#Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hopethroughscriptureministries · 23 days

Text

Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit:

Cultivating Christlike Character

Introduction: Embark on a transformative journey through the fruit of the Spirit as we explore the qualities that reflect the character of Christ. Join us on this enriching exploration of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and discover how they can shape our lives and relationships.

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Cross References: John 15:1-17, Colossians 3:12-17, 2 Peter 1:5-8

Commentary: In Galatians 5, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a life surrendered to Christ. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flow from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and reflect the character of Christ Himself.

In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him to bear fruit. He emphasizes the intimate connection between abiding in His love and producing fruit that glorifies the Father.

Colossians 3 calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

In 2 Peter 1, believers are encouraged to make every effort to add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities ensure that we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Broader Context:

Love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The characteristics of love as described by Paul.

John 13:34-35 - Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as He has loved them.

1 John 4:7-12 - Believers are called to love one another because love comes from God.

Joy:

Psalm 16:11 - In God's presence is fullness of joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is our strength.

John 15:11 - Jesus desires His joy to be in us, and for our joy to be complete.

Peace:

Isaiah 26:3 - God promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast.

Romans 5:1 - Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God.

Philippians 4:6-7 - God's peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Patience:

Ecclesiastes 7:8 - Patience is better than pride.

Romans 12:12 - Believers are called to be patient in affliction.

James 5:7-8 - Be patient and stand firm, for the Lord's coming is near.

Kindness:

Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.

Proverbs 19:22 - What is desired in a man is kindness.

Colossians 3:12 - As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness.

Goodness:

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.

Titus 2:14 - Christ gave himself for us to redeem us and purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Faithfulness:

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness is required of stewards.

2 Timothy 2:13 - God remains faithful even when we are faithless.

Revelation 2:10 - Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Gentleness:

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath.

Galatians 6:1 - Restore others gently when they are caught in sin.

1 Peter 3:15 - In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Self-Control:

Proverbs 25:28 - A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

1 Corinthians 9:25 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

Questions:

Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life, and why?

In what ways can you abide more deeply in Christ to bear fruit that reflects His character?

How do the fruit of the Spirit impact your relationships with God and others?

What practical steps can you take to nurture the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who produces fruit in our lives that reflects the character of Christ. Help us to cultivate these virtues daily, empowering us to love as you love, to bring joy wherever we go, and to walk in peace amidst life's storms. May our lives bear witness to your transformative power and bring glory to your name. Amen.

12 notes · View notes

apocrypals · 1 year

Text

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

#apocrypals #podcast #podcasts #religion #bible #christianity #judaism #apocrypha #old testament #new testament #hagiography

88 notes · View notes

hiswordsarekisses · 12 days

Text

🤷‍♀️ 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.)

6 notes · View notes

transgenderer · 1 year

Text

In Christianity, an anchorite or anchoret (female: anchoress) is someone who, for religious reasons, withdraws from secular society to be able to lead an intensely prayer-orientated, ascetic, or Eucharist-focused life. While anchorites are frequently considered to be a type of hermit,[2] unlike hermits they were required to take a vow of stability of place, opting for permanent enclosure in cells often attached to churches. Also unlike hermits, anchorites were subject to a religious rite of consecration that closely resembled the funeral rite, following which they would be considered dead to the world and a type of living saint. Anchorites had a certain autonomy, as they did not answer to any ecclesiastical authority other than the bishop.[3]

From the 12th to the 16th centuries, female anchorites consistently outnumbered their male counterparts, sometimes by as many as four to one (in the 13th century) which eventually dropped to two to one (in the 15th century).[5] The sex of a high number of anchorites, however, is not recorded for these periods.[6]

The anchoritic life became widespread during the early and high Middle Ages.[8] Examples of the dwellings of anchorites and anchoresses survive, a large number of which are in England. They tended to be a simple cell (also called anchorhold) built against one of the walls of the local village church.[9] In Germanic-speaking areas, from at least the tenth century it was customary for the bishop to say the Office of the Dead as the anchorite entered their cell, to signify the anchorite's death to the world and rebirth to a spiritual life of solitary communion with God and the angels. Sometimes, if the anchorite was walled up inside the cell, the bishop would put his seal upon the wall to stamp it with his authority. Some anchorites, however, freely moved between their cells and the adjoining churches.[10]

