text:
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy. (1-8) Ishmael mocks Isaac. (9-13) Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel. (14-21) Abimelech's covenant with Abraham. (22-34)
Verses 1-8 Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, that Seed which the holy God so long promised, and holy men so long expected. He was born according to the promise, at the set time of which God had spoken. God's promised mercies will certainly come at the time which He sets, and that is the best time. Isaac means "laughter," and there was good reason for the name, ch. ( 17:17 , 18:13 ) . When the Sun of comfort is risen upon the soul, it is good to remember how welcome the dawning of the day was. When Sarah received the promise, she laughed with distrust and doubt. When God gives us the mercies we began to despair of, we ought to remember with sorrow and shame our sinful distrust of his power and promise, when we were in pursuit of them. This mercy filled Sarah with joy and wonder. God's favours to his covenant people are such as surpass their own and others' thoughts and expectations: who could imagine that he should do so much for those that deserve so little, nay, for those that deserve so ill? Who would have said that God should send his Son to die for us, his Spirit to make us holy, his angels to attend us? Who would have said that such great sins should be pardoned, such mean services accepted, and such worthless worms taken into covenant? A short account of Isaac's infancy is given. God's blessing upon the nursing of children, and the preservation of them through the perils of the infant age, are to be acknowledged as signal instances of the care and tenderness of the Divine providence. See Ps. 22:9, Ps. 22:10 ; Ho. 11:1, Ho. 11:2 .
Verses 9-13 Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do in their play; and will reckon with them, if they say or do amiss, though their parents do not. Mocking is a great sin, and very provoking to God. And the children of promise must expect to be mocked. Abraham was grieved that Ishmael should misbehave, and Sarah demand so severe a punishment. But God showed him that Isaac must be the father of the promised Seed; therefore, send Ishmael away, lest he corrupt the manners, or try to take the rights of Isaac. The covenant seed of Abraham must be a people by themselves, not mingled with those who were out of covenant: Sarah little thought of this; but God turned aright what she said.
Verses 14-21 If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraham sent them away without money. But the water was spent; and having lost their way, in that hot climate Ishmael was soon overcome with fatigue and thirst. God's readiness to help us when we are in trouble, must not slacken, but quicken our endeavours to help ourselves. The promise concerning her son is repeated, as a reason why Hagar should bestir herself to help him. It should engage our care and pains about children and young people, to consider that we know not what great use God has designed them for, and may make of them. The angel directs her to a present supply. Many who have reason to be comforted, go mourning from day to day, because they do not see the reason they have for comfort. There is a well of water near them in the covenant of grace, but they are not aware of it, till the same God that opened their eyes to see their wound, opens them to see their remedy. Paran was a wild place, fit for a wild man; such as Ishmael. Those who are born after the flesh, take up with the wilderness of this world, while the children of the promise aim at the heavenly Canaan, and cannot be at rest till they are there. Yet God was with the lad; his outward welfare was owing to this.
Verses 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah.
Genesis 21:1-13 . BIRTH OF ISAAC.
1. the Lord visited Sarah--The language of the historian seems designedly chosen to magnify the power of God as well as His faithfulness to His promise. It was God's grace that brought about that event, as well as the raising of spiritual children to Abraham, of which the birth of this son was typical [CALVIN].
3, 4. Abraham called the name of his son . . . Isaac . . . and circumcised--God was acknowledged in the name which, by divine command, was given for a memorial (compare Genesis 17:19 ), and also in the dedication of the child by administering the seal of the covenant (compare Genesis 17:10-12 ).
8. the child grew, and was weaned--children are suckled longer in the East than in the Occident--boys usually for two or three years.
Abraham made a great feast, &c.--In Eastern countries this is always a season of domestic festivity, and the newly weaned child is formally brought, in presence of the assembled relatives and friends, to partake of some simple viands. Isaac, attired in the symbolic robe, the badge of birthright, was then admitted heir of the tribe [ROSENMULLER].
9. Sarah saw the son of Hagar . . . mocking--Ishmael was aware of the great change in his prospects, and under the impulse of irritated or resentful feelings, in which he was probably joined by his mother, treated the young heir with derision and probably some violence ( Galatians 4:29 ).
10. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman--Nothing but the expulsion of both could now preserve harmony in the household. Abraham's perplexity was relieved by an announcement of the divine will, which in everything, however painful to flesh and blood, all who fear God and are walking in His ways will, like him, promptly obey. This story, as the apostle tells us, in "an allegory" [ Galatians 4:24 ], and the "persecution" by the son of the Egyptian was the commencement of the four hundred years' affliction of Abraham's seed by the Egyptians.
12. in all that Sarah hath said--it is called the Scripture ( Galatians 4:30 ).
13. also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation--Thus Providence overruled a family brawl to give rise to two great and extraordinary peoples.
Genesis 21:14-21 . EXPULSION OF ISHMAEL.
14. Abraham rose up early, &c.--early, that the wanderers might reach an asylum before noon. Bread includes all sorts of victuals--bottle, a leathern vessel, formed of the entire skin of a lamb or kid sewed up, with the legs for handles, usually carried over the shoulder. Ishmael was a lad of seventeen years, and it is quite customary for Arab chiefs to send out their sons at such an age to do for themselves: often with nothing but a few days' provisions in a bag.
wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba--in the southern border of Palestine, but out of the common direction, a wide extending desert, where they lost their way.
15. the water was spent, &c.--Ishmael sank exhausted from fatigue and thirst--his mother laid his head under one of the bushes to smell the damp while she herself, unable to witness his distress, sat down at a little distance in hopeless sorrow.
19. God opened her eyes--Had she forgotten the promise ( Genesis 16:11 )? Whether she looked to God or not, He regarded her and directed her to a fountain close beside her, but probably hid amid brushwood, by the waters of which her almost expiring son was revived.
20, 21. God was with the lad, &c.--Paran (that is, Arabia), where his posterity has ever dwelt (compare Genesis 16:12 ; also Isaiah 48:19 , 1 Peter 1:25 ).
his mother took him a wife--On a father's death, the mother looks out for a wife for her son, however young; and as Ishmael was now virtually deprived of his father, his mother set about forming a marriage connection for him, it would seem, among her relatives.
Genesis 21:22-34 . COVENANT.
22. Abimelech and Phichol--Here a proof of the promise ( Genesis 12:2 ) being fulfilled, in a native prince wishing to form a solemn league with Abraham. The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to [ Genesis 21:24 ].
25-31. And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well--Wells were of great importance to a pastoral chief and on the successful operation of sinking a new one, the owner was solemnly informed in person. If, however, they were allowed to get out of repair, the restorer acquired a right to them. In unoccupied lands the possession of wells gave a right of property in the land, and dread of this had caused the offense for which Abraham reproved Abimelech. Some describe four, others five, wells in Beer-sheba.
33. Abraham planted a grove--Hebrew, "of tamarisks," in which sacrificial worship was offered, as in a roofless temple.
34. Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land--a picture of pastoral and an emblem of Christian life.


text:
Sensia summers
Two years ago, my brother and I went home to our province in Mindoro. These are the pictures I took along the way and back.
This photo was shot on film. Taken by jerisprudence with a Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim loaded with Fuji Sensia 200 film in Manila, Philippines. These tags describe this photo: green, cloud, and sky. This photo can also be found in the album Sensia Summers in Mindoro.Please login to get more out of this site
You are currently not logged in, do so now to add comments, like articles as well as photos, submit to competitions, translate articles and gain access to unlimited photo upload! If you are not registered yet, go here to find out more about Lomography and join now! If you just want a limited account for now you can use Twitter or Facebook. We would love to have you as a member here!
3 people like this photo
Liking photos helps us to present the best ones to you and others. 3 people like this photo. 3 people like this photo: zoe191, walasiteodito, and raylim.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Central Ohio Farmers/ Summit Racing Equipment Night Photos |
Saturday, 20 July 2013 | |
Check out last week's racing action through the lens of our local area photographers...A collection of photos from Action Photos from the DIRTcar Summer Nationals & Summit Racing Equipment DIRTcar Modified Nationals events on Central Ohio Farmers/ Summit Racing Equipment Night have been posted in the photo gallery. Several shots from National Speed Sport News contributing photographer Rick Sherer have been posted. |
Last Updated ( Monday, 22 July 2013 ) |


text:
Prices and availability are subject to change from the time and date that you print this page.
2/1/2015 6:52:31 AM. For Customer Service, please call
Our Faculty Mixer bedding brings together modern, sophisticated patterns to create a scholarly blend of colors and textures. The duvet is available in either stitched ombre or a modern easy-to-match design. Printed herringbone adorns the coordinating sheets, giving this bedding a truly studious look.


text:
Ok guys what card would you really like to see that still isn't out there?
And what is your favorite lotr character?
A card that i want to see is an Uruk-Hai. They have always really fasinated me and I really want to be able to fight an Uruk-Hai.
And my favorite lotr character is Haldir (Elf from Lorien)


text:
Jessi Virtusio's FYI on FMBA blog offers what you need to know about First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.
Updated: July 4, 2013 11:13AM
Live Nation has announced when tickets will go on sale for the Ten Times Crazier Tour in August in Tinley Park.
Find out more in the FYI on FMBA article titled "8/03/13: Blake Shelton at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre" at blogs.southtownstar.com/fmba.
© 2014 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.


