Psalm - Psalm 15

Psalm 15:2He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

Walks: behave

Uprightly: sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity

Works: to do or make systematically and habitually

Righteousness: ethically right

Speaks: be spokesman, declare

Truth: faithful, right, sure, true, verity

Heart: he man himself—meaning characteristic

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." Psalm 15:2 (MSG)

Behave. Create a habit of being ethically right. Be a spokesman for truth. 

Actions. Attitude. Words. Are they in accordance with God and His Word? Simple question. Think about your response before you answer. Remember it's in accordance to God's standard, not what you think or feel. 

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." 

Psalm - Psalm 2

I'm choosing one verse from each Psalm to focus and meditate on each day.  

Psalm 2:11Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve: to work
Fear: morally, reverence
Rejoice: root word - under the influence of emotion; be glad, joy, be joyful
Trembling: a shudder 

There are two actions in this verse - SERVE and REJOICE. Both are done with emotions based upon who the Lord (Yahweh) is. If my motivation to serve is based on the knowledge of WHO God is - then it will be done with rejoicing! 

Psalm 2

SERVE & REJOICE - because I know

who God is! 

1 Thessalonians: Echoes

1 Thessalonians 1:8

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

Sounded forth: to "echo" forth; broadcast

From you sounded out - As Thessalonica was very conveniently situated for traffic, many merchants from thence traded through Macedonia, Achaia, and different parts of Greece. By these, the fame of the Thessalonians having received the doctrine of the Gospel was doubtless carried far and wide. And it appears that they had walked so conscientiously before God and man, that their friends could speak of them without a blush, and their adversaries could say nothing to their disgrace. Adam Clarke Commentary

What sound does your life create? We all broadcast something. What is it that you believe in, that impacts your life in such a way that it literally echoes from your words, lifestyle, actions, attitude? 

Choose a few people, either people you know or see on TV. Then consider what they broadcast. It may be the truth, or it may be false, but since they believe it, they will echo it loud and clear. The dangers are when we look to people and take what they are broadcasting as truth, without checking the facts. 

What are you broadcasting? The people in Thessalonica broadcasted the truth of God. And their echo was heard far away. If you are not broadcasting God's truth, then changes need to be made. Echoes travel far - make sure your's is based on truth. 

1 Thessalonians: Role Model

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Examples: from two words, first: "strike repeatedly" – properly, a model forged by repetition; second: "pattern"; an example; α. in the technical sense, viz. the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made; in an ethical sense, a dissuasive example, pattern of warning; a stamp or scar becoming a model for warning

As I read this passage, my thoughts went to the term, "role models". There are many people who hold the title of "role model", but what do they model? From what pattern were they molded? And what pattern am I following? 

Does it really matter who we pattern ourselves after? Does it really matter who we consider role models? 

Yes, it really does matter. Whether you are seven or seventy, the people who you want to imitate will mold your thoughts, actions, and attitudes. 

Whether you realize it or not, or want to or not, your actions, attitude, and words demonstrate who your role model is. 
Perhaps it's time to consider what type of role model you are becoming. What actions, attitudes, and thoughts are you stamping on others? 

The people to whom this letter was written, were role models of the Lord Jesus. They were living lives that demonstrated Christ's love and warned others of the truth of sin and the everlasting consequences. 

Who is your role model? What type of role model are you?

1 Thessalonians: Solid Foundation

1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5

Knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

When sharing the truth about the Gospel of God, it's vital that your lives match that truth. The old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words." 

You know what kind of men we were: How we preached, and how we lived; our doctrines and our practices ever corresponding. And for your sakes we sustained difficulties, endured hardships, and were incessant in our labors. Adam Clarke Commentary

It's easy to say something, and it can be much more difficult to live it. But God has supplied the power to do so, the Holy Spirit. 

Paul begins this book by letting the people at the Church of Thessalonica that he prays for them, and reminds them of who they are — in Christ. That is the solid foundation on which they live their lives.

The Greatest Choice

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Just. Justly. 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. Proverbs 21:3 (AMP)

Doing what is ·right [righteous] and ·fair [just] is more ·important [preferable] to the Lord than sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3 (EXP)

This is a simple concept. Do what is right and acceptable so that you don't have to ask for forgiveness. However, too often we find ourselves making the wrong choice and doing the wrong thing..... and asking God to forgive us. 

