One late night, while browsing through the Lulu bookstore in search of self-help books, I stumbled upon How to Outsmart a Manipulator by Justin Taylor. The title immediately caught my attention, resonating with my recent experiences. I had been grappling with the realization that a close friend had been subtly manipulating me. Their constant need for control, the guilt-tripping, and the way they twisted situations to their advantage had left me feeling confused and emotionally drained. I hadn't recognized these behaviors as manipulation until I saw this book. Hoping to find clarity and regain control over my interactions, I purchased it. Reading Taylor's book was an eye-opening experience. It not only helped me identify the manipulative tactics used against me but also provided practical strategies to counteract them. Here are ten invaluable lessons I learned: 1. Recognize Manipulative Behavior Early Taylor emphasizes the importance of identifying manipulation before it takes hold. He outlines common tactics such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and playing the victim. Understanding these signs enabled me to spot manipulation in its early stages and address it promptly. 2. Understand the Psychology Behind Manipulation The book delves into the psychological mechanisms manipulators exploit, such as our desire for approval or fear of conflict. By understanding these, I became more aware of my vulnerabilities and learned to protect myself from being exploited. 3. Set Clear Boundaries Taylor stresses the necessity of establishing and maintaining personal boundaries. He provides guidance on how to communicate limits assertively and the importance of consistency in upholding them. Implementing this advice helped me reclaim my personal space and autonomy. 4. Build Emotional Resilience Manipulators often target emotional weaknesses. The book offers exercises to strengthen emotional resilience, such as mindfulness practices and self-reflection techniques. These tools have been instrumental in helping me stay grounded and less susceptible to emotional manipulation. 5. Trust Your Instincts Taylor encourages readers to listen to their gut feelings. Often, we sense something is off but dismiss it. Learning to trust my instincts has been crucial in identifying and avoiding manipulative situations. 6. Communicate Assertively The book provides strategies for assertive communication, emphasizing the use of "I" statements and maintaining a calm demeanor. This approach has empowered me to express my needs and concerns without aggression or passivity. 7. Avoid Justifying or Over-Explaining Manipulators often exploit our tendency to over-explain. Taylor advises keeping explanations concise and avoiding unnecessary justifications. This tactic has helped me maintain control during interactions and prevent being drawn into manipulative dialogues. 8. Recognize the Impact of Manipulation on Mental Health The book discusses how prolonged exposure to manipulation can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Acknowledging this impact motivated me to prioritize my mental well-being and seek supportive relationships. 9. Develop a Support System Taylor highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals. Building a support network has provided me with perspective, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss concerns. 10. Empower Yourself Through Knowledge Ultimately, the book underscores that knowledge is power. Understanding manipulation tactics and how to counter them has restored my confidence and sense of control. I now approach relationships with a balanced perspective, aware of potential red flags and equipped to handle them. How to Outsmart a Manipulator by Justin Taylor has been a transformative read. It has not only helped me navigate and exit a toxic friendship but also equipped me with the tools to foster healthier relationships moving forward. I feel more confident, self-assured, and prepared to protect my emotional well-being. BOOK LINK: https://www.lulu.com/shop/justin-taylor/how-to-outsmart-a-manipulator/ebook/product-jewnzz5.html?q=How+to+Outsmart+a+Manipulator+&page=1&pageSize=4

The sole purpose of you being on this platform is for us to educate you on the great works of this *Curative Herbal Medicine called JIGSIMUR* Jigsimur has been tested and proven with numerous testimonies, to cure stubborn sicknesses and disesses inclusive of those that have defied Orthodox medication. It also promotes good healty life and longevity through boosting immunity and prevention of disesses. *We at JIGSIMUR are in a life saving mission as well as empowering everyone who joins us in our life saving mission. To make our mission successful, we recognize that It will take your commitment and partnership. That is why we recommend the product highly for your use and at same time advise you acquire adequate knowledge of Jigsimur through our enlightenment and educative programs to you believing that you will play a major role in also passing same information about this God sent, wonderful herbal medicine that solves multiple life threatening ailments, to brothers/sisters, friends, loved ones and the general public at large. JIGSIMUR brings hope to the hopeless, and also empowers every participant and volunteers in this mission of saving lives. Once again I wish to welcome you all to this wonderful day of yet another great opportunity to live, to be happy and be disease free🕺🏽 DM: 08068857039 or 09050357218

