You glow when you talk about it.

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The Twenty-sixth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 96. Here's what Treasure I found today.

“You glow when you talk about it.”
“Your face lights up.”

“Your are smiling ear to ear—literally!” 

Those were the words said to me several times over the past year. What was I talking about? Well there were two things. 1. My day in the pits at a  NASCAR race. 2. The Moore Health Ideal Weight Loss program, which helped me lose 68 lb. 

As I read Psalm 96 this morning, I had to wonder do I glow when I talk about my God? Does my face light up? Do I smile ear to ear telling about God’s amazing goodness? 

Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song: Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth. Psalm 96:1 (ASV)

Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God—worship God! Psalm 96:1 (MSG)

Sing: idea of strolling minstrelsy, singing as I go about.

New: that which is delightful, exquisite, precious.

Song: abstractly singing, it just flows forth.

God: of deity Yahweh.

Earth: the world itself and all that lives in/on it. 

• Do I love God so much that I sing or talk about God as I go about my day?
• Do my words or song express the delightful and preciousness of knowing God and understanding (even just a bit) of what He is capable of?
• Does praise to God simply flow out of me when I think of Who God is—Yahweh, God eternal? 

I’m not a very good singer, so I’m not sure I’ll walk around literally singing songs about God. But....What do people see and hear from me as I go about my day?

• Do they see any evidence that God is God?
• Do my actions and attitude express the preciousness of knowing the Almighty God?
• Does talking about God “just flow forth”?
• Is God in my thoughts and such a part of my life, that it’s natural to include Him in my conversations? 

“You glow when you talk about it”. “Your face lights up.” “Your are smiling ear to ear—literally!” If people would say those things to me..... in reference to my relationship with God..... that would make for a very positive day! 

He’s Got It!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 62. Here is what I learned.

I am not a good “waiter”. Once I make a decision, I like to do things immediately. However, I am continually learning that waiting often has a better outcome. David, discusses waiting in Psalm 62:1. But he want not just “twiddling his thumbs” so to speak. David was resting in and observing God. 

I wait patiently for God to save me; I depend on him alone. Psalm 62:! (GNT)

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Psalm 62:1 (MSG)

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. Psalm 62:1 (NSAB)

My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. Psalm 62:1 (NLV)

Soul: living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

Is silent: resting, expecting, reflecting, solicitous, and observing. 

God: “Elohim” very great, mighty

Only: surely, no doubt, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless

Salvation: deliverance, health, helping, saving health, welfare

Usually when I have to wait, I like to keep busy. Often the things I keep busy with, are minimal or trivial things. You could say that I like to keep occupied. But Psalm 62:1 teaches me that if I turn my attention to God, who I trust for my eternal salvation, my soul will then be able to rest in silence as I trust Him.

Being silent. Still. Having the confidence that God does not need my in put, I don’t need to “do it myself”, I don’t need to be busy, simply stop and relax knowing that God Almighty has everything in control—He’s got it! 

Waiting is nothing else

but hope and trust lengthened.

John Trapp

WOW! ... hope and trust lengthened. The more I am silent, wait upon God, my hope and trust in God will continue to grow. 

Be still, relax, wait with assurance, without any doubt that God Almighty has it all in control—He’s got it! 

To create a positive day, I need take a step back and be still and silent place my confidence in God knowing full-well that He’s got it all under control 

Going Right On as the Days Roll On!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The Twenty-fourth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 61. Here's what Treasure I found today.

So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. Psalm 61:8 (KJV)

Sing praise: give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.

Name: by implication honor, authority, character 

Forever: perpetuity.

Perform: make good.

Vows: promised gifts.

Daily: day by day, continually—today and each day.

We vowed perpetual praise, and we desire to render it without intermission. We would worship God de die in diem, going right on as the days roll on. We ask no vacation from this heavenly vocation; we would make no pause in this sacred service. God daily performs his promises, let us daily perform our vows: he keeps his covenant let us not forget ours. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth, even for evermore. The Treasury of David

I will, a determined commitment and desire, to give praise to God, because He is worthy of praise, each and every day, as a promised gift to God. 

