Rhian Mannings, a woman who lost her husband to suicide after the death of their one year old son, makes an excellent point about grief:

Never tell anyone that you know how they feel, even if you have suffered the same or similar loss as they have and the reason why this might be is because even two people who have suffered the loss of children can be impacted differently; one may be impacted by the loss of their offspring more deeply than another who has been bereaved of their offspring and no two people navigate through their grief the exact same way and there could be a number of different reasons for that.

One thing is for certain in that we do have to be careful what we say to someone who has suffered the loss of a loved and especially if they have suffered the loss of a child, even if we have suffered such losses ourselves.

Grieving people can take offense to even those things said to the out of the best of intentions. It is hard to imagine how or why even those who have suffered loss would have to choose their words wisely when attempting to comfort and console someone else who has also suffered a similar loss, but this item definitely gives the reader something to think about, especially if they happen to know one who has experienced the loss of someone they held dear.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-15302629/bryony-gordon-rhian-mannings-prince-william-never-say-grieving.html?ito=push-notification&ci=tH035QhkMU&cri=I2cJThd7Fu&si=DjsGEsUcCwi7&xi=8102ee85-8eee-4c80-adf9-4540e8140d66&ai=15302629

Raven Copeland - Central HS student on life support after being struck by car:

https://wreg.com/news/central-high-band-student-hit-killed-crossing-street-loved-ones-say/

#Memphis #Tennessee #CHSWarriors #AssaultCar #Tragedy #NotOneMore #ThinkOfTheChildren #BanCarsNow #StopCrashing #StopCars #CarExtremism #EndCarViolence #CarViolence #PedestrianSafety #TrafficSafety #TrafficEngineering

How to stop husbands snoring
https://youtube.com/shorts/lXuQI87yUnc?si=25FodJh1XzANplyw

Have a lovely weekend all in Cali lots of rain. Cali is getting a down pour in our area! Recovering from new knee surgery, Noe I have a bionic knee!
Taking it easy, breezy.
For me pain comes and goes. I can walk pretty good with a walker! Once completely healed my leg should be straight as an arrow, strong as a brick and as flexible as a rubber band.
(Ha ha - but not to flexible).

I will climb mountains, swim across rivers - in my head as I as I walk around the block.
Getting antsy now - to move it, move it, move it. ( song from my fave cartoon movie Madagascar - the Lemur.)

I'm sharing this again, in hope that it will wake some up.

How can the government lose people
that are in the system?

I can't understand why nor how the government can "loose" any information regarding illegals. Here is why. I worked for the state of Illinois, in 2005-2005 I worked in a division of DHS. It was called "All Kids" at the time. It was called many different names, the latest being "obama care". I know that this was at least in one other state as well. I and someone else commented on a post on MeWe. It was going on in the 70's as well. It was an, "insurance" if you remember. BUT it was more than that.

We had 2 floors, of a state building, filing cabinets, banana boxes everywhere. Yes banana boxes lined the hallways. Boxes on top of filing cabinets.

EVERYONE was entered into the system.

The illegals were brought up, by the government. In Illinois, they were GIVEN: Homes, Businesses, Clothing, Phones, Vehicles, Free Insurance, Phones, EVERYTHING. Kicker, I will never forget, a so called "family" of 3, different last names, came across my desk. They were up from the border within 3 days time. They were taken to Chicago, to the Social Security office. They received, along with Everything else, $5,600 a month. It was called "temporary" Social Security.

BUT there was no such thing as "temporary" and Illegals weren't getting anything for free. That is the answer that they would give anyone that tried to find out about it.

I had a friend that I had known from school, she always worked, till she found out that she had MS. Three different times, she went to try to get on disability SS. Was told, no, she could work, the third time, she was in both leg and arm braces. Years later, she was Finally able to get a lousy $300.00 a month.

My ex husband, was a walker (mail carrier) (walked the hills to deliver mail) for the post office in St. Louis. He was going through a lot of pain, had 5 discs rubbing. Bone on bone. He called me and told me that he was told there was no such thing as "temporary" SS. Because at the time, he was going though the post office, and they were NOT willing, as we all know, it is hard to get "workman's comp". So he went to the SS office.

I knew, of people that were AMERICAN'S that were NOT making it on the EXTREMELY low SS, they had paid into.

I tried every way to get transferred into a different department, and wasn't allowed. So on December 5th 2005, I quit.

So, you see, many of you think that the illegals have JUST been coming up in RECENT years, no, but for DECADES.

And, you now see, if you didn't already know that YOU are paying, IF you are on "obama care" and they never did.

The illegals ALSO received the Money for seven years, once started. Which was immediately.

