Podcasts about Adriatic Sea

Rouleur's Chris Marshall-Bell explores the roads, culture and politics of the first-ever Grande Partenza taking place across the Adriatic Sea in Albania. Chris spent a few days riding through the beautiful rolling roads used in stage one, chatting to locals about all things from bike racing to the cult following of a British comedian, all to find out why 2025 was one of the most unique starts in the Giro d'Italia's history. From the vibrant liveliness of the capital of Tirana to the peaceful winding mountain roads, from the country's communist past, its multi-faith present, to the hopes of it being the next cycling holiday destination, Chris delves into the stories behind this fascinating Balkan country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Located on the Adriatic Sea in the southernmost part of Croatia is the city of Dubrovnik.  Founded in the 7th century, it rose in prominence and became one of the leading city-states in Europe.  It was a major competitor with Venice in the region and had complicated relations with both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.  It was the site of one of the most brutal sieges in post-WWII Europe, and today it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Learn more about Dubrovnik and its long, complicated history on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Newspapers.com Get 20% off your subscription to Newspapers.com Mint Mobile Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Stitch Fix Go to stitchfix.com/everywhere to have a stylist help you look your best Tourist Office of Spain Plan your next adventure at Spain.info  Stash Go to get.stash.com/EVERYTHING to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Update your podcast app at newpodcastapps.com Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Title: Qualities of an Elder Text: Acts 20:13-27 FCF: We all struggle when our leaders are ungodly. Prop: Because an Elder must be and continue to be blameless, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we noted Luke's shift in focus as his book hastens toward its close. Since the remainder of the book is concerning Paul's travels to Jerusalem, his imprisonment, his travel to Rome, and imprisonment there – Luke now shifts his attention to the character, person, and instructions of Paul. He began this last week by focusing on Paul's top priority. To the expense of himself, Paul desired greatly to instruct God's people in His ways. This was his primary objective. Such clarity in purpose reveals to us how all church leaders should prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. Today we will lean even more into the discussion of what godly church leaders should be, as Paul summons the Elders of Ephesus to himself to give them parting words of instruction before he goes on to Jerusalem. Let's see what he has to say. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most Holy God, we come to You as Your children seeking wisdom and instruction from Your Word. We praise You Father for giving through Your Son and empowering through Your Spirit, undershepherds who care for the flock that You have claimed as Your own. We praise You for sending watchmen among us to watch out for wolves and to feed and to guide us. We pray that You would use this text this morning to equip us to understand and pursue all that You have given us regarding godly Elders. And we pray desperately that You would continue to bless us with men who love You and are called to serve. We ask this in Jesus' name amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text this morning. I.) Paul demonstrated the qualities necessary for all church leaders, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. (13-21) a. [Slide 2] 13 – But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos (AH-sohs), intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. 14 - And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene (my-tell-EEE- knee). 15 - And sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios (KEY-ohs); and the next day we crossed over to Samos (SAM-ahs); and the day following we came to Miletus (my-LEE-tuhs). 16 - For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 - Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. i. [Slide 3] On the screen behind me is the travel map of Paul and his 8 companions. ii. Luke records that by the plan of Paul, he desired to go by land from Troas to meet them in Assos. iii. Since this was Paul's plan all along, and we aren't told why, it is likely some unknown-to-us reason that Paul desired to travel by land on the first leg of the journey to Assos (AH-sohs). iv. More than likely, this took a couple days for Paul to catch up. v. Then they all sailed to Mitylene (my-tih-LEE-knee). Then the next day they came to what Luke calls the opposite of Chios (KEY-ohs). By this he probably intends the eastern side of the island of Chios as the map depicts. vi. Then the next day they came over to Samos (SAM-ahs), which is the unnamed island on the bottom. vii. Then the following day they came to Miletus (my-LEE-tuhs). viii. Miletus is about 25 miles south of Ephesus. ix. It has probably been about two years since Paul was in Ephesus at this point. x. Here Paul is faced with a dilemma. He loves the church of Ephesus and the Elders whom he helped to appoint and guide in that city. But he knew that if he stopped in to Asia to meet with them, he would be held up there. Most likely because of the love they had for him and he for them. xi. But, Paul is being led by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and to make it before Pentecost. xii. Most likely, Pentecost is only a few weeks away when he lands in Miletus. xiii. Nevertheless, Paul cannot ignore the church in Ephesus completely. He had spent 3 years ministering to them. So, what is he to do? xiv. Paul decides to send for the Ephesian Elders to come and meet him. b. [Slide 4] 18 - And when they had come to him, he said to them, i. From verse 18 through verse 35 we have recorded for us one of the fullest expressions in the scriptures of what Elders are to be and what Elders are to do. ii. We will take half of his exhortation this week and next week we will look at the rest. iii. The first half is mostly Paul instructing them from his own example. c. [Slide 5] “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, i. The very first thing Paul exhorts them with is his own example of how he ministered in the city of Ephesus. ii. From their own observation and experience, they know that Paul was with them the whole time. iii. This probably is not referring to Paul staying with someone, or not leaving the city. iv. More likely this is Paul indicating that he lived his life before them. They observed him in the most basic functions of human existence all the way to worship services, and evangelism, and discipleship, and preaching, and prayer, and everything in-between. v. He was not separated from them but was with them. vi. But what did they observe of him while he was with them? d. [Slide 6] 19 - serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; i. They saw Paul under pressure. ii. [Slide 7] And the first pressure they observed Paul endure was his own flesh battling against his pedigree. 1. Paul had every reason to be proud. He began a successful church in the city of Ephesus. He taught for three years avoiding persecution from the Ephesians for almost the entire stay. 2. He was a good speaker. He was wise. He was followed by many. 3. Not only that but he was a Pharisee of the Pharisees, a Roman citizen, and well-respected by many powerful people. 4. But in the midst of this the Ephesian Elders observed that Paul served the Lord in all humility. 5. Paul put the needs of others above the needs of himself. 6. He was meek, he was lowly. He was a servant to all. 7. He did not demand that others wait on him, instead he became the servant to them for the sake of Christ, his Lord. 8. He did not expect due compensation for all his work like the traveling philosophers and preachers of his time. Instead, he was content with whatever he had. 9. In this way, Paul served the Lord, as merely a slave to His master's will. iii. [Slide 8] The second pressure they observed Paul endure was the weight of his mission. 1. Paul served the Lord with tears. 2. Paul was passionate about the mission and the message that he was sent by Christ to give. 3. Paul wept with them and plead with them to follow the Lord. 4. Paul cried with tears of joy as they came to Christ and turned from their sin and their idols. 5. Paul no doubt shed many tears when many of them confessed their former dalliances with magic and as they burned their books in rejecting their former ways, never to go back. 6. Paul mourned the tragedy of those who denied Christ, many of whom were his own kinsmen. 7. Paul wept over believers who chose to continue in sin and did not desire to be corrected, like with the Corinthians. 8. Paul sobbed tears of joy when the Corinthians repented and returned. 9. Paul cried over false teachers making shipwreck of believers' faith. 10. Truly Paul's mission was weighty. iv. [Slide 9] The third pressure they observed in Paul was the persecution from the Jews. 1. Paul served the Lord even with his trials. 2. He rejoiced in suffering at the hands of the Jews. For His own Savior had suffered also at the hands of the Jews. 3. He endured the many plots from them all over the empire and even in Ephesus, to destroy him and the message he taught. 4. Through it all, Paul's eyes were on Christ, knowing that he could endure all of it and more through Christ who gives him strength. v. Paul did not bow to the pressures he faced. He had excellent moral character and spiritual strength. He was blameless. vi. But what did he do with such noble character? e. [Slide 10] 20 - how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, i. Against secret societies, hidden knowledge cults, Gnosticism, free masonry, scientology, Mormonism and any other religious group that trickles out secret knowledge to those who are loyal… ii. Paul did not withdraw or shy away from sharing with them everything he knew that was profitable for them. Everything that was expedient to them, he told them. iii. These mystery cults and philosophical and religious gurus ensure that you will continue to support them or their faith by holding back information you need, until you have sufficiently paid for it. iv. Not Paul. v. Paul gave them everything he knew that could help them. vi. He knew a good deal more about the law and about Judaism and about being a Pharisee. But this was not expedient to them. It was not profitable. But the things of Christ? The way of faith? The grace of God? vii. Of these, he told them everything he could. viii. And he didn't do it privately to only a few wealthy people, as if to peddle this gospel for personal gain. ix. Instead, he shared all this publicly, teaching in the hall of Tyrannus. And when those discussions continued, he went to houses and taught too. x. There was no membership fee, no subscription model, no downloadable content. xi. He passionately pursued any who desired to be taught the ways of the Lord. f. [Slide 11] 21 - solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. i. Finally, we see Paul say that they observed the undeniable fact that he, with great seriousness and sincerity, bore witness to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. ii. Paul shared the gospel, even after the church was founded there in Ephesus. iii. And he shared the gospel to every person he came in contact with regardless of their heritage or lineage. iv. We know that the Jews were despised and mocked in Ephesus. We know from the letter to the Ephesians Paul emphasizes the church being one made of both Jews and Gentiles. v. Paul passionately and sincerely bore witnesses to all men about the command of God for all men to repent toward God and receive faith in Jesus. g. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Luke dutifully records Paul's exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus as he commends them to continuing the work there in their city. Paul's opening point is the track record that he exemplified while he was among them. He was a man who selflessly served the Lord by serving them, through tears and trails. He taught them in season and out of season. He reproved, rebuked, corrected and instructed them in all that was helpful to them, and he did the work of an evangelist calling all kinds of men to repentance toward God and faith in Christ. But they knew all this. They observed him for three years being this kind of man. So, what is Paul's message? What is Luke telling us? Quite simply – the church needs this caliber of man to be Elders. In fact, for every Elder or would be Elder, it is safe for us to conclude that this should be our character profile. Transition: [Slide 13 (blank)] Paul leaves the past and now looks to the uncertainty of the future. Will he be the same man? Will he make changes? If the pressure increases, will he break? II.) Paul will continue to demonstrate these qualities despite the cost, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. (22-27) a. [Slide 14] 22 - And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 - except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. i. Paul leaves the past and now looks to the future. ii. He knows that he must go to Jerusalem. We saw before how he resolved to go to Jerusalem and now, we see that this was by direct leading of the Holy Spirit. iii. Paul has no idea what to expect when he arrives. It has been about 5 years since he last went to Jerusalem. He went there after his second missionary journey and before heading to Ephesus. iv. In fact, the only thing he does know is what the Holy Spirit continues to remind him of in every city he visits. v. Really it is the prediction that Christ gave to Ananias at Paul's conversion. Jesus said, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” vi. The Holy Spirit has revealed that many afflictions and imprisonments await Paul in the near future. vii. So, he doesn't know what will happen in Jerusalem, but he does know that he is going to suffer imprisonments and afflictions for the name of Christ. viii. What is the moral fiber of Paul? What is his outlook here? b. [Slide 15] 24 - But I do not make my life of any account nor dear to myself, i. Paul is holding his life loosely. ii. He is not fighting to stay alive at all costs. He is not striving to avoid all pain and anguish. iii. If the Holy Spirit has revealed that this is God's will for him – it would be foolish to resist and to fight against it. iv. Paul will not flee like Jonah. v. Why? c. [Slide 16] so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. i. Jesus gave Paul a job to do. ii. He is to go and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to Jews, to Gentiles, and to Kings. iii. Well, so far, he has not proclaimed the gospel to kings. iv. He has certainly had audiences with many powerful and wealthy people. Some of them have even come to Christ. v. But, to date, Paul has never stood before any rulers to preach the gospel. vi. So, his mission is not complete. vii. Here we see again his desire to sincerely or solemnly testify to the gospel of the grace of God. viii. There are many perspectives on soteriology. For the last four hundred years the church has been enamored with the discussion of Arminianism vs. Calvinism. ix. I'm not going to talk about either right now. x. But one thing is for sure. If the gospel you believe is not a gospel of God's grace, then it is not the gospel at all. xi. So, what is grace? 1. We have all memorized the quick definition – unmerited favor. 2. And that is a fine definition of the word grace. 3. But if we are talking about God's grace and specifically God's grace in salvation, which is what Paul is talking about here, I do not believe the definition “unmerited favor” is sufficient. 4. So, how would I define God's grace in salvation? 5. It is simply this. God accomplishes 100% of our salvation. 6. There is no step that God has left to us in order to be saved. 7. According to Romans 3:24, we are justified as a gift by His grace through Christ's redemption. 8. [Slide 17] Another way to remember what grace is, is by the acronym for GRACE 9. God's 10. Riches 11. At 12. Christ's 13. Expense 14. God delivers the gift of all his riches, indeed sonship and becoming heirs to His throne, at the expense of Christ. 15. Notice that this still has nothing to do with us. Our response isn't factored in yet, for God has given His riches because of the redemption of His Son. 16. Now this isn't denying that there are necessary responses flowing out of that gift of justification by grace through Christ's work. 17. In fact, in the other instance in this text in which Paul talks about sincerely testifying about the gospel he explains the command and the responsibility of Jews and Greeks to respond in repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. 18. But God uses our repentance and faith, both of which the scriptures teach us are ALSO gifts He gives to us, God by grace uses this gifted repentance and faith as means to unite us to our gifted justification. 19. [Slide 18] To suggest that God has accomplished even 99.9% of our salvation and waits on us to do the other .1% - is to make another gospel… one that is not GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense, but is in fact, God's Riches Awaiting Mankind's Submission. I know that spells GRAMS which isn't great… 20. [Slide 19] but My point is not for you to remember GRAMS but GRACE! 21. Call yourself an Arminian. Call yourself a Calvinist. Refuse to take a title. It matters very little. 22. But if your gospel is not ALL of God – then it isn't the gospel of the Grace of God that Paul preached. And that means… it isn't the gospel at all. d. [Slide 20] 25 - And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. i. Now Paul laments the fact that most likely, he will never see any of the Ephesian Elders again. ii. Is Paul being overly dramatic here? iii. No. Paul knows that his future will be full of all kinds of difficulties. iv. And as far as we know, Paul never did return to Ephesus. Paul will go to Rome as a prisoner. He will be release and then spend time in and around the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Greece, and potentially even going as far as Spain. But eventually he will be imprisoned for the last time and beheaded by Emperor Nero. v. So no, Paul isn't being dramatic. vi. He went among them and preached the Kingdom of Christ- of which they were now a part and working to do the same. vii. But never again will he see them. viii. In light of this, Paul wants to say one more thing about the future… and specifically their future. Then he will move to exhorting them. ix. We won't get to the exhortation this week, but let's look at what Paul says about their future… e. [Slide 21] 26 - Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all. 27 - For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. i. Much like God commanded Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:17 and 18 warning him to be a watchmen for the people and warn them when God tells him to warn them, Paul recuses himself from any guilt that might be placed on him for the spiritual futures of any of these Elders present with him, and for any of the church in Ephesus. ii. Why? iii. Because he did not hesitate to tell them all that God had revealed. iv. If any of these Elders bring a different teaching or slip away from the teaching Paul gave either by adding to it or taking from it – it is not a charge that can be laid on Paul. v. And if they lead any of the Ephesian church members into apostasy or heresy – it cannot be blamed on Paul. vi. Why? vii. Paul did not hesitate to tell them everything God had given him. The whole purpose or counsel of God was available to them through him. viii. Again, this goes back to his statement that he didn't withdraw from telling them everything that was profitable or expedient to them. f. [Slide 22] Summary of the Point: As Paul looks to the future and understands that there is no hope for things to improve. In fact, things will most certainly get worse, for the Holy Spirit has revealed as much to him. But Paul's intention is to continue to exemplify these qualities and these passions. He desires to continue to be used up, to be emptied out, all for the sake of the gospel of God's grace. His desire is to leave no one's blood on his hands, but like a good watchman, he has told everyone all that they must hear to participate in the kingdom of Christ. Despite a bleak future – Paul intends to continue to exemplify these qualities, until he is extinguished. My friends… Elders and those who would be Elders someday… Is this us? It must be. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 23] All of our truth points come from Paul's example. This may be challenging for us to receive because Paul is merely a man, but when we understand that these qualities in this text are merely a reflection of who Jesus is and what He demonstrated, we then understand that the qualities Paul has demonstrated are simply those he has received from Christ. But if we were to look at the two letters Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus concerning the qualifications for Elders, we would see a remarkable but unsurprisingly similar 1 to 1 connection between those qualifications and the qualities Paul demonstrated to the Ephesians. Paul is blameless, temperate, sensible, respectful, apt to teach, not a brawler but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money, he had a good reputation with those outside the church, he was not selfish, nor a liar to cheat people of money, he loved what was good, he was righteous, holy, self-controlled, and he held fast the faithful teaching of the gospel, proving to be able to exhort others in sound doctrine, doing the work of an evangelist, and was able to reprove those who contradicted the gospel. In that sense, Paul's life becomes an illustration of what qualities we must look for in men who are or desire to be Elders. And if we are Elders or desire to be Elders, Paul's example becomes a good template to compare ourselves to. But let me seek to apply this text today, primarily to Elders and would be Elders, but also to the congregation as a whole. 1.) [Slide 24] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that blamelessness is the chief qualification of an Elder. a. All the qualities Paul puts forward in this text are summarized in the basic qualification of blamelessness. b. Blamelessness is the quality one possesses in which it is impossible to find fault with someone. c. This does not, of course, speak to perfection. All men continue to battle and kill off their sin in this life. If the standard were perfection and true sinlessness, then only Christ could be given the title of Elder. d. Instead, blamelessness takes on a legal quality. In the law of moses it took two or three witnesses to bring someone to trial and find them guilty. e. Similarly, we see in I Timothy 5, Paul outlines the process for the discipline of an Elder. If two or three witnesses are not available to substantiate an accusation of sin against an Elder, then the accusation is not even to be heard. But if two or three witnesses confirm that an Elder is in sin, the Elder must be rebuked. f. This again instructs us as to the exact nature of the qualification of blamelessness. g. In order for a man, who desires the office, to be qualified for it, it must be impossible to achieve the necessary quorum among the body to accuse the man of living in sin. In fact, being blameless would imply that any such accusation would be hard to fathom considering the character of the man in question. h. Blamelessness does not mean sinlessness, but it does mean that there is no sin that is cherished, nurtured, encouraged, or befriended by this Elder. They desire the death of sin in their hearts and keep their accounts short. i. Looking at the rest of the qualifications we can see how all of them flow out of or into this one quality of blamelessness. j. Why must the man be blameless? k. Think about an Elder's responsibility. He is to guard the souls of the little lambs of God, serving as an undershepherd below the Great Shepherd. l. Such a place, such a responsibility, such a position given to a man who no one really trusts, or who when a rumor floats around people say, “well that does sound like a sin he would be doing.” Such a man cannot possibly watch for the souls of others… for others much watch out for his soul instead. He would be a liability to the children of God and the rest of the leadership. m. How can an Elder teach or lead someone in holy and Christlike lifestyles when he himself is ensnared and overcome by sin? n. So, by way of application for us this morning, we diverge into a few groups of people. i. First, if you are a man in this congregation, you need to consider blamelessness to be your command. 1. Whether you are an Elder or not, as a man in our congregation we still possess the innate headship of our home meaning that we are in essence an Elder of our family. 2. We have the responsibility of watching out for the souls of our wife and children or future wife and/or future children. 3. Such a role requires us to be the spiritual leader of our family. Setting the example in thought, word, and deed. Exemplifying Christlikeness. And pursuing Christ before our family and leading them to Him. ii. Second, if you are a man in this congregation who desires the office of an Elder, you must first be blameless. 1. No amount of biblical knowledge can make up for lacking blamelessness in your character. 2. No amount of teaching prowess can make up for lacking blamelessness. 3. No amount of kindness, gentleness, rule following, leadership, or charisma can make up for lacking blamelessness. 4. If a man is perfect in every way, and gifted as Paul was for ministry but was known for indulging in a specific sin… such a man is still unqualified to be an Elder. 5. And it is not enough to be blameless until you become an Elder… now you must live blamelessly not only before your family and the church, but before the other Elders as well. iii. Third, if you are an Elder in this church, let this be a healthy reminder to us that we must continue to be blameless. 1. We must continue to serve the Lord in humility. We must continue to serve Him and His church with tears and with endurance through persecution. 2. We must continue to declare the whole counsel of God to His people, sparing no teaching that is profitable and expedient to them. 3. We must continue to solemnly testify to all men the gospel of God's grace and implore them to turn from their sin and to God through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. 4. My friends, we must be blameless. And we must make sure we hold each other to that standard. iv. Finally, if you are none of the above, you must pray for and seek out leaders who are blameless. 1. It is the congregation's responsibility to only seek out and receive Elders who are blameless. 2. And if a Prospective Elder is put forward for consideration, who you do not consider to be blameless, you must make your concerns known to the Elder Board. 3. Although we have only been Elder led for a few years now, there may come a time in the future where the Elders put forward another man we have considered to be qualified to be an Elder in our church. 4. You have a solemn responsibility to make your concerns known to us. Perhaps you know the man in a way we do not. o. For the sake of the church and the purity of the gospel message, Elders must be blameless. 2.) [Slide 25] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders can hold others to a standard they do not meet. a. Nothing Paul will charge these men to do next week are things that Paul has not already demonstrated and done himself. b. Paul is not instructing the Elders in Ephesus to do something he would not or could not do. Instead, he is instructing them to be like him and continue doing what he was doing. c. There is a common saying in ministry and it is something like, “the spiritual maturity of the body can never exceed the average spiritual maturity of its leaders.” d. If such a thing could be measured mathematically, we could conclude that if the spiritual maturity of the Elder board was averaged to be 50% conformity to Christ (again, these are very crude numbers – just follow me for the sake of the illustration) – If this were so, then the church body cannot possibly be expected to exceed that maturity. e. Thus, if the Elders are a group of power-hungry little kings vying for their own slice of the church pie – imagine what such a church would be? f. Regardless of whether you are an Elder, a would be Elder, or a member of this body – this is still further incentive to find men who are blameless to lead. g. Because if they are not blameless, the church won't be anywhere close to blameless. h. An Elder can only preach and teach that which he has repented of and submitted to in His own life. i. Elders must practice in example what they intend to preach from the scriptures. 3.) [Slide 26] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must pray for godly leaders. a. This works out in two specific ways. b. First, we must pray for God to give more godly leaders to us. i. Unfortunately, Jerry Gunst isn't going to live forever. Neither is Nick, or CJ, or Justin - and even though I am not even 40 yet, I have already begun praying for and looking for a young man who could potentially replace me as the Primary teaching Elder of the church. ii. Our lives seem so long in some ways – so long that we procrastinate on things that go beyond our lifetime. iii. And yet life is so short in other ways. So short that by the time we do realize we need to plan for the future beyond our lives, it is too late. iv. Even now, we can be in prayer for the future Elders of Columbus Baptist Church. v. We can pray that God would give grace to save and shape and mold young men to rise up to the challenge of blamelessly shepherding God's people. vi. You can start that today. Every week I pray through our membership directory. And when I come to a name of a boy – I pray that God would raise him up to be godly and that he might become a future Elder or Deacon of this church. vii. Be in prayer for the future leaders of our church. Even if you will be long gone before they take office… be in prayer. c. Second, we must pray for the leaders we currently have to be godly. i. Occasionally some of you get a sneak peek into the lives of we Elders. ii. Occasionally you are exposed to the trials, the tears, the pains, the hardship, the difficulties we face in leading this church. And that is all in addition to the normal trials and troubles we face in our families and in our personal lives… And most of your Elders actually have ANOTHER job that they do that has its own set of difficulties. iii. My point is, that we… NEED.. your prayers. iv. I would even say that we are desperate for them. v. And don't just pray that we be healthy, that our kids are healthy, that our bodies are healthy… no… please… pray especially that God would protect us from the schemes of the devil and the principalities and powers that seek to destroy us to get to you all. Pray for that first. vi. I'd rather die of cancer having lived a godly life, than live forever having rejected my Lord's commands. And I can confidently say that that is true for all the Elders. vii. Pray for our physical needs – but not at the expense of praying for our spiritual protection and godly wisdom. 4.) [Slide 27] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders, we must be Watchmen for these people. a. Notice how Paul twice emphasized that he declared the whole plan of God and all that was profitable to the Ephesian Elders when he was with them. He did this to the extent that if any of them walked away from this truth and their faith failed and they were cast into the lake of fire… then he would not be to blame for it. b. We too are watchmen of these people. c. May none here have the luxury of saying in that final day, “But that Elder didn't tell me everything. He never told me the fullness of your plan or the teachings that were of great expediency to me.” d. May we teach with our words and our lives all that is necessary to be known so that in the final day we are innocent of all blood, having watched out for all the souls in our charge. e. Let us not grow weary in our labor. But let us press on brothers. 5.) [Slide 28] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” A plurality of biblically qualified Elders is one of the greatest gifts Christ has given His church. a. Who wouldn't want a bunch of little Paul's looking out for them? b. Who wouldn't want a bunch of little Christ's guarding them? c. God has called and equipped men to lead His church. They are mere men, which means they are not perfect. But they are equipped by God, blameless, so that even when they fail, they humbly seek forgiveness and make appropriate changes. d. Who else would we want leading our church? e. What a great comfort it is to have godly men leading. f. May they remain godly so that we may thrive as the church of Christ. [Slide 29 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer Thomas Becon Lord Jesus Christ, you are the true and everlasting Bishop, the mirror and pattern for all faithful pastors both in life and doctrine. You came down from God your Father not only to be our Redeemer, but also our teacher, to open and declare to us the mysteries of the holy Scriptures. We humbly pray now that in your mercy you would look upon your poor and scattered flock, whom you have purchased with your most precious blood. Send us shepherds who will diligently seek the lost sheep, lovingly carry them on their shoulders, and faithfully bring them home again. Lord, you see how great the harvest is, and how few the workers. You are Lord of the harvest. Send us into the harvest! And take away from us those false prophets who come to us in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Take away those false anointed and false preachers, who by their subtle doctrine would bring us into error. Grant also, O Lord, that these true shepherds may accurately and reverently minister your holy mysteries to us… [that we may have] our faith … established, confirmed, and strengthened. And may we be comforted and made strong against the gates of hell, the devil, the world, the flesh, the curse of the law, sin, death, desperation, and all that is hostile to us. May their shepherds hands not be stretched out to receive, and slow to give. But establish in them a mind that is content, and willing to spend for the relief of the poor, that they may feed the flock both in word and deed. You commanded your apostle Peter three times to feed your flock. And you gave this command not only to Peter, but to all your apostles-even to all pastors who follow. Deal with your flock, most faithful Shepherd, according to your promise. Raise up faithful and diligent shepherds who may feed their flocks with your life-filled word, lead a good life, and maintain hospitality for the comfort of the poor. And in all things may they behave according to your will and commandments. So when you, the most high Bishop and chief Shepherd, appear, may they receive the pure and spotless crown of glory. In Jesus' name we pray this. Amen. Benediction: May the Lord grant you The love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can sway, The hope no disappointments can dismay, And the passion that burns like fire. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Bible study for March 28, 2025, is cancelled.Scripture Reading: Acts 27:1–44 27 When it was decided we would sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 We went on board a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail to various ports along the coast of the province of Asia and put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius, treating Paul kindly, allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide him with what he needed. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 After we had sailed across the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we put in at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship from Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 We sailed slowly for many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. Because the wind prevented us from going any farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 With difficulty we sailed along the coast of Crete and came to a place called Fair Havens that was near the town of Lasea. 9 Since considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 “Men, I can see the voyage is going to end in disaster and great loss not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion was more convinced by the captain and the ship's owner than by what Paul said. 12 Because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there. They hoped that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 13 When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they could carry out their purpose, so they weighed anchor and sailed close along the coast of Crete. 14 Not long after this, a hurricane-force wind called the northeaster blew down from the island. 15 When the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we ran under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able with difficulty to get the ship's boat under control. 17 After the crew had hoisted it aboard, they used supports to undergird the ship. Fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor, thus letting themselves be driven along. 18 The next day, because we were violently battered by the storm, they began throwing the cargo overboard, 19 and on the third day they threw the ship's gear overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and a violent storm continued to batter us, we finally abandoned all hope of being saved. 21 Since many of them had no desire to eat, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not put out to sea from Crete, thus avoiding this damage and loss. 22 And now I advise you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the ship will be lost. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve came to me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before Caesar, and God has graciously granted you the safety of all who are sailing with you.' 25 Therefore keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be just as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” 27 When the fourteenth night had come, while we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected they were approaching some land. 28 They took soundings and found the water was twenty fathoms deep; when they had sailed a little farther they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep. 29 Because they were afraid that we would run aground on the rocky coast, they threw out four anchors from the stern and wished for day to appear. 30 Then when the sailors tried to escape from the ship and were lowering the ship's boat into the sea, pretending that they were going to put out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the ship's boat and let it drift away. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have been in suspense and have gone without food; you have eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food, for this is important for your survival. For not one of you will lose a hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. 36 So all of them were encouraged and took food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons on the ship.) 38 When they had eaten enough to be satisfied, they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat into the sea. 39 When day came, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 So they slipped the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the linkage that bound the steering oars together. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and steered toward the beach. 41 But they encountered a patch of crosscurrents and ran the ship aground; the bow stuck fast and could not be moved, but the stern was being broken up by the force of the waves. 42 Now the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners so that none of them would escape by swimming away. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul's life, prevented them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest were to follow, some on planks and some on pieces of the ship. And in this way all were brought safely to land.OutlinePaul Sails to RomeLuke narrates the shipwreck with special detailGod wants Paul to go to Rome; Paul is innocentHow It StartedPaul and his companions are assigned to a centurionSailing from Caesarea to Asia MinorPut in at SidonTo Myra in LyciaTransfer at MyraWith difficulty they reached Fair HavensPaul's first warningWinter travel—a dangerous affairLet's winter in Phoenix!To PhoenixHow It's GoingThe weather suddenly changesFind shelter behind Cauda and haul the boat!Anything but the Syrtis!Preparing the ship for the worseAll hope is lostPaul Offers HopePaul rises as a leader and encourages themPaul has had a visionThe ship approaches some landSome sailors attempt to escapeEveryone on board shares a mealDiscarding more cargoLast ditch effort: run the ship agroundThe prisoners are sparedEveryone swims to shore; everyone is saved!

