Thanks Living: Remember

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 30:4

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

Saints: godly man, good, merciful

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.)

Remembrance: to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; memorial, memory, scent

Holy Name (His holiness): sacred, apartness, sacredness

Remembrance. Memory. Scent.

"A smell can bring on a flood of memories, influence people's moods and even affect their work performance. Because the olfactory bulb is part of the brain's limbic system, an area so closely associated with memory and feeling it's sometimes called the "emotional brain," smell can call up memories and powerful responses almost instantaneously." (http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/smell3.htm) 

So often when we think of "thanks" we think of things received. Yet, Psalm 30:4 reminds us that we are to give thanks at the "remembrance of His holy name". Just remembering Who God is—should set into action are gratitude. A scent can call up memories and powerful responses—that is how we should respond to remembering Who God is! 

Celebrate Thanks Living by remembering God's holiness! That's a great way to begin 2016! As we begin the new year, take time to REMEMBER God's Holy Name! 

Proverbs 6:23-29: Influence

For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. Proverbs 6:23-29

Commandment: code of wisdom

Lamp: light, guide

Law: direction, instruction

Light: illumination

Reproofs: for discipline

Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction

Way: of moral action and character

Life: as welfare and happiness; as consisting of earthly felicity combined with spiritual blessedness

Keep: guard, keep within bounds, protect

As I read this all I could think about was  "the mud never gets glovey." 

If you put yourself in a place where sin abounds you will be influenced by that sin. 

Sin is nothing new. However, our Nation has changed over the years. We have become a Nation that tolerates sin. Satan uses that tolerance to lessen our abhorrence to sin. 

However, remember that we are to live by GOD'S standards. He does not and will not tolerate sin. He cannot for He is a holy God! 

Having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God will keep me from sin and allowing sin to influence my life. 

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).

Taking Pleasure And Going On Securely In It

  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.  

It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. Colossians 3:6-7 (AMP)

Sin is a road or path, in which sinners walk a way of their own, or of their own choosing and approving, though a dark and crooked one, and which leads to destruction: walking herein denotes a continued series of sinning, a persisting in it, a progress therein, a proceeding from evil to evil, taking pleasure, and going on securely in it. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

"which sinners . . . of their own choosing . . . proceeding from evil to evil, taking pleasure, and going on securely in it" — All in defiance of Holy Almighty God. 

God is a God of love, that's why He provided a way of salvation, but He is also a holy just God—that too is why He provided a way of salvation (sin had to be paid for). 

As I search my own heart and life, are there sins which I am choosing? Am I proceeding from evil to evil taking pleasure and going on securely in my sin? Remember to God—SIN is SIN, period. There are no "little sins" and "big sins"—just sin, against a Holy and Just God. 

It's often easy to justify that I am "good" since, well, I haven't murdered anyone. But I'm not the standard by which sin is measured. The Standard is God Almighty. So, I am not "good", rather I am a sinner, saved by God's almighty grace. 

Taking pleasure and going on securely in it. Instead of that being said about sin, I'd rather it be said about me living a godly life. Taking pleasure in obeying God and going on securely in living a life pleasing and honoring Him. 

Taking pleasure and going on securely living a godly life, is only possible when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Never the Right Choice

  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.  

So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). Colossians 3:5 (AMP)

Let not your dead nature be effectual in you any more, but let your living nature be effectual. Now the strength of nature is known by the desires. Therefore let the affections of the world die in you, and let the contrary desires which are spiritual, live. Geneva Study Bible

I'm thankful that God included verses such as this in the Bible. It explains that believers (those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ) are still sinners. However, they are sinners with the indwelling Holy Spirit—Who can empower them to KILL the sinful desires. 

Sin is sin. God is holy. Those are two opposites. No matter how glamorous or what excuses I want to use—sin remains sin, period. Sin is never the right choice. And saying that "that's just how I am" or "God made me this way", or whatever other excuse I want to use, does NOT change the fact that it is still sin. 

If I choose sin over obeying God, that sin has become an idol. For anything I give more power, attention to, or support to other than God — is an idol. I have gone from worshiping and honoring God to saying that sin is more important and deserves my attention. 

Stop and think about that for a moment. Each time I sin, I am telling God — "Sorry, but you are not important in my life anymore. You've been replaced." If I truly have even a slight understanding of the holiness and Almighty God—the idea of choosing sin over God should scare me! 

Kill: to put to death, to treat as dead. If something is dead, it no longer has power, control, or a presence in my life. Then why am I even considering the idea of sin? Because I am a sinner. But thankfully, God is gracious and forgiving, and paid the sacrifice for my sin. 

Sin is never the right choice and if I want to kill the desire to sin, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Why would I want to?

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. 

