Read James 1-5
In his brother's Shadow
For many of us, growing up meant living in the shadow of an ultra-achieving other sibling. He or she may have gotten all the attention and all the praise, while we felt left out in the cold. Anger and resentment may have built up against our older brother or sister, as well as a feeling of inadequacy in light of his or her accomplishments.
The writer of the book of James very likely found himself in just this position. As it turns out, James i=s a younger half-brother of Jesus. We can only imagine what it must have been lie to grow up in the shadow of someone our parents knew to be God in the flesh! Even as an adult, James remained in the background while Jesus taught, performed miracles and changed people's lives.
Yet as we read this short letter, it seems clear that Jame's has come to terms with his big brother. He could have tried to capitalize on his close connection with Jesus--perhaps to draw a little more of the attention he didn't get earlier, or at the very least to lend a little more divine credibility to his letter. But instead he humbly described himself as nothing more than a " servant" of Jesus. He had realized that being the half-brother of Jesus meant nothing-only being his servant counted.
In the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous, the group's founders said that to enter recovery, they "had to quit playing God" ( p.62). We must all humbly admit that our life and our recovery will go nowhere unless we allow ourselves to become a simple servant of Jesus--like James did.
---Verne Becker
Steps 3, 7
Prayer
Jesus, please give me the same practical wisdom and humility that you gave to your younger brother James.
Recovery Devotional Bible
A little bit of this a little bit of that
6/24/10
A controlled tongue -- James 1:19
James 1:19-20
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If we are to hear from God, it will be because we are slow to speak. If we intend to learn, we have to practice quick listening and slow speech at the same time. A great talker is rarely a great listener. Those who want to hear God speak will have to be less impressed with the sound of their own voices, and value beyond measure hearing God speak, even if they have to wait.
Hear this, my dear brothers and sisters, we must all be careful to listen. We should only speak when we are sure that we are saying good things. We should not get angry easily. When we are angry, we do not do what God says is right. Therefore, stop doing all those bad things that so easily make you fall.
Quotes on Anger
- "An angry spirit is not an attentive spirit."
- "The ear is never so closed than when anger takes over."
- "When uncontrolled anger comes in, controlled listening and speaking flies out."
- "Whether the anger is expressed outwardly or stored up inwardly, it is a hindrance to a meek and reverent hearing of God's Word."
- "A fiercely argumentative attitude is not conducive to a humble reception of truth."
- See Prov. 16:32; 29:22.
Not necessarily. There are many instances when Jesus became angry (at the money lenders in the temple, for example - Matthew 21:12-13) as did Paul (at fortune telling by the slave girl - Acts 16:16-18). There are sometimes good reasons to get angry, but James is counseling us to consider these reasons carefully and not to 'fly off the handle' as that kind of anger 'does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.'
What does anger lead us into? (Proverbs 14:17, 29:22, Psalm 37:8, Colossians 3:21)
Anger can lead to sin and evil. For example, in anger we may speak and act too quickly with little regard for the consequences. It takes a long time to build up a relationship with another person or to establish a good reputation but a single angry word can tear it down in just a few seconds. What you say when you are angry cannot easily be turned around -- just saying "I'm sorry" doesn't reestablish a friendship or rebuild a reputation. Sometimes, by listening and hearing the other person's point of view, we can see other ways to defuse a bad situation.
The phrase the anger of man stands in sharp contrast to "the righteousness of God."
Our goal is to have the righteousness of God produced in our lives, and anger does not promote righteousness "An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression" (Prov. 29:22).
6/23/10
James 1:21
James 1:21
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls
Our society is a cesspool of spiritual filth. Unbelief, fear, doubt, idolatry, pornography, cynicism, anger, and confusion are being pumped out by the mass media daily. The only way to be an overcomer in the midst of a fallen and corrupt world is to receive the power of God's Word in your inner being. the Word of God penetrates the depths of our being ( Heb. 4:12) and energizes us with the Word of God's dynamic force. When we are filled with the Word of God, we have the spiritual power to overcome.
"which is able to save your souls" (1:21)
Spirit Filled Life Bible
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NLT: So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.
Stated very clearly, the Word of God has the power to SAVE OUR SOULS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1:21 Putting Aside Filthiness And Wickedness
Because it is a Spirit vs. fles problem, James says, "lay those things aside. Lay aside all that remains of wickedness, then receive the Word."
