Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:16

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. 16: Provides Position

I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16

Delight: to look upon with complacency (a feeling of quiet pleasure or security)

Statutes: something prescribed; phrases of obedience

Forget: to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Not: ignorant, worthless

Word: spoken, advice, commandment, communication, reason, request, speech

A few weeks ago, a Catagory 2 Hurricane came through my area. The wind and rain were intense and it was pitch black as the electricity had gone out. As the storm raged, I felt such peace. And it wasn't because of the safety of the Castle.

The peace and safety weren't because I knew what would happen as the storm continued to slowly pass by. I felt peace and safe because I knew that no matter what happened, my God was ultimately in control. If the trees that were cracking and breaking outside landed on the Castle, then God would take care of the fixing of it all. If the roof shingles blew off, then once again, God would take care of the repairs. How? I had no idea. But I did know that God controls the wind. I do know that God cares for me. I do know that no matter what happened, God would remain faithful to who He is! God is never-changing and faithful. 

When I place my security in God's Word and I remember who God is and all that He says, it is then that I live in the position of safety and peace. 

Hurricane Irma • September 2017

September 10, 2017 Irma headed to Florida. She decided to travel inland rather than stay along the coast. However, due to her size, the entire State was impacted. I live in Winter Haven. 

As Irma approached the winds and rain began with a vengeance. This was not an ordinary rain shower. 

The beginning of Irma.

Slowly, power in the area began to go out. I had power until 9:55pm Sunday night. The wind howling, the rain hitting the windows, and not being able to see anything—total darkness....... I thought I'd be scared, yet I had total peace. 
I knew for a fact that all the inhabitants of the Castle belonged to God. And I knew for a fact that the Castle is God's. So, I figured that God who controls the wind, could protects us. And if He didn't, then He'd take care of anything that happened. I have learned over the years, that God is trustworthy and faithful. He may not always work in ways that I understand, but He never changes who He is. All that He does and allows is to accomplish His will. 
After losing power, I figured there wasn't really anything to do, so I headed to bed. Listening to the storm outside, I fell asleep. Throughout the night, as the howling increased and the trees came crashing down, I awoke. However, I was able to go back to sleep. 

Monday morning, it was still raining and very windy! Yet, as the day lightened, I could begin to see the damage that Irma did. Out the front window, I could see part of the pool fence was down, and there were some small branches scattered on the front lawn. But the huge tree in the front was still standing tall! 
When I looked out the Lanai..... WOW! Behind my back fence is a "forest" of trees. There was a path of trees that was totally shorn off at the top, with huge branches just thrown about. However, not a single large branch landed in the Castle's yard! Only a few small branches and leaves. Even the bean tressels which were just a few feet from the trees, remained standing tall! 
It was as though God put a huge bubble around the Castle. Debris was scattered around, but no flooding, or damage to the Castle. I learned on Monday, that the street drain had become plugged with debris and there was at one point, knee-deep water in the street. It flooded a couple of the homes garages. A neighbor cleaned out the drain and allowed the water to quickly drain away, before it was deep enough to flood the Castle's garage. 

As the storm continued to pass through the area, I then realized just how calm and at peace I really was. I wasn't afraid. I felt totally safe in the Castle. The peace wasn't because of anything I did to make the Castle safe. The peace was due to the fact that I fully trusted God and knew His power and ability. I knew that no matter what happened to the Castle, that God would supply my needs. He always has, and always will. 

True peace in the midst of a Category 2 Hurricane — only because I know Almighty God! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:8

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 keep Your statutes; oh, do not forsake me utterly! Psalm 119:8

Will Keep: observe, celebrate, of other obligations
Statutes: something prescribed or owed
Forsake: leave destitute
Not: never, no, nor
(Very) utterly: up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly; as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space, or time (during, while, until) or degree

O forsake me not utterly - Hebrew, “To very much;” so as to leave me to myself. His confidence that he would keep the commandments of God was based on the prayer that God would not leave him. There is no other ground of persuasion that we shall be able to keep the commandments of God than that which rests on the belief and the hope that He will not leave us. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Since God will not forsake or leave, then we with all confidence should continue to observe His Word.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

God keeps His promises. He is faithful. He will not forsake us. That does not mean that we won't have difficulties, or heartache. Rather that God will continue to love us through those times. No matter what happens, God is still God. 

Because God is God, He is not only trustworthy, but He is faithful. Therefore, I will continue to observe and fulfill any obligations honoring God Almighty and remaining faithful to Him. 

God will not forsake me – for one day I will enjoy Him in all His glory in Heaven for all eternity! And that is a gift He gives to all, paid for by the sacrifice of His own Son. (John 3)

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. 

