Thanks Living: Fact. Experience.

There is a difference between knowledge and experience. Knowing a fact is a good place to start, but there is something said for experiencing something. Knowing that God CAN do something is a great assurance, but EXPERIENCING God DOING something on your behalf is a blessing that exceeds explanation. (R.Sawtelle) 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2013/05/knowledge-and-experience.html 

Today, my Sunday School lesson is on "When faith fails. . ." from Numbers 13 and 14. As I was thinking about my life and the times when I faced situations that seemed totally impossible—and God proved Himself faithful. 

So many times, when I thought there was absolutely no possible way something could happen—God stepped in to prove, what was impossible to me, was very possible to Him. 

Remember. It's key to take time to remember what God has done, so that as new situations arise, we KNOW based on fact and experience, that God is fully able to accomplish His purpose. 

Fact. God is faithful. 
Experience. God is faithful. 

Thanks living is remembering who God is and what He is capable of—no matter the situation. 

Trust: Fact. Question.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 (AMP)

When looking to put your trust in someone what are the qualifications? 

1. Who are they? 

2. What is their track record? 

Looking at 2 Samuel 22, we learn first of all that God is GOD! That alone makes Him trustworthy. Secondly, we learn that God's word has been tested, and proven true. That makes Him trustworthy. And because He is trustworthy—He can be trusted! And when trust is placed in God, there is safety and assurance that God is in control and working things out for His glory and honor. 

Fact: God is trustworthy. 

Question: I'm I willing to trust God that His way is REALLY perfect? 

It's easy to say "I trust You, God." It's another thing to actually put my agenda aside and trust that God, indeed knows what is best. 

Looking back over the past 6 months, I had some great lessons in trusting God, as I looked for a home. If I had given up on God's direction and chose a home on my own, I would not have ended up at the Castle. Each home we looked at, seemed at that moment in time to be the BEST. However, as God worked in my heart and continued to teach me and lead me, and I was willing to TRUST Him, God then led me to the VERY BEST—HIS BEST. Each day, I continue to thank God for the King of king's Castle. He has supplied a home that is perfect for my needs. I'm very grateful. 

So, does that mean that since I'm now living in the Castle, that I stop trusting God? I can now "do it on my own"? The answer of course is, "no". However, I have to continue to learn to trust God, and not try to do it on my own. 

God is trustworthy simply because He is GOD! And He has proven Himself trustworthy. I only have to trust Him. And trusting God is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

To learn about the journey to the Castle start here:

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

Rejoice

[Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24 (AMP)

Rejoice in the midst of my sufferings.

As we read the Apostle Paul's writings, we know that he suffered much. Paul is writing Colossians from prison. We know from Acts 16:25 that even while in Prison, Paul was rejoicing:

"But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them" (AMP). 

Rejoice. 

Lately, God has been blessing me abundantly, so it's been easy to rejoice. When things are going well, we have no problem being happy and singing. 

But when things don't go as we had planned, or it gets hard, or "bad things" happen—then it is MUCH harder to rejoice. 

But rejoicing isn't to be based on circumstances

or how we feel, or if we are happy.

Rejoicing is to be based on

WHO we know—God Almighty! 

God—does not change. God loves us. We may not "feel loved" or understand why we must go through situations or endure pain, but that DOES NOT change the FACT that God is God. 

"Oh, you are just saying to rejoice because things are going well for you." 

Even though God is blessing me, I still live in chronic pain and have a chronic headache. Life is "not easy" for me. But in the midst of my suffering, I know that God in His grace and mercy has a plan to accomplish His purpose. I may not understand the 'whys', but I know that I can trust God. 

Rejoice. 

How do I rejoice during the good times and bad times? It begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG). For when I know that God is working, and He is in control and He loves me—then I can rejoice because of HIM! 

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.

Unforgettable Forever

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 11 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

How long, O Eternal One? How long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You look the other way? Psalm 13:1 (VOICE)

How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1 (EXB)

Forever? - He had been forgotten so long, and there appeared to be so little prospect of deliverance, that it seemed as if God never would return and visit him with mercy. The expression denotes a state of mind on the verge of despair. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Forever is a long time. And when there is sense of despair, forever is even longer. Ok, so I know “forever” can’t really get “longer” but it sure feels like it. 

