into the water and rescued by a Egyptian princess. Later in life he kills a Egyptian task master and flees into the Midianite territory. These people were herders of Hamitic descent said to be descendants of Keturah and Abraham.

Women seem to have experience, prestige and self esteem. This status would gradually decline within a state sponsored system or centralized rule making authority; that did not value self expression.

Moses responds to God's call to be deliverer of his people. The circumsion rite is perfomed and they share a covenant with God. This text may be paralled with the blood rite of Moses in Exodus 24.3-8 and Zipporah's priestly circumsion Exodus 4.24-26
The sole exercise of POWER derives from a rite of passage; where the pattern is separation, threshold, and reintergration. Likely known as puberty rites, bith rites, martial rites and or life cycles across cultures.

Contrast this form to making prophetic proclamations on matters of public interest or direct participation in public affairs.

Described further as a social drama where there is a breach, crsis, redressive action, reconcilation or schism all processed as temporal regulation.

The woman has changed in this rite to one who makes ritual through her marginal character. Womanist priest has adopted the law from her father.

Certainly we are called and summoned by God to Awake and
help reveal sacred knowledge.

reading guide: Ackerman, Susan WHY IS MIRIAM ALSO AMONG THE PROPHETS? (AND IS ZIPPORAH AMONG THE PRIESTS?).Journal of Biblical Literature, Spring2002, Vol. 121 Issue 1, p47, 34p;

view link to purchase from online gallery...at dianes art online gallery

Sarah

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:26:00 +0000

My princess or Sarai: the name originally meaning of the name Sarah (Genesis 11:31; 17:15). Easton’s Bible Dictionary

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE; Sarah must have expectations to her role in life. She must have contemplated that before her marriage and what her marriage would mean to her.
Comment: Sarai changed to Sarah and Abram to Abraham when the ceremony of circumcision with God; a covenant to them and their marriage; where she was to bare the child of inheritance.

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE: Prophecy to be the mother of nations.
Sarah
Princess, the wife and at the same time the half sister of Abraham (Genesis 11:29’ 20:12). This name was given to her at the time that it was announced to Abraham that she should be the mother of the promised child. Her story is from her marriage identified with that of the patriarch till the time of her death. Her death, at the age of one hundred and twenty-seven years (the only instance in Scripture where the age of a woman is recorded), was the occasion of Abraham’s purchasing the cave of Machpelah as a family burying-place.

In the allegory of Galatians 4:22-31 she is the type of the “Jerusalem which is above.” She is also mentioned as Sara in Hebrews 11:11 among the Old Testament worthies, who “all died in faith.” (See ABRAHAM) Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Princess: She is referred to in the New Testament as a type of conjugal obedience in I Peter 3:6. Sarah the daughter of Asher Numbers 26:46 Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Allegory

Gill Laverne McCain, “The Story of Hagar: God’s Blueprint for Justice,” in Daughter’s of Dignity Women in the Bible and the Virtues of Black Womanhood, (Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 2000) 10-25.
Gill Laverne McCain, “Reflecting on Hagar,” in Daughter’s of Dignity Women in the Bible and the Womanhood Virtues of Black Womanhood, (Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 2000) 26-28.

Customary Law
Sarah as principal wife of Abraham

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE
Code of Hammurabi Section 146

If a man take a wife and she give this man a maid-servant as wife and she bear him children, and then this maid assume equality with the wife: because she has borne him children her master shall not sell her for money, but he may keep her as a slave, reckoning her among the maid-servants.

Abraham’s Dispute with Abimelech

Key terms: Beer-Sheba “well of the oath,” Abimelech guaranteed Abraham’s loyalty by an oath shown in verse 31 chapter 21; the story begins at Genesis Chapter 20. Abraham and Sarah were in Gerar and the story is parallels that of Genesis chapter 12.10-20 and comparison are 26.6-11. This is an ethical problem. Abraham’s role is that of an intercessory prophet.

