Chronological: Rebranding 1

Rebranding. 

Over the years, Companies have been known to change their logos, and "rebrand" themselves. Sometimes with good results, sometimes it has an opposite effect. 

As I've been studying about Name Changes, (another rabbit trail from my Chronological Bible Study), I realized that often it was a "rebranding" of an individual. Sometimes for positive reasons, and sometimes for a negative reason. 

Names are important to us. We like to be addressed by our name. It's our identity. What happens when God gives you a new name? What are the effects of rebranding? What impact does the rebranding have on the individual and those around them? 

Rebranding: Who?

Let's first take a look at WHO is doing the rebranding. In the rebranding of Abram and Sarai, it was God doing the rebranding. 

The Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God." Genesis 17:1

It's important to know Who is rebranding, as He has the authority to carry out the rebranding. 

Rebranding: Why? 

Abram. God changed his name to Abraham.

God changed Abram's name because of the promise God gave to Abram.

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. Genesis 17:5

“No longer shall your name be Abram (exalted father), but your name shall be Abraham (father of a multitude); for I will make you the father of many nations. Genesis 17:5 (AMP)

God rebranded Abraham based on a promise — that God would fulfill in the future. Each time Abraham heard his name it would be a reminder of what God promised He would do. 

God changed Sarai's name because of the promise made to Abraham. She would be the princess of many nations. 

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (my princess), but her name will be Sarah (Princess). Genesis 17:15 (AMP)

The rebranding of the Abraham's and Sarah's names were to signify what God planned to do through them. He created a covenant with them and their rebranding was to signify their role in that convent to future generations. 

Rebranding: Owning it

Even though God rebranded Abram and Sarai, to remind them of the covenant, Abraham and Sarah, did not fully own the meaning behind the rebranding. They were still in the mindset of Abram and Sarai. 

For when God told them what and how He would fulfill His promise to make them the Father and Princess of a great Nation, there was laughter and disbelief. They did not grasp the full implications of their names, nor the One who rebranded them. Both Abraham and Sarah's attitude and reactions, showed their disbelief in what God could and would do. They were looking at the rebranding from their point of view, rather than Almighty God's view. 

Rebranding: New Identity

As we continue reading throughout Genesis, we learn that God did indeed keep His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Their new identities matched what God did through them. 

Rebranding only works when it is done by one who has the Authority. And the rebranding does has an effect on each individual and those around him/her.

Rebranding.

If God would change my name—would my actions and attitude accept and be worthy of that new brand?

Chronological: Promises

Promises. 

What does the word promise mean? One dictionary defines as such: an express assurance on which expectation is to be based.

As we look at the life of Abraham beginning in Genesis 12, we see something that is no unique to Abraham nor the time in which he lived— his actions did not always reflect the belief that God keeps His promises. 

God is always faithful. God is truthful. God keeps His promises. Abraham's actions are often inconsistent with the characteristics of God. 

Genesis 12 begins with a command. "Get out of this place — (go) to another place. That command is followed by the following promises.

I will show you the land. 

I will make you a great nation. 

I will bless you.

I will make your name great—and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those that bless you.

I will curse those that curse you.

Looking at the list of promises, it covers everything. And then we look at Abraham's actions. Sadly, his actions do not convey faith or obedience in God's promises. 

Genesis 12:10-20

Abraham lied. 

Abraham was scared. He thought he'd be killed because his wife Sarai was beautiful and the Egyptians would want her. So, he said Sarai, was is sister not his wife. Due to that lie, the Egyptians were cursed and Abraham and Sarai were  commanded to leave. 

Look at which promises that Abraham forgot at he entered Egypt. Yes, all of them. That's not a good start to Abraham's journey. 

God's Word is full of promises. Do I act as I believe those promises? 

Sadly, too often I am like Abraham, thinking that God doesn't really mean what He says. Or I think that maybe I know better than God. Or that God needs my help. That's just plain wrong thinking—period! That's when I need to stop and remember WHO God is! For when I have a correct thinking and understanding of WHO God is—my actions will then be such that reveal that I do trust God and I want to obey Him. 