text:
Health Sciences - Certificate in Informatics FAQ
The graduate Certificate in Health Care Informatics helps the professional build and develop new skills in the field of informatics and technology. Growing shortages in health care professions have placed demands on health care systems to deliver care more efficiently and effectively. Informatics positions in health care agencies and in consulting corporations have expanded accordingly to meet these needs. As part of the learning experience the student will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the current health care informatics climate, develop and evaluate a database in response to a specific health care need, apply project management skills in developing a group project, participate as a team member developing and evaluating information systems, and evaluate current issues and challenges in the field.
For more information about the field of informatics and the many opportunities available, visit the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Healthcare Information Management System Association (HIMSS).
Admission to the Informatics Certificate Program is open to anyone who has earned a bachelor's degree in a health care discipline or a bachelor's degree and work experience in a health care organization.
Information about the most current fee schedule is available at Fees and Tuition. You may also contact our Admissions Office to request the fee schedule by calling toll free 888-647-2388, extension 27. You should budget for textbooks, Internet service provider expenses, and miscellaneous charges as well.
You can start any time. The graduate Certificate Program in Health Care Informatics accepts applications for admission on a rolling or continuous basis.
Certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid.
More FAQ
Need Admissions Help?
Admissions counselors are available to walk you through the admissions process.
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET
Extended Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:30 am to 8:00 pm ET


text:
January 30, 2015
Mohegan Tribe at Chamber Breakfast Forum
Chairman Brown among regional business leaders at event with Congressman Joe Courtney
October 10, 2013
Mohegan Tribal Council Members Take Oath of Office
New chairman Kevin Brown joins fellow members of The Mohegan Tribal Council
October 12, 2012
Mohegan Tribal Members in Top Executive Ranks at Mohegan Sun
Bobby Soper is President and CEO; Raymond Pineault, Jr. is Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer
September 26, 2012
Tribes Prepare for Internet Gaming
Global Gaming Business Magazine Interviews Chairman Bozsum and others
September 24, 2012
Chairman Bozsum's Statement on Internet Gaming Regulation
Federal vs. State Regulation for Internet Gaming
September 21, 2012
Chairman Bozsum Speaks to Eastern Ct. Chamber of Commerce
The Mohegan Tribe's Heritage and Contemporary Business in southeastern Connecticut
September 07, 2012
Wigwam Festival 2012 Celebrates Native American Heritage
The Mohegan Tribe celebrated Native American heritage in the summer of 2012 with its traditional Wigwam gathering. The ceremonies were held at Fort Shantok, the Tribe's ancestral grounds on the banks of the Thames River in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19.
October 27, 2011
Official Opening Day for Community & Government Center
New Building for Tribal Members and Employees
October 04, 2011
Oath of Office for Newly Elected Tribal Council on October 3 2011
Newly Elected and Re-Elected Tribal Councilors Take Oath of Office with Chief Malerba
June 02, 2011
Mohegan Tribe Honors Veterans in May 2011
Mohegan Tribe Takes Part in Legion of Valor Reception and Montville's Memorial Day Ceremonies
May 19, 2011
Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Leaders Celebrate Partnership
Leaders of the Mohegan Tribe hosted a reception for Connecticut officials at the state Capitol building in Hartford on May 5 in honor of the Tribe's 15-year relationship with the state.
February 07, 2011
Mohegan Tribe Announces Educational Grant Recipients for 2011
Connecticut educators to develop Native American curriculum.
October 18, 2010
Tribal Council Officers Appointed
Tribal Council chooses new Chairman, Vice Chairman and Corresponding Secretary, welcomes new councilor.
May 21, 2010
Mohegan Tribal Government to Offer Extended Health Care Benefits
Mohegan Tribe and Mohegan Sun employees and their dependents will have uninterrupted coverage.
Copyright ©2009 The Mohegan Tribe
Contact Us


text:
You are visiting our UK site. Click here to view our US site
Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine (9783131269911)
Publisher: Thieme
Binding: Paperback
There is a herbal remedy for most ailments - and you will find the most important ones in this concise pocket guide. Co-authored by Karin Kraft, one of the members of the German Commission E and supervising editor of the ESCOP, and Christopher Hobbs, one of the most highly regarded herbal practitioners in the US, this handy pocket guide gives you the decisive facts about important medicinal herbs, taking into consideration both major European monographs (Commission E and ESCOP) and up-to-date clinical trials.
This practice-oriented guide to herbal medicine includes:
- Plant summaries of more than 100 herbs
- Herbal treatment of specific diseases (from heart failure to menopausal complaints)
- Practical applications including phyto-balneotherapy, compresses, poultices, etc.
- Plant glossaries English-Latin / Latin-English
Professor Karin Kraft, M.D. - Chair for Natural Medicine at the University of Rostock/Germany; member of Commission E and Commission 109a at the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (the German equivalent of the FDA) Bonn/Germany; supervising editor of ESCOP, the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy.
Christopher Hobbs L.Ac., A.H.G., is an internationally renowned fourth generation botanist, clinical herbalist, author, and licensed acupuncturist. Co-founder of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG); former vice president of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA); member of the board of directors and vice president of the United Plant Savers.
Save: £3.20
Saved: 10.00%!
Subscribe To CMT
Shopping Basket
Your basket is empty!
Change Language
Change Currency
Events Calendar
Auriculotherapy Seminars - The 2014 UK Weekend Workshops with Jim Chalmers
A brief history of Ear Acupuncture, Anatomy and Enervation of the Ear, Techniques to locate active points, Prioritisation of point selection, TCM integration... [more]
Master Tung Acupuncture with Philip Weeks (22nd/23rd January 2015)
Tung Acupuncture is well known for its quick and spontaneous results... [more]


text:
Our ultra-luxurious, natural cherry, American Shaker Furniture Collection features contemporary lines that are clean and simple, but oh so elegant. Perfect proportions, carefully-selected extra-wide boards, tapered posts and legs, chamfered edges, cove moldings and traditional, round button Shaker knobs yield a delicate appearance that belies our sturdy construction.
Our Vermont Shaker furniture is a sister collection to this one, with the main difference being a straight apron in contrast to the arched apron of the American Shaker Collection. Both collections are crafted in a small workshop north of Montpelier, VT. You may choose any piece in either collection and we will happily customize it to either the American Shaker or Vermont Shaker style. Please note this furniture has a linseed oil finish which must be re-oiled periodically (care of oil finishes).
Learn more about buying online, our woods and finishes or give us a call at 888-390-5571/contact us with your questions. Read more about our story and fine furniture craftsmen or about our green mission on our Eco Blog.


text:
Processing Time - Orders typically ship in 2-5 business days. Transit via UPS Ground can take up to 6 business days. Braided and custom-made products may take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
Free Shipping to Contiguous United States - We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or the Caribbean Islands at this time.
Oversized items - Orders that ship freight may take up to 2 weeks from shipment date to be delivered. You will be contacted by the trucking company to schedule a delivery appointment.
Shipping to Canada - Orders shipping to Canada will be subject to a 15% shipping surcharge fee. The shipping surcharge does not cover duties, customs, taxes or brokerage fees which may be charged to you by the shipping courier at time of delivery. At this time we are not shipping to Yukon and the Northwest Territories in Canada.
Pin It | Houzz |
Kaleen Renaissance-45 5500 Charcoal Rug
Item #: 122550065-P Add to Wishlist
Description: Regale is a truly unique, high fashion monochromatic collection that offers a Tibetan look along with a tradition soft back but at a non-traditional price.
- Collection: Renaissance-45
- Brand: Kaleen
- Material: 100% Wool
- Weave: Hand Tufted
- Styles: Contemporary Rugs Solid & Striped Rugs
- Origin: India
- Available in the following sizes: 5' x 7' 9''
- Clean & Care: Vacuum regularly as new wool rugs can shed yarn fibers for up to three months. Avoid direct and continuous exposure to sunlight. Do not pull loose ends, clip them with scissors to remove. Clean liquid spills immediately by blotting with cloth or sponge. For hard to remove stains, professional rug cleaning is recommended.
The quality of this rug is not horrible, but not great either. It's weave (at least in the dark gray/black) makes it not look very clean, even when it is. It was not expensive, but I would not purchase again.
RECOMMENDED: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Kaleen is a world-class supplier of Indo-Persian and Transitional area rugs, predominantly from India. Founded in 1963, Kaleen offers over fifty years of experience in the manufacturing field of carpet yarns, textiles, clothing, and rug manufacturing. Their manufacturing facilities are situated in the heart of the commercial capital of the Indian sub-continent - Mumbai, formally known as Bombay. Kaleen is an international vertical manufacturer of beautiful handmade rugs. With over 3,500 skilled artisans, Kaleen is committed to product quality.
Fill out the information below.


text:
So the thing about aliens is that they are generally very friendly, if you give them a chance, and they will stare at you with oversized eyes and glowing blue faces which is all very sweet. But they also like to, well, snatch humans. And replace them with aliens. It's weird, really, seeing humans have never snatched aliens and replaced them with humans but hey, I do not pretend to understand the thought process of aliens [Hollywood].
My point? The aliens took pity on us and by us, I mean Giants fans. They saw the team's sufferings and the fact that we were going to break all sorts of horrible records with the whole nothittinghomersever thing. So they turned in their oversized eyes and glowing blue faces for spikes and unis and stole away the San Francisco Giants. And started hitting homers very promptly. Lots and lots. Eight in the last four games. Three in a row for Brandon Belt. Homers to deep-part-of-the-park-where-no-one-hits-them-but-now-fake-Melky-did. I say fake Melky because, as you will remember, he's actually a blue alien pretending to be Melky.
It was a little disturbing to me at first and kind of made me afraid for the zombie apocalypse (because all sorts of sci-fi characters kind of meld together in my head – zombies? Aliens? Same thing!) and I missed the real Brandon Belt, the one who is a Baby Giraffe and doesn't hit homers, but then I adjusted. Fast. Because I like home runs. We all like home runs. And aliens are friendly, if you're nice to them. So there's really no problem. I can live with this.
I do wonder, though, if they've also replaced the pitchers…? Because if so, I'm looking forward to seeing Alien Timmy tonight. That should be fun.
Diamond Girl


text: Proud2bIndian.in is an India forum dedicated to the promotion of Indian nationalism. We embrace all fellow Proud Indians spread over across the globe to discuss and share views on any topic associated with the interest of our nation. We are trying to provide a virtual platform to all concerned citizens who want to feel the pride of being an Indian and inspire all others to think and work for the progress of our nation.