Want to be happy? (James)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Blessed: happy (In congratulations, the reason why one is to be pronounced blessed is expressed by a noun or by a participle taking the place of the subject)

Endureth: to endure, bear bravely and calmly

Temptation: specifically, the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

When he is: become, come about, happen

Tried: properly, accepted, approved

Shall receive: to gain, get, obtain absolutely

Crown: the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ

Life: real and genuine

Promised: to announce that one is about to do or to furnish something

Love: love to a master, God or Christ, the word involves the idea of affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received

Want to be happy? Start loving God — with reverence, prompt obedience and grateful recognition of all God gives. Following Christ doesn't come with a promise of "easy street". There will be hardships along the way. But through it all, God remains faithful! 

Blessed—happy because no matter what happens, I choose to love God and obey Him with a thankful heart. 

Character of Dependability — The "Ds"

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)

Faithfulness: character of dependability

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:4-6 (NKJV)

Faithfulness is Directional

• hearing of your love and faith which you have toward
• Toward: motion towards to interface with; literally, moving toward a goal or destination

Faithfulness is Definite

• toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints
• It's not a random goal, rather it's specific — to the Lord Jesus and then the saints. 

Faithfulness is to be Dispersed

• sharing of your faith
• Sharing: something in which one has participation
• Faithfulness is active and because you have taken part in God's salvation, a natural progression is to share that faith with others. 

Character of Dependability. Faithfulness toward Christ, then followed toward the saints, all with the underlying understanding of what God did for me — His gift of salvation. 

Galatians 5:22, 23

To read about each part, search for "Galatians 5:22, 23 (link below).

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/search/label/Galatians%205%3A22-23

Dominion Mastery

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)

Self-control: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions (THAYER'S GREEK LEXICON); proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself; "dominion, mastery"

Self-control: the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc (Dictionary.com)

One who masters his desires and passions. Dominion Mastery! 

There are many things which I have "mastered". Some have taken years to learn, and some things, even though I think I've "mastered" them, I still have more learning to do. 

Dominion Mastery, made me think of Taekwondo. You start with a White belt, and after you have mastered certain things, you graduate to a Orange belt. You continue learning and mastering and finally you reach the Black belt. The Black belt represents maturity, you've taken control and learned all the knowledge of the previous belts — you have mastered the art. 

Self-control. Dominions mastery, masters desires and passions—feelings, emotions, and reactions. Since the ability to have self-control comes from "within oneself", that means that it starts with the right "heart-attitude". And that comes from embracing and living the other parts of the Fruit of the Spirit. 

• 1. what God prefers (love)
• 2. grace recognized (joy),
• 3. God's gift of wholeness (peace)
• 4. attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering)
• 5. favorable attitude — that is serviceable (kindness)
• 6. beyond being good — doing good (goodness)
• 7. character of dependability (faithfulness) 
• 8. power with reserve (gentleness)
• 9. dominion mastery (self-control) 

Power with Reserve

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: expresses power with reserve, gentle strength

Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others. (www.dictionary.com/browse/gentleness?s=t) 

Power with reserve. I like that description. Gentleness doesn't mean we lie down and ignore the wrong in a situation. Rather, we show love and compassion in the midst of a difficult situation. 

Too often we approach situations with the POWER and forget the reserve. We go with full strength and forget the gentle. 

In order to have the right balance of power and reserve, it begins with what God prefers (love), grace recognized (joy), God's gift of wholeness (peace), and attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering), kindness (favorable attitude — that is serviceable), goodness (beyond being good — doing good),  and faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Power with reserve. I wonder how different our world would be if we all exercised a bit of gentleness. I wonder how different my life would be if I showed more gentleness to those around me. 

Power with reserve. Gentle strength. Forbearance in dealing with others. 

Character of Dependability

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)

Faithfulness: the character of one who can be relied on; strict observance of promises, duties; fidelity, trustworthiness, dependability

One who can be relied on — dependable. If you say you are going to do something, you do it. No excuses.  Reliable.  Can be trusted.

The character of one — that's the basis for faithfulness. What is your character? 

In our society today, lying has become the acceptable norm. There seems to be no consequence for lying. Even if our society doesn't hold one accountable for lying — God does!  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue. Proverbs 6:16, 17a

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22

Faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Do you do what you say? Can you be trusted? Are you faithful in your words, actions, and attitude? 

Thanks Living: Take Notice!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11 (NKJV) 

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe—their love for You resounding in their hearts. Psalm 5:11 (VOICE)

Rejoice: to brighten up

Trust: have hope, make refuge, confide in

Ever: continuance, duration

Shout for joy: (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph

Defend: to entwine as a screen; to fence in, protect, hedge in

Love: beloved like, friend

Name: by implication honor, authority, character

Joyful: jubilant, rejoice, triumph

Take Notice! 

Notice where my trust is to be placed—in You (God Almighty). 

Notice why I am to shout for joy—because God protects me.

Notice how long I'm to shout—continually (because God is faithful).

