What Do You Need?

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
John 5:6

We know why people stand in line at the post office. We know why the people in the dentist’s waiting room are there. In the first century, if you saw scores of people gathered around the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, you would know why they were there. They were there to be healed.

The pool called Bethesda was really twin pools in Jerusalem surrounded on four sides by porches and another porch dividing the two pools. The sick would gather on the porches and wait for a stirring of the waters—supposedly by an angel of heaven—entry into which might result in healing.

So those on the porches were there for healing. Yet Jesus approached a man and asked what must have seemed like an obvious question: “Do you want to be made well?”

Much could be said of Jesus’ question, but it begs another question: Do we want to be made whole? Forgiven and delivered from sin? Saved for eternity? The God of miracles is waiting for our answer. He wants us to say what we need.

 Devotional From David Jeremiah:

A Prayer for My Friend

O God, source of all love and goodness,
as you have blessed my life
with the gift of a faithful friend,
so now, surround my friend with your grace,
your loving care and your protection.
May our friendship be a bond
which brings others closer to you
and gives glory to your holy name.
Amen.
 
 You have blessed my life in so many ways! I thank God for you, my friend.

Bible Verse:  1 Peter 4:10, 11b

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
...so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.

Don’t Worry!

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

God did not create men and women to live under anxiety, tension, and stress. If we humble ourselves before God, which means if we give our tension, fears, concerns, anxiety,, and stress too Him, He can do something about it. As long as we are holding on to our burdens, God will not move in to change things.

Stress, Anyone?

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.Psalm 94:18-20 

If patience is the most difficult thing I struggle with, I think anxiety can run a close second.  I love what this verse says - not if ... but *when* my anxious thoughts multiply, my consolation will come from God.  And not only will I be consoled - my soul will delight in those consolations.

Sometimes my world seems to call out, "Look to God.  Look to God.  Look to God." 

Someone asked me the other day why I thought God allowed difficult times in our lives.  I think that is a question we all ask at one  time or another.  I though about it for a while and though the thought wasn't well-formed, said this:

"What a bunch of self-centered, egotistical people we would be.  If we never knew adversity, we'd never learn gratitude.  If we never had bad times, we'd never come to cherish the good ones.  We'd have no need for God."

I know I need God when my anxieties get out of control.  I have to look to Him, acknowledge that He is still in control.  I have to grow my faith, bit by bit.  I have to trust.  I have to pull myself out of the land of "what if," and simply let go of the outcome.  I'm not saying I don't do the things I need to do for whatever the situation is - but I do what I believe God is saying is my part - and let go.  

Letting go means putting no expectations on that outcome.  I have come to know things won't always turn out the way I want them to, or the way I expect - but I do know nothing takes God by surprise.  I know He can take any and every situation and bring good from it.  His plan is larger than mine.

When I can relax in that, I can let go of the anxieties that plague me.  I can find God.  And I can delight in the fact that He is the one who will console me - no matter what comes across my path.

Father God, Thank you that you have everything covered.  There is nothing about our situation that takes You by surprise.  Thank you that you have created our world so that we realize our need for You, and You will be by our side in each and every situation.  Amen and amen.

http://www.pathways4change.org/todaysencouragingwordonline.com/

Praying the Promises of God

Praying the Promises of God

Where do you turn in trials?
God gives us His promises so we can rest in Him and act with confidence.

Developing Patience

Developing Patience
Read | James 1:1-4
When people confide to me that they are praying for patience, I often ask what else they're doing to acquire a calm and gentle heart. Patience isn't so much something believers receive as it is an attribute that they develop over time and through experience.
Think of patience as a muscle that you have to use in order to see it build. To that end, believers should recognize difficulty as an opportunity to flex their patience. The human instinct is to cry out to God in bewilderment when tribu-lation comes knocking. We blame. We resist. We complain. What we don't do is say, "Thank You, Father--it's time to grow in patience!" People aren't trained to think that way, but according to the Bible, that is exactly how Christians are to respond.
James tells us to consider trials a joy (1:2). But we often fail at this, don't we? Humanly speaking, praising the Lord for tribulation is unnatural. However, doing so begins to make sense to believers when they cling to God's promise that good comes from hardship (Rom. 8:28). We are not waiting on the Lord in vain. We can praise Him for the solution He will bring, the lives He will change, or the spiritual fruit He will develop in us.
Accepting hardship as a means of growth is a radical concept in this world. Even more extreme is the believer who praises the Lord for the storm. But God's followers have cause to rejoice. Tribulation increases our patience so that we can stand firm on His promises and await His good timing.

Jesus arguement against anxiety

Jesus' arguments against anxiety #1: Life is more than food and the body more than clothing (Matt. 6:35).



