Approved by 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 33. Here is what I learned.

He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings. Psalm 33:15 (AMP)

He made the hearts of them all. And He understands whatever they do. Psalm 33:15 (KJV)

He has formed every human heart, breathing life into every human spirit; He knows the deeds of each person, inside and out. Psalm 33:15 (VOICE)

Their works - Both outward and inward, all the workings of their minds and actions, and all their endeavours and actions. Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Thinking about doing something is NOT the same and actually doing it. 

And doing something for the wrong reason or with the wrong attitude is NOT the same as doing something with your whole heart. 

Not every thought turns into action. And not every action is because of a good thought. The key is to turn those good thoughts into the proper action. 

God knows the whys and whats of my actions. He knows the thought, or lack of thought, that went into doing doing something. Why did I do it? Was it out of care and concern? Was it out of love? Or was it out of spite? Or was it done for attention? If the action was done with a proper motive, was it done well? 

I need to first get my thoughts to be approved by God. Then I need to turn those thoughts into the proper actions that will accomplish God’s will and bring glory to Him. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that both my thoughts and actions are approved by God. 

His Decisions can be Trusted

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 33. Here is what I learned.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect. Psalm 33:10 (AMP)

The Lord ·upsets [frustrates] the ·plans [counsels] of nations; he ·ruins [foils] ·all their plans [the plans of the peoples]. Psalm 33:10 (EXB)

The cause of God is never in danger: infernal craft is outwitted by infinite wisdom, and Satanic malice held in check by boundless power. The Treasury of David

I’m a planner. I like to think through every aspect before I make a decision. However, I’ve learned that no matter how much I plan... there are always unknowns, or changes in circumstances for which I cannot take into account as I plan. 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor? Romans 11:33-34 (AMP)

When God changes my plans, I need to remember that although I may not understand why, His decisions are to be trusted! 

To create a positive day, I need to accept God’s plans, knowing that because of God’s wisdom His decisions can be trusted. 

My Worth

 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 33. Here is what I learned.

So our hope is in the Lord.  He is our help, our shield to protect us.  Psalm 33:20 (EXB)

Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. Psalm 33:20 (AMP)

We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. Psalm 33:20 (MSG)

There is an excellent story of a young man, that was at sea in a mighty raging tempest; and when all the passengers were at their wits' end for fear, he only was merry; and when he was asked the reason of his mirth, he answered, "That the pilot of the ship was his father, and he knew his father would have a care of him." The great and wise God, who is our Father, hath from all eternity decreed what shall be the issue of all wars, what the event of all troubles; he is our pilot, he sits at the stern; and though the ship of the church or state be in a sinking condition, yet be of good comfort, our Pilot will have a care of us. There is nothing done in the lower house of Parliament on earth, but what is first decreed in the higher house in heaven. All the lesser wheels are ordered and overruled by the upper. Are not five sparrows, saith Christ, sold for a farthing? One sparrow is not worth half a farthing. And there's no man shall have half a farthing's worth of harm more than God hath decreed from all eternity.  Edmund Calamy

How much am I worth? God considered me to be worthy of sacrificing His Son, so that I could enjoy His mercy and grace and spend eternity with Him. Since I am worth THAT to God.... I can be assured that He will not only provide me everything I need, but will make sure that I’m equipped to handle anything He allows to come my way. 

To create a positive day, I only have to remember how God views my worth,  and live in accordance to that worthiness. 

Awe and Respect

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 33. Here is what I learned.

Let all the earth fear the Lord. Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him. Psalm 33:8 (GW)

All the earth should ·worship [fear; hold in awe] the Lord; ·the whole [all the inhabitants of the] world should ·fear him [hold him in awe]. Psalm 33:8 (EXB)

"Let all the earth fear the Lord." Not only Jews, but Gentiles. The Psalmist was not a man blinded by national prejudice, he did not desire to restrict the worship of Jehovah to the seed of Abraham. He looks for homage even to far-off nations. If they are not well enough instructed to be able to praise at least let them fear. There is an inferior kind of worship in the trembling which involuntarily admits the boundless power of the thundering God. A defiant blasphemer is out of place in a world covered with tokens of the divine power and Godhead; the whole earth cannot afford a spot congenial for the erection of a synagogue of Atheism, nor a man in whom it is becoming to profane the name of God. "Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him." Let them forsake their idols, and reverently regard the only living God. What is here placed as a wish may also be read as a prophecy: the adoration of God will yet be universal. The Treasury of David

Fear: stand in awe of.