Promises. When the promises are made by God Almighty—you can be assured He will keep them! 

Chronological: The Who

Continuing to my Chronological Bible Study. I am stuck on Noah right now.... Genesis 6-8. 

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9

Verse 8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." 

Verse 9—tells us why: Noah walked with God. 

And the result: Verse 22, "Noah did according to all that God commanded him, so he did. Also, Genesis 7:5, "And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him."

Have you ever thought about what would have happened if Noah didn't obey ALL that God had commanded him? What if Noah decided that the dimensions of the ark just weren't right and recalculated them? What if Noah decided not use the pitch on the inside and outside of the ark? 

Yet, even if Noah didn't understand the NEED for all that God commanded, Noah knew WHO was giving the orders! 

That the key in the story of Noah. Not the ark, or all the animals, but the WHO—God Almighty. 

God created the World. (God said)

Man sinned. (he said)

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (He listened to God said)

God is Holy. God is merciful. God is patient. 

The WHO is the key—from the beginning throughout all eternity. 

If you don't have a respect for WHO God is, the result is the vile and sin that was rampant in Noah's day, and we see again in our generation. It's time for us to focus on The WHO—and remember that God is holy. God is just. God is merciful. God is patient—but for how long? 

Do my thoughts, actions, attitudes, words—reflect that I know WHO God is? Does the truth of WHO God is impact my entire life? Are the choices I make each and everyday honoring to God? 

"Did according to all the Lord commanded him." Can that be said of me?

Chronological: Questioning Truth—"He Said"

Questioning Truth— “He Said”

Genesis 3-5

What a contrast from Genesis 2 to Genesis 3. 

In Genesis 2 God Almighty is speaking with authority and power. Then in Genesis 3 creation speaks and immediately begins to question God and Truth. 

Genesis 3: 1 “And he said… Has God indeed said?” 

Genesis 3: 4 A blatant lie is stated. “You shall not surely die.” 

When you start to question what God says, don’t try to answer it on your own. Rather, go back to the source! Go back to Scripture. What did God REALLY say? 

We know the consequences of blatantly disregarding Truth and disobeying God’s word. Adam and Eve were ashamed before God, there was separation from God. Their relationship changed. 

Genesis 3:8-9 God still wanted a relationship with mankind, but now sin had to be dealt with—for God is holy. 

Adam and Eve and to live with the consequences of their disobedience to God. For questioning Truth started a pattern—that had deadly consequences. 

Cain the firstborn worked in the fields. Where as, his younger brother Abel was a shepherd. Both knew that they had to give an offering to the Lord, however, one did it truthfully, the other did not. Rather than seeking the truth of why the sacrifice was rejected by God, Cain chose to follow his own voice and killed his brother. 

Once again there are consequences to sin. Abel was dead. Cain was sent to wonder about and his livelihood would no longer support him. Genesis 4:13.

Look at the decedents of Cain. Genesis 4:16-24. The sin of Cain had long-term effects as his great, great, great, great, great grandson was prideful in his murdering and he knew what happened to Cain and it was of no consequence in Lamech mind. He said— Genesis 4:23, 24. 

In contrast, Genesis 4:36—“Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord.”

Genesis 5 is the genealogy of Adam. Several times throughout the Bible, we read genealogies. Why is a list of names important? Because when God says something—it is trustworthy. The genealogies throughout Scripture show us the line in which the Lord Jesus Christ would be born. God in His mercy and grace, was planning a way of redemption. 

Genesis 5 begins with Adam and ends with Noah and his 3 sons. Look in the middle of this genealogy at Genesis 5:24. A testimony to one who listened to “God said” rather than “he said”. “Enoch walked with God” That was the relationship that Adam had in the garden before sin entered the picture. The relationship Enoch had with God was possible, because Enoch believed and listened to the truth of God’s Word. He obeyed God.

Enoch walked with God. What a great testimony in the midst of others who are choosing to follow the ‘he said’ rather than what God said. 

Read Genesis 3-5 and take note of who people were listing to—God or Satan. God said. He said. 