Jesus' arguments against anxiety #2: God feeds the birds and you are more valuable than they are (Matt. 6:26).


Jesus' arguments against anxiety #3: It's pointless. It adds not one hour to your life. (Matt. 6:27).

from John Piper site

My wonderful week end

I am so truly blessed!!!!! I celebrated 12 years of sobriety on Jan. 30th. 2011.. It is only through God's grace that I am here today. He saved me from the gripping chains of alcoholism and then in 2005 I gave my life totally to Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:17) (Psalm 16:9) What brought me to finally totally surrendering was ,even though I was sober for 6 years, I wasn't changing much. I was still sinning in some ways and I was not happy with where I was at.

Life hasn't been all fun and games, I mean come on it is life lol. BUT I know what to do today to get past the down times, the difficult times. I can still choose to sit in it, but I don't do that very often! (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
I lost my mom in July and it was a very hard time for me and my family. She was sick for so long with Parkinson's and ended up with aspirated double pneumonia . She did put up a good fight , but in the end we saw it wasn't fair to try to hold on to her. She held on till dad finally said his good byes to her and that night she past away. Even though we know she is in a better place, with Jesus, we miss her so much!
http://helen-maag.gonetoosoon.org/memorial/

Then we lost my Uncle Bob a few months ago. And on top of that my other Uncle had heart surgery which Drs were not sure he make it. Prasie God he did!! So it has been a very tring time for us all.

On Saturday Jan 29th we went to my brothers for dad's 87th Birthday Party. Every one came, except my Aunt & Uncle who were in Florida . Dad was so surprised!

It was such a wonderful day! What a blessing to be able to feel good and enjoy the company of my family!

Sunday the day of my Ann.  I had to get up at 5am to go to Garfield ( hour and half away) with hubby for our  Family Business ( it is now in our son's names as we both retired, due to health issues). My friend stopped in to wish me happy Ann. and we also exchanged Christmas gifts, yes you heard me lol with the weather and my health & hers we just haven't been able to see each other. It was so great to see her!! After the show, we went to our son's & his girlfriends place for her daughter's 9th Birthday Party. I didn't feel good all day and just wanted to lay down. which i did for a bit at my son's. The day seemed to drag, but despite not feeling good, I made the best of it! (James 1:2-4)
Today, Monday I woke up feeling the pain of the week end. I am of course in a flare and it isn't a wonderful feeling! ( for those who read this and don't know I have Lupus) I so over did it this week end, but I have to say it was well worth it! I at least felt good for my dad's party, which I am glad as I don't like him to see me not feeling good!. I am just grateful for another day and I don't have to act out die to not feeling good or take it out on any one. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We are in for bad weather again! SO I don't feel bad about not making it to dad's tomorrow, as I was suppose to sleep over. I called to tell him the concert we were going to see was cancelled and he replied , "Stay home, we are in for very bad ice and snow storm" which I replied ," yes that's what i heard, so i guess will see how the week plays out and maybe I can come the end of the week."
I am so glad I didn't have to call to cancel tomorrow due to being sick. I know it only worries him and he doesn't need that.

So I am very grateful today for the 12 years I have, one day at a time. For AA , for the many people God has put in my life and learning things I never would have if it weren't for the 12 Steps & God's Word. I am still very open and willing to learn more and help anyone I can. For it is by helping other's that I grow even more.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message)

16-18Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
Thank you for being here and for helping me, one day at a time!
God Bless
Peace, Hope & Love
Donna S

Sermon on the Mount Bible Study

Sermon on the Mount Bible Study

Be Positive

1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (Amplified Bible)


4I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
5[So] that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech [to speak of your faith] and complete knowledge and illumination [to give you full insight into its meaning].


The Word  of God says, " Depart for evil and do good; seek, inquire for , and crave peace and pursue ( go after) it!" (Psalm 34:14). "Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [ among yourselves]". ( Philippians 2:14).
  Be positive. Get rid of gossiping and complaining. Start your day by reading  the Bible so that you will know how to speak from the authority of God's Word. Spend time listening to God, and then tell others what you hear Him say. Bring life to whatever situations you face.
Starting Your Day Right-Joyce Meyer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is something I work on everyday! Some days more then others especially ever since my mom passed away. For some reason my positiveness went out the door with her death. Some days it takes all I got to be positive. I know God is with me and that helps So much! Because I know with out Him I be lost and in a very dark place!
So I continue to pick up His Word each morning and through out the day  and surrond myself with godly people ,to get the encouragement I need to press on. I know this will pass in time.

Have a wonderful positive day
God Bless Hugs & Love Donna

Our Vacation 2010 & UPDATE ON MY MOM

Hi everyone who stopped by, good to see you all! and THANK YOU!

