Psalm - Psalm 10

Psalm 10:16aThe Lord is King forever and ever.

As I read Psalm 10, I couldn't help but think of the state of our nation today, in fact the world. I too with the Psalmist wonder why God is just "sitting back" letting evil rule the world. But then I remember that God in His mercy and love wants to give mankind an opportunity at repentance. 

Each time God brought judgement upon the World, He provided a way of salvation. He was going to destroy the World at one point due to the wickedness of mankind, but one man, Noah found grace in the eyes of God. God provided time and opportunity for salvation of any who would choose. 

There are also other examples in the Bible of God's mercy and grace. 

The Lord is King forever and ever. 

That is a fact. And if the Lord is no King of your life, then you have the opportunity to choose Him - today. 

If He is your King, are you bringing honor and glory to Him by the way you are living? 

Psalm 10 - The Lord is King forever! 

Psalm - Psalm 6

Psalm 6:9The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Heard: to hear intelligently, listen, understand
Supplication: petition for graciousness
Receive: take = carry off, seize
Prayer: intercession

To be heard. Often we just want someone to listen. Just by hearing us, our fears are calmed and are sadness is lessened. 

God Almighty is listening and is HEARING intelligently! Even our thoughts and jumbles words are understood by God! He will take what we say (and think) and seize it so that He can respond in accordance to His Will. 

Psalm 6:9 - I'm being Heard Intelligently! 

1 Thessalonians: Grace & Peace

Study of 1 Thessalonians

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Grace: favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefitPeace: wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). "The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm

Note where the grace and peace are generated — "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". For only true grace and pure peace can come from God. 

How does this specific greeting impact the recipient? A greeting reminding one of the grace and peace that God offers and supplies freely, will calm the turmoil of the physical life and the soul. 

Grace and Peace. 
FROM God OUR Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

May you receive God's gift of grace and peace today. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:25

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. 25: Provides Revival & Rejuvenation

My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Revive: himself with fulness of life in his favor

According to your word: advice, answer, promise

“Quicken thou me according to thy word. By thy providence put life into my affairs, by thy grace put life into my affections; cure me of my spiritual deadness and make me lively in my devotion.” Note, When we find ourselves dull we must go to God and beg of him to quicken us; he has an eye to God's word as a means of quickening (for the words which God speaks, they are spirit and they are life to those that receive them), and as an encouragement to hope that God would quicken him, having promised grace and comfort to all the saints, and to David in particular. God's word must be our guide and plea in every prayer. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

Find yourself discouraged? We find joy, peace, and comfort in God and His Word. 

Joy — Crammed Full!

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

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Joy: grace recognized

Jesus Christ, being God, knew exactly what was ahead for His disciples. He knew that He would be facing persecution and death. He knew that after His death and resurrection, His disciples would endure many hardships. God wanted to assure them (and us) that in the midst of it all — joy would remain!

How can joy remain in the mist of hardships? Because joy is not based on circumstances. Joy is grace recognized! Joy is a direct result of a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

This promise of the Saviour was abundantly fulfilled. The apostles with great frequency speak of the fulness of their joy - joy produced in just the manner promised by the Saviour - by the presence of the Holy Spirit. And it showed his great love, that he promised such joy; his infinite knowledge, that, in the midst of their many trials and persecutions, he knew that they would possess it; and the glorious power and loveliness of his gospel, that it could impart such joy amid so many tribulations. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

In October, I read this verse and wrote this: 

Notice the source of joy: Jesus Christ.

Notice the shift of joy: God's joy becomes my joy (My - your)

Notice the supply of joy: enough to fill and overflow; fullest possible; totally complete

God's joy — FULL joy! 

Full:  to make complete in every particular; to render perfect

I love the root word for "full",  "pleres" is means to make replete—literally to cram, fill up. I love the picture that creates. Joy is so FULL... it repeats and is CRAMMED full so that it's spilling out. It can't be "used up" as it continues to repeat... a never-ending, overflowing source of joy. 

Now, the question is....... am I dampening God's joy? Am I trying to put a lid on it and contain it? Or am I allowing God's joy to overflow in my life? 