Most anchoritic strongholds were small, perhaps at most 3.7 to 4.6 m (12 to 15 ft) square, with three windows. Viewing the altar, hearing Mass, and receiving the Eucharist were possible through one small, shuttered window in the common wall facing the sanctuary, called a "hagioscope" or "squint". Anchorites provided spiritual advice and counsel to visitors through these windows, gaining a reputation for wisdom.[11] Another small window allowed access to those who saw to the anchorite's physical needs. A third window, often facing the street but covered with translucent cloth, allowed light into the cell.[3]

Anchorites committed to a life of uncompromising enclosure. Those who considered leaving possibly believed their souls might be damned for spiritual dereliction.[12]: 93 [a] Some refused to leave their cells even when pirates or looters were pillaging their towns and consequently burned to death when the church was torched.[13] They ate frugal meals, spending their days both in contemplative prayer and interceding on behalf of others. Their body waste was managed using a chamber pot.[14]Some anchorholds had a few small rooms or attached gardens. Servants tended to the basic needs of anchorites, providing food and water and removing waste. Julian of Norwich, for example, is known to have had several maidservants, among them Sara and Alice. Aelred of Rievaulx wrote an anchorite rule book, c. 1161, for his recluse sister titled De Institutione Inclusarum;[15] in it, he suggested keeping no housemates other than an older woman, to act as companion and doorkeeper, and a young maid as domestic servant.[16]

honestly? with the garden, not that bad, for the time

there was one 1945-1990!

Following a private audience with Venerable Pope Pius XII, Crotta was invited into the Camaldolese monastery in Rome on November 21, 1945 to live as a "recluse" or lay anchoress. She then took the name Maria-Nazarena of Jesus.[3]

Nazarena was to remain in a secluded cell in that monastery, leading a strict ascetic regime for the rest of her life, hearing Mass through a grille and receiving her food and messages from the Mother Superior and the other nuns through a slot in the door to her cell. She spoke to no one directly, except once a year, when she spoke to the priest who served as her spiritual director. Those meetings could last an entire day, during which she would talk for hours.

she was from connecticut!

20 notes · View notes

psalmonesermons · 7 months

Text

If God has planted eternity in the human heart then how should we live?

The message below takes 4 minutes to read.

When we consider the meaning and purpose of our life, it is important to put our lives in the context of eternity. The Preacher (aka King Solomon) says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that God ‘has set eternity in our hearts’, which I take to mean that, God has given we humans an awareness/consciousness that there is something beyond our natural lives.

An awareness that there is someone and something that is beyond our understanding of time.

Eternity represents a fork in the road, when we are trying to fathom out, just exactly what is the meaning or purpose of our life. Are you living for time, or for eternity?

If we have taken the Jesus fork on the road, then perhaps today might be a fitting time to revise our bucket lists but this time in the light of eternity.

So what is on your personal bucket list today? A bucket list, as you know, is a list of all the main things we want to do before we die i.e. before we kick the bucket! Here are the most popular types of items on most peoples' bucket list

To go somewhere they have never been

To do something they have never done

To do something exciting/dangerous/extravagant perhaps just one time in your life.

This raises the question what can we take from this life into the next?

Here is what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

So, what does this mean?

So, what treasure we can store up in heaven?

Here is what the Apostle Paul said in the key passage about the judgement of believers works.

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God, which is given unto me, as a wise Master Builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Paul likened the Christian life to constructing a building and tells us we must build carefully.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

For every one of us

12 Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. Our works not our salvation. In your life are you building a palace or a mud hut? [1]

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. Gold,Silver and Precious Stones are fireproof but not Wood,Hay and Stubble.

We will all bring our big bag of works to the bema (platform) judgement.

14 If any man's work abides which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

The various crowns to cast at Jesus’ feet.

15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Clearly this is talking about loss of reward not loss of salvation.

The fire will differentiate between work we have done in the flesh (our own ideas, our own power) and work we have done by the Spirit (God’s ideas and God’s power).

So, in closing here are some things to consider for our spiritual bucket lists in the light of eternity. Here are some ideas of the type of thing that might bring you gold, silver, and precious stones in heaven.

At this stage I believe this could be an opportunity in which God wants to communicate with each one of us personally today, so be open to what the Lord might be saying to you personally.

1] Go somewhere for God you have never been, maybe a short-term mission Testimony-Brazil, Tanzania-made many friends who still are today!

