Why would I doubt? (James)

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. James 1:7

For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, or continuation); take note of what came before (James 1:6)

Not: where one is bidden to cease from something already begun, or repeated, or continued

Think: suppose, imagine

Receive: to gain, get, obtain, to get hold of

Anything: some or any object

From: the side or the vicinity of one, or from one's sphere of power, or from one's wealth or store

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights 

Why would I ask something of God, knowing that He has FULL OWNERSHIP of everything, only to doubt that He could supply? (James 1:6- Seasick). Asking in faith, doesn't mean that God will automatically give me everything I ask for— rather it means that I will trust God to supply what's BEST for me. 

And remember what James is discussing here, it's not our "wants" in general. Rather, the emphasis is on WISDOM! We are asking God for wisdom, "the art of USING wisdom", so that we can live a godly life that honors and brings glory to Him. 

God is the only source of true wisdom. And if we want wisdom, all we need to do is ask God believing that we will receive wisdom. But often we become "seasick" as we don't trust God to give us what we asked. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't care for the answer wisdom offers. We'd rather go it on our own—since we know better — (we may think that, but NO, we don't). 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, as we know that we would have to change our attitude, actions, and thoughts. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, for if we USE wisdom, we may have to make lifestyle changes. 

So, if I want to put into practice the art of using wisdom, I need to ask God believing that He will give it to me — knowing that He is fully capable of doing so, as God is the source of wisdom. 

Why would I doubt knowing that I'd receive nothing? Ask in full confidence knowing that God is the source and will give wisdom—and be ready to put that wisdom to good use!

Thanks Living: Actively Giving the Finest

Of all your gifts you shall offer up every heave offering due to the Lord, from all the best of them, the consecrated part of them.’  Numbers 18:29 (NKJV) 

Out of all your gifts, you shall present every offering due to the Lord, from all the best of it, even the sacred part from them.’ Numbers 18:29 (AMP)

Offer up: to be high actively, give, present

Best: the richest or choice part, finest

I've been thinking about this verse: 

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

And especially about the phrase, "offer sacrifices of joy". 

Joy: alarm, blowing of, the trumpets, joy, jubilee, loud noise, rejoicing, shouting

I am to be highly active in giving the very best toward giving thanks rejoicing to God. 

The very best, the finest. 

That would include all aspects. That means if I am complaining, worrying, anxious, mumbling, etc, my focus and energies are not being active in praising and thanking God. I am "using up" my time, energy, thoughts on the aspects I can see and focusing on what I think are 'good or bad' from my perspective. 

The very best, the finest. 

To be actively giving God the finest—then I really need to be thinking, and living a life of Thanks Living. I cannot use up my mind and thoughts on the selfish and what ifs. Rather, I must be actively giving God shouts of praise and thanksgiving. 

Just think, as my mindset changes to praising God, the what-ifs, the worrying, and the fears of the unknowns no longer get my attention. Rather, they are replaced with shouts of joy and praise, knowing that God Almighty is loving me, caring for me, and working all things out for His glory and honor. 

Thanks Living, actively giving God the finest and very best— sacrifices of joy! 

Thanks Living: Instead Choose the BEST

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:2-4

Walk: to regulate one's life, to conduct oneself

Love: which centers in moral preference, typically refers to divine love (= what God prefers)

Sweet-smelling aroma: fragrance, perfume

Fornication: from the Greek "porneuo"; harlotry (including adultery and incest)

Uncleanness: impurity (the quality), physically or morally

Covetousness: greedy desire to have more

Not even: not once, so much as

Be named: of things which are called by their own name because they are present or exist

Fitting: to be suitable or proper

Filthiness: dishonor, shamefulness, obscenity

Foolish talking: silly talk, buffoonery

Course jesting: grossly or obscenely abusive, vulgar or indecent in speech, abusive

Not fitting: unbecoming, discreditable

But: a strong adversative conjunction – but instead

Rather: comparative adverb so it refers to what is better as compared to what is merely "good." This involves prioritizing or ranking to elevate the better over the good, i.e. the higher priority (the more important)

Giving of thanks: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)

Nicknames are often given based on what we do, or some characteristic we have. What name is associated with you? Is it proper and suitable—for a Christian to have? Does the nickname represent Christ in a good way? 