Awe: admiration, apprehension, astonishment, consternation, dread, esteem, fear, fright, horror, regard, respect, reverence, shock, stupefaction, terror, veneration, wonder, wonderment, worship.

I was driving to my Chiropractor appointment, and heard a police siren. I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw that the Police car was a few car lengths behind me. As my heart beat increased, I automatically took my foot off the gas and looked at the speedometer. No, I wasn’t speeding... I pulled over to the far right, and watched as the police officer drove on past. I took a deep breath and continued on my way. 

Why was my reaction one of fear, when I heard the siren? I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Yet, the respect I have for the Police, filled me with fear... and dread because of what I might have done wrong, I was fearful of the consequences. 

As I thought about Psalm 33:8, I’m the fear the Lord, not necessarily because of the consequences of disobedience, but rather because of WHO He is. The fact the God is God Almighty, should instill a sense of awe and respect. And that awe and respect should motivate me into obey and honoring God in all I do and say. 

To create a positive day, I need to fear God and that awe and respect should motivate me into obey and honoring God in all I do and say. 

Taken Notice of Me!

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 33. Here is what I learned.

The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. Psalm 33:13 (HCSB)

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. Psalm 33:13 (NLT)

"The Lord looketh from heaven." The Lord is represented as dwelling above and looking down below; seeing all things, but peculiarly observing and caring for those who trust in him. It is one of our choicest privileges to be always under our Father's eye, to be never out of sight of our best Friend. The Treasury of David

“Look at me! Look at me!” Remember as kids we wanted the attention of our parents, teachers, etc. We’d do what we could to get their attention, and then we felt so cool, and awesome that they noticed us... or we “made them notice us”. Now as adults, we often think it awesome, when a celebrity, or sport’s star looks our way or gives us an autograph. Guess we really all like to be noticed sometimes. 

Psalm 33:13 tells us that God notices us, and we don’t have to jump up and down or wave our arms or shout... He simply looks and sees us. 

Lord willing tomorrow, I’ll have my broken spinal stimulator removed. I’ll be the ‘center of attention’ tomorrow. The Nurses, Doctors, and staff will be focused on me! The sad part is most of the time, I won’t be aware of their attention as I’ll be asleep. But I’m thankful that they will be “looking down and seeing me”. 

Yet, better than being seen my the Medical staff, I’m being seen by God! He is carefully watching over me and is aware of all the details happening around me. He is “peculiarly observing and caring for me... and I’m never out of sight of my Best Friend!”  Even when I am unaware of what is happening, I can enjoy peace because God is watching!

To create a positive day, I only need to take a moment to remember, God has taken notice of me!

Praise Looks Good on You

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 33. Here is what I learned.

Sing, ye righteous, in Jehovah, For upright ones praise [is] comely. Psalm 33:1 (YLT)

·Sing [Shout for joy] to the Lord, you ·who do what is right [righteous ones]; ·honest people should praise him [praise is fitting from the upright/virtuous]. Psalm 33:1 (EXB)

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous." Exult, ye righteous, in Jehovah! The Hebrew verb originally means to dance for joy, and is therefore a very strong expression for the liveliest exultation. J. A. Alexander. 

"Rejoice in the Lord." Joy is the soul of praise. To delight ourselves in God is most truly to extol him, even if we let no notes of song proceed from our lips. That God is, and that he is such a God, and our God, ours for ever and ever, should wake within us an unceasing and overflowing joy. The Treasury of David

What does God think of a true expression for the liveliest exultation. He likes it! Praise looks good on those who love God! 