Joy — grace recognized — repeating so that it's crammed full and overflowing, not to be contained. 

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

God's Gift of Wholeness

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)

Peace: (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). (HelpsBible.com) Peace between individuals, i. e. harmony

Love: what God prefers

Joy: grace recognized 

Peace: God's gift of wholeness

Peace. It's easy to have harmony and quietness when everyone agrees with ME! However, when others have a different viewpoint, how does one have peace? 

Peace is not about getting my way, or having all in agreement with me. Rather, peace is the quietness and comfort from God — first and foremost, being in harmony, in agreement with Him. That wholeness with God is only when I recognize who God is, and who I am. When I come humbly to the Holy God Almighty, I then can accept His gift of forgiveness and peace. 

Peace is a gift of God's wholeness. And when I am in harmony with God, then I can experience peace even in the midst of chaos. For when I humbly accept the gift of God's grace, I then can express that grace and forgiveness to others. And as I share grace, peace abounds. 

Does that mean I have to agree with everyone else in order to have and share peace? No. However, it does mean that I have to be wise in words, actions, and attitude and allow God's grace to rule my life. 

Peace a gift from God that brings harmony and calmness to my soul. And once my soul is at peace, I then can experience that peace and harmony with those around me— all because of God's grace. 

Grace Recognized

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)

Joy: gladness, cheerfulness, calm delight; the awareness (of God's) grace, favor; "grace recognized"

Joy is not based on circumstances or feelings. Rather joy, a product of the Holy Spirit, is based on all that God has to offer—justification, forgiveness, peace, adoption, fellowship with God Almighty, and eternal life with God. The joy is because of the relationship with God. The joy is an outpouring of the love God gives. 

This morning, I awoke with a searing headache and intense back pain. Normally I wake up in pain, but this morning, it was a much higher level. Yet, as I got up and I slowly made my way to the kitchen, my mind switched from the pain to the Castle. Just walking down the hallway toward the kitchen, I had to stop and thank God for this amazing home. In the stillness and quietness of the morning, I looked at the living room. Each time I see that fireplace and the vaulted ceiling, I'm overcome with an overwhelming sense of amazement. God in His gracious goodness, has supplied an amazing home for me and my parents. As I think about Who God is and how He takes care of me — just wow! 

My heart can overflow with joy, not because my life is perfect, or I'm pain free (that won't happen until I am in Heaven!). But rather, my heart can overflow with joy because I know and have a relationship with God Almighty. 

Joy the awareness of God's grace—grace recognized! The more I take time to recognize God's grace the more joy will overflow! 

Thinking Affects Everything: True 2

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

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—True.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4

Truth: steadfastness, fidelity, trusty.

Things that are true are not based on a whim. Truth is an absolute. And that absolute is based on God Himself. He does not change, therefore, truth does not change. 

Think on things that are true. Not what I think is to be true based on my feelings. Not what I think to be true, simply because I want it to be true. Not what I think to be true to make it easier on me. 

Things that are true—based on God's absolute truth! 

I wonder how our Nation would change, if we stopped thinking based on our own "feeling based truth", and started thinking based on God's absolute truth. 

Think on these things..... whatever is true.....

God's 'true', not my own.

Thinking Affects Everything

Lately, I've been thinking about how things I think about, read, listen to, and focus on effect my mind;  my body–physically, mentally, emotionally; and my soul (spiritually). It also has an effect on how I treat those around me. 

God created us, and therefore knows exactly how we are "wired". That is why He stresses the importance of filing our minds and hearts with His Word. 

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

Let's start with the first one...... 

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

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—

TRUE. 

Literally, not hidden, unconcealed; grace which can be trusted.

Think on things that are true.

That would include people that are truthful. 

That would include TV shows that are not based on lies or promote lying. 

That would include not retweeting, or liking, or sharing, or adding an emoji to a post on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, instagram, etc.

That would include the music I listen — in private and public. 

True. 

Ponder. Meditate. Take an Inventory. 

Thanks Living: Your Purposes

Psalm 5

Can you hear, O God, what I have to say? Do You feel something of what I feel this morning? 

