The Great Calm

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 146. Here is what I learned.

He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it. He ·remains [keeps; observes; guards] ·loyal [faithfulness; truth] forever. Psalm 146:6 (EXB)

Who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that lives within them; Who stays true and remains faithful forever; Psalm 146:6 (VOICE)

"Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is." Wisely may we trust our Creator, justly may we expect to be happy in so doing. He who made heaven can make a heaven for us, and make us fit for heaven. He who made the earth can preserve us while we are on earth, and help us to make good use of it while we sojourn upon it. He who made the sea and all its mysteries can steer us across the pathless deeps of a troubled life, and make it a way for his redeemed to pass over. This God who still makes the world by keeping it in existence is assuredly able to keep us to his eternal kingdom and glory. The making of the worlds is the standing proof of the power and wisdom of that great God in whom we trust. It is our joy that he not only made heaven but the sea; not only things which are bright and blessed, but things which are deep and dark. Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above. "Which keepeth truth for ever." This is a second and most forcible justification of our trust the Lord will never permit his promise to fail. He is true to his own nature, true to the relationships which he has assumed, true to his covenant, true to his Word, true to his Son. He keeps true, and is the keeper of all that is true. Immutable fidelity is the character of Jehovah's procedure. None can charge him with falsehood or vacillation. The Treasury of David 

“Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above.” The Treasury of David 

God did not create and abandon. No matter how rough and severe the storms are, God is the great calm. Dealing with unknowns can cause storms to arise and the storms can become severe if I allow the fear of the unknown and the darkness of storm to overwhelm me. Or I can look to God, the great calm, and see the beauty of the storm. The power of the lightening strikes, the dark swirling clouds, the trees blowing in the strong winds.... they don’t have to create fear or dread, rather they can be displays of God’s power and assurance that the Great Calm, is watching over me. 

The Great Calm is known best in the midst of the storm, for that is when I see God’s power and that I realize I need Him most. To create a positive day, no matter if it’s a stormy day or peaceful day, I only need to take comfort and find rest in the Great Calm. 

Known by God Almighty

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 138. Here is what I learned.

Though the Lord is ·supreme [exalted], he ·takes care of [looks on] ·those who are humble [the lowly], but he ·stays away from the proud [perceives the proud from far away]. Psalm 138:6 (EXB)

Although He is greatest of all, He is attentive to the needy and keeps His distance from the proud and pompous. Psalm 138:6 (VOICE)

For though the Lord is high, yet has He respect to the lowly [bringing them into fellowship with Him]; but the proud and haughty He knows and recognizes [only] at a distance. Psalm 138:6 (AMP)

God has such respect unto the humble soul because it is a fruit of the Spirit inhabiting the soul, and an evidence of the soul's union with the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom alone we are accepted. Ebenezer Erskine 

"Though the Lord be high." In greatness, dignity, and power, Jehovah is higher than the highest. His nature is high above the comprehension of his creatures, and his glory even exceeds the loftiest soarings of imagination. "Yet hath he respect unto the lowly." He views them with pleasure, thinks of them with care, listens to their prayers, and protects them from evil. Because they think little of themselves he thinks much of them. They reverence him, and he respects them. They are low in their own esteem, and he makes them high in his esteem. The Treasury of David

I am known by God Almighty! WOW! Often, we look for the attention of those we think are important, such as celebrities, or sports stars. Oh, they may follow us on twitter or sign an autograph for us, but the attention those “starts” give us is superficial. They don’t KNOW us. 

God actually KNOWS all about me. And He wants me to know Him too. So, often we want God’s attention when things go bad, but we have no use for God when things are going great. God is not JUST the God of the bad times.... no God is there 24/7. 

The more I get to know God, the deeper the relationship with Him, the more I see God’s work in my life. God is close..... am I moving closer to Him, or farther away? It’s all about my choice in building my relationship with God. 

To create a positive day, I need to stay close to God Almighty and since He knows me, I need to spend time getting to know Him. I am known by God Almighty—there is nothing more positive than that! 

Absolute Truth

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 117. Here is what I learned.

Because ·the Lord loves us very much [great is his loyalty/love toward us], and his ·truth [faithfulness] is everlasting. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:2 (EXB) 

Truth is a representation of things as they are; and truth, therefore, must be ever the same. What was true in the first ages of the world in regard to the relation of the sum of the squares on the two sides of a right-angled triangle to the square of the hypothenuse is true now, and will always be true; and so, what God has affirmed at any one time will always remain the same in all ages and in all lands. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

God does not change. His truth does not change. I cannot decide that I want God’s Word to say something different than it does. Oh, many times I want to try to justify what I’m thinking, or doing and bend God’s truth to make it fit what I want to do. But that is not true reality. 