Beer-Sheba “Well of seven”: Genesis 21 verses 25-26 and 28-30, a dispute over a well

Abraham is promised a son

Genesis chapter 15.7-21: God makes a covenant with Abraham. This is the covenant of circumcision. Likewise it is known as the early tradition of Jewish literature that is part of the received text of Genesis. Abraham had a vision and heard the word of the LORD. Abraham told of his concern that he was childless and had been given no offspring. The heir of his house was Elie’zer (slave)
WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE: Sarah as the principal wife of Abraham….

Twelve Tribes of Israel

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Jacob and twelve sons and their mothers…

REUBEN: Genesis 29.32(See a son) the firstborn son of Jacob born by Leah... Jacob's blessing Gen 49.3(unstable as water) Judges 5.15... Deborah "By the streams of Reuben"

SIMEON: Genesis 29.33 (the LORD has heard) the second son of Jacob borne by Leah... Jacob's blessing Gen 49.5-7 "weapons of violence are their swords'...

LEVI: (this time my husband will be joined unto me) Genesis 29.34 the third son of Jacob born by Leah... Jacob's blessing was the same "weapons of violence are their swords" becomes a priestly class...

JUDAH: Genesis 29.35 (this time I will praise the LORD) Jacob's blessing "your brother's shall praise you"

DAN: Genesis 30.6 the fifth son of Jacob borne by Billah the maidservant of Rachel... (He is judged... God has judged me and also heard my voice) Jacob's blessing "Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel"

NAPHTALI: Genesis 30.8 (struggle and wrestle with) the sixth son of Jacob borne by Billah as wife to Jacob from Rachel... (Mighty wrestling’s I have wrestled with my sister) Jacob's blessing "a hind let loose; idea of freedom, agility, and vitality; one who gives beautiful words)...

GAD: Genesis 30.11(a band of good fortune) the seventh son of Jacob borne by Zilpah the wife to Jacob from Leah...Jacob's blessing "Raider's shall be a troop against him; bravery in repelling the enemy"...

ASHER: Genesis 30.12-13 (happy and happiness I am) the eighth son of Jacob borne by Zilpah the wife of Jacob given by Leah... Jacob's blessing "the food shall be rich and he shall yield royal dainties"....

ISSACHAR: Genesis 30.18 (God has given me my hire) the ninth son born to Jacob by Leah....Jacob's blessing “the mandrakes a potato like plant was thought to stimulate conception; he was to receive the covenant"...

ZEBULUN: (dwelling; habitation) the tenth son of Jacob born by Leah who says 'now my husband will honor me, God has endowed me with a good dowry'....Jacob's blessing "shall dwell at the shore of the sea and shall become a haven for ships; his border will be at Sidon"...

DINAH: a daughter was born to Jacob next...

JOSEPH: Genesis 30.23 born to Rachel and Jacob the eleventh son... (Increaser; God hath taken away my reproach; May the LORD add to me another son) Jacob's blessing was preeminent for "he was the fruitful bough by a spring, his arms made agile by the Mighty One of Jacob; with the blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep, blessings of the breasts and of the womb, receive the ancestral blessing, may they be on his head the one who was separate from his brothers"...

BENJAMIN: Genesis 35.18 last son born to Jacob and the mother was Rachel in childbirth death came, her last breath 'son of my pain' (son of the right hand) Abraham changed his name to Benjamin 'son of the south'... Jacob's blessing to the tribe of the Benjamites "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey, and at even dividing the spoil.

These are the twelve tribes of Israel....
Jacob Wrestles with an Angel
Genesis 32.22-32
Jacob was renamed Israel (Israel means “wrestles (or strives) with God”.