text:
Processing Time - Orders typically ship in 2-5 business days. Transit via UPS Ground can take up to 6 business days. Braided and custom-made products may take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
Free Shipping to Contiguous United States - We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or the Caribbean Islands at this time.
Oversized items - Orders that ship freight may take up to 2 weeks from shipment date to be delivered. You will be contacted by the trucking company to schedule a delivery appointment.
Shipping to Canada - Orders shipping to Canada will be subject to a 15% shipping surcharge fee. The shipping surcharge does not cover duties, customs, taxes or brokerage fees which may be charged to you by the shipping courier at time of delivery. At this time we are not shipping to Yukon and the Northwest Territories in Canada.
Pin It | Houzz |
Surya Lenoir 693 Parchment Rug
Item #: 158LEN2456-P Add to Wishlist
Description: The 100% polypropylene rugs of the Lenoir collection included design styles from traditional to transition.
- Collection: Lenoir
- Brand: Surya
- Material: 100% Polypropylene
- Weave: Machine Made
- Styles:
- Origin: Egypt
- Available in the following sizes: 1' 9" x 3', 5' 3" x 7' 6", 6' 7" x 9' 6" and 7' 9" x 10' 6"
Surya, a mark of quality and an expert source of ideas for making your home come alive with true timeless beauty. Though styles have come and gone, beneath them all is the fundamental principal that Surya area rugs are created to touch our senses. From concept through production, a member of the Surya family is there making sure that the highest standards are being met.
Fill out the information below.


text:
All eyes on judgeships at the courthouse
Underground utilities, new streetlights and brick work make an inviting intersection at the corner of Beau and South Main Streets where Washington County Courthouse sits. Photographed July 3, 2005. Published July 10, 2005.
Order a Print
The revolving door at the Washington County Courthouse is getting plenty of action, especially when it comes to county judges.
As 2013 dawns, court officials are scurrying to deal with two vacant judicial positions, and the list of attorneys looking to be elected to an open post continues to grow.
The changes on the bench began in 2010 with the death of Judge Mark Mascara. Attorney Phil Melograne was appointed to replace Mascara until a new judge was elected.
Melograne was out at the end of 2011, after he was defeated in the primary election by attorney Gary Gilman, who then went on to win the post in the fall.
At that time, it seemed like the county court would run at full capacity for a substantial period of time.
Then, suddenly, Judge Paul Pozonsky, 56, announced his retirement midsummer after 15 years in office and with five years remaining on his current 10-year term.
Senior judges were called in to pick up some of the heavy workload, especially since Pozonsky handled the majority of the county's criminal cases and the state seemed unlikely to approve appointment of an interim judge.
The next surprise came in November, when Judge Janet Moschetta Bell said she, too, was opting for retirement after six years on the bench. She will officially leave her office this week.
Thus, the county's judicial system is left scrambling to handle its already burdensome caseload, down two full-time judges and with the part-time help of a senior judge or two.
But help may be on the way, according to state Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, who said he has been working with President Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca, the remaining seated judges and Gov. Tom Corbett's office.
"I'm waiting to hear from the governor if he is looking at one or two appointments," said Solobay. "But they are definitely considering an appointment."
Whether it be one or two, Solobay said any appointment would be helpful to the court. The problem, however, is that the earliest an appointment can be made is Jan. 22, when the Senate returns from break. It's the Senate's job to confirm a judicial appointment.
"If we carry it out too far, it (an appointment) is not going to be too much help," said the senator, explaining that the consensus is that an appointee should be an attorney not interested in running for election to the seat this year.
He explained that by the time the appointee took office and got acquainted with his new position, he or she would have only a few months to serve before having to step down.
Solobay said several attorneys have expressed interest in such an appointment, including First Assistant District Attorney Michael Lucas and attorney David DiCarlo, who lost a bid for district attorney in 2011.
Lucas said he is definitely going to be a candidate for one of the open seats. DiCarlo could not be reached for comment.
Jessop Community Federal Credit Union


text:
Partita amichevole tra Rugby Como e Busto Arsizio (precampionato 2012) ripresa con la mia Diana F+
This photo was shot on film. Taken by sirio174 with a Lomography Diana F+ (available in our Online Shop) loaded with Fuji Pro 160C film in Como, Italy. These tags describe this photo: italia, italy, sport, busto arsizio, rugby como, como, amichevole, and rugby. Date: 2012-09-30. Time: Afternoon. This photo can also be found in the album La Diana e il rugby.Please login to get more out of this site
You are currently not logged in, do so now to add comments, like articles as well as photos, submit to competitions, translate articles and gain access to unlimited photo upload! If you are not registered yet, go here to find out more about Lomography and join now! If you just want a limited account for now you can use Twitter or Facebook. We would love to have you as a member here!
16 people like this photo
Liking photos helps us to present the best ones to you and others. 16 people like this photo. 16 people like this photo: gepo1303, earlybird, ironsymphony, meryl, metaluna, atria007, juano, superlighter, goonies, marieta, landei, sobetion, sye, zorzyo, weleasewoger72, and rik041.
No comments yet, be the first
Where is this?
Nearby popular photos – see more
Nearby LomoLocations
Braving the Winter Cold: Rugby in Como, Italy
Braving the winter cold in the mud...a rugby match in a winter day in Italy. These images we…
Skate Spots Around the World: A Skater and his Shadow
While walking in Como with my Praktica camera, I found a young skater at a square in my city…
Urban Deserts in Como, Italy
Urban deserts are terrible, sometimes worse than the real desert. One feels a sense of anger…
Winter Wonderland: The First Snow of the Year!
In this article I'll talk you about two wonders: the first snow on my lake of this year, whi…


text:
The Global Intelligence Files,
files released so far...
Index pages
by Date of Document
Our Partners
Al Akhbar - Lebanon
Al Masry Al Youm - Egypt
Asia Sentinel - Hong Kong
Bivol - Bulgaria
Carta Capital - Brazil
CIPER - Chile
Dawn Media - Pakistan
L'Espresso - Italy
La Repubblica - Italy
La Jornada - Mexico
La Nacion - Costa Rica
Malaysia Today - Malaysia
McClatchy - United States
Nawaat - Tunisia
NDR/ARD - Germany
Owni - France
Pagina 12 - Argentina
Philip Dorling - Fairfax media contributor - Australia
Plaza Publica - Guatemala
Publica - Brazil
Publico.es - Spain
Rolling Stone - United States
Russian Reporter - Russia
Ta Nea - Greece
Taraf - Turkey
The Hindu - India
The Yes Men - Bhopal Activists
Sunday Star-Times - New Zealand
Community resources
courage is contagious
The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
[OS] US/CANADA/ENERGY - Obama to make decision on controversial oil pipeline
Released on 2012-10-12 10:00 GMT
Email-ID | 4586554 |
Date | 2011-11-02 05:38:49 |
From | email@example.com |
To | email@example.com |
List-Name | firstname.lastname@example.com |
By Juliet Eilperin, Wednesday, November 2, 11:57 AM
President Obama said Tuesday that he will decide whether to approve or
deny a permit for a controversial 1,700-mile Canadian oil pipeline, rather
than delegating the decision to the State Department.
The proposal by the firm TransCanada to ship crude extracted from a region
in Alberta called the "oil sands" to Gulf Coast refineries has become a
charged political issue for the White House. Labor unions and business
groups argue that it would create thousands of jobs in the midst of an
economic downturn. Environmentalists - who plan to ring the White House in
a protest on Sunday - say the extraction of the oil will accelerate global
warming and the pipeline itself could spill, polluting waterways and
causing severe environmental harm.
In an interview with the Omaha television station KETV, the president said
he would weigh the Keystone XL pipeline's potential economic benefits
against its possible environmental consequences. The Nebraska legislature
convened Tuesday in a special session, called by Gov. Dave Heineman (R),
to consider whether it should adopt any measures that would block the
Referring to the State Department, Obama told KETV, "They'll be giving me
a report over the next several months and, you know, my general attitude
is: What is best for the American people? What's best for our economy both
short term and long term? But also: What's best for the health of the
American people?"
"We don't want, for example, aquifers" to be adversely affected, he said,
adding, "folks in Nebraska obviously would be directly impacted, and so we
want to make sure we're taking the long view on these issues."
"We need to encourage domestic oil and natural gas production," Obama
continued. "We need to make sure that we have energy security and aren't
just relying on Middle East sources. But there's a way of doing that and
still making sure that the health and safety of the American people and
folks in Nebraska are protected, and that's how I'll be measuring these
recommendations when they come to me."
Under federal law, the State Department is responsible for making permit
decisions for international pipelines, and the agency has been reviewing
the matter for three years. But it has come under criticism over whether
it subjected the project to sufficient environmental scrutiny. Opponents
also question whether State Department officials have experienced a
conflict of interest because one of TransCanada's lobbyists was a top aide
to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is now secretary of state, during her 2008
presidential bid, and the private contractor overseeing the review, Cardno
Entrix, counted TransCanada as one of its major clients.
Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs for the
League of Conservation Voters, said in an interview that she is
"encouraged" by Obama's decision to make the final call on Keystone XL,
which is an extension of an existing pipeline running from Hardisty,
Alberta, to Cushing, Okla. She noted that extracting oil from that region
of Canada was much more energy intensive, and therefore released greater
greenhouse gases than other forms of crude.
"The comments from the president show that the White House, and the
president himself, are now taking this decision seriously. They have heard
loud and clear the many concerns that have been raised about just how bad
this pipeline would be for our energy future," said Sittenfeld, who
testified publicly against the project.
Sabrina Fang, a spokeswoman for the American Petroleum Institute, said she
and others remain hopeful that Obama will approve the permit. A decision
could come by the end of the year.
"We still believe this is the biggest shovel-ready project out there," she
said of the $7 billion project. "I know the president has been talking
about creating jobs. This a way to do that."
Clint Richards
Global Monitor
cell: 81 080 4477 5316
office: 512 744 4300 ex:40841


text:
Made from sparse but shaggy blond mohair, Nicolas has enchanting brown pupil eyes and wears a red organza ribbon. Steiff tilted Nicolas's head slightly to give him an extra-endearing expression. On his arm sits a tiny, airbrushed wool-felt ladybug.
Material: Mohair
Brand: Steiff
Origin: Germany
Who knows children's toys better than the inventors of the teddy bear? Steiff, the world's oldest plush manufacturer (and the company best known for creating the teddy bear) was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, a seamstress who, due to polio, was limited to sewing with one hand. The famous "Button in Ear" trademark was introduced in 1904 by Franz Steiff, Margarete's nephew, distinguishing every Steiff toy. While nearly all of the world's stuffed animals is made with inexpensive knitted plush, Steiff's creations are made from cuddly soft materials like woven fur, so you can be sure your tot is getting the very best.


