Thankful — Continuously

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.  

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

"Keep on becoming thankful." Continuous obligation.
Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

And be ye thankful: for all spiritual blessings in Christ, and particularly the peace he gives; and to Christ, for all those graces which come from him, and strength to exercise them, and for himself, and an interest in him, who is all in all; and a grateful spirit, both for spiritual and temporal mercies, is a very becoming and beautiful one, and is another part of the ornament of a Christian: this last is added to make way for what follows. 

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Be appreciative—thankful—ALWAYS. Not just a one time afterthought, "Oh, by the way, thanks." No, rather it is a sense of gratefulness for Who God is, and the peace He supplies. And yes, for the blessings and gifts He sends too. Continuous obligation. 

Thankful. Am I truly thankful — continuously — for Who God is? Am I truly thankful — continuously — for what God has done and is doing for me? Am I truly thankful — continuously — for the peace that God provides? 

A result of thankfulness is praising God. Thankfulness should result in:

Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories. (Psalm 26:7 MSG)

In order to be thankful — continuously to God, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Acts as Umpire Continually

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.  

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

“Rule” is commonly used in reference to the Olympic and other games. It means, to be a director, or arbiter of the public games; to preside over them and preserve order, and to distribute the prizes to the victors. The meaning here is, that the peace which God gives to the soul is to be to us what the brabeutes, or governor at the games was to those who contended there. It is to preside over and govern the mind; to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

The meaning of this verse creates a great picture: The peace of Christ acts as umpire continually to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

Instead of Tumult: 

• calmness
• harmony
• order
• peace
• quiet
• silence
• stillness

Instead of Disorder: 

• arrangement
• conformity
• orderliness
• organization
• rule
• tidiness

Instead of Irregularity:

• normality
• regularity
• sameness
• standard
• usualness

And the great thing about the source of this Peace that is to act as umpire continually, is that I don't make it or have to find it—no, it's an ever present and unending supply from God! 

As my heart becomes permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), then the peace of Christ will act as umpire continually to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. 

The King of king's Castle!

Here are a few pictures of the King of king's castle. The painters are currently working on painting the ceilings and walls and soon my parents and I will move into this wonderful Castle which God has provided for us. 

If you haven't read the details about this amazing Castle, I think it's worth reading (but I may be a little bias). 

Visit: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html 

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part. There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—and God took care of each and every one! 

Bound Tightly with Love

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. Colossians 3:14 (AMP) 

Even more than all this [Above all], clothe yourself in love, which ·holds you all together in perfect unity [or binds everything together; L is the bond of perfection/completeness]. Colossians 3:14 (EXB)

Let this (love) be the upper garment, the robe, the livery, the mark of our dignity and distinction. Matthew Henry Commentary

Put on 

In verse 12, the list of items each believer is to be wearing, begins. Verse 14 is the outer garment which hold everything in place and that most people see first. And that garment is to be love. 

Love, Agape:
Definition: brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence.
From the word, Agapao,meaning:of persons: to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearlyof things: to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Love is the "girdle" that makes all the other "clothing" stay in place! It allows each of us to be kind, long-suffering, show forgiveness and forbearance. 

If I "put on" all the other things each morning, but forget "LOVE", then more than not, my actions and attitudes will be selfish and not truly reflect God's heart. I am to be bound tightly with God's love for only then will my actions and attitude be in accordance with His. 

A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), enables me to put on each of the items, and be bound tightly with love. 

Two Actions

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. Colossians 3:13 (AMP)

This verse is the result of verse 12 "put on a holy way of life". 

What am I to do? This verse states two actions: Forebear and forgive. Because I have put on a holy way of life, there are some things I must do. 

Forbear: holding yourselves back from one another. Avoid all occasions of irritating or provoking each other.

Forgive means literally "to grant grace." But I'm not to "forgive" in just words, "Oh, I forgive you." (But I am going to remember what you did forever, and hold it against you!)

No, I am to forgive as Christ forgive me—wholly and completely. I am not to forgive "out of the goodness of my heart". Rather, Christ's forgiveness of me is the reason for my forgiveness of others. 

