PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT

1.) The most famous trial in history was about wisdom. The “trial of the century” in the 4th century B.C.E. in many ways revolved around wisdom. In attempting to defend himself against charges of corrupting youth, the philosopher Socrates repeatedly offered definitions of wisdom in order to demonstratethat his accusers were singularly unwise. 2.) King Solomon wasn’t so wise! Everyone knows the Old Testament story of Solomon’s wisdom, in which he uses a shrewd strategy of threatening to chop an infant in halfto determine the true mother of the child. But as the Bible makes clear, the “wisdom of Solomon” was short-lived. Solomon became soarrogant, egotistical, and self-aggrandizing that God ultimately rebuked him and stripped him of his fortune. 3.) Adversity early in lifemay enrich one’s wisdom. Early-life adversity seems to be a factor in the later development ofwisdom. Among the major figures in the history of wisdom, Confucius and the Buddhalost parents early in life;Aristotle and Moses had speech impediments, while Pericles had a physical deformity; and, according to scholars, a large proportion of the people who founded the world’s leading schools of philosophy and religion came from what we would today call“single-parent families.”Animal experiments suggest that moderate stress early in life leads to better emotional resilience later. 4.) Older people, on average, manage their emotions better. Studies at Stanford University (using brain imaging) suggest that older people on average process negative emotions differently from younger people anddon’t hang onto negative emotions as long. Studies at Georgia Tech have repeatedly shown that older people come up with better strategies for solving everyday emotional problems than younger people. In at least some cases, older is wiser. 5.) Mental practice improves neural performance in qualities associated with wisdom. A number of recent neuroscience studies haveshown that mental exertion, such as meditation, can change the way the brain confronts problems. Compassion meditation, for example, increases the ability of a person tounderstand the viewpoint of another person, which is considered a key feature of wise behavior. 6.) Job wasn’t patient! The conventional wisdom is that Job was an exemplar of patience.However, some Biblical scholars see the trials ofJob not as an example ofpatience, but rather of righteous impatience and emotional resilience.It is an ancient parable of emotion regulation—outraged and indignant, yes, but always resetting to emotional equilibrium. 7.) Paragons of wisdom are often social and political outcasts. Many figures traditionally considered to be wise—Socrates, Jesus, Confucius, the Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela, to mention several prominent examples—were either marginalized, consideredeccentric or mad, or were persecuted by their contemporaries, suggesting that we don’talways recognize wisdom in our midst. 8.) Scientists can “jam” some neural correlates of wisdom. In the last several years, scientists have reported the results of “brain-jamming” experiments, in which they selectively knock out part of the brain circuitry related to a sense of social justice. In these experiments, people who experience anunfair social situation are incapable of acting upon their indignation (as they would under normal circumstances) when a pulse of electromagnetic energy is focused on a specific part of their prefrontal cortex. This harmless and reversible interruption is illuminating the neural circuitry of altruism. 9.) Animals can be wise. Social insects like bees may offer a model of wise social cooperation. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt says “hive psychology” helps explain some of the best features of communal cooperation, altruism, and group success. VivianClayton, the godmother of modern wisdom studies, used to be a beekeeper and often uses bees to illustrate aspects of wisdom. 10.) Intelligence is not the same as wisdom. As psychologist Robert Sternberg says, Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin satisfied anyone’s definition of intelligence, but they alsoturned out to be monsters. What distinguishes wisdom from intelligence, Sternberg argues, is putting intelligence at the service of “a common good.” As he and several colleagues wrote recently, “What matters is not only how much knowledge you have, but how you use that knowledge.”