I know, O God, that You are grieved by the selfishness of Your children.The world You created seems to be falling apart. Your creatures are living for themselves alone, proud and self-suffieient. They thing they don't need You any longer.I also know, O Lord, that I cannot exist without the assurance of Your eternal love. Thus I commit myself once more to You and Your purposes. Help me walk in Your path for this life.Give me grace to overcome the many obstacles. 

The philosophies that come out of our world bear little resemblance to the truth You revealed to us. These subtle, seductive world views lead people astray through forked tongues and suave soft-sell.  Enable us to recognize them for what they are: shallow, superficial, ultimately destructive. 

Those who follow You need not be dismayed.They can sing and dance in the joy of the Lord.You will continue to reveal Yourself to them and care for them and work out Your purposes in and through them. 

Psalms Now by Leslie Brandt 

Thanks Living remembering that God cares for me and is working out His purposes in and through me.

Thanks Living: Actively grateful!

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.  2 Corinthians 4:15

Grace:  "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues"

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

Abound: to make abundant or excellent, to cause one to excel

Glory: good opinion concerning one, and as resulting from that, praise, honor

Actively grateful language to God! Thanksgiving isn't just a simple word, it's to become an ACTION!   And what produces the true action of thanksgiving? Realizing the grace of God and sharing His grace to others. The more God's grace is made known and the more people accept God's grace then the ultimate reaction is thanksgiving and worship to God giving God the honor and glory! 

Actively grateful! Thanks Living is not something that is hidden or just saying "thanks" now and then. It's to be an ongoing ACTION of worship and praise to God!

Thanks Living: At a loss for words.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks: graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude, joy, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).

His: self (emphatic)

Indescribable: that cannot be thoroughly related indescribable, that cannot be thoroughly related, inexpressible. It is higher than the mind can conceive; higher than language can express.

Gift: a gift, freely given and hence not acquired by merit or "entitlement." Expresses a brand of giving that highlights the beneficent desire of the giver.

At a loss for words. Inexpressible. 

Can't describe the "awesomeness". No words to describe it. Overwhelmed to the point of total awe. 

An indescribable gift. Gift, given freely. Nothing earned. No entitlement. Simply a gift with no strings attached. 

God in His grace and mercy, gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sin. (For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3)

Our sin is forgiven. Indescribable! 

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

At a loss for words. Inexpressible. 

Do I realize that magnitude of God's gift? Am I at a loss of words in trying to express my overwhelming gratitude to God? 

Thanks Living is not about the gifts, it's about realizing that God in His grace and mercy forgave me of my sin. It's all about God and His amazing goodness! No way to earn it. No entitlement. Simply an indescribable gift from God! 

Thanks Living: Big Picture & Parts

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Everything: "each, every" means "all" in the sense of "each (every) part that applies." The emphasis of the total picture then is on "one piece at a time."

Give thanks: literally, "thankful for God's good grace"; to be grateful
For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, inference or continuation)

Will: what one wishes or has determined shall be done (i. e. objectively, thing willed)

God: the Creator and owner of all things

In: "in the realm (sphere) of," as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within).

Christ Jesus: "the Anointed One," the Christ (Hebrew, "Messiah"); the incarnate, eternal Son of God

For: of reference or relation; with respect to, in reference to; as regards

You: the person pronoun

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) (VOICE)Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. (GNT)And give thanks ·whatever happens [in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God’s will] for you in Christ Jesus. (EXB)In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (AMP)

Everything. The big picture. Each and every part. 

The big picture. As we live our daily lives, we are so focused on the here and now, the small piece that concerns us this very moment, that we lose sight of the big picture. We lose perspective on what God is doing. 

The word "everything" in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encompasses each individual part and the big picture. We are to give thanks, for the details that are taking place as God creates the entirety of His will. 

Everything. The little details which we overlook. The little blessings God sends, but we are too busy trying to figure out the big picture, we miss them. The daily everyday routines and tasks that are viewed an unimportant and mundane, but are actually necessary in view of the big picture. 

