#Ecclesiastes 7:12-14

[wiirocku]

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 (NASB1995) - For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors. Consider the work of God, For who is able to straighten what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider— God has made the one as well as the other So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

[drshermaines-wisdomnuggets]

"THERE'S DANGER IN TWISTING SCRIPTURE!"

Deuteronomy 4:2, “Now listen, Israel, listen carefully to the rules and regulations that I am teaching you to follow so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that God, the God-of-Your-Fathers, is giving to you. DON’T ADD A WORD TO WHAT I COMMAND YOU, AND DON’T REMOVE A WORD FROM IT. Keep the commands of God, your God, that I am commanding you.” (MSG) Ecclesiastes 3:14-15,…

[bojackson54]

A Bonfire of Vanity: Advice From the Wisest Man Who Ever Lived

Tom Wolfe (who wrote, “The Bonfire of the Vanities”) said, “The surest cure for vanity is loneliness.” Another person who understood vanity was (an older and somewhat jaded) King Solomon. After living a life of wealth and achievement, and after marrying hundreds of wives and keeping dozens of concubines, he wrote this: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and…

[maperezstuff]

On Bended Knees and Hearts

Sept 23, 1968: It is a day of celebration. We are with our beloved maternal grandma. The little girl (me) happily stands near her beautiful baby sister who carries an infectious smile. We are celebrating my sister’s two-year-old birthday. Oct. 22, 1968: One month later, it is a day of mourning. We are devastated, and heartbroken about the precious life taken much too soon by a hit-and-run…

[simmyfrobby]

— [Again and again, even though we know love’s landscape], Rainer Maria Rilke (trans. Edward Snow)

Ecclesiastes 1:9 by WolfSpider

Hockey Poetry Post ?/?

img. links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord Has Told You

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 5:22; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:15; Proverbs 21:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Jeremiah 22:3; Ezekiel 33:14; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 12:6; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:9; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 12:14

[astroartmuse]

were you born under a lucky star? an index of fixed stars and their meanings

the fixed stars of the constellation of aries

Kerb: 1°03 Aries - Danger of being jilted by a lover. Neutral effect; Mars/ Mercury influence

Difda (Deneb Kaitos): 2°35 Aries - Laziness, self destruction, nervousness, illness, inhibitions, loss. Unfortunate effect; Saturn influence

Algenib: 9°09 Aries -  Ambition, vanity, intuition, enthusiasm, bad judgment. Unfortunate; Mars/ Mercury

Alderamin: 12°47 Aries - Gravity, sternness, judgement, severe trials, poetry, drama. Fortunate; Saturn/ Jupiter

Alpheratz: 14°18 Aries - Grace, popularity, independence, honours. Fortunate effect; Venus influence

Baten Kaitos: 21°48 Aries -  Isolation, depression, accidents, emigration, shipwrecks. Unfortunate effect; Saturn influence

Acamar: 23°16 Aries - Success in public office, ecclesiastical success. Fortunate; Jupiter

Alrisha: 29°23 Aries -  Unifying influence with groups. Fortunate effect; Mars/ Mercury influece

the fixed stars of the constellation of taurus

Mirach: 0°24 Taurus - Good fortune through marriage, beauty, love talent. Fortunate effect; Venus influence

Sharatan: 3°49 Taurus - Violence, defeat, accidents, injury, danger, honours. Neutral effect; Mars/ Saturn influence

Hamal: 7°40 Taurus - Violence, cruelty, brutality, also the “Healer”. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Saturn influence

Schedir: 7°48 Taurus - Astrology, mysticism, writing. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Almach: 14°15 Taurus - Success in Venusian occupations, artistic ability, popularity. Fortunate effect; Venus influence

Menkar: 14°19 Taurus - Disease, throat trouble, disgrace, ruin, injury from beasts, unjustified enmities; sudden emergence of deep unconscious issues. Unfortunate; Saturn/Venus

Rana: 20°52 Taurus - Love of knowledge, science, much travel, many changes, position of authority, accidents at sea, drowning. Fortunate effect; Saturn influence (part of “The River”, a constellation traversing several signs)

Zaurak: 23°52 Taurus - Melancholy, fear of death and suicidal tendencies. Unfortunate effect; Saturn influence

Capulus: 24°12 Taurus - Primitive male sexual energy; penetrating; ruthless; adventurous; dishonesty; mass effects, esp. meteorological. Unfortunate; Mars/ Mercury

Algol (The Gorgon’s Head): 26°10 Taurus - Primitive female sexuality; strangulation, beheading, danger to throat and neck, murder, violence, mass catastrophe, the “Evil One”, the Demon Star; passionate; intense; hysterical. Very Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Pleiades (The Seven Sisters): 29°58 Taurus - Accidents, blindness, violence, homosexuality, feminine power. Unfortunate effect; Constellation of 7 stars (refer Alcyone)

the fixed stars of the constellation of gemini

Alcyone (Central star of the Pleiades): 0°00 Gemini - Ambition, honour and glory. Trouble with opposite sex. Neutral effect; Moon/Jupiter influence

Mirfak (Alpha Perseus): 02°05 Gemini - Indicative of events effecting large numbers of people, especially those caused by major meteorological phenomena. Bold, adventurous, somewhat dishonest. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/ Saturn influence

Hyades: 5°45 Gemini - Scandal, violence, disgrace, imprisonment. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Aldebaran (Bull’s North Eye): 9°47 Gemini - A Royal Star. The archangel Michael, the Watcher of the East. Eloquence, high honours, integrity, popularity, courage, war mongering, agitation. Unfortunate effect; Mars influence

Cursa: 15°17 Gemini - Currents of Fate, fluctuating emotions, irreversible changes to rhythm of life, sense of oblivion. Fortunate effect; Saturn influence