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

This is a real difficulty, but atheism is certainly not the answer, and neither is agnosticism. While there is much evil in the world, there is even more that is good . This is proved by the mere fact that people normally try to hang on to life as long as they can. Furthermore, everyone instinctively recognizes that “ good ” is a higher order of truth than “bad”. We need also to recognize that ourvery minds were created by God. We can only use these minds to the extent that He allows, and it is, therefore, utterly presumptuousfor us to use them to question Himand His motives. “Shall not the Judge of all the earthdo right ?” ( Genesis 18:25 ). “Shall the thing formed say to Himthat formed it, why hast Thou made me thus?” ( Romans 9:20 ). We ourselves do not establish the standards of what is right. Only the Creator of all reality can do that. We need to settle it, in our minds and hearts, whether we understand it or not, that whatever God does is, by definition, right . Having settled this by faith , we are then free to seek for ways in which we can profit spiritually from the sufferings in life, as wellas the blessings . As we consider such matters, it is helpful to keep the following great truths continually in our minds. There is really no such thing as the “innocent” suffering. Since “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” ( Romans 3:23 ), there is no one whohas the right to freedom from God’s wrath on the basis of his own innocence. As far as babies are concerned, and others who may be incompetent mentally to distinguish right and wrong, it is clear from both Scripture and universal experience that they are sinners by nature and thus will inevitably become sinners by choiceas soon as they are able to do so. The world is now under God’s Curse ( Genesis 3:17 ) because of man’s rebellion against God’s Word . This “bondage of corruption,” withthe “whole world groaning and travailing together in pain” ( Romans 8:21-22 ), is universal, affecting all men and women and children everywhere. God did not create the world this way, and oneday will set all things right again. In that day, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death , neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” ( Revelation 21:4 ). Learn about how much Jesus Christ suffered The Lord Jesus Christ , who was theonly truly “innocent” and “ righteous ” man in all history, nevertheless has suffered more than anyone else who ever lived. And this He did for us! “ Christ diedfor our sins ” ( I Corinthians 15:3 ).He suffered and died, in order thatultimately He might deliver the world from the Curse , and that, even now, He can deliver from sin and its bondage anyone who will receive Him in faith as personal Lord and Savior . This great deliverance from the penalty of inherent sin , as well as of overt sins, very possibly also assures the salvation of those who have died before reaching an age of conscious choice of wrong over right. With our full faith in God’s goodness and in Christ’s redemption , we can recognize that our present sufferings can beturned to His glory and our good. The sufferings of unsaved men areoften used by the Holy Spirit to cause them to realize their needs of salvation and to turn to Christ in repentance and faith . The sufferings of Christians should always be the means of developinga stronger dependence on God anda more Christ-like character, if they are properly “exercised thereby” ( Hebrews 12:11 ). Thus, God is loving and merciful , even when, “for the present,” He allows trials and sufferings to come in our lives. “For we know that all things worktogether for good to them that love God , to them who are called according to His purpose” ( Romans 8:28 ).

LESSONS FROM CHALLENGING GOD PART1

1-Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ): During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died . 2-The man who built the Titanic After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said:"Not even God can sink it" The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic . 3-John Lennon (Singer): Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said: "Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain.Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, Today we are more famous than Him" (1966). Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot sixtimes. 4-Cazuza (Bi-intimate Brazilian composer, singer andpoet): During A show in Canecio ( Rio de Janeiro ), while smoking his cigarette, hepuffed out some smoke into the air and said: "God, that's for you." He died at the age of 32 of AIDSin a horrible manner. 5-Marilyn Monroe (Actress) She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentationof a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said: "I don't need your Jesus". A week later, she was found dead in her apartment . 6-Campinas (IN 2005) In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick upa friend, The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who was already seated in the car: "My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You, " She responded: "Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here, It's Already Full " Hours later, news came by thatthey had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had died, the car could not be recognizedwhat type of car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk wasintact. The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken . 7-Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer) said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written. In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle . 8-Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus. Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive #so be careful#

