Pattern

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)

Longsuffering: attitude of uncomplaining

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 1 Timothy 1:16

That: a conjunction denoting purpose, definition or result

In: in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within)

Might show: to make fully evident, showing conspicuous proof which demonstrates something as undeniable;  demonstrate, prove, whether by arguments or by acts

Longsuffering: attitude of uncomplaining

Pattern: prototype, pattern placed before one to be held fast and copied, model, for imitation

From a compound of hupo and a derivative of tupos: Hupo:  "under authority" of someone working directly as a subordinate. Tupos: a model forged by repetition; based on reliable precedent for others to then follow—pattern.

Are going: of what is sure to happen: with an infinitive present

Believe: to intrust a thing to one

for: "motion into which" implying union to a particular purpose or result

Everlasting: life operates simultaneously outside of time, inside of time, and beyond time, eternal

Life: used emphatically of the absolute fullness of life

Pattern. 

I am to be a pattern so that others can see and undeniable proof that Jesus Christ is the only why to eternal life. 

Demonstrate making fully evident longsuffering as a pattern. 

A pattern of an attitude of uncomplaining. Pattern.

Now and on the Day I Die

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 146. Here is what I learned.

·When people die [Their spirit goes out], they ·are buried [return to the ground]. ·Then all of [On that day] their plans ·come to an end [perish]. Psalm 146:4 (EXB)

When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end. Psalm 146:4 (GW)

As soon as their breath leaves them, they return to the earth; on that day, all of them perish—their dreams, their plans, and their memories. Psalm 146:4 (VOICE)

Last night a NASCAR driver was killed in a Sprint Car dirt track race. Only 37 years old. Sad. But it’s a reminder that death can happen at anytime. It’s often unexpected and not in our plans. 

At the time of death our plans, dreams, etc, won’t matter. What does matter is our relationship with God. He doesn’t look at “how good we’ve been”, or “all the good things we’ve done”, because no matter how “good” we think we are, compared to a Holy God we are just sinners. 

But thankfully, God provided a way for us to have our sins forgiven. 

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 (AMP)

I know that when I die, I will enter Heaven, because I’ve placed my faith in God and accepted His gift of salvation. That’s an assurance that is comforting. 

As I live my life, I need to keep in mind, my plans and activities will come to an end. I need to sure that I’m involved in “eternal work”, work that will last, things that matter to God. “Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal.  Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don’t destroy and thieves don’t break in and steal.  Your heart will be where your treasure is. Matthew 6:19-21 (GW)

My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (GW)

Knowing that I’m saved for all eternity, and doing God’s work, will create a positive day.. now and on the day I die. 

Promise-keeping 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 111. Here is what I learned.

He has sent salvation to his people. He has ordered that his promise should continue forever. His name is holy and terrifying. Psalm 111:9 (GW)

He ·sets his people free [sent redemption to his people]. He ·made his agreement everlasting [commanded his covenant/treaty forever]. ·He [His name] is holy and ·wonderful [awesome]. Psalm 111:9 (EXB)

He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Psalm 111:9 (NLT)

"He hath commanded his covenant for ever." His divine decree has made the covenant of his grace a settled and eternal institution: redemption by blood proves that the covenant cannot be altered, for it ratifies and establishes it beyond all recall. This, too, is reason for the loudest praise. Redemption is a fit theme for the heartiest music, and when it is seen to be connected with gracious engagements from which the Lord's truth cannot swerve, it becomes a subject fitted to arouse the soul to an ecstasy of gratitude. The Treasury of David

Ever have someone promise you something, only to learn that they did not have the ability to fulfill that promise? It’s not only disappointing, but it causes distrust. 

However, God is able to not only promise an everlasting covenant with us, He is able to fulfill that promise. Because God, Himself, is eternal, everlasting, only He can promise an everlasting covenant. God also has a “proven record” on keeping His promises! He is trustworthy! 

So, when God promises me eternal life with Him, I know that He can and will keep that promise. And all He requires of me is to believe in Him. 

God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16 (GW)

No guessing. No wondering. A solid promise from an eternal everlasting, promise-keeping God! 

To create a positive day, I only have to take God at His Word, for He is the promise-keeping God!

Many Reasons to Rejoice!

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 thirty-first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 126. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we ·are very glad [rejoice]. Psalm 126:3 (EXB)

We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. Psalm 126:3 (VOICE)

Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful. Psalm 126:3 (YLT)

Psalm 126:3 is a great verse for today, Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. For God has done GREAT things for us and we have many reasons to rejoice!

Christ himself suffered for sins ·once [or once for all; [only his suffering has the power to redeem others]. ·He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty [the righteous for the unrighteous] to bring you to God. ·His body was killed [He was put to death in the flesh/body], but he was made alive in the ·spirit [or Spirit; at his resurrection in a glorified body]. 1 Peter 3:18 (EXB) 

[For] The love of Christ ·controls [compels; drives] us, because we ·know [are convinced; have concluded] that One died for all, so all have died [we died spiritually with Christ, the penalty for our sins]. Christ died for all so that those who live would ·not continue to [no longer] live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised from the dead.

[So; As a result] From ·this time [now] on we do not think of anyone ·as the world does [or from a merely human perspective; [according to the flesh]. [Although] In the past we thought of Christ ·as the world thinks [or as nothing more than a man; according to the flesh], but we no longer think of him in that way. If anyone belongs to Christ, ·there is a new creation [the new creation has arrived; or that person has become a new creation]. The old things have gone; [look; behold] ·everything is made new [the new has come]! All this is from God, who through Christ ·made peace between us and [reconciled us to] himself, and gave us the ·work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him [ministry/service of reconciliation]. 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 (EXB)

Christ suffered and endured the death on the cross as payment for my sin (and your sin). Only a holy, sacrifice would pay the penalty for sin in full, and Jesus Christ paid our debt. But because God has power over sin and death, Jesus Christ now lives and I too can enjoy eternal life! 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. John 3:16-18 (GNT)

To create a positive day, I need to remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ paid on my behalf, and enjoy the benefits of God’s gift of salvation! It’s Resurrection Sunday—the Lord has done GREAT things for us, and we have many reasons to rejoice!