You can't really receive what the Bible is saying unless you are willing to lay aside your sin. You see, if you are in sin, you justify the teachings in your mind. You think, "Oh, I wish Joe were here. He really needs to listen to this." Or, "Nice preaching, but that's not realistic." Or, "That doesn't apply to me."
If these are your thoughts, then sin is keeping you from receiving the Word. You need to turn from it, get rid of it, before you can receive.
If you do turn from sin, and begin to receive the Word, it is able to save your soul. Now, this is not talking about eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and heaven. These people to whom James is writing are already saved. No, the salvation that he is speaking of is a "preserving or saving" of your soul.
Your soul is the internal "you." From your heart spring emotions, from your mind come thoughts. And all of those things roll up into your soul to make you. This is what the Word can preserve when you receive it.
Have you ever known a Christian who backslid into sin for a long period of time? When they come back, they're still saved, but they've lost something. They're less of who they were, they're a bit burned out, they're a little emptier. That's because sin rots your soul. It eats away and evaporates who you are. And the longer you live in unrepentant sin, the less of you will be there on the other side when you come out of it.
After David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba, he didn't repent, he tried to cover it up. And as he tried to keep it hidden, his soul was decomposing. This manifested itself even physically. He wrote,
Ps. 32:3-5 When I kept silent {about my sin} , my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away {as} with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Selah.
David's sin was forgiven, but he was never the same man. He had lost some of his soul. Receiving the Word protects and preserves you from this soul decay.
Ron Daniel's Bible Studies
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls
Our society is a cesspool of spiritual filth. Unbelief, fear, doubt, idolatry, pornography, cynicism, anger, and confusion are being pumped out by the mass media daily. The only way to be an overcomer in the midst of a fallen and corrupt world is to receive the power of God's Word in your inner being. the Word of God penetrates the depths of our being ( Heb. 4:12) and energizes us with the Word of God's dynamic force. When we are filled with the Word of God, we have the spiritual power to overcome.
"which is able to save your souls" (1:21)
Spirit Filled Life Bible
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NLT: So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.
Stated very clearly, the Word of God has the power to SAVE OUR SOULS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1:21 Putting Aside Filthiness And Wickedness
Because it is a Spirit vs. fles problem, James says, "lay those things aside. Lay aside all that remains of wickedness, then receive the Word."
You can't really receive what the Bible is saying unless you are willing to lay aside your sin. You see, if you are in sin, you justify the teachings in your mind. You think, "Oh, I wish Joe were here. He really needs to listen to this." Or, "Nice preaching, but that's not realistic." Or, "That doesn't apply to me."
If these are your thoughts, then sin is keeping you from receiving the Word. You need to turn from it, get rid of it, before you can receive.
If you do turn from sin, and begin to receive the Word, it is able to save your soul. Now, this is not talking about eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and heaven. These people to whom James is writing are already saved. No, the salvation that he is speaking of is a "preserving or saving" of your soul.
Your soul is the internal "you." From your heart spring emotions, from your mind come thoughts. And all of those things roll up into your soul to make you. This is what the Word can preserve when you receive it.
Have you ever known a Christian who backslid into sin for a long period of time? When they come back, they're still saved, but they've lost something. They're less of who they were, they're a bit burned out, they're a little emptier. That's because sin rots your soul. It eats away and evaporates who you are. And the longer you live in unrepentant sin, the less of you will be there on the other side when you come out of it.
After David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba, he didn't repent, he tried to cover it up. And as he tried to keep it hidden, his soul was decomposing. This manifested itself even physically. He wrote,
Ps. 32:3-5 When I kept silent {about my sin} , my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away {as} with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Selah.
David's sin was forgiven, but he was never the same man. He had lost some of his soul. Receiving the Word protects and preserves you from this soul decay.
Ron Daniel's Bible Studies
6/19/10
My week and Memory Verse for June
What a beautiful day it was! Hubby and I sat our buns on the beach all day soaking up the rays enjoying each others company. He got wet but it was a mite bit cold for me, plus the wind was coming off the water which made it a bit chilly. The sun was hot so we made sure we kept putting on the sunscreen.