WISDOM AND ITS BIBLICAL INTERCONNECTEDNESS

1). Happy is the man that finds wisdom (Proverbs 3:13). For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (2 Cor. 1:20). 2). Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and all the things that you desire are notto be compared unto her (Proverbs 3:15). Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). 3).Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom:and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believethe works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (John 10:38). 4). Those who seek (wisdom) early shall find (it) (Proverbs 8:17). For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened (Matthew 7:8). 5). (Wisdom will) cause thosethat love (her) to inherit substance; and (she) will fill their treasures (Proverb 8:21). Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death hasoccurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant (Hebrew 9:15). 6). The fear of the Lord is thebeginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding (Prov. 9:10). And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50). 7). Wisdom that is from above is pure (James 3:17). For at that time I will changethe speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the nameof the Lord and serve him with one accord (Zeph. 3:9). 8). Wisdom that is from above is peaceable (James 3:17). But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed Isaiah 53:5). 9). Wisdom that is from above is gentle (James 3:17). But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter (Jer. 11:19). 10). Wisdom that is from above is reasonable (James 3:17). Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool (Isaiah1:18). 11). Wisdom that is from above is full of mercy (James 3:17). And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, andweep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn (Zech. 12:10). 12). Wisdom that is from above is full of good fruits (James 3:17). But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (1 Cor. 15:20). 13). Wisdom that is from above is without partiality (James 3:17). For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. 14). Wisdom that is from above is without hypocrisy (James 3:17). I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites (Psalm 26:4). 15). If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (James 1:5). Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks ,receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened (Matthew 7:8-9). Compiled by Chooks Igwe.

EMOTIONAL MANIPULATIONS! HOW DOES IT WORK

Emotional Manipulation Emotional manipulation usually starts out subtle, so much so that many people don't detect a problem. As time goes on, however, the manipulator's tacticsbecome more outright. The deal is that they need time to get you to have feelings for them, so that it is hard for you to break free. This way when they ask for another chance you will give it to them. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions 1. To spot emotional manipulation you need to be aware, which means listening and looking for manipulation tactics. When a manipulator has years of experience they use words as their weapon of choice. They know exactly what to say and how to say it to get what they want. Understand that emotional manipulators don't care what you want. They may act as though they do, but know that they are also great actors. Many can cry on cue or act out fits of anger and not be angry at all. 2. Emotional manipulators are charming and all your friends and family will like them. He/she puts on their best impersonationof a nice person around others. They continue this facade throughout your time together. This deception is how they make you out to be the crazy one. Your feelings are your best friend. If something doesn't feel right andyou are feeling confused then youneed to really pay close attentionto what this person is saying and doing. When their actions don't match their words this is a bright red flag. They will say something like "Everybody makes mistakes I'm not perfect." This is a guilt trip set updon't buy into it! 3. Another emotional manipulation tactic is flirting'. They flirt' right in front of you then accuse you of over reacting. Naturally, then you're the bad guy/girl, they're just being friendly blah blah blah. They thrive on your drama, so they find ways to push buttons. Remember, in the beginning they're listening and watching, so they know what gets to you. You give them ammunition and they will use it! This is why you do not bare secrets early on. It's your secretsand fears that they use to make YOU appear unstable and unreasonable. 4. Look for doubt to set in, not in them, but in you. You will start doubting your own sanity. Did I really say that? Did I really do that? Emotional manipulation is all about making a person doubt themselves. This way the manipulator is always right and always gets their way. They are in control and plan to keep it that way. The use of guilt, anger, deception, intimidation, control and power will all come into play at some point. They will also be evasive, elusive and emotionally unavailable. There is no love only lust. Sad to say, but many people mistake lust for love and fall forthis tactic head on. 5. Know that the worst part of this is that if you're around them long enough you will becomelike them. That's right, you become like who you're around. How do you fight back or survive if you don't use emotional manipulation tactics yourself? After all, manipulators don't play fair! Many times it ends in sadness and violence; emotional baggage to carry for life unless counsel is sought. To not fall for these emotional manipulators build your self esteem and confidence, so that their behaviors are unacceptable. Beware! Mind who you give out your feelings too.

