Rather than copy, re-format, paste, etc., here is an easier way. It willl also remove any copyright infringement. If I have other comments, I will post them.

Go here. http://thewordfortoday.com.au/

 

"But he brought his people out like a flock;
he led them like sheep through the wilderness." (Ps 78:52 NIV)

Have you ever thought about parallels in scriptural accounts. The Israelites first learned who Jehovah was, after spending generations under the system of the Egyptians. They were lead by Jehovah out into the wilderness. Their whole way of thinking had to change. They came from the cities where all the conveniences were available to them. Now, they had to change their whole life style. No more fast food delivery. No more water fountains. No more quick stops. They had to give up that life style.

What were they to do? They needed direction. Who would lead them and show them the way to a new life? They had a good shepherd. He knew the way through the wilderness. All they had to do was follow his direction. We are much like the ancient Israelites were. We have left the world system and are now in the wilderness heading toward that promised land. All we have to do is follow the shepherd's direction. Let our words match those of the psalmist: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I rise to it, to keep Your righteous judgments. I am greatly afflicted; O Jehovah, give me life according to Your word. Please, O Jehovah, accept the free offering of my mouth, and teach me Your judgments." (Ps 119:105-108 LITV)

Think about the message. Enjoy.

 

"And the heavens shall declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge. Selah." (Ps 50:6 LITV)

"The heavens declare His righteousness and all the people see His glory." (Ps 97:6 LITV)

 

I don't know how many here have ever had to deal with a loved one who suffers from demetia or alzheimers disease. It is a heart breaking experience. This article points to one helpful treatment that doesn't cost anything.

The Healing Power of Music
http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2015/music-therapy-for-alzheimers.print.html

 

There was a recent article from an astronomer picture-taker, who's job it was to publish these beautiful images.
He said, "If you expect to see these same pictures here if you traveled into space, you'd be sorely disappointed. These pics were shot in different wavelengths: Ultraviolet, infrared,,,etc. Which we cannot see in. (Bummer!)
All you see is going to be in black & white."

 

I don't remember where I read this sentence but I found it "beautiful", true and heartrending.

"To deal with the death of a dear loved one who suffered from Alzheimers' disease is losing them twice. Their minds went out somehow with all the memories that go with them, with all the feelings, with all the words heard or said, with all the history and stories that pertain to a family, before their bodies eventually pass away".

 

"He who...forgives an offense seeks love, but he who...harps on a matter separates...friends." Pr 17:9 AMP​

GET OVER IT!
​

Countless friendships are destroyed because one person gets offended by something the other one said or did. A mark of spiritual growth is how quickly you get-over slights and insults; the more mature you are, the less time it takes to "forgive an offense" and move on. One Christian writer says: "Okay, your friend ditches you and your feelings are hurt....or she's too busy to return your phone call or email...or you're out to dinner with another couple and the other guy insults your husband in an attempt to be funny...Offenses come...Jesus said they would. (Jn 16:33). People are people. If you've been offended by a friend, or felt slighted; get over it! Hit the Control>Alt>Delete buttons. Don't let bitterness even think about putting down roots..." Love...is not irritable...it keeps no record of being wronged...never gives up...and endures through every circumstance." (1Co 13:4-7 NLT)...It seems impossible...and without God's love it is. So yield to His love, overlook offenses and walk in love, because next week you'll be the one needing unconditional love. When it comes to being perfect, we've all blown it. If you want your friends to overlook your offenses, be quick to overlook theirs." Make this your prayer today: "Father, thank You for the relationships You've blessed me with. I make a decision today to release anyone who has ever offended me in the slightest... to overlook it... forget about it, and move on. I will not keep a record of their wrongs. I will offer mercy and unconditional love. In Jesus' name. Amen." © Celebration Inc. 2015

 

quite sometime back (more than a few years ) I watched a program on
researchers trying to find things that would break through to those
suffering from the disease ...one clip showed some music being played
and some in the "group" in the room actually started to sing and move
to the music and beat ..I was personally deeply moved to see it

 

In many "churches", as they are called today, most people are referring to the building. In reality, the Bible is referring to the people who gather or meet there. The Greek term is ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah) means: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly. The word itself is a compound of ek + kleo = out + to call.

