What does God prefer?

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

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Back to "Love". Love, what God prefers. 

As I started thinking about WHAT GOD PREFERS, I had to stop and really think about what I know about God, and what I know God's Word says. 

This love is not a feeling that changes with the seasons. God does not change. He is holy. He is just. He is righteous. What God prefers is not something that I can change because I want to justify my actions, attitude, or what I want in life. What God prefers, is based on God Himself. 

First and foremost, I need to make sure that I am setting the standard for my life based on "what God prefers".  That means, that I have to filter what the World tells me is ok, through God's Word. Looking at our Nation and what is "acceptable" in lifestyles, dress, conduct, music, actions, attitude, mind-sets — one can clearly see that we have left God out of our decision making. 

What God prefers is not a suggestion of conduct. No, what God prefers is the solid foundation on which our lives should be built. What God prefers is steadfast, unchangeable, and truth. 

What God prefers. What does God prefer? Here are two verses the immediately come to mind. 

"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  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

What God prefers. That should impact every aspect of my heart, mind and soul. Am I choosing "what God prefers"? 

Walk Worthy

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

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Gentleness: power with reserve

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)

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

Worthy: suitable because recognized as fitting; having worth that "matches" actual value

Calling: used of God inviting all people to receive His gift of salvation – with all His blessings that go with it

Were called: invited

Lowliness: humility

Gentleness: meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness

Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs; embraces steadfastness and staying-power; long-tempered (as compared to short-tempered)

Bearing with: "still bearing up," even after going through the needed sequence (course of action)

Love: which centers in moral preference

Endeavoring: to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself)

Keep: properly, maintain, preserve

Unity: oneness, equivalent to unanimity, agreement

Bond: a bond (close union); a close (inner) identity which produces close harmony between members joined closely together

Peace: wholeness, harmony

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/ephesians/4-1.htm

Walk worthy. 

Those two words pack a powerful punch. 

Am I living my life that I am recognized as one who has accepted God's gift of salvation? There is no question as to how that is to look. We are told in Ephesians 4, and Galatians 5:22, 23. 

Today's focus is gentleness. A meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Just because I have the strength, power, I need to reign it in, and respond with reserve. Handle situations and people carefully. 

Walk worthy.

Thinking Affects Everything: Praiseworthy

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "praiseworthy".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things —if there is anything praiseworthy.

Praiseworthy: approbation, commendation, praise, a commendable thing

Synonyms: 

admirable

creditable

deserving

estimable

excellent

exemplary

laudable

meritable

meritorious

praisable

thank worthy

worthy

Approbation: official approval or sanction

Once again the standard on which to basis if something is praiseworthy—is God. He gives the "official approval or sanction". 

Praiseworthy. Credible. Deserving. 

I stopped at that word "deserving". Do the things that occupy my mind deserve my time and attention? 

We are each given 24 hours a day. No more, no less. During those 24 hours, am I thinking of things which are worthy and deserve my time and attention? If not, then I need to make some changes! 

Think on these things—praiseworthy based on the official approval of God, and that are deserving of my time and attention. 

If I am thinking about things that are praiseworthy, then my speech will also be praiseworthy. Remembering that thinking affects everything! 

Think on these things...... what are you thinking about today? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Virtue

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "virtue".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things —if there is any virtue.

If there is any virtue.

Virtue: Used of the human mind and in an ethical sense, it denotes: any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.

As I read this definition, I had to stop and think of what our nation, our society considers moral excellence, modest, and pure to actually mean. If I based my level of virtue on societies definitions.......there is a very real and vast difference between societies definitions and Gods. 

Just looking back over the past few years at TV ad and movies, you can see a continual progression away from God and the acceptance of sin and fulfilling desires, no matter the consequences. 

If there is any virtue. 

Moral excellence. Modesty. Purity. All based on God's standard. 

Virtue, God's virtue, is the filter which I need to evaluate each and everything that I allow to enter my mind. TV, radio, internet, books, and even conversations with others....... if that is any virtue—think on these things. 