text:
Everyone has different driving needs and budgets, and at Brown's Car Stores, we're more than capable of accommodating those differences for Maryland and Virginia residents. Whether you're from Baltimore, Washington, DC, Richmond or Charlottesville, we have the new vehicle that's right for you, and you won't have to break the bank to get it.
From dependable sedans and hatchbacks to spacious SUVs and crossovers all the way to luxury vehicles, we have the variety at Brown's to suit everyone's preferences. If you're looking for a Buy Happy experience while you search for your dream car, our MD and VA auto dealerships are more than up to the task, so stop by today!


text:
The study scores consumers' snack choices on multiple criteria, among them health and weight concerns; satisfying hunger; convenience; satisfying a craving; and habit.
It distinguishes snacking from grazing. Snacking is more of a social occasion than grazing, it says, and is less likely to include a beverage. Only one in four snacks is now consumed with a beverage. High-calorie, sugary fruit drinks and carbonated soft drinks have seen the largest declines in consumption, according to the report.


text:
Map Unavailable
Date(s) - June 9
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Support PAWS Chicago's mission to build a No Kill city by running or walking for homeless animals. Bring the whole family to participate in the child and pet-friendly walk, or compete against the clock in the 8K Run. This annual event is extremely important to raising funds for PAWS Chicago's life-saving programs. Montrose Harbor. $35/adults and $15/child (13 and under) for pre-registration online. Cat-Napping registration is $25 (does not include event day participation). Packet Pickup and day of registration is $45/adult. www.pawschicago.org


text:
In The Shade Of The Throne
by Raiiq Ridwan
Glimpses into the World of the Unseen: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII
Imam Muslim narrates a terrifying hadith from Al-Miqadad ibn Al-Aswad, may Allah be pleased with him, who said that he heard the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) say,
"The Sun will get closer to the creations on the Day of Resurrection until it is only a mile away. People will perspire according to the level of their deeds. Some of them will have perspiration covering his ankles, some to his knees, others to their shoulders, some will have it choke them", and he ﷺ pointed to his mouth.
The summer time has arrived here in Bangladesh, and in all of the Northern Hemisphere. For those living in the tropical regions, summer represents such a difficult time of the year. Hot and humid, people try to keep indoors, knowing that going out will give them a headache due to the heat. More often than not, people try to rush home every time they are out to lay in the comfort of their rooms. If possible, every room is air conditioned to keep cool.
This heat is unbearable even though the average distance between the Sun and the Earth is 149 million kilometers!
Now, imagine Yawm al-Qiyamah (Day of Judgement) standing for so long, and with the Sun a mere mile away? La hawla wa la quwatta 'illah billah (There is no power nor might except with Allah). On that Final day, there is no air conditioning, no fan, no cooling, in fact quite the opposite. Bukhari and Muslim both narrate a hadith from 'Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, where she mentions the Prophet ﷺ saying,
"You will be gathered bare-footed, naked, and uncircumcised."
I don't know how people actually feel about this, but my heart has lost it already. I simply cannot even imagine how I will go through this ordeal. While it might seem unbelievable on face value, we must remember that Allah says the Day of Judgement is Al-Wa'qiah, The Definite Day, and also Al-A'zifah – The Day that is definitely coming. When I think about these names, I understand better why it is also aptly named Yawm Al-Hasrah, The Day of Distress.
(Read more on the names of the Day of Judgement)[1]
However, our relationship with Allah is of love, fear and hope. While we are terrified of this Day, we are hopeful of the vast Mercy of Allah, and we should believe that Allah will indeed find a way out for us insha'Allah (if Allah wills). This day is also called Yawm al-Fasl, The Day of Division. The wicked are divided from the good, and the believer is divided from the disbeliever. Insha'Allah there is a way out for the believers. And All Praise is due to Allah that the solution to every problem is also with Him.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
"Allah will give shade to seven [people] on the Day when there will be no shade but His." (Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Abu Hurayrah)
AllahuAkbar (Allah is greatest). Indeed, Allah is Most Merciful. Not only is He Merciful by showering us in His Mercy all day and night, He is also Merciful to show us the ways and processes by which we are saved from His wrath on the Day of Judgement. This hadith goes onto mention who will be among those who are given shade,
"[1] A just ruler; [2] a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; [3] a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; [4] two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; [5] a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allah', [6] a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; [7] and a man who remembered Allaah in private and so his eyes shed tears."
1. A just ruler
The concept of Justice is a fundamental tenant in Islam and it is something that every Muslim – Ruler and the ruled – must apply in all matters without exception.
Justice means to give each the right he or she deserves, Muslim or non-Muslim, relative or stranger, friend or enemy. Allah says: "…And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness". (Qur'an, 5:8)
Unfortunately, even if we accept this in theory, we often forget it in practice. So we find that when we speak about our friends and loved ones, we praise them beyond reason and when we speak about those whom we hold difference with, we can find no good in them and we just capitalize on their bad points. This is far removed from the justice which Allah gives great reward for, as mentioned in the following hadith: "The doers of justice will be on thrones of light at Allah's Right Hand – and both of Allah's Hands are Right Hands" (Sahih Muslim). These deserving believers were just in their Ruling, with their families and in all that over which they were given authority. Whenever we are given authority over another group of people, whether politically or otherwise, if we are just, then we can hopefully be given shade in the Throne of Allah.
2. A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah
Another interesting hadith of Rasulullah ﷺ comes to mind,
"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your YOUTH before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (Narrated by Imam Ahmad])
Shaykh Yaser Birjas said in a khutbah: "Youthfulness is a time when a person is the most energetic, when he lays out the foundations for his future, and when he plans his life. So the Prophet ﷺ said to take advantage of this time before the time comes when you do not have that enthusiasm, when you do not have that zeal, or that outlook. The enthusiasm and energy that you have been blessed with will never again be given to you after this age. Therefore, the Prophet ﷺ said to seize the moment and take advantage of it. A person should exercise this energy for the sake of Allah by procuring knowledge of Allah, obtaining halal sustenance, and worshipping Allah through acts that he might not be able to do later on in life."
Moreover, this young age is a time when desires are more, and the will for action, whether good or bad, is stronger. The mind is rebellious and the temptations of the Shaytan at maximum. The one who does his part in restraining himself/herself and obeys Allah surely deserves the shade under the throne of Allah.
3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosques
Numerous hadith of the Prophet ﷺ mention the various benefits of going to the masaajid of Allah. Praying in the mosque has 27 times more reward than praying in homes [Bukhari and Muslim]. Also the Prophet ﷺ said,
"He does not take a step [towards the mosque] except that because of it, he is raised by one rank and one sin is removed from him. Then when he prays, the Angels do not cease supplicating for him [for] as long as he remains at his place of Prayer [saying]: 'O Allah send blessings upon him, O Allah have mercy upon him'…" (Bukhari)
It must be emphasized here that all the ahadith encouraging an attachment to the mosques are not intended to imply that Islam is a deen confined to the places of worship, as many people imagine. Nonetheless, the mosque should be at the heart of the Muslim community, and the role of those in authority of the mosques is vital here. They are the ones mainly responsible for making the mosque a welcome refuge for the Muslims, rather than an arena for politics and power struggles.
4. Two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that.
Having mutual love for the sake of Allah is one of the great doors leading to the good of the Hereafter and a way of tasting the sweetness of iman in this world. Loving one another for Allah's sake means that the Muslim does not love another except for the correctness of his deen. So it does not matter what the person looks like, what he wears, how rich or poor he is, where he comes from, or what the color of his skin is – perhaps you dislike everything about him, but you love him for his iman: this is loving another for Allah's sake.
"Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent says: 'Those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory will have pillars of light and will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs." (at-Tirmidhi and Imam Ahmad)
5. A man who is tempted by a woman of beauty and position but he says, "I fear Allah"
The same reward is given for a woman tempted by a man and she says "I fear Allah".
This world is full of temptations which, if indulged, lead to burning in the Fire. Amongst these temptations is that which comes from men and women who exploit their sexuality. Many a man has led his soul into destruction on account of the lure of a woman which is why the Prophet ﷺ warned his Ummah specifically about this.
To protect ourselves from temptations is to have fear (khawf) of Allah. This fact is alluded to in the following Qur'anic ayah:
"And as for him who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from impure evil desires, verily Paradise will be his abode." (79:40-41).
6. A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity
This part shows two qualities that should be the hallmark of every Muslim. Firstly, charity. We should be so generous in giving charity that we forget the amount of charity we have given. Have you ever wondered why the ones who give charity never become poor? A great example for us lies in Shaykh Suleiman ar-Rajhi, founder of the Ar-Rajhi bank in Saudi Arabia, who gives away millions in charity and still makes a profit.
Another point is that when we give charity it should be in secret. The early generations of the Muslims used to give charity so secretly that even their wives didn't know. Riyaa, showing off in worship, is the hidden shirk. It destroys all blessings of a good deed, and makes it null and void, as it is done to show off to the people and not for the sake of Allah. Although sharing our charitable deeds is good motivation for others, we should be very careful of our intentions insha'Allah.
7. A man who remembered Allah in private and shed tears
Another amazing reminder from the Qur'an comes to mind when I hear this part,
"Has not the time come for those who believe that their hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, and that which has been revealed of the truth?" (57:16)
Oh my brothers and sisters, when was the last time we cried for the sake of Allah? When was the last time that we turned our faces to Allah in secret, and our eyes overflowed with tears remembering every sin that we committed day and night? Did we ever cry thinking of the immense Mercy of Allah, all the blessings He has bestowed upon us?
This hadith mentions crying in secret, as it is common place to cry publicly when the Imam makes du`a. The fear of showing-off remains here, and hence the one who cries in secret will be given shade under the Throne of Allah, because he/she is absolutely depending on Allah.
If you contemplate about the seven groups of people whom Allah will shade with His Throne, you will find that they deserved that shade because of their opposition to their inner desires. Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) is the only One to be petitioned to grant us protection from our harmful desires, and that He makes our desires in accordance with what He loves and is acceptable to Him. He has power over all things, and He is most worthy of answering our petition.
May Allah indeed enable us to be among those whom He shades under His Throne on a day when there is no shade but His shade.
8 Comments
MashAllah!!! truly amazing. may we all find shade of Allah by His mercy.
Jazakallah Khair for this very important post! I could really relate to your introduction because these last few days have been especially hot here in California as well and it has been hard to deal with this heat, Inshallah, Allah (swt) will make the extreme heat of judgement day easy upon us! Inshallah, we are all amongst one of the seven groups that were mentioned by the holy Prophet (saws)!
Oh Allah shade us – on the day there is no shade but Your shade – and give us to drink from the cup of Muhammad, Salla Allahu alayhi wa Alihi wa Sahbihi wa Sallam, a wholesome drink from which we never feel thirst ever again.
Allahuma ameen. -
Alhamdulillaah! BarakAllaahu feek, may Allaah make you and us amongst those under the shade of His Throne, ameen!
Mash'Allah! Alhamdulillah! A very insightful article indeed. I'm sure whoever reads this will be bound to feel the need to revise themselves for the way of truth. Ameen.
I live in Bangladesh too. Although I've read this article much later after it was published I want to give my profuse thanks to the author of this article. Jazakallahu Khaira. Its summer time again as I write this.
This was an especially heart lifting piece to me because lately I feel like there's a lack of practicing, sincere young Muslims in bd. And the few practicing youths are usually ridiculed by their peers, even though we're all "Muslim". After reading this article, Alhamdulillah, I have a little more hope that bd may see a day where we're not just Muslims cuz we live here, but truly feel for our religion and love our deen and Allah and His Messenger.
assalm o alikum for all (i make an assignment for those mens WHO are save from the hotness of the sun when sun comes very near to earth on the judjment day)(this site is very helpfull for me thank to WHO made this site)
Great info