From these words, it is about the people meeting to hear a message. Before news print, or radio and television, or even before cell phones and the internet, there were the "town criers" who would stand at a spot on the street and "call out" a message to the people. This was usually in what was known as the "town square".

Today, we have buildings where people of like beliefs gather together to hear the latest news or thoughts of leaders of a faith or political bent. When it comes to a specific religious thought or belief, most "Christian churches" have a classification of the "leaders", by grades such as Novice, Deacon, Archdeacon, Priest (Presbyter), Bishop, Archbishop, Minister, Pastor, Reverend, Abbot, Cardinal, Pope (papa from Greek = pater), etc.

Among Christians is there to be this classification such as these?". . ."You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mt 20:25-28 NASB ) He reiterated this and added to it when speaking of the habit of the pharisees. "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." (Mt 23:8-12 NASB )

Jesus used the word diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os) in verse 26 which is translated as servant. It has the meaning of one who executes the commands of another, to run errands, one who serves food. It is also where some churches get the title deacon, and give it an elevated position above the common parishioner or person. Jesus himself said he came to serve (diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh'-o). (v28)

I often wonder how the Catholics interpret verse 9. Jesus was not talking about the family arrangement where the family head is called father/papa (pater). He was speaking of "spiritual leadership". Look at the context starting with verse 1. Then, look at the subject continuing at verse 13 through 39, which ends the subject of leadership. So, within the Christian Congregations, whom should titles of leadership go to?

 

There used to be a distinctive phrase used by General Electric Corporation that claimed: "Progress Is Our Most Important Product!" That should also be an important idea for Christians. How so? And what does it really mean? Let's look at the words used and analyze this phrase.

progress (n.)
late 14c., "a going on, action of walking forward," from Old French progres (Modern French progrès), from Latin progressus "a going forward," from past participle of progredi (see progression).

In early use in English especially "a state journey by royalty." Figurative sense of "growth, development, advancement to higher stages" is from c. 1600. To be in progress "underway" is attested by 1849. Progress report attested by 1865.

progress (v.)
1590s in the literal sense; c. 1600 in the figurative sense, from progress (n.). OED says the verb was obsolete in English 18c. but was reformed or retained in America and subsequently long regarded in Britain as an Americanism.

progression (n.)
late 14c., "action of moving from one condition to another," from Old French progression and directly from Latin progressionem (nominative progressio) "a going forward, advancement, growth, increase," noun of action from past participle stem of progredi "go forward," from pro- "forward" (see pro-) + gradi "to step, walk," from gradus "step".

The Greek words translated as progress is prokope (prok-op-ay') and prokopto (prok-op'-to), a compound of pro = before + kopto = to cut from. It sounds odd but when you think of the idea of lamenting or moving away from something once familiar, it means leaving it behind and moving forward. One example of it's meaning is; to lengthen out by hammering (as a smith forges metals).

Some scriptural examples are:

"And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Lu 2:52 NASB )

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that my situation has actually turned out for the advancement of the good news," (Php 1:12 NWT)

"So, being confident of this, I know I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and your joy in the faith," (Php 1:25 NWT)

"Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress." (Php 4:15 ESV)

It is important that we progress as Christians. Paul likened it to running a race. That race is not a dash of short distance, it is a marathon lasting a lifetime. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Co 9:24-27 ESV) You cannot enter the race unless you have trained for that race by progressing with the knowledge of what it takes to win.

Make sure that "Progress Is Our Most Important Product!"