2] Do something for God you have never done before, do something creative write something, sing something, paint something, give something, pray something, bless someone Use all your God-given creative talents to full effect.

3] Do something exciting/dangerous/extravagant for God, perhaps just this one time in your life, share the Gospel message, tell a friend or neighbour about your faith, be a good Samaritan to someone in need.

Or what about the wonderful woman who poured the alabaster box of costly perfume on Jesus’ feet? She did not store up her treasure on earth.

Here is her story, in

Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Those present had doubts and concerns about the woman, but Jesus praised her, whoever has much forgiven , loves much. What about you?

Prayer

Father God, we ask you in Jesus’ name, to teach us how to live and to love in the light of eternity. Show us all the tasks and opportunities of that are from you which will produce treasure in heaven. Show us what is on your list for me specifically and help me to live out and complete your plan (bucket list) for my life.

Amen

[1] Roger Price CCF Tapes BBS 023

#christianity #bible study #bibletruth #blog post #blessings #psalmonesermons #faith #victory #eternity

8 notes · View notes

astroartmuse · 1 year

Text

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)

#fixed stars #birth chart #conjunctions #close degrees #orbs #zodiac

52 notes · View notes

steveezekiel · 4 days

Text

SEARCH FOR SATISFACTION

"History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. NOTHING UNDER THE SUN IS TRULY NEW."

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)

* Based on what Solomon said, the author of the Bible passage used as our text; Nothing in the world is truly New.

- Do not be carried away with the New things, things in vogue, because they are not truly New.

- Jesus Christ in one of His parables likened some people to the Seed sown among the thorns (Mark 4:3-9,14-20). THOSE who heard the Word of God and did not allow it to take Root in them, but such allowed the cares of life and the deceitfulness of riches to choke the Word in them (Mark 4:18,19).

READ: 1 Timothy 6:9,10,17

- Riches have deceit, because humans are insatiable. If you are pursuing the things of the world, that might be at the detriment of your soul and your place in God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:33; 16:36).

- King Solomon was stating a fact in the passage of the Bible used as the text, and he was talking out of his experience.

- At the beginning of his life, he wanted Fulfilment, and thought he could get that by exploring a number of things (Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:1-11).

- When he did, he was able to get a number of things he desired, but those things did not give him the Fulfilment he was desiring for:

10 ANYTHING I WANTED, I WOULD TAKE. I DENIED MYSELF NO PLEASURE. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labours. 11 BUT as I looked at everything I HAD WORKED SO HARD TO ACCOMPLISH, IT WAS ALL SO MEANINGLESS—LIKE CHASING THE WIND. THERE WAS NOTHING REALLY WORTHWHILE ANYWHERE" (Ecclesiastes 2:10,11 NLT).

READ: Ecclesiastes 1:16

- The man talking in the above passage of the Bible had tasted good things of life. He had Riches, honour, greatness, and what have you; but at the end, he said all is meaningless.

- About the close or the end of his life, he began to talk about vanities (Ecclesiastes 1:2,14; 2:19,21,26; 3:19; 6:2).

- He realizes that life is meaningless without one's Maker. In other words, without God in your life, or without a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, life is meaningless:

1 REMEMBER NOW YOUR CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH, BEFORE THE DIFFICULT DAYS COME, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them" 6 REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR BEFORE THE SILVER CORD IS LOOSED, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well. 13 LET US HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: FEAR GOD And KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS MAN'S ALL. 14 FOR GOD WILL BRING EVERY WORK INTO JUDGMENT, INCLUDING EVERY SECRET THING, WHETHER GOOD OR EVIL (Ecclesiastes 12:1,6,13,14 NKJV).

- The man talking here had tasted life, seen good things of life, and with all his achievements or attainments, he discovered or realized, without God in one's life, everything is meaningless.

- Relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ makes life meaningful. True fulfilment is found in God through salvation in Christ Jesus (John 15:5).

* Pursue Godliness and Righteousness.

- All which some people are pursuing, including some Believers, are the things of the world, which are in vogue, currently reigning or trending in the world—they wanted to be part of what is going on (Colossians 3:1,2).

- Many failed to serve God or be committed in their relationships with Him, because of the current trend of the world: "BUT SHE [he] WHO LIVES IN PLEASURE IS DEAD WHILE SHE [he] LIVES" (1 Timothy 5:6 NKJV).

