Showing posts with label New Testament. Show all posts

Friday, September 4, 2026

Berniece and Drusilla — Bad Girls of the Bible (Reblog)

These two women are mentioned in the New Testament and also appear in historical records.

Berniece (Berenice) — Known historically for her political entanglements and controversial relationships, often portrayed as morally questionable.
Drusilla — Mentioned in Acts as the wife of Felix, tied to political power and decisions that placed her in a morally ambiguous light.

I asked AI for a critique of my article.

AI says: “Some might say they are complex women navigating power, culture, and their circumstances.”

Whatever AI. I'm HUMINT* and I don't buy that.

(*HUMINT – human intelligence)

They weren't the only women living during that time period. Other women – like Esther, Ruth, Abigail, Mary – were in the same set of circumstances. They were women of faith and chose completely different paths.

I called Berniece and Drusilla “bad” and I'm sticking to it!

See full article/original content.

RELATED POSTS:

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Christianity: Symbolism of the Palm Tree in Scripture

The palm tree carries deep symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, and many of its themes point beautifully to Jesus Christ and the life He gives.

1. Righteousness and Flourishing

Key verse: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” — Psalm 92:12

The palm stands tall, straight, and evergreen, symbolizing enduring righteousness. Christ, the perfectly righteous One, fulfills this image completely. Believers flourish in Him just as a palm thrives even in harsh conditions.

Themes: steadfastness, purity, spiritual vitality.

2. Victory and Triumph

In the ancient world, palms symbolized victory and were awarded to champions.

Connection to Christ: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches (John 12:13), proclaiming Him as the victorious King.

Themes: kingship, triumph, messianic identity.

3. Peace and Welcome

Palm branches were used in celebrations and joyful processions. When the people laid palms before Jesus, they offered Him honor, peace, and a warm welcome.

Themes: hospitality, joy, celebration of the Messiah.

4. Fruitfulness in Harsh Conditions

The date palm thrives in desert climates by drawing water from deep underground. This makes it a symbol of life in barren places—a fitting picture of Christ bringing life where there is spiritual dryness.

Themes: provision, sustenance, life-giving presence.

5. Uprightness and Integrity

The palm grows straight upward, unlike many trees that twist or bend. This became a symbol of moral uprightness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the One without sin.

Themes: holiness, moral clarity, divine perfection.

6. Resurrection and Eternal Life

Because palms remain green year-round and can live for centuries, they became symbols of immortality. Early Christians used palm imagery on tombs to proclaim the resurrection hope found in Christ.

Themes: eternal life, resurrection, hope beyond death.

7. Heavenly Worship

In Revelation, the redeemed stand before the throne with palm branches (Revelation 7:9). This echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry—now with His victory fully realized.

Themes: worship, final victory, redeemed humanity.

Hosanna Palm Leaf

Sources:

Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

My original content republished from: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner, “Trees Deserve Respect.” Wizzley.Com, 25 Jul. 2013.

PALM TREES

Palmae Family

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses". Sorry. I don't have the list to share with you. But I will share what I know.

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize. They are tall, slender, with no branches. Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes.

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East. Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people. The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine. Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves. Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years.

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

Learn more: How to Identify Species of Palm Trees

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌴

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Do You Care About the Memories of Your Ancestors?

Am I dreaming about my ancestors' memories? Or ... this question could be rephrased:

Do I believe in genetic memories?

What a fascinating thought! I never even thought of it. (O.o) :) I'm pretty confident, however, that my dreams are NOT the dreams of my ancestors. That's not what my dreams are made of. :)

Sharing a link (below) to an article titled:

Genetic Memory - Are You Dreaming Your Ancestors Memories?

(Apologies. The article was unpublished.)

The idea expressed in this article before becoming unpublished was very visual ... very imaginative ... very thoughtful. It could probably even create dreams. But as for dreaming about the dreams of my ancestors? Nah!

Try this alternate article:

Laverty, Alison. “Genetic Memory: Myth or Fact.” Alison Laverty, 2 Dec. 2018, https://alisonlaverty.com/genetic-memory-myth-or-fact/.

Not so much interested in the memories of my ancestors. But I would love to know what the memories of unborn babies are.

The following thoughts/questions were provoked by a New Testament scripture describing what happened when Mary greeted her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth, at the time, was with child. She was carrying her unborn son, who would be named John and would come to be known as John the Baptist. It is said that when Mary greeted Elizabeth, at the sound of Mary's voice, the babe leaped in his mother's womb. (Luke 1: 41 -44) The scriptures also state that John the Baptist had the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. (Luke 1: 15)

I thought: What else can unborn babies do?