Praise Looks Good on You 

Don Moen

When you lift Your hands up high 

And you sing a song of praise to Me

It brings Me great delight 

Such a lovely sight 

And yes it is true 

Praise looks good on you

Morning night and noon 

Your praise ascends to heaven 

Like the smell sweet perfume

Filling every room

And yes it is true

Praise looks good on you

Chorus:

You bring your sacrifices

And you offer up your praise

You lift your voice with singing

But your heart seems far away

More than a sacrifice

I am looking for your life

Holy and acceptable

And pleasing in my sight

Verse 2:

So offer up your lives

Holy and acceptable

A willing sacrifice

Precious in my sight

But in all that you do

Remember all I want is you

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:

So lift your hands up high

And worship Him before the altar 

Consecrate your life

A willing sacrifice

But in all that you do

Remember all He wants is you

And yes it is true

Praise looks good on you

To create a positive day, I need to show God a true expression of the liveliest exultation—for God is worthy of praise, and it looks good on me! 

Praise Looks Good on You. Don Moen

Ultimate Exactitude!

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 33. Here is what I learned.

God’s word is ·true [upright; virtuous], and everything he does is ·right [faithful]. Psalm 33:4 (EXB)

The word of the Lord is correct, and everything he does is trustworthy. Psalm 33:4 (GW)

For the word of the Lord is right - The command; the law; the promise of God. Whatever he "says" is right; or, is true. It is worthy of universal belief; and should, therefore, be a reason for praise. The fact that God says a thing is the highest proof that it is true.

And all his works are done in truth - Or rather, "in faithfulness." That is, All that he does is executed faithfully. He does all that he promises, and all that he does is such as to claim universal confidence. Whatever he does is, from the very fact that He does it, worthy of the confidence of all his creatures. None, however they may be affected by what he does, have any reason to doubt that it is perfectly right. God is the only Being of whom we have any knowledge, concerning whom we can feel this certain assurance. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Truth. Absolute. 

Truth: accuracy, actuality, authenticity, certainty, correctness,  exactitude, exactness, fact, facts, factualism, factuality, factualness, genuineness, gospel truth, gospel, honest truth, infallibility, legitimacy, perfection, precision, principle, rightness, trueness, truism, truthfulness, unvarnished truth, veracity, verisimilitude, verity.

With truth, comes trust. When someone lies to us, trust is broken and relationships are broken. However, truth leads to trust and strong relationships. God not only speaks truth — He is truth. God is the ultimate exactitude! He cannot lie. He can be only truth for that is Who He is, and He can be nothing else. 

What does it mean to me that God is the ultimate exactitude? That provides me with great assurance. Knowing that God is truth and speaks truth, those promises that I’m standing on.. that rock-solid foundation... is not going to waver, or shake. I can rest assured that God says what He means, and means what He says. No question on if He’ll “change His mind”, or have a different story to tell today. God was, is, and will always remain faithful and true. God is the ultimate exactitude! 

Knowing that God means what He says, and says what He means provides the basis for a positive day!

Unleashed!

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 Twenty-eigth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 33. Here's what Treasure I found today.

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:21, 22 (NLT)

For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.  Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You. Psalm 33:21, 22 (AMP)

Because (for): assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

Heart: inner man, mind, will, heart, courage, strength, “head & heart”. 

Rejoice: cheer up, be make glad, have, make joyful, be make merry, cause to, make to rejoice.

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure.

Holy: consecrated thing, dedicated thing, hallowed thing, holiness, most holy.

Name: implication honor, authority, character.

Let: accomplished, committed, to exist.

Loving-kindness: To be kind, abundant, plenteous in kindness, to be good.

As: cause to ascend up, above, according to.

We: who, which, what, that, when—whosoever.

Hope: to be patient, cause to, have, make to hope, stay, tarry, trust, wait.

Where do I find joy? Is there a reason to rejoice? 

Assuredly, I put my courage and strength, in God and that action (putting my confidence) in God is in itself an occasion to rejoice. Always, in each and every circumstance—the act of trusting in the Name (character, God Himself) of God—the source of joy—will produce joy!

As I trust, wait upon God, stay contently with God, His abundant kindness and goodness will exist in my life. 

So the act of trust produces not only joy, but “unleashes” God’s abundant goodness to me, His child. If I want to experience pure joy and abundant goodness, I must place all my confidence—both my “head and heart” —in God and God alone. 

Any day that I have God’s joy and abundant goodness unleashed on me... creates an awesome positive day!