OBSERVABLE WARNINGS WHEN DEALING WITH GOLD DIGGERS.

Many gold diggers won't let go of one relationship until they have a more lucrative one on the line. Watch out for the guy or girl who grows close to you, and more dependent on you, but won't let goof the unhappy relationship they are in. They may be working both ends against the middle, wringing the last drops out of their current relationship, while setting you up to be their next. If you find yourself dating gold diggers more often than you'd like, think about where you meet people, and how you present yourself. If you look like you could besomebody's "sugar daddy" or"sugar momma" (successful, with a high standard of living) then guess what kind of crowd you're going to attract? Anyone can be a gold digger, male or female, rich or poor. Sometimes they will try to put on a show that they lost everything and are in a state of depression. Watch out for people who frequently change jobs, or go long periods of time unemployed. Be careful when there is always an excuse to explain their unemployment, especially when thereason is always someone else's fault (I got laid off, my boss hatedme, they wanted me to work all the time, there was no room for advancement, they kept shorting my paychecks, etc.) Stuff happens,but when it happens to that person over and over, it's a red flag. Don't become overly stingy in an effort to spot a gold digger. The above steps all involve getting to know the person, and observing their behavior. You don't have to pretend to be a total cheapskate in order to judge someone's character.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A GOLD DIGGER IN A RELATIONSHIP.