It was a long week and next week will also be one. My mother in law seems to make all her Dr appointments at once. there was 3 this past week and there is 3 this coming week. Plus I had one and the one day I went to my parents for my mom's 79th Birthday. Which the high light of the whole week!! She was in good form and even blew out the candle on her cake. I got a small video of it. It happened so fast I almost missed it. But the best part is I got both of my parents and it is something I will treasure forever!!!
Tomorrow is father's day. I gave my dad his gift the day I went up. I decoupaged a pot and put a geranium in it. He loved it.
My baby birds have flown the coop. I miss them. It was fun while it lasted and interesting to watch then from egg to the day they took flight.
Here is the verse I am memiorizing for the month of June
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.---Philippians 4:6-7NIV
It was a long week and next week will also be one. My mother in law seems to make all her Dr appointments at once. there was 3 this past week and there is 3 this coming week. Plus I had one and the one day I went to my parents for my mom's 79th Birthday. Which the high light of the whole week!! She was in good form and even blew out the candle on her cake. I got a small video of it. It happened so fast I almost missed it. But the best part is I got both of my parents and it is something I will treasure forever!!!
Tomorrow is father's day. I gave my dad his gift the day I went up. I decoupaged a pot and put a geranium in it. He loved it.
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Tomorrow we will be headed to Garfield as we have a Card Show and afterwards the boys and I will be taking hubby out to dinner for Father's day. I have to say my husband is a wonderful dad!! He even was father of the year when the boys were little. It was in the paper! So we have to get up at 5am, uggg, but looking forwards to seeing my boy's. OK that's it for now Have a great evening God Bless Hugs, Peace and Love Donna S |
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.---Philippians 4:6-7NIV
6/13/10
Taming the Tongue-James 3:1-12
James 3:1-12 NIV
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
~~~~~~~~~~
Watching Our Words
James has much to say about the tongue and words and the effect the have in our lives. Especially in recovery, words are very important. When we speak positive, hopeful, encouraging words, we are speaking wisdom from the recovering, healing part of ourselves. From that part of our being we bring forth good fruit, and we enjoy the results. When we are discouraged or having a bad day, when we feel sorry for ourselves or are experiencing anger, it is easy to speak impulsively.
Words are powerful. They can take us from laughter to the pits of despair in just minutes. Our words can ruin an entire day-our own or someone else's. Therefore it is wisdom, it is recovery, to guard our lips, to monitor the words we speak. Not in a codependent way, in which we hold back real feelings and only say what we think others want to hear; but in a healthy way, in which we speak honestly but also respectfully to others and ourselves.
Our recovery today depends on the words we say. To control the tongue may be one of the most difficult tasks in our recovery, but it will be one of the most beneficial things we do.
----Barbara Stephens
Father God, set a watch at my mouth and help me guard what I say today
Thank you.
In Christ name, Amen
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
~~~~~~~~~~
Watching Our Words
James has much to say about the tongue and words and the effect the have in our lives. Especially in recovery, words are very important. When we speak positive, hopeful, encouraging words, we are speaking wisdom from the recovering, healing part of ourselves. From that part of our being we bring forth good fruit, and we enjoy the results. When we are discouraged or having a bad day, when we feel sorry for ourselves or are experiencing anger, it is easy to speak impulsively.
Words are powerful. They can take us from laughter to the pits of despair in just minutes. Our words can ruin an entire day-our own or someone else's. Therefore it is wisdom, it is recovery, to guard our lips, to monitor the words we speak. Not in a codependent way, in which we hold back real feelings and only say what we think others want to hear; but in a healthy way, in which we speak honestly but also respectfully to others and ourselves.
Our recovery today depends on the words we say. To control the tongue may be one of the most difficult tasks in our recovery, but it will be one of the most beneficial things we do.
----Barbara Stephens
Father God, set a watch at my mouth and help me guard what I say today
Thank you.