This past week a person made a series of wrong choices. Her actions were not that of righteousness or justice. And those choices had deadly consequences. I found the comments posted on the news story interesting. So many spoke of what a great person she was. Some were quick to judge her for her actions. And some were just saddened by it all. A few mentioned the wrong choices she made that led to the consequences of her death. 

Actions do have consequences. What we do not only affect us personally, but others get caught up in those consequences as well. 

The lady mentioned above made wrong choices. I'm not judging, just stating the facts. She broke specific laws, and her actions caused her to lose her life. How many times have I made wrong choices? How many times have I chosen to do what I wanted, rather than what was acceptable to the Lord? 

Doing what is right is more preferable to the Lord than having to ask for forgiveness. Doing what is just is the right choice — 100% of the time. 

The act of doing what is just

is the greatest choice one can make. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:33-34

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 33, 34: Provides Application

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:33-34

Teach. Keep. Give. Keep. Observe. 

Teach: a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot)
Keep: guard with fidelity, observe
Give: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand -- attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern
Observe: A primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc. be circumspect 

O Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes, and I will keep them always. Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly. Psalm 119:33, 34 (VOICE)

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end.Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; and observe it with all my heart. Psalm 119:33, 34 (AMP)

A teachable heart and the ability to learn — and apply what is learned. When we study God's Word, we should be learning and with that learning comes the responsibility to act on what we learn. 

A teachable heart and ability to learn. Oh, that would be my prayer each day as I study God's Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:30-32

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)
God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.Psalm 119:30-32

Have chosen: select

Cling: cleave to, figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, to impinge

Will run:  to run for whatever reason, especially to rush

Three specific verbs. Three specific actions. Three specific goals. 

Make a choice. Stick with that choice. Continue to follow that choice. 

Will my actions and goals be determined by my desires, the desires the media (social/news) portrays, or will they be based on the solid Word of God? 

Three specific verbs. Choose. Cling. Run. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:24

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 24: Provides Wisdom

Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. Psalm 119:24

Delight:  enjoyment, pleasure
Counselors: prudence, advice, purpose

He sought direction and advice from them as from a friend who would give him counsel. He looked to the revealed law of God to ascertain what was right; to know how he should act in the emergencies of life. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

What should I do? How should I act? What should I say? Questions we all ask ourselves. The true answer is actually simple — do, act and say — exactly as God would. And we learn the specifics from His Word. 

Wisdom. Everyday practical wisdom. Available from the One who created us. The question comes down to — will I follow the advice of God Almighty? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:17

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 17: Provides Life

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully: benefit or requite; to ripen; to render good

With: according to

Servant: bondservant

Live: nourish up, to keep alive

Keep: guard; to protect, attend to, observe

Your Word: advice, thing about which one speaks

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Psalm 119:17 (AMP)

That I may live - The continuance of life was dependent on the favor of God.

And keep thy word - For grace to do this he was equally dependent on God; and he asked that life might be continued, in order that he might honor the word of God by obeying it. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible) 

Too often this is our prayer when we are in difficult circumstances— "Lord save me and I'll live a better life." Yet, once the circumstances is past, we soon forget our problems and our promise. 

This plea of asking favor from God has a specific purpose — that I might live a life in accordance with God's Word. A result of God's goodness and grace is a life that works to protect and carry out all that God requires. 

God's Word does provide life — if one makes a choice to know it and live it. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:15

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 15: Provides Contemplation

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Psalm 119:15

Meditate: ponder, study

Precepts: a mandate of God — collectively, for the Law

Contemplate: shew regard to, consider

Ways: of mode of living or of character

Contemplate: to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully (Dictionary.com)

Contemplation: the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation; full or deep consideration; reflection; purpose or intention (Dictionary.com)

Not just random thoughts. But thoughts with intent. Thoughts that will have an impact on my actions, words, and motives. 

Contemplation — thoughtful observation directed specifically to God's mode of living. And this level of contemplation means that I need to know God's Word.