Thinking affects everything. If I am feeding my mind with immodesty, and immoral ideals, than my actions will reflect that. And the same is true for the opposite. The more things of virtue I focus on—the more God-like my attitude, actions, thoughts and words will be. 

Virtue. Do the things which I am pondering and thinking about pass the "virtue test"? If not, am I wiling to change the things I watch, read, listen to? 

I wonder, if each of us would begin pondering and thinking about things that are of virtue, would we turn off the TV more? Would we turn off the radio more?

Think on these things.....

what are you thinking about? 

Thinking Effects Everything: Of Good Report

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "of good report".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—of Good Report

Whatever things are of good report.

Good Report: sounding well; uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously: things spoken in a kindly spirit, with good-will to others; praiseworthy, commendable

Praiseworthy. Commendable. Spoken in a kindly spirit. 

First and foremost, does my speech reflect a "good report"? Do I promote praiseworthy and commendable and good-will to others in my speech? Or I am prone to slander, back-biting, gossip, and/or hateful words? 

Words are a reflection of the heart. What you are thinking about is what resonates from you. So, if I want my speech to be "of good report", than I must be thinking about things that are! 

Praiseworthy. Commendable. Spoken in a kindly spirit. 

Think. Ponder. Meditate on..... things of a good report. 

And for that to be true, I must also work on making sure that I'm not only thinking on, but my speech is promoting it so that others hear things that are —of good report! 

Thinking Affects Everything: Lovely

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "lovely". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Lovely.

Whatever things are lovely.

Lovely: properly, worthy of personal affection; hence, dearly prized, i.e. worth the effort to have and embrace (used only in Phil 4:8).

Worth the effort to have. 

Effort: exertion of physical or mental power: something done by exertion or hard work. 

How badly do I want it? Am I wiling to work for it? If it's dearly prized, than yes! 

I was reminded of a great opportunity I had in September 2012 of being on the Pit Box during a NASCAR race at Chicagoland Speedway. Living with chronic pain, it took ALL the effort I had to attend and enjoy the day. The pain was extreme, but it was an amazing day. The experience of enjoying the NASCAR race from the Pits was worth the effort to embrace that day. 

If something is lovely, then we will go beyond our normal efforts to achieve it or get it. Think, ponder on things that are lovely. How many times to I settle and allow things that are easy to fill my heart, mind, and life. How many times do I choose the easy road, and ignore the things that are lovely—simply because it will take more work an effort? 

Think, ponder, allow to fill my thoughts—on things that are lovely. Only things that are worth the effort to have and to embrace. 

What is of worth to me? What am I wiling to work for? What is lovely? What do I  consider a prize worth having? 

Worth the effort to have—lovely. 

Thinking Affects Everything: Pure

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "pure". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Pure.

Whatever things are pure.

Pure: pure from every fault, immaculate. From the word meaning, "likeness of nature with the Lord because different from the world.

Likeness because different. 

Whatever things are pure. The test for pureness is not what I think to be ok, or without fault. Rather, the test is what God says is ok. 

Just because the world accepts something does not make it right, let alone pure. There are standards and a nature-order that God created. Just because someone has decided to change that, because of how they 'feel', does not make it right.

Likeness because different. 

Pure things are those things with are in accordance with God, His character, and His standards and laws. Think on things that are pure—pure from every fault. 

That makes me think of TV shows I watch. I can rationalize why I watch a show. It has a good story line, it makes me laugh, it's something to do. But is it pure from every fault? It it in the likeness of nature of the Lord? If not, then why am I spending my time watch and thinking about it? Good question. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking effects everything. If I want to live a life that is pleasing to God, then I have a responsibility to think on things that are pure. 

If that means, turning off the TV, then I need to do it. If that means changing the radio station, then I need to do it. If that means.......... the key is to make sure that I'm allowing into my mind are things that I want to think about later. 