Rachel

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Jacob meets Rachel.
Genesis 29.6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well; and see, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep!”
This verse details the first appearance of Rachel to Jacob and the “fall in love at first sight” notion toward their relationship.
Genesis 29.9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep; for she kept them.
Rachel worked by keeping the sheep, she was required to work, or she wanted to keep the sheep, Laban the son of Nahor felt it was all right and safe for his daughter to do this.
Genesis 29.11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and wept aloud.
Rachel must have been overwhelmed with not knowing who Jacob was; this man had kissed her in public. Jacob had wept aloud (moaning and muttering maybe) and she is the center of attention while the herdsmen stand there looking on.
Genesis 29.12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father.
Rachel probably couldn’t believe what she was hearing, however it must be true. This man Jacob was her father’s kinsman. Jacob’s mother was Laban’s sister Rebekah. Likely that Laban has told Rebekah and his other children that his sister’s name was Rebekah. There was even a real possibility that Laban knew who Jacob was from family and friends traveling passing this information along to each other’s family.
Genesis 29.17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful and lovely.
Leah was of a common beauty it is assumed and Rachel was full of beauty and lovely to look at. Rachel was probably accustomed to being stared at because of her good appearance. Leah was not second to Rachel for she was the older daughter. Rachel must have respected Leah and looked to her for guidance on some things. They had the bond of being sister’s that must have fostered some type of mutual relationship. They probably shared girl talk; even spoke to each other about marriage and how to prepare and how they would remain family.
Genesis 29.30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.
Rachel became officially married to Jacob and she knew him sexually and consummated her marriage. Rachel also had a covenant with her father Laban through Jacob, where he was contracted to work seven years for her also, because Leah also married Jacob; so the previous seven years had gone to Leah’s dowry. Although Leah was the first wife, Rachel remained a principal wife to Jacob. This time in life Rachel had become to know adult responsibility and was a woman responsible for her share of the home. Rachel was under the protection of Jacob also now.
Genesis 29.31 When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.
Leah wasn’t Jacob’s favorite wife and the LORD God Almighty saw fit to give her the fruit of the womb and not Rachel. Leah enduring her pregnancy and withstanding the birth of their child; Jacob was required to be affectionate toward her. Rachel was a witness to Jacob showering attention onto his wife and new child. These actions only made Rachel want to bear children like her sister wife. Rachel was left to learn the significance of the birthright in the family. The lesson she learned most of all that family is important and getting along did matter. Apparently Leah could do something better than her sister wife that Jacob loved so well. Rachel must have been jealous, however not jealous enough to harm Leah or discredit her in any way.
Genesis 30.1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister; and she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” Rachel’s Character
Rachel is completely distraught that she has no children. Leah was happy and Rachel wanted to be just as happy, yet that was impossible to Rachel without children. The words she spoke to Jacob assumed that he had control of the life giving anointing. Rachel is probably depressed that she can’t share in community with a child for Jacob.
Genesis 30.2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Jacob hoped to get understanding from Rachel, however she was obsessed with childbirth. Jacob informed Rachel in no uncertain terms that their heavenly father was the reason she was childless. How did she expect him to change places with the heavenly father. Surely, Rachel needed prayer and would she ask the LORD God Jehovah to sustain her.
Later Rachel ask Leah for mandrakes, an aphrodisiac, which Ruben had found in the field. Whether it was used for food, drug or potion of sexual arousal later becomes clear. Leah’s price for her mandrakes is a night with Jacob as man and wife. Leah becomes pregnant and receives a new son portion when she sleeps with Jacob.

Tamar

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:06:00 +0000

Revised Standard Version commentary: on Judah and Tamar.
Theology or God how deal's with a woman's part in the LORD's promise that Abraham will have a great prosperity.

The marriage with Shuah's daughter reflects territorial expansion of the tribe of Judah and the consequent intermarriage with Canaanites. Shua was the mother of Er Onan and Shelah. The woman experience here is marriage and acceptance of the LORD's religion and moving away never to return to a cult worship. However her autobiography is scant and not known except her father accepted Judah as her husband. The previous worship they performed must have lead them to the new life in the Mosaic Law.
The early and childless death of Er is attributed to a divine act, almost demonic in character. Remember that the LORD God is the provider against all demonic force, whome we call Satan. Then jealousy and other things considered into the mix that lead to suspicion of poison and so on. The woman's religious experience here is being childless, a widow, accepting the Israelite religion unto death and having come from a background that worshipped Ishtar.

