Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8
"We must learn to trust God, not live with a sense of entitlement." (The Gospel Project)
When I started studying "Thanks Living", I realized that it's easier to say "thanks" for things, but a bit more difficult to thank God for WHO He is. Not receiving anything, just thanks for God Himself.
I have to say that God has blessed me abundantly. And often people wonder how I can give praise to God, when I live in chronic pain. My reply is, "How could I NOT?!!" My pain level doesn't change WHO God is. My pain level doesn't make God stop being good. My pain level doesn't make God unfaithful. God cannot change. He is good. He is faithful. Period.
"But if God was a good God, then He'd heal you." Really??!!! Who am I to tell God, the Creator of all, what He should do? Just because I would like it, doesn't mean it's best in God's plan. From God's perspective, my chronic pain is a good thing—as it is being used to accomplish His will.
God is good. And He is a good God! Just because God has unlimited resources, doesn't mean that He has to give them to me. Entitlement is a dangerous mindset. When we start to think that we deserve something—we forget that what we actually deserve is punishment for our sin. Only by the grace of God and His provision of Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin, are we saved from eternal damnation.
Thanks Living, has to begin with a solid understanding of Who God is, and that God does not "owe me anything." I am to give thanks to God for Who He is. I am to give thanks to God because He is good. I am to give thanks to God because He is faithful. God can be none other than Who He is!
As I learn to trust God and understand that He is good — then my mind and heart will begin to develop a sense of Thanks Living, based on Who God is, not on a sense of entitlement.
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord... why? Because He is good. That's it. Simply, because God is good. Not because of the benefits that He gives because He is good. Simply because of the fact that God is good. If God is so good why does He allow bad things to happen? That's an age old question. The only answer I have is that no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, God remains good. He cannot change. He is good. Period. As I have been thinking about Psalm 106:1 and 107:1, and that God is good, I continued to think of God's goodness in relation what I get because of God's goodness. That is NOT what these verses are saying to do. We are to give thanks, simply because God is good—period. Just thanking God that He is good. It's who God is. A characteristic that cannot change. The fact that God can be nothing less than who He is reminded me of a post I had written several years ago: (http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2011/01/god-is-faithful.html)
God is Faithful
by Rhonda Sawtelle
God, my Confidant, my Savior, Faithful is His code of behavior. Steadfast, unchangeable, unshakable. Being something different—He’s just unable. I Am can be nothing other than who He is. True blue, never slow, never wavering. Rock-solid; forever unchanging. In the past, He has proven Himself true. In the present and future, He’ll simply continue. I Am can be nothing other than who He is. Promises kept, loyal, reliable, sure. Awesome faithfulness—without measure. No role in God’s faithfulness, has human frailty. Unfaithfulness to God’s Being is contrary. I Am can be nothing other than who He is. Unfathomable, incomprehensible, It is simply and utterly impossible— Unfaithfulness is not even a choice. In God’s faithfulness—with assurance—rejoice. I Am can be nothing other than Who He Is.
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“When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:17-19 (The Message)
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Give thanks..... for God is good. Period.Thanks Living is based on the fact that God is good. Not on things I receive because God is good. Give thanks—for God is good. Period.
There are some days that we never forget. One of those days for me is Oct 25, 2000. That was the day I injured my back. At the time, little did I know all that God had planned as He started me on a new journey. It is now Oct 25, 2014...12 back surgeries and too many to count procedures and treatments later.
Chronic pain demands attention. By that I mean it makes you change the way you live. Because pain demands attention, I knew that I would have to work hard to keep my focus on the positive. Thus, my philosophy, "Create a Positive Day!".
Each year on the anniversary of my injury, I take time to CELEBRATE the blessings God has given me over the past year. Each year, I am amazed and overwhelmed by God kindness and the creative ways He takes care of me. I highly recommend having a Blessings Celebration!
Please join me today in thanking God for all the blessings.
Today I'm scheduled for my 11th Back Surgery. For those of you who are new to my blog, here's the short version of the past 12 years.
Oct 2000: coughed and herniated a disc in my lower back.
April 2001: Surgery 1, hemilaminectomy and diskectomy at L5/S1 level
Nov 2001: Surgery 2, Fusion L5/S1 level
Aug 2002: Surgery 3: Surgery hardware (left) removed (screw worked way through the bone, damaging nerves/muscles)
March 2004: Surgery 4: Re-do the Fusion L5/S1
Oct 4, 2005: Surgery 5: Spinal Implant Stimulator Trial, implant wires
Oct 11, 2005: Surgery 6: Spinal Implant Stimulator Trial, removal of wires
Oct 18, 2005: Surgery 7: Spinal Implant Stimulator(permanent placement of wires; so we thought)
Oct 24, 2006: Surgery 8: Spinal Implant Stimulator repaired/new battery
Feb 06, 2007: Surgery 9: Spinal Implant Stimulator Paddle Wire placed (wires removed)
Nov 10, 2009: Surgery 10: New Battery for Spinal Stimulator
Jan 31, 2013: Surgery 11: Spinal Implant Stimulator Trail, testing new wires
In between the surgeries, there have been numerous tests, treatments, etc. Although I live with chronic back and left leg pain, and headaches, I can honestly say that God is good. He has proven time and time again that He loves me.