"You are being too harsh. You need to have fun. You need to lighten up, it's just a TV show." 

Exactly. 

Those are statements which we say to ourselves and others, to justify why we do something which we know is not always the best. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking affects everything. And if I want to be thinking godly and acting in accordance with God and His Word, then I must work on making sure what I allow in my mind, to be God-pure. 

Thinking affects everything—and it begins with what I allow into my mind. 

Whatever things are pure. God-pure! 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "just". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

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

Require: ask for, demand, to follow for pursuit 

But to do justly. 

Accomplish the attribute of justice, right, rectitude. 

To love mercy. 

 Mercy: kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable)

To walk humbly with your God. 

Walk: associate, be familiar with

With: of the relation in which one stands with

The Lord God demands that I pursue and accomplish the attribute of being right, just (in the eyes of God), I am to be kind, and have a relationship with God (that means that I want to spend time with Him and get to know Him and in doing so, that will impact my life). 

Thinking affects everything. Whatever things ......... what am I thinking about? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 1

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "just". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

Just: upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God; that which regard for duty demands, what is right; observing divine and human laws; one who is such as he ought to be

Just. Right. And this is not what I think is right, or what you think is right. This is based upon what God calls right. 

I really like the phrase, "one who is such as he ought to be". 

Who lived "as they ought to be"? Who did God call "just"? 

How awesome it would be is God could call me "just"?! Sadly, I fall very short, and am so grateful for God's grace and mercy. But what an awesome goal to have—"one who is such as he ought to be".

I'm looking forward to studying "things that are just" and examining the lives of the individuals God called "just". 

Meditating today on how I can be "one who is such as he ought to be".

Thinking Affects Everything: Noble 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.  Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:10-15

Noble: attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing). (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Good: inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith; upright honorable. (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Thinking pondering on things that are true and noble, will open my heart to hearing and obeying God's word resulting in godly conduct—both in attitude and actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Proverbs 12:1, 2 Longing to Learn

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. Proverbs 12:1, 2

Loves: an appetite 

Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction

Knowledge: discernment, understanding, wisdom

Hates: enemy, detest

Correction: reproof, chiding, chastisement

Stupid: brutish person, foolish, dull-hearted, unreceptive

Good: agreeable; makes the heart glad

Obtains: to secure

Favor: delight, desire, good pleasure

Wicked: lewdness, mischievous device, thought

Condemn: declare wrong, as guilty, in ethical and religious relations

This word, "appetite" is back! (See the post for Proverbs 11:23, Dec 3, 2015.) 

Appetite. I really could go for a good brownie with nuts right now! That sounds so good. However, this verse isn't talking about an appetite for food. Rather, it's talking about instruction and wisdom. 

An appetite for instruction, correction, discernment and understanding? Yes. An appetite, a longing, a desire for learning wisdom. 

We our appetite is strong enough, we will go out of our way to get that meal or treat we are craving. Our appetite for wisdom should be that strong. We should crave wisdom and instruction. We should wake up each day with a longing to learn! 

That longing to learn then will translate into our conduct — and our lives will radiate goodness. And that secures delight with God. Now, doing good and learning wisdom, DO NOT erase sin, nor is that how we get into Heaven. Doing good is not enough to forgive our sins. God is Holy and our sin must be paid for—in full. And doing good is not enough. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins—in full. When you place your trust in Christ and accept Him as Lord an Savior, then and only then will you be able to enter Heaven. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13)

Doing good and learning wisdom, simply is our way of honoring and respecting God. When God is recognized as LORD—than a longing to learn and live a life agreeable to His will and wisdom is the result. 

Longing to learn begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Am I longing to learn wisdom? Is my conduct a reflection of that appetite? 

Proverbs 11:22 The "A"s

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. Proverbs 11:22

Lacks: showing lack of it, turning aside

Discretion: judgement, discernment, intelligence, understanding

Discretion: the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid revealing private information

ABC's. Actions. Attitude. Appearance. 