In Christ name, Amen
6/10/10
Patience
Good Evening all
What a beautiful evening it is. The sun is setting , a cool breeze is coming in the window and I am so happy to just be sitting here enjoying it! I wish I could have said that a while ago when i sat in traffic....I was enjoying it at first but man it seemed like it just was never going to end. I usually run into traffic on RT 287 between exit 10 to right after exit 1 and then I get on the parkway and usually don't hit any till exit 100, but tonight there was an accident on exit 1 and 287 so I was in traffic from exit 18 all the way to the parkway and when i got on the parkway there was traffic almost all the way home. It usually takes me 2 hours from Parsippany to Whiting, but it took me 3 and half hours to get home today. SO anyways I am sitting in traffic listening to music, singing ( the windows were closed so no one heard me lol and chair dancing , when all of a sudden this young kid cut me off, well I lost my patience with him as he kept weaving in and out of traffic, then i remember the days when i was young and did that very thing ( OK I have done it later in life to lol ) Then my pain level was shooting up as I was driving and I was so tired I had trouble keeping myself awake. SO I remembered what Pastor Dave mentioned Sunday during his sermon about patience and I laughed to myself. Also I listened to a Sermon by Rev. John Goodhart "Forbearing One Another" on the way to my parents and realized I should pray for some patience. It worked of course, like usually does when i ask God to help me. So when i got home I did a little study on it and here is what I found;
In the dictionary, "patience" has several meanings: 1) bearing pains or trials calmly and without complaining, 2) not being hasty or impetuous, 3) being steadfast despite opposition or adversity, and 4) showing forbearance under provacation or strain. We often think of patience (or being patient) as something benign (meaning #2), but the dictionary definitions and Bible imply that pain, trials, adversity, and strain may also be involved (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 2:20, Romans 5:3-4, 12:12).
"Patience" is a strong determination of will, to victoriously overcome the negative things we confront, according to God's will.
Paul tells us to put on a heart of patience. "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Col. 3:12).
Patience is just one part of the "heart" we put on as Christians. But the point I want to make is that we must put it on. Patience is a deliberate and willful attitude, resulting in several godly behaviors.
How Do We Put On a Heart of Patience?
Paul tells us how to obtain the strength to be patient.
". . . we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously" Col. 1:9-11 NASB
In a nutshell, we go to God's word, understand it, and apply it to our lives with all spiritual wisdom. As a result, God's word performs its work in us, and we're empowered to be patient in whatever circumstances we live. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Furthermore, notice Paul's example of praying for strength ,"strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;..Col. 1:11 NKJV
We humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, casting all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:6-7). Then we patiently endure as we trust in God, who is in control of all things.
"Patience" is necessary to be tolerant of one another, which is necessary to maintain unity
(Eph. 4:1-6). Although we do not tolerate sin, we must be tolerant of one another to cooperate as brethren, and do the Lord's work.
OK I think that's all for now. It is getting late and I want to go play my games before bed.
I do have to say over the past 6 years I have trusted in God more and had more patience, its that sometimes I fall short and act out instead of thinking first and praying to God for help. We have such an amazing, awesome God!
Good night , God Bless
Peace, Hugs and Love Donna
6/9/10
What is the Mosaic Covenant?
At Church this past Sunday the Pastor talked bout the Mosaic Covenant and read in Exodus 19 and some other scriptures and challanged us to go home and read Exodus 19-24, which i did and then researched it and this is what I found that explained it to me the best.
SO thank you Pasto Dave for this challange.
Have a great night all
God Bess
Love Peace and Hugs Donna
What is the Mosaic Covenant?