 

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Th 5:18 NKJV

BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE​

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking had a brilliant mind. He was compared by some to Albert Einstein. But he had a rare degenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS syndrome). And it left him virtually paralyzed. He learned to use a computer with the tips of his fingers and was able to communicate his calculations and thoughts. Before he became ill, he described his life as a "pointless existence." He drank too much and did very little work. But after discovering that he had only a few years to live, life suddenly took on an urgency and a new meaning. And he was actually happier than he was before. He explained the paradox this way: "When one's expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything that one does have. "When you're told that you only have a limited time left to live, it transforms your whole perspective on living. Things you overlook suddenly become meaningful: the laughter of children, a sunrise or sunset, the love of friends and family, or just a walk in the park. The most miserable people in the world are those who believe that life "owes them." They're never happy, because they never believe they get what they deserve. The apostle Paul was in prison with no hope of getting out when he wrote, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." What was he saying? Simply this: Instead of competing, comparing, and complaining, focus on the good things God has given you, enjoy them and develop an attitude of gratitude (See Php 4:8). © Celebration Inc. 2015

 

I'm not sure how many wonder about the name I use. Tsaphah in Hebrew means "to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch".
That was what I did in the military, so I found it appropriate for my position now. It comes from Micah 7:7 and fits our time just as it did for Micah.

"What misery is mine!
 I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; 
there is no cluster of grapes to eat,
 none of the early figs that I crave.
 The faithful have been swept from the land;
 not one upright person remains.
 Everyone lies in wait to shed blood;
 they hunt each other with nets.
 Both hands are skilled in doing evil;
 the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,
 the powerful dictate what they desire" "
they all conspire together.
 The best of them is like a brier,
 the most upright worse than a thorn hedge.
 The day God visits you has come,
 the day your watchmen sound the alarm.
 Now is the time of your confusion.
 Do not trust a neighbor;
 put no confidence in a friend.
 Even with the woman who lies in your embrace
 guard the words of your lips.
 For a son dishonors his father,
 a daughter rises up against her mother, 
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law" ”a man's enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
 I wait for God my Savior;
 my God will hear me." (Micah 7:1-7 NIV)

 

Hi Tsaphah,

I did not realize the meaning behind your screen name - but it sounds appropriate.

That scripture in Micah is one of my favorites and I have appreciated the importance of not letting any man's thinking or teaching get between me and putting my trust in only Jehovah and Jesus.

Joe

 

Hi Tsaphah

I remember when you explained the meaning of your name on Robert's forum and also the pronunciation of the name. If I remember correctly. the 'T' is silent.

 

OK, I'll take the first shot about today's date. 11-13-15 is not only Friday the 13th, but it has consecutive odd numbers. The next occurrence of this will not be until January 3, 2105 (1/3/05).

Also today, we have 2 Co 11:13-15 which reads: "13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (NIV)


"13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11:13-15 NIV)

 

"The officer in charge. . . listened. . . to the ship's captain." Ac 27:11 NLT


HOW TO AVOID SHIPWRECK (2)
​

Here are two more pointers on how to avoid shipwreck: (1) Don't take advice from the wrong people, even the so-called "experts." The Bible says, "But the officer in charge. . . listened more to the ship's captain and the owner than to Paul." Chances are, the ship's owner was an expert in business and its captain an expert in maritime matters. Nevertheless, both men were incapable of hearing the voice of God. Bottom line: Be discerning about who you allow to speak into your life. Just because someone's successful in a secular field doesn't mean they're qualified to give you spiritual guidance. "Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. . .and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work." (1 Th 5:12-13 NLT). Where should you go when you need spiritual guidance? To leaders in God's work who have proven themselves worthy of your love and respect. (2) Remember that sometimes the majority gets it wrong. "Most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix." (Ac 27:12 NLT). The fact is the majority can be wrong! Remember what happened when Moses started to lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land? " The majority wanted to return to Egypt. But they were wrong "dead wrong" and they perished in the wilderness. We can get ourselves into a real mess by following prevailing opinion and the most popular ideas. Listen for God's voice and you'll always go in the right direction. "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." (Ps 25:9 NIV). (© 2015 Celebration Inc.)