These actions are not the norm for sinners. The only way for these two actions to become a lifestyle is by putting on a holy way of life. And that begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

A Holy Way of Life

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12 (AMP) 

Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (VOICE)

There is an old saying, "Clothes make the man." That means that people will judge others by the clothes you wear. We all react differently when we see people wearing different types and styles of clothes. A business suit not only makes a man stand taller, but it also brings respect. Compared to the sloppy baggy saggy pants which display an attitude of carelessness and brings disrespect. 

Paul isn't talking about the physical clothes we wear. Rather, he is talking about our behavior. The way we act is often more important as the physical clothes we wear. 

Clothe yourselves with a holy way of life. How exactly to I clothe myself with a holy way of life? It begins with realizing WHO I am—a chosen one of God. That is the basis for the entire way of life. Secondly, as a Child of God, I am to behave like one. And lastly, it's not about "me", rather it is about reflecting Who God is. 

PUT ON

bowels of mercies: it denotes inward pity and compassion to distressed, the most tender regard to persons in misery, and such compassion as is free from all hypocrisy and deceit, and therefore is expressed by "bowels"; and what is very large, and reaches to multitudes of objects, and is displayed and exerted various ways, and therefore signified by "mercies".

kindness: which is this inward, tender, unfeigned, and abundant mercy put into act and exercise; this is doing good to all men

humbleness of mind; looking upon themselves as the chief of sinners, in esteeming others better than themselves; in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God; in doing works of mercy and righteousness without boasting of them, or depending on them; be ye clothed with humility

meekness: which shows itself in not envying the gifts and graces, the usefulness and happiness of others, but rejoicing therein; in quietly submitting to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of This ornament of a meek and quiet, spirit is in the sight of God of great price.

longsuffering: whereby a person patiently bears the evil words and actions of others, and is not easily provoked to wrath by them, but puts up with injuries, and sits down contented with the ill usage he meets with.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

A holy way of life is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Equality Based on God's Grace

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person].  Colossians 3:11 (AMP)

Equality. That word is used a lot these days. Everyone should be equal. People are upset if someone who has worked hard has more than they do. Or if someone gets something for free, and someone else has to pay for it. But equality in early things is not a true reality. 

The fact is that on this earth there is only one solid fact that can make sure truly equal—our relationship in Christ—equality based on God's grace. 

Christ is all — Christ absorbs in Himself all distinctions, being to all alike, everything that they need for justification, sanctification, and glorification.

in all — who believe and are renewed, without distinction of person; the sole distinction now is, how much each draws from Christ. The unity of the divine life shared in by all believers, counterbalances all differences, even as great as that between the polished “Greek” and the rude “Scythian.” Christianity imparts to the most uncivilized the only spring of sound, social and moral culture. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Equality in Christ is possible, because we recognize that as sinners there is absolutely NOTHING we can do to merit any favor with God. It is by God's grace and mercy alone that we are saved from an eternity of hell. It is all Christ. And since before God we have NOTHING to offer, we each are then equal before a Holy Almighty God. Equality based on God's grace.

Equality as believers is possibile because we recognize that our salvation is from God and God alone. We all come empty handed, and have nothing to offer. God in His abundant grace and mercy loves us and forgives us. 

The more I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), I will not only appreciate more the grace of God, but I will also understand the bond I have with other believers in Christ—equality based on God's grace. 

Knowledge Upon Knowledge

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect [knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. Colossians 3:10 (AMP)

Renewed, knowledge upon knowledge, ever in the process of being, continually progressing, in a state of growth and development, it is a continual refreshment.

Often I'm amazed that people think that once you place your faith in Jesus Christ, you should instantly know everything about God and His Word. It doesn't happen instantly. 

Think of it this way, you wouldn't teach a kindergartener calculus or physics, they don't even know how to count or read. But as they learn a skill and facts, then you can teach them more difficult things. Knowledge builds on knowledge. Learning is a continual process. 

The same applies to spiritual knowledge and learning about God Almighty. Knowledge upon knowledge, a continual refreshment of learning about Who God is, what He did/does, and how He wants me to live. 

The second part of this verse is the goal of growing in knowledge—the image of Him Who created it; God almighty. Now, that does not mean that I can become God with enough knowledge. Rather that I'll act in accordance with Him. The more I learn, the more I act on that knowledge the more my life will be a reflection of God. 

Having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), is only possible when I commit to a continual refreshment of knowledge upon knowledge!