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.

Not Just on the Difficult Days

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

He has declared and shown to His people the power of His works in giving them the heritage of the nations [of Canaan]. Psalm 111:6 (AMP)

He has ·shown [proclaimed to] his people ·his power [the power/strength of his deeds] when he gave them the ·lands [inheritance] of other nations [the conquest]. Psalm 111:6 (EXB)

"He hath shewed his people the power of his works." They have seen what he is able to do and what force he is prepared to put forth on their behalf. This power Israel saw in physical works, and we in spiritual wonders, for we behold the matchless energy of the Holy Ghost and feel it in our own souls. 

In times of dire distress the Lord has put forth such energy of grace that we have been astonished at his power; and this was part of his intent in bringing us into such conditions that he might reveal to us the arm of his strength. 

Could we ever have known it so well if we had not been in pressing need of his help? We may well turn this verse into a prayer and ask to see more and more the power of the Lord at work among us in these latter days. O Lord, let us now see how mightily thou canst work in the saving of sinners and in preserving and delivering thine own people. "That he may give them the heritage of the heathen." He put forth all his power to drive out the Canaanites and bring in his people. Even thus may it please his infinite wisdom to give to his church the heathen for her inheritance in the name of Jesus. Nothing but great power can effect this, but it will surely be accomplished in due season. The Treasury of David

It’s easy to ignore what God is really doing during the “good times”. When we are accomplishing things “on our own”. However, as soon as we hit a difficult spot, we quickly turn to God to rescue us. We turn God into our “bail bondsman”. We want God to rescues us from our trouble, and too often once we are “free” from our difficulties, we quickly forget what God did. 

Yes, God is there in times of distress, but God is also present during the great times. God shows His power and strength on a daily basis—am I noticing what God is doing? 

To create a positive day, I need to notice God’s power and His amazing works—each and every day, and not just on the difficult days.

On a Whim

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tried and True

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

All His accomplishments are truth and justice; all His instructions are certain. Psalm 111:7 (VOICE)

In all he does he is faithful and just; all his commands are dependable. Psalm 111:7 (GNT)

·Everything he does is [The deeds of his hands are] ·good [faithful; true] and ·fair [just]; all his ·orders [precepts] ·can be trusted [are faithful/true/reliable]. Psalm 111:7 (EXB)

Dependable. I’m so thankful that God is dependable and that all His commands are dependable.

Reliable, responsible, always there, carrying the load, certain, constant, faithful, good as one's word, loyal, rocklike, secure, stable, staunch, steadfast, steady, sturdy, sure, to be counted on, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, unfailing. 

No matter how you say it... God is trustworthy. He Himself if trustworthy, and He only speaks truth. Tried-and true. 

Knowing that there is Someone you can always count on to keep their word, provides an assurance that is indisputable. God doesn’t say things to “make us feel good”. Nor does He say things because it’s what WE want to hear. Rather God only speaks truth. 

Often, we place are faith in people, then we are disappointed with they don’t follow through or when they don’t live up to our expectations. But although people have good intentions and don’t always mean to break their promises, people are not always dependable. 

Whereas, God keeps all His promises. He is truth, and can only speak truth. He is trustworthy. He can be counted on. He is steadfast. He is tried and true! 

To create a positive day, I only need to place my faith in God and His Word—for He is tried and true and so is His Word!

Promise-keeping God!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

He has sent salvation to his people. He has ordered that his promise should continue forever. His name is holy and terrifying. Psalm 111:9 (GW)

He ·sets his people free [sent redemption to his people]. He ·made his agreement everlasting [commanded his covenant/treaty forever]. ·He [His name] is holy and ·wonderful [awesome]. Psalm 111:9 (EXB)

He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Psalm 111:9 (NLT)

"He hath commanded his covenant for ever." His divine decree has made the covenant of his grace a settled and eternal institution: redemption by blood proves that the covenant cannot be altered, for it ratifies and establishes it beyond all recall. This, too, is reason for the loudest praise. Redemption is a fit theme for the heartiest music, and when it is seen to be connected with gracious engagements from which the Lord's truth cannot swerve, it becomes a subject fitted to arouse the soul to an ecstasy of gratitude. The Treasury of David

Ever have someone promise you something, only to learn that they did not have the ability to fulfill that promise? It’s not only disappointing, but it causes distrust. 