Mosiac Law that is called Levirate marriage (Dt. 25.5-10), the duty of a brother-in-law was to raise up a male descendant for his deceased brother and thus perpetuate his name and inheritance. Remember, the refusal of Onan to put his sperm in Tamar was refusing the levriate obligation. This is customary law in African culture also. Once again Tamar becomes a widow under circumstances that people become suspicious of her behavior whether she is virtuous or a troublemaker.

Judah feared the death of his two son's resulted from Tamar's sinister power.

Suspecting that Judah's promise (v. 11) was insincere,
Tamar took steps to make him perform the levirate duty. Tamar was taken to be a cult prostitute (v. 21), a devotee of the mother-goddess Ishtar. Prostitution was connected with the worship of the nature gods of fertility (Dt. 23.18; IKg. 14.24; 2 Kg. 23.7; Hos. 4.13; Am. 2.7). The signet was a ring or cyclinder, used to stamp one's signature. In Israel stoning was the usual punishment for a harlot (Dt. 22.23-24; compare Jn. 8.5), although burning was prescribed for exceptional cases (Lev. 21.9). So you see Judah thought all along that Tamar was exceptional.

Tamar takes on a virtue of necessity, making the most of a difficult situation. We now understand that Shelah is grown and to Tamar that is unsatisfactory to her that she be left in her father's house. Tamar is determined to go along with the levirate customs. Tamar here is conforming to the moral principles of Judah's clan. The introduction from her father made this a binding pledge that she must carry out throughout her life.

Theology of God dealing with Tamar, how she is singled out for approval, for judged by the levirate obligation, she was more righteous (see 6.9) than Judah. Tamar's morality toward Judah is seen as righteousness. Tamar is the weak link in this family circle and yet she preserves to become the the legitimate authority. Tamar has been annointed with the virtue of an order of angels.

The birth of the twins (25.21-26) portrays the rivalry of Perez and Zerah, two clans of Judah (Num.26.19-22) who were partially Canaanite, Perez, the first born, was an ancestor of David (Ru. 4.18-22). Above all Tamar's natural virtue of fortitude has attained a womanly status, a virtue of goodness. Tamar is aware of justice, temperance, prudence, and fortitude the natural virtues assimilating them to acieve her goals. Her charm will bring the power and potent force of the savior Jesus Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Examine Your Vote Carefully
Group Study Guide

Christian Principles in an Election Year

Your church, your communion, and the National Council of Churches USA do not endorse any political party or any candidate.
Be that as it may, our Christian faith compels us to address the world through the lens of our relationship to God and to one another. Public discourse is enhanced as we engage civic leaders on the values and ethics affirmed by our faith. At the same time, religious liberty and the integrity of our democracy will be protected as candidates refrain from using faith-based organizations and institutions for partisan gain. We offer these 10 principles to those seeking to accept the responsibility that comes with holding public office.

1. War is contrary to the will of God. While the use of violent force may, at times, be a necessity of last resort, Christ pronounces his blessing on the peacemakers. We look for political leaders who will make peace with justice a top priority and who will actively seek nonviolent solutions to conflict.

2. God calls us to live in communities shaped by peace and cooperation. We reject policies that abandon large segments of our inner city and rural populations to hopelessness. We look for political leaders who will re-build our communities and bring an end to the cycles of violence and killing.

3. God created us for each other, and thus our security depends on the well being of our global neighbors. We look for political leaders for whom a foreign policy based on cooperation and global justice is an urgent concern.

4. God calls us to be advocates for those who are most vulnerable in our society. We look for political leaders who yearn for economic justice and who will seek to reduce the growing disparity between rich and poor.

5. Each human being is created in the image of God and is of infinite worth. We look for political leaders who actively promote racial justice and equal opportunity for everyone.

6. The earth belongs to God and is intrinsically good. We look for political leaders who recognize the earth's goodness, champion environmental justice, and uphold our responsibility to be stewards of God’s creation.

7. Christians have a biblical mandate to welcome strangers. We look for political leaders who will pursue fair immigration policies and speak out against xenophobia.

8. Those who follow Christ are called to heal the sick. We look for political leaders who will support adequate, affordable and accessible health care for all.