In your life, are you listening to “God said” or “he said”? In our world today, the ‘he said’ is louder as people have ignored God and His truth for generations. However, God’s Word can still be heard—if you choose to hear it and obey it. 

What legacy will you leave—one who listened to the “he said” like Cain and Lamech? Or a legacy of one who listened to “God said” like Enoch? 

God said. He said. You have a choice to make. 

Chronological: The Beginning "God Said"

Today, I started a new Bible study. I'm going to be studying the Bible chronologically, starting in Genesis. 

The Beginning "God Said"

Genesis 1-2

As I read these two chapters, two word stood out. "God said." In those two words, we learn a lot about God. 

First, when God speaks there is Reason. He speaks to accomplish something. 

When God speaks there is Result. His Words produce something. They have a desired effect. 

When God speaks there is Reaction. There is a response. 

Reason.

Genesis 1:1 

In the beginning, God created. 

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. Psalm 148:5

God created—for Himself. He the Almighty created everything with beauty, interaction, perfection—and He deserves our praise and honor. 

Result.

And it was so. And it was good.

Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 25, 31.

There is a chronological sense to Creation. God created in an orderly fashion so that the needs of each next day's creation would have its needs met. There is order and planning. A specific reason for each specific act of Creation. It was not haphazard, with out any planning.

Reaction.

What God says—happens. His speech produces exactly what He wants. He speech is powerful, because He is God! He is the creator of all. He is the sustainer of all. God says it—it's reality! 

Psalm 104

From Genesis 1-2, what do we learn about God? 

• He is the Creator of all.
• There is authority and power in His speech.
• He is mighty.
• He is worthy of praise.
• He cares about mankind. 
• He supplies all the needs of Creation. 
• He is orderly and does nothing haphazardly. 

God said. 

How should those two words and the truth of Genesis 1-2 impact my life? 

1. I have confidence in knowing that God's word is powerful.

2. Knowing that God has authority, and His words have power— I should obey what He says.

What else has God Said, that deserves my attention? 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 

God said. 

Two words with a mighty powerful result–that should impact my life as I realize the power and authority of God Almighty. 

Will I allow those two words to impact my thoughts, motives, actions, and words today? 

Thanks Living: Doing Good!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1

Good: be do better, cheer, be do, seem good, make goodly

Give thanks: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Sing praises: celebrate in song and music -- give praise, sing forth praises, psalms

Name: by implication honor, authority, character

It is good! What is "it"? Giving thanks and praising Almighty God! 

Adoration to the Holy God

Rhonda Sawtelle

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I meditate on Your majesty.

God, the most holy. I am in awe­—Almighty, Absolute Being

God, the most holy. I glorify Your greatness.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I can’t begin to fathom Your faithfulness.

God, the most holy. I marvel at Your mercy.

God, the most holy. I can’t imagine Your immutability. 

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I treasure Your trustworthiness.

God, the most holy. I give voice to Your goodness.

God, the most holy. I’m wowed by Your wisdom.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am secure in Your sovereignty.

God, the most holy. I am sheltered in Your Self-existence.

God, the most holy. I am galvanized (inspire) by your Grace.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am invigorated by Your infinitude.

God, the most holy. I am overcome by Your omniscience.

God, the most holy. I am humbled by Your holiness.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

Thanks Living starts with "doing good"—giving thanks and praising Almighty God! 

Proverbs Study Begins

Please join me as I read through the book of Proverbs and learn about gaining wisdom and applying it.

Proverbs 1:1-7

As I read these verses I realized that Proverbs is a book of "VERBS". Meaning the purpose of Proverbs is ACTION, DO, REQUIRE. Verbs.

Proverbs 1:1-6

To Know/perceive; Receive; Give

One must Hear; Increase learning; Attune to Wise Counsel; Understand

Proverbs 1:7

It ALL starts with God.

The FEAR of the LORD is the foundation of knowledge and wisdom.

As I study the book of Proverbs, I've decided to break it down into several categories.

• God
• Know
• Receive
• Hear
• Increase Learning
• Attain Wise Counsel
• Understand

Let's back up and look at the verbs in Proverbs 1:2

Know: A primitive root; (absolute) have knowledge, be wise.