God’s Word is eternal, and absolute. What calls sin is sin—period. Just because I think it’s fun, or I enjoy it, I can not randomly decide one day that a sin is no longer a sin. A sin is a sin based upon a Holy, eternal , truthful God. God is pure and holy, what goes against Him and His Word is sin. 

Knowing that God’s truth does not change is a comfort. I don’t have to guess at what is truth today. Unlike our society which bases their “truths” on man’s findings, God’s truth is based on God Himself. 

To create a positive day, I only need to look to the absolute truth and live in accordance with that truth

On a Whim

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 111. Here is what I learned.

His precepts will continue year in and year out, performed by His people with honesty and truth. Psalm 111:8 (VOICE)

They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:8 (AMP)

They will ·continue [endure; be unshakeable] forever. They were made ·true [faithful] and ·right [virtuous; with integrity]. Psalm 111:8 (EXB)

They can never fail; for God's power supports his works, and his providence preserves the record of what he has done. Adam Clarke 

His doings were not the demand of an occasion, they were in unison with a great and extensive purpose, with respect to the people of Israel and the Messiah. Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law of his mouth, till all be fulfilled.  W. Wilson 

"They stand last for ever and ever." That is to say, his purposes, commands, and courses of action. The Lord is not swayed by transient motives, or moved by the circumstances of the hour; immutable principles rule in the courts of Jehovah, and he pursues his eternal purposes without the shadow of a turning. Our works are too often as wood, hay, and stubble, but his doings are as gold, silver, and precious stones. We take up a purpose for a while and then exchange it for another, but he is of one mind, and none can turn him' he acts in eternity and for eternity, and hence what he works abides for ever. Much of this lasting character arises out of the fact which is next mentioned, namely, that they "are done in truth and uprightness." Nothing stands but that which is upright. Falsehood soon vanishes, for it is a mere show, but truth has salt in it which preserves it from decay. God always acts according to the glorious principles of truth and integrity, and hence there is no need of alteration or revocation; his works will endure to the end of time. The Treasury of David

Ever do or say something on a whim? Without any thought or plan? Sometimes that can be fun to be spontaneous. However, doing something without much thought can also have dire consequences. 

Thankfully, God does not act on a whim, or what may feel good at the moment. Rather His actions are based on solid truth of His plan and purpose.  God does not act on a whim to please us or to make our lives more comfortable, rather His actions are sure and steadfast taking into account the past and future. 

No matter what God is doing, I know with assurance that it’s not on a whim, but that He is acting to accomplish His perfect will... and that truth creates a  positive day! 

Update: Today, I went to an art display and lunch with some friends. I thought it was an just an outing "on a whim". But God had something greater in mind. While there I met the Chaplain and we started talking. After a while, he asked if I'd come and talk with the residents—sharing that there is hope and joy in the midst of pain.

Today, God once again demonstrated that He does have a plan and purpose for my pain—and that God doesn't do anything on a whim.

My 2 Cents!

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 100. Here is what I learned.

Since the most recent back surgery, I’ve been dealing with a new pain in the back. My doctors are working on finding the cause and how to treat it. Until then, I am in waiting mode. This morning, I woke up and began to give God my 2 cents on how He could alleviate the pain, or at least make it a bit more comfortable for me. Then I read Psalm 100:5. 

Because the Eternal is good, His loyal love and mercy will never end, and His truth will last throughout all generations. Psalm 100:5 (VOICE)

The Lord is good. His ·love [loyalty] is forever, and his ·loyalty [faithfulness] ·goes on and on [for all generations]. Psalm 100:5 (EXB)

"His mercy is everlasting." God is not mere justice, stern and cold; he has bowels of compassion, and wills not the sinner's death. Towards his own people mercy is still more conspicuously displayed; it has been theirs from all eternity, and shall be theirs world without end. Everlasting mercy is a glorious theme for sacred song. "And his truth endureth to all generations." No fickle being is he, promising and forgetting. He has entered into covenant with his people, and he will never revoke it, nor alter the thing that has gone out of his lips. As our fathers found him faithful, so will our sons, and their seed for ever. A changeable God would be a terror to the righteous, they would have no sure anchorage, and amid a changing world they would be driven to and fro in perpetual fear of shipwreck. It were well if the truth of divine faithfulness were more fully remembered by some theologians; it would overturn their belief in the final fall of believers, and teach them a more consolatory system. Our heart leaps for Joy as we bow before One who has never broken his word or changed his purpose. The Treasury of David 