The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant made between God and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24). It is sometimes called the Sinai Covenant but is more often referred to as the Mosaic Covenant since Moses was God’s chosen leader of Israel at that time. The pattern of the covenant is very similar to other ancient covenants of that time because it is between a sovereign king (God) and his people or subjects (Israel). At the time of the covenant, God reminded the people of their obligation to be obedient to His law (Exodus 19:5), and the people agreed to the covenant when they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” (Exodus 19:8). This covenant would serve to set the nation of Israel apart from all other nations as God’s chosen people and was as equally binding as the unconditional covenant that God made with Abraham because it is also a blood covenant. The Mosaic Covenant is a significant covenant in both God’s redemptive history and in the history of the nation of Israel through whom God would sovereignly chose to bless the world with both His written Word and the Living Word, Jesus Christ.The Mosaic Covenant was centered around God's giving His divine law to Moses on Mount Sinai. In understanding the different covenants in the Bible and their relationship with one another, it is important to understand that the Mosaic Covenant differs significantly from the Abrahamic Covenant and later biblical covenants because it is conditional in that the blessings that God promises are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. The blessings and curses that are associated with this conditional covenant are found in detail in Deuteronomy 28. The other covenants found in the Bible are unilateral covenants of promise, in which God binds Himself to do what He promised, regardless of what the recipients of the promises might do. On the other hand the Mosaic Covenant is a bilateral agreement, which specifies the obligations of both parties to the covenant.The Mosaic Covenant is especially significant because in it God promises to make Israel “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Israel was to be God’s light to the dark world around them. They were to be a separate and called-out nation so that everyone around them would know that they worshiped Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It is significant because it is here that Israel received the Mosaic Law that was to be a schoolmaster pointing the way towards the coming of Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). The Mosaic Law would reveal to people their sinfulness and their need for a Savior, and it is the Mosaic Law that Christ Himself said that He did not come to abolish but to fulfill. This is an important point because some people get confused by thinking that keeping the Law saved people in the Old Testament, but the Bible is clear that salvation has always been by faith alone, and the promise of salvation by faith that God had made to Abraham as part of the Abrahamic Covenant still remained in effect (Galatians 3:16-18).Also, the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Covenant did not really take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4); it simply foreshadowed the bearing of sin by Christ, the perfect high priest Who was also the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-28). Therefore, the Mosaic Covenant itself, with all its detailed laws, could not save people. It is not that there was any problem with the Law itself, for the Law is perfect and was given by a holy God, but the Law had no power to give people new life, and the people were not able to obey the Law perfectly (Galatians 3:21).The Mosaic Covenant is also referred to as the Old Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:14; Hebrews 8:6, 13) and was replaced by the New Covenant in Christ (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 8:8; 8:13; 9:15; 12:24). The New Covenant in Christ is far better than the old Mosaic Covenant that it replaces because it fulfills the promises made in Jeremiah 31:31-34, as quoted in Hebrews 8.
Recommended Resource: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns.
SO thank you Pasto Dave for this challange.
Have a great night all
God Bess
Love Peace and Hugs Donna
What is the Mosaic Covenant?
The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant made between God and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24). It is sometimes called the Sinai Covenant but is more often referred to as the Mosaic Covenant since Moses was God’s chosen leader of Israel at that time. The pattern of the covenant is very similar to other ancient covenants of that time because it is between a sovereign king (God) and his people or subjects (Israel). At the time of the covenant, God reminded the people of their obligation to be obedient to His law (Exodus 19:5), and the people agreed to the covenant when they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” (Exodus 19:8). This covenant would serve to set the nation of Israel apart from all other nations as God’s chosen people and was as equally binding as the unconditional covenant that God made with Abraham because it is also a blood covenant. The Mosaic Covenant is a significant covenant in both God’s redemptive history and in the history of the nation of Israel through whom God would sovereignly chose to bless the world with both His written Word and the Living Word, Jesus Christ.The Mosaic Covenant was centered around God's giving His divine law to Moses on Mount Sinai. In understanding the different covenants in the Bible and their relationship with one another, it is important to understand that the Mosaic Covenant differs significantly from the Abrahamic Covenant and later biblical covenants because it is conditional in that the blessings that God promises are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. The blessings and curses that are associated with this conditional covenant are found in detail in Deuteronomy 28. The other covenants found in the Bible are unilateral covenants of promise, in which God binds Himself to do what He promised, regardless of what the recipients of the promises might do. On the other hand the Mosaic Covenant is a bilateral agreement, which specifies the obligations of both parties to the covenant.The Mosaic Covenant is especially significant because in it God promises to make Israel “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Israel was to be God’s light to the dark world around them. They were to be a separate and called-out nation so that everyone around them would know that they worshiped Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It is significant because it is here that Israel received the Mosaic Law that was to be a schoolmaster pointing the way towards the coming of Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). The Mosaic Law would reveal to people their sinfulness and their need for a Savior, and it is the Mosaic Law that Christ Himself said that He did not come to abolish but to fulfill. This is an important point because some people get confused by thinking that keeping the Law saved people in the Old Testament, but the Bible is clear that salvation has always been by faith alone, and the promise of salvation by faith that God had made to Abraham as part of the Abrahamic Covenant still remained in effect (Galatians 3:16-18).Also, the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Covenant did not really take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4); it simply foreshadowed the bearing of sin by Christ, the perfect high priest Who was also the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-28). Therefore, the Mosaic Covenant itself, with all its detailed laws, could not save people. It is not that there was any problem with the Law itself, for the Law is perfect and was given by a holy God, but the Law had no power to give people new life, and the people were not able to obey the Law perfectly (Galatians 3:21).The Mosaic Covenant is also referred to as the Old Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:14; Hebrews 8:6, 13) and was replaced by the New Covenant in Christ (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 8:8; 8:13; 9:15; 12:24). The New Covenant in Christ is far better than the old Mosaic Covenant that it replaces because it fulfills the promises made in Jeremiah 31:31-34, as quoted in Hebrews 8.