We went on a mini vacation to AC and got to spend one of the days with my son and his girlfriend. It was such a treat as it was his 28th Birthday. We had a wonderful time! The weather was HOT in the 100's and the water was refreshing!! We saw a show as well with m Joe & Tammy. They had payed for their seats, reason they were down, Gary and I got free tickets. They were in the 3rd row center stage, we were up on top side row. We did change our seats when the show started to the middle last row. It was a good show and great seeing my son! I am so truely blessed and I thank God for all this!
 

UPDATE MOM** Was so glad we got away as I've been at hospital for a almost a week now. I am home today for an eye Dr appointment as I have like a blister on my one eye and it is sore. I think I have an infection.
Mom is doing better, but not out of the woods! The sadist part is the hospital and how horrible it is. Due to lay offs they are short handed , but on top of that they are training these young girls , the girls work for free, it is a summer thing for credits. So it hasn't been fun since mom got moved to a regular room the night before. Yesterday was just a nightmare to put it nicely. They were going to do a procedure to put in a feeding tube ( G-Tube) but the Dr was a total idiot and never even came to the hospital, he just called and was SO RUDE & NASTY! Then his associate said he was doing the procedure today, but we were like wait a minute WHATS GOING ON AND WHY ARE WE NOT TOLD ANYTHING!!!! We had NO nurse till 3pm. Mom was sitting in a chair from 6am till then when I finally spoke up!! She was crying and in so much pain! My poor mom, we all feel so helpless. Dad is trying hard to hold it together but I heard he finally lost it last night, I had already left, as I though we got all the answers we needed, which was procedure will be next week and they put a feeding tube up her nose into stomach. We are all shot! I will be going back tomorrow unless something happens.  I know if it weren't for the few people in my network I've called everyday and for God being there 24/7 in my life, I don't know where I'd be! I have been able to get through all this and know I  will continue to do so! Thank you! I have done a lot of praying and Thanking God for all He has done and continues to do. He is so awesome!!
All in all mom looks good! She is a miracle and I thank you all who have been and are still praying for her. The Dr's & nurses in ICU were AMAZED that when she came off life support she had 100% oxygen and was alert. She isn't ready to leave my dad yet! Their 59th Anniversary is August 25th. They have shown me and my brothers what true love is! The only problem we are facing is she can't swallow due to the Parkinson's, which is why she will be getting the G-Tube and she still has pneumonia. We are not sure how bad the pneumonia is as they haven't taken any X-Rays in 2 days which is why dad finally snapped last night.SO that's where we are at.

Again THANK YOU to all who have been praying and please continue to pray.
God Bless
Peace, Hope, and Love Donna
H E L P = Hope, Encouragement, Love, and Patience
Ephesians 6:10-17 (The Message)
A Fight to the Finish
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

~~~~~~
Deuteronomy 32:4 (New International Version)
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

~~~~~~
Psalm 111:2 (New Living Translation)
2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.

~~~~~~
Deuteronomy 10:21 (New King James Version)
21 He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.