Rigel (Orion’s Foot): 16°50 Gemini - Technical and artistic ability, inventiveness, humour, honours, riches, happiness. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/ Mars influence

Bellatrix (Orion’s Left Shoulder): 21°28 Gemini - Loquaciousness, accidents, sudden dishonour. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Mercury influence

Capella: 21°51 Gemini - Inquisitiveness, open mindedness, powerful friends. Fortunate effect; Mars/Mercury influence

Phact: 22°16 Gemini - Talent in art or science. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury/Uranus influence

El Nath: 22°26 Gemini - Luck, fortune, success, quarrels, headstrong. Fortunate effect; Mars influence

Alnilam: 23°49 Gemini - Brief fame, quick temper, scandal. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Saturn influence

Al Hecka: 24°42 Gemini - Honours, wealth, power, greed, aggression. Fortunate effect; Mars influence

Polaris (The Pole Star): 28°34 Gemini - Sickness, trouble, loss, affliction, spiritual powers. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Betelgeuse (Orion’s Right Shoulder): 28°45 Gemini - Calamities, danger, violence. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Mercury influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of cancer

Propus: 3°26 Cancer - Overconfidence, pride, shamelessness, violence. Unfortunate effect; Saturn influence

Mirzam: 7°11 Cancer - Good qualities, charitable, faithful; dangerous passions; “The Roarer”, announcing the rising of Sirius; “The Announcer”, with Gomeisa. Fortunate effect; Venus influence

Alhena (Almeisan, the shining one): 9°06 Cancer - Acute sensitivity, creative imagination, artistic skills, writing, injuries to feet. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Venus/Jupiter influence

Alzirr: 11°13 Cancer - Hunting, besieging towns, the revenge of princes, trouble, disgrace, sickness, loss of fortune, affliction, danger to knees. Unfortunate effect; Mercury/Venus/Jupiter influence

Dziban (The Two Jackals): 13°48 Cancer - Artistic, emotional but sombre; penetrating, analytical mind, much travel, many friends; danger of robbery and accidental poisoning. Craft, ingenuity, valour. A binary star in Draco, the Dragon. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Sirius (the Dog Star; the Sun of the Sun; the prime Sun of our Galaxy): 14°05 Cancer - Ambition, pride, emotionality, fame, leadership, wealth, fires, drought, danger through impetuosity. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Mars influence

Canopus (Ship of the Desert): 14°51 Cancer - Voyages, journeys, creativity; scandal, violence; great glory, fame, wealth; changes evil to good; the Rishi (Hindu sage) Agasthya; star of St Catharine; helmsman of the Argo. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter

Wasat: 18°31 Cancer - Chemicals, poisons, gas; violence, malevolence, destructiveness as a first principal; pessimism; clear, authoritative speech; prominence in public affairs. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Castor: 20°14 Cancer - Sudden fame or loss, distinction, keen mind, violence, mischief; “The Mortal Twin”. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars/Venus influence

Gomeisa: 22°12 Cancer - “The Weeping One”; frivolity; love of dogs; dogbite; death by drowning. Unfortunate effect; Mercury/Mars influence

Pollux (Caput Hercules): 23°13 Cancer - Contemplative speculation, audacity, astrology, ruin, disgrace, death, calamity; the “Immortal Twin”; the “Heartless Judge”. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Moon/Uranus influence

Procyon: 25°47 Cancer - Violence, sudden success then disaster, occult, politics, dissipation. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Mercury influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of leo

Talitha: 2°48 Leo - Quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, great anger when roused. Neutral; Saturn/ Mars

Nebulous Cluster in 1st decan of Leo - The Aselli (The ***** ): Death by fever, fire, hanging, beheading, or violent catastrophe, ruin, disgrace, wounds, hurts to face, eye trouble, blindness, imprisonment, great changes in society. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Moon influence

Praesaepe: 7°12 Leo - Inner drive, reclusive, blindness, murder, tragedy, fires. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Moon influence

North Asellus (Asellus Borealis): 7°24 Leo - Patience, beneficence and courage, heroic and defiant leader. Fortunate effect; Sun/Mars influence

South Asellus (Asellus Australis): 8°35 Leo - Military preferment, blindness, eye trouble, shipwreck, mass murder, horrors, self-willed, uncooperative. Unfortunate effect; Sun/Mars influence

Giansar: 10°20 Leo - Penetrating and analytical mind, travel and many friends, craft, ingenuity, and valour, but danger of robbery and accidental poisoning. Neutral effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Acubens: 13°35 Leo - Astrology, writing, perseverance, domestic problems, poison, liars. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Dubhe (The Bear): 15°00 Leo - Astrology, arrogance, psychic power, destruction; aka Krathu, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) in Ursa Major; Bast Isis, the Egyptian goddess; “The Eye”; “Heaven’s Pivot”. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury/Mars influence

Merak: 19°06 Leo - Prudent, restrained, mistrustful, self-controlled (but angry when roused), love of command, power to achieve, good with animals; Pulaha, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) of Ursa Major. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury/Mars influence

Ras Elased Aust (Algenubi): 20°42 Leo - Cruel, heartless, bold, bombastic, brutish, destructive, artistic appreciation. power of expression, spiritual gifts, leadership. Neutral effect; Saturn/Mars influence

“Own Worst Enemy”: 22°00 Leo - An unfortunate degree. No freedom to act on one’s own behalf. Unfortunate effect