Give thanks.

Thankful for God's good grace. Simply thankful, grateful, for God and His grace upon our lives.

Grateful: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness.

Will of God.

The Creator of all, has a specific plan for each of us. So often we say, "If only I know what God wants me do to." or "What is God's will for my life?" 

The verse tells us specifically—be grateful for everything—it's what God wants you to do! Be Thankful! 

"Thanks Living" must begin with being grateful for God and His grace toward me. And if I am truly grateful and realize that God is the Creator and owner of all things—then I will be thankful for each and every part of the big picture, knowing that this is what God wants for me. Thanks Living is God's will and it begins now no matter the circumstance, no matter place, no matter..... give thanks.

Proverbs 11:16 A Gracious Woman

A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches. Proverbs 11:16

Gracious: favor, grace, elegance: of form and appearance

Retains: to obtain, keep fast; maintain

Honor: splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances

Gracious: 

• civil 
• courteous 
• devoted 
• kind 
• polite 
• respectful 
• thoughtful
• beneficent 
• favorable 
• friendly
• generous 
• gentle 
• good 
• goodhearted 
• good-humored 
• good-natured
• kind 
• merciful 
• mild 
• sympathetic

We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal. J.I. Packer

"Gracious" is a characteristic that comes from God. When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then grace flows freely. 

A gracious woman is one that fears God and then lives a life in accordance with His wisdom, and she is recognized by the endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal for all the God has done and is doing. 

A gracious woman—a title for which to strive daily. 

Proverbs 3:31-35: There is a choice to be made.

Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. Proverbs 3:31-35

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness withregard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Oppressor: one who is or promotes violence and wrong

Choose: man's choice

None: all, the whole

Ways: of moral action and character

Perverse: to turn aside, depart, devious, crooked

Abomination: something disgusting; ethical sense to God and His people

Counsel: circle of familiar friends

Upright: straightforward, just, well-pleased, righteous

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment

Just: just, righteous, in conduct and character

Scorns: open or unqualified contempt; disdain

Grace: favor, acceptance

Humble: lowly

Wise: ethically and religiously

Inherit: have or get as a possession

Glory: honor, dignity of position

Shame: personal dishonor, disgrace

Legacy: lift up, exalt, promotion

Fools: stupid fellow

There is a choice to be made.

Choose one who is and/or promoted violence. Choose be in the company of the devious and those who are disgusting (to God). Choose to dwell with those who are guilty crime and deserve punishment. Choose those who are contempt. Choose to leave a legacy be known for being a fool. 

There is a choice to be made.

Choose to be among the circle of the just and well-pleased before God. Choose to live in a home filled with righteous conduct and character. Choose to live in humility before God. Choose to be wise ethically and religiously and enjoy the possession of honor. 

There is a choice to be made. And to make the right choice, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

What choice will you make today? 

Proverbs 3:21, 22: Looks good on you!

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Proverbs 3:21, 22

Let them not: expressing a prohibition

Depart: be perverse, contrary

From your eyes: sight, figurative of mental and spiritual faculties

Keep: watch, guard, preserve, to protect, maintain, obey

Sound wisdom: efficient wisdom, abiding success

Discretion: power of devising, intent, purpose

So they will be: become, result

Life: as welfare and happiness, consisting of earthly felicity (state of being happy) combined with spiritual blessedness

To your soul: living being

Grace: favor, elegance

Neck: ornament around the neck

Looks good on you! 

Not only do wisdom and discretion allow you to enjoy life knowing that you are doing what God wants, but they look good on you! The result of keeping wisdom and knowledge in your "awareness zone", will allow you to filter your thoughts and actions through God's wisdom. And as you keep the perversion of truth away, you're appearance will be that of happiness and grace. 

Looks good on you! We've seen people that seem to glow from within—they look beautiful and radiant. That is what wisdom provides—that growing grace. 

Looks good on you! It all begins with the heart. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God is where the wisdom flows forth. When the heart is full of respect for God, then there is a strong desire to preserve wisdom and live in obedience to that wisdom. 