 _______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts). Colossians 2:11 (AMP)

with the circumcision made without hands:

which is that of the heart, in the spirit; every man, though he may be circumcised in the flesh, is uncircumcised in heart, until he is circumcised by Christ and his Spirit; which is done, when he is pricked to the heart, and thoroughly convinced of sin, and the exceeding sinfulness of it; when the callousness and hardness of his heart is taken off and removed, and the iniquity of it is, laid open, the plague and corruption in it discerned, and all made naked and bare to the sinner's view; and when he is in pain on account of it, is broken and groans under a sense of it, and is filled with shame for it, and loathing and abhorrence of it. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible 

in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh.

....this is done several ways; partly by Christ's wrapping himself in the sins of his people, bearing them in his body, and becoming a sacrifice for them, whereby the old man was crucified, and the body of sin destroyed; and by an application of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, to the consciences of his people, whereby their iniquities are caused to pass from them, and they are clothed with change of raiment; and by the power of his Spirit, laying sin under the restraints of grace, not suffering it to have dominion, but causing grace to reign through righteousness; and by the saints themselves, under the influence of grace, who put off the old man with his deeds. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

"pricked to the heart, and thoroughly convinced of sin, and the exceeding sinfulness of it"

As I read this verse and the explanation, I had to stop and pause. Am I pricked to the heart because of sin and the shame of it? Or have I become calloused and allowed the World to give me reason to justify sin? 

When sin becomes the norm in society, is it still sin? The answer is found only in the fact and truth that God is the standard, not society or man. And if God says something is sin—that fact remains throughout eternity. It doesn't matter how we "Feel" about the sin, or that "times have changed" or any other excuse. If God Almighty has said something is sin—that is the truth and absolute standard. 

So thankful that I do not have to live in the shame of my sin, for Christ died for my sin and has forgiven me of all my sin. I am clothed in the righteousness of God! Does that mean I can simply "enjoy life" and sin all I want? The real answer to that is "Why would I want to?" 

Sin is going against God Almighty. Why would I want to do something that He has declared sin? Sin disgusts Him. He is HOLY! If I have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), than I will want to live my life in accordance with God's standard. 

What a Contrast

"And although you at one time were estranged and alienated from Him and were of hostile attitude of mind in your wicked activities, Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence."

Colossians 1:21, 22 (AMP)

Alienated and enemies—actively against God.

But because of Christ's redemptive work

on the Cross at Calvary

—His death and resurrection—

He presents us holy and unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight. Positively consecrated, separated unto God.

What a contrast.

Do I live my life as one who has been presented holy and positively consecrated separated unto God? Do my words, actions, thoughts, choices, reflect that I've been redeemed by Jesus Christ? 

Or do I still live as an enemy—actively against God? 

The only way for me to live a life in accordance with God's Word, 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.

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship cont 4

As I study on being Permeated with Deep Sense of Reverence for God Holiness—Relationship... 

[For; Because] It is written in the Scriptures: “You must be holy, because I am holy [Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:7].” 1 Peter 1:16 (EXB)

My relationship with God Almighty should be creating a deep desire to be holy—because God is holy. 

"Holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. It must be in all affairs, in every condition, and towards all people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to which we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way." Matthew Henry

This is not about others and what they say is right or wrong. This is about my relationship with God and living my life in accordance with His will. God is holy. That fact cannot be disputed in anyway. 

If I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I must have that desire to be holy.... because God is holy. That desire only comes, when I submit to God and His will. My prayer is that desire will burn in me—each and every day.

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship cont 3

As I continue my study on being permeated with deep sense of reverence for God, focusing right now on God's Holiness; Relationship, I'm reading "The Knowledge of the Holy" by T.W. Tozer. 

"A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology, but to practical Christian living as well." 

Knowing ABOUT God and KNOWING God are two different things. Knowing facts, doesn't always impact ones life. But KNOWING God Himself, that relationship —should have a great impact in my life! 

How I think, act, my attitude— should reflect my relationship with God. When it does not..... than I have a problem! And most often that problem is when I forget WHO God is—and decide to act based on—me, myself, and I. 

Sin is not a relative changing thing. Just because our society now accepts something does not make it OK. God is the standard, because as a Holy God is the the only One who is worthy of such. 

One phrase that has stuck with me throughout the years, is "God allowed it because of the hardening of their hearts." Wow. I don't want God to "allow" something in my life because I've hardened my heart to Him. 

I want to remain soft and pliable so that He can teach me—then and only then, will I be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God.

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship cont.

Continuing my study of "Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship" 

The past few days I've been reading Genesis 3 concerning the Fall of Man. 

It's amazing that a Holy God continued to want to walk and have a relationship with His creation... even after knowing that they sinned. God is holy, and God's love is also, great. 