So, what are you thinking about today? What has your attention? What are you contemplating?

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:14

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 14: Provides Treasure

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:14

Rejoiced: Cheerful, be glad

In the way: a course of life or mode of action

Your Testimonies: the code of law

As much as: according to

All: every one

Riches: wealth; by implication—enough 

What makes me happy? What is it the puts a smile on my face? What value to I put on things? What is worth a lot to me? 

The things that we enjoy and that we value highly, we make sure it fits our schedule. We will rearrange our schedules so that we can attend an event. We really do make time for what matters to us. 

Do I value God and His Word more than wealth? Does obeying God make me happy? The answer to both those questions should be "YES!" — and it should be evident in my actions, attitude, thoughts, and words. 

Be happy! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:13

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 13: Provides Conversation

With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. Psalm 119:13

With my lips: language, speech

Have declared: recount something, to score with a mark as a tally or record

All: the whole, any and every

Judgments: after the manner, custom, fashion — rightful due

Of Your mouth: according as after, speech

What do I talk about? Lately we've heard much talk about Hurricanes. How strong will they be? What path will they take? No one really knows until it actually arrives. But our conversations and actions were filled with Hurricane preparedness and "what ifs". 

What do I talk about? No matter the topic, my conversation should reflect what I believe about God. The particular words I choose, my intent, and emotion of how those were are spoken, should reflect God and His mercy and grace. 

But in order for me to have God's Word impact my conversation, I must know God's Word. 

What impacts my conversation? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:12

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 12: Provides Instruction

Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:12

Blessed: (bless) to kneel as an act of adoration

Lord: A variation of Yhovah (used after 'Adonay, and pronounced by Jews as 'elohiym, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound, since they elsewhere pronounce Yhovah as 'Adonay) -- God

Teach: diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skillful

Statutes: commandment, decreed, law

What better way to show honor to God, than to learn about Him and learn His Word. We often say we love God, but how to we show God we love Him? Out of a heart of devotion and love of God, our actions should show a true desire to honor Him. 

Teach me. In order to be taught, one must be willing to learn. That means we have to approach God without an agenda of our own. We have to go to God with open minds and hearts to listen and hear, and then put into action what His Word says. 

Teach me, O God — for I am ready and willing to learn. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:11

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 11: Provides Influence

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

Your word: commandment, speech

Have hidden: by implication, to hoard or reserve

My heart: the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything

That I: to the end intent that

Might Sin: miss the goal or path of right and duty; always against God

Not: most assuredly, no

Good men are afraid of sin, and are in care to prevent it; and the most effectual way to prevent is to hide God's word in our hearts, that we may answer every temptation, as our Master did, with, It is written, may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its menaces. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible; Psalm 119:11)

Influence: the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/influence?s=t)

Compelling force - on actions, behavior, opinions, etc. What is the compelling force in my life? What drives me to do things? What prevents me from doing things? 

My prayer is that God's Word would be the compelling force that would guide my actions, behavior, options, etc to be God honoring. 

Influence. God's word should have a huge influence on me, each and every day. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:9

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 9: Provides Purity (Sanctification)

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalm 119:9

How can: what end, what good, purpose
Cleanse: make or keep clean, pure
His way: of mode of living, or of character
Taking heed: guard, to protect, attend to
Your word: advice, answer, message

The ruin of young men is either living at large (or by no rule at all) or choosing to themselves false rules: let them ponder the path of their feet, and walk by scripture-rules; so their way shall be clean, and they shall have the comfort and credit of it here and for ever. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

The lack of respect for God and His word, is very evident in our society today. The idea that laws/rules don't apply to me has created a generation of godless and selfish people. The longer we as individuals and as a Nation continue to ignore God and His word, we will continue to decline and chaos will continue to reign. 

Want to clean up your act? Than pay attention to and guard God's advice. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:7

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....
vs. 7, 8: Provides Results

I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:7

Praise: give thanks, laud
Uprightness: honest, integrity
Heart: specific reference to moral character
Learn: instruct, skillful, to exercise in
Righteous: justice
Judgments: divine law, ordinance

When I learn and "exercise" God's Word, there should be a direct result — praise! Giving thanks should be an outpouring of love and appreciation for who God is, and all He does. 