Recommended Resource: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns.
6/8/10
Thank You God-6-7-10
Thank you God for another beautiful day!!
The temps this week are low 70's and sunny! BEAUTIFUL! I feel good , but i feel the fog setting in. That started yesterday, I realised it at the meeting. It isn't bad yet and I pray it doesn't get bad like last time. Nothing i can do about it but pray and journal it for Dr.
Sunday I made it to Church , I miss it so when i don't make it. I came home and marinated the chicken for BBQ. Then I dusted and vacuumed. Watered the plants inside and out. By night time I felt it, of course lol my pain level shot up from a 3 to a 7. My neck is really bothering me at night making sleep very restless. I have to say it is my neck into my right shoulder. It bothers me as well when i get up until my meds kick in.
Anyways we had a nice BBQ chicken dinner, I made it on grill. Had salad and corn on cob YUM! Thankfully my stomach didn't act up!
Monday , which was yesterday, I went to meeting and like i said fog kicked in. Came home and took pictures of baby birdies , as you see they got a big bigger. As I snapped the first picture the one stuck it's head up as if i had food lol. Thankfully the momma bird was away getting their food and didn't come after me. BUT as I was sitting in the front bench just taking in God's beauty, the momma bird flew over and looked right at me lol I told her I didn't do anything it was all lies Hahahahahaha like she knew anything in the first place . Yes I am a nut if you didn't know that already
Last night we went to the BlueClaws ballgame. They won 11-1. Was a beautiful night for a ballgame!
I had trouble keeping score lol the fog was interfering, so I didn't finish.
Today I am going shopping with my mother in law to JCPennys and the Dollar store, we will have lunch out as well. We both have gift cards to spend. I am hoping to catch some sales! Maybe even a new bathing suit. I only have one right now since I lost weight and could use a second.
other then that life is great!
Have a wonderful day.
God Bless
peace Hugs and Love Donna
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Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
The Lord is our Banner. He wants us to stay under his banner—to trust in him and his plan for our lives, to depend on him and trust him as our source of strength, as our protection. But so often we either get in an "I can do it myself" mode or determine that "I want to do it my way." When we do this, we step out from under God's banner of protection. Just as the Israelites began to experience failure every time Moses' arms dropped, so we will struggle needlessly when we choose to step out from under his banner.
Being under God's banner does not mean we won't have problems—the Israelites still had to fight their battle. But it does mean that we don't have to face things alone—and that God will work all things together for good and bring ultimate victory.
Consider this …
Is there some area in your life that you have determined you want to handle by yourself—and do it your way? Perhaps you don't think that God cares about or completely understands your struggle. Or maybe you are determined to do it your way, even knowing that your way does not line up with God's plan.
The truth is … God does care. He does understand. And his way, even if our desires conflict, is always the best way. Step back under his banner of love and protection. Submit to his plan. Let him help you. You will be glad you did.
Father, I thank you that you are my banner. Help me to walk under your banner and not succumb to self-will and pride, choosing my way over yours. Thank you for your love and protection and forgiveness. In Jesus' name …
6/5/10
What a beautiful day 6/5/10
Oh what a beautiful morning oh what a beautiful day.....Thank You God for another one!!
"THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS ISSUED AN AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY...IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING."
SO I've pretty much been staying inside in the air conditioning. Right now I am out in the 3 season porch, soon to be going inside. I don't like being inside , as after a while I feel closed in and then the air conditioning gets to me. But for now I will hang here as the sun is in and there is a breeze coming in the window and I have the fan on.