9. Because of the transforming power of God’s grace, all humans are called to be in right relationship with each other. We look for political leaders who seek a restorative, not retributive, approach to the criminal justice system and the individuals within it.

10. Providing enriched learning environments for all of God’s children is a moral imperative. We look for political leaders who advocate for equal educational opportunity and abundant funding for children’s services.

Finally, our religious tradition admonishes us not to bear false witness against our neighbor and to love our enemies. We ask that the campaigns of political candidates and the coverage of the media in this election season be conducted according to principles of fairness, honesty and integrity.

These principles were developed buy the National Council of Churches USA’s Justice and Advocacy Commission and approved by the NCC’s Executive Committee.

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For more information, visit www.ncccusa.org, or write the National Council of Churches USA, Attn: Justice and Advocacy Commission, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, DC 20002, 202-544-2350.

Group Study Guide

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Jazz Cafe at Gospel Impact Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:14:00 +0000

Psalm 139.3 Though searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with
all my ways.
This is your omnipotent savior and redeemer brought to you in the form of His
gracious salvation.

Psalm 32.8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel
you with my eye upon you

We need to know the spirit in our lives. Yes there is a creator. Have you
discovered your heavenly father? Religion is something that most people in the world
participate in. The three major world religions are Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.

Proverbs 2.3-5 Making your ear attentive to wisdom

Listen and read the bible daily. Wisdom calls out and will be heard. What we must realize is that only those asking to hear will be able to listen. How do we contact the holy of holies? We take our time and go to the father in prayer.

Does God have a plan for our lives?

What should I do to find out what God has planned for me?

I John 5.15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have
obtained the requests made of him.

What are we doing about material culture. Do we need a new car? All the while
knowing that we are barely making payments on the used car that we now have.
Which works perfectly well. God does have a plan for us, to live an abundant and fruitful life within his glorious domain; following his plan of righteousness. Seek God and the way will be found, where you become acquainted and know peace.

Jeremiah 29.11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare
and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God's will for each of our lives. That is the good news. To be involved and part of our soul salvation. Not to be apart from the heavenly father. Man broke the law and we received the precious communion of His only Son our savior Jesus Christ; so that we may live and come to know loving kindness and righteousness.

That one true being is the LORD, God almighty. The greatest virtue of all is love. Learn to love and you have began to know and understand the meaning of his presence. Love is kind, patient and forgiving of others we disdain. Love your enemy, for when you do acceptance and tolerance begins within your soul. We can dislike a person and still recognize that they are apart from our spiritual reality. The responsiblity we have is to show the way to redemption.

Coming to America.....

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:16:00 +0000

Obama's grandmother is watching the primaries also from Kogelo, Kenya. She is second principle wife of Obama's grandfather who became and took the muslim name Hussein. Obama and his grandmother have translators when they talk. That is great she being 86years old and keeping track of the election.
There will be a primary in Wyoming Saturday March 08, wellspring to Obama and hope to Clinton has been the say so of voters here in this United States. John McCain will lead the Republican party to another term of war in Iraq. So it seems that bringing a military base to Iraq is somehow easier than a war. I didn't care for the war, however I felt it must be necessary. Now, I want the leadership to get us out of Iraq befor the economic's begin to destroy our country.
Prayer: Lift holy hands in the name of LORD and savior Jesus Christ. God we ask that we make good decisions in times of need and make better choices for the benefit of all. Protect our leaders and show them in the ways of righteousness; where justice leads to caring for our neighbors as a priority and right relationship with the creator and humanity. Amen!

Black Women in America!