text:
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013, at United Baptist Church with Brother James Hadley officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery in Cleveland.
Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2013, at Brinson Funeral Home in Cleveland with family hour following from 6-7 p.m.
Mrs. Martin was born on October 12, 1929, to Odessa Thompson Vaughn. She accepted Christ at an early age and was added to the Church of Christ in Ruleville. She married Willie Lee Martin in 1953. She attended public school in Sunflower County and worked for several years doing domestic work in Bolivar and Sunflower counties. She began employment with Bolivar County Head Start in 1965 in Cleveland.
While working there as a paraprofessional social work, she earned her GED. She then went to work in medical records at Tufts Medical Center, now Delta Community Health Center, in Mound Bayou. While working there, she enrolled in the nursing program at Coahoma Junior College. After earning her LPN, she began working at the Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou. She was later employed at Bolivar Medical Center in OB. She did her last 10 years of formal employment at the Mississippi Department of Corrections at the Parchman Hospital.
After retirement she began working part-time at Bolivar Medical Center. She also tutored in reading at B.L. Bell Elementary in Boyle.
She is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Ferrill Grimes of Cleveland; sisters, Betty Marsaw of Chicago, Ill., and Vivian Killingsworth of Ruleville; and brothers, Roy, Bill, Opra and Andy Vaughn
Survivors include, daughters, Louise (John) Brummer of St. Louis, Mo., Bobbie (Herbert) Marsaw of Chicago, Ill., Shirley Grimes of Cleveland, Ora (Garland) Jackson of Boyle and Audrey (Dennis) Davis of Riverdale, Ga.; sons, William Wendell (Roberta, fiancée) Martin of Gulfport and Floyd (Josette) Martin of Boyle; 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doretha (Clyde) Martin, Juanita (Leon) Halbert, and Bernice (Oscar) Ross, all of Chicago, Ill.; brother, Stanley Vaughn of Renova; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.


text:
The perfect place to learn more about Blythe and similar dolls, share your own knowledge, BUY/SELL/TRADE/BARTER Blythe.
blythe, forum, dolls, takara, kenner, sell, trade, barter, chat, events, photos, tips, sewing, knitting, crocheting, customs, tutorials, pullip
Welcome to Creative Cafe - where Taggers and Friends can come play, share, and learn.
free, forum, creative, cafe, welcome, where, taggers, friends, scrappers, come, play, share, #learn, paint, shop, tubes, tags, scrapping, siggys, siggies
Free forum : This is a place for Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska backyard farmers to gather and learn
quail, white, chickens, back, yard, coturnix, pheasants, peafowl, game, birds, rabbits, poultry, homestead, swaps, traditional, predators, raising, regional, ducks, waterfowl, geese, swap
A place for IMVU homepage & product page tutorials and basic HTML/CSS support. This forum is open to any and all that want to learn the art of IMVU homepages and product pages.
canvas, homepage, tutorials, imvu, tutorial, canvasinc, ihae, dollesque, collared, leashed, saturation, gaf210
A Nice Duel Academy where you can learn how to get better at the Yugioh Trading card game
A place where we can express our opinions, learn and grow together in grace.
gfbc, discussions, place, where, express, opinions, #learn, grow, together, grace
Psionic Freaks is a community of Practitioners & Explorers of Psychokinesis/Telekinesis, Extrasensory Perception/ESP, Energy Manipulation, Meditation, Paranormal, Occult, Psychic, Magick, UfO/Alien & Much more. We are pushing the limits of the mind,
telekinesis, psionic, freaks, #learn, psychokinesis, aerokinesis, pyrokinesis, psychic, extrasensory, perception, hydrokinesis, psion, occult, aliens, magick, meditation, paranor
Free forum : A place for all the PEEPS out there to come and learn, and talk Ogame
free, forum, crazy, marshmallow, duck, squad, peeps, place, there, come, #learn, talk
LEARN TO REPAIR PHONES http://gsmbuddy. forumotion. com
#learn, repair, free, softwares, phones, applications, phone, software
RWBY: Into The Fray is a roleplay site based off the series RWBY. Come join us at Vale and learn to hunt monsters!
rwby:, into, fray, rwby, roleplay, site, based, series, come, join, vale, #learn, hunt, monsters!
An awesome forum to learn Maple Animation and express yourself. Large community! :D
free, forum, mapleology, place, where, steamy, animators, omnomnomnomed, subs, videoboy45, cham, mapletheory, itouchoreos, locklockboy
If you're looking for a new place to start over, help out, or learn Yu-Gi-Oh! Then this is the right place for you!