Discovering your own Gift 🎁 involves introspection, self-assessment, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Here are some strategies to help you get started: 1. Set clear goals: Establish what you want to achieve in different areas of your life, such as career, relationships, or personal growth. 2. Track your progress: Keep a journal, log your accomplishments, or use a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress. 3. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. 4. Seek feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues. 5. Practice self-awareness: Recognize your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they impact your productivity and quality of work. 6. Develop a growth mindset: Be open to learning, experimenting, and taking calculated risks. 7. Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact activities that align with your goals and values. 8. Eliminate distractions: Minimize procrastination and optimize your workflow. 9. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. 10. Continuously learn and improve: Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and new skills to enhance your quality and efficiency. By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to discover your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing your overall quality and efficiency. What specific area of your life do you want to improve?

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; :To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

DONT READ ALONE TAG YOUR PARTNER HOW TO BETTER COMMUNICATION IN YOUR MARRIAGE Or Relationship 1. ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer, questions that initiate conversations such as "How was your day?", "How did you get that scar?", "How is your heart?" 2. FIND OUT TOPICS YOUR SPOUSE ENJOYS Don't just talk about bills and responsibilities, engage your spouse in conversations your spouse enjoys such as business, leadership, general knowledge, design... talks about life and emotions. 3. USE ENDEARING NAMES When you call your spouse with special names such as "Darling", "Hun", "Sweetheart", "Love" it makes the communication sweeter. 4. REPLY OR CALL BACK AS SOON AS YOU CAN Ignoring or delaying to reply or calling back your spouse discourages communication. 5. BE COURTEOUS Learn to say "Thank you", "Please", "Kindly", it makes your tone warmer and less entitled. 6. HAVE HUMOUR IN MARRIAGE The more you two laugh together, the closer you will get. 7. SPEND QUALITY TIME There are some conversations that cannot be rushed and you two will only have them when you spend adequate time together. 8. SOLVE ISSUES QUICKLY Issues kill communication. Learn to swallow your pride and reconcile faster. 9. ASK YOUR SPOUSE IF EVERYTHING IS OK WHEN HE/SHE IS ACTING WEIRD If you notice your spouse has changed or not himself/herself; ask... sometimes all your spouse needs is an invitation to open up. 10. APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE If you do wrong, say sorry. Stop holding on to grudges. People who value their love do this. 11. AVOID SILENT TREATMENT Stop trying to punish your spouse with silent treatment, it only pushes your spouse away. 12. AVOID TALKING ALOT WHEN ANGRY When people are angry, they tend to say regrettable things. Hold your tongue. 13. AGREE ON HOW TO HANDLE CONFLICTS When things are good between you two, agree on how to go about conflict to minimize misunderstandings. 14. PRAY OFTEN Talking with God often as a couple makes you two connect better. 15. INVOLVE YOUR SPOUSE IN DECISION MAKING The more you show your spouse his/her opinion matters, the more your spouse will feel connected to you. 16. MAKE LOVE OFTEN Enjoying pleasure together heightens communication.