Notice who I am to love—God because of his authority, character, simply because of who God is. 

Notice the reason for my joy—God Himself. 

Thanks Living is all based and centered on God Himself. No matter my circumstances. No matter my questions. No matter if I understand or not. It all is dependent on God, who is faithful, unchanging, loving, and in complete control. 

Thanks Living—Take Notice! 

Thanks Living: As He Said

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6a

Today is Easter, or as I like to call it, Resurrection day! The truth and fact that our Lord and Savior is living and alive —is not only amazing, but provides that eternal hope. 

The crucifixion and resurrection can be read in Matthew 26 through 28. 

As I read Matthew 28:6 this morning, I especially liked the last three words in the first sentence, "as He said". 

As He said. 
Those three words contain so much! They show the faithfulness of God to His word. They show that He knew the full scope of His death, burial and resurrection. They show that God speaks the truth. They show that God has the authority and power to do what He says! 

As He said. 
Thankful that I serve a risen Savior! Thanks Living is finding the security in three words—As He Said. 

Happy Resurrection Day! 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH)

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:21, 22

Give thanks: praise

Goodness: covenant loyalty, lovingkindness in redemption from enemies and troubles

Wonderful works: to be surpassing or extraordinary

Sacrifice: denotes worship or adoration

Thanksgiving: Towdah (todah), thanking God for “things not yet received" as well as things already at hand.

Declare: intensively, to recount, celebrate

Rejoicing: gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, triumph; shout of joy

God is loyal and faithful.

He has done mighty and beyond extraordinary things.

He more than deserves our worship and adoration.

Because God is faithful, He deserves our thanks for past, present, and future blessings. 

His loving acts and kindness should be counted and recounted in celebration of who God is! 

And in doing each of these, the heart should be overflowing with joy—causing one to shout in triumph and joy!

Thanks Living, TOWDAH. Recount in celebration God's faithfulness! 

Thanks Living: Solid Foundation—Faithful

Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

Know: have knowledge, make to be known, be learned, perceive, understand, have understanding

Faithful: verified, confirmed, establish, stedfast, sure

Keeps: properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to

Mercy: favor, good deed, kindly, loving-kindness, merciful kindness

Perceive, have understanding, that God, my God is first and foremost GOD! And He is a faithful God! He keeps His promises. Faithful and true. 

Thanks Living begins with having an understanding that God is God and that He is faithful. Knowing that God is the constant and remains faithful, is the solid foundation on which our faith is based. Knowing that God is faithful gives us the assurance that He will accomplish all that He has promised. So, in the midst of trouble, we can know that God is steadfast and sure—and that creates a heart of thanksgiving. 

Thanks Living is not based on gifts received, or a feeling. Rather, it's based on the solid foundation of God Himself—the faithful and true God! 

Thanks Living: Entitlement

Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

"We must learn to trust God, not live with a sense of entitlement." (The Gospel Project)

When I started studying "Thanks Living", I realized that it's easier to say "thanks" for things, but a bit more difficult to thank God for WHO He is. Not receiving anything, just thanks for God Himself. 

I have to say that God has blessed me abundantly. And often people wonder how I can give praise to God, when I live in chronic pain. My reply is, "How could I NOT?!!" My pain level doesn't change WHO God is. My pain level doesn't make God stop being good. My pain level doesn't make God unfaithful. God cannot change. He is good. He is faithful. Period. 

"But if God was a good God, then He'd heal you." Really??!!! Who am I to tell God, the Creator of all, what He should do? Just because I would like it, doesn't mean it's best in God's plan. From God's perspective, my chronic pain is a good thing—as it is being used to accomplish His will. 

God is good. And He is a good God! Just because God has unlimited resources, doesn't mean that He has to give them to me. Entitlement is a dangerous mindset. When we start to think that we deserve something—we forget that what we actually deserve is punishment for our sin. Only by the grace of God and His provision of Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin, are we saved from eternal damnation. 

Thanks Living, has to begin with a solid understanding of Who God is, and that God does not "owe me anything." I am to give thanks to God for Who He is. I am to give thanks to God because He is good. I am to give thanks to God because He is faithful. God can be none other than Who He is! 

As I learn to trust God and understand that He is good — then my mind and heart will begin to develop a sense of Thanks Living, based on Who God is, not on a sense of entitlement. 

Thanks Living: God is good. Period

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the Lord... why? 
Because He is good. 
That's it. 
Simply, because God is good. 
Not because of the benefits that He gives because He is good. 
Simply because of the fact that God is good. 

If God is so good why does He allow bad things to happen? That's an age old question. The only answer I have is that no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, God remains good. He cannot change. He is good. Period. 

As I have been thinking about Psalm 106:1 and 107:1, and that God is good, I continued to think of God's goodness in relation what I get because of God's goodness. That is NOT what these verses are saying to do. We are to give thanks, simply because God is good—period. Just thanking God that He is good. It's who God is. A characteristic that cannot change. 