Ahoy, history besties! Ready to set sail into the chaotic and badass world of piracy? But forget the bearded, rum-guzzling captains of the 1600s—this week, we're diving into the legend of an ancient pirate queen who gave Rome the middle finger and (allegedly) cursed an entire city. Meet Teuta of Illyria, the woman who turned the Adriatic Sea into her personal treasure chest and left a legacy fierce enough to still haunt the waves. What's Inside This Episode? ⚓ A queen who ruled with a cutlass and a crown ⚓ How piracy went from a side hustle to Illyria's top industry ⚓ Rome's terrible attempt at diplomacy (Spoiler: it ends with an assassination) ⚓ Betrayals, sieges, and one epic curse that lasted centuries ⚓ Why Teuta's legacy still slaps over 2,000 years later Why You'll Love It: If you love history with a side of sass, drama, and high-seas adventure, this episode is for you. Plus, we're getting back to our Empress Baddie roots with a woman who did not come to play—unless it was a game of ‘How Many Roman Ships Can I Plunder Before Lunch?'

“I would suggest getting lost. I would suggest getting lost on the small inland roads to discover the breathtaking views, the old abandoned villages, the endless fields of lavender, just to wander around.  And I would actually do the same with the boat. So I would also get lost in the multitude bays, and go to the local fisherman's restaurant because he will do his best to give you the best fresh fish that he caught that morning.”We're in great company with Maud Truchi, the visionary behind and proud owner of Maslina Resort, her love letter to the Mediterranean inspired by the astonishing landscape, authentic people, and untouched cultural heritage she found on the Croatian island of Hvar.  When Maud stepped foot on the island of Hvar for the first time after her own worldly travels and successful career, she realized this was the place of her childhood dreams - a place she desired to call home, create a hotel, and welcome travelers to discover what mindful luxury in the heart of the Mediterranean may feel like.In this episode, Maud shares her admiration and appreciation for this genuine sense of place and its people - inviting us all to come and live a meaningful experience that will broaden our horizon and open our minds.  Top Takeaways[1:45] From the beginning, Maud has traveled the world - collecting rich experiences and cultivating deep friendships - that have inspired who she is and what she creates today. And yet, her biggest lesson along the journey remains having a ‘lighthouse' to always guide her back home.[7:00] Was it the unspoiled beauty of nature, the genuine warmth of the people or the villages frozen in time, that left Maud breathless? Perhaps it was the blend of the three that called Maud to want to create something meaningful, yet preserve and protect something original.[12:20] “ I really realized then, that something bigger than me was created. Because you can only do as much as you can, but then you cannot make people feel good. They feel good because of everything that surrounds them. I think that when you are true to yourself and are authentic, at the end of the day, they feel it.”[16:00] From sunrise yoga stretches to sunset cocktails paired with endless views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, guests flow through their day with mindful moments of wellness, seaside swimming, and dining under the stars - creating a natural rhythm that invites them to truly unwind.[21:30] Wellness is around every corner and engrained in every experience at Maslina Resort - inspired by the heritage of healing and Mediterranean lifestyle found on Hvar.[24:45] The “Mediterranean Diet” is not a fad, it is a way of life on the island of Hvar - with the seasonal produce and fresh caught fish, the onsite olive orchards and local vineyards influencing the daily menu, not the other way around. [30:50] The future for Maud and Maslina Resort is centered around mindfulness - mindful luxury, mindful growth, mindful experiences, mindful sustainability, mindful mentorship - only continuing to evolve in a slow yet nurtured way. Notable MentionsEl Nido Resorts, PhilippinesCOCO-MAT MattressesNohrd Fitness EquipmentAger, Stari Grad Plain, UNESCO World Heritage SiteGregada, Croatian Poached FishPeka, Croatian Veal DishExplore River Cetina, Brač Island, Split, OmišDiana Popescu of Epoque Hotel, BucharestAdine Roode of Jabulani Safari, South AfricaLaure Pertusier of Saint James Paris, FranceShan Varty of Londolozi, South AfricaVisit For YourselfMaslina Resort Website | @maslinaresort

"Hearing the name "Ponte dei Trep ponti" you might imagine a three-part bridge, but this bridge over the Palotta canal is made of five stone arches. Water from the Adriatic Sea and inland sources have been completely tamed by this point, shaped by stone walls. Here, water blends salty and sweet.  "I expanded the idea of waters mixing from five locations and, building from the Italian "main" sound, added personal sound recordings from four Canadian waters that carry much memory for me: Lake of Bays, Ontario; the Yukon River by Dawson City, Yukon; Crag Lake, Yukon; and Burrard Inlet, BC. The result: sonic threads joining five waters, rhythms of fives instead of threes, glass vessels of water vibrating into five shimmering tones.  "Last note: as a writer and artist in the Canadian North, I haven't been to Italy, and most Italians haven't been to the Yukon, so we may be equally in awe of each other as dreamy and fantastical."  Ponte Tre Ponti, Venice reimagined by Meg Walker.

fWotD Episode 2785: SMS Niobe Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 19 December 2024 is SMS Niobe.SMS Niobe was the second member of the ten-ship Gazelle class of light cruisers that were built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy) in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The Gazelle class was the culmination of earlier unprotected cruiser and aviso designs, combining the best aspects of both types in what became the progenitor of all future light cruisers of the Imperial fleet. Built to be able to serve with the main German fleet and as a colonial cruiser, she was armed with a battery of ten 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns and a top speed of 21.5 knots (39.8 km/h; 24.7 mph). The ship had a long career, serving in all three German navies, along with the Yugoslav and Italian fleets over the span of more than forty years.Niobe served in both home and overseas waters in the Imperial Navy, serving in a variety of roles, including as a flotilla leader for torpedo boats, as a scout for the main fleet, and as a station ship with the East Asia Squadron. After the outbreak of World War I, the ship joined the vessels tasked with defending Germany's North Sea coast. By late 1915, she was withdrawn from active service and used as a headquarters ship for various commands. She was disarmed in 1917, but as one of the cruisers permitted to the postwar Reichsmarine (Navy of the Realm) by the Treaty of Versailles, she was modernized and rearmed in the early 1920s.The ship saw no active service with the Reichsmarine and, in 1925, Germany sold the ship to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). There, she was renamed Dalmacija and served in the Royal Yugoslav Navy until April 1941, when she was captured by the Italians during the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia. Renamed Cattaro, she served in the Italian Regia Marina (Royal Navy) until the Italian surrender in September 1943. She was then seized by the German occupiers of Italy, who restored her original name. She was used in the Adriatic Sea briefly until December 1943, when she ran aground on the island of Silba, and was subsequently destroyed by British motor torpedo boats. The wreck was ultimately salvaged and broken up for scrap between 1947 and 1952.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:10 UTC on Thursday, 19 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see SMS Niobe on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Stephen.

Friends of the Rosary, Today, December 9, we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto. This title refers to the house where Mary was born in Nazareth, where the Word was made flesh at the Annunciation. Tradition says that a group of angels miraculously transported the Holy House first to Loreto, on the Adriatic Sea coast of Italy, at the end of the thirteenth century. The shrine of Loreto has been known as a Marian center for centuries. By the 14th century, this shrine in Loreto was one of the most famous shrines to Our Lady in Europe. The Shrine of Loreto has always been highly regarded by Popes, and it is under their direct authority and protection. There is a replica of an ancient statue of Our Lady, one of the “Black Madonnas,” which is found there. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • December 10, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

What if the storm of a lifetime was the only thing standing between you and your destiny? Join us on an epic maritime adventure, as we recount the gripping voyage of Paul to Rome, narrated with all the tension and drama of Acts 27. Alongside a centurion named Julius, an array of prisoners, and the steadfast Paul, we journey from an Adramidian ship through the turbulent seas of Cyprus, Cilicia, and Pamphylia. Feel the mounting suspense as Paul's grave warnings of disaster go unheeded, only to be fulfilled as a monstrous storm, the Iroquillo, unleashes chaos, forcing a desperate fight for survival.Experience the unwavering strength of faith as Paul becomes a beacon of hope amidst the pandemonium, inspired by an angelic message ensuring their safety. As the crew struggles against the elements, jettisoning cargo and grappling with their diminishing hope, discover how courage and divine assurance guide them towards the refuge of an unknown island. With every passing night on the treacherous Adriatic Sea, share in their anxiety and anticipation as they battle to stay afloat, casting anchors into the darkness and yearning for the dawn. This episode promises an exhilarating narrative of faith, courage, and the relentless human spirit against nature's fury.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time-Thanksgiving Lectionary: 506, 943-947The Saint of the day is Saint James of the MarcheSaint James of the Marche's Story Meet one of the fathers of the modern pawnshop! James was born in the Marche of Ancona, in central Italy along the Adriatic Sea. After earning doctorates in canon and civil law at the University of Perugia, he joined the Friars Minor and began a very austere life. He fasted nine months of the year; he slept three hours a night. Saint Bernardine of Siena told him to moderate his penances. James studied theology with Saint John of Capistrano. Ordained in 1420, James began a preaching career that took him all over Italy and through 13 Central and Eastern European countries. This extremely popular preacher converted many people–250,000 at one estimate–and helped spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. His sermons prompted numerous Catholics to reform their lives, and many men joined the Franciscans under his influence. With John of Capistrano, Albert of Sarteano, and Bernardine of Siena, James is considered one of the “four pillars” of the Observant movement among the Franciscans. These friars became known especially for their preaching. To combat extremely high interest rates, James established montes pietatis—literally, mountains of charity—nonprofit credit organizations that lent money on pawned objects at very low rates. Not everyone was happy with the work James did. Twice assassins lost their nerve when they came face to face with him. James died in 1476, and was canonized in 1726. Reflection James wanted the word of God to take root in the hearts of his listeners. His preaching was directed to preparing the soil, so to speak, by removing any rocks and softening up lives hardened by sin. God's intention is that his word take root in our lives, but for that we need both prayerful preachers and cooperative listeners. Enjoy this Thanksgiving meditation on Saints Philemon and Apphia! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

What happens when you mix the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli with the gritty backdrop of post-World War I Europe? Thanks to one of our Patrons, we explore the often-overlooked, "Porco Rosso," in our latest edition of International Feature. Many consider this film a hidden gem that offers a fresh perspective within the beloved Ghibli collection, standing out against more recognized titles like "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle."From the breathtaking animation that Studio Ghibli is renowned for to the poignant themes of historical significance, "Porco Rosso" captivates us with its unique narrative style. We unravel the layers of this film, acknowledging both its visual brilliance and its narrative quirks, like unresolved plot points and the peculiar romantic undertones. While some of these elements might prompt mixed feelings, we appreciate the distinctive charm that this film offers, particularly for the biggest fans of the Ghibli universe. Looking ahead, we ponder the future Ghibli adventures on the podcast with titles like "Princess Mononoke" and "Grave of the Fireflies" on our radar. Letterbox'd Synopsis:  In Italy in the 1930s, sky pirates in biplanes terrorize wealthy cruise ships as they sail the Adriatic Sea. The only pilot brave enough to stop the scourge is the mysterious Porco Rosso, a former World War I flying ace who was somehow turned into a pig during the war. As he prepares to battle the pirate crew's American ace, Porco Rosso enlists the help of spunky girl mechanic Fio Piccolo and his longtime friend Madame Gina.

Italy's rich cultural tapestry and varied landscapes, highlighting lesser-known regions that promise unique travel experiences. Key Highlights: Bel'Italia Train Journey: A travel adventure on the revived Italian trans-Siberian railway, taking it's guests through enchanting villages and high-altitude landscapes far from the typical tourist routes. Abruzzo Exploration:  Discover the region's diverse geography, from its mountainous terrain and national parks to sandy beaches along the Adriatic Sea. Highlights include hiking to Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennine Mountain Range. The capital city, L'Aquila, offers a historical retreat with medieval architecture. Lazio's Hidden Treasures:  Explore the Etruscan heritage village of Tarquinia and beach destinations like Latina. The province offer unique sites, including Frosinone's Roman amphitheater and Rieti, the “navel of Italy.” The province of Rome features notable attractions such as Tivoli and Civitavecchia. Molise's Remote Charm: Italy's second smallest region is celebrated for its quiet allure, so quiet in fact it has an appropriate nickname which is divulged in this episode. Molise is known for its agricultural lifestyle and limited tourism, offering unplugged vacations. Culinary Delights:  Molise's cuisine features hearty dishes like lamb ragu over fusilli pasta, reflecting the region's rich agricultural heritage and ancient viticulture dating back to 500 BC. Upcoming Episodes:  Anticipate future explorations of Puglia, Campania, and Basilicata. Note a brief content pause due to the US election and a family gathering, so there will not be an episode on November 6, 2024. Join Kimberly and Tommaso as they uncover Italy's hidden gems, offering a fresh perspective on the country's diverse regions and inviting listeners to embark on their own Italian adventures. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook 

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 18Part IDiligam te, Domine.1I love you, O Lord my strength, *O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.2My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, *my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;you are worthy of praise.3I will call upon the Lord, *and so shall I be saved from my enemies.4The breakers of death rolled over me, *and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.5The cords of hell entangled me, *and the snares of death were set for me.6I called upon the Lord in my distress *and cried out to my God for help.7He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; *my cry of anguish came to his ears.8The earth reeled and rocked; *the roots of the mountains shook;they reeled because of his anger.9Smoke rose from his nostrilsand a consuming fire out of his mouth; *hot burning coals blazed forth from him.10He parted the heavens and came down *with a storm cloud under his feet.11He mounted on cherubim and flew; *he swooped on the wings of the wind.12He wrapped darkness about him; *he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.13From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds, *burst hailstones and coals of fire.14The Lord thundered out of heaven; *the Most High uttered his voice.15He loosed his arrows and scattered them; *he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.16The beds of the seas were uncovered,and the foundations of the world laid bare, *at your battle cry, O Lord,at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.17He reached down from on high and grasped me; *he drew me out of great waters.18He delivered me from my strong enemiesand from those who hated me; *for they were too mighty for me.19They confronted me in the day of my disaster; *but the Lord was my support.20He brought me out into an open place; *he rescued me because he delighted in me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsJonah 3-4Jonah Goes to NinevehThen the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city,[a] three days' journey in breadth.[b] Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.The People of Nineveh RepentThe word reached[c] the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.Jonah's Anger and the Lord's CompassionBut it displeased Jonah exceedingly,[d] and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Now the Lord God appointed a plant[e] and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort.[f] So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting. Acts 27:27-4427 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.[a] A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.[b] 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,[c] for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276[d] persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.The Shipwreck39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef,[e] they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages AV. Show us your mercy, O Lord;R. And grant us your salvation.V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy.V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.V. Let your way be known upon earth;R. Your saving health among all nations.V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.   The CollectsProper 23Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Das sind die Themen in den Wissensnachrichten: +++ Faultiere kommen Klimaveränderungen nicht hinterher +++ Riesen-Zecken kommen mit dem Auto +++ Spinnen nutzen den Steakmesser-Trick +++**********Weiterführende Quellen zu dieser Folge:Sloth metabolism may make survival untenable under climate change scenarios, PeerJ, 27.9.2024Identification of basins of attraction in the local Universe, Nature Astronomy, 27.9.2024Hyalomma marginatum - A silent stowaway after vacation at the Adriatic Sea, Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, November 2024Soft cells and the geometry of seashells, PNAS Nexus, 10.9.2024Mixed-Species Groups and Genetically Confirmed Hybridization Between Sympatric Phayre's Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei) and Capped Langur (T. pileatus) in Northeast Bangladesh, International Journal of Primatology, 17.9.2024Alle Quellen findet ihr hier.**********Ihr könnt uns auch auf diesen Kanälen folgen: Tiktok und Instagram.