Note that my praise is not based on how I feel, or what I’m experiencing that particular day, the praise is directed to God, His character, Who He is. And since God does NOT change, my praise should be continual. 

I like how the Treasure of David put it: going right on as the days roll on. My praise to God should be going on and on and on and on and on.... as the  days roll on! Just like a huge boulder rolling down a hill, it continues to gather speed as it continues to roll. The more I praise God on a daily basis, the more I want to praise God! Going right on as the days roll on! 

I’ve noticed that the past several Psalms really focus on the aspect that my Praise is not to be based on me, my circumstances, my situation, or how I feel. Rather I’m to be praising and honoring God simply because of WHO He is. I also have noticed that as David turns his attention to God and begins praising and honoring God, David’s outlook changes., even if his situation/circumstances remain the same, David finds joy and comfort in Who God is. 

To create a positive day, I need to change my focus from how I feel, from how bad I hurt, from my circumstances to Who God is, His character and begin praising Him.... going right on as the days roll on! 

No Matter!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 57. Here is what I learned.

I have complete confidence, O God; I will sing and praise you! Psalm 57:7 (GNT)

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident! I will sing and make melody. Psalm 57:7 (AMP)

Heart: will and even the intellect.

Steadfast: certainty, confirm, direct, faithfulness, fasten, firm, be fitted.

Sing: be musical

Praise: acclaim, applause, bravo, celebration, cheer, devotion, esteem, exaltation, hymn, kudos, rave, recognition, thanks, tribute, worship.

Have you ever been so happy and joyful that you burst out in song? You just had to shout? That’s what Psalm 57:7 describes. 

David’s heart, his will, his intellect, his entire being was fitted, “in tune to” Who God is and God’s character. And with David’s full attention fixed on God, the circumstances and situation David found himself did not matter—God is good, and worthy of praise!

His heart was firm and decided. He did not waver in his purpose, or lean now to one side and then to the other; he was not "swayed" or "moved" by the events that had occurred. He felt conscious of standing firm in the midst of all his troubles. He confided in God. He did not doubt his justice, his goodness, his mercy; and, even in his trials, he was ready to praise him, and was "resolved" to praise him. The repetition of the word "fixed" gives emphasis and intensity to the expression, and is designed to show in the strongest manner that his heart, his purpose, his confidence in God, did not waver in the slightest degree. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Vocally and instrumentally will I celebrate thy worship. With lip and with heart will I ascribe honour to thee. The Treasury of David

No matter what is happening around me. No matter what circumstances I find myself. No matter how I feel. No matter what others may think. No matter what may happen tomorrow. No matter! I am determined that my heart, my will, my intellect my whole being, is totally and firmly “fitted” and “in tune” to God and His will. Know that God is God.... period!  He is my steadfast security, in whom I will place all my confidence and trust. 

The fact that God is God—He is worthy of praise and honor. I honor and praise God, because of WHO HE IS!

First, I determine that I will be confident

in Who God is,

and then that creates

an overwhelming song of praise to God

—no matter the circumstances! 

God is God. And when I place my confidence in that fact that creates a positive day, no matter my circumstances!

Get Out of the Night

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The Twenty-second of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 30. Here's what Treasure I found today.

For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (ASV)

This is the literal translation: "For a moment in his anger. Lives in his favor. In the evening weeping may lodge: but in the morning exultation." Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

As I read Psalm  30 this morning, I had to stop and re-read this verse several times. As I studied it, I found much comfort in the last part of the verse, “Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.”

Weeping is a temporary visitor. The weeping, the sobbing, the complaining with tears is temporary. There is an ending to the crying. 

The morning. Just at daybreak as the sun begins to rise. At the first hint of light in the dark night sky, there is a SHOUT, jubilation of JOY! The painful sobbing has been changed into gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, singing, and yes triumph!

I guess this verse hit home because living with  chronic pain, there are many nights I literally cry myself to sleep. I am overwhelmed by pain, and “never-endingness” of the pain. Yet, as the darkness of night begins to change to the sunshine of day, even though the pain is still present, there is a sense of peace and joy. 

Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song called “Little Bit of Morning”. Here is a video of that song. 

To create a positive day, I need to ‘get out of the night’ and give a SHOUT of triumph to God Almighty. The temporary of sobbing, gives way to everlasting JOY. The triumph that God is still God. He is the ALMIGHTY and He is my hope and my salvation. God is my source of Joy, and that is greater than any pain; therefore, I will ENJOY a Morning of proclaiming and shouting about my Great God!

God’s Silence Does Not Mean I’m Forsaken

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 28. Here is what I learned.

Unto You do I cry, O Lord my Rock, be not deaf and silent to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those going down to the pit [the grave]. Psalm 28:1 (AMP)

Rock: A cliff, solid support and defence.

Deaf: silent, to let alone, leave off speaking.

Become like: be like, similar, be the same as.

Go to the pit: decend to depths of Hell, out of the presence of God.

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications. Psalm 28:6 (AMP)

Blessed: abundantly praise worthy, God is the blessing.

The Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Because: that, when.

Heard: to hear, attentively, carefully, certainly, consent, consider, to hear intelligently with implication of attention.

The voice: my cry, my sounds, the human voice. 

Suplication: earnest prayer, intreaty.

Silence can be deafening. Silence can cause dispair and hopelessness. Psalm 28:1 begins with this hopelessness of living in dispair and silence.  But first and foremost, look where the David went—to God, his support, his defence, his rock. David KNEW that even though God seemed to be silent and ignoring David—just when David needed God most—God was still the solid foundation of safety and security. 

Look the contrast from Psalm 28:1 to Psalm 28:6. David now praises God for attentively hearing David’s voice of earnest prayer. 

As I think over Psalm 28:1, and 6, I can learn some very important truths.

1. God is God no matter the situation or circumstance I find myself.
2. My prayer life shoud be more than “grace” before a meal, or a list of wants. There are times when I need to pour out my heart before God and earnestly seek Him.
3. I need to take assurance, that even when I think God is silent and I seem to be left alone, God is still listening and right there. He NEVER leaves and He will not forsake me.
4. God is worthy of praise and honor, no matter how, when, or if He answers my prayer. My circumstances do not change Who God is, or His character. God is God. 

To create a positive day, I need to change my perspective from my hopelessness to the Almighty God! Even though God seems to be silent, He is still at work.  God’s silence does not mean I’m forsaken—and that is why I can create a positive day! 

Fear Eraser

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The Twentieth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 27. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)

The Lord is my lightening, and mine health; whom shall I dread? The Lord is defender of my life; for whom shall I tremble [for whom shall I quake]? Psalm 27:1 (WYC)

Light: as source enlightenment & prosperity; light & salvation; from the word meaning “God Himself-He is Light”.

Salvation: deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare.

Fear: be afraid of. 

Is the defense: a place or means of safety, protection, stronghold, from the word meaning to take or seek refuge.

Dread: be in dread, trembling fear, be in the state of fear, dread. 

FACT: God, of deity Yahweh, is the absolute light; the very source of life and light. In contrast to darkness. Physical darkness, or “being in the dark”, not knowing can create fear. I need to recognize that God is Light, Himself, and therefore, there is nothing to fear. God is in control.  

FACT: Because God is in control and my source of life and light, is there anyone of whom I should be afraid? God is the ALMIGHTY. No one compares to Him. Therefore, there isn’t anyone I need to be afraid of, or fear.

FACT: Yahweh is the not only provides a place of security, but a means of safety and protection. I need to understand that when I  am afraid I can find security and rest in God. 

FACT: Fear is real. Fear is powerful. Being so afraid that one trembles, or dreads something so much it causes physical reactions, is a reality. 

FACT: If I truly believe that God is the very source of light and life, that He is in control, that He is the Almighty God, then there is no one, or thing, of which I need to be afraid. I have a safe place to go and find peace. 

To create a positive day, I need to remember that circumstances, people, things, do not have the power that God has. God is my security. God is my safe haven. God is my “fear eraser”.