text:
The murrain of beasts. (1-7) The plague of boils and blains. (8-12) The plague of hail threatened. (13-21) The plague of hail inflicted. (22-35)
Verses 1-7 God will have Israel released, Pharaoh opposes it, and the trial is, whose word shall stand. The hand of the Lord at once is upon the cattle, many of which, some of all kinds, die by a sort of murrain. This was greatly to the loss of the owners; they had made Israel poor, and now God would make them poor. The hand of God is to be seen, even in the sickness and death of cattle; for a sparrow falls not to the ground without our Father. None of the Israelites' cattle should die; the Lord shall sever. The cattle died. The Egyptians worshipped their cattle. What we make an idol of, it is just with God to remove from us. This proud tyrant and cruel oppressor deserved to be made an example by the just Judge of the universe. None who are punished according to what they deserve, can have any just cause to complain. Hardness of heart denotes that state of mind upon which neither threatenings nor promise, neither judgements nor mercies, make any abiding impression. The conscience being stupified, and the heart filled with pride and presumption, they persist in unbelief and disobedience. This state of mind is also called the stony heart. Very different is the heart of flesh, the broken and contrite heart. Sinners have none to blame but themselves, for that pride and ungodliness which abuse the bounty and patience of God. For, however the Lord hardens the hearts of men, it is always as a punishment of former sins.
Verses 8-12 When the Egyptians were not wrought upon by the death of their cattle, God sent a plague that seized their own bodies. If lesser judgments do not work, God will send greater. Sometimes God shows men their sin in their punishment. They had oppressed Israel in the furnaces, and now the ashes of the furnace are made a terror to them. The plague itself was very grievous. The magicians themselves were struck with these boils. Their power was restrained before; but they continued to withstand Moses, and to confirm Pharaoh in his unbelief, till they were forced to give way. Pharaoh continued obstinate. He had hardened his own heart, and now God justly gave him up to his own heart's lusts, permitting Satan to blind and harden him. If men shut their eyes against the light, it is just with God to close their eyes. This is the sorest judgment a man can be under out of hell.
Verses 13-21 Moses is here ordered to deliver a dreadful message to Pharaoh. Providence ordered it, that Moses should have a man of such a fierce and stubborn spirit as this Pharaoh to deal with; and every thing made it a most signal instance of the power of God has to humble and bring down the proudest of his enemies. When God's justice threatens ruin, his mercy at the same time shows a way of escape from it. God not only distinguished between Egyptians and Israelites, but between some Egyptians and others. If Pharaoh will not yield, and so prevent the judgment itself, yet those that will take warning, may take shelter. Some believed the things which were spoken, and they feared, and housed their servants and cattle, and it was their wisdom. Even among the servants of Pharaoh, some trembled at God's word; and shall not the sons of Israel dread it? But others believed not, and left their cattle in the field. Obstinate unbelief is deaf to the fairest warnings, and the wisest counsels, which leaves the blood of those that perish upon their own heads.
Verses 22-35 Woful havoc this hail made: it killed both men and cattle; the corn above ground was destroyed, and that only preserved which as yet was not come up. The land of Goshen was preserved. God causes rain or hail on one city and not on another, either in mercy or in judgment. Pharaoh humbled himself to Moses. No man could have spoken better: he owns himself wrong; he owns that the Lord is righteous; and God must be justified when he speaks, though he speaks in thunder and lightning. Yet his heart was hardened all this while. Moses pleads with God: though he had reason to think Pharaoh would repent of his repentance, and he told him so, yet he promises to be his friend. Moses went out of the city, notwithstanding the hail and lightning which kept Pharaoh and his servants within doors. Peace with God makes men thunder-proof. Pharaoh was frightened by the tremendous judgment; but when that was over, his fair promises were forgotten. Those that are not bettered by judgments and mercies, commonly become worse.
Exodus 9:1-7 . MURRAIN OF BEASTS.
3-5. Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle--A fifth application was made to Pharaoh in behalf of the Israelites by Moses, who was instructed to tell him that, if he persisted in opposing their departure, a pestilence would be sent among all the flocks and herds of the Egyptians, while those of the Israelites would be spared. As he showed no intention of keeping his promise, he was still a mark for the arrows of the Almighty's quiver, and the threatened plague of which he was forewarned was executed. But it is observable that in this instance it was not inflicted through the instrumentality or waving of Aaron's rod, but directly by the hand of the Lord, and the fixing of the precise time tended still further to determine the true character of the calamity ( Jeremiah 12:4 ).
6. all the cattle of Egypt died--not absolutely every beast, for we find ( Exodus 9:19 Exodus 9:21 ) that there were still some left; but a great many died of each herd--the mortality was frequent and widespread. The adaptation of this judgment consisted in Egyptians venerating the more useful animals such as the ox, the cow, and the ram; in all parts of the country temples were reared and divine honors paid to these domesticated beasts, and thus while the pestilence caused a great loss in money, it also struck a heavy blow at their superstition.
7. Pharaoh sent . . . there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead--The despatch of confidential messengers indicates that he would not give credit to vague reports, and we may conclude that some impression had been made on his mind by that extraordinary exemption, but it was neither a good nor a permanent impression. His pride and obstinacy were in no degree subdued.
Exodus 9:8-17 . PLAGUE OF BOILS.
8. Take to you handfuls of ashes, &c.--The next plague assailed the persons of the Egyptians, and it appeared in the form of ulcerous eruptions upon the skin and flesh ( Leviticus 13:20 , 2 Kings 20:7 , Job 2:7 ). That this epidemic did not arise from natural causes was evident from its taking effect from the particular action of Moses done in the sight of Pharaoh. The attitude he assumed was similar to that of Eastern magicians, who, "when they pronounce an imprecation on an individual, a village, or a country, take the ashes of cows' dung (that is, from a common fire) and throw them in the air, saying to the objects of their displeasure, such a sickness or such a curse shall come upon you" [ROBERTS].
10. Moses took ashes from the furnace--Hebrew, "brick-kiln." The magicians, being sufferers in their own persons, could do nothing, though they had been called; and as the brick-kiln was one of the principal instruments of oppression to the Israelites [ Deuteronomy 4:20 , 1 Kings 8:51 , Jeremiah 11:4 ], it was now converted into a means of chastisement to the Egyptians, who were made to read their sin in their punishment.
Exodus 9:18-35 . PLAGUE OF HAIL.
18. I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, &c.--The seventh plague which Pharaoh's hardened heart provoked was that of hail, a phenomenon which must have produced the greatest astonishment and consternation in Egypt as rain and hailstones, accompanied by thunder and lightning, were very rare occurrences.
such as hath not been in Egypt--In the Delta, or lower Egypt, where the scene is laid, rain occasionally falls between January and March--hail is not unknown, and thunder sometimes heard. But a storm, not only exhibiting all these elements, but so terrific that hailstones of immense size fell, thunder pealed in awful volleys, and lightning swept the ground like fire, was an unexampled calamity.
20, 21. He that feared the word of the Lord . . . regarded not, &c.--Due premonition, it appears, had been publicly given of the impending tempest--the cattle seem to have been sent out to graze, which is from January to April, when alone pasturage can be obtained, and accordingly the cattle were in the fields. This storm occurring at that season, not only struck universal terror into the minds of the people, but occasioned the destruction of all--people and cattle--which, in neglect of the warning, had been left in the fields, as well as of all vegetation [ Exodus 9:25 ]. It was the more appalling because hailstones in Egypt are small and of little force; lightning also is scarcely ever known to produce fatal effects; and to enhance the wonder, not a trace of any storm was found in Goshen [ Exodus 9:26 ].
27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earnest wishes, and this most awful visitation ended. But his repentance proved a transient feeling, and his obduracy soon became as great as before.
31, 32. the flax and the barley was smitten, &c.--The peculiarities that are mentioned in these cereal products arise from the climate and physical constitution of Egypt. In that country flax and barley are almost ripe when wheat and rye (spelt) are green. And hence the flax must have been "bolled"--that is, risen in stalk or podded in February, thus fixing the particular month when the event took place. Barley ripens about a month earlier than wheat. Flax and barley are generally ripe in March, wheat and rye (properly, spelt) in April.