Paid in Full

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 Philemon.    

And if he has done you any wrong in any way or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account. Philemon 1:18 (AMP)

Paul was telling Philemon, "I will pay Onesimus' debt IN FULL." Why would Paul be willing to do that? 

Reason 1: Because that is what God did for him (us). There can never be a way for us to pay for our sin. We are born sinners. And sinners cannot enter the presence of a Holy God. Yet, God in His gracious mercy, provided a way for ALL our Sin to be forgiven. Jesus Christ died in our place, and EACH and EVERY sin was placed upon Him.  (For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJ)

Reason 2: Because Onesimus was now a fellow Christian and was helping Paul in a great way. Onesimus knew that he needed to return to Philemon, and set things right. Paul saw Onesimus' heart of submission and willingness to do the right and godly thing.

Reason 3: Paul, didn't want there to be any reason for Philemon not to accept Onesimus back. Paul wanted Onesimus to begin with a clean slate. No past debt, rather a new beginning. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I then begin to fully understand what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross. Having my debt paid in full should make me forever grateful to God and I should be willing to do all I can for Him. "Should" — sadly, I fall short on both those accounts. However, God in His love, provides grace and mercy on a continual basis—for that I am very thankful! 

Debt is paid in full. That provides freedom to live, not randomly, but rather with a sincere and godly purpose—because my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence and apparition for God. 

Living + Effectual = Acknowledging God

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 Philemon. 

[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].

Philemon 1:6 (AMP)

That the communication of thy faith: An account of it, of its actings and exercises, of the joy of it, and of the peace a soul is filled with through believing, may be given to the mutual comfort and edification of saints; and it may be shown forth to others by the fruits of it, works of righteousness: but here it seems to design acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of others, as flowing from faith; and these words are to be connected with Philemon 1:4 as a part of the apostle's prayers, as what is contained in the preceding verse is the matter of his thanksgiving. And his prayer is, that such a communication of good things, which springs from faith, 

may be effectual: to answer some very good purposes, the good of others, and the service of the interest of Christ, and the glory of God; or, that it "may be evident"; that it "may be fruitful in works"; or show itself in fruits of righteousness, in works of mercy and kindness; and the apostle's sense is, that it might be more and more so: 

by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus: the meaning is, that every good thing that is in the saints, or among them, should be acknowledged to come to them in and through Christ Jesus, in whom all fulness of grace dwells, and from whom all is imparted; and that every good thing that is communicated, or done in faith, which is effectual to any good purpose, should be owned as done by the grace and strength of Christ, and be done to his saints, as if done to himself, and be directed to his glory.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Talking about and living one's faith should be effectual and evident, resulting in acknowledge that God is the One who blesses us with grace. And this is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Grace and Peace

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 beginning of my study of Philemon. 

Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), and our brother Timothy, to Philemon our dearly beloved sharer with us in our work,

And to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier [in the Christian warfare], and to the church [assembly that meets] in your house:

Grace (spiritual blessing and favor) be to all of you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 

Philemon 1:1-3 (AMP)

Philemon is a private letter from Paul sent to Philemon, most likely a resident of Colossae.

Paul begins and/or ends many of his letters with "grace and peace". 

Grace, the free favour and good-will of God, the spring and fountain of all blessings; and peace, all good, as the fruit and effect of that grace. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also is understood, though not named; for all acts towards the creatures of the whole Trinity: from the Father, who is our Father in Christ, the first in order of acting as of subsisting; and from Christ, his favour and good-will as God, and the fruits of it through him as Mediator, God—man.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen. Observe, Spiritual blessings are first and especially to be sought for ourselves and others.

The favour of God and peace with him, as in itself it is the best and most desirable good, so is it the cause of all other, and what puts sweetness into every mercy and can make happy even in the want of all earthly things. There are many that say, Who will show us any good? But, if God lift up the light of his countenance, this will put more joy and gladness into the heart than all worldly increase. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. In this is summarily all good, and from this one fountain, God the Father, Son, and Spirit, all comes. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG), than I will not only accept God's gifts of grace and peace, I will fully embrace them!