Each "A" reveals much about a person. 

ABC's: spoken and written words, including texts, tweets, likes, shares. 

Actions: everyday daily actions whether at home or out.

Attitude: is often reflected in ones body language (facial expressions, etc).

Appearance: what we are wearing and how we conduct ourselves. 

A LOVELY (beautiful, goodly, pleasant) woman who lacks discretion is no better than a pig with a gold ring in its nose. A pig "dressed up" with a gold ring—is still a dirty animal. A woman may look beautiful, but if she makes bad judgements or choices—she reveals her heart.

We know many people whom we wouldn't necessarily say are "beautiful", but they have a genuine beauty about them—literally from inside. Their spirit shines forth and they glorify God in all the "A"s. 

In order for one to exercise discretion in all the "A"s, it begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when a heart recognizes who God is and respects and fears Him — then wisdom and understanding are expressed in all aspects of one's life. 

The "A"s—ABC's, Actions, Attitude, and Appearance — all are effected by wisdom. When wisdom present then godly beauty shines forth. 

Behave Wisely

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (AMP)

Walk in wisdom: That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Buying up each (literally, the) opportunity: The opportunity is the fit time for each step of a well-conducted walk, the precise juncture of circumstances which must be seized at once or it is gone. 

The Pulpit Commentaries

As Christians we are to act differently than those who do not believe in God. For our standard of conduct is based on a holy God. We are to be "different". People of integrity. People of honesty. People who show respect. Our actions, words, attitudes should reflect our relationship with God. 

Colossians 3 begins with the "putting on" of characteristics, then discusses relationships with those in our families and work. Being a "Christian" is not to be in "name only". The truth of God's Word is to impact each and every area of our life. We are not to be "Sunday Christians", where we dress up nicely to attend church, and then the rest of the week "live like the devil". 

God's Word is to have an impact in each aspect of our life. Our relationships, our work, and our dealings with others with whom we come in contact. 

People are watching. What do they see? Do they see someone who is behaving wisely because of a personal relationship with God Almighty? 

The solid basis for behaving wisely is a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep sense of reverence for Holy God, will I behave wisely.

How We Conduct Ourselves

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.  Colossians 3:22 (AMP)

We've all been places where the service is poor, UNTIL the manager walks in, then all the employees start working extra hard. "Only when their eyes are upon you; pleasers of men." 

But as Christians we have a higher motivation and a higher "Boss"—God. No matter the task as hand, we are to conduct ourselves in such a way that brings honor and glory to God. 

Serve the Lord with joy; come before him with singing. Psalm 100:2 (EXB) 

As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (MSG) 

My post, "Make My Boss Look Good!", discusses making sure that I'm reflecting God in all that I do. 

Responsibility on how we conduct ourselves. First and foremost our responsibility is to God. And when we are representing God, we have a responsibility to have a higher standard of excellence than others. 

Showing up late for work, is not an acceptable representation of fearing God. 

And it doesn't matter the job. 

If your job is to clean toilets, then you are to clean them to the best of you ability—because you are not cleaning them for just your employer, you are cleaning them to honor God.

The motivation on how we conduct ourselves,  is because as a Christian, we fear God and He is watching everything we do, all the time.

Fearing God:

What servants do when their masters are absent from them, and to whom they are accountable; and a servant that fears God will make conscience of discharging his service faithfully, will not misspend his master's time, nor embezzle his goods, or waste his substance; but from a principle of reverential affection for God, and fear of him, with a concern for his name, and a view to his glory, will with all diligence, uprightness, faithfulness, and sincerity, do his duty, seek his master's good and interest, and cheerfully obey all his lawful commands. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

And the only way to make sure that the job is completed in a God-honoring way, is to make sure the list from Colossians 3:1-17 is "put on". 

Having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, will have a direct impact on how I conduct myself in all aspects of my life. For I am to be reflecting God in my actions, attitude, and words.