They don't come WALKING up in flip flops, New Clean clothes, New phones, etc. That is all staged.

The only "good thing" that came out of this. I knew what was going on, and can tell everyone, everywhere. I tried then, and no one would listen.....

Are you listening now....

Hey California!
Your "leaders" have abandoned you.

"Where are all of the California Democrats?"

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/gop-senators-rick-scott-ron-johnson-go-california/

#GlobalWarming #ClimateChange
The #Climate Scam Is Being Abandoned | Focus Shifts To More #Vaccines - #populationreduction - https://www.truth11.com/the-climate-scam-is-being-abandoned-focus-shifts-to-more-vaccines/

Ecclesiastes
Chapter 7

1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Proverbs
Chapter 31

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs
Chapter 30

1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

I am so glad that my husband and I decided to get on the carnivore diet. It's been six weeks. He has lost weight and his morning fasting glucose has been 120 or below for the past couple of weeks! I have lost 6 pounds so far. My energy levels are way up! I am working out 6 days a week for 60 to 90 minutes a day. I'm 58 and doing 100 squats, 300 arm exercises with 3 pound weights, 800 ab workouts, and 30 minutes of HIIT on my mini trampoline 2 times a day. I can get into my older jeans without struggling and have been able to closet shop and wear dresses that I haven't been able to get into for many years. My belly is getting flatter and my abs are more sculpted. I'm also sleeping much better. So glad we decided to give this a try!

Another thing to remember about "harris"

‘He Slapped Me So Hard in the Face I Spun Around’ – Woman Smacked by Kamala Harris’s Husband Doug Emhoff Breaks Her Silence
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/10/he-slapped-me-so-hard-face-i-spun/

THIS IS A TRUE ARTICLE, I DECIDED TO WRITE IT UP WHEN THE GOVERNMENT "LOST ILLEGALS". HENCE THE TITLE.

How can the government lose people
that are in the system?

I can't understand why nor how the government can "loose" any information regarding illegals. Here is why. I worked for the state of Illinois, in 2005-2005 I worked in a division of DHS. It was called "All Kids" at the time. It was called many different names, the latest being "obama care". I know that this was at least in one other state as well. I and someone else commented on a post on MeWe. It was going on in the 70's as well. It was an, "insurance" if you remember. BUT it was more than that.

We had 2 floors, of a state building, filing cabinets, banana boxes everywhere. Yes banana boxes lined the hallways. Boxes on top of filing cabinets.

EVERYONE was entered into the system.

The illegals were brought up, by the government. In Illinois, they were GIVEN: Homes, Businesses, Clothing, Phones, Vehicles, Free Insurance, Phones, EVERYTHING. Kicker, I will never forget, a so called "family" of 3, different last names, came across my desk. They were up from the border within 3 days time. They were taken to Chicago, to the Social Security office. They received, along with Everything else, $5,600 a month. It was called "temporary" Social Security.

BUT there was no such thing as "temporary" and Illegals weren't getting anything for free. That is the answer that they would give anyone that tried to find out about it.

I had a friend that I had known from school, she always worked, till she found out that she had MS. Three different times, she went to try to get on disability SS. Was told, no, she could work, the third time, she was in both leg and arm braces. Years later, she was Finally able to get a lousy $300.00 a month.

My ex husband, was a walker (mail carrier) (walked the hills to deliver mail) for the post office in St. Louis. He was going through a lot of pain, had 5 discs rubbing. Bone on bone. He called me and told me that he was told there was no such thing as "temporary" SS. Because at the time, he was going though the post office, and they were NOT willing, as we all know, it is hard to get "workman's comp". So he went to the SS office.

I knew, of people that were AMERICAN'S that were NOT making it on the EXTREMELY low SS, they had paid into.

I tried every way to get transferred into a different department, and wasn't allowed. So on December 5th 2005, I quit.

So, you see, many of you think that the illegals have JUST been coming up in RECENT years, no, but for DECADES.

And, you now see, if you didn't already know that YOU are paying, IF you are on "obama care" and they never did.

The illegals ALSO received the Money for seven years, once started. Which was immediately.

They don't come WALKING up in flip flops, New Clean clothes, New phones, etc. That is all staged.

The only "good thing" that came out of this. I knew what was going on, and can tell everyone, everywhere. I tried then, and no one would listen.....

Are you listening now....

Proverbs
Chapter 12

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Ruth went into the field of Boaz to pick the gleanings after it had been reaped (Ruth 2:3). She sought the leftovers from those reaping, but what she found was so much more - her redeemer himself. Boaz, for Ruth, was a type of Christ; he represented the one who saves us.