Subra: 24°15 Leo - Strength; plunder; swagger; yet simple and without guile. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Alphard: 27°08 Leo - Gives wisdom, musical and artistic appreciation, knowledge of human nature, strong passions, lack of self control, immorality. Sudden death by poison or drowning. Problems with law, love affairs, drugs. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Adhafera: 27°34 Leo - Crime, lying and stealing, suicide. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Al Jabhah: 27°41 Leo - Wealth, sound judgement, cleverness, prone to violence, self-seeking, danger, loss, mutiny. Neutral effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Regulus (Lion’s Heart): 29°53 Leo - The most Royal Star. Raphael, the Healing Archangel, the Watcher of the North. Nobility, ambition, alertness, great power, status, leadership, sudden downfall, accidents, violence. Fortunate effect; Mars/Jupiter/Uranus influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of virgo

Phecda: 0°29 Virgo - Civilizing influence, tamer of beasts, transmission of divine knowledge; Pulasthya, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) of the Great Bear, Ursa Major; bloodbaths, assassinations, riots, sexual perversion. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Venus influence

Præcipua: 0°53 Virgo - Generous, noble, peaceful, fearless nature, with the ability to undertake prominent and responsible positions. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Mars influence

Megrez: 1°04 Virgo - Spiritual sight; creativity; violence; Atri, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages), the ruling star of the Great Bear, Ursa Major. Fortunate effect; Mars influence

Thuban: 7°27 Virgo - Prospectors of gold and silver or those who are ministers of money; burning to death in own house. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Alioth (The Black Horse): 8°56 Virgo - Suicide among women; danger in pregnancy; Angirasa, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) in Ursa Major. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Zosma: 11°16 Virgo - Keen intellect, depression, fearful, unhappy, feels restricted, loss in childhood; egotism; prophetic ability (with Coxa: “Kua, the Oracle”). Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Coxa: 13°25 Virgo - Good for voyages, gain by merchandise, redemption of captives; prophetic ability (with Zosma: “Kua, the Oracle”). Strength. Wisdom. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Mizar: 15°42 Virgo - Connected with fires of a catastrophic extent and mass calamities; Vasishta, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) of Ursa Major. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Denebola: 21°38 Virgo - Criticism, perseverance, control, lack of imagination, honours, undesirable associates, mental illness, happiness turns to despair, disease, natural disasters, catastrophes. Neutral effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Coma Berenices: 23°48 Virgo - Eye problems; suave manner, with great personal charm; idle and dissipated, dramatic; a constellation rather than a star, with the main star being Diadem. Fortunate effect; Moon/Venus influence

Labrum: 26°38 Virgo - Honours, riches, ambition, psychic, chronic illness, dishonest income. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Venus influence

Alkaid (Benetnash): 26°56 Virgo - Associated with death and mourning, war, natural catastrophes; Marichi, one of the 7 Rishis (Hindu sages) of Ursa Major. Unfortunate effect; Moon/Mercury/Saturn influence

Markeb: 28°54 Virgo - Voyages, educational work, broad knowledge, piety. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of libra

Zaniah: 4°31 Libra - Order, congeniality, lovable nature, refinement, honour. Very Fortunate effect; Mercury/Venus influence

Diadem: 8°57 Libra - Suave, well-bred; personal charm; dissipation. Dramatic ability. The “Wreath of Jewels” in Berenice’s hair (the constellation Coma Berenices). Fortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Vindemiatrix: 9°56 Libra - Falsity, folly, disgrace, stealing, widowhood, depression, witch-hunts, mysticism & the occult. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Algorab: 13°27 Libra - Scavenging, destructiveness, repulsiveness, malevolence, fiendishness and lying, suicide, greed, injuries. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Saturn influence

Merga: 15°27 Libra - Guardians, ministers of state, custodians, treasurers, force behind the scenes, hidden masters, economists, architects, designers, “The Sickle”. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Saturn influence

Seginus: 17°39 Libra - Business, astrology, law, loss through friends, deceitful, shameless. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Saturn/Venus influence

Mufrid: 19°20 Libra - Prosperity from work, planning, strong desires, a tendency to excess, a fondness for rural pursuits, occultism. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Saturn influence

Foramen: 22°09 Libra - Prosperity, leadership; divine teacher, creative power; ear and eye trouble, indecision, shipwreck. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Spica: 23°50 Libra - Wealth, fame, honour, glamour, the “Fortunate One”. Very Fortunate effect; Venus/Mars influence

Arcturus: 24°14 Libra - Inspiration, riches, fame, honour, popularity, benefits through travel, success through work. Very Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Mars influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of scorpio

Princeps: 3°09 Scorpio - Ability to research keen, studious and profound mind, business, government, law, science, arts, lies. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Saturn influence

Khambalia: 6°57 Scorpio - Deep research of any kind, police investigation, espionage and esoteric subjects. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Mars influence

Acrux: 11°52 Scorpio - Interest in astrology and spirituality, metaphysics, sacrifice. Occult effect; Jupiter influence

Alphecca: 12°16 Scorpio - Honour, dignity, literate, brilliant, poetic, scandals, betrayal in love, sorrow through children. Fortunate effect; Venus/ Mercury influence

Menken: 12°18 Scorpio - Wisdom, astronomy, divination, medicine, botany and music. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

South Scale (Zuben Algenubi): 15°04 Scorpio - Loss, theft, betrayal, abuse, venereal disease, poisoning, drowning, anguish, revenge, criminality. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Serpentis (the “Accursed Degree”): 19°00 Scorpio - A malefic degree, tragedy, misfortune, the “Accursed Degree”. This degree does not precess; Unfortunate effect; Mars/ Saturn influence

North Scale (Zuben Alschemali): 19°23 Scorpio - Honours, wealth, distinction, brilliant mind, success in sports, politics, war, religion, writing, tragedy, violence, melancholy. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Mercury/Mars influence

Alpha Serpentis (Unukalhai): 22°04 Scorpio - Success followed by fall, suicide, insanity, accidents, success in war, politics, writing, problems in love, forgery, shipwreck, loss, earthquake. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars influence