"Our heart leaps for Joy as we bow before One who has never broken his word or changed his purpose." The Treasury of David 

I often try to tell God what He should be doing, like He really needs my 2¢! He not only knows the past, but if fully aware of the future. He has a specific purpose for me, and really does not need my advice on how to accomplish His purpose.  But I still want to give my 2 cents. 

Later this morning, I went upstairs to put the laundry in the washer, and opened the dryers to air them out. I found 2¢ in one of the dyers. I laughed. I think it was God telling me, "Thanks for your advise... but honestly Rhonda, you can keep your 2 cents."

To create a positive day, I need to step back and let God work, and remember, that He does not need my 2 Cents!

Greater Purpose

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 90. Here is what I learned.

You sweep mortals away. They are a dream. They sprout again in the morning like cut grass. Psalm 90:5 (GW)

You sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning. Psalm 90:5 (NLT)

You release the waters of death to sweep mankind away in his slumber. In the morning, we are blades of grass. Psalm 90:5 (VOICE)

Our lives are but fleeting moments. When we wake up in the morning, we don’t know what the day will hold. Each day has 24 hours, and once the day is over, it’s gone for good. Some of us may live for 60 or 80 years, others may die young. God doesn’t promise us a certain number of years, rather He does promise us eternal life, if we place our faith and trust in Him. 

24 hours. It will be gone in the blink of an eye. What will I do with this 24 hours? Will I use it wisely, or will I waste it? 24 hours. 

I am a  planner. I have my lists or goals of what I'd like to accomplish each day. Yet, as well throughout out my plans are, I don’t know all the aspects of what a day will bring forth. For example, I had planned to clean the apartment today. But, since my last surgery, I’ve had increased pain in my back, and today it was even more intense, creating muscle spasms. So, I had to forgo the cleaning. Sometimes, my plans change due to my pain level, other days my plans change due to weather, or the schedules of others. 

The other day I wrote on Facebook... “Looking forward to seeing what God has planned for me today. His plans are always so much more thought out and have a greater purpose than my plans.” I have to remember as I plan my day, that it’s best to follow God’s leading and see what He wants me to accomplish each day.

Just as soon as this day starts, it ends. What I accomplish doesn’t really matter, if I didn’t accomplish God’s plan. And knowing what God wants me to accomplish on this fleeting day, means that I have to be willing to listen to His leading. 

To create a positive day, I need to see what God has planned for me today, for His plans have a greater purpose than mine—His plans have eternal benefits. 

Spontaneous Clapping!

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 47. Here is what I learned.

Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! Psalm 47:1 (MSG)

Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with ·joy [jubilant shouts/cries/sound]. Psalm 47:1 (EXB)

Show your happiness, all peoples! Call out to God with the voice of joy! Psalm 47:1 (NLV)

"O clap your hands." The most natural and most enthusiastic tokens of exultation are to be used in view of the victories of the Lord, and his universal reign. Our joy in God may be demonstrative, and yet he will not censure it. The Treasury of David 

Wherefore they are called upon to declare their joy and gladness by "clapping their hands"; which is a gesture expressive of exultation and joy. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

"O clap your hands, in token of your own joy and satisfaction in what God has done for you, of your approbation, nay, your admiration, of what God has done in general, and of your indignation against all the enemies of God's glory, Job 27:23. Clap your hands, as men transported with pleasure, that cannot contain themselves; shout unto God, not to make him hear (his ear is not heavy), but to make all about you hear, and take notice how much you are affected and filled with the works of God. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Clap your hands. A simple gesture that acknowledges a job well done, that you liked something, you appreciated something. Clap your hands. It’s not a forced response rather it’s automatic. Clap your hands. It’s a response from the heart, emotions, an overwhelming sense of joy, happiness. 

When was the last time I clapped my hands for God? When was the last time I clapped my hands to acknowledge what God has done and is doing in my life? When was the last time I was so overcome with joy simply knowing God that I clapped my hands in response?

To create a positive day, I need to allow the joy of simply knowing God to overwhelm me to the point that I break out in spontaneous clapping!