Perceive: to discern (accusative), meaning discern something in particular. In this case, words of understanding. 

Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going. Proverbs 1:2 MSG

There is a purpose to "Knowing" and "Perceiving"—it's to impact one's life. This is a book of VERBS—and that means ACTION! 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the desire to know and perceive wisdom will grow—and then I'll act in accordance with that wisdom. 

Reflection

"[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation." Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is God in every way. Perfect. Holy. For God to accept Jesus Christ death as a payment for my (our) sin, He had to be — without blame Himself. Only the Son of God could meet the qualifications to provide redemption to sinners. 

As I read this verse, and thought through the accounts of Jesus Christ's time on earth recorded in the Gospels, it was evident that He was indeed the exact likeness of God. His actions, words, abilities, everything Christ did was a reflection of His Heavenly Father. 

Who do people see in my reflection? I'm not God and never will be. I was born a sinner, but thankful I'm saved by God's grace. And because I'm a child of God, my reflection should be of my Heavenly Father. 

In 2011, I wrote "My statement to God about my desire to be in His Word." 

I ended it with this statement: "Your Word has the power to change me into a daughter who 'looks like her Father'. And that is my desire—which I will work toward with strong determination." 

The only way for me to "look like my Father" is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)

God's Redemption

"In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins." Colossians 1:14 (AMP)

In Whom: Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on some book or feeling. It's based on the God's Son, who died in payment for MY sins (and yours). 

Redemption: bought, delivered, rescued. 

Forgiveness: How does one describe "forgiveness"? In our human minds, when we forgive, we more than not, remember the action against us, and hold it against that person for years. That is not the forgiveness God gives. Rather, His forgiveness is full and He not only forgives but "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)"

Our sins: My sins. All sins. The thoughts, the actions, the non-actions. 

If only I could fully grasp the truth of God's redemption....the impact it would have in my life. The more I'm permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), the more I'll begin to understand God's holiness and His grace and mercy in redeeming me.

Giving Thanks

And you will joyfully give thanks [or …have patience with joy, giving thanks] to the Father who has made you able to have a share in ·all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light [ the inheritance of the saints/holy ones in the light]. Colossians 1:12 (EXB)

Giving Thanks. 

This verse is not about giving thanks to God because of the material things He gave/gives us that we wanted or think we deserve. Rather this verse is about giving thanks, because of the Salvation God has given us. That is the most important and precious gift. All the other blessings that God gives are bonuses. 

God in His mercy and grace, has forgiven me of my sins. Because I have placed my trust in God and what His Son did on the cross—paid for my sins, I am now a child of His. If I can't give thanks for the gift of salvation alone, then I need to have a heart check. For that is the greatest gift. And the gift was not given me based on ANYTHING I did nor did I deserve the gift of His grace and mercy. 

As I read continued to meditate on this verse, I had to stop and think about "giving thanks". It's easy to "give thanks" when we get what we want. Yet, those times when God answers our prayers in ways which we don't understand, do I still give thanks? I should, especially in light of His gift of grace and mercy and salvation.

Giving thanks.... to God the Father.... for His amazing gift of salvation. That should be my hearts desire. No matter the circumstances. No matter how God answers my prayers. No matter...... just a grateful heart because God in is great love, saved me. That is enough. 

In order to permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), I have to have a grateful heart. 

Praying Specifically

For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. Colossians 1:9-10 (AMP)

For this reason (verse 7; they showed Spirit-Love).. we have not ceased to pray and make special request for you. 

Prayer. It is vital to pray one for another. And one thing I like about verses 9 and 10 is that Paul lists specifics of what they were praying. 

Knowlege, wisdom, comprehensive insight to the ways and purposes of God, understanding and discernment of spiritual things, 

AND the WHYS of what he was praying (vs 10): 

they they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Lord, a life pleasing to God, and DESIRING to continue to please God in ALL things, being "fruit producers" and growing in the knowledge of God. 

I need to be praying for others, specifically. And from my experience, not just that they'd get well, or heal, or have an easier time of things. Rather, that God would use the situation they are in, to help them grow spiritually, and gain a deeper insight into who God is and allow that knowledge to impact their lives for God's glory! 