text:
Stephen's defence. (1-50) Stephen reproves the Jews for the death of Christ. (51-53) The martyrdom of Stephen. (54-60)
Verses 1-16 Stephen was charged as a blasphemer of God, and an apostate from the church; therefore he shows that he is a son of Abraham, and values himself on it. The slow steps by which the promise made to Abraham advanced toward performance, plainly show that it had a spiritual meaning, and that the land intended was the heavenly. God owned Joseph in his troubles, and was with him by the power of his Spirit, both on his own mind by giving him comfort, and on those he was concerned with, by giving him favour in their eyes. Stephen reminds the Jews of their mean beginning as a check to priding themselves in the glories of that nation. Likewise of the wickedness of the patriarchs of their tribes, in envying their brother Joseph; and the same spirit was still working in them toward Christ and his ministers. The faith of the patriarchs, in desiring to be buried in the land of Canaan, plainly showed they had regard to the heavenly country. It is well to recur to the first rise of usages, or sentiments, which have been perverted. Would we know the nature and effects of justifying faith, we should study the character of the father of the faithful. His calling shows the power and freeness of Divine grace, and the nature of conversion. Here also we see that outward forms and distinctions are as nothing, compared with separation from the world, and devotedness to God.
Verses 17-29 Let us not be discouraged at the slowness of the fulfilling of God's promises. Suffering times often are growing times with the church. God is preparing for his people's deliverance, when their day is darkest, and their distress deepest. Moses was exceeding fair, "fair toward God;" it is the beauty of holiness which is in God's sight of great price. He was wonderfully preserved in his infancy; for God will take special care of those of whom he designs to make special use. And did he thus protect the child Moses? Much more will he secure the interests of his holy child Jesus, from the enemies who are gathered together against him. They persecuted Stephen for disputing in defence of Christ and his gospel: in opposition to these they set up Moses and his law. They may understand, if they do not wilfully shut their eyes against the light, that God will, by this Jesus, deliver them out of a worse slavery than that of Egypt. Although men prolong their own miseries, yet the Lord will take care of his servants, and effect his own designs of mercy.
Verses 30-41 Men deceive themselves, if they think God cannot do what he sees to be good any where; he can bring his people into a wilderness, and there speak comfortably to them. He appeared to Moses in a flame of fire, yet the bush was not consumed; which represented the state of Israel in Egypt, where, though they were in the fire of affliction, yet they were not consumed. It may also be looked upon as a type of Christ's taking upon him the nature of man, and the union between the Divine and human nature. The death of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, cannot break the covenant relation between God and them. Our Saviour by this proves the future state, ( Matthew 22:31 ) . Abraham is dead, yet God is still his God, therefore Abraham is still alive. Now, this is that life and immortality which are brought to light by the gospel. Stephen here shows that Moses was an eminent type of Christ, as he was Israel's deliverer. God has compassion for the troubles of his church, and the groans of his persecuted people; and their deliverance takes rise from his pity. And that deliverance was typical of what Christ did, when, for us men, and for our salvation, he came down from heaven. This Jesus, whom they now refused, as their fathers did Moses, even this same has God advanced to be a Prince and Saviour. It does not at all take from the just honour of Moses to say, that he was but an instrument, and that he is infinitely outshone by Jesus. In asserting that Jesus should change the customs of the ceremonial law. Stephen was so far from blaspheming Moses, that really he honoured him, by showing how the prophecy of Moses was come to pass, which was so clear. God who gave them those customs by his servant Moses, might, no doubt, change the custom by his Son Jesus. But Israel thrust Moses from them, and would have returned to their bondage; so men in general will not obey Jesus, because they love this present evil world, and rejoice in their own works and devices.
Verses 42-50 Stephen upbraids the Jews with the idolatry of their fathers, to which God gave them up as a punishment for their early forsaking him. It was no dishonour, but an honour to God, that the tabernacle gave way to the temple; so it is now, that the earthly temple gives way to the spiritual one; and so it will be when, at last, the spiritual shall give way to the eternal one. The whole world is God's temple, in which he is every where present, and fills it with his glory; what occasion has he then for a temple to manifest himself in? And these things show his eternal power and Godhead. But as heaven is his throne, and the earth his footstool, so none of our services can profit Him who made all things. Next to the human nature of Christ, the broken and spiritual heart is his most valued temple.
Verses 51-53 Stephen was going on, it seems, to show that the temple and the temple service must come to an end, and it would be the glory of both to give way to the worship of the Father in spirit and in truth; but he perceived they would not bear it. Therefore he broke off, and by the Spirit of wisdom, courage, and power, sharply rebuked his persecutors. When plain arguments and truths provoke the opposers of the gospel, they should be shown their guilt and danger. They, like their fathers, were stubborn and wilful. There is that in our sinful hearts, which always resists the Holy Ghost, a flesh that lusts against the Spirit, and wars against his motions; but in the hearts of God's elect, when the fulness of time comes, this resistance is overcome. The gospel was offered now, not by angels, but from the Holy Ghost; yet they did not embrace it, for they were resolved not to comply with God, either in his law or in his gospel. Their guilt stung them to the heart, and they sought relief in murdering their reprover, instead of sorrow and supplication for mercy.
Verses 54-60 Nothing is so comfortable to dying saints, or so encouraging to suffering saints, as to see Jesus at the right hand of God: blessed be God, by faith we may see him there. Stephen offered up two short prayers in his dying moments. Our Lord Jesus is God, to whom we are to seek, and in whom we are to trust and comfort ourselves, living and dying. And if this has been our care while we live, it will be our comfort when we die. Here is a prayer for his persecutors. Though the sin was very great, yet if they would lay it to their hearts, God would not lay it to their charge. Stephen died as much in a hurry as ever any man did, yet, when he died, the words used are, he fell asleep; he applied himself to his dying work with as much composure as if he had been going to sleep. He shall awake again in the morning of the resurrection, to be received into the presence of the Lord, where is fulness of joy, and to share the pleasures that are at his right hand, for evermore.
Acts 7:1-60 . DEFENSE AND MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN.
In this long defense Stephen takes a much wider range, and goes less directly into the point raised by his accusers, than we should have expected. His object seems to have been to show (1) that so far from disparaging, he deeply reverenced, and was intimately conversant with, the whole history of the ancient economy; and (2) that in resisting the erection of the Gospel kingdom they were but treading in their fathers' footsteps, the whole history of their nation being little else than one continued misapprehension of God's high designs towards fallen man and rebellion against them.
2-5. The God of glory--A magnificent appellation, fitted at the very outset to rivet the devout attention of his audience; denoting not that visible glory which attended many of the divine manifestations, but the glory of those manifestations themselves, of which this was regarded by every Jew as the fundamental one. It is the glory of absolutely free grace.
appeared unto our father Abraham before he dwelt in Charran, and said, &c.--Though this first call is not expressly recorded in Genesis, it is clearly implied in Genesis 15:7 and Nehemiah 9:7 ; and the Jewish writers speak the same language.
4. when his father was dead, he removed into this land--Though Abraham was in Canaan before Terah's death, his settlement in it as the land of promise is here said to be after it, as being in no way dependent on the family movement, but a transaction purely between Jehovah and Abraham himself.
6-8. four hundred years--using round numbers, as in Genesis 15:13 Genesis 15:16
7. after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place--Here the promise to Abraham ( Genesis 15:16 ), and that to Moses ( Exodus 3:12 ), are combined; Stephen's object being merely to give a rapid summary of the leading facts.
8. the covenant of circumcision--that is, the covenant of which circumcision was the token.
and so--that is, according to the terms of this covenant, on which Paul reasons ( Galatians 3:1-26 ).
the twelve patriarchs--so called as the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
14. threescore and fifteen souls--according to the Septuagint version of Genesis 46:27 , which Stephen follows, including the five children and grandchildren of Joseph's two sons.
17. But when--rather, "as."
the time of the promise--that is, for its fulfilment.
the people grew and multiplied in Egypt--For more than two hundred years they amounted to no more than seventy-five souls; how prodigious, then, must have been their multiplication during the latter two centuries, when six hundred thousand men, fit for war, besides women and children, left Egypt!
20-22. In which time--of deepest depression.
Moses was born--the destined deliverer.
exceeding fair--literally, "fair to God" (Margin), or, perhaps, divinely "fair"
22. mighty in words--Though defective in utterance ( Exodus 4:10 ); his recorded speeches fully bear out what is here said.
and deeds--referring probably to unrecorded circumstances in his early life. If we are to believe JOSEPHUS, his ability was acknowledged ere he left Egypt.
23-27. In Acts 7:23 Acts 7:30 Acts 7:36 , the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years ( Deuteronomy 34:7 ), agrees with it.
it came into his heart to visit his brethren--his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving with the consciousness of a divine vocation to set them free.
24. avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian--going farther in the heat of his indignation than he probably intended.
25. For he supposed his brethren would have understood, &c.--and perhaps imagined this a suitable occasion for rousing and rallying them under him as their leader; thus anticipating his work, and so running unsent.
but they understood not--Reckoning on a spirit in them congenial with his own, he had the mortification to find it far otherwise. This furnishes to Stephen another example of Israel's slowness to apprehend and fall in with the divine purposes of love.
26. next day he showed himself unto them as they strove--Here, not an Israelite and an Egyptian, but two parties in Israel itself, are in collision with each other; Moses, grieved at the spectacle, interposes as a mediator; but his interference, as unauthorized, is resented by the party in the wrong, whom Stephen identifies with the mass of the nation ( Acts 7:35 ), just as Messiah's own interposition had been spurned.
28, 29. Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?--Moses had thought the deed unseen ( Exodus 2:12 ), but it now appeared he was mistaken.
29. Then fled Moses, &c.--for "when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses" ( Exodus 2:15 ).
30-34. an angel of the Lord--rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself JEHOVAH (Compare Acts 7:38 ).
35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying,. Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" ( Psalms 118:22 ).
37. This is that Moses which said . . . A prophet . . . him shall ye hear--This is quoted to remind his Moses-worshipping audience of the grand testimony of their faithful lawgiver, that he himself was not the last and proper object of the Church's faith, but only a humble precursor and small model of Him to whom their absolute submission was due.
38. in the church--the collective body of God's chosen people; hence used to denote the whole body of the faithful under the Gospel, or particular sections of them.
This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the angel . . . and with our fathers--alike near to the Angel of the Covenant, from whom he received all the institutions of the ancient economy, and to the people, to whom he faithfully reported the living oracles and among whom he set up the prescribed institutions. By this high testimony to Moses, Stephen rebuts the main charge for which he was on trial.
39. To whom our fathers would not obey, &c.--Here he shows that the deepest dishonor done to Moses came from the nation that now professed the greatest jealousy for his honor.
in their hearts turned back . . . into Egypt--"In this Stephen would have his hearers read the downward career on which they were themselves entering."
42-50. gave them up--judicially.
as . . . written in the book of the prophets--the twelve minor prophets, reckoned as one: the passage is from Amos 5:25 .
have ye offered to me . . . sacrifices?--The answer is, Yes, but as if ye did it not; for "neither did ye offer to Me only, nor always, nor with a perfect and willing heart" [BENGEL].
43. Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Molech, &c.--Two kinds of idolatry are charged upon the Israelites: that of the golden calf and that of the heavenly bodies; Molech and Remphan being deities, representing apparently the divine powers ascribed to nature, under different aspects.
carry you beyond Babylon--the well-known region of the captivity of Judah; while "Damascus" is used by the prophet ( Amos 5:27 ), whither the ten tribes were carried.
44. Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness--which aggravated the guilt of that idolatry in which they indulged, with the tokens of the divine presence constantly in the midst of them.
45. which . . . our fathers that came after--rather, "having received it by succession" (Margin), that is, the custody of the tabernacle from their ancestors.
brought in with Jesus--or Joshua.
into the possession--rather, "at the taking possession of [the territory of] the Gentiles."
unto the days of David--for till then Jerusalem continued in the hands of the Jebusites. But Stephen's object in mentioning David is to hasten from the tabernacle which he set up, to the temple which his son built, in Jerusalem; and this only to show, from their own Scripture ( Isaiah 66:1 Isaiah 66:2 ), that even that temple, magnificent though it was, was not the proper resting-place of Jehovah upon earth; as his audience and the nations had all along been prone to imagine. (What that resting-place was, even "the contrite heart, that trembleth at God's word," he leaves to be gathered from the prophet referred to).
51-53. Ye stiffnecked . . . ye do always resist the Holy Ghost, &c.--It has been thought that symptoms of impatience and irritation in the audience induced Stephen to cut short his historical sketch. But as little farther light could have been thrown upon Israel's obstinacy from subsequent periods of the national history on the testimony of their own Scriptures, we should view this as the summing up, the brief import of the whole Israelitish history--grossness of heart, spiritual deafness, continuous resistance of the Holy Ghost, down to the very council before whom Stephen was pleading.
52. Which of, &c.--Deadly hostility to the messengers of God, whose high office it was to tell of "the Righteous One," that well-known prophetic title of Messiah ( Isaiah 53:11 , Jeremiah 23:6 , &c.), and this consummated by the betrayal and murder of Messiah Himself, on the part of those now sitting in judgment on the speaker, are the still darker features of the national character depicted in these withering words.
53. Who have received the law by the disposition--"at the appointment" or "ordination," that is, by the ministry.
of angels, and have not kept it--This closing word is designed to shut up those idolizers of the law under the guilt of high disobedience to it, aggravated by the august manner in which they had received it.
54-56. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, &c.--If they could have answered him, how different would have been their temper of mind!
55. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God--You who can transfer to canvas such scenes as these, in which the rage of hell grins horribly from men, as they sit condemned by a frail prisoner of their own, and see heaven beaming from his countenance and opening full upon his view--I envy you, for I find no words to paint what, in the majesty of the divine text, is here so simply told. "But how could Stephen, in the council-chamber, see heaven at all? I suppose this question never occurred but to critics of narrow soul, one of whom [MEYER] conjectures that he saw it through the window! and another, of better mould, that the scene lay in one of the courts of the temple" [ALFORD]. As the sight was witnessed by Stephen alone, the opened heavens are to be viewed as revealed to his bright beaming spirit.
and Jesus standing on the right hand of God--Why "standing," and not sitting, the posture in which the glorified Saviour is elsewhere represented? Clearly, to express the eager interest with which He watched from the skies the scene in that council chamber, and the full tide of His Spirit which He was at that moment engaged in pouring into the heart of His heroical witness, till it beamed in radiance from his very countenance.
56. I see . . . the Son of man standing, &c.--This is the only time that our Lord is by human lips called THE SON OF MAN after His ascension ( Revelation 1:13 , 14:14 are not instances). And why here? Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, speaking now not of himself at all ( Acts 7:55 ), but entirely by the Spirit, is led to repeat the very words in which Jesus Himself, before this same council, had foretold His glorification ( Matthew 26:64 ), assuring them that that exaltation of the SON OF MAN which they should hereafter witness to their dismay, was already begun and actual [ALFORD].
57, 58. Then they cried out . . . and ran upon him with one accord--To men of their mould and in their temper, Stephen's last seraphic words could but bring matters to extremities, though that only revealed the diabolical spirit which they breathed.
58. cast him out of the city--according to Leviticus 24:14 , Numbers 15:35 , 1 Kings 21:13 ; and see Hebrews 13:12 .
and stoned--"proceeded to stone" him. The actual stoning is recorded in Acts 7:59 .
and the witnesses--whose hands were to be first upon the criminal ( Deuteronomy 17:7 ).
laid down their clothes--their loose outer garments, to have them taken charge of.
at a young man's feet whose name was Saul--How thrilling is this our first introduction to one to whom Christianity--whether as developed in the New Testament or as established in the world--owes more perhaps than to all the other apostles together! Here he is, having perhaps already a seat in the Sanhedrim, some thirty years of age, in the thick of this tumultuous murder of a distinguished witness for Christ, not only "consenting unto his death" ( Acts 8:1 ), but doing his own part of the dark deed.
59, 60. calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, &c.--An unhappy supplement of our translators is the word "God" here; as if, while addressing the Son, he was really calling upon the Father. The sense is perfectly clear without any supplement at all--"calling upon [invoking] and saying, Lord Jesus"; Christ being the Person directly invoked and addressed by name (compare Acts 9:14 ). Even GROTIUS, DE WETTE, MEYER, &c. admit this, adding several other examples of direct prayer to Christ; and PLINY, in his well-known letter to the Emperor Trajan (A.D. 110 or 111), says it was part of the regular Christian service to sing, in alternate strains, a hymn to Christ as God.
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit--In presenting to Jesus the identical prayer which He Himself had on the cross offered to His Father, Stephen renders to his glorified Lord absolute divine worship, in the most sublime form, and at the most solemn moment of his life. In this commitment of his spirit to Jesus, Paul afterwards followed his footsteps with a calm, exultant confidence that with Him it was safe for eternity ( 2 Timothy 1:12 ).
60. cried with a loud voice--with something of the gathered energy of his dying Lord
Lord--that is, JESUS, beyond doubt, whom he had just before addressed as Lord.
lay not this sin to their charge--Comparing this with nearly the same prayer of his dying Lord, it will be seen how very richly this martyr of Jesus had drunk into his Master's spirit, in its divinest form.
he fell asleep--never said of the death of Christ. for Christ, amidst all the darkness of its perpetrators; and how many have been cheered by it to like faithfulness even unto death!