The more I know about God, the more I should be in awe of Him. But the key to this verse is "when I learn". Learning takes effort. Learning takes time. Learning is vital to growing and understanding more about who God is. And when I gain a greater understanding of God, then praise will flow from my heart! 

As the state of Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Irma, many wonder, "Why would God allow such a storm, that brings death and destruction?" To be honest, I don't know. But I do know that even the winds and sea obey Him. He has the power to stop Irma in her tracks. However, even if He doesn't, that doesn't make Him any less God. God doesn't owe us any explanation of why He does what He does. God doesn't owe us anything! 

It is only by His grace and mercy that He loves us, and loves us so much that He paid the sacrifice for our sins! (John 3:16) God, the creator of all — including us — doesn't need to act in the way we think best. God acts in ways that are beyond our understanding. God acts in ways that get people's attention and draw them near to Him. God acts in ways that demonstrate His power, His justice, and His sovereignty. 

Who is God? He is too big for me to comprehend everything about Him. But I do know that God loves me! And that is cause for great praise! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:6

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....
vs. 6: Provides Motivation

Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. Psalm 119:6

Then: expressing logical sequence
Not: nay, neither, never, no
Ashamed: be put to confusion, to be disappointed
Look: look intently at, consider, regard, have respect
All: altogether, any manner, every one
Commandments: which was commanded, law, ordinance, precept

The past few days, we've been very motivated as we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. It's amazing how a threat can motivated us into action. We all knew that hurricane season was approaching, but most did nothing about it, until there was a real threat. 

In my life, do I would in crisis mode? Do I wait until I'm in trouble before turning to God? What motivates me into action? 

What should motivate me to obey God's Word, is that it is in fact His Word! If I am obeying His Word, then when I read His Word, it becomes a blessing. However, if I am disobeying God, then reading His Word should be convicting. 

Looking back at the previous verses, there are actions and choices that should be part of my daily life. If I am thinking and acting, in a manner honoring God, then I have no need to be ashamed. 

What motivates you? Do you wait until you are in crisis mode? Or are you creating a daily habit of obeying God? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:5

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 3–5: Provides Direction

Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Psalm 119:5

O that: my wish is that; O! would that!
Ways: of moral action and character
Directed: in moral sense, be directed aright, faithfulness
To Keep: Keep: take heed to self, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; to protect, be circumspect
Statutes: commandment

Oh, that every part of my life would remain in line with what You require! Psalm 119:5 (VOICE)

What is your wish? What do you dream of? The best wish would be that we live a life pleasing and honoring God. 

As I studied that meaning of the words in Psalm 119:5, the word "Faithfulness" stood out. How I would personally translate Psalm 119:5 "My desire is that I'd be faithful to obey God's Word." 

Faithful. Faithfully obey God. 

Faithful:1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.2. true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.3. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.4. reliable, trusted, or believed.http://www.dictionary.com/browse/faithful?s=t

What good is having directions, if you don't follow them? God clearly states what we are to do and how we are to live. Want true happiness and joy? Then be faithful to the obedience to His Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:4

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 3–5: Provides Direction

You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Psalm 119:4

You: God 
Commanded: give a charge
Keep: take heed to self, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; to protect, be circumspect
Precepts: a mandate of God; (plural only, collectively, for the Law) -- commandment
Diligently: up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly

Our lives are filled with situations and circumstances that have rules. 

When you drive, there are specific rules that must be followed, and if not, there are consequences — up to and including death. Stopping on red, may seem like a silly rule, but it's one that when obeyed protects you from getting t-boned. 

The fact is that we live our lives by rules each day.  Why do we then fight and ignore the simple basic rules that God (who created us) has given us? Why do we think that we know better and can ignore the laws that God designed? He created the laws knowing us and what we would need to protect us from ourselves and on another. 

Yet, so often we ignore God's commands, thinking we know all too well. That is basically, ignoring the meaning of a red light — and driving directly into the path of a car obeying the law of the green light. 

God provides direction, not because He want to rob us of fun. Rather, he provides direction through His commands so that we can enjoy life, and truly be happy! 

Red light. Green light. It really is as simple as that.