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Autumn in Dubrovnik: An Unexpected Lesson in Courage and Care Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/autumn-in-dubrovnik-an-unexpected-lesson-in-courage-and-care Story Transcript:Sr: У јесењем светлу, Дубровник је заблистао као драгуљ на рубу Јадранског мора.En: In the autumn light, Dubrovnik sparkled like a jewel on the edge of the Adriatic Sea.Sr: Светлана је корачала калдрмисаним улицама, осећајући хладни морски поветарац који је миловао њено лице.En: Svetlana walked the cobbled streets, feeling the cold sea breeze caress her face.Sr: Овај град, са својим древним зидинама и живописним трговима, био је савршено место за њену авантуристичку душу.En: This city, with its ancient walls and picturesque squares, was the perfect place for her adventurous spirit.Sr: Међутим, иза њене храбрости, крило се мало страховање за здравље.En: However, behind her bravery, there was a slight fear for her health.Sr: Светлану је мучила стална брига због своје алергије, али није хтела да дозволи да је то спречи у уживању.En: Svetlana was constantly worried about her allergy, but she didn't want to let it prevent her from enjoying herself.Sr: Ипак, тај страх биће испитиван пре него што дан прође.En: Nevertheless, this fear would be tested before the day was over.Sr: На обали је локално тржиште било пуно живота.En: At the shore, the local market was bustling with life.Sr: Столови су преплавили свежом и миришљавом морском храном.En: Tables overflowed with fresh and fragrant seafood.Sr: Светлана је одлучила да покуша нешто ново и спонтано је наручила плочу са разним плодовима мора.En: Svetlana decided to try something new and spontaneously ordered a platter with various seafood delights.Sr: Мириси су били опојни, а Светлана је уживала у првим залогајима.En: The aromas were intoxicating, and Svetlana enjoyed the first bites.Sr: Међутим, брзо је осетила чудан осећај у грлу.En: However, she quickly felt a strange sensation in her throat.Sr: Стомак јој се почео грчити, и убрзо је схватила да се догађа нешто озбиљно.En: Her stomach began to cramp, and she soon realized that something serious was happening.Sr: Њен страх је постао стварност.En: Her fear had become reality.Sr: Одмах је морала донети одлуку – да ли да потражи помоћ или да покуша да издржи.En: She had to make an immediate decision – whether to seek help or try to endure it.Sr: Док је тетурала улицама покушавајући да остане мирна, њено стање се погоршало.En: As she staggered through the streets trying to remain calm, her condition worsened.Sr: Код градских зидина, Светлана је изненада посрнула и пала.En: By the city walls, Svetlana suddenly stumbled and fell.Sr: Око ње је настао хаос, а људи су се окупили у страху и зебњи.En: Chaos erupted around her as people gathered in fear and concern.Sr: У том тренутку, Марко, младић из Дубровника, увидео је ситуацију и пожурио према Светлани.En: At that moment, Marko, a young man from Dubrovnik, noticed the situation and rushed to Svetlana.Sr: Без оклевања, подигао ју је и кренуо према најближој клиници.En: Without hesitation, he picked her up and headed towards the nearest clinic.Sr: Упркос својој паници, Светлана је осетила мир јер је знала да је у добрим рукама.En: Despite her panic, Svetlana felt at peace because she knew she was in good hands.Sr: Након што је добила потребну лекарску помоћ, Светлана се коначно смирила.En: After receiving the necessary medical care, Svetlana finally calmed down.Sr: Имала је среће што је био неко ко јој је помогао на време.En: She was fortunate to have someone who helped her in time.Sr: Док је седела у малом врту иза клинике, посматрајући море које јој је сада донело толико неочекиваних искустава, схватила је важност опреза и самосвести, нарочито у непознатом окружењу.En: As she sat in a small garden behind the clinic, watching the sea that had now brought her so many unexpected experiences, she realized the importance of caution and self-awareness, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.Sr: Светлана је схватила да авантура не мора значити и ризик по здравље.En: Svetlana understood that adventure doesn't have to mean risking her health.Sr: Учећи из свог искуства, знала је да ће њена будућа путовања бити испуњена и храброшћу и потребном пажњом према себи.En: Learning from her experience, she knew her future travels would be filled with both courage and necessary self-care.Sr: Јесен у Дубровнику донела јој је важну животну лекцију, али и пријатеља у лицу Марка.En: Autumn in Dubrovnik brought her an important life lesson, as well as a friend in the form of Marko. Vocabulary Words:autumn: јесењемsparkled: заблистаоjewel: драгуљcobbled: калдрмисанимbreeze: поветарацcaress: миловаоpicturesque: живописнимbravery: храбростиadventurous: авантуристичкуfear: страхallergy: алергијеbustling: пуноfragrant: миришљавомspontaneously: спонтаноplatter: плочуdelights: плодовимаintoxicating: опојниsensation: осећајcramp: грчитиstaggered: тетуралаstumbled: посрнулаchaos: хаосconcern: зебњиhesitation: оклевањаclinic: клиникуpanic: панициfortunate: срећеgarden: вртуunexpected: неочекиванихsurroundings: окружењу

In this episode of the Suite Dreams Wellness Travel Podcast, host Barbara Tuckett takes you on an inspiring journey through Croatia, one of Europe's most stunning and underrated travel destinations. Barbara highlights Croatia's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse travel experiences, including its picturesque coastline, beautiful national parks, and vibrant culinary scene.Get an insider's look at Croatia's top travel spots, from the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Split to the serene beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Barbara shares her personal insights into the wellness benefits of exploring Croatia, emphasizing how the country's natural beauty and cultural charm offer the perfect opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation, and meaningful travel connections.You'll also learn about a group trip to Croatia, organized in partnership with Barbara's local Chamber of Commerce. She details the extensive itinerary, which includes visits to iconic landmarks, immersive cultural experiences, and plenty of time for travelers to unwind and savor the local food and wine.Whether you're looking to explore Croatia's hidden gems, learn more about group travel opportunities, or simply be inspired to broaden your travel horizons, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Mentioned in this episode: Croatia Trip Informational MeetingSeptember 25th, 5-6:30 pm  Davis Technical College,  business resource center. I4 50 South Simmons WayKaysville, UtahWebsite: https://www.suitedreamstravel.net/post/why-croatia

Visit Molise and experience the magic of this overlooked region for yourself! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path Italian experience, Molise and San Martino in Pensilis should be at the top of your list: rich with traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people, panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, stretching all the way to the Tremiti Islands and the hills of Puglia. Just a short drive from San Martino in Pensilis are the stunning sandy beaches of Campomarino Lido, and the bustling town of Termoli.

The first Venice episode was # 247. I came back and added more to that here and the following episode.  In this episode, the FAQ is: Would I return to Venice? Today's Destination is Venice, Italy Part 2 of 3 Today's Misstep: Spend more time in the region of Northern Italy.   Travel Advice: In Venice, Get Lost FAQ: Would I go back to Venice?   Answer: The answer is yes because I hardly saw the main attractions the first time. I was in a crowd of tourists, and it was under construction. I think there will be better crowd control now that there's a fee. Today's destination: Venice, Italy Part 2 of 3 Venice is called the City of Dreams.  It's the capital of northern Italy's Veneto region and is built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals—including the Grand Canal thoroughfare—lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark's Basilica, tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower, which offers views of the city's red roofs.  Yes, Venice is sinking. This is due to sediment settling and freshwater pumping from below ground. What are the main places to explore here?   Take the canals everywhere, because there are no cars.   So many corners. Away from glitter and gloss. 70,000 people live here. Tens of millions vacation here. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/394/   Detours throughout the city due to construction. Rialto Bridge is in the middle of the busy tourist activity.   If I had more time, I would have spent it in Venice. I only had four days, which got me more interested in being part of the city life. I'd go back outside of the summertime. I'd visit the historical sites and ride the vaporettas, trains, and buses. I'd also explore the area around Venice to learn about its history and meet the people. Today's Travel Advice- In Venice, Get Lost    

Organ, Serenity Prayer, Flying Dutchman Overture, Bishop Barron, Adriatic Sea, Rush Limbaugh, conclusionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-true-conservative--2039343/support.

Acts 27 (NASB) 1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5 When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8 and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10 and said to them, "Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12 Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 13 When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore. 14 But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15 and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16 Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control. 17 After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18 The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19 and on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned. 21 When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, "Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' 25 Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 "But we must run aground on a certain island." 27 But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28 They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. 30 But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ...

The romantic escapades of a group of college-age friends at a beach club along the Adriatic Sea. The post #47: Under the Riccione Sun (2020) first appeared on Cinema Italiano Podcast.

In this episode, I share a transformative personal experience that underscores the power of facing fears and stepping out of comfort zones. This past summer, I was invited to present at a wreath-making event in Liverpool, UK, and despite my long-standing fear of flying, I decided to go. From making this decision, what started as a professional opportunity turned into an adventure that took me beyond my limits. I had to confront not just the fear of flying but also the anxieties of being around new people, trying new activities, and embracing the unknown. My husband and I turned this trip into a celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary with a mini vacation that included a romantic cruise down the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. Despite my initial fears—such as the small size of the boat, socializing with new people for a week, and my worries about various excursions like visiting an oyster farm or entering a Blue Cave—I chose to push through these anxieties. By shifting my mindset from fear and negativity to one of gratitude and openness, I discovered a new version of myself. The trip turned out to be a breathtaking experience filled with laughter, awe, and deep connections with others. This journey wasn't just about traveling to new places; it was about embracing new perspectives and finding strength within myself. By choosing to focus on the positives and living fully in the moment, I experienced life in a way I never thought possible. I hope my story encourages you to face your fears and step out of your comfort zone because, as I've learned, doing so can lead to life-changing experiences and personal growth. If you enjoyed this episode and found it inspiring, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps spread the message of positivity and abundance to more listeners. Visit RateThisPodcast.com/ourreimaginedlife and follow the simple instructions. Here's to living a spirit-led life! I love you!

[Ep 112] Hello and welcome to the Beach Travel Wine podcast where Lyle and I are taking you from the lush green part of Croatia to the famous Dalmatian Coast area on the Adriatic Sea. Today's episode is about Zadar – now this coastal city isn't as famous or popular as some other parts of Croatia – but it should be.  Zadar has the history, the beaches, the islands, the day trips, the food and wine, city walls, old town, cathedrals and so much more – plus it is cheaper and there are a lot less people – so a perfect spot to explore in Croatia. Also Zadar is known for the famous sea organ, the Greeting to the Sun solar light show, on the stunning promenade which is one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset anywhere in Croatia. We tell you all about the history, some hidden gems, where to find the best swimming spots, which day trips to do and a really fun experience that completely surprised us. If you want to see the pictures that we took around Zadar – and all the places we talk about then click the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/112/zadar Please enjoy this episode all about Zadar