READ: 1 John 2:15-17

- Whatever you are pursuing in life that makes you lose your relationship or fellowshipping with God, and your place in God's Kingdom on Earth, is meaningless—vanity.

- Nothing you achieved, or the position you attained, gives Joy and satisfaction, without God in your life (Philippians 3:7,8).

- If God is not involved in whatever you are pursuing, your goal, as a Believer; It is irrelevant. Whatever God is involved in, only such gives satisfaction and joy and Fulfilment.

* Worldly attainments cannot not give you Joy and Fulfilment:

"HE WHO LOVES MONEY WILL NOT BE SATISFIED WITH MONEY, Nor HE WHO LOVES ABUNDANCE WITH ITS GAIN. THIS TOO IS VANITY (emptiness)" (Ecclesiastes 5:10 Amps).

- After you might have gotten whatever you are pursuing, you would realize or discover that you are yet satisfied.

- Nothing gives Joy, satisfaction, and Fulfilment, outside God: "I THOUGHT ABOUT ALL MY HARD WORK, And I FELT DEPRESSED" (Ecclesiastes 2:20 Contemporary English Version).

"SO I GAVE UP IN DESPAIR, QUESTIONING THE VALUE OF ALL MY HARD WORK IN THIS WORLD" (Ecclesiastes 2:20 NLT).

- The truth is, answer to satisfaction and Fulfilment is found in God through Christ Jesus, and in Him only.

- The quest of Solomon was, he wanted to find Joy, satisfaction, and Fulfilment in life, through the hard work, accumulation of wealth, and pleasures.

- He eventually discovered or realized after he got all he was pursuing, that, having those things could not give him Joy, satisfaction, and Fulfilment. Life is vanity, meaningless, without God:

4 I ALSO TRIED TO FIND MEANING BY BUILDING HUGE HOMES FOR MYSELF And BY PLANTING BEAUTIFUL VINEYARDS. 5 I MADE GARDENS And PARKS, FILLING them with ALL KINDS OF FRUIT TREES. 11 BUT AS I LOOKED AT EVERYTHING I HAD WORKED SO HARD TO ACCOMPLISH, IT WAS ALL SO MEANINGLESS—LIKE CHASING THE WIND. THERE WAS NOTHING REALLY WORTHWHILE ANYWHERE" (Ecclesiastes 2:4,5,11 NLT).

* What makes life meaningful?

- Your relationship with God makes life meaningful.

- Having abundant of wealth or blessings might not be outright bad, only If the things are gotten or acquire whilst your relationship and fellowshipping with God are intact and sound.

- Living comfortably is not against God's Will, but having wealth without God is meaningless—vanity:

15 THEN HE [Jesus] SAID, “Beware! GUARD AGAINST EVERY KIND OF GREED. LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY HOW MUCH YOU OWN.” 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. THEN WHO WILL GET EVERYTHING YOU WORKED FOR?’ 21 “Yes, A PERSON IS A FOOL TO STORE UP EARTHLY WEALTH BUT NOT HAVE A RICH RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD” (Luke 12:15,20,21 NLT).

READ: Luke 12:15-21

- Solomon could not find Fulfilment in all he acquired, his achievements, because he turned away from God Who made him—the source of his success and greatness (1 Kings 11:9-11).

- When you permitted no God in your life, or you turned away from Him, your life becomes empty—meaningless (Deuteronomy 33:15).

- What makes life meaningful is the God in your life. Life ordinarily has no meaning without God!

* Allow Jesus Christ to come into your life, and reconcile you with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Revelation 3:20).

- Do not abandon God because of whatever you are pursuing, there is nothing outside Him.

- When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they did contrary to the instruction or commandment given to them (Genesis 2:16,17); they discovered their nakedness as a result (Genesis 3:6,7).

- If you had known God, but decided to turn your back against Him or leave Him, you would discover that you are nothing, a nobody, without Him (John 15:4-6).

- Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7).

- The truth is, there is no covering for anyone who has no relationship with God through Christ Jesus. Nothing in life can cover your nakedness like your relationship and fellowshipping with God—not even your wealth or whatever achievement in life (Revelation 3:17,18).

- Nothing can take the place which God has reserved for Himself in the heart of humans.

- Serve God and build intimacy with Him, therein you find Joy, satisfaction, and meaning and Fulfilment in life.

* If you are yet to surrender your life to Christ Jesus, that is, you have not accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour; take a step now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2).