Being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)... starts with talking with Him... first about myself, and then about others.

Spirit-Love

"He also told us about the love you have ·from [or in] the Holy Spirit." Colossians 1:8 (EXB)

First off, I need to make sure that my love from the Holy Spirit is shining, so that it is noticeable to others. 

And lastly, I when I see others displaying and living a life filled with Spirit-Love, I need to talk about that! 

No, the goal isn't to be "noticed", but I am to be living a life that points those around me to God. People will notice things about each of us, wether we want them to or not. The goal then is that what they see MOST is the Love of God. 

How does the love of God impact my life? Does it change my attitude? Does it change my actions? Does it change my interaction with those around me? Does it effect my decisions? 

If I want others to talk about the Spirit-Love I have, it begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

What would be written about me?

"You so learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ in our stead and as our representative and yours." Colossians 1:7 (AMP)

Faithful minister of Christ. The Message, says "reliable worker for Christ!" God's Word translation reads, " trustworthy deacon for Christ". 

Faithful. Reliable. Trustworthy. And not just in everyday activities, but especially in regards to serving our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I've been listening to some of my older music, and a song by 4Him is "A ManYou Would Write About". The chorus reads:

I want to be a man that you would write about
Oh a thousand years from now
That they could read about
Your servant of choice in whom You found favor
A man who heard Your voice
Generations away it is my prayer
That they will look back and say
Oh to have that kind of faith and love
What a solid man of God he was. 

Faithful. Reliable. Trustworthy. Servant of God. That's what I'd like to be written about me. And in order for that to happen, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

Confidence

As I studied Colossians 1 this morning, these verses stood out. 

"We continually give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), as we are praying for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones).” Colossians 1:3, 4 (AMP)

I especially like that phrase: 'the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.' 

Absolute trust and confidence in HIS power, wisdom and goodness! WOW! No better ROCK SOLID place to put my trust. And that covers all aspects of what I’d need: POWER…. strength to accomplish His will, WISDOM…. knowledge to make decisions as I carry out His will, and GOODNESS…. those blessings that God showers on me… HIS BEST… as I live in accordance with HIS will!

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship cont 2

Auto spell check. Why does it continue to want to change words which are correct? And why doesn't it catch ALL the words which are incorrect?  

Auto spell check is only as good as the list of words in its database. Also, spell check doesn't KNOW what I am actually communicating. 

As I continue my study on Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship. I think of auto spell check. 

Since I'm not being "corrected" it must be RIGHT. I mean if it seems right, and I'm OK with it, it must be correct. 

Uh... WRONG! I'm not to rely on ME and my "database" when living a godly life. That can lead to chaos— "Everyone doing right in their OWN eyes" (Judges 21:25). We see that in our Country today. I want it, it feels right, I deserve it, I like it, etc. 

If I really want "auto spell check" to work properly, I need to add the words I'm using. I need up-date the database. In my life, if I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31), then I MUST make sure that I'm using God and His Word as my standard. 

God is holy, and if I want a true relationship with Him, I cannot be using my own "auto check" to see if I'm sinning. I need to make sure that the "auto check" is updated with God's Word. 

Only when I check my thoughts, actions, and attitudes through "GOD'S Auto Check" can I make the corrections to live a life honoring God. 

Permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, if that's truly my goal, than I cannot rely on my own personal auto check. I must use God's holiness as a standard. 

Forgiveness

cont..."a deep sense of reverence for God" (Act 9:31). 

"But there is forgiveness with You [just what man needs], that You may be reverently feared and worshiped." Psalm 130:4 (AMP)

I don't fully grasp the concept that Holy, God Almighty offers forgiveness... but I'm VERY thankful that He does. And because God Almighty does forgive, that should instill in me a deep sense of reverence for God. For the consequence of not being forgiven of my sin is eternal hell and separation from God. 

How does one say "thank you" to a Holy God for His gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ? The "thank you" starts with developing a deep sense of reverence for God! And as that deep sense of reverence is developed..... my life will be impacted by the realization that God Almighty loves me and has forgiven me.... WOW, if that doesn't make your day..... not sure what will. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father for your forgiveness!