~~~~~~
Psalm 28:6 (The Message)
6-7 Blessed be God—
he heard me praying.
He proved he's on my side;
I've thrown my lot in with him.
Now I'm jumping for joy,
and shouting and singing my thanks to him.

~~~~~~
Psalm 119:171 (The Message)
169-176 Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you've given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
I'm homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I'll recognize the sound of your voice.

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.

In verse 1:19 is James saying that anger is wrong?
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).

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.

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

 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

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

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

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.

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 …

Thank you God for another day!!

Thank you God for another day!!



Yesterday I spent the day with my parents. We had a nice day.The weather was beautiful!! My sons was suppose to come with me and help his grandfather in the yard but he got called to work with my other son, so hopefully next week he will come. It was a long day and I was very tired when I got home. It is a 2 hour ride and coming home is the real hard part, trying to stay awake. I have to stop a couple times , and I put the radio up and chair dance and sing lol anything to try and stay awake!


I got an offline message from my best friend Tina, about Joyce Meyer Conference , so we are planing to go in August! We went a few years ago and had a wonderful time, so I already marked in my calender and can't wait to see Tina and go to the conference!!Will stay at her house for 3 days!! YES!!
Another beautiful day today! A mix of clouds and sun. Record high temperatures expected. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Wooooohoooooo Hubby & I are going to the beach today! Going to pack our chairs, a cooler of water, a good book and of course the sunscreen! Don't want to burn! *does the happy dance* then off we go to sit , relax and take in God's beauty!!!!


That's all for now , I will take some pictures and post later.
till then have an awesome day! No matter what the weather it is always shining in my heart!
God Bless, Peace, Hope, and Love Donna

 Father God, help me to honor Your name not only in my speech, but in every thought, in my attitudes and in all that I do. Please give me a more forgiving and sensitive heart Father, and please give me a faithful heart that will not stray .


In Jesus' name …Amen
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."---Matthew 19:26




20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.--Galatians 2:20

Happy Easter & Resurrection Sunday

He Lives! Our Hope.


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!


In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ----1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV
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Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ---Romans 5:5-6 RSV
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    Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (NIV)  ---John 11:25-26
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Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. (NIV) ----Romans 6:8-11


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Bible Verses About The Importance of (Easter) The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ


2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."---Matthew 28:2-7
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(1) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (2) And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3) but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (6) He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, (7) that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (8) And they remembered his words, (9) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (10) Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, (11) but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. (12) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.---Luke 24:1-12 ESV


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46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem--
Luke 24:46-47 NIV
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16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
---1 Corinthians 15:16-20 NIV
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23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.---Romans 4:23-25 NKJV
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33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.---Romans 8:33-34 NKJV
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29-31"After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him. And then God raised him from death. There is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
32-35"And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus, exactly as described in the second Psalm:
My Son! My very own Son!
Today I celebrate you!
"When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good—no going back to that rot and decay for him. That's why Isaiah said, 'I'll give to all of you David's guaranteed blessings.' So also the psalmist's prayer: 'You'll never let your Holy One see death's rot and decay.' ---Acts 13:30-35 (The Message)
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The resurrection is an event that includes everybody! Happy Easter!
I am off to Church for 11:00( up date stomach is actting up no way going to be able to sit in Church....) then picking up my motherinlaw and by then my son's should be here. I pray by my example that someday my husband and son's may come to know Jesus as I've come to know Him. My life has changed so much since I gave my life over to the care of God. Just thinking of Him, makes me smile so bright! I just light up!
We are going to color eggs when the boy's get here

Happy Easter & Resurrection Sunday to all!
God Bless
Peace Hope and Love Donna S

Good Friday

Good Friday
Marilyn Helleberg


It's a dark gray afternoon. The air feels heavy, almost suffocating. A strange combination of people mill about. Some shout sneering words. Soldiers squat below the cross, throwing dice. Some glassy-eyed, com passionless onlookers just stare. Some truly grieve. A few women hold on to one another, crying. One slightly graying woman gazes up at the One on the center cross, her voice a mere whisper: "My Son. Oh, my Son."


I don't want to look at Him. I don't want to see His terrible agony. But the lamb moves closer, and I follow. Standing below His cross, I can't avoid hearing His labored breathing, seeing His contorted face, noticing the blood running down His hands from the spikes that have been driven into them. I cover my eyes.


In a voice of love and compassion He cries out to the soldiers, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:24). Then, in a loud voice He calls, "It is finished," and gives His Spirit back to God (John 19:30). His work on the cross is ended. I cry in my heart and am forever thankful that He chose to suffer agony and death so that I might live. I can be free because of the One Who chose to take my place.


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Dearest Lord Jesus, my precious Lord,
Thank you for suffering agony and death
for me so that I might live. Work in my
life, transform me, use me today.


In Christ,
Amen


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Its going to be another beautiful day out and I feel good! shhhh I am very fatigued and my pain level is medium.
Hubby & I are going to take a walk on the boardwalk today.He hasn't been feeling to good at all lately. Dr. gave him a new med , which should help. I also need to gather up a baggie of sand for a project i am making. Hope I remember the bag lol
Then get back in time for Church at 2pm.


Yesterday was a good day. Went to therapy, my shoulder is a lot better! I have 3 more appointments and I am finished! We went food shopping, and then took a ride to the German butcher to get kielbasa for Easter and then to home depot for flowers, but they hardly had anything,so hubby got a ladder which we needed, as we always borrow the neighbors. Then we went to walmart and they didn't have hardly any flowers and the ones they had were all bloomed out, so we picked up stuff for the boys Easter baskets and a big Eared bunny for my motherinlaw ( she keeps saying she wants bite off the ears of a chocolate bunny ), then we went next door the plant shop we usually go to and they had a nice selection. Hubby bought me a container of tulips and hyacinths.I LOVE the smell of hyacinths.
For some reason I was very moody yesterday and I really don't know why. I don't like when i am like that , which is very rarely. I Pray today my mood stays in one place!
I can't wait to see my son's Sunday!! I miss them when i don't see them. I do get to briefly chat with them on line at face book, but it isn't the same as seeing them! I have a freezer full of food for my youngest son. My freezer will be empty when he leaves Sunday lol.


Well have a Blessed Day!
God Bless, Peace, Hugs & Love Donna
Don't forget to count your blessings!, not your problems!!


I am grateful for;
another day
God's beauty
God's grace
God's love
my husband
my sons'
my family
my friends
for feeling pretty good
trials & tribulations to help me grow