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:20:00 +0000

The African American woman is challenged to make great relatinship decisions. The pool of suitable males in her own race is dwindling or near non existent unless she accepts something. Ritual of Understanding comes into play when we become determined to engage in relationship's that may lead to a family. Intellectual compaionship is an assets that a partner is expected to possess. Have you ever been in contact with a learned man? Such a person whom you speak with that engages you in conversation and awareness that your togetherness is special. Must this type of person be a docotr of medicine or of the arts and sciences? Which idea is compulsive imagination or necessity? Then there comes the rennaisance man, the ideal Africanist who is willing and able to provide and teach his children the meaning of community. There are these guys out there, we just have to find them. What that means is to be happy in our relations we need to be actively promoting love and peace. Tolerance is the key word in relationship's, where another is accepted for who and what they are. I'm not saying that we must accept faults blindly; we must improve what we want to be better. Likewise we are not a doormat, we are sensitive individuals who care to bond in the heavenly places.
Sometime's we feel doubt within ourselves as to whether or not we are capable of sustaining a relationship. We do need to reflect and remember that Eve came to Adam so that he need not be alone. So stress less on the idea of self and more on the ideal of harmony in marriage and there is the victory. Feel justified in career life and family as a economic reality inside the 21st century school. What experience has taught us is that creating families and sustaining them no matter what is the right thing to do. Similarly others are happier than this group or that crowd. What we need to focus on is that each of us is speacial and when we do our part, this will change the statistic of the one parent family. When children don't notice there are two parent families very much, then the status quo is placed on a very limited bell curve. The US population is not about to become a polygny portal any way soon. Case studies abound where women need to stop sharing that man and respect themself and their child and find happiness with someone who is more mature. I really believe that persona is a greedy person that can not settle for himself one way or another. Be justified in the realization that his capability is limited, do not make yourself limited to possibilities. That type of Black male has done nothing less than perpetuate institutional discrimination against his sister companion.
Nightly News Special Report: Redefining Black Families

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noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:57:00 +0000

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Ephphatha Book Companion

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Literary Society
What comes to mind when you think of a literary society? The link for this section will show the Male and Female Literary Society established around 1837 after schools were opened for African American children in Philadelphia. What I would like is for your eyes to be opened [ephphatha] along with mine while we study black thought and culture as a primary focus. However, I read classic literature and I am open to discussion of other topis as well. I'm not under the mistake that the other people of color don't discuss multicultural literature.
MyLibrary
I've opened a library with google and a reader that features the Sankofa Literary Society. The goal is to network and bring literarcy to the forefront of our study. The book I'm currently reviewing is Daughter's of Dignity Women in the Bible and the virtues of Black Womanhood by Laverne McCain Gill.
Challenge
I challenge you to engage in the future for yourself and your generations to follow. Genealogy is a popular subject and one day our letters will probably appear somewhere in a database with the topic of popular culture 21st century school.
Our daily bible study today is I Chronicles 15:1-3, 11-15 Old Testament.
The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem
David assemble all Israel at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD. The Levite priests are requested to be the only ones to minister to the LORD and carry the ark. However the is no mention of the Levites in the ecclesia of David in II Samuel chapter 6. One thing for certain is that we know the primary goal is to worship the LORD God Almighty creator of heaven and earth. He then proceeds to give a roll call of the headmen in the village. The request now is to sanctify themselves before the ceremony of the ark. They were being sept apart for a sacred ritual. Being in the consecarted area one needed purity of heart and mind. That is what we will be achieving by the ephphatha mantra. Constant study and quest for righteous knowledge and how to apply to our daily life. This is a sacred vow to be involved in the Christian renewal. Achievment is the only spirit in this capitalist society. Ephphatha mantra request that we be open and adhere to the spirit of love and peace. That way we give off joy and hope from our spiritual aura. Morally sanctioned by the law of man and GOD we need not be ignorant of our potential. Let us encourage ourselve. Let us be in touch with our spirit.
"Male and Female Literary Societies"

Bush's African Visit!

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:37:00 +0000

President Bush pledges one million schoolbooks for Liberian children. The Partners in Education program was witnessed by first lady Laura Bush. Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf welcomed Bush into the capital city Monrovia. The United States has made an effort to revitalize Liberia's economy. This exceptional educational effort will bring forth fuits for tomorrow. Bush's efforts are applauded to engage not only in a military economy; also a econmic venture for the people.
The CME Church has a mission in Liberia. I lost contact with the church in Monrovia at the beginning of the war threat.
Let us lift holy hands in prayer to recognize good deeds are coming our way in life. Let us pray for a president who has been burdened with a terror war. Now experience wellness in breaking the old african colonization ties of slavery to equal opportunity. Gone from us should be the thought that only one group is welcome in the opportunity of democracy. Gone from us is the notion that slavery be a bargaining chip to restore a union full of pain and sorrow off of another man's labor. Pray away the myth that Africa is inferior.
Ephphatha {Be Opened} to the will of our LORD AND Savior Jesus Christ. Bring us into the healing power of Christ, Amen!