The fact that God can be nothing less than who He is reminded me of a post I had written several years ago: (http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2011/01/god-is-faithful.html)

God is Faithful

by Rhonda Sawtelle

God, my Confidant, my Savior,
Faithful is His code of behavior.
Steadfast, unchangeable, unshakable.
Being something different—He’s just unable.
I Am can be nothing other than who He is.

True blue, never slow, never wavering.
Rock-solid; forever unchanging.
In the past, He has proven Himself true.
In the present and future, He’ll simply continue.
I Am can be nothing other than who He is.

Promises kept, loyal, reliable, sure.
Awesome faithfulness—without measure.
No role in God’s faithfulness, has human frailty.
Unfaithfulness to God’s Being is contrary.
I Am can be nothing other than who He is.

Unfathomable, incomprehensible,
It is simply and utterly impossible—
Unfaithfulness is not even a choice.
In God’s faithfulness—with assurance—rejoice.
I Am can be nothing other than Who He Is.

__________________________

“When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.”  Hebrews 6:17-19 (The Message)

____________________________________________

Give thanks..... for God is good. Period. Thanks Living is based on the fact that God is good. Not on things I receive because God is good. Give thanks—for God is good. Period. 

Proverbs 11:12-15 A Faithful Spirit

He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure. Proverbs 11:12-15

Faithful Spirit. 

Faithful: faithful in spirit (disposition); confirmed, established, sure; to trust or believe, to be quiet

Spirit: being, the will, mind, especially of moral character

What peace, to oneself and to others, a Faithful Spirit provides! The Faithful Spirit knows when to speak and what to say. A Faithful Spirit provides safety to himself and others. 

A Faithful Spirit. 

Today is Thanksgiving. As family and friends get together across the country, there will be many augments and sadly, mean things said. All because wisdom was not invited to be part of the gathering. 

A person full of wisdom, has a Faithful Spirit and brings peace to the gathering. And wisdom begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

I wish you each a Happy Thanksgiving! And may each of you have a Faithful Spirit. 

Trust: Proven Trustworthy

And the Lord said to Moses, How long will this people provoke (spurn, despise) Me? And how long will it be before they believe Me [trusting in, relying on, clinging to Me], for all the signs which I have performed among them? Numbers 14:11 (AMP)

The Israelites had been walking through the desert toward the promise land. They arrived at Canann. The spies went in to check it out, and returned with their report. Most said, "The land is awesome! But there is no way we can fight those that live there. They are just too strong and powerful for us." Two spies, Joshua and Caleb, said, "God said He'd give it to us, let's go get it!" 

The people rather than TRUST in all that God had proven He could do, relied on what only they, themselves could do. 

God had proven Himself to be trustworthy. He did what He said He would do. He took care of His people at the right time, even in the midst of their complaining and disobedience. God said it, all the Israelites had to do was TRUST that He'd do what He said. 

Trustworthy. God is trustworthy. That means when I don't understand what or why He is doing something, I have to stop and remember all that He did, and that He is One who always keeps His word! God is trustworthy. 

Trustworthy. We only know if someone is trustworthy by what they've done. However, with God, we know that He is not only trustworthy for ALL that He has done, but because of WHO He is! 

God is faithful. God is honest. God does not lie. God is God Almighty! 

Too often I, like the Israelites, forget Who I am placing my trust in—God Almighty! Rather, I look around and see the impossible situations—at least impossible based on my abilities. If I know someone is trustworthy, and they have proven themselves trustworthy time and time again, then I need to continue trusting. Sadly, it's too easy to get caught up with the impossibilities, instead of trusting in someone else. And the impossibilities are based on what I CAN DO—not on the one I am to be trusting to do it. 

Only, when I stop trusting in myself, and put my trust in the One who is trustworthy to accomplish all He says He will do, can I fully enjoy the journey and end results. And I will only be able to fully trust God when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Description

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.    

And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome].

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a [hearty] welcome.

And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me. Colossians 4:9-11 (AMP)

Paul continues with a list of friends and how they encourage and minister to him. The descriptions he uses are evident of each man living a God-honoring life. 

If someone was writing about me, what characteristics would they use? How would they describe me? Could they say that I'm faithful? Should others embrace me and welcome me, because I am living a God-honoring life? Do I encourage and comfort others? 

More importantly, if God was writing about me, what would He say? I wrote about this on Colossians 1:7, "What would be written about me?". 

Living a life that is godly is not only God-honoring, but has an impact on those around us. We are to be encouraging other believers, comforting them, and interacting with them. Just as we do this for believers, we are also to be doing it for unbelievers, so that they can see the love of God. 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, will my life be described as faithful, encouraging, and God-honoring.