Ephesians 5:3, 4 give a list of areas to avoid for they are discreditable in view of Christianity. Partaking in those things tarnishes your reputation and creates a pungent odor to God. 

BUT rather—Don't even begin to think about those pungent things, instead choose the BEST! And what is that BETTER thing to choose? Actively giving thanks to God! When we are actively involved in Thanks Living, our desire will be to choose the BEST! 

The Chariot

In August 2011, I was able to buy a 2012 Ford Fiesta. You can read about the details of how God led me to HIS best here:

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2011/08/details-its-all-in-details.html

A few weeks ago, my Dad decided it was time for him to stop driving. He turned 88 this month, and he thought it was best to leaving the driving to someone else. And that someone, is me. 

Although I really liked my Fiesta, it was not comfortable for my parents, and it was a tight fit with their walkers and if needed in the future a wheelchair. So, I started praying and asking God what would meet the needs for us. 

I claimed Psalm 21:1-3 as my car searching verses: 

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.

I was excited to

MEET the BLESSINGS of GOODNESS

that God had waiting for me! 

Since my cars had been Fords, I started looking at a local Ford Dealership. I looked at their Used Inventory and thought maybe an Escape would meet our needs. They had one in my price range, however, because of the power seats, I could not get it reclined enough for my back. 

I then looked at a new Focus hatchback. In my price range, and the hatchback would give me more trunk space. However, it was still on the small side and would not provide much room for my parents. 

A friend recommended that I check out his Uncle's Dealership. But his Uncle wouldn't be there until after lunch. And since I was hungry, I decided to stop and eat lunch. I was hesitant to spend the money, since I was looking to buy a different car—but I was HUNGRY. lol I stopped at a restaurant I like, and I learned I had enough reward points for a FREE LUNCH! How cool is that?! A nice "blessing of goodness"!

And it was God's way of saying: 

After lunch, I went to Sorenson & Schade Chevrolet. I met Andrew and we discussed what I was looking for and what would meet my needs. He said he'd talk with the Uncle, and see what they had in their inventory that would meet my needs. 

I received a phone call from Andrew that he had two possibilities for me. I went back to the Dealership and Andrew told me that the first he'd show me was an Escape. I almost said, "Tried that, and the seats don't work for me." But God kept my mouth shut. 

I sat in the Escape and the seat reclined! No power seats in this model. Ok, one key factor taken care of. Next, would be to see if my parent's would find it comfortable and would the walkers/wheelchair fit? 

I was able to test drive the Escape for a couple of days, and I found it met our needs quite well. But would the price be such it would fit my budget? 

I went back to the Dealership and met with Andrew to discuss the specifics of cost. After trading my Fiesta and my Dad's car, we were able to get the payments low enough for me to afford the Escape with the extended warranty. 

Here is a picture of The Chariot. A 2013 Ford Escape. (Yes, I too find it amusing that I was able to buy another Ford, even if from a Chevy Dealer!) 

Andrew with The Chariot

Oh, but God wasn't done with His taking care of EVERY detail! On the way home from buying the car, I stopped at my insurance company to notify them. It was an awesome surprise that my insurance is now $24 less a month (due to being a larger and safer vehicle). That savings will help pay for the gas since it will use more than the Fiesta. Those "Blessing of Goodness" kept on coming! God knows EXACTLY what I can afford and makes sure He takes care of all the details—when I let Him lead and direct! 

Once again, God led me to HIS best. In this case it was working with Andrew at Sorensen and Shade and buying a 2013 Ford Escape. Thankful for God's timing and His blessings of goodness! 

_________________________________

If you are in the Winter Haven, FL area and are looking for a car, I recommend Sorensen and Schade. Ask for "Andrew W." is very easy to work with and is a real gentleman. (And if you tell them that "Rhonda S." sent you, that would be nice.)

Today's going to be a 10!

Each morning, I decide how much of my pain medication I'm going to take. Some days I take less, and there are some days I take the full amount allowed. Today was an almost all day... it's a 10 ml day. As I was cleaning out the measuring spoon, I laughed... "Today's a 10!" 