Agena: 23°48 Scorpio - Good health, high morals, disillusion through love, success with the masses. Fortunate effect; Venus/Jupiter influence

Toliman (Bungula): 29°36 Scorpio - Occult and philosophical learning, self analysis, honours, stubborn, cruel. Fortunate effect; Venus/Jupiter influence

the fixed stars of the constellations of sagittarius

Kornephoros: 1°05 Sagittarius - Fixity of purpose, strength of character, ardent nature and dangerous passions. Neutral; Mercury influence

Yed Prior: 2°18 Sagittarius - Success in astrology & 9th house matters, shrewd. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Marfik: 5°36 Sagittarius - Passionate, blindly good-hearted, easily seduced, healer with herbs. Neutral effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Antares (Heart of the Scorpion): 9°46 Sagittarius - A Royal Star. The Archangel Oriel, the Watcher of the West. Spirit of adventure, obstinacy, injuries to eyes, honours, sudden loss, stubborn, suspicious, violent, several marriages. Fortunate effect; Mars/Jupiter/Mercury influence

Rastaban: 11°58 Sagittarius - Impulsive, honourable, good for astrology, government, writing, sports, finance, the arts, accidents, wounds, blindness, criminality. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Mars/Jupiter influence

Sabik: 17°58 Sagittarius - Wastefulness and lost energy, perverted moral, success in evil deeds. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Atria: 20°54 Sagittarius - Just, truthful, righteous and benevolent, interest in architecture and freemasonry. Very Fortunate effect; Mercury/Jupiter influence

Ras Alhague: 22°27 Sagittarius - Trouble with women, drugs, poisoning, hallucination, medicines, infections, mystical healing. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Lesath (Scorpion’s Sting - with Shaula): 24°01 Sagittarius - Danger, desperation, immorality and malevolence, connected with acid poisons, accidents, catastrophes, operations. Unfortunate effect; Mercury/Mars influence

Shaula (Mulam: the Root): 24°35 Sagittarius - Danger, desperation, immorality and malevolence, connected with acid poisons, aids victory in sieges, destruction of seafarers and captives, exorcism, mesmerism, spiritual pressure towards enlightenment. Unfortunate effect; Mercury/Mars influence

Galactic Centre: 26°52 Sagittarius - A vast Black Hole at the center of our galaxy, discovered 1932; source of energy, motivation, aspiration; alien consciousness; crisis of faith; travel; education; philosophy; spiritual urges; single-minded dedication. Fortunate effect; Jupiter influence

Etamin: 27°58 Sagittarius - Liking solitude, good concentration, dishonour, downfall and loss of prestige, esoteric and philosophical studies. Neutral effect; Mars/Moon influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of capricorn

Spiculum: 1°04 Capricorn - Eye trouble, blindness, depression, hopelessly doomed, morbid religious outlook, no concern for human life. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Moon influence

Alnasl: 1°16 Capricorn - Eye trouble, blindness (or bad eyesight). Unfortunate effect; Mars/Moon influence

Polis: 3°13 Capricorn - Martial desires, high ambitions, domination, keen perception, success. Very Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Mars influence

Kaus Borealis: 6°19 Capricorn - Promoters of idealistic and humane ideas, promoters of mental stimuli, enterprise and a sense of justice. Fortunate; Mercury/Mars influence

Facies: 8°16 Capricorn - Blindness, violent death, sickness, accidents; leadership, war, coldness, detachment, perfectionism; earthquakes; pure combative energies; risk-taking, glamour; seeks fulfilment through charitable works. Very Unfortunate effect; Sun/Mars influence

Vega: 15°19 Capricorn - Luck in politics, artistic talent, fleeting fame, double dealing, generosity, practicality. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

Sheliak: 18°53 Capricorn - Artistic talent, sexual adventures, disgrace, gaudiness, independent thought, trouble with authority, death by violence. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

Dheneb: 19°48 Capricorn - Martial Arts, ability to command, liberality, beneficence. Very Fortunate effect; Mars/Jupiter influence

Peacock: 23°49 Capricorn - Vanity and love of display, together with a long life and sometimes fame. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury/Saturn influence

Terebellum: 25°51 Capricorn - Strength and power, rise in life, riches, cunning, disgrace. Fortunate effect; Venus/Saturn influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of aquarius

Tarazed (The Plundering Falcon): 0°56 Aquarius - Spoil and plunder, imagination, strong passions, will, clairvoyance, fame, powerful mind. Fortunate effect; Mars/Jupiter influence

Sham: 1°04 Aquarius - Combative, opinionated, jealousy, danger of death in battle. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Venus influence

Albireo: 1°15 Aquarius - Contemplative, cultured, artistic, congenial appearance and disposition. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

Altair (The Eagle): 1°47 Aquarius - Sudden but ephemeral fortune, impulsiveness, courage, accidents, astrology, writing. Neutral effect; Mars/Jupiter influence

Algedi (Giedi Prima): 3°46 Aquarius - Beneficence, peculiar events, love affairs, great good fortune. Neutral effect; Venus/Mars influence

Bos: 5°34 Aquarius - Keen intellect, good for business, military, analysis. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Venus influence

Albali: 11°43 Aquarius - Danger, persecution and even death, but also said to give good fortune. Neutral effect; Mars/ Mercury influence

Dorsum: 13°51 Aquarius - The Wheel of Fortune; bites from venomous creatures (with Sun or Mars). Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Alnair: 15°54 Aquarius - Retiring, active, proud, watchful, kind, idealistic, devoted, liking for astronomy, “the Bright One”. Fortunate effect; Mercury/Jupiter influence

Castra: 20°12 Aquarius - Destructiveness, uncontrollable temper, malevolence. Unfortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Nashira: 21°47 Aquarius - Writing, government, religion, overcomes evil. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Kitalpha: 23°07 Aquarius - Gives friendship and sagacity but frivolity and love of pleasure. Neutral effect; Mercury/Venus influence