Blessedness as an Affirmation of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:34:00 +0000

Hearing the Word

Jacob had become a old man and felt his lifespan was near finished. The principal wife loved of him Rachel; was deceased. That wounded relationship experienced another tear; when Joseph became entangled with his brothers and was removed to Egypt. The channel of slaverly brought Joseph to his purpose in restoring the harvest in part. He likewise will be blessed by his father Jacob and the gentile thought that someone other than a descendant of Abraham's flesh will be given coveant. The faith is established as a legacy through generations in accord with customary law. The ritual observances are today even built around our faith in the word of God and our reponse in prayer. We are missionaries, here to spread the word in truth, deed, hope, faith, and preservance. When Jacob blesses Joseph's sons he switch's the elder to the younger, and announces that they will both be a great nation. Again here we witness creation of faith being spread to other communities beside that of father Abraham. The "hand of blessing" becomes known as a wondrous grace, not because of the way it is always gone. We must focus and reconcile the fact that our blessing is an invocation of the divine persona manifested in his ever present being to man and his domain.

Question: Does our culture have enough respect for the power and importance of words to find any real meaning in "words of blessing"? Does our church?

Suffering Caused by Injustice

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:26:00 +0000

CME Church

23rd Sunday after Pentecost Eleventh Sunday of Kingdomtide 04 Nov 2007 Year C Green
I Thessalonians 1.1-4
Salutation
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ!
Thanksgiving
That is, we are inseparably formed and created by God Almighty. Connected with and by our risen savior Jesus Christ, the quickening spirit, in this journey of life. Our devotional prayer life gives thanks to God always. The attachment becomes complete when we continue growing in faith where persecution is nearby. There is a time, where we recognize our moral obligation to the neighbor seeking justice. Our destiny is to realize that only right relations with the needy; and the continuing resolution of poverty and injustice is a boundary of the heavens.
The Judgment of God
Certain death is separation from Christ. Let us be sure that we hold steadfast to our faith. Remember, God is the all in all! Sure and endless ruin in separation from Christ is an eternal destruction. Not injustice or gone away, just forgotten. Let us be sure that we do not miss the mark. Will you let your spiritual life lead you to pray for your community?

Prayer Request:
Show some conservative ecology to the environment soon, use environmental friendly sources of energy, such as windmill electricity.

Humility does Censure Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Isha M Covin) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:11:00 +0000

Imani {Faith} as the Principle of Love

Attitude is a social emotion that we live by when going about daily tasks. Sometimes life experience dictate that we interact to give certain impressions of how we want to be known among our peers. However, what people observe most often are our critique on what went on in the office, at church, home or in the neighborhood. What we fail to recognize is that this affect has quite a bit to do with our well being and sense of wholeness. Do you have enough attitude to say I don't like that or I don't think that's right and try to do something about it?

You know we have a basic need to be accepted and loved. Just because something does not go your way, doesn't mean that you're not deserving of devotion. Honorarium and happiness are paradox in communal association. When we seek approval, of course there is always a if situation. Righteousness toward other's does reduce the risk we must take when we give out of love. You know it might be a good idea to seek out those opportunities to give and share outside of our comfort zone.

What is necessary to recieve the blessing? Give charitably might be one answer. Likewise we need take personal reflection and ponder why outcomes changed situations. Was our intention in community boastful or simply to enjoy the bounty given by God's grace. Perhaps the host would change our guest list when the invite was not accepted without excuse. Simply because others demanor and perception was of no value to their status. Our actions show that we are not worthy and need guidance, assurance and teaching to be able to share God's kingdom.

Pray: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

nationalchurchushers.org