There were consequences for Adam and Eve's sin.... long lasting consequences. But although a HOLY God—He still loves. 

That doesn't mean that I can sin and expect God to just "overlook" my sin. No, God is still a HOLY God. 

I'm just thankful that He is also a God of love, who has created a way for me to have a relationship with Him.... all because of His loving sacrifice of His Son. 

God is Holy. Sin has consequences. Thankful that I can have a relationship with God Almighty, not because of my own righteousness—rather because of His great love and righteousness. 

"For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship

This year for my "new year's resolution", I gave a "gift to God". I chose to work on being "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God" (Acts 9:31, MSG). 

I thought a good place to begin was "getting to know God". I've been studying His Holiness. I'm looking at three things, Relationship, Communication, and Destination. 

First, I've been studying my relationship with God as it relates to His Holiness. Because God is holy, the ONLY way for be to enter into His presence is through the forgiveness of my sin. My relationship with God is hindered by sin and the remedy for that is due ONLY because God is holy. He alone could provide a holy, perfect sacrifice, His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for my sin.

And although my sin has been forgiven, as Paul says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Romans 6:1. NO! If I want to develop a deeper relationship with God, then I have to examine my life through the filter of HIS HOLINESS. God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 5:16).

If I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I must truly learn and understand God's Holiness and how it impacts my relationship with Him.

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!

Not Even Give A Thought

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 16. Here is what I learned.

All the while the despair of many, who abandoned Your goodness for the empty promises of false gods, increases day by day. I refuse to pour out blood offerings, to utter their names from my lips. Psalm 16:4 (VOICE)

Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows. I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood or use my lips to speak their names. Psalm 16:4 (GW)

Nor take up their names into my lips - As objects of worship. That is, I will not in any way acknowledge them as gods, or render to them the homage which is due to God. The very mention of the name of any other god than the true God was solemnly forbidden by the law of Moses Exodus 23:13, "And make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth." So the apostle Paul says Ephesians 5:3, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints." The idea in these places seems to be, that the mere mention of these things would tend to produce dangerous familiarity with them, and by such familiarity take off something of the repugnance and horror with which they should be regarded, They were, in other words, to be utterly avoided; they were never to be thought of or named; they were to be treated as though they were not. No one can safely so familiarize himself with vice as to render it a frequent subject of conversation. Pollution will flow into the heart from words which describe pollution, even when there is no intention that the use of such words should produce contamination. No one can be familiar with stories or songs of a polluted nature, and still retain a heart of purity. "The very passage of a polluted thought through the mind leaves pollution behind it." How much more is the mind polluted when the thought is dwelt upon, and when utterance is given to it in language! Barnes' Notes on the Bible

When man turns from God, they seek other gods to worship. They are dissatisfied with themselves, and their lives yet can’t find the solution; therefore, they continue to search for satisfaction in other gods—anything but the one true God where they can find peace and contentment. 

Why do so many reject God? Perhaps because they have to realize that they are not in control, and need to surrender to One more powerful and Holy. 

Even though I believe in God, and love Him...... how often do I turn from Him because I’d rather enjoy a few moments of sin... or think I am smarter than God... or whatever the reason. Any item, thought, or action that is contrary to God’s holy standard is sin. And if I continue to follow after that sin, that is an idol. And there is to be no other god than GOD... in my life. 

To create a positive day, I need to not even give a thought to anything that is not in accordance with God and His Word.

Status of My Relationship

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 29. Here is what I learned.

The Lord’s voice ·makes the lightning flash [strikes with flashes of lightning]. Psalm 29:7 (EXB)

The psalmist here sets forth God's dominion in the kingdom of nature. In the thunder, and lightning, and storm, we may see and hear his glory. Let our hearts be thereby filled with great, and high, and honourable thoughts of God, in the holy adoring of whom, the power of godliness so much consists. O Lord our God, thou art very great! The power of the lightning equals the terror of the thunder. The fear caused by these effects of the Divine power, should remind us of the mighty power of God, of man's weakness, and of the defenceless and desperate condition of the wicked in the day of judgment.  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Respect. Honor. Fear. Awe. Terror. The power of God can evoke many emotions. 

If my soul is right with God, then the power of God produces honor, respect, awe, and yes, even comfort. Knowing that God is all-powerful, that means nothing is out of His control. 

If, however, I have sin in my heart, the power of God produces fear and terror. A Holy, all-powerful God, becomes Judge. Sin is an abomination to God. I’m very grateful that God provided a way of forgiveness and I have restored fellowship with God. 

The power of God is real. The status of my relationship with God determines if His display of power creates awe, respect and honor, or fear and terror. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure the status of my relationship with God is good standing, according to His standard. 