Sadalsuud: 23°46 Aquarius - Fortuna Fortunarum, great fortune; astrology, occult, government, business, psychic, visionary, originality; personal charm; temperance; aviation. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Mercury influence

Deneb Algedi: 23°50 Aquarius - A wise leader; finding the joy inherent in sorrow – and vice versa; glory and fame if death is avoided; betrayal, loss of position if associated with Sun or Moon. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Sador: 24°50 Aquarius - Glittering wings, figured by stars. Part of the Christian Cross. Words of command, gathering of wealth; a hidden god; love of water, swimming, the arts; communication with birds; aviation. Fortunate effect; Jupiter/Saturn influence

Gienah: 27°45 Aquarius - Soar to great heights, potential of sudden downfall. Neutral effect; Venus/Mercury influence

the fixed stars of the constellation of pisces

Fomalhaut: 3°52 Pisces - A Royal Star. Archangel Gabriel, the Watcher of the South. Congenital birth defects, magic, fame, occult, faith, “Star of Alchemy”, addiction, undesirable associates. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury/Neptune influence

Deneb Adige (Alpha Cygnus): 5°16 Pisces - Intelligent, creative, original, naive, astrology, writing, the public, dog bites. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

Sadalachbia: 6°43 Pisces - Success in ventures, personal charm, movement to rich pastures, aviation, discovery of lost items, “the Star of Hidden Things”. Fortunate effect; Venus/Mercury influence

Skat: 8°52 Pisces - Good fortune, personal charm, lasting happiness, psychic interests, sensitivity, occult interests, many friends. Fortunate effect; Saturn/Jupiter influence

Achernar: 15°19 Pisces - Sudden success in public office, religious benefits, access to another realm. Fortunate effect; Jupiter influence (“the mouth of the River” a constellation extending over several Signs. NOTE: stars in this constellation (Eridanus) are ruled by Saturn, with the exception of Achernar, the brightest)

Markab: 23°29 Pisces - Violence, honours and riches, “Star of Sorrow”, literary, legal problems, accidents. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Mercury/Venus influence

Scheat: 29°22 Pisces - Imprisonment, murder, suicide, drowning, extreme misfortune. Unfortunate effect; Mars/Mercury influence

(x)

[hiswordsarekisses]

🤷‍♀️ Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 38: ἁγιασμός

ἁγιασμός, (οῦ, ὁ, a word used only by Biblical and ecclesiastical writings (for in Diodorus 4, 39; Dionysius Halicarnassus 1, 21, ἁγισμός is the more correct reading), signifying:

1. consecration, purification, τό ἁγιάζειν.

2. the effect of consecration: sanctification of heart and life, 1 Corinthians 1:30 (Christ is he to whom we are indebted for sanctification); 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Romans 6:19, 22; 1 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:14; ἁγιασμός πνεύματος sanctification wrought by the Holy Spirit, 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2. It is opposed to lust in 1 Thessalonians 4:3f. (It is used in a ritual sense, Judges 17:3 (Alexandrian LXX); Ezekiel 45:4; (Amos 2:11); Sir. 7:31, etc.) (On its use in the N. T. cf. Ellicott on 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:13.)

[apocrypals]

Previously, on Apocrypals part 5: The Fifth One

As we begin our sixth (!) calendar year of Apocrypals, here is a list of the texts we have covered so far on the show in case you want to read along or catch up. They’re arranged in a way that appeases my systematic nature.  

Tanakh/Old Testament:

Genesis (episodes 16-20)

Exodus (episodes 33 and 35)

Leviticus (episode 59)

Numbers (episode 62)

Deuteronomy (episode 65)

Joshua (episode 73)

Judges (episode 80)

Ruth (episode 45)

1 Samuel (episode 89)

2 Samuel (episode 90-91)

1 Kings (episode 99)

2 Kings (episode 106)

Esther (episode 37)

Job (episode 101)

Ecclesiastes (episode 52)

Song of Songs (episode 34)

Isaiah (episode 4)

Jeremiah (episode 43-44)

Lamentations (episode 48)

Ezekiel (episode 55-56)

Daniel (episode 2)

Hosea (episode 108)

Jonah (episode 31)

Micah (episode 74)

Nahum (episode 74)

Deuterocanon/capital-A Apocrypha:

Tobit (episode 13)

Judith (episode 22)

Greek Additions to Esther (episode 37)

1 Maccabees (episode 27)

2 Maccabees (episode 28)

3 Maccabees (episode 53)

4 Maccabees (episode 78)

The Prayer of Azariah aka the Song of the Three Holy Children (episode 2)

Susanna (episode 2)

Bel and the Dragon (episode 2)

The Prayer of Manasseh (episode 6)

New Testament:

Matthew (episodes 8-9)

Mark (episode 7)

Luke (episode 10)

John (episode 11-12)

Acts of the Apostles (episode 1)

Romans (episode 5)

1 Corinthians (episode 25)

2 Corinthians (episode 42)

Galatians (episode 72)

Ephesians (episode 81)

Hebrews (episode 104)

1 John (episode 49)

2 John (episode 49)

3 John (episode 49)

Revelation (episode 50)

Pseudepigrapha (Jewish apocrypha):

The Testament of Solomon (episode 24)

The Story of Ahikar (episode 14)

The Ascension of Isaiah (episode 6)

1 Enoch (episode 39-40)

2 Enoch (episode 61)

3 Enoch (episode 86-87)

Jubilees (episodes 82 and 83)

The Letter of Aristeas (episode 70)

The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (episode 71)

Joseph and Aseneth (episode 93)

New Testament apocrypha:

The Protevangelium aka Infancy Gospel of James (episode 29)