text:
Southeastern Council of Foundations
For 2009 general operating support.
You are viewing 1—4 of 4 results.
For 2009 general operating support.
For 2008 general operating support
For 2007 general operating support
To provide technical assistance and cross-community learning opportunities to Knight grantees working on out-of-school-time programming and related youth-development initiatives in seven Knight communities


text:
Whether you're planning to head out around town for an afternoon or you want to know what the weather is going to be like at your destination before you head to the airport, you probably have a weather site that you trust to deliver an accurate and useful forecast. There are plenty to choose from, but this week we're going to take a look at the top five, based on your nominations.
Earlier in the week we asked you which weather sites you trust to help you pack and prep for your trips to the office or across country. You responded with tons of great suggestions. Sadly, we only have room for the top five.
The poll is closed and the votes are counted! To find out who the winner is and discuss the results, head over to our weekly hive five followup post!
Weather.com/The Weather Channel
The venerable Weather Channel has a reputation with many of you for accuracy, simplicity, and ease of use. The site is straightforward, remembers your location, and offers an accurate hourly prediction for the day ahead, 48 hour forecast, and even 5-day and 10-day forecasts to help you plan for future events. Maps and radar are there if you need them, but the focus of the site is on current conditions, any severe weather alerts like storms, air quality alerts, pollen alerts, and other information you may want to know before you leave the office for lunch or head out in the morning before work. Simple and accurate.
Weatherspark prides itself on its attractive graphs, maps, and charts, and they definitely deliver on that front. Type in your location and you'll be treated to a beautiful dashboard with a map of current temperatures around your area, along with an interactive, data-driven graph of temperatures in your area, organized by hour, along with a percentile range of accuracy, so you know exactly how likely it is to stray from the projected temperature, and what the statistical max and minimum temperatures will be. Hit forecasts to see a comprehensive daily or hourly forecast for the next few days. It's not the fastest way to get a forecast, but it's definitely one of the prettiest.
Accuweather garnered both love and hate from many of you, but enough nominations to make the top five. Many of you pointed to its mobile apps and widgets as being some of the most accessible for day-to-day use when you need to know how much to bundle up before you leave for work, or whether you should carry an umbrella when you go grocery shopping, but many of you criticized Accuweather for its forecast accuracy, especially for long-term projections. Even so, Accuweather offers a lot of international forecasts, which many of you liked.
Weather Underground
Accurate forecasts, detailed information, current conditions and forecasts at the top and incredibly detailed data further down the page, and accurate information in rural areas down to the specific weather station that's closes to your house were all reasons many of you prefer Weather Underground to any other site. The site design is a little busy, but the relevant information is at the top right where you can get to it. Plus, large interactive maps, terrain maps, storm tracks, regional, national, and international forecasts, and more make for an exceptional weather site. Don't forget to visit the discussions, where meteorologists discuss the day's forecasts, models, and how they arrived at their predictions.
The vast majority of weather sites get their weather data from stations operated by or at least sponsored by the National Weather Service, so why not get your weather information right from the source? Many of you said you do, and head straight to Weather.gov when you want to find out what the conditions are in your neck of the woods or across town. The interface isn't the best, and don't expect some of the bells and whistles from some of the other sites, but you will get accurate, up-to-date conditions, forecasts, satellite imagery, radar maps, and more, all in one place. In addition to current conditions, NOAA offers all sorts of information about ground conditions, from brush fires to wind advisories. The data is incredibly complete, and most importantly, most of the source information that other services use to build their own forecasts.
Now that you've seen the top five, it's time to vote for the all out winner.
Honorable mentions this week go out to Intellicast, which a number of you said may not be the best looking, but definitely worth a look if you want accurate regional, national, and travel-based weather reports. Also, we can't let this topic go without mentioning another runner-up, The F**king Weather, which is absolutely perfect if you don't need frills, maps, projections, doppler, or any of that crap, and you just want to know what it's like outside.
So what do you think of the contenders? Have something to say about one of the ones mentioned above, or want to make the case for your favorite that may have not made the list? Remember, the top five are based on your most popular nominations from the call for contenders thread from earlier in the week. Sound off in the comments below.
The Hive Five is based on reader nominations. As with most Hive Five posts, if your favorite was left out, it's not because we hate it—it's because it didn't get the nominations required in the call for contenders post to make the top five. We understand it's a bit of a popularity contest, but if you have a favorite, we want to hear about it. Have a suggestion for the Hive Five? Send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com!


text:
Gotta hand it to this guy. Not even a hospital stay can keep him down....
Check out my very own Body Hair Lovers and Photography Groups!
Mike1491 you have awsome taste in pics!
Especially the ones in posts 7158 and 7163!
Last edited by MarcForExample; November 12th, 2012 at 11:38 AM.
Cum drink at the Fountain of Youth
Looks like the new pool boy will work out
Watch the teeth Spongebob
Fries with the buns plz
With wings...
Can I have a shake with that?
Sometimes Mom came home from work early
Re: 7180, I threw up in the back of my throat, just a little, at that. Thanks for sharing...I think.
^the last one in that series is crazy! Where/why/how?
^ On a street/because they're young and horny (and a tad adventuress)/ lean in and suck....... .......
Attachment 897981
Time for a new Nutcracker Ballet?