Have you ever been suspicious that the person you are dating is more interested in your money than in you? If you are concerned about this and want to find out, here are some ideas to accomplish this and protect yourself before it is too late. Edit Steps 1 Understand what a gold digger is,and is not . There's nothing wrongwith a person being concerned about your financial stability . A long-term partnership means depending on each other through the ups and downs, and being financially reliable does help with that to a degree. The difference between a gold digger and someone who values your role as a provider is that the gold digger would deride and perhaps leave youif you lost your ability to provide for them financially. A good person can appreciate your financial resources, but a gold digger appreciates only that, and will not see the relationship as worthwhile if you're not well off. 2 Gold diggers drop hints that they're having trouble paying theirbills (sometimes they might even ask you directly for a "loan" to tide them over) . They know that you don't want to see them get aneviction notice, or get their car repossessed, and you're a good person who's in a position to help.But there's a difference between a gold digger and someone who's just fallen on bad times. What youshould be looking for is if, despite their situation, this person is making poor financial decisions. Do they buy a brand new car with luxury features when they're struggling to pay rent? Do they buy$300 shoes or watches when their phone service is at risk of getting cut off? Do they go to expensive restaurants when their credit cards are maxed out, because they"work hard" and they "earned it"?Many gold diggers know better than to ask you to fund their more luxurious tastes, at least in the beginning; they'll tap into yourdesire to help them afford the things they need (food, shelter, transportation) so that they can spend their own money on the things they want . 3 When they discuss their financialwoes, suggest ways in which the suspected gold digger can make money fast . When you mention the possibility of them selling their luxury car, video console, guitar, diamond bracelet, or any other expensive item that could keep them from becoming homeless or having their utilities cut off or car repossessed, how dothey respond? The average person will be saddened and may even become angry or upset, but a gold digger will be appalled at the very idea that they should have to give up their prized possessions in order to meet their own basic needs. They'll treat the idea as ludicrous. More often than not, their dismissal of the idea will be accompanied by anger or even rudeness. This is a very subtle pointer that would give you a very good sense of their sense of entitlement. 4 Look for a sense of entitlement . Gold diggers feel that they deserve to be treated well, and that includes knowing that someone is willing to spend moneyon them. Maybe it's because they had a bad childhood or relationship, and they feel they deserve to be happy (and it just sohappens that their joy carries a high price tag). Or maybe they feelit's their right to be able to pursuetheir big dreams at the expense offinancial stability, and, coincidentally, haven't considered who will foot the bill of their soul-searching . Have you noticed unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment? This sense of entitlement is one of the symptoms of narcissistic behavior, which has other symptoms that a potential gold digger might harbor: [1] grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggeratesachievements and talents, expectsto be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements) preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance,beauty, or ideal love believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) requires excessive admiration lacks empathy : is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others often envious of others or believesthat others are envious of him or her 5 Ask them meaningful questions . What is the best gift they've ever gotten? Gold diggers will almost always cite an expensive, material object, not a uniquely personal andthoughtful gift. What's the biggest thing you ever had to give up to do or get something you really wanted? What you're searching for here is evidence of delayed gratification - the ability to give up something now so that you can achieve something greater, later. Gold diggers are notoriously spoiled or sheltered, and have never had to really wait, work, or struggle for what they want because somehow,someone was always there to help. 6 See what questions they ask you . Certain questions which might seem harmless might really be an attempt to judge your ability to provide. None of these questions, alone, should get you worried but all of them on the first date should definitely send up a red flag: How much do you make a year? Why would she/he ask this question? Because a gold digger is amobile calculator, therefore every question that relates to money is calculated to determine the percentage of the total amount that she/he believes she/he"deserves". Are you a homeowner? And what type of car do you drive? They are trying to determine your overall worth and whether being with youis a profitable investment for them. How many kids do you have? Your answer to the question will help her/him determine (calculate) much of your income and attention goes to your children and how much time you can devoteto her/him. A gold digger is a needy individual that will take up a lot of your money, time and energy. 7 Search for signs of generosity and gratitude towards you . After having gone on several dates, has this person ever offered to pay? When you do pay, does he or she say thank you? Do they ever offer to help you in other ways? (And no, physical intimacy doesn't count); do they cook you dinner when you've been out working late? Fix your computer? Run an errand for you when your schedule's especially tight? If these character traits are missing, is this really someone you want to get involved with? A person doesn't develop gratitude and generosity overnight... 8 Indulge in a pipe dream . A pipe dream is basically a long shot. Takeone of your childhood fantasies and run with it. Tell the person you're dating that you're thinking about becoming the mechanic, farmer , supermodel , writer, [insert dream career here] you've always wanted to be. Explain how if you were to ever do this, it would require a significant lifestyle change; you'd have to go back to school, relocate, or whatever would make it clear thatyour standard of living will go down dramatically. How does this person respond? Do they seem concerned? That's normal. A good person will encourage you to followyour dreams while simultaneously helping you think of ways to do it practically and responsibly. A gold digger will look horrified or disgusted and say things like"You're not really serious, are you?"OR they are ready to call it quits and leave because you are paying attention to "you" instead of"them". 9 Watch yourself . It feels good to help people , whether you just helped someone avoid becoming homeless, or you're helping an aspiring artist or entrepreneur launch his or her career, but you have to be careful that you don't fall into a pattern where your helpbecome the norm, so much so thatwithout your financial assistance, the relationship would crumble. If you're the kind of person who has trouble saying "no" , or who is intensely sympathetic and compassionate, you're more likely to bump into a gold digger. You might also face the feeling that this is one of the most attractive or intriguing people you've ever dated, and you don't want to ruin your chances, but don't be fooled by a good looking exterior. It could cost you. 10 Listen to the types of questionsyou are asked . Even seemingly innocuous questions like "What do you do?" and "Where do you live?" can be loaded questions, asked in an attempt to ascertain your net worth and lifestyle. In any case, donot answer these questions directly - but start out by explaining your life story. What things happened to you as a child/teenager that shaped the lifeyou live today? A person truly interested in who you are will listen intently and ask questions of a more personal nature - whereas a gold digger will not havethe patience to get to know you first; they will only want to find out your current financial position before investing any time in you. Gold diggers in a social situation will work the room and are "on the clock". The longer you can delay telling them what you do, they will be unable to size you up and you stand a better chance of weeding them out.