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Dubrovnik's Hidden Stories: A Guide's Dream & Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/dubrovniks-hidden-stories-a-guides-dream-transformation Story Transcript:Sr: Dubrovačke stare ulice bile su prepune turista.En: The old streets of Dubrovnik were crowded with tourists.Sr: Sunce je sijalo, a miris mora iz Jadrana širio se vazduhom.En: The sun was shining, and the scent of the Adriatic Sea filled the air.Sr: Stari grad sa svojim kamenim uličicama i visokim zidinama čuvao je tajne prošlosti.En: The old town, with its stone alleyways and tall walls, held the secrets of the past.Sr: Luka je vodio grupu turista kroz uske prolaze.En: Luka was leading a group of tourists through narrow passages.Sr: Bio je iskusni turistički vodič, ali sanjao je o tome da postane istoričar.En: He was an experienced tour guide but dreamed of becoming a historian.Sr: Osećao je da je zaglavljen u rutinskom poslu.En: He felt trapped in a routine job.Sr: Milena, mlada devojka sa diplomom iz istorije, bila je u grupi.En: Milena, a young woman with a degree in history, was in the group.Sr: Fascinirala ga je njena radoznalost.En: He was fascinated by her curiosity.Sr: „Ovo je crkva Svetog Vlaha,“ rekao je Luka, „ zaštitnika Dubrovnika.“En: “This is the Church of St. Blaise,” Luka said, “the protector of Dubrovnik.”Sr: Grupa je slušala, ali Luka je želeo da impresionira Milenu.En: The group listened, but Luka wanted to impress Milena.Sr: Hteo je da joj pokaže koliko zna.En: He wanted to show her how much he knew.Sr: Dok su hodali, Luka je odlučio da rizikuje.En: As they walked, Luka decided to take a risk.Sr: „Jeste li čuli za Opsadu Dubrovnika?“ upitao je, ne sačekavši odgovor.En: “Have you heard about the Siege of Dubrovnik?” he asked, not waiting for an answer.Sr: „Ovaj grad je bio napadnut 1991. godine.En: “This city was attacked in 1991.Sr: Grad je bio u plamenu, ali narod je izdržao.“En: The city was in flames, but the people endured.”Sr: Neki turisti su negodovali.En: Some tourists grumbled.Sr: Želeli su uobičajene informacije.En: They wanted the usual information.Sr: Ali Milena je pažljivo slušala.En: But Milena was listening intently.Sr: Luka je nastavio priču, opisujući hrabrost ljudi.En: Luka continued the story, describing the bravery of the people.Sr: Video je Milenine oči kako svetlucaju od interesa.En: He saw Milena's eyes sparkle with interest.Sr: „Ovo nije u mom uobičajenom rasporedu,“ rekao je Luka smešeći se.En: “This isn't in my usual schedule,” Luka said, smiling.Sr: Neki turisti su se namrštili.En: Some tourists frowned.Sr: No, nije stao.En: But he didn't stop.Sr: „Opsada je trajala sedam meseci,“ nastavio je.En: “The siege lasted seven months,” he continued.Sr: Glas mu je bio pun strasti.En: His voice was full of passion.Sr: Kada je završio priču, grupa je bila tiha.En: When he finished the story, the group was silent.Sr: Neki su bili impresionirani, drugi razočarani.En: Some were impressed, others disappointed.Sr: Ali Milena mu je prišla.En: But Milena approached him.Sr: „Luka, tvoja priča je bila fantastična,“ rekla je.En: “Luka, your story was fantastic,” she said.Sr: „Zašto nisi istoričar?“En: “Why aren't you a historian?”Sr: Luka je uzdahnuo.En: Luka sighed.Sr: „Bojim se da nisam dovoljno dobar,“ priznao je.En: “I'm afraid I'm not good enough,” he admitted.Sr: „Nisi u pravu,“ odgovorila je Milena.En: “You're wrong,” Milena replied.Sr: „Treba da veruješ u sebe.En: “You need to believe in yourself.Sr: Moraš pokušati.“En: You have to try.”Sr: Njene reči su ga ohrabrile.En: Her words encouraged him.Sr: Posle ture, Luka je razmišljao o Mileninim rečima.En: After the tour, Luka thought about Milena's words.Sr: Znao je da mora nešto promeniti.En: He knew he needed to change something.Sr: Odlučio je da se prijavi za programe istraživanja istorije.En: He decided to apply for history research programs.Sr: Osmehnuo se dok je gledao drevne zidine.En: He smiled as he looked at the ancient walls.Sr: Konačno je verovao da je sposoban za više.En: He finally believed he was capable of more.Sr: I, uz malo sreće, ovaj stari grad će ga voditi ka njegovom novom putu.En: And, with a bit of luck, this old town would guide him on his new path. Vocabulary Words:crowded: prepunescent: mirisfilled: širioalleyways: uličicamawalls: zidinamasecrets: tajnepassages: prolazeexperienced: iskusniroutine: rutinskomfascinated: fasciniralacuriosity: radoznalostprotector: zaštitnikaimpress: impresionirarisk: rizikujesiege: opsaduattacked: napadnutendured: izdržaogrumbled: negodovaliusual: uobičajenombravery: hrabrostintently: pažljivosparkle: svetlucajuschedule: rasporedusmiling: smešećifrowned: namrštilipassion: strastiimpressed: impresioniranifantastic: fantastičnaadmitted: priznaobelieve: veruje

American Made - Denim and Pearls 182 Freedom in the Adriatic Sea. We've left town and invite you on the trip of a lifetime. #denimandpearlslive #americanmade #keynote #speakers #podcast #live #worklifebalance #coloradosprings

Welcome back to another dadcast. Today we have another sermon on Acts 27. Please enjoy.  Notes Paul Sails for Rome 1]And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2]And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3]The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4]And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5]And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6]There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7]We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8]Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. Vs.1) A centurion is a commander of about 80 to 100 men. A cohort consisted of about 480 to 500 soldiers, a legion was 10 cohorts, or about 5000 men. 9]Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10]saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11]But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12]And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. Vs.9) The Fast probably refers to the Day of Atonement, which would be Tishri 10 or at the endof September (Leviticus 23:26). Vs. 10) Paul is not necessarily prophesying but he knows trouble is coming; however, he will give prophetic information in vs.24. The Storm at Sea 13]Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14]But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15]And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16]Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17]After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18]Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19]And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20]When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. Vs. 14) This storm reminds me of Luke 8 where Jesus cast Legion out of the demoniac. It seems that this fallen entity, Legion, was the lead authority over the region of Decapolis. Jesus was on His way to “bind the strongman” over that region so that the Gospel message could spread throughout the Gentile population of Decapolis. However, before Jesus engaged in this battle, the fallen realm tried to destroy Jesus in a storm. A similar thing happened to Jonah. He was sent to preach repentance to Nineveh. This was the capital of Assyria, the preeminent empire over the region. Jonah tried to escape from the Lord and the mission given to him; nonetheless, the fallen realm tried to destroy Jonah in a storm in order to ensure that he would never preach to the Gentile population of Nineveh. This same strategy that was employed against Jonah is at play here. For several years Paul's intention was to preach the Gospel to the entire Gentile world. He was now on his way to stand before Nero, the leader of the entire Roman empire. No doubt there was an actual angelic war happening in the 2nd Heaven realm. The fallen realm could not afford for Paul to make it to Rome. The fallen entity behind Nero must sink the ship and drown Paul and his Gospel message. Remember this, every ancient culture has similar gods that are worshiped: gods of the sky, of the sea, of the underworld, gods of death, of war, of fertility. These are all the same gods; however, their names change within each culture. These are not mythical beings, they are fallen entities from the angelic realm. I believe that the chief deity of that time behind the emperor Nero was Zeus. The Romans called him Jupiter; but, I'm just going to use the Greek names so that we don't get confused. Zeus was the king of all the gods and of men. He was often depicted with a scepter in one hand and a thunder bolt in the other. He had power over the sky, thunder and storms. Under his authority were lesser deities like Poseidon. Poseidon had command of the seas, and under the bidding of Poseidon were serpent monsters like Typhon and Hydra. So this storm is not a coincidence or a natural weather pattern, it is a physical manifestation of a heavenly battle between Zeus and righteous angelic warriors deployed from God's throne room. 21]Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22]Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23]For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24]and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25]So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26]But we must run aground on some island.” The centurion accepted the opinion of the ship owner and pilot over Paul's warning in vs. 11. Now he begins to believe Paul. This is a turning point not only for the centurion, but for all the members of the ship. Vs.23) “an angel of the Lord,” this is not the “Angel of the Lord” in the Old Testament. 27]When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28]So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29]And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30]And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31]Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32]Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33]As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34]Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35]And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36]Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37](We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38]And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. Vs.33) 14 days: In Daniel 10 we see that Daniel had been fasting and interceding for his people for three weeks. An angel was sent to him but had been detained for 21 days by the Prince of Persia – a fallen entity. I suspect that this passage is similar. The delay of 14 days for the appearance of an angel to Paul is due to the warfare going on in the heavens, it was fierce and prolonged. As I stated earlier, this shows the intensity of the heavenly battle over Paul's trip to Rome. Consider this: it takes an average of 10 to 12 days for a tropical storm to travel from the west coast of Africa to the east coast of the U.S. That is about a 7000 mile trip. The trip from Crete to Malta is only about 600 miles, and that storm raged over Paul for 14 days. Vs. 35) Paul broke bread, he may have had something like communion with his fellow Christians. This encouraged the rest of the ship to eat some food. This is where the story turns. The fallen realm has lost the battle. By daylight Paul and all the passengers will be delivered onto dry land. The Shipwreck 39]Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40]So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41]But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42]The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43]But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44]and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. Chiasm of Acts 27 A chiasm is a literary device that presents a list of ideas, stops at the key point, and then repeats new but similar information in reverse order. Sort of like a mirror image in written form. Paul sent to Rome by ship (1-8) Paul brings a warning of tribulation on the sea (9-12) The storm rages, difficulty saving the rowboat (13-20) God grants the lives of the ship to Paul, the meal (21-26) The storm rages, rowboat is jettisoned (27-32) Paul's brings a promise that no one would be lost (33-38) The ship is wrecked so Paul and all passengers swim to the shore of Malta (39-44) Application Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over (from Psalm 23). Who are the enemies of Paul? Not the Romans, not the ship's passengers. It is the fallen entities that rule Rome. What does Paul do when he receives the message from the angel? He comes to “the table” and has a meal “in the midst of his enemies.”

Tuesday, 14 May 2024   Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. Acts 27:27   A more literal rendering is, “And when the fourteenth night came, we – being carried through in the Adriatic – about the middle of the night, the sailors suspected some land to approach them” (CG).   Paul just told those on the ship that they must run aground on a certain island. Now, immediately after that, it says, “And when the fourteenth night came.” This fourteenth day is generally accepted to be from the time that they left Fair Havens. They had planned on a short trip from there to Phoenix, and yet they were quickly swept up into fourteen days of terror on the high seas.   The word translated as fourteenth is tessareskaidekatos. It is found only here and in verse 27:33. It is derived from three words, tessares (four), kai (and), and dekatos (tenth). On this fourteenth day, Luke next says, “we – being carried through in the Adriatic.”   The Adriatic Sea, or in Greek, “the Adria,” which is found only here in the New Testament, indicates an area larger than it now does. Today, the Adriatic Sea is the sea which is to the east of Italy, with Croatia, Montenegro, and Albanian on the other shore.   However, the term here indicates the whole sea between Greece and Italy which included Sicily. Josephus wrote of his own shipwreck in the Adria, and he uses the area in the same sense as Luke does here. While being tossed about in this great, open body of water, it next says, “about the middle of the night.”   It is an approximation of the time, but the point of Luke's words is that the sailors on the ship were busy doing their regular duties, even though the ship was being driven by the wind and waves. One of those regular duties was taking soundings and observing the way the waves and tides were moving. While so engaged, it next says, “the sailors suspected some land to approach them.”   Here, Luke introduces a new word, nautés. It signifies a sailor or shipman. It will be seen again in verse 27:30 and once in Revelation 18:17. It comes from naus, a ship or vessel. That will be seen only in verse 27:41.   The sailors were trained to know the changes in the environment around them, including what was going on around and under them. While being tossed back and forth in this larger area at midnight on their fourteenth day, they could tell land was close by.   This was possibly because of hearing breakers or being able to determine the way the sea moves and appears closer to land. The wording is more nautical than many English translations which place the movement on the part of the ship as it approaches the land. Instead, the Greek puts the movement on the land as it approaches the ship.   Life application: The sailors were trained to tell what was going on around them in relation to the sea. An inexperienced person would not notice these subtle changes. This is true with any job.   A wastewater operator can tell by observing a sample of a million-gallon tank if the contents are healthy or not by simply checking the amount of dissolved oxygen that is in the tank and through a quick microscopic check of the types of bacteria that are thriving.   These things take experience and constant attention to what the job entails. The Bible is a manual for man to understand his surroundings, to get a comprehension of what is going on in relation to sin, to God's prophetic timeline, and so forth. One cannot rightly pay attention to these things if he is not aware of what the manual says.   And more, one cannot tell what is his state, the state of his family, the state of his church, and even of the world around him if he is not carefully observing these things based on the knowledge the Bible provides. If constantly checking microorganisms in a sample of a tank of wastewater is important, how much more important is it for that same person to continuously check the state of his relationship with the Lord?   Let us pay heed and give the necessary time it takes each day to learn more about this most important of all issues.   Lord God, may our lives be filled with pursuing the knowledge of You more and more. May we never fail to check with the Bible on issues relating to the things it teaches, becoming attuned to the state of things around us at all times. It is a sure way to keep from the harms that are bound to arise in this fallen world. Thank You for Your word, O God. Amen.  

