Proverbs 9:11, 12: You are only hurting yourself.

For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone. Proverbs 9:11, 12

Wise: restrain from acting in an evil manner, free from defect by the exercise of skill

Scoff: turn aside; speak indirectly; A primitive root; to make mouths at, i.e. To scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or intercede -ambassador.

"You are only hurting yourself." 

That fact is true when one ignores wisdom. Choosing to act against wisdom's advice doesn't hurt God in anyway. It doesn't diminish the face that God is God. It doesn't change His standard. Rather, it simply causes you grief and sadness. 

"You are only hurting yourself." 

Then why, when we know the consequences, do we continue to ignore wisdom? Simple. We are not diligent in seeking wisdom. We don't have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). We think we know better.

"You are only hurting yourself." 

Be wise—free from defect by the exercise of skill. Practice begin wise. Develop "wisdom muscle". The more wisdom muscle one has, the stronger the ability to make the right choices and continue to grow in wisdom! 

The choice is very clear. Develop "wisdom muscle" and continue a life designed by God with His blessings. Or be an ambassador of foolishness as you make a mockery of God's wisdom. If you choose the latter, you are only hurting yourself—for God will remain Almighty God! 

My Very Heart

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! 

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This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I am sending him back to you in his own person, [and it is like sending] my very heart. Philemon 1:12 (AMP)

"My very heart"

As I read this verse, I took a moment to think about what would make Onesimus, a servant who was unprofitable to one, become so dear to Paul. 

First and foremost, Onesimus trusted in Christ after he left Philemon. So now Onesimus was a changed man. As a believer in Christ, Onesimus' actions reflected his new relationship with Christ. 

Secondly, I think that Onesimus was learning and growing under Paul's teaching. For learning how to "put on" the godly characteristics from Colossians 3, Onesimus then was reflecting Christ in his actions and attitude. 

And lastly, Onesimus had become and encourager and blessing to Paul. 

"My very heart"

A relationship based on the bond of Jesus Christ between two Christians. That is second only to a personal relationship to Christ. 

First and foremost, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), so that my relationship with Christ can have an impact in my relationship with others—so that the bond is deep—"my very heart". 

Maturity

Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 1:28 (AMP)

God is doing an amazing thing in my life right now, and with it comes new responsibility. Responsibilities I haven't had in my life before. Exciting, yes. But it's also a growing time. I have to learn new things, so that I know what I am responsible for, and can take care of those responsibilities. 

Do you realize that knowing the Word of God brings responsibilities too? The more you study God's Word the more you are held accountable for obeying. Also studying God's Word should be changing you as you learn about God and His wisdom and instruction. 

Maturity. Yes, there is more responsibilities with growing and learning. But there is also more blessings and joys. 

If I want to become mature in Christ, it begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), and then allowing that reverence to impact my life.

2015 Goal

A few weeks ago at Church, the Pastor asked us what our gift to God would be in 2015. As I thoughtful and prayerful considered what I would give God this year... all I could think about was what I was studying "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God" (Acts 9:31). 

My goal in 2015,

is to permeate myself with a deep sense of reverence for God

and that will (should) have impact in my life

and the lives of those around me. 

The only way for me to develop and be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God is to study His Word and learn more about Him and then allow those truths to change my heart and attitude, and then impact my actions. 

"Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully." Acts 9:31 (MSG)

I'm looking forward to growing in my faith and see all that God has to teach me throughout 2015.

No Excuses

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 92. Here is what I learned.

Even when they are old, they still bear fruit. They are always healthy and fresh. Psalm 92:14 (GW)

They’ll grow tall in the presence of God, lithe and green, virile still in old age. Psalm 92:14 (MSG)

[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. Psalm 92:14 (AMP)

Constancy is an ingredient in the obedience Christ requires. His trees bring forth fruit in old age. Age makes other things decay, but makes a Christian flourish. Some are like hot horses, mettlesome at the beginning of a journey, and tired a long time before they come to their journey's end. A good disciple, as he would not have from God a temporary happiness, so he would not give to God a temporary obedience; as he would have his glory last as long as God lives, so he would have his obedience last as long as he lives. Stephen Charnock

Aged believers possess a ripe experience, and by their mellow tempers and sweet testimonies they feed many. Even if bedridden, they bear the fruit of patience; if poor and obscure, their lowly and contented spirit becomes the admiration of those who know how to appreciate modest worth. Grace does not leave the saint when the keepers of the house do tremble; the promise is still sure though the eyes can no longer read it; the bread of heaven is fed upon when the grinders fail; and the voice of the Spirit in the soul is still melodious when the daughters of music are brought low. Blessed be the Lord for this! Because even to hoar hairs he is the I AM, who made his people, he therefore bears and carries them. The Treasury of David

Never stops growing. Never stops producing. Never stops giving. No excuses for not producing fruit. 