When we think of the number "10", we usually associate that with being great, top-notch, the best of the best. Yet, taking more of the medications, means a higher than normal pain day. So, what if the pain is high today.... can't the day still be a "10"? 

I think it goes back to perspective. I can focus on the pain being so bad that I need "10", or I can focus on the idea that no matter my pain, today will be a "10". It can still be a top-notch day even if my pain is high. 

In order for me to make this day a "10", I need to make sure my focus is not on "poor me", "why me" or even the pain itself. I need to focus on the wonderful things God is doing around me and through me. 

For example, as I was looking outside my sliding door this morning, I saw the moon. Just a sliver was lit, but I could see the faded outline of the entire moon. God used that image to remind me that pain is just a very small sliver of me, and that God has much more in store for me and my life than just the small sliver of pain. I see only a very small aspect of my life. I have no idea all that God has planned, or what He will do through me. 

A gentleman as church a few weeks ago, said this to me. "You are a blessing to so many. You have no idea the ones that you've reached by your example of what God is doing in your life." I thanked him for that perspective. For I only see the small sliver and often forget the "full-moon" of my life. 

So, today will be a "10 day".... the best of the best, a top-notch day.... if I remember to keep my focus on God and what He is doing, rather than me and my pain. 

To create a positive 10-day, I need to remember that God is in control and He is greater than my pain. His plan, although I don't always understand, is one that is the best of the best to bring glory to Him. 

The Best

"The desires of good people lead straight to the best" Proverbs 11:23a (MSG)

I have this verse posted on a closet door. 

Desires: distinctly good sense

Good: righteous man 

Best: good = benefit 

"Trust the Lord, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful. Be happy with the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Entrust your ways to the Lord. Trust him, and he will act on your behalf." Psalm 37:3-5 (GW)

Trust the LORD: my trust is not in RHONDA.. but my trust, reliance is to be in God!

Do: accomplish

Good: rich, valuable in estimation

Happy (delight): take exquisite delight; to be soft or pliable

Desires: request, petition

Entrust: roll, roll away, remove

Ways: course of life, or action, undertakings

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Act: absolute act, act with effect 

As I read these verses this morning, God reminded me that He wants what is BEST for me.... in order that I accomplish HIS will. It's not about "me", rather it's about me surrendering to God and allowing Him to work so that He receives glory and honor. 

As I prepare to move and make plans to move, I need to step back and remove "Rhonda" from the forefront. I'm to put my reliance in God so that He can accomplish good! 

I've always found the meaning of the word, "delight" interesting. To be soft and pliable. Reminds me of when I played with Play Dough. When the dough is kept in the tightly sealed jars, it was fun to take it out and play with it... it was soft and pliable and didn't take much work to form it into shapes. 

Yet, when I left the lid off, the dough became hard. It took a lot of effort to mold it, and often I'd just give up and throw it away. 

"Rhonda" means strong and powerful. Too often, I leave the "lid off" of my heart thinking I know best and can figure all the details of life out on my own. Yet, I soon realize, that being tough and hard, only makes it more difficult for God to work with me to create His masterpiece. 

If I'm soft and pliable, and I have the good sense to fully trust God, He will accomplish His will and purpose. He will lead me straight to the BEST!

Very Best Way Possible

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.

They will call to me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in ·trouble [distress]; I will rescue them and ·honor [glorify] them. Psalm 91:15 (EXB)

He will call on Me, and I will answer. I’ll be with him through hard times; I’ll rescue him and grant him honor. Psalm 91:15 (VOICE)

"I will answer him." I think we sometimes discourage ourselves by a misconception of the exact meaning of the expression, "answer," taking it to mean only grant. Now, an answer is not necessarily an acquiescence. It may be a refusal, an explanation, a promise, a conditional grant. It is, in fact, simply attention to our request expressed. In this sense, before we call he will answer, and while we are yet speaking he will hear, Isaiah 65:24.  Mary B. M. Duncan

Answer: Pay attention.

I’m so thankful that first, God pays attention to my prayer. I’m also thankful that God answers my prayers using all His wisdom, grace and mercy. He knows much better than I want is best for me. When I pray, I must be watching for HIS answer to my prayers and not some preconceived notion of what I think the answer will be! 