However, God is able to not only promise an everlasting covenant with us, He is able to fulfill that promise. Because God, Himself, is eternal, everlasting, only He can promise an everlasting covenant. God also has a “proven record” on keeping His promises! He is trustworthy! 

So, when God promises me eternal life with Him, I know that He can and will keep that promise. And all He requires of me is to believe in Him. 

God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16 (GW)

No guessing. No wondering. A solid promise from an eternal everlasting, promise-keeping God! 

To create a positive day, I only have to take God at His Word, for He is the promise-keeping God!

I am Spectacular!

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 tenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 111. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord’s deeds are spectacular. They should be studied by all who enjoy them. Psalm 111:2 (GW)

The works of the Eternal are many and wondrous! They are examined by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 (VOICE)

God’s works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Psalm 111:2 (MSG)

"The works of the Lord are great." In design, in size, in number, in excellence, all the works of the Lord are great. Even the little things of God are great. 

"Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." Those who love their Maker delight in his handiworks, they perceive that there is more in them than appears upon the surface, and therefore they bend their minds to study and understand them. 

"Worthy of being sought after in all their purposes," and this also is a grand truth, for the end and design which God hath in all that he makes or does is equally admirable with the work itself. The hidden wisdom of God is the most marvelous part of his works, and hence those who do not look below the surface miss the best part of what he would teach us. The Treasury of David

I think one of the most special blessings that I have enjoyed the most that has been a result of my chronic pain, is that I’ve learned how truly wonderful God designed the body.

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. Psalm 139:14 (GW)

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

I continue to be amazed at how the body works, and adjusts to various things. This past year, I’ve learned more about foods and how my body uses foods and what it needs to function at its best. I have to say before losing the weight, I simply ate because it all tasted so good! Now, as I continue to learn about foods and how they effect me and my body, I am not only enjoying the tastes of foods, but appreciating what they do for my body. 

Throughout the past, almost 13 years, I have also learned how interconnected the body is. Often I can reduce my headache by massaging or using my Stim-Pro on my foot! Yes, the feet have corresponding points to relieve headaches. The more I study how the body works as a whole and the individual parts, I have to stop and think, “Wow! What an absolutely amazing, awesome God!” And the more I learn about what God created, that should want me to praise Him more, and study His spectacular works more. 

I am Spectacular!

No, not because

of something I’ve done,

rather because

I’m a “spectacular work of God!”

That thought in and of itself should have a great impact on my attitude and actions! Being spectacular, is special, because I was designed by God. And being designed by God, has its responsibilities—that includes praising God and honoring Him with my life. 

To create a positive day, I need to celebrate “I am Spectacular—because I’m a work of the amazing, awesome God!” 

Always Remember!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

He has made his miracles unforgettable. The Lord is merciful and compassionate. Psalm 111:4 (GW)

His miracles are his memorial—This God of Grace, this God of Love. Psalm 111:4 (MSG)

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:4 (ASV)

For wonderful indeed are all his works,

Pleasant to know and worthiest to be all

Had in remembrance always with delight. John Milton

To be remembered - literally, "Memory hath he made for his wonderful works." "They" are so made, that man may remember them; the memory of man, also, is so made, that it may retain them. The highest and most appropriate exercise of memory is to retain the lessons which the works of God inculcate; to treasure up for gratitude and for use what he teaches his intelligent creation through those works. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

“I’ll always remember.” 

Damaris Carbaugh,  "No Apology" CD(Words & Music by Scott V. Smith 2000 Discovery House Music)

I’ll always remember God’s goodness and mercy to me;

I’ll always remember I once was a slave, not I’m free.

I owed a great debt, I could not pay the price,

So He opened His heart and He laid down His life

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. 

I’ll always remember He has never, never, ever left me alone;

I’ll always remember that He’s never let me face a battle on my own.

Though ten thousand would fall to my left, to my right, 

My enemies fled from His power and might

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. 

Chorus:

Always remember, no never forget

His sweet mercy, His goodness

Oh, He is so marvelous

Always remember, no never forget;

Oh, His wonderful works, He is so marvelous! 

I’ll always remember that He’s been my shelter in the storm;

I’ll always remember how He covered me and kept me from harm.

Though trouble had come, put my faith to the test, 

When I called on His name, He took care of the rest

How could I ever forget? (Chorus) 

I’ll always remember, I was guilty and worthy of blame, 

But my sin is no longer remembered for the sake of His Son, God forgave;

My sins are as far as the east from the west, 

They lay deep in the sea of God’s forgetfulness;

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. Remember. 