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Lost in Venice: A Friendship Journey through Canals and Compassion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-in-venice-a-friendship-journey-through-canals-and-compassion Story Transcript:It: Sofia e Marco erano come due dita della stessa mano.En: Sofia and Marco were like two fingers on the same hand.It: Amici fin dai primi anni di scuola, avevano sempre condiviso avventure e risate.En: Friends since their early school years, they had always shared adventures and laughter.It: Un giorno, decisero di viaggiare a Venezia, la perla del mare Adriatico, spinti dalla curiosità e dall'emozione.En: One day, they decided to travel to Venice, the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, driven by curiosity and excitement.It: Arrivati a Venezia, la bellezza del luogo li prese subito.En: Upon arrival in Venice, the beauty of the place immediately captivated them.It: Canali serpenti tra case dipinte di colori vivaci, gondole che si muovevano tranquille e maestosi ponti che sembravano danzare sulle acque.En: Serpentine canals winding through brightly painted houses, gondolas gently gliding and majestic bridges that seemed to dance on the waters.It: Si erano dati un obiettivo: trovare la famosa Piazza San Marco senza usare alcuna mappa.En: They had set themselves a goal: to find the famous Piazza San Marco without using any map.It: Il viaggio cominciò allegra.En: The journey began cheerfully.It: Attraversavano ponti sospesi su canali come sugli arcobaleni che si formano dopo un temporale.En: They crossed bridges suspended over canals like rainbows that form after a storm.It: Tra vicoli stretti e calli si misero in cammino, ridendo e scherzando.En: Through narrow alleyways and narrow streets, they set off, laughing and joking.It: Ma, lentamente, la città cominciò a mostrare la sua complessità.En: But slowly, the city began to reveal its complexity.It: Si trovarono persi nella rete di strade che sembravano identiche una all'altra.En: They found themselves lost in a network of streets that seemed identical to one another.It: Marco provava a orientarsi guardando il sole, ma le strette calli e gli alti edifici gli rendevano difficile la cosa.En: Marco tried to orient himself by looking at the sun, but the narrow streets and tall buildings made it difficult.It: Sofia invece, cercava di trovare indicazioni nei dettagli: i fiori alle finestre, le particolari insegne delle botteghe, i piccoli ponti che attraversavano i canali.En: Sofia, on the other hand, tried to find directions in the details: the flowers in the windows, the unique signs of the shops, the small bridges crossing the canals.It: Le ore passavano e il senso di smarrimento aumentava.En: Time passed and the feeling of being lost increased.It: La piazza sembrava sempre più lontana.En: The square seemed farther and farther away.It: Ma anziché sentirsi scoraggiati, Sofia e Marco si unirono ancora di più.En: But instead of feeling discouraged, Sofia and Marco grew closer.It: Capirono che non contava tanto la meta, quanto il viaggio.En: They realized that it was not so much about the destination, but the journey.It: Decisero di approfittare di quel "smarrimento" per scoprire nuove parti della città, per assaporare a pieno l'essenza di Venezia.En: They decided to take advantage of that "lostness" to discover new parts of the city, to fully savor the essence of Venice.It: D'un tratto, Sofia notò qualcosa.En: Suddenly, Sofia noticed something.It: Una luce morbida e calda che filtrava attraverso le case.En: A soft, warm light filtering through the houses.It: "E' il tramonto!En: "It's the sunset!"It: " esclamò.En: she exclaimed.It: Si affrettarono, aggirando calli e canali, la luce era la loro unica guida.En: They hurried, navigating through alleys and canals, the light was their only guide.It: Ad un certo punto, il vento portò il suono di una campana.En: At one point, the wind carried the sound of a bell.It: Un suono dolce e melodico.En: A sweet and melodic sound.It: Seguirono quel suono e alla fine del vicolo, sbucarono in una grande piazza.En: They followed that sound and at the end of the alley, they emerged in a large square.It: Un'esplosione di sorpresa li colpì: davanti a loro c'era la maestosa Piazza San Marco.En: An explosion of surprise struck them: before them stood the majestic Piazza San Marco.It: Spinti dalla gioia, spinsero un grido di gioia.En: Filled with joy, they let out a cry of happiness.It: Avevano trovato la piazza!En: They had found the square!It: Non perché fosse la meta del loro viaggio, ma perché era il simbolo della loro amicizia.En: Not because it was the goal of their journey, but because it was the symbol of their friendship.It: Nei momenti di difficoltà, avevano stretto i loro legami e scoperto l'importanza del supporto reciproco.En: In moments of difficulty, they had strengthened their bonds and discovered the importance of mutual support.It: Sorridendo, si abbracciarono.En: Smiling, they embraced.It: Seduti sulle gradinate della piazza, guardando il cielo stellato che illuminava i canali, capirono che ogni viaggio ha le sue difficoltà.En: Sitting on the steps of the square, gazing at the starlit sky illuminating the canals, they understood that every journey has its challenges.It: Ma, come in ogni buona storia, la fine riserva sempre una sorpresa che rende il tutto più bello e significativo.En: But, as in every good story, the ending always holds a surprise that makes everything more beautiful and significant.It: "Non importa dove siamo, non importa dove andiamo," disse Sofia, "ciò che conta è che siamo insieme.En: "It doesn't matter where we are, it doesn't matter where we go," said Sofia, "what matters is that we are together."It: " E con quella frase, stampata nel cuore, conclusero la loro avventura.En: And with that phrase imprinted in their hearts, they concluded their adventure.It: Avventura che non sarebbe stata l'ultima, ma solo un ulteriore punto di partenza.En: An adventure that would not be the last, but only a new starting point. Vocabulary Words:Sofia: SofiaMarco: Marcofriends: amicischool: scuolaadventures: avventurelaughter: risateVenice: Veneziacuriosity: curiositàexcitement: emozionebeauty: bellezzacanals: canaliGondolas: gondolebridges: pontilost: persistreets: stradedetails: dettagliflowers: fioriwindows: finestreshops: botteghesun: solebuildings: edificinetwork: retedirections: indicazionistars: stellejoy: gioiahappiness: felicitàbonds: legamisupport: supportosurprise: sorpresa

Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability. We chat about Penne's rich history, from its pre-Roman roots to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, and dig into the unique cultural events that make this town more than just a dot on the map. With Antonio's insight, we savor the authentic flavors of Abruzzese cuisine, where dishes like arrosticini and porchetta not only tantalize the taste buds but also tell the story of a land devoted to culinary tradition.Settle in as we paint a picture of Abruzzo that's as vivid as the region's lush mountain vistas and as soothing as the Adriatic Sea's gentle waves. In this serene sanctuary, we discuss how the environment nurtures the soul, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation and innovation, where the air is pure and life's rhythm is set to nature's pulse. The Abruzzese people's warmth truly shines through, as they extend open arms to visitors seeking connection with their heritage or simply a tranquil retreat. Be inspired by the tales of those who have experienced the open-hearted welcome of this Italian gem, and let us entice you to be the next to embrace the splendor and spirit of Abruzzo.Support the showPurchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

"If you make money from war, you're scum. If you can't make money from podcasting, you're an idiot!"Will & Jared return to the works of Hayao Miyazaki, and this time they're joined by their good friend Dan, to discuss the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso!This adventurous and romantic film follows the exploits of a World War 1 veteran pilot , who happens to have the head of a pig, as he chases down pirates and avoids the fascist Italian Air Force in the Adriatic Sea alongside his budding young mechanic, Fio.Why is Porco Rosso an overlooked film in the body of work of Ghibli and Miyazaki? Does this thirty year old animated film hold up to modern standards? Can it hold the attention of children, or should it have committed to being more adult oriented? Was Porco a good movie for someone that sees about three movies a year? Listen to find out!Our outro track is The Aki Way by Purrfect.Cover art by @DogBitesBackNYEmail the show at podcast@debaserpod.comFollow Will on Instagram and Jared on Twitter.Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter.

SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Worldpost.ioGet your mail delivered to your home country and receive it anywhere in the word-----------------------------------------In this episode of 'Let's Move to Portugal,' Josh and Kalie venture into the vibrant city of Rimini, where the allure of beachfront relaxation meets the charm of ancient history. Join them as they navigate the juxtaposition of modern leisure and timeless beauty in one of Italy's most famous seaside resorts.Beachfront Bliss Meets Historical Elegance:Discover Rimini's unique blend of sun-soaked beaches and historical intrigue. Josh and Kalie share their exploration of the city's old town, where ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture tell tales of a bygone era right next to the Adriatic Sea's sparkling waters.A City Made for Walking:Follow their footsteps through Rimini's walkable streets, where every corner offers a new discovery. From bustling piazzas to serene pathways along the beach, Rimini proves to be a city where the joys of exploration are best experienced on foot.Seamless Connectivity:Learn about Rimini's accessibility, as Josh and Kalie discuss how easy it is to reach this coastal haven by train. With its well-connected railway station, Rimini serves as a perfect base for travelers looking to explore the broader Emilia-Romagna region and beyond."Would They Expat That?" - Envisioning Life in Rimini:Amidst their adventures, the couple contemplates the possibility of calling Rimini home. They weigh the pros and cons of expat life in this dynamic city, considering factors like the local lifestyle, community vibe, and the balance between tourist influx and authentic Italian living.Tune in for an episode that not only captures the essence of Rimini's dual charm but also delves into the practicalities of making such a picturesque locale one's home.Episodes Mentioned:Summer in Spain: Detour through Andorra AdsJohn McNertney of Green Ocean Global AdvisorsContact John now!john@greenoceanglobal.net415-347-8057greenoceanglobal.netHear John on Episode 13Worldpost.io Get your mail delivered to your home country and receive it anywhere in the wordLusitano Dreams Creative housing solutions for Expats! ExpatsEverywhere CoursesD7Remote Workers Visa (D8)Living in Portugal Guide | Help With Setup & Things to Know***December Discount Code*** PODCAST ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Luke says “And setting sail from Troas we had a good run (favorable winds which allowed the ship to sail straight to where they were headed) to Samothrace (about 70 miles north), and then, on the following day, into Neapolis (about the same distance). Neapolis was located on the northeast coast of Macedonia, and served as a harbor for Philippi which was about 10 miles inland. A very important highway ran through Neapolis called the Via Egnatia (Egnatian Way). It was a paved and carefully maintained military road that ran from Dyrrachium on the Adriatic Sea eastward all the way to what we call today Istanbul (Turkey). It served as Rome's main land route across northern Greece, and Paul and his team traveled west on it from Neapolis to Philippi, and later on to Thessalonica. In spite of the fact that it was located in eastern Macedonia, Philippi was the site of an important battle in Roman history. There, in 42 B.C., Antony, Octavian (Augustus) and Lepidus defeated Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar. To honor that victory the city had been declared a “colony,” which meant it became a military outpost and its citizens had all the same privileges as the citizens of Rome. Then Luke tells us how this missionary team began evangelizing Philippi. He says, “…we were staying some days in this city, and on Sabbath days we went outside the (city) gate by a river where we thought there would be prayer, and sitting down we spoke to the women who had come together. And a certain woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (the favorite color for Roman togas) from the city of Thyatira (a city in Asia Minor that specialized in dying purple cloth), a Gentile who worshiped God (Ac 13:43, 50; 17:4, 17), kept listening, and the Lord opened her heart to understand and receive the things spoken by Paul. And as she and her household were baptized she (invited us to be guests in her home) saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay, and she urged us so strongly she prevailed.

Long before Julius Caesar became one of the most powerful rulers in the world, he was a relatively unknown curator of the Via Appia, a road stretching from Rome on the Tyrrhenian Coast to the Salento Peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. Our guest John Keahey traversed the Via Appia, and he joins us to talk about it.

Britt Lapthorne, a young backpacker from Australia, enjoyed her solo journey through Europe... until she reached Dubrovnik, Croatia. While at a nightclub with friends, she was separated from the group and never made it back to the hostel.   Almost three weeks later, her lifeless body was discovered in the Adriatic Sea.   While Croatia officially labeled it as a death resulting from "misadventure", compelling evidence suggests the possibility of murder.   Amidst swirling rumors, there are allegations of a police coverup, a mysterious call from her phone during the period she was missing, reports of other travelers encountering attempted abductions in the same vicinity, and a list of potential suspects.  The circumstances surrounding Britt Lapthorne's demise raise questions about the true nature of events leading to her tragic end. What transpired on that fateful night in Dubrovnik remains shrouded in uncertainty. Listen as we dive into Croatia, the case of Britt Lapthorne, and how to stay alive on vacation. Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/ And join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcast Listen to this week's podcast recommendation, The Informed Traveler https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ Theme Music by Roger Allen Dexter Sources:  https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/apr/13/victorias-inquest-into-britt-lapthornes-2008-death-in-croatia-to-close#:~:text=Croatian%20authorities%20suspect%20Lapthorne%20died,being%20aware%20she%20had%20vanished. https://www.forartist.com/forensic/composite/britt/britt.htm https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-real-character-tears-and-laughter-as-proud-family-remembers-britt-lapthorne-20081022-564u.html https://www.heraldsun.com.au/aussie-travellers-britt-lapthorne-michelle-smith-and-jette-jacob-were-hunted-by-killers-as-they-sought-love-adventure-or-fun-overseas/news-story/f79b6affa4d0cae5b4d307efe5ad6fc8 https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/britt-lapthornes-parents-return-to-croatia-20100917-15f53.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3037704/Was-Britt-murdered-weighted-dumped-sea-Inquest-seeks-answers-mysterious-death-21-year-old-backpacker-vanished-Croatian-nightclub.html https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-16/britt-lapthorne-coroner-to-deliver-open-finding-on-death/6396926 https://www.tntmagazine.com/archive/hundreds-remember-britt/ https://www.smh.com.au/national/mothers-plea-why-hasnt-britt-been-found-20081008-4w91.html https://www.smh.com.au/national/searching-for-britt-20081006-4uzt.html https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/mystery-on-britt-footage/news-story/f95682d02e24fe83819f43975929ff2c?sv=d299053d67c22895fae4388fc465b2d7 https://www.theage.com.au/national/bouncer-saw-missing-britt-leave-club-with-two-men-20080929-4pv1.html https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g295371-i1555-k2292178-Missing_Person_Britt_Lapthorne-Dubrovnik_Dubrovnik_Neretva_County_Dalmatia.html https://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread454862/pg1

In this episode, The Venice Episode,     FAQ's are:   1. What about the possibility that the museums and galleries may not accurately represent the true history and experiences of these famous individuals?   2. Have you considered tourism's impact on preserving historical landmarks and artifacts and is it sinking?   3. How would you address those who argue that the cultural significance of these figures is exaggerated or overemphasized in the tourism industry?   The answers: Yes, it's sinking, but slowly. Some of the historical figures may have been misrepresented. You still have time to explore the city. Is tourism here overrated? Listen for more following.   Today's Destination is Venice, Italy Today's Mistake- TSA found squash in my suitcase Travel Advice:  Border crossing into Mexico Today's destination: Venice, Italy   Venice is a cultural center of Italy with 117 islands, 400 bridges, and 150 canals. The Grand Canal is the city's main artery and a must-see. While taking a gondola ride may seem corny, expensive, and embarrassing, there are plenty of other ways to explore the city. Fewer people live in Venice nowadays due to the city's sinking and high prices, but the region still attracts many tourists, Hollywood royalty, and artists.   A trip to Venice is incomplete without trying the seafood and espresso and visiting St Mark's Cathedral. The city's history is also rich with connections to famous figures such as Marco Polo, Casanova, and Vivaldi. I did not visit the museums, but I did see many of the churches here. There's always next time, and I have seen museums in many other Italian cities. I wanted to be outside in the fresh air.   If you want to escape the crowds, venture out at dawn and get lost in the back alleys to discover magnificent churches and smelly canals. The Merchant of Venice, by Shakespeare, is another cultural treasure that can be enjoyed here.   While some private swim clubs charge 50 euros to swim, you can visit Saint Elena and Saint Mary Elizabeth at the end of the ferry's Line 1 for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea for free, as I did.    The Lido, St Nicholas of Tolentine Mass, and the train station are other notable destinations to visit. Be sure to bring an umbrella for shade and learn some Italian words to immerse yourself fully in the local culture.   Lastly, take the ferries everywhere to get around the city and enjoy the relaxed vibe of patient tourists walking and waiting. The Anda hostel near the train station is a recommended place to stay. While tickets to the Opera House may not be available at the last minute, this beautiful city has plenty of other cultural experiences. A day ticket on the ferries is cheap. Trains are all with AC   Today's Mistake- TSA found squash in my suitcase   I grow vegetables and wanted to share the fruit of my crop with a friend. It was a surprise when TSA asked me to open my luggage to show them my squash. Oh well, that was just an unusual object for someone to carry in their bag.    Today's Travel Advice- Border crossing into Mexico   If you are crossing the US border into Mexico, consider that the experience is always changing. Some days, the line will be long; other times, it could be shorter.  The last time I was there, it took 4 hours in the car to cross back to the USA. That is ideal if you all have a Global Entry and your car is registered. The wait will be short. You can also drop passengers off, and they walk across while you drive your Sentri-cleared vehicle across.  There could also be a long wait going to Mexico, so be prepared by checking in advance and getting auto insurance before you leave. Connect with Dr. Travelbest   5Stepstosolotravel.com Drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram email: info@drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube  