Remember when you were a kid, and you were traveling? Every few minutes we asked the question, “are we there.......yet?” 10 or 15 minutes seemed like “FOREVER” when you are anticipating a fun adventure. 

When one is the midst of despair, arriving at the  place of joy, seems like that unending car ride.... “are we there YET?” Just was it appears that the destination is close, there’s a detour and that adds time and frustration as the waiting time increases. 

Forever. Will the Lord really forget me forever? The answer is no. For I am His child. And there is nothing that can separate me from His love. 

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.[a] We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. Romans 8:38-39 (GW)

Forgotten forever, is simply a feeling that Satan uses to discourage and cause fear and distrust. Forgotten forever is not a reality. Forgotten forever is not a truth. God remembers forever. He is ever present. He is watching, caring, and accomplishing His will. I have a choice, chose the falsehood of being forgotten forever, or chose the fact that I’m an unforgettable forever child of God. 

To create a positive day, I need to chose the fact that I’m an unforgettable forever child of God, traveling on the journey God designed headed to the destination of His choosing! 

Majestic

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 8. Here is what I learned.

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (AMP)

Majestic: astonishing, awe-inspiring, awesome, ceremonious, cool, dignified, elevated, exalted, fab, grand, grandiose, imperial, imposing, lofty, magnificent, marvelous, mind-blowing, monumental, noble, out of this world, regal, royal, smashing, sovereign, stately, stunning, sublime, sumptuous, superb, wonderful, wondrous.

When I stop and think for just a moment about the majestic, awe-inspiring, wondrous the Name of God is..... I can’t even grasp the full concept. But what I can grasp makes me praise God and gives me confidence that God is in control. 

Just when I think I grasp how majestic and awe-inspiring God is.... He is more than that. He surprises me with showing just how majestic He is. 

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! 

Simply repeat that over and over until the fact sinks in! 

To create a positive day.... it starts with saying, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! Then taking that fact and apply that truth to all that I do. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! 

Intimately and Fully Acquainted

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 1. Here is what I learned.

For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought). Psalm 1:6 (AMP)

God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. Psalm 1:6 (MSG)

The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed. Psalm 1:6 (CEB)

As the Hebrew hath it yet more fully, "The Lord is knowing the way of the righteous." He is constantly looking on their way, and though it may be often in mist and darkness, yet the Lord knoweth it. If it be in the clouds and tempest of affliction, he understandeth it. He numbereth the hairs of our head; he wilt not Suffer any evil to befall us. "He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10. The Treasury of David

Intimately and fully acquainted. Constantly looking on their way. God knows exactly what is happening in my life, nothing comes as a surprise to God. He knew me before I was born.... 49 years ago today! 

God knew about me and He knows about me... but more than just knowing ABOUT me, He wants to KNOW me. He wants to get acquainted with me. And I can have a relationship with God because of His gift of salvation. Since I placed my trust and faith in God I am His child. 

God knows about me. God knows me. God has a plan specifically designed for me. 

God is intimately and fully acquainted with me—that FACT makes my day positive—indeed! 

Time Frame

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 90. Here is what I learned.

A thousand years to you are like one day; they are like yesterday, already gone, like a short hour in the night. Psalm 90:4 (GNT)

Time. At times it seems that time literally stands still, while other moments fly by. Time. 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week. 52 weeks in a year. 

A Thousand years, like a day. 365000 days is just like ONE day. That’s hard to grasp in my small mind. But if I really think about it... it sure makes me understand a “waiting period” a bit more. 

I’m waiting on a surgery date, to remove the broken spinal implant stimulator. I feel likes it’s been “FOREVER” but it really has only been a few weeks... and I learned yesterday, that I’ll have to wait a few more days/weeks until I learn the date... than it’s more waiting until that date arrives. 

I’m not a good “waiter”, as I’ve stated before. I like to move full-steam ahead! However, God continues to teach me that I have a lot to learn in God’s waiting room. 

A thousand years are like one day. When I think of that fact... that God is not bound by our time, the waiting period really isn’t about “time” rather it’s about what works best in God’s plan. In the eternal scope of eternity, God’s plan continues and my life is but a “blip” on the screen, if you will. 