- Believe in your heart that He died for your Sins and resurrected that you might be justified (Romans 4:25).

THUS, tell Him you repent of your Sins and ask Him to come into your life and take His place (Revelation 3:20); CONFESS with your mouth that you accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10);

AND that He would write your name in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15; 21:27).

* You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, I declare Such ailment rooted up in Jesus' name.

- I declare total health for you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

#christianity #gospel #christian blog #christian living #jesus #devotion #the bible #my writing #faith #prayer

2 notes · View notes

vincewillard-1971 · 3 months

Text

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.

#Christian Faith

3 notes · View notes

yieldfruit · 1 year

Text

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

27 notes · View notes

officialyourdailyinspiration · 1 day

Text

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.

11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.

13 Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both.

16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.

24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. — Proverbs 17 | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Genesis 48:11; Exodus 23:7; Ruth 1:16; 1 Samuel 19:4; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Job 13:5; Job 16:11; Job 31:29; Psalm 22:15; Psalm 31:18; Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 15:17; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 19:13; Proverbs 23:23; Proverbs 24:7; Ecclesiastes 2:14; Ecclesiastes 7:7; Hosea 13:8; Amos 5:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; James 1:19; James 3:8; James 5:20

#peace #strife #wisdom #Proverbs 17 #Book of Proverbs #Old Testament #NIV #New International Version Bible #Biblica Inc.

15 notes · View notes

holystormfire · 3 months

Text

What is the meaning of 2nd Thessalonians 2:8-11?

These are references of an impending spiritual rebellion, of unseen evils, and the rise of a powerful tyranical spiritual figure, the man of lawlessness. To those who are not followers of God and/or of the Heavenly sent Son, Jesus Christ, God sends a strong spirit of delusion, so they will succumb to the false teachings of the man of lawlessness... The antichrist. In conclusion it is now to be with God and His holy nature than to be against it. To gain nourishment for our soul is to read His word and to never abandon these truths.

What causes delusionment?

Ezekiel 7:19

They will throw away their money, tossing it out like worthless trash. It won’t buy their deliverance in that day of the Lord’s anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their love of money made them stumble into sin.

Misplaced affection

Philippians 3:3

For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,

Misplaced confidence

Matthew 16:26

And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Misplaced priorities

Ecclesiastes 4:16

He might become the leader of millions and be very popular. But then the next generation grows up and rejects him! So again, it is all meaningless, like chasing the wind.

Searching for satisfaction from any source other than what God’s Word says brings satisfaction

Ecclesiastes 4:4

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.

Success motivated by envy

Jeremiah 23:16

“This is my warning to my people,” says the Lord Almighty. “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the Lord!”

Hopes built on lies and half-truths

Ecclesiastes 6:9

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing the wind.

Discontentment

Romans 4:14-16

So if you claim that God’s promise is for those who obey God’s law and think they are “good enough” in God’s sight, then you are saying that faith is useless. And in that case, the promise is also meaningless. But the law brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) So that’s why faith is the key! God’s promise is given to us as a free gift.

Seeking salvation through any other means than through faith in Jesus Christ

Jeremiah 10:15

Idols are worthless; they are lies! The time is coming when they will all be destroyed.

Worshiping anything other than the Lord

Titus 1:16

Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

Hypocritical living/ Compromised living

I personally believe that the life of compromise is following the beliefs of Baalim/ Baal and Ashtaroth mentioned in the Old testament. Which is basically a version of idolatry.

Judges 2:11 KJV

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

Judges 2:13 KJV

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

Judges 10:6 KJV

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.

Modern practices of Baal worship today that you may be unaware of.

Baal worship included promoting new, man-centered ideas for success in farming and fertility, as well as child sacrifice (known as abortion in this period), serving the matters of man that do not mention the true and living God. Wicked, "respected", and persuasive natures in individuals given in to those strongholds, personalities, and influence claiming they serve God but are partakers in sin and like it that way. Such as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. A weak spirit in the person that is not aligned with God and his laws.

The Bible says that Solomon allowed and promoted the worship of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, Molech, and other pagan gods.

Through Solomon we find that wisdom alone is not sufficient; we must also have a heart of obedience. As believers we should realize that we’re also susceptible to this type of influence and deception.

Isaiah 42:18-20 KJV

Straight forward disobedience

4 notes · View notes