Can unborn babies think?
Do unborn babies have memories?
Are they intelligent human beings just like the rest of us who were blessed to be reproduced and born without disruption, interruption, and interference?

Honestly? Even though I'm curious, I'm glad we don't know. I don't think it's right. A child is born into a world that's already messed up. The last thing they need is somebody who has already gotten inside their head to mess them up before they even start living. Face it! Some parents take advantage of and manipulate their children in a very bad way. Imagine if they could read the baby's mind. Just the thought of how cruel they might be to that frail little innocent human being makes me shudder!

LUKE 1

41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Can We Access the Memories of Our Ancestors Through Our DNA? - VICE

Remembering Things From Before You Were Born | Psychology Today

More Links of Interest:

Do You Read in Your Dreams?

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Bible Study: 7 Major Themes in the Book of Revelation

The number 7 was used often in Revelation. There are more than 7 themes in Revelation, but I understand these.

1) Crown of life (Rev 2:10)

The saints who remain faithful until the end will receive a “crown of life”.

2) War in heaven (Rev 12:7)

The “war in heaven” is a spiritual war for our souls. Satan does not want the faithful to be saved.

3) Lamb of God (Rev 5:12) is the Alpha and Omega ( Rev 21:6 )

The “Lamb of God” is Jesus Who was “slain”. Jesus died for us. He has the power over TIME. The “Alpha and Omega” means He is the beginning and the end of TIME.

4) The Harvest (Rev 14:15)

The “Harvest” is the final day when all on earth will be judged for their works; whether they were faithful or unfaithful.

5) A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1)

The earth and heaven we now know will be destroyed. A “new heaven” and a “new earth” will be the new home for the faithful.

6) Tree of life (Rev 22:2)

Jesus promised us eternal life. The leaves on the “tree of life” are for healing. Whoever eats of the tree can live forever. But they have to be in heaven because that’s where the tree is. Only the faithful will be in heaven.

7) JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! (Rev 22:12)

The faithful are in the church of Christ. The church is the “bride of Christ”. Jesus promised He would come again for His bride. The church will be glad when Jesus comes!

Image credit: "New Jerusalem" Poster by Calgacus | Redbubble #Apocalypse #Revelation #prophecy ~ bit.ly/3m0toEk ~ #artposters #wallart

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Ten Commandments in Christianity - INTRO (Post Series)

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

This is a somewhat complicated study which hopefully is presented in a simplified, easy-to-read and understand format. Blessings!

Scriptural references for the Ten Commandments are found in the Jewish scriptures: Exodus 20: 1 -17 and also Deuteronomy 5: 1 - 21.

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

* * *

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Summarily Restated by Jesus Christ as the 1st and 2nd Greatest Commandments:

MATT 22: 36 - 40 * * * * *

36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37) Jesus said unto him, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND.
38) This is the first and great commandment.
39) And the second is like unto it, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF.
40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

THE 2nd COMMANDMENT Also Summarily Restated by Apostle Paul:

ROM 13: 8 - 10 * * * * *

8) Owe no man any thing but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment , it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF.
10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

JESUS DID NOT COME TO DESTROY THE LAW OF MOSES:

MATT 5: 17 - 18 * * * * *

17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18) For verily I say unto you, Til heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled.

MATT 16: 16 - 17 * * * * *

16) The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of heaven and preached, and every man presseth into it.
17) It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Christmas Tradition : Adoration of the Magi

“Though one can question the total number of men that comprise what we refer to as “The Magi”, everybody accepts that there were 3 gifts and these offerings were gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

The account of the birth of Jesus recorded in New Testament scriptures is well known. But there is much that is not revealed. The gifts the wise men brought for the baby Jesus? What became of them? Something to ponder? Some things I pondered.

Christmas Tradition : The Gifts of the Magi

Every year during the month of December and early January of the following year, many people direct their minds to the story about the birth of Jesus, revered by faithful Christians as the Savior of the world. Although the nativity scene always shows the three wise men (also called the three kings) adoring a newborn baby and bearing gifts, the biblical account indicates that their visitation did not occur on the night that Mary gave birth.

Image credit: "The Adoration of the Magi", Google Art Project

Joie de Vivre Magazine

Pages

TRENDING PRODUCTS ON AMAZON! These products are selling fast!