I am cooking as I type this, Tapioca pudding. One a task, Ive never made it from scratch. First I had to soak the tapioca in water over night. Then in double broiler you cook the milk just till it gets hot, then u add the tapioca and then wait till it just begins to boil then cover and put on way low and cook for 1 hour, stirring now and then..I just went in and stirred it, and THEN you have to beat the eggs and add sugar and...YES its a process! Almost 2 hours. Can't wait to eat it tonight after dinner.
Hi again, I'm back. I know you never knew I left lol, but I did. I went to a Tricky Tray with my mother in law. We had a great time, but won nothing!! I was glad to get home as I was in a lot pain and so tired. So i ended up taking a hour nap. Made dinner and here i am.
Hi again, I'm back. I know you never knew I left lol, but I did. I went to a Tricky Tray with my mother in law. We had a great time, but won nothing!! I was glad to get home as I was in a lot pain and so tired. So i ended up taking a hour nap. Made dinner and here i am.
I am going to have some tapioca pudding in a bit. I tasted it as I poured in into the dishes and YUM! YUM! YUM! It was worth all the time it took to make.
It is still 85' at 7:36pm Humidity is 60% SO the air stays on!
OH yesterday i worked on the duck wagon. I washed it and painted it white then I painted the wagon light pink. I still have to finish it.
Well that's all for today. I am going to play my games then watch a movie.
God Bless Peace Hugs and Love Donna S
Well that's all for today. I am going to play my games then watch a movie.
God Bless Peace Hugs and Love Donna S
6/2/10
Good Evening-6-2-10
Well, good evening all.
I do hope you had a wonderful day. I had a productive one, till I went down hill in the afternoon. Yes I over did it, which I usually do when i am feeling good. I washed some of the house outside,, the aluminum siding out front. I sprayed it first with house wash but that didn't really do it so i got the little brush out and did it that way and then rinsed it off. Well using all those muscles isn't a good idea with people like me, it only makes me hurt more! The front of the house looks wonderful !!!
I do hope you had a wonderful day. I had a productive one, till I went down hill in the afternoon. Yes I over did it, which I usually do when i am feeling good. I washed some of the house outside,, the aluminum siding out front. I sprayed it first with house wash but that didn't really do it so i got the little brush out and did it that way and then rinsed it off. Well using all those muscles isn't a good idea with people like me, it only makes me hurt more! The front of the house looks wonderful !!!
See it really wasn't a lot. I know you thought the whole front of the house lol Nope just this space. Hubby said he will try and help me do the side of the house where it is really bad. I can't do all the house or I would end up in hospital and I am not that crazy!! heehee
So now I am paying for it big time. I don;t know how to sit as i hurt so bad. I have heating pad on my back and an ice pack on my neck/shoulder area. I just keep moving/repositioning myself to try and get comfortable. Typing isn't fun either...but it is worth it to see the finished results!
So now I am paying for it big time. I don;t know how to sit as i hurt so bad. I have heating pad on my back and an ice pack on my neck/shoulder area. I just keep moving/repositioning myself to try and get comfortable. Typing isn't fun either...but it is worth it to see the finished results!
OH and while I was out there I walked over to check on the Robin and her eggs, WELL , the babies hatched, there is still one egg that I saw.As I quickly snapped a shot mommy Robin came flying back squawking , so I ran away LOL. Mommy and daddy stay very close!! I would too when ya have someone like me snooping around taking pictures of your babies while your trying to find food lol I just am so fascinated with it all! God 's beautiful creatures!
I just love my home and where we live. I love life and live each day as best I can! God is with me and helps me. He is amazing!!
I talked on the phone to a friend back north, she has breast cancer and hearing her voice and how positive she is helps me. Although she tell's me listening to me being so positive with my health issues , helps her. So you see we help each other! I know also God has put people like this in my life for this purpose, even though when he put them in my life years ago I didn't know why. So remember that! Be nice to all and help them in any way you can!
OK my show is in America's Got talent so have a great night/day.
Tomorrow hubby an I are off to the beach for the day! I got the bags packed, umbrella packed and lunch ready to pack.
God Bless
Peace Hugs and Love Donna
OH I went to my parents yesterday and got to see my brother ken for a bit before he had to go to work. I don't get to see him as much as I use to since I moved, unless we go to a concert with the parents, which hasn't been to often, since mom is getting worse.