He has a purpose and a plan for me and that includes living with chronic pain/headaches. Why? I think because He is using the pain to first teach me more about Himself. Secondly, He is using the pain the introduce me to others. And lastly, because He knows that this is the best way for me to accomplish His will, which is sharing His love with others.
No matter who I'm feeling or what I'm facing, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! God does not change based upon my circumstances. He can be none other than Who He is.
So, today is surgery 11. Wonder what God has planned for today? No matter what it is, I know that God is in control and He is an AWESOME God. And that will create a positive day, no matter the outcome!
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 Thirtieth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 92. Here's what Treasure I found today.
They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” Psalm 92:15 (NLT)
Declare: certify, declare, be conspicuous, stand boldly out, explain, praise.
For (that): forasmuch, inasmuch, whereas, assuredly.
Just (upright): be upright, well-pleased, righteous, straightforward.
Lord: of deity Yahweh.
Rock: a cliff, strength, strong, support and defence.
Is no: much less, nay, neither, never, no, without, literally in the condition of no.
Evil (iniquity): injustice, unrighteousness, perverseness, unjustly, wickedness, to act wrongfully.
As I read Psalm 92:15 this morning, what first came to mind are all the protests, marches, riots happening around the world. People are boldly proclaiming something, although not always something good.
I also thought about sporting events (football, NASCAR, etc). We proudly wear our favorite team colors and our favorite player's/driver's number. Some even are very conspicuous as they go so far as painting their bodies in the their team's colors. Seems like we are never ashamed of cheering for our favorite team, driver, or player. We cheer loud and proud—often even when they continue to lose.
Am I being conspicuous about my God? Do I stand out boldly and share His goodness? Am I ashamed of my God? Am I cheering loud and proud for Him?
I should be proud to talk about God, not because of what He’s done for me (although He’s done so much!)but simply because of WHO He is! Yes, there is that phrase again which shows up often in my Ponder Morsels. When life is good and going along smoothly, it’s easy to say, “God is good. God is awesome.” But just because my circumstances change, God does not. He is still good. He is still awesome.
So often God gets “blamed” for when bad things happen. Why? Simply because we don’t understand how a “good God” could allow suffering. But that (suffering) is ultimately the result of sin. In God there is no evil, He cannot act wrongfully. He is just. And why do we think, when we cannot fully comprehend all that God is and Who He is, that we can understand fully what He is doing?
Even if we don’t understand, that does NOT change the fact that God is straightforward righteous and He is a strong support for us. There is literally no wickedness or injustice in Him.
He is a friend without fault, a helper without fail. Whatever he may do with us, he is always in the right; his dispensations have no flaw in them, no, not the most minute. He is true and righteous altogether. The Treasury of David
To create a positive day, I need to be conspicuous about my God! I need to be cheering loud and proud about His goodness and strength.
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.
Shout triumphantly to the LORD,
all the earth.
Psalm 100:1 (HCS)
Shout happily to the LORD,
all the earth.
Psalm 100:1 (GW)
Shout: exult, triumph, leap for joy. glad shout
The word used for “shout” is one to also convey public worship with music and sacrifice. I am to be SHOUTING our praise to God, and should be doing it HAPPILY and JOYOUSLY!
As I thought about Psalm 100:1, what I pictured was a concert. If you have ever been to a concert, then you know that audience can’t help but sing along as the performer(s) sing. At some concerts depending on your seat, it’s hard to actually hear the performer, due to the audiences “shouting” the songs.
Even more than shouting happily at a concert, I should be shouting worship praise to my God. These are not to be just “random” shouts, but rather shouts of joy and worship directed to my Heavenly Father. Yet, in order for me to be able to shout to my God, I need to recognize Who He is, and all that He is.
Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies in every land Jehovah's goodness is seen, therefore in every land should he be praised.The Treasury of David
Going back to the concert venue, the performers always sing old songs mixed in with their newer songs. Why? Because the performers know that to keep the audience engaged, the audience need to know the songs. When the audience knows the words, they can “shout” and create a fun concert.
So, back to Psalm 100:1, if I’m to “Shout happily to the LORD” I need to KNOW God. How do I get to know God? It starts with reading His Word, the Bible. And recognizing God working in my life each and very day.
What can I shout to God in worship and praise? 1) He is a very loving God. 2) He is a very caring God. 3) He is a holy God. 4) He is faithful. 5) He is truthful. 6) God is good—all the time! And all the time God is good!
Those are just a few facts about God that I can shout and leap for joy about as I worship Him.
Creating a positive day is getting to know Who God is, recognizing Him working in my life, and then SHOUTING and LEAPING for joy in praise to my awesome God!
Enjoyed continuing the Damaris Carbaugh Bible Study. Looking back over the study, I think the thing which amazed me the most was God's specific timing of each lesson. I'm grateful that the Leader, followed God's prompting in choosing the order of the songs for the Study. God knew exactly what I should be studying at a particular time, to keep me focused on Him as He worked in my life.