Today. 24 hours. One day. May seem like eternity to me.... yet, it’s not even a second in God’s perspective. I have a choice, fret about something taking soooo long, or relax and allow God to accomplish His plan... in His time frame. A second really isn't that long of a time, neither is a day or two, in light of eternity. 

God is not bound by my time frame, rather He works in the scope of eternity. And when I stop measuring time and relax knowing that God will accomplish His will according to His plan, that is when I can create a positive day. 

Fact Over Feeling

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 43. Here is what I learned.

You are my fortress, O God!  Why have you rejected me? Why must I walk around in mourning while the enemy oppresses me? Psalm 43:2 (GW)

Fact: God is my fortress my strength. He is my place or means of safety and protection.

Feel: I have been rejected, cast away with a strong disgust as if I was rancid trash.

Feel: I am in a dark place, a place of mourning and gloom.

Feel: I am being crushed, and held down by my oppressors.

Fact: God is my fortress my strength. He is my place or means of safety and protection.

When the world seems to be collapsing around you, when the world seems dark and cold, when the world seems to be all gloom and doom.... to Whom do you turn? 

When the world seems overwhelming with pain and despair, when the world seems to have forgotten you, when the world seems to be spinning out of control... to Whom do you turn?

No matter what you feel or what you think may be happening around you.... there is a fact that remains: God is your fortress, your strength. He is your place or means of safety and protection. 

In the midst of the dark, gloom and doom world.... take a moment to remind yourself, that God has not changed. He is still your fortress, your strength. He is your place or means of safety and protection.

Fact over feeling. Truth over wrong misconceptions.

God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (GW)

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. Romans 8:38-39 (GW)

To create a positive day, I need to rely on the fact, not my feelings, or what I perceive to be reality. For the fact that God is my fortress, my strength. He is my place or means of safety and protection, will change my perspective from gloom and doom to a positive one—because the Fact is who God is!

Impact.

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.

The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted. Psalm 47:9 (NIV)

The ·leaders [princes] of the ·nations [or armies] ·meet [gather together] with the ·people [or army] of the God of Abraham, because the ·leaders [shields; military leaders] of the earth belong to God. He is ·supreme [highly exalted]. Psalm 47:9 (EXB)

Highly: diligently, especially, exceedingly, far, fast, good, greatly, louder and louder, muchness, force, abundance.

Exalted: arise up, cause to ascend up.

He is greatly exalted - That is, one who can thus subdue nations, and lead along captive princes and warriors, "must" be a Being greatly exalted; a Being that has dominion over the nations of the earth. This completes the imagery in the psalm, and gives occasion for the shouts and the joys of triumph. God had shown that he was a great King over the earth. Princes and armies were subdued to his will. They were led along as captives, and were gathered together to the people of God, as if to acknowledge their own inferiority; and in this solemn manner the nations thus subdued owned Yahweh to be the true God. In a higher sense this will be true when all the earth shall be subdued by the power of truth, and when kings, and princes, and people everywhere shall come and acknowledge God, reigning through the Messiah, to be the King of all nations. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

God is Supreme.

Rhonda Sawtelle 

God is supreme.

Then why do I doubt Him?

God is supreme.

Then why do I ignore His guidance?

God is supreme. 

Then why do I try to do it alone?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I trust Him?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I give Him the respect He deserves?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I allow Him to have full control in my life?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I obey Him?

God is supreme.

He knows that I doubt,

yet continues to support me with His love until my doubts subside.

God is supreme.

He knows I ignore His guidance,

yet continues to teach me that His way is the best.

God is supreme.

He knows I’ll try to do it alone,

yet He patiently waits right there beside me to take the lead. 

God is supreme.

He knows that I don’t trust Him,

yet continues to teach me and demonstrate His trustworthiness.

God is supreme.

He knows I don’t show Him proper respect,

yet that doesn’t not mean He’s not worthy!

God is supreme.

He knows I don’t give Him full control,

yet He is waits patiently for me to let go. 

God is supreme.

He knows I fall short on obedience,

yet He is there to correct me and instruct me. 

God is supreme. He is to be highly exalted. 

I need to not only KNOW that God is supreme. but, that truth should effect my actions, attitude, and words. To create a positive day, it is not just KNOWING truth, rather it is allowing the truth to have an IMPACT in my life.