Find your ideal foods and cultivate wellness with traditional wisdom• Weaves together three ancestral healing philosophies with modern nutrition science to show how to discover your ideal eating plan• Shares recipes, meal plans, food lists, and stories to illustrate the concepts discussed and helps you integrate your own ancestral wisdom into your life• Offers proven strategies for transforming cravings, changing habits, and reducing the symptoms of chronic illnessExploring the healing power of food, holistic nutritionist Lisa Masé weaves together three ancestral healing philosophies—Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the Mediterranean diet—with modern nutrition science to help you discover your ideal foods for vibrant health.The author frames her book with her healing journey to overcome ten years of chronic infection, anxiety, depression, infertility, hypothyroidism, and food sensitivities. She explains how she grew up in Italy, cradled by the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomite mountains, and by returning to her traditional foods and healing herbs she was able to heal herself. She discusses the three kinds of hunger—Heart, Head, and Habit—and offers proven folk and scientific strategies for transforming cravings and changing habits, including meditation, breathwork practices, and realignment of the gut-brain axis via the vagus nerve.Detailing the healing principles behind Ayurveda, TCM, and the Mediterranean diet, the author provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions for determining your Ayurvedic and Chinese constitution types, which can help you discover how best to heal yourself. She includes food lists for each constitution. Discussing the energetics of food, she explains the importance of personalized nutrition based on genetics, epigenetics, intuitive eating, and seasonal, local foods. She guides you on the path of food sovereignty to regain control of your food. Throughout the book, the author shares recipes, meal plans, and stories to illustrate the concepts she discusses and to help you easily integrate your ancestral healing wisdom into your life.Showing how to simplify your eating to cultivate wellness, this engaging and comprehensive guide to the culinary pharmacy provides all the knowledge and tools necessary to help you make your food your medicine.Lisa Masé is a board certified holistic nutritionist (BCHN) and a registered health and nutrition coach (RHNC) as well as an herbalist, intuitive eating coach, food sovereignty activist, and poet. The founder of Harmonized Living, a wellness practice, she lives on unceded Abenaki land in Montpelier, Vermont.www.harmonized-living.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/earth-ancients_1/support.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2790919/advertisement

We are going back in our archives for this year before this podcast to share some stories that we think are special. This episode is sponsored by the Stellar Community FundFollow the show here for more.In this installment of "The Protocol," hosts Brad Keoun, the founding editor of The Protocol Newsletter, and tech journalists Sam Kessler and Margaux Nijkerk, explore the following stories:TOPIC | Events ZuzaluThis invite-only gathering of 200 people in the Mediterranean marina town of Lustica Bay has been taking place since late March and wraps up this week, featuring official sessions on zero-knowledge cryptography, twice-a-day jumps into the Adriatic Sea, and the chance to get face time with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.Curve hack, DeFi existential crisis Curve, a leading decentralized exchange on Ethereum, was hacked for more than $70 million in July. Questions continue to linger around the platform's long-term viability and potential contagion risk.Ethereum Validator WithdrawalsFollowing last week's milestone Shanghai upgrade, we moved to wind down CoinDesk's Ethereum validator project, but it could be a week before the 32 ETH we staked (about $67,000 worth) hits our wallet. C. Spencer Beggs, our director of engineering, breaks down the technical steps he's taken.TOPIC | New Technology - Projects Account Abstraction was Fire at the start of 2023Account abstraction – a concept recently embraced by Visa – could make Ethereum wallets significantly more user-friendly.WorldcoinWorld ID has added integrations with Shopify, Minecraft, and Reddit alongside a slew of developer-focused updates that could expand the OpenAI founder's blockchain-based "proof-of-personhood" service to more users.Bitcoin OrdinalsIn the historic auction house's first-ever sale of the Ordinals inscriptions known as "NFTs on Bitcoin," a batch of three pixelated images from a mushroom-themed collection drew about $450,000, or roughly five times the highest estimates.PROTOCOL VILLAGE SEGMENT TOPIC | INDUSTRY TRENDS - BUSINESS SIDE Layer2 ManiaUsers will be able to bridge their ETH starting Thursday, with the official launch of the main network on Aug. 9.Crypto Winter / Legal -Regulatory: SBF gets charged | Binance + CZThe alleged fraudster and ex-FTX CEO acted "in good faith," Bankman-Fried's attorney said in an emotional closing argument.ZK Teams Polygon Labs, a developer of scaling networks for Ethereum, has shifted toward "Polygon CDK," a blockchain-development kit powered by zero-knowledge cryptography. The older "Polygon Edge" was used by Dogechain, in an unofficial effort to build a Dogecoin-oriented smart-contracts network.EPISODE LINKS | Zuzalu Is 2 Months in Montenegro With Crypto Elites, Cold Plunges, Vitalik SelfiesAs Curve Averts DeFi Death Spiral, Fiasco Exposes Serious RisksCoinDesk Winds Down Ethereum Validator ‘Zelda,' and We Now Wait to Get Money BackEthereum Upgrade Could Make It Harder to Lose All Your Crypto 'Bitcoin NFT' Hysteria Comes to Sotheby's as Super-Mario-Style Mushroom Character Tops $200KSam Altman Is Bringing Worldcoin's Controversial Eye-Scanning Orb to Reddit and MicrosoftCoinbase Sets Public Launch of ‘Base' Layer 2 Blockchain for Next Week Sam Bankman-Fried on Verge of Tears as His Lawyer Concludes DefensePolygon Stops Work on 'Edge,' Used to Build Dogechain, as Focus Turns to ZK Sign Up for THE PROTOCOL NEWSLETTER From Our Sponsor: The Stellar Community Fund (SCF) is an open-application awards program that draws on community input to support developers and startups building on Stellar and Soroban. Accelerate your web3 project today.Apply for Funding at communityfund.stellar.org-The Protocol has been produced and edited by senior producer Michele Musso and our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Take Me Back” by Strength To Last.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Acts 25:13–28:31 Acts 25:13–28:31 (Listen) Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice 13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” 23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” Paul's Defense Before Agrippa 26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Paul Tells of His Conversion 12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language,1 ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”2 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Paul Sails for Rome 27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast3 was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. The Storm at Sea 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda,4 we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear,5 and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.6 A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.7 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,8 for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 2769 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef,10 they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. Paul on Malta 28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people11 showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice12 has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly,13 and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. Paul Arrives at Rome 11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods14 as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers15 and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. Paul in Rome 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26   “‘Go to this people, and say,  “You will indeed hear but never understand,    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”27   For this people's heart has grown dull,    and with their ears they can barely hear,    and their eyes they have closed;  lest they should see with their eyes    and hear with their ears  and understand with their heart    and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”16 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,17 and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Footnotes [1] 26:14 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic) [2] 26:28 Or In a short time you would persuade me to act like a Christian! [3] 27:9 That is, the Day of Atonement [4] 27:16 Some manuscripts Clauda [5] 27:17 That is, the sea-anchor (or possibly the mainsail) [6] 27:28 About 120 feet; a fathom (Greek orguia) was about 6 feet or 2 meters [7] 27:28 About 90 feet (see previous note) [8] 27:34 Or For it is for your deliverance [9] 27:37 Some manuscripts seventy-six, or about seventy-six [10] 27:41 Or sandbank, or crosscurrent; Greek place between two seas [11] 28:2 Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4 [12] 28:4 Or justice [13] 28:10 Greek honored us with many honors [14] 28:11 That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux [15] 28:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21 [16] 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves [17] 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling (ESV)

Friends of the Rosary: As our journey of conversion continues and we prepare to celebrate the nativity of Christ, on this Second Sunday of Advent we also celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto. The title of Our Lady of Loreto refers to the holy little house in Nazareth in which Mary was born and took place the Annunciation — the Incarnation when the Word became Flesh. Tradition says that a band of angels took the house from the Holy Land and transported it first to Tersato, Dalmatia in 1291, then to Recanati, Italy in 1294, and finally in the 14th century to Loreto, in the Adriatic Sea coast of Italy, where the Shrine of Loreto has been for centuries. The large basilica is one of the most famous shrines of Our Lady in Europe. One of the ancient statues of “Black Madonnas” is found here. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Our Lady of Loreto, Pray for Us! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠December 10, 2023, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

NOVEMBER  2023So, I just went from a small town near the Adriatic Sea up to Tirana, the capital city of the country. What a change! I'm fully embracing it and really enjoying it.I'm staying in a wonderful neighborhood called Blloku. The Blloku neighborhood is a vibrant area that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Originally a restricted zone during the communist era, reserved for government officials and party elites, Blloku has evolved into a bustling hub of trendy cafes, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It is now a symbol of Tirana's modernization and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The best part is that it's within walking distance to my favorite coffeeshops, my gym, and all the monuments you need to see!In this episode:Getting settled in TiranaBlloku neighborhoodPyramid of TiranaSkanderbeg SquareGrand Park TiranaWebsite  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTubeEmail: actorbobtapper@gmail.comAirbnbBook your stayBlloku NeighborhoodTiranë's hippest and most vibrant districtPyramid of TiranaA symbol of Albania's communist past.Skanderbeg SquareThe epicenter of Tirana, surrounded by some of the most important buildings of the country.Grand Park of TiranaGorgeous, green, family-friendly, and near the Lake! Support the Show.

Acts 26–28 Acts 26–28 (Listen) Paul's Defense Before Agrippa 26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Paul Tells of His Conversion 12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language,1 ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”2 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Paul Sails for Rome 27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast3 was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. The Storm at Sea 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda,4 we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear,5 and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.6 A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.7 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,8 for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 2769 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef,10 they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. Paul on Malta 28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people11 showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice12 has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly,13 and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. Paul Arrives at Rome 11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods14 as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers15 and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. Paul in Rome 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26   “‘Go to this people, and say,  “You will indeed hear but never understand,    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”27   For this people's heart has grown dull,    and with their ears they can barely hear,    and their eyes they have closed;  lest they should see with their eyes    and hear with their ears  and understand with their heart    and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”16 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,17 and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Footnotes [1] 26:14 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic) [2] 26:28 Or In a short time you would persuade me to act like a Christian! [3] 27:9 That is, the Day of Atonement [4] 27:16 Some manuscripts Clauda [5] 27:17 That is, the sea-anchor (or possibly the mainsail) [6] 27:28 About 120 feet; a fathom (Greek orguia) was about 6 feet or 2 meters [7] 27:28 About 90 feet (see previous note) [8] 27:34 Or For it is for your deliverance [9] 27:37 Some manuscripts seventy-six, or about seventy-six [10] 27:41 Or sandbank, or crosscurrent; Greek place between two seas [11] 28:2 Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4 [12] 28:4 Or justice [13] 28:10 Greek honored us with many honors [14] 28:11 That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux [15] 28:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21 [16] 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves [17] 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling (ESV)