This has some very good instructions about who to listen to when it comes to making decisions. I was taught by a great professor I had in college. What he taught is covered in the instruction of not always listening to the "experts" in their field. The other lesson was following the "majority". Just because the "majority" of people think a certain way, does not make them correct. Look at those who believe in the politicians. Look at their ideas of what's good for everyone. Today, there is the idea of LBGT life style being acceptable to God. NOT!! They should use WRONG to categorize those who practice that life style. As to following the prevailing opinion, it will always get you into a mess.

How about the instruction of following your "spiritual leaders"? Even they can be wrong if you are speaking of today's leaders. The only true "spiritual leaders" are Jehovah God, Jesus Christ His Son, the those that are recorded in the Bible. Follow the instructions given to us thousands of years ago.

"Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation." ( Ps 146:3 NASB )
"Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (Ps 118:6 DNKJB)
"It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in princes." (Ps 118:8-9 DNKJB)

 

Right on Tsaphah,

Micah 7:
5 Do not put YOUR faith in a companion. Do not put YOUR trust in a confidential friend. From her who is lying in your bosom guard the openings of your mouth. 6 For a son is despising a father; a daughter is rising up against her mother; a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his household.
7 But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.


A personal relationship with Jehovah is made possible through Jesus and He Promises:

John 14:
23 In answer Jesus said to him: "If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our abode with him. 24 He that does not love me does not observe my words; and the word that YOU are hearing is not mine, but belongs to the Father who sent me.
25 "While remaining with YOU I have spoken these things to YOU. 26 But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU.


Reading the living word of truth and listening to Jesus is the only way to life.

Joe

 

"A gentle south wind began to blow." Ac 27:13 NIV


HOW TO AVOID SHIPWRECK (3)
​

You can't afford to be guided by circumstances alone. "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they. . .sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force. . .swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm" (vv. 13-15 NIV). It's foolish to ignore what God says, even when your circumstances seem to contradict it. Things may look good to you right now, yet you could be sailing straight into a storm. You say, "This decision must be okay because I feel so good about it." Do you remember the words from Debby Boone's old hit song: "It can't be wrong when it feels so right" ? Feelings can lie, and if God says, "Wait in the harbor you'd better do it because the Devil can arrange undesirable circumstances if you put out to sea. Notice the words: "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted." When it comes to the important decisions in your life, stand on these Scriptures: "Lead me. . .Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies'" make straight your way before me" (Ps 5:8 NIV). "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long" (Ps 25:5 NIV). "Teach me your way. . .Lord; lead me in a straight path" (Ps 27:11 NIV). "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground" (Ps 143:10 NIV). When you pray that way God will guide you in the right direction.
© 2015 Celebration Inc.

The English translation used in the NIV translation uses the word "my enemies", "Lead me. . .Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies' make straight your way before me". Many translations use enemies while the NASB uses "foes". The BEB (Basic English Bible) says "those who are against me", which is more comprehensive. Here's why: The Hebrew word is sowreq (so-rake') = choice vines. Now how can "choice vines" be interpreted as enemies? Here is what Strong's Definition says: 1.a wadi in Palestine in which Delilah lived.

Do you see the connection to this lesson of avoiding trouble, even when it appears desirable? This Hebrew word is a participle of other words sharing a similar nature such as principal plant, a derision--hissing, cutting, cut to pieces, bright red (as piercing to the sight), to be hostile--enemy.

Here's a Psalm that I need to use every day. "Do not remember the sins of my youth and my transgressions. Remember me according to your loyal love, For the sake of your goodness, O Jehovah." (Ps 25:7 NWT)

 

“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists, who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific, and religious freedom have always been nonconformists. In any cause that concerns the progress of mankind, put your faith in the nonconformist!” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

A little known fact about Martin Luther King. His initials MLK are the Hebrew word, melek, meaning King.

I would rather put my faith in Jehovah God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, the future King of the Kingdom of God.