Friends

continued.... "deep sense of reverence for God" (Acts 9:31). 

"I am a companion of all those who fear, revere, and worship You, and of those who observe and give heed to Your precepts." Psalm 119:63 (AMP)

The people who are my companions, friends, say something about me. Biblically friends have a responsibility to each other.... "In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend." Proverbs 27:17. 

I'm thankful for the friends God has put in my life. They have helped me grow in so many ways. Having friends who have a deep sense of reverence for God are vital to developing my own sense of reverence for God. 

Friends, companions. That word companion means "knit together". I'm not a knitter, but from what I understand if use different types of yarns in the same project, your finished project won't hold up to use and washing. For example, some yarns have "memory" and hold their shape better than others. And some shrink when washed. So if part of your project is made with yarn that shrinks and another part with yarn that holds it shape, your project will be ruined as the shapes and yarns change over time. 

This is true with friendships. Those close friends should be ones that encourage and help you in developing a closer relationship with God. 

If your friends are not living a godly life, then they will tend to give you wrong advice and discourage you from making godly choices. 

I don't think this means isolate ourselves from unbelievers, rather just make sure that your companions, those that you are closely knit together with, have a deep sense of reverence for God. 

Now.... what type of friend am I? I personally need to develop that deep sense of reverence for God so that I can be the friend God wants me to be.

Attitude and Outlook

Continued... "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God" (Act 9:31). 

Psalm 118 describes the attitude and outlook of one who truly has a deep sense of reverence for God. 

"Let those now who reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord say that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever." Ps 118:4

So often when we are in tough situations or bad things happen, we blame God. It's all His fault for allowing hurt and pain. However, if we have a true reverence for God, we know that God owes us nothing, and His plan is far greater than we'll ever know. 

Consider Job. He was an honest of upright man who worshiped God.. and God brought Job to the attention of Satan. Why? Because God knew that God is worthy of praise, honor, reverence based on WHO HE IS... not on what He does or allows. God is God and circumstances and situations do not change that fact. Job fully understood that... because Job had a deep sense of reverence for God. 

"You are my God, and I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You; You are my God, I will extol You. O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever." Ps 118:28, 29.

A deep sense of reverence for God will not only impact my actions, but my attitude and outlook.

Click this to read Psalm 118

List of Actions and Attitudes

As I continue my study on "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31)", I read Psalm 112 this morning. As read it, I realized that Psalm 112 is a list of actions and attitudes that should be a result of fearing the Lord and delighting in His commandments.

Being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God is not just fearing God or being in awe of Him. Rather a true deep sense of reverence for God will impact my actions and attitudes.

The doing, actions, don't come first. Rather developing a sense of reverence of God is first and foremost. Because of that reverence for God Almighty—I act. Being in the presence of God Almighty, learning who He is, and learning about Him...... that creates a reverence. And because I am learning who God is..... I act in accordance with that knowledge... or rather I should be acting in accordance with that knowledge.  

Being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God will have an impact...... or it should have an impact in my life and then be evident to those around me.

Psalm 112 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.2 His [spiritual] offspring shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.3 Prosperity and welfare are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate, and just [who are in right standing with God].5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.6 He will not be moved forever; the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) shall be in everlasting remembrance.7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.8 His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries.9 He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor.10 The wicked man will see it and be grieved and angered, he will gnash his teeth and disappear [in despair]; the desire of the wicked shall perish and come to nothing.Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Looking for Wisdom?

"They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God." Acts 9:31 (MSG)

He has redeemed His people, guaranteeing His covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring. Reverence for the Eternal is the first step toward wisdom. All those who worship Him have a good understanding. His praise will echo through eternity! Ps 111:9, 10 (VOICE)

He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant to be forever; holy is His name, inspiring awe, reverence, and godly fear. The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever. Ps 111:9, 10 (AMP)

Looking for wisdom? It all begins with a deep sense of reverence for God! For as a deep sense of reverence for God is developed, the focus is on God and then God can reveal His will and plan for your life.