What am I remembering? Our memories are triggered by sights, smells, words, touches, etc. And we take special effort to remember those events, dates, people, that are important to us. All the wonderful things that God has done for me, should be remembered and celebrated! 

The more I talk about what God is doing, the more I will remember what He has done, and worship Him for His greatness. And the more that I remember God’s marvelous works, the more positive a day I create. 

F = W = GU = D = PxEE

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God’s guiding principles. His praise continues forever. Psalm 111:10 (GW)

Fear: reverence, inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe, put in fearful reverence.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Beginning: chiefest, the first, in place, time, order or rank, forefront.

Wisdom: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.

Good: to be pleasing, be (do) better, beautiful, best, better.

Understanding: prudence, insight, good sense, discretion, knowledge, wisdom, wise.

Have all (is shown): to complete -- (make) perfect, in all manner.

Do (follow): accomplish, exercise, commit, observe, be occupied, yield,

Praise: adoration, thanksgiving.

Endures (continues): abide, dwell, establish,  be employed, remain.

Forever: perpetuity, eternity, everlasting, old, perpetually.

F = W = GU = D = PxEE

There are several parts to this equation: 

F: Fear. This an action required of me. I am to be in awe and put in fear of God Almighty.

W: Wisdom. Fear of God equals wisdom, to be wise.

GU: Good Understanding. The best insight wisdom (based upon the fear of God).

D: Doing. The wisdom and understanding produces action.

PxEE: Praise Endures Eternity: The action produced by the wisdom and understanding is praise, adoration which endures for all eternity. 

Action ultimately produces eternal action! My responsibility is to FEAR God Almighty. That fear of God will result in wisdom and understanding of His will and since I fear God, I’ll want to DO His will and thus will worship Him with my praise and adoration for all eternity. 

Actions speak louder than words. I can say that I fear God. But if I’m not living my life in accordance to God’s Word, am I really fearing God Almighty? If my actions aren’t reflecting my fear of God, than I need to stop and go back to the beginning—fearing God. That begins with knowing Who God is. When I realize Who God is, that should produce a fear of God. For although God is love, He is also holy, just, supreme, righteous, merciful, all-powerful, all-knowing, absolute truth, and faithful... and the list continues.

Fearing God is the first step to wisdom and understanding, and that first step leads to doing God’s will, and that leads to praising God. The equation to creating a positive day is: F = W = GU = D = PxEE!

All In

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 Tenth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 111. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Hallelujah! I will celebrate Jehovah

with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the assembly.

Psalm 111:1 (DBT)

Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh

with my whole heart,

in the council of the upright,

and in the congregation.

Psalm 111:1 (WE)

Halleluyah: Halal "Praise" Lu "You" Yah “YHWH” (Yahweh)

Halal: to be clear, in sound or color, to shine, make a show, to rave, to celebrate.

Lu: “O That”. Stating a case which has not been realized, “what if”

Yah: the name of the Heavenly Elohiym is Yah from YHWH meaning the self existing one.

Halal-Lu-Yah means; if you celebrate Yah then all the questions that you have concerning "if, what, why, etc" will be fulfilled. “Halleluyah” is calling on the Name of the heavenly Father.

This Psalm starts by directing my attention to “Yahweh”- God Himself. And as I direct my attention to God, all doubts, what ifs, fears, etc fade. Because in the presence of God I am overwhelmed with His glory and power. I realized that He is all that matters. In the presence of God’s greatness, my questions disappear knowing that God is greater than any fear, doubt, question I may have.

“With my whole heart”

Whole: all, entire, every little bit, 

Heart: mind, will, purpose, intelligence, being, wholehearted

put your heart (and soul) into something: to do something with all of your energy and interest; to put all of one's sincere efforts into something.

I’m to be “ALL IN” as I praise God. My attention is to be fully focused on God. No distractions, no “mind wandering”, no “rabbit trails”. My one and only focus is to be God.  Why? First and foremost because of WHO He is. He is God Almighty. Secondly, because He is worthy of praise and honor. And lastly, because as I praise and honor God it puts my life into perspective. 

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God

with everything I’ve got.

Psalm 111:1a (MSG)

To honestly create a positive day, I need to shout Hallelujah to God... with everything I’ve got—with all my heart, soul, —I need to be “ALL IN” as I praise and honor God.