Father, forgive me for the times that I have failed to acknowledge You. Give me the boldness and confidence to not be ashamed to proclaim Your name. You have revealed Yourself in Jesus, and I know that this is true. Empower me to live in that truth, so that others may see You and know You too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Secrets of Solomon: A Witch’s Handbook from the Venetian Inquisition This 2018 edition (edited and translated by Joseph H. Peterson) presents The Secrets of Solomon, a grimoire said to have been confiscated by the Venetian Inquisition in 1636. Peterson describes it as a collection of “secret techniques for dealing with the more dangerous spirits or daemons,” compiled from trial records and published in English for the first time. In 16th–18th century Venice the Holy Office (Inquisizione di Stato) prosecuted heresy, superstition and witchcraft under the joint authority of the Venetian Republic and the Church. The Inquisition was active in cases of “prohibited books, superstition, and witchcraft”. In Venice’s cosmopolitan society, magical beliefs persisted even under ecclesiastical scrutiny. The book’s central theme is infernal magic. It opens with three chief spirits (daemons) and their many servants, a hierarchy explicitly described as “chthonic and possibly infernal” beings rather than the airy spirits of classical Solomonic lore. In this sense it is seen as a precursor to the later Grimorium Verum, providing “variants on the spirit lists and procedures” that appear there. Another major section treats the spirits of the seven celestial spheres and the four elements. These high spirits are served by mysterious entities called “Amalthai,” and elaborate rituals are given for invoking each planetary angel and elemental daemon. Peterson notes that this part includes “a long series of instructions for approaching the greater spirits through ritual, along with a set of talismans to be employed toward various ends”. Unlike many grimoires attributed to Solomon, this one comes from real Inquisition trial documents. It offers a rare snapshot of what actual 17th-century Venetian occult practitioners recorded as their magical knowledge.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:6

*Kingdom Matters Devotional* Topic: The Glory of the Kingdom of Heaven (3) _Main Text: Hebrews 11:39 - “And all these, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”_ Brethren, welcome to the third edition of this enriching series. May the Lord grant you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Amen. In our last edition, we reflected on the life of John the Baptist, whom Jesus described as the greatest among those born of women. This statement is striking, especially when viewed through the lens of human standards, where greatness is often measured by outward accomplishments such as miracles, wealth, or status. We concluded that in the Kingdom of Heaven, greatness is not defined by results, influence, or earthly success. In this edition, we will go deeper into why John held such a high rank in the eyes of Jesus. Friends, to fully grasp the context of this revelation, I encourage you to read Hebrews 11 in its entirety. This chapter, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” lists many of the patriarchs; men and women who demonstrated unwavering faith. Yet, verse 39 gives us a deeper insight, stating that “All these, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” For purposes of clarity, permit me to tell you that this “promise” that they did not receive was not material wealth, earthly possessions, or even answered personal prayers. Rather, it was something far more profound: the hope of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, the King and His Kingdom. Child of God, you must understand that while John the Baptist had intimacy with the King, these patriarchs saw Him from a distance. They prophesied of Him, longed for Him, and shaped their lives around the promise of His coming. They embraced shadows, types, and figures like Moses lifting the brazen serpent without ever beholding the reality in their time, and Isaiah, prophesying of Him as He whom the government will be on His shoulder, but never experienced Him. But then came John the Baptist, and unlike the patriarchs, John did not merely hope for the promise; he witnessed it. He beheld the Lamb of God with his own eyes, introduced Him to his generation, and had the sacred honor of baptizing Him. Given the above insights, I can confirm to you, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, that in the Kingdom of Heaven, your greatness is measured by how clearly Jesus is revealed to you and how faithfully you reveal Him to others. For instance, John may not have worked miracles. He had no personal wealth, no church building, and no worldwide platform. Yet he carried the deepest revelation of Jesus in his time. That intimate knowledge and personal encounter with Christ was the reason Jesus esteemed him so highly. In contrast, many persons in this generation boast of signs and wonders, large congregations, and impressive ministries, yet lack true intimacy with the King. Simply put, proximity to Jesus outweighs performance for Jesus. Beloved, how much of Jesus do you truly know? Beyond your public ministry, your social media followers, or your spiritual gifts, how much of Christ has been formed in you? How much of Him do you carry and reveal to your generation? Don’t forget, John’s life teaches us that true Kingdom greatness flows from a heart that knows, beholds, and reveals Jesus. Thank you for studying this edition with me. In our next edition, we will explore the profound mystery of how the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist. You won’t want to miss it. Shalom, Bro. Williams Elogun, Gospel Flame Ministry, Worldwide. Follow our Facebook pages for inspiring spiritual updates: @Gospel Flame Ministry @Bro Williams Elogun Join our Facebook group @Kingdom Matter Devotional https://www.facebook.com/share/g/CFMN3Wh2csT5TvCn/?mibextid=K35XfP Join our WhatsApp group: https://bit.ly/3ZxRUBR

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