If I could give you only ONE person to talk to regarding building a new life in Italy, it would be this guy. Unfortunately, I'm giving you THIS guy 4 months after our initial recording (my tech-NO-bility issues). Mark Hinshaw, successful author, artist, architect, urban planner, journalist and for many years now, immigrant to Italy, joined me to discuss the affordability of his life with his Italian-blooded wife, Sunny Savina Bertollini, in San Vittoria en Matenano, a 7% flat tax town in the region of Marche'. (Mark and Sunny are not recipients of Italy's 7% Flat Tax regime as their arrival predated the tax offering's birthdate.) Although this episode is full of great information on cost of living and other monetary issues that we love to explore, I'd invite you to listen DEEPLY, as I know noone who has mastered the art of assimilation and acculturation as well as they have. Enjoy this gem of a person hiding high on a hilltop in this beautiful region tucked closely behind the Appenine mountains and overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Acclaimed Book: Navigating Paradise Currently available in Italian at IBS.IT https://www.ibs.it/navigating-paradise-nuova-vita-in-libro-mark-l-hinshaw/e/9788897912927?queryId=62b7a54394bc9f3e6664370771703fe1 and at Amazon.IT https://www.amazon.it/Navigating-paradise-nuova-vita-Italia/dp/8897912923/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1VAYO2ZDTMAYH&keywords=navigating+paradise+hinshaw&qid=1699234935&sprefix=navigating+paradise+hinshaw%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-1   Find a collection of Mark's ink drawings depicting life and landmarks of the Marche' region at: Instagram: @urbanistamark https://www.instagram.com/urbanistamark/   Books from his life as architect/urban planner in Seattle, Washington: True Urbanism (2007) https://www.amazon.com/True-Urbanism-Living-Near-Center-ebook/dp/B07YNVGQKQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699235164&sr=8-1 Citi-State Seattle: a Shaping of the Modern Metropolis (1999) https://www.amazon.com/Citistate-Seattle-Shaping-Modern-Metropolis/dp/1884829236/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Split, Croatia. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. The city's founding is estimated to have been in 3rd century BC, and was home to Roman Emperor, Diocletian - where there are portions of the palace he constructed still visible today.Previous episodes - MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UIMK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNykMK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-gMK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczYMK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCEMK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_kMK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNUMK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QYMK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoIMK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00Opening song “Doin Time" written by Ira Gershwin, Dorothy Heyward, Bradley Nowell, and Maggie Plum; performed by Sublime. All production by Cody Maxwell. Artwork by Cody Maxwell. Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms. sharkfyn.com maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Old Testament: Isaiah 63–66 Isaiah 63–66 (Listen) The Lord's Day of Vengeance 63   Who is this who comes from Edom,    in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,  he who is splendid in his apparel,    marching in the greatness of his strength?  “It is I, speaking in righteousness,    mighty to save.” 2   Why is your apparel red,    and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? 3   “I have trodden the winepress alone,    and from the peoples no one was with me;  I trod them in my anger    and trampled them in my wrath;  their lifeblood1 spattered on my garments,    and stained all my apparel.4   For the day of vengeance was in my heart,    and my year of redemption2 had come.5   I looked, but there was no one to help;    I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;  so my own arm brought me salvation,    and my wrath upheld me.6   I trampled down the peoples in my anger;    I made them drunk in my wrath,    and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” The Lord's Mercy Remembered 7   I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD,    the praises of the LORD,  according to all that the LORD has granted us,    and the great goodness to the house of Israel  that he has granted them according to his compassion,    according to the abundance of his steadfast love.8   For he said, “Surely they are my people,    children who will not deal falsely.”    And he became their Savior.9   In all their affliction he was afflicted,3    and the angel of his presence saved them;  in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 10   But they rebelled    and grieved his Holy Spirit;  therefore he turned to be their enemy,    and himself fought against them.11   Then he remembered the days of old,    of Moses and his people.4  Where is he who brought them up out of the sea    with the shepherds of his flock?  Where is he who put in the midst of them    his Holy Spirit,12   who caused his glorious arm    to go at the right hand of Moses,  who divided the waters before them    to make for himself an everlasting name,13     who led them through the depths?  Like a horse in the desert,    they did not stumble.14   Like livestock that go down into the valley,    the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest.  So you led your people,    to make for yourself a glorious name. Prayer for Mercy 15   Look down from heaven and see,    from your holy and beautiful5 habitation.  Where are your zeal and your might?    The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion    are held back from me.16   For you are our Father,    though Abraham does not know us,    and Israel does not acknowledge us;  you, O LORD, are our Father,    our Redeemer from of old is your name.17   O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways    and harden our heart, so that we fear you not?  Return for the sake of your servants,    the tribes of your heritage.18   Your holy people held possession for a little while;6    our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.19   We have become like those over whom you have never ruled,    like those who are not called by your name. 64   Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,    that the mountains might quake at your presence—2   7 as when fire kindles brushwood    and the fire causes water to boil—  to make your name known to your adversaries,    and that the nations might tremble at your presence!3   When you did awesome things that we did not look for,    you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.4   From of old no one has heard    or perceived by the ear,  no eye has seen a God besides you,    who acts for those who wait for him.5   You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,    those who remember you in your ways.  Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;    in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?86   We have all become like one who is unclean,    and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.  We all fade like a leaf,    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.7   There is no one who calls upon your name,    who rouses himself to take hold of you;  for you have hidden your face from us,    and have made us melt in9 the hand of our iniquities. 8   But now, O LORD, you are our Father;    we are the clay, and you are our potter;    we are all the work of your hand.9   Be not so terribly angry, O LORD,    and remember not iniquity forever.    Behold, please look, we are all your people.10   Your holy cities have become a wilderness;    Zion has become a wilderness,    Jerusalem a desolation.11   Our holy and beautiful10 house,    where our fathers praised you,  has been burned by fire,    and all our pleasant places have become ruins.12   Will you restrain yourself at these things, O LORD?    Will you keep silent, and afflict us so terribly? Judgment and Salvation 65   I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me;    I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.  I said, “Here I am, here I am,”    to a nation that was not called by11 my name.2   I spread out my hands all the day    to a rebellious people,  who walk in a way that is not good,    following their own devices;3   a people who provoke me    to my face continually,  sacrificing in gardens    and making offerings on bricks;4   who sit in tombs,    and spend the night in secret places;  who eat pig's flesh,    and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels;5   who say, “Keep to yourself,    do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.”  These are a smoke in my nostrils,    a fire that burns all the day.6   Behold, it is written before me:    “I will not keep silent, but I will repay;  I will indeed repay into their lap7     both your iniquities and your fathers' iniquities together,      says the LORD;  because they made offerings on the mountains    and insulted me on the hills,  I will measure into their lap    payment for their former deeds.”12 8   Thus says the LORD:  “As the new wine is found in the cluster,    and they say, ‘Do not destroy it,    for there is a blessing in it,'  so I will do for my servants' sake,    and not destroy them all.9   I will bring forth offspring from Jacob,    and from Judah possessors of my mountains;  my chosen shall possess it,    and my servants shall dwell there.10   Sharon shall become a pasture for flocks,    and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down,    for my people who have sought me.11   But you who forsake the LORD,    who forget my holy mountain,  who set a table for Fortune    and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny,12   I will destine you to the sword,    and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter,  because, when I called, you did not answer;    when I spoke, you did not listen,  but you did what was evil in my eyes    and chose what I did not delight in.” 13   Therefore thus says the Lord GOD:  “Behold, my servants shall eat,    but you shall be hungry;  behold, my servants shall drink,    but you shall be thirsty;  behold, my servants shall rejoice,    but you shall be put to shame;14   behold, my servants shall sing for gladness of heart,    but you shall cry out for pain of heart    and shall wail for breaking of spirit.15   You shall leave your name to my chosen for a curse,    and the Lord GOD will put you to death,    but his servants he will call by another name,16   so that he who blesses himself in the land    shall bless himself by the God of truth,  and he who takes an oath in the land    shall swear by the God of truth;  because the former troubles are forgotten    and are hidden from my eyes. New Heavens and a New Earth 17   “For behold, I create new heavens    and a new earth,  and the former things shall not be remembered    or come into mind.18   But be glad and rejoice forever    in that which I create;  for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,    and her people to be a gladness.19   I will rejoice in Jerusalem    and be glad in my people;  no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping    and the cry of distress.20   No more shall there be in it    an infant who lives but a few days,    or an old man who does not fill out his days,  for the young man shall die a hundred years old,    and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.21   They shall build houses and inhabit them;    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.22   They shall not build and another inhabit;    they shall not plant and another eat;  for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,    and my chosen shall long enjoy13 the work of their hands.23   They shall not labor in vain    or bear children for calamity,14  for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD,    and their descendants with them.24   Before they call I will answer;    while they are yet speaking I will hear.25   The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,    and dust shall be the serpent's food.  They shall not hurt or destroy    in all my holy mountain,”      says the LORD. The Humble and Contrite in Spirit 66   Thus says the LORD:  “Heaven is my throne,    and the earth is my footstool;  what is the house that you would build for me,    and what is the place of my rest?2   All these things my hand has made,    and so all these things came to be,      declares the LORD.  But this is the one to whom I will look:    he who is humble and contrite in spirit    and trembles at my word. 3   “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man;    he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck;  he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig's blood;    he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.  These have chosen their own ways,    and their soul delights in their abominations;4   I also will choose harsh treatment for them    and bring their fears upon them,  because when I called, no one answered,    when I spoke, they did not listen;  but they did what was evil in my eyes    and chose that in which I did not delight.” 5   Hear the word of the LORD,    you who tremble at his word:  “Your brothers who hate you    and cast you out for my name's sake  have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified,    that we may see your joy';    but it is they who shall be put to shame. 6   “The sound of an uproar from the city!    A sound from the temple!  The sound of the LORD,    rendering recompense to his enemies! Rejoice with Jerusalem 7   “Before she was in labor    she gave birth;  before her pain came upon her    she delivered a son.8   Who has heard such a thing?    Who has seen such things?  Shall a land be born in one day?    Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?  For as soon as Zion was in labor    she brought forth her children.9   Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?”

Proper 16 First Psalm: Psalm 18:1–20 Psalm 18:1–20 (Listen) The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who addressed the words of this song to the LORD on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said: 18   I love you, O LORD, my strength.2   The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.3   I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,    and I am saved from my enemies. 4   The cords of death encompassed me;    the torrents of destruction assailed me;15   the cords of Sheol entangled me;    the snares of death confronted me. 6   In my distress I called upon the LORD;    to my God I cried for help.  From his temple he heard my voice,    and my cry to him reached his ears. 7   Then the earth reeled and rocked;    the foundations also of the mountains trembled    and quaked, because he was angry.8   Smoke went up from his nostrils,2    and devouring fire from his mouth;    glowing coals flamed forth from him.9   He bowed the heavens and came down;    thick darkness was under his feet.10   He rode on a cherub and flew;    he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.11   He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,    thick clouds dark with water.12   Out of the brightness before him    hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. 13   The LORD also thundered in the heavens,    and the Most High uttered his voice,    hailstones and coals of fire.14   And he sent out his arrows and scattered them;    he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.15   Then the channels of the sea were seen,    and the foundations of the world were laid bare  at your rebuke, O LORD,    at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 16   He sent from on high, he took me;    he drew me out of many waters.17   He rescued me from my strong enemy    and from those who hated me,    for they were too mighty for me.18   They confronted me in the day of my calamity,    but the LORD was my support.19   He brought me out into a broad place;    he rescued me, because he delighted in me. 20   The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness;    according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. Footnotes [1] 18:4 Or terrified me [2] 18:8 Or in his wrath (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 18:21–50 Psalm 18:21–50 (Listen) 21   For I have kept the ways of the LORD,    and have not wickedly departed from my God.22   For all his rules1 were before me,    and his statutes I did not put away from me.23   I was blameless before him,    and I kept myself from my guilt.24   So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,    according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 25   With the merciful you show yourself merciful;    with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;26   with the purified you show yourself pure;    and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.27   For you save a humble people,    but the haughty eyes you bring down.28   For it is you who light my lamp;    the LORD my God lightens my darkness.29   For by you I can run against a troop,    and by my God I can leap over a wall.30   This God—his way is perfect;2    the word of the LORD proves true;    he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. 31   For who is God, but the LORD?    And who is a rock, except our God?—32   the God who equipped me with strength    and made my way blameless.33   He made my feet like the feet of a deer    and set me secure on the heights.34   He trains my hands for war,    so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.35   You have given me the shield of your salvation,    and your right hand supported me,    and your gentleness made me great.36   You gave a wide place for my steps under me,    and my feet did not slip.37   I pursued my enemies and overtook them,    and did not turn back till they were consumed.38   I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise;    they fell under my feet.39   For you equipped me with strength for the battle;    you made those who rise against me sink under me.40   You made my enemies turn their backs to me,3    and those who hated me I destroyed.41   They cried for help, but there was none to save;    they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.42   I beat them fine as dust before the wind;    I cast them out like the mire of the streets. 43   You delivered me from strife with the people;    you made me the head of the nations;    people whom I had not known served me.44   As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;    foreigners came cringing to me.45   Foreigners lost heart    and came trembling out of their fortresses. 46   The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock,    and exalted be the God of my salvation—47   the God who gave me vengeance    and subdued peoples under me,48   who rescued me from my enemies;    yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me;    you delivered me from the man of violence. 49   For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations,    and sing to your name.50   Great salvation he brings to his king,    and shows steadfast love to his anointed,    to David and his offspring forever. Footnotes [1] 18:22 Or just decrees [2] 18:30 Or blameless [3] 18:40 Or You gave me my enemies' necks (ESV) Old Testament: 1 Kings 3:16–28 1 Kings 3:16–28 (Listen) Solomon's Wisdom 16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king. 23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead'; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.'” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. (ESV) New Testament: Acts 27:27–44 Acts 27:27–44 (Listen) 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.1 A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.2 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,3 for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 2764 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef,5 they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. Footnotes [1] 27:28 About 120 feet; a fathom (Greek orguia) was about 6 feet or 2 meters [2] 27:28 About 90 feet (see previous note) [3] 27:34 Or For it is for your deliverance [4] 27:37 Some manuscripts seventy-six, or about seventy-six [5] 27:41 Or sandbank, or crosscurrent; Greek place between two seas (ESV) Gospel: Mark 14:12–26 Mark 14:12–26 (Listen) The Passover with the Disciples 12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Institution of the Lord's Supper 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the1 covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Footnotes [1] 14:24 Some manuscripts insert new (ESV)

With family: Ruth 2; Acts 27 Ruth 2 (Listen) Ruth Meets Boaz 2 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered, “The LORD bless you.” 5 Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”1 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” 10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 12 The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” 13 Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” 14 And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah2 of barley. 18 And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.'” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Footnotes [1] 2:7 Compare Septuagint, Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain [2] 2:17 An ephah was about 3/5 bushel or 22 liters (ESV) Acts 27 (Listen) Paul Sails for Rome 27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast1 was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. The Storm at Sea 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda,2 we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear,3 and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.4 A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.5 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,6 for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 2767 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef,8 they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. Footnotes [1] 27:9 That is, the Day of Atonement [2] 27:16 Some manuscripts Clauda [3] 27:17 That is, the sea-anchor (or possibly the mainsail) [4] 27:28 About 120 feet; a fathom (Greek orguia) was about 6 feet or 2 meters [5] 27:28 About 90 feet (see previous note) [6] 27:34 Or For it is for your deliverance [7] 27:37 Some manuscripts seventy-six, or about seventy-six [8] 27:41 Or sandbank, or crosscurrent; Greek place between two seas (ESV) In private: Psalm 10; Jeremiah 37 Psalm 10 (Listen) Why Do You Hide Yourself? 10   Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?    Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 2   In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;    let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.3   For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,    and the one greedy for gain curses1 and renounces the LORD.4   In the pride of his face2 the wicked does not seek him;3    all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”5   His ways prosper at all times;    your judgments are on high, out of his sight;    as for all his foes, he puffs at them.6   He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;    throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”7   His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;    under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.8   He sits in ambush in the villages;    in hiding places he murders the innocent.  His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;9     he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;  he lurks that he may seize the poor;    he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.10   The helpless are crushed, sink down,    and fall by his might.11   He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,    he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” 12   Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;    forget not the afflicted.13   Why does the wicked renounce God    and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?14   But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,    that you may take it into your hands;  to you the helpless commits himself;    you have been the helper of the fatherless.15   Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;    call his wickedness to account till you find none. 16   The LORD is king forever and ever;    the nations perish from his land.17   O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear18   to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. Footnotes [1] 10:3 Or and he blesses the one greedy for gain [2] 10:4 Or of his anger [3] 10:4 Or the wicked says, “He will not call to account” (ESV) Jeremiah 37 (Listen) Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah 37 Zedekiah the son of Josiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah, reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim. 2 But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD that he spoke through Jeremiah the prophet. 3 King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “Please pray for us to the LORD our God.” 4 Now Jeremiah was still going in and out among the people, for he had not yet been put in prison. 5 The army of Pharaoh had come out of Egypt. And when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard news about them, they withdrew from Jerusalem. 6 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: 7 “Thus says the LORD, God of Israel: Thus shall you say to the king of Judah who sent you to me to inquire of me, ‘Behold, Pharaoh's army that came to help you is about to return to Egypt, to its own land. 8 And the Chaldeans shall come back and fight against this city. They shall capture it and burn it with fire. 9 Thus says the LORD, Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely go away from us,” for they will not go away. 10 For even if you should defeat the whole army of Chaldeans who are fighting against you, and there remained of them only wounded men, every man in his tent, they would rise up and burn this city with fire.'” Jeremiah Imprisoned 11 Now when the Chaldean army had withdrawn from Jerusalem at the approach of Pharaoh's army, 12 Jeremiah set out from Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion there among the people. 13 When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” 14 And Jeremiah said, “It is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 15 And the officials were enraged at Jeremiah, and they beat him and imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for it had been made a prison. 16 When Jeremiah had come to the dungeon cells and remained there many days, 17 King Zedekiah sent for him and received him. The king questioned him secretly in his house and said, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” Then he said, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” 18 Jeremiah also said to King Zedekiah, “What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison? 19 Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you and against this land'? 20 Now hear, please, O my lord the king: let my humble plea come before you and do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, lest I die there.” 21 So King Zedekiah gave orders, and they committed Jeremiah to the court of the guard. And a loaf of bread was given him daily from the bakers' street, until all the bread of the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard. (ESV)

Tira Johnson returns to talk about the Adriatic Sea, pink wine, octopuses, and that space where the ocean meets the sky

The skyscrapers of Manhattan stand tall and majestic on their foundations of steel and stone, while the city of Venice slowly sinks into the Adriatic Sea. What makes the difference? Join Dr. James Boice as he explains the importance of the foundations on which we build, here on The Bible Study Hour: preparing you to think and act biblically. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29