The Acts of Pilate/Gospel of Nicodemus (episode 23)

Mors Pilati/Death of Pilate (episode 23)

The Acts of Paul and Thecla (episode 22)

The Acts of Peter (episode 3)

The Acts of Peter and Paul (episode 3)

The Acts of Andrew and Matthias (episode 60)

The Acts of Thomas and His Wonderworking Skin (episode 66)

The Life of Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca (episode 57)

Questions of Bartholomew (episode 41)

Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Bartholomew (episode 41)

The Book of Bartholomew (episode 67)

Acts of John (episode 46)

The Acts of Andrew (episode 97)

Syriac Infancy Gospel (episode 47)

Infancy Gospel of Thomas (episode 54)

Infancy Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (episode 79)

The Adoration of the Magi (2020 Christmas bonus episode)

The History of Joseph the Carpenter (episode 103)

The First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Second Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Third Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Apocalypse of Peter (episode 75)

The Apocalypse of Paul (episode 95)

The Gospel of Philip (episode 92)

The Gospel of Mary (episode 92)

The Gospel of Jesus’s Wife (episode 92)

The Gospel of Judas (episode 100)

The Greater Questions of Mary (episode Secret 69)

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine:

The Life of Saint Nicholas (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Lucy (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Christopher (episode 15)

The Life of Saint Benedict (episode 15)

excerpts from The Passion of the Lord (episode 23)

The Life of Saint Sebastian (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Blaise (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Agatha (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Roch (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Barbara (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Dunstan (episode 85)

The Life of Mary Magdalene (episode 94)

The Life of Saint Martha of Bethany (episode 102)

The Life of Saint Margaret of Antioch (episode 102)

Other:

Historia Trium Regum/The Legend of the Three Kings by John of Hildesheim (episode 30)

Muirchu’s Life of Saint Patrick (episode 36)

The Life of Saint Guinefort (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Pelagia (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Martin by Sulpicius Severus (episode 76)

The Life of Saint Columba (episode 84)

The Life of Saint Wilgefortis (episode 94)

Lives of cephalophoric saints (bonus episode cephalo4)

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 96)

More stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 107)

Solomon and Ashmedai (bonus episode double chai)

Listener questions (episode 32)

Bible trivia questions (episode 38)

Halloween-themed Chick tracts (episode 51)

Christmas-themed Chick tracts (episode 98)

Bible Adventures and the Wisdom Tree catalogue of video games (episode 64)

The Da Vinci Code, the movie (episode 88)

Guess the Bible character from Persona 5 (bonus episode Persona 5)

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (episode 105)

You can find links to all these episodes with show notes and more on the Apocrypals wiki

[poweredinpeace]

Ps.90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Exciting, Provocative, New!

Something every new life experiences, and every new generation. They are the first to feel, the first to have sex, the first to experience injustice the first to feel special or depressed.

To them their is no commonality in the history of mankind it unreality if they don’t experience it; that old man old woman not human, let alone hundreds thousands of years ago; unreality make believe entertainment ; they’re the first to breath air, feel fear, have anger. 50 to 70 years from “new” reality of the human experience will smack new down into awful evil, self-centre unreality of all humans.

That is why the young don’t get law, they feel law, it doesn’t take a PHD to know evil exist in all of us throughout history, feeling and new doesn’t prevent evil it just promotes more of it. Sadly, the new won’t experience their own destructive fruitage until their old than they will have the wisdom understand it, but not prevent it!

Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn't bless their mother.

Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.

Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.

Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Ecclesiastes 1:4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.

Ps.90:1 <<A Prayer by Moses, the man of God.>> Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.

90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

90:3 You turn man to destruction, saying, "Return, you children of men."

90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.

90:5 You sweep them away as they sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass.

90:6 In the morning it sprouts and springs up. By evening, it is withered and dry.

90:7 For we are consumed in your anger. We are troubled in your wrath.

90:8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

90:9 For all our days have passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh.

90:10 The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away.

90:11 Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?

90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

[freebiblestudies]

The Three Angels' Messages Lesson 03: Shine

Revelation 14:9-11 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

The third angel’s message is very ominous and scary. The third angel’s message also leaves us full of questions. What is the mark of the beast? Is it a tattoo or a bar code of some sort? How can we avoid getting this mark? Before we try to answer any of these questions, there is something important we need to discuss first. Did you know that God has a mark for His people?

Let’s read together Revelation 6:12-17 and 7:1-4.

There is a question asked at the end of Revelation chapter 6.  “Who is able to stand when Jesus comes again?  The answer is given at the beginning of Revelation chapter 7.  Those who have the seal of the living God on their foreheads will be preserved.

The mark of the beast and the seal of God are antithetical to each other – you can only have one or the other.  Ultimately, everyone must choose one mark or the other.  The mark of the beast and the seal of God both involve worship.

Let’s read together Revelation 14:1 and 22:4.

What is the seal of God?  The 144,000 and God’s redeemed people who have been saved by the blood of Jesus both have the name of God written on their foreheads.  What is the significance of this?

Let’s read together Exodus 33:18-23 and 34:1-35.

God’s name, God’s law, and God’s character are all one and the same.  When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God agreed upon three conditions:

Moses was to be put in a cleft of rock

God would cover Moses with His hand

Moses could only see God’s back

God then passed by Moses and proclaimed His name and character.  God wrote His law, the ten commandments, again on two tables of stone.  When Moses came back down the mountain, he told the children of Israel God’s commandments.

Let’s read together Genesis 17:4-6, 15-16; Genesis 33:22-28; Daniel 1:3-8; and Acts 9:1-5, 13:9.

There have been instances in the Bible where God changed an individual’s name to reflect a new identity.  God changed the names of Abram (“high or exalted father”) and  Sarai (“my lady or my princess”) to Abraham (“father of multitudes) and Sarah (“princess”).  God changed their names to reaffirm His promise that they will have a child and his descendants would become a great nation.