Growing in grace and producing fruit should continue no matter my circumstance, my age, or situation. Producing fruit is NOT based on me! Rather the fruit is a product of God working in my life. 

As long as I allow God to work in my life and use to me to glorify Him, than there are no excuses—I should be producing fruit. 

To create a positive day—there can be no excuses—rather, I need to let God work, and then I’ll produce fruit that will bring Him glory and honor.

Fruit Producer

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.

He is like a tree planted beside streams— a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does. Psalm 1:3 (GW)

And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 (ASV)

He is "like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;" not unseasonable graces, like untimely figs, which are never full-flavoured. But the man who delights in God's Word, being taught by it, bringeth forth patience in the time of suffering, faith in the day of trial, and holy joy in the hour of prosperity. Fruitfulness is an essential quality of: a gracious man, and that fruitfulness should be seasonable.

But to the eye of faith this word is sure, and by it we perceive that our works are prospered, even when everything seems to go against us. It is not outward prosperity which the Christian most desires and values; it is soul prosperity which he longs for.  The trials of the saint are a divine husbandry, by which he grows and brings forth abundant fruit. The Treasury of David

As I read Psalm 1:3 this morning, the phrase, “produces fruit”, I had to stop and think... Am I producing fruit? If so, what kind? As I asked myself these questions, Galatians 5:22, 23 came to mind. 

The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. Galatians 5:22, 23 (VOICE)

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22, 23 (MSG)

So, am I a fruit producer? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to work in my life, so that I can produce fruit? Or am I just a tree that grows leaves and “looks pretty”? 

The only way to be a fruit producer is to study God’s Word and allow it to impact my life. To create a positive day, I need to be a fruit producer. 

Old vs New

Last week, I got rid of the old desktop computer. Tonight the sofabed is gone. As I look around at all the things which are now gone... I started remembering how God provided each item. God is very creative in providing my needs, and even some wants. Over the years, He's used a wide variety of things to provide: additional jobs, gifts from friends, and even contests. Now that the items are gone... I hope that I continue to remember Who provided and how He did so. 

During the past few weeks as I've worked on the 'non-move', it's been interesting to watch Max, my parakeet. He knows something is happening, but he's not sure what is going on. Tonight, I had to put him in is cage, since flying around the room would not be helpful as the sofabed was moved. When he could see me, he was upset with being in his cage... but okay... as soon as I left the room, the cries and chirps started. I wondered if he was thinking I'd forget him. 

Now with the sofabed gone, I'm reclining on an old pool lounge chair. Max is very frustrated with this change. His perch is now different and I'm much lower. It's funny to watch his reaction to things. Max doesn't like change. For that matter, I don't care for it much myself. Once I figure out what works... there is no need to change it. However, there are times when a good house cleaning and rearranging is in order.... both in the physical and spiritual.

I often wonder as God works in my life, do I wish for the old back? God has to clean house, in order for me to grow in His image. If I refuse to allow God to get rid of stuff and rearrange things, I won't grow. Or if I try to hold onto or bring back old things, the new items wont fit or will be neglected.  It may take some time to adjust to the new, but it is well worth the effort.

I hope that as I move forward, I'll remember all that God has provided and what He taught me. But I'm looking forward to the new and seeing the new plans God has in store for me. Remembering is good...however, as I remember I want to look forward to all that God has in store for me. 

One aspect about creating a positive day... it that it's a DAY. If I had a "bad day", I can forget it and begin again. I can remember the great things from the previous day... but each day presents a new opportunity to create a positive day. I don't have to use "yesterday's blessing". I can have new! God's mercies are new EVERY morning! Tomorrow as I reflect on God's goodness in the past, I will work on creating new memories of God's amazing love for me—can't get more positive than that!