February
20 inches of snow brought out demonstrations of neighbors helping neighbors. There was no way I could dig my car out of the snow drifts (the car was covered-see the green arrow to the right!). However, neighbors worked together to make sure my car was able to drive out of the pile of snow.
March
Since Jr. High, I've worn glasses and each year, I've needed a new prescription. Yet, this year, my prescription did not change! That was great news, since I didn't need to replace my prescription sunglasses. I only had to buy on pair of glasses to replace the pair I broke. I wonder if the vegan, gluten-free diet helped with improving my eyesight? I know that the diet is much healthier for me.
April
On April 13th, God called my sister home to Heaven after a 4-year battle with cancer. Although I miss my sister, she is now rejoicing in Heaven with our Heavenly Father—that is the greatest blessing for us all! There were also additional blessings which God provided. A friend was able to drive me to Macon, so I could be there for the services. Both my brothers were able to attend, also. And my brothers and I were able to spend some time with our parents.
May
At first, the idea of having several apartment inspections didn't seem like much of a blessing. However, the reason for the inspections is a great blessing! These inspections are necessary so that I can receive reduced rent due to my disability. The reduce rent is just one way God supplies my needs. So, the inspections are blessings!
June
This month had a "hidden blessing". I didn't know it was a blessing until August! On June 9th I took my car in for an oil change and get a "roar" investigated. I spoke with "my guys" at the garage that I didn't want to put much money into fixing this car, as I was looking for a newer one. The roar didn't need to be fixed; however, my brakes were too bad to leave the garage. That was NOT in my plans as I was trying to SAVE money for a down payment. That would mean I'd have to delay the purchase of a new car by several months. Well, in August, I learned that God had a VERY good reason to delay my purchase!(see August for more details!).
July
Friends. God has blessed me with some AWESOME, godly friends. God provided me with exactly the perfect people to help me grow in grace and knowledge of God.
August
This month was an OVERFLOWING BLESSINGS month. God really went ALL-OUT this month!!
God made it possible for me to spend a week with some very dear friends. It was a much needed vacation for my body, soul, and spirit. It was an amazing "JOY-CATION!"
God also had a very wonderful blessing waiting for me. God provided a NEW CAR. Not just a "newer" car, but a BRAND NEW 2012 Ford Fiesta. I never thought that I'd have a new car. However, back in June, when I had to spend money on the brakes, God knew that this car wouldn't be ready until August, so He created a way to delay upgrading the car. God's timing is ALWAYS perfect!
September
I started my annual Blessings Celebration early this year. A friend and I were able to attend "My Fair Lady". God's blessings included in this "package" were: 1. a perfect parking spot. 2. a vegan, gluten-free lunch 3. discounted tickets. 4. a wonderful performance of "My Fair Lady". 5. enjoying it all with a wonderful friend.
October
Eleven years. WOW. Eleven years ago, I injured my back. October 2000. From a totally human perspective, the back injury followed by eleven years of chronic pain is definitely NOT a blessing. Yet, God has used my disability and pain to share His amazing love with others. People from ALL over the world read this blog. And I've developed a deeper and greater love for my God. He has shown OVER and OVER His care and love for me. I love seeing God's attention to detail and His creativity in caring for me. He constantly amazes me with His goodness. Would I like less pain? Yes. But, as God told Paul 2 Cor 12 "My (God's) grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."
November
This month God's blessing was made possible with the help of many people. 45 Soldiers will be receiving Bibles for Christmas. It was an wonderful blessing to be able to wrap each Bible, thinking of the wonderful message contained therein—God's great gift of eternal life.
Looking back over the past year, since my 2010 Blessings Celebration, once again, God has showered me with more of His amazing blessings. All I can think to say is "God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good." And that fact make each and every day very positive!
I have been looking for new dress pants for a while, with no luck. On Tuesday, I stopped at Kohl's and looked around—nothing. On the way home from my Chiropractor's, I stopped at the Goodwill and looked through their racks of dress pants. Found a few I thought would work. I went to try them on and I asked the Sales Associate if I could use the handicap fitting room—which I normally don't use. However, trying to maneuver with crutches in the smaller rooms can be a challenge on a good day—and my pain level was a bit higher, so I asked to use the larger room.
I tried on the pants I had found—with no luck. As I was hanging the "unwanteds" on the rack—which is RIGHT OUTSIDE the handicap fitting room door—I saw a pair of navy blue dress pants on the rack. I checked the size, yep, that was right. Tried them on and they fit PERFECTLY!
God had the pants hanging RIGHT outside the handicap fitting room door waiting for me!God's placement was PERFECT! I couldn't miss the pants—they were hanging right on the end—almost falling off into my hands (literally!). So for $4.99 I got a very nice pair of dress pants.
After leaving the Goodwill, I stopped at Fruitful Yield health store to pick up Sunshine Burgers. As I walked in the store, one of the workers welcomed me and asked if I was there for more Sunshine Burgers—"Yes, I was!" The Manager was standing near by and said, "We have coupons for those". So, I saved $5.00 on the Sunshine Burgers—the cost of my dress pants! ;>)