God changed the name of a Jacob (“supplanted”) to Israel (“contends with God”) to signify his reception of the same covenant promise given to Abraham and Isaac.

Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his friends as part of his attempt to indoctrinate them into Babylonian culture and thinking.

Jesus changed the name of Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to Paul when he became a follower of Christ.

Let’s read together Psalm 19:7; Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 5:45; and Romans 7:12.

God’s name, God’s law, and God’s character are all one and the same. Anything said about God’s name can also be said about His law.  For example, God is holy and perfect.  God’s law is also holy and perfect.

Let's read together Exodus 20:8-11 and Ezekiel 20:12, 20.

The fourth commandment in the Bible tells us when we worship and who we worship. The Sabbath is a sign that God alone makes us holy. Our own works cannot make us holy. We must trust in and rest in God's work for us. We cannot add to the work of salvation. We can only enjoy it. The Sabbath is a sign of trusting in Christ's righteousness and not our own.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 6:1-8; Ecclesiastes 9:10.; John 3:16; and Hebrews 10:16.

God is actually talking about the Ten Commandments in this passage of Deuteronomy. How do we know this? Moses just repeated the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy chapter 5. Did Moses mean in Deuteronomy 6:8 that we have to literally bind stone tablets to our hands? Of course not! Let the things you do demonstrate the God you serve.

Additionally, Moses did not want us to literally bind a copy of the Ten Commandments between our eyes. What is between your eyes? It’s your forehead, which plays an important role in processing information in a meaningful way.  If God’s name is on your forehead, then His law is on your forehead. Moses wanted us to take the name of God, the holiness of God, and the law of God and put them into our minds.

Let’s read together Romans 5:1-2 and  Ephesians 2:8.

Remember, salvation is by faith through grace. You cannot obtain salvation by your own works. Salvation is a decision you make in your mind. The seal of God can only be communicated and applied in the mind.

Conversely, the mark of the beast can be received by the hand or the forehead. You can receive the mark of the beast by your works or by your mind. It is the inculcation of principles that are against the name, the character, and the law of God. This disabuses us of the notion that the mark of the beast is some kind of literal tattoo or barcode placed upon our bodies.

If you have the seal of God, then you don't have to worry about the mark of the beast, even if you didn't know what the mark of the beast is! The seal of God is the name of God, the law of God put right into your mind. You accept the seal of God by faith, and God works outside of you to declare you righteous and inside of you to make you righteous by the power of the Holy Spirit. When you have a daily personal relationship with God, He will write His law into your hearts.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:11; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Hebrews 4:1-11; Revelation 13:4; and Revelation 14:6, 9-12.

Worship is tied to receiving the mark of the beast.  If the seventh-day Sabbath is a sign of God’s authority, then the mark of the beast must be a counterfeit sign.

Consider the following excerpt from The Catholic Record of London, Ontario, Sept.1, 1923, p.4:

Protestants reject Divine Tradition, the Unwritten Word, which Catholics accept as of equal authority with the Written Word, the Bible. The Divine authority given by Christ to the Church to teach in His name, to bind and loose, Protestants deny. For them - and it is their boast - the Bible and the Bible alone has Divine authority.

Now in the matter of Sabbath observance the Protestant rule of Faith is utterly unable to explain the substitution of the Christian Sunday for the Jewish Saturday. It has been changed. The Bible still teaches that the Sabbath or Saturday should be kept holy. There is no authority in the New Testament for the substitution of Sunday for Saturday. Surely it is an important matter. It stands there in the Bible as one of the Ten Commandments of God. There is no authority in the Bible for abrogating this Commandment, or for transferring its observance to another day of the week.

For Catholics it is not the slightest difficulty. "All power is given Me in heaven and on earth; as the Father sent Me so I also send you," said our Divine Lord in giving His tremendous commission to His Apostles. "He that heareth you heareth Me." We have in the authoritative voice of the Church the voice of Christ Himself. The Church is above the Bible; and this transference of Sabbath observance from Saturday to Sunday is proof positive of that fact. Deny the authority of the Church and you have no adequate or reasonable explanation or justification for the substitution of Sunday for Saturday in the Third - Protestant Fourth - Commandment of God.

Sunday worship does not have a Biblical basis. It has pagan roots. It is the mark of the Roman Catholic Church’s authority over the Bible. It has been adopted by Protestant churches and rationalized as “the Christian Sabbath” without any biblical support.

Why should we keep the seventh-day Sabbath? The Sabbath:

Was created by Jesus before sin and the day He rested from creation (Genesis 2:3)

Was commanded at Sinai by Jesus (Exodus 20:8-11)

Was kept and honored by Jesus (Luke 4:16)

Was kept by all of Jesus’ Old Testament followers (Ezekiel 20:12)

Was kept by all of Jesus’ New Testament followers (Luke 23:56; Acts 13:42, 33)

Is a sign of both creation and salvation (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15)

Is the day Jesus calls us to remember and honor (Exodus 20:8-11; Ezekiel 20:20)

Will be kept in heaven (Isaiah 66:23)

Note in Revelation 14:11 that those who receive the mark of the beast have no rest. The Sabbath is all about rest. The physical rest on the Sabbath is a sign of our creation.  The spiritual rest on the Sabbath is a sign of our redemption.

John contrasts those who get the mark of the beast with those who keep the commandments of God in spirit and truth. God's people have His name and law inculcated into their very minds, thoughts, and thinking.

Let’s read together Daniel 3:1-6; John 16:2; and Revelation 14:8-12..

Note that no one has the mark of the beast right now.  Just like in Daniel chapter 3, the mark of the beast will only come about when a day of worship is enforced by civil authorities.  Additionally, there will be legal punishment for those who do not worship on that day.