Likewise, we should be going out into our Redeemer’s field, not to reap what is left behind, but to bring in His bounty. Jesus informed His disciples, “lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35). This He spoke regarding those whose hearts were prepared to receive the gospel, as He continued, “already he who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for life eternal” (Jn. 4:36).

Ruth did not sow, but she received of the harvest, and also received redemption. So too, we who have received redemption should be going out to harvest that which we did not sow (Jn. 4:37-38).

Brethren, are you working to harvest the Lord’s field? Or even to reap the gleanings? If not, why not? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Is it not God’s power for salvation? (Rom. 1:16) Did not God choose “the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21)?

Let us then, as His workers, work to bring in His harvest as He commanded those who would follow (Mt. 28:18-20).

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 25

"She gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3

Her hap was. Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident, but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her mother's blessing, under the care of her mother's God, to humble but honourable toil, and the providence of God was guiding her every step. Little did she know that amid the sheaves she would find a husband, that he should make her the joint owner of all those broad acres, and that she a poor foreigner should become one of the progenitors of the great Messiah. God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings. Little do we know what may happen to us tomorrow, but this sweet fact may cheer us, that no good thing shall be withheld. Chance is banished from the faith of Christians, for they see the hand of God in everything. The trivial events of today or tomorrow may involve consequences of the highest importance. O Lord, deal as graciously with Thy servants as Thou didst with Ruth.

How blessed would it be, if, in wandering in the field of meditation tonight, our hap should be to light upon the place where our next Kinsman will reveal Himself to us! O Spirit of God, guide us to Him. We would sooner glean in His field than bear away the whole harvest from any other. O for the footsteps of His flock, which may conduct us to the green pastures where He dwells! This is a weary world when Jesus is away- we could better do without sun and moon that without Him- but how divinely fair all things become in the glory of His presence! Our souls know the virtue which dwells in Jesus, and can never be content without Him. We will wait in prayer this night until our hap shall be to light on a part of the field belonging to Jesus wherein He will manifest Himself to us.

VIDEO: #RobertDeNiro Calls For News Outlets To Ignore & Attack #DonaldTrump, So They Can Convince Rural America To Abandon #MAGA https://madmaxworld.tv/watch?id=68f7d7a145e41b6de3500cdd

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 20

"Keep not back." Isaiah 43:6

Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to the seed of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we are naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson of grace to learn to go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are you unconverted, but do you desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back. Love invites you, the promises secure you success, the precious blood prepares the way. Let not sins or fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you are. Do you long to pray? Would you pour out your heart before the Lord? Keep not back. The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need mercy; a sinner's cries will prevail with God. You are invited, nay, you are commanded to pray, come therefore with boldness to the throne of grace.

Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from union with the Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. You may be of a timid disposition, but you must strive against it, lest it lead you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made to those who confess Christ- by no means miss it, lest you come under the condemnation of those who deny Him. If you have talents keep not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices. Keep not back from close communion with God, from boldly appropriating covenant blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into the precious mysteries of the love of Christ. Neither, beloved friend, be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness, harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus' sake go forward yourself, and encourage others to do the like. Hell and the leaguered bands of superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight. O soldiers of the cross, keep not back.

Carnivore diet for 2 1/2 weeks and I'm down 6 pounds and my husband's weight is down and his glucose this morning was down to 103! It's working!

Rick, thank you very much for writing this article.

I remember this very well, I also remember thinking....when that SOB...got away with MURDER...that EVERY woman that had and would be abused...would have no one to help or believe her, Not long after that, there was a woman in Springfield IL that was murdered. By her "estranged" "husband" She had tried numerous times, with the "LAW" and LADIES an OP is worth only what the paper it is written on... NOTHING. She was found dead in a field.


Simpson's Best Performance
https://www.rickelkin.com/p/simpsons-best-performance?publication_id=2827123&post_id=175828389&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Matthew
Chapter 1

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 6

"He had married an Ethiopian woman." Numbers 12:1

Strange choice of Moses, but how much more strange the choice of Him who is a prophet like unto Moses, and greater than he! Our Lord, who is fair as the lily, has entered into marriage union with one who confesses herself to be black, because the sun has looked upon her. It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus' love, be also overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and black-heartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration of the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace. Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart, He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been black, though grace has made us comely. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to- "His relation to me is, that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Alas! how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He bindeth, I loose; He buildeth, I cast down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agreeth with me twenty times a day!" Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Thy gracious work of conforming us to Thine image, till Thou shalt present even us poor Ethiops unto Thyself, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of an evil eye. Can we wonder if this vain world opposes Jesus and His spouse, and especially when great sinners are converted? for this is ever the Pharisee's ground of objection, "This man receiveth sinners." Still is the old cause of quarrel revived, "Because he had married an Ethiopian woman."