Change my Location

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 91. Here is what I learned.

God will ·save [protect] you from ·hidden traps [the snare of the fowler] and from deadly ·diseases [pestilence]. Psalm 91:3 (EXB)

For He will rescue you from the snares set by your enemies who entrap you and from deadly plagues. Psalm 91:3 (VOICE)

He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also. (Psalm 91:1-8) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Temptation in and of itself is not sin. It’s when we give into the temptation that we sin. Sin is sin and is an abomination to God. There are not “little sins”.  

There are many justifications and rationalizations we create to ease our minds when we sin. And often we put ourselves in situations that not only create temptation, but make it so easy to give in to the temptation. Think of it this way, an alcoholic should not be spending time in bars. To avoid the temptation to drink, the alcoholic needs to change his location. Remove himself from the opportunity to drink. One way to avoid giving in to the temptation is to avoid the location of the temptation! 

If we do find ourselves tempted, we still don’t need to give in—God provides a way to escape and not sin! 

The only ·temptation [or trials] that has come to you is ·that which everyone has [(common to) human life]. But ·you can trust God [God is faithful], who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to ·stand [endure] it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (EXB)

To create a positive day, I need to change my location, if I find myself the place of temptation, knowing that God has provided the way of escape! 

God’s Mercy

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.

Repay them according to their work and according to the wickedness of their doings; repay them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve. Psalm 28:4 (AMP)

Punish them for what they have done, for the evil they have committed. Punish them for all their deeds; give them what they deserve! Psalm 28:4 (GNT)

It’s so easy to see the sins of others! Especially, when they effect us in some way. We want vengeance and revenge. Oh, we might say that “God they sinned against You.... smite them!” But God is a God of mercy and grace... thankfully. God is Holy. Any and all sin is an abomination to Him. There are no “white lies”, there are no levels of sin... sin is sin—period.

If we ask God to judge others and punish them accordingly... then He has ever right to start with each of us! I’m thankful that God is a merciful. I’m thankful that God provided a way for my sins to be forgiven and erased. I’m thankful for a forgiving, long-suffering, and grace-giving God. Otherwise, I’d be headed for an eternity separated from Him. 

Before I ask God to punish anyone for their sins, I must first take a long hard look at my life and realize that I’m far from perfect and that without God’s mercy, I’d be receiving exactly what I deserve. 

We should be upset with we see people sinning against our great God, but we also need to remember that God doesn’t need us to protect His Name. He is God almighty and He will hold each of us accountable at the day of judgment. 

To create a positive day, I need to humbly come before God asking for forgiveness, and receiving God’s mercy, and then pray for those that don’t know His grace.

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

Recipient

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 96. Here is what I learned.

·Worship [Bow down to] the Lord ·because he is holy [in the splendor of his holiness]. Tremble before him, everyone on earth. Psalm 96:9 (EXB)

Worship the Lord in his holy splendor. Tremble in his presence, all the earth! Psalm 96:9 (GW)

Bow down to the Eternal, adorned in holiness; lay awestruck before Him, trembling, all people of the earth. Psalm 96:9 (VOICE)

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before and reverently fear Him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9 (AMP)

"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." This is the only beauty which he cares for in our public services, and it is one for which no other can compensate. Beauty of architecture and apparel he does not regard; moral and spiritual beauty is that in which his soul delighteth. Worship must not be rendered to God in a slovenly, sinful, superficial manner; we must be reverent, sincere, earnest, and pure in heart both in our prayers and praises. Purity is the white linen of the Lord's choristers, righteousness is the comely garment of his priests, holiness is the royal apparel of his servitors.

"Fear before him, all the earth." "Tremble" is the word in the original, and it expresses the profoundest awe, just as the word "worship" does, which would be more accurately translated by "bow down." Even the bodily frame would be moved to trembling and prostration if men were thoroughly conscious of the power and glory of Jehovah. Men of the world ridiculed "the Quakers" for trembling when under the power of the Holy Spirit; had they been able to discern the majesty of the Eternal they would have quaked also. There is a sacred trembling which is quite consistent with joy, the heart may even quiver with an awful excess of delight. The sight of the King in his beauty caused no alarm to John in Patmos, and yet it made him fall at his feet as dead. Oh, to behold him and worship him with prostrate awe and sacred fear! The Treasury of David

As I think of the holiness God and the ugliness of my sin, I should tremble in fear. I’m thankful that I’ve accepted God’s gift of mercy and grace so that I can boldly enter His presence. But I still need to live in the awe and fear of the Almighty, Holy God. 

To create a positive day, I need to live my life in awe and fear of God, remembering to that I’m a recipient of His mercy and grace.