Let’s read together John 14:15; Galatians 5:22-26; and James 2:14-26.

Apple trees don’t produce apples to be apple trees, but because they are apple trees. In the same sense, Christians don’t do good works to be saved, but because they are saved. Works do not get or earn you salvation.  Rather,  works are the result of salvation based on what Jesus did for us.

Let’s read together Genesis 15:6; Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Romans 1:17, 3:23-24, 8:6; Galatians 3:24; James 2:10; and Revelation 2:10.

When Adam and Eve were in the garden of Eden, they were expected to keep all of God’s commandments.  God only tested their faith in Him on one point - to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Likewise, God’s people in these end times will be expected to keep His commandments.  The final test will be only on one point - will we keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the true day of worship?

What is the message of the third angel?  It is a message about righteousness by faith.  Will you have faith in Jesus?  Will you stand strong and keep all of His commandments out of love and obedience to His word? Will you stand strong in the face of overwhelming peer pressure to worship on another day?  Will your faith endure to the end, even if it meant your death?

Friend, the third angel's message is not to be feared, but to be welcomed! It is good news for all those who have the seal of God! Jesus is promising to destroy sin and death forever!

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

26th September >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thursday, Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs.

Thursday, Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 Nothing is new under the sun.

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on to the place where it rises. Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full. To the place where they go, the rivers keep on going. All speech is labored; there is nothing one can say. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.

What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them.

The Word of the Lord

R/Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17bc

R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.

R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.

R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!

R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!

R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Gospel Acclamation John 14:6

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 9:7-9 John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

--------------------------

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs 

(Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Wisdom 3:1-9 As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The Word of the Lord

R/Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation James 1:12

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 10:28-33 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[vincewillard-1971]

God Made Every Thing Beautiful

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

1. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2. A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10. I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercises in it.

11. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice and to do good in his life.

13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it , nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

[awideplace]

Q. What should I look for in a Christian boyfriend?

A. The Bible doesn’t mention the kind of dating relationships we see today. Rather, in terms of romantic relationships, it focuses on principles for marriage. Dating today is used as a way to evaluate whether the man and woman would be good marriage partners. Thus it follows that a Christian boyfriend should be, first and foremost, a man you think would make a good Christian husband. A Christian woman should be looking for someone who is serious about God and serious about his relationship with her. Anybody can say they love Jesus or that they’re a Christian. How do you know, when you’re falling in love with someone, that he is genuine?

The Bible is full of verses that describe what a Christian man should be like, verses that are helpful and trustworthy for a woman who is evaluating a potential husband. The following are some guidelines based on those verses. A Christian boyfriend should be

Humble and teachable: The Bible tells us that a righteous man, or a wise man, will take instruction gladly, even when it hurts him (Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 9:9, 12:15). A righteous man evidences a willingness to be corrected by Scripture and a tendency to love and listen to those who can teach him from the Scripture. 

Honest: Do his actions agree with his words? The Bible says that a righteous man is characterized by honesty in his personal and business dealings (Ephesians 4:28). In addition, when he makes a promise, a Christian man keeps his promise, even when it hurts (Psalm 15:2-5). In short, his character should be one of integrity.

Selfless: The Bible speaks specifically to husbands when it tells them to love their wives as they love their own bodies, just like Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25-28). A Christian boyfriend should begin to exhibit this kind of care and love for his girlfriend long before marriage. Love is easy in the romantic beginning stages, but a Christian boyfriend should be the kind of man whose behavior and intentions will be loving in all kinds of circumstances (1 John 3:18).

Able and willing to provide: The Bible says that a man who doesn’t provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). Provision doesn’t necessarily mean bringing in a lot of money. The issue is whether he takes responsibility for the welfare of his wife and children. It is important for women to grasp the seriousness of this verse. A man who doesn’t want to provide is very hard for a woman to respect, and if a wife struggles to respect her husband, marital troubles will go beyond the material. A woman’s respect for her husband and a man’s love for his wife are interdependent and life-giving to a marriage (Ephesians 5:25-32).

Willing to proactively protect: Both physically and emotionally, women tend to be weaker and more easily hurt than men. They need to be understood and protected and cared for in a proactive way. A good Christian boyfriend is a man who will look out for and care for his girlfriend and carry this passion for protecting her into marriage (1 Peter 3:7).

Also, here are some negative things to watch out for: materialism (1 John 2:15-16; 1 Timothy 6:10), lying (Proverbs 12:22;19:22), sexual unfaithfulness (Ecclesiastes 7:26; Proverbs 7) and poor treatment of family members, especially his mother (Proverbs 15:20; 19:26; 20:20; 23:22). Usually, a man’s treatment of his mother is a good indication of how he will treat his wife. Also, watch out for irrationally and controlling or jealous tendencies, as these often lead to violence (Proverbs 6:34; 27:4).

Finally, a Christian boyfriend is one with whom a woman is evenly matched. First, in the spiritual sense – a couple’s relationship with God should be the primary factor in any relationship, and they should be matched in that regard. Believers are commanded to marry other believers (2 Corinthians 6:14), so there is no reason to be dating an unbeliever. But a couple should also be evenly matched in the more practical aspects, having compatible temperaments, similar energy levels, and shared life-goals and interests. These things add tremendously to happiness in a relationship.

In addition to all this, if a man has a good sense of humor and a steady, cheerful disposition, this is wonderfully encouraging for his wife. Nobody can be “up” all the time, but a man who is characterized by the peace and joy of the Spirit is a real catch. Life is hard, and marriage is hard, too. There will be times of sadness, and there will be conflict. Because of this, a cheerful, encouraging spouse is a real blessing (Proverbs 16:24; 17:22; 15:30).

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-boyfriend.html

[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.