How often do I pray, not desiring God’s best, but rather what I WANT right here and now? Those prayers are that of a two-year old... I want it and I want it NOW! And if God doesn’t give it to me, I get upset and complain. The problem isn’t that God didn’t answer my prayer, but rather that God didn’t give me the answer I WANTED. 

God is paying attention. God does hear my prayers. And because He is a gracious and merciful God, He doesn’t give me all my wants. Rather, He answers my prayers in accordance with His will and His purpose. 

When I pray, I need to pray in accordance to God’s will, knowing that He will answer my prayers in such as way that will glorify Him and accomplish His purpose and plan in my life. 

Praying, expecting and knowing that God will answer in the very best way possible—not just giving me what I want—will create a positive day. 

Wish List

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.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good.” Psalm 16:2 (GW)

I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You. Psalm 16:2 (AMP)

And I have said, “Only you are my Lord! Every good thing I have is a gift from you.” Psalm 16:2 (CEV)

"My good is nowhere except in thee; I have no source of good of any kind - happiness, hope, life, safety, salvation - but in thee. My good is not without thee." This accords with the idea in the other member of the sentence, where he acknowledges Yahweh as his Lord; in other words, he found in Yahweh all that is implied in the idea of an object of worship - all that is properly expressed by the notion of a God. He renounced all other gods, and found his happiness - his all - in Yahweh. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

It is a greater glory to us that we are allowed to serve God, than it is to him that we offer him that service. He is not rendered happy by us; but we are made happy by him. He can do without such earthly servants; but we cannot do without such a heavenly Master. William Secker

There are times when I find myself thinking and yes, maybe even wishing, some things were different in my life. Having a husband, less pain, more money to buy things I’d like, and the list continues. And if I allow myself to dwell on the things I don’t have, and that are really out of my control, I find myself becoming miserable. That’s when I remind myself of the Children of Israel. Each time they looked around at what other Nations had, or looked at their current circumstances while forgetting where they’ve been, they started to murmur and complain. Whey they wanted a King, because all the other Nations had one, God said, OK I’ll give you a King. And then problems followed. 

I don’t want to get my “wishes” if they are not God’s best! I don’t want to settle for second, or third options. God has and will continue to shower me with gifts—exactly what I need for the very moment. God has an endless supply of gifts and He knows much better than I what I need for this moment, day, time in my life. 

When my wish list is focused on me and me only, than I’m heading for trouble. But when I make sure my wish list is God-focused, I know full well that every wish will come true. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my wish list is God focused, and rejoice in the fact that God has given me and will continue to give me everything I need. A day filled with God’s gifts is a positive day! 

I Know Best! Really?

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 seventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 47. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He chooseth our inheritance for us, The glory of Jacob whom he loved. Selah Psalm 47:4 (ASV)

He shall choose our inheritance for us,.... Either a portion in this life; God knows what is best for his people, and therefore they should leave it with him, who can make a better choice for them than for themselves: an Heathen (c) once gave this advice, "give thyself wholly to the will and disposal of the celestial ones; for they who are used to give good things easily can also choose the fittest.'' Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

I know best! And certainly, I know better than God—really??? Well, no. But so often, sadly, that’s my attitude. I think I know what’s best for me. However, I am usually wrong. There are circumstances that are not in my control. There are people involved who are not in my control. There are so many factors in life, that I know nothing about, nor can I control them! So it’s best that I allow God to choose what is best for me. 

But what if He chooses something I don’t like! You mean, like pain? YES! I don’t like pain, I don’t like it one bit! However, knowing that God chose this journey for me, I may not “like it”, I may not “understand it”, I can take comfort in knowing it was “God designed”. 

God designed. God has a plan, a pattern, which He is using to create something unique and that will best be able to show forth His glory.  The God who created the magnificent heavens, the beautiful sunrises, who covers the earth with snow to make amazing ‘winter wonderlands’, is very capable of creating a life for me. When I stop to think of all the absolutely amazing breath-taking things God has created..... I think I can trust Him to choose an inheritance—a God designed life for me. 

Although at times I may not fully understand what God is doing, I can rest assured that He has chosen a specific God-designed plan for me. And when I’m willing to give up my “I know best” attitude and accept God’s choice, that makes for a very positive God-designed day!