Over-spilling Joy

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words. 

This was from my Study of Colossians. 

"[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,Colossians 1:11 (AMP)

This verses continues to list of topics covered in their prayers. It's comforting to know that it is a fact that we each face troubles. But greater than the troubles is the strength and endurance that God gives... that comes with and produces joy. 

I like how verse 11 reads in The Message: "We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy."

Strength that endures the unendurable AND spills over into JOY. I wonder what would happen if I accepted God's strength to endure the unendurable.... and allow it to spill over with JOY! 

What a great prayer to pray for someone, knowing that it's possible!

God supplied-strength results in not just enduring and muddling through a situation, but rather enduring it being overwhelmed with joy!

And that God supplied-strength and over-spilling joy, begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Proverbs 4:3, 4: Influence

When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Proverbs 4:3, 4

Heart: mind will, heart, from influence of 

Retain: hold, keep, hold firmly

Keep: observe = follow dictates of prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom

Commands: code of wisdom

Live: continue in life, remain alive

Influence. What makes us act, speak, think the way we do. We are all influenced by something or someone. And that influence impacts our life. 

When wisdom influences then the result is positive. However, in order for wisdom to be able to influence, the words, and code of wisdom must be known and held onto firmly. For what we don't know can't influence us. 

Influence. Impact. Predominance. What will control my thoughts, my actions, my attitude, my motives? If I want wisdom to have the greatest influence, then I had better grasp it and hold firmly to wisdom.

The only way for a heart to truly be influenced by wisdom, is of it to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For a heart that respects and fears God, will be ready to hear and be influenced by wisdom.

Residence

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Colossians 1:13 (AMP)

As I read this verse, the first thought that stood out was the The Father delivered or rescued us (me). Now, as much as I like to "do it myself", when it comes to Salvation it CANNOT be done by ones self, no matter who you are. God in His grace and mercy is the only One who can rescue us from the dominion of darkness; sin. 

The next things that stood out, was that God didn't just rescue me, but PUT me or transported me to His Kingdom! God completely changed my situation! 

And this isn't just "any Kingdom". This is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son. A Kingdom in which Jesus Christ as complete royal power, kingship, and dominion.

So, am I living like I am part of God's Kingdom? Or am I still wanting to wallow around in the darkness and despair? Sadly, there are days I choose sin over God's amazing love. Thankfully, God forgives. 

Only when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), will I live as a residence of God's Kingdom. 

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 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Reverence for God; Psalm 139:1

Permeated with a Deep Sense of Reverence for God

Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully. (Acts 9:31 MSG)

Psalm 139:1 

Lord, you have examined [investigated; searched] me and know all about me. Psalm 139:1 (EXB)

God, the Creator of all, has searched me… examined thoroughly… and knows… is fully and acutely aware of me and all that concerns me.  This is where a deep sense of reverence for God begins. For I must realize that God Almighty has intimate knowledge of all things…. that includes my heart and soul.

That knowledge is both frightening and comforting. Frighten, because God Almighty searched me and knows all that concerns me… and I am a sinner. 

Comforting, because of God’s mercy and grace, my sins are forgiven and He sees me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 61:10). 

If I want to have a deep sense of reverence for God, first my relationship with God must be “In good standing”. I must confess my sin before God. 

I must then follow God’s example, and search and know God Almighty. A deep sense of reverence for God, must start with Who God is. As I learn about Who God is, a deep sense of reverence should overwhelm my heart and soul.