Psalm - Psalm 13

Psalm 13:5But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5

But I trust in Your faithful love; my heart leaps at the thought of imminent deliverance by You. Psalm 13:5 (VOICE)

My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation; which God is the contriver, author, and giver of, and in which the glory of his perfections is so greatly displayed: and a true believer rejoices more on account that God is glorified by it than because of his own interest in it; and this joy is an inward one, it is joy in the heart, and is real and unfeigned, and is what continues, and will be felt and expressed both here and hereafter. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

What makes my heart leap? What raises my spirits? The truth is that nothing on earth can make my heart leap—for pure joy. Oh, there are things that make me smile, and happy, but true joy comes only from God. True joy provides a constant that allows my heart to leap no matter the situation or circumstance. 

When I realize that God’s faithful love is ever-present and available to me, no matter the circumstance, or situation! God’s love is the constant that should make my heart leap! 

Think of that for a moment. God, the Creator of all, the Amazing Almighty God loves us. Can you grasp that fact? God loves me! God loves you! 

Stop and reflect on God’s amazing constant, unconditional love and then your heart will leap and your spirits will soar! 

Psalm 13 - God’s amazing constant, unconditional love

Psalm - Psalm 5

Psalm 5:11But 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.

Rejoice: cheer up, be make glad
Trust: to flee for protection, have hope, make refuge
Shout for Joy: To shout aloud for joy, triumph
Defend: to fence in, cover over
Love: beloved like, friend
Name: by implication honor, authority, character
Joyful: to jump for joy, triumph

Rejoice based on Trust in God Almighty.
Joy based on the Protection God Almighty provides.
Joy is a result of loving Who God is! 

Psalm 5:11 -

Rejoice & Joy because of Who God is! 

It's a Party! And all are invited.

It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 21:15

Joy: exceedingly, gladness, joyfulness, mirth, pleasure, rejoicing in festivity

Just: lawful, righteous man

To do: accomplish

Justice: attribute of right, rectitude

Destruction: dismay, ruin

Workers: habitually commit, do

Iniquity: mischief, wickedness, strictly nothingness

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

To do justly is not to be done with a begrudging attitude. Rather obedience should be done with joy. The word, "joy" in Proverbs 21:15 means "party of joy". And that party of joy comes when one accomplishes what is right, not according to themselves, but rather right according to God. 

The Required Routine of "Do justly" is to be accomplished with a party of joy. It's not just about doing what is right, it's about having the right attitude while doing. 

It's a Party! And all are invited. Do justly!

The Required Routine for 2018!

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Good: ethical, right

Require: ask for, demand

To Do: accomplish

Justly: attribute of justice, right, rectitude

Love: love

Mercy: kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable)

Walk:  associate, be familiar with

Humbly: keep close, reserve, preserve, retiring, modest, lowly

The Required Routine for 2018 is to:

1. Do justly

2. Love mercy

3. Walk humbly with your God

Each requires -

- a God perspective: what is good, ethical, right?
- an action: do, love, walk.
- a willingness: What does the Lord require?
- a personal relationship: your God

Required Routine - do justly, love mercy,

and walk humbly with your God. 

My prayer is that I can fulfill the required routine in 2018 and beyond. 

Pray for Jami

Looking for some prayer warriors! 

My friend, Jami, has started a new series of medical treatments. This will be a long process and I'd like to get a team of people committed to praying for her. 

If you'd like to join me, please comment on the day(s) that you will pray for her. You can pick one a month (like on the 19th), or you can pick a day of the week (Wed), or pick several times (daily, 2x a week, etc). I'd like you to be specific. 

Please pray for the following:

JAMI—

1. Jami's spirit. Dealing with any chronic condition can be discouraging. When you don't feel well, the spirit needs extra support. Let’s be praying that Jami will be encouraged during the treatments. #GoJoy

2. Jami's treatments. That her body would accept the "army" that will help her heal. #GoArmy 

3. This prayer is a big one, almost seems impossible. BUT GOD! God has resources and means to provide. Let’s ask God to supply each and every need. (And if you want to donate, please do! The link is below.) #GoMoney

4. This prayer is all-encompassing. In Tune means that everything is working in harmony. That includes all aspects of life. Living with a chronic illness not only impacts the individual but the family and friends. Let’s pray that not only will Jami be “in tune”, but that God will bring peace and harmony to all those around her. #GoInTune

JAMI–

Joy

Army

Money

InTune 

Let’s go TEAM!

Here is the donation link: https://www.plumfund.com/medical-fund/help-jami-take-a-bite-out-of-lyme

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. 

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. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:4

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

You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Psalm 119:4

You: God 
Commanded: give a charge
Keep: take heed to self, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; to protect, be circumspect
Precepts: a mandate of God; (plural only, collectively, for the Law) -- commandment
Diligently: up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly

Our lives are filled with situations and circumstances that have rules. 

When you drive, there are specific rules that must be followed, and if not, there are consequences — up to and including death. Stopping on red, may seem like a silly rule, but it's one that when obeyed protects you from getting t-boned. 

The fact is that we live our lives by rules each day.  Why do we then fight and ignore the simple basic rules that God (who created us) has given us? Why do we think that we know better and can ignore the laws that God designed? He created the laws knowing us and what we would need to protect us from ourselves and on another. 

Yet, so often we ignore God's commands, thinking we know all too well. That is basically, ignoring the meaning of a red light — and driving directly into the path of a car obeying the law of the green light. 

God provides direction, not because He want to rob us of fun. Rather, he provides direction through His commands so that we can enjoy life, and truly be happy! 

Red light. Green light. It really is as simple as that. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:3

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

They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.Psalm 119:3

Do: to do or make—systematically and habitually
No: nay, neither, never, no
Iniquity: violent deeds of injustice
Walk: behave self, of moral and religious life
His ways: course of life, or action, undertakings, in good sense

Habits. We all have them. Some are good and others we need to work on breaking. If we want to be happy and joyful, then we need to make sure we do not have habits that go against God. In no way, never, a flat out NO. Habits that are against God almighty have to be broken! 

But as we all know, bad habits need to be replaced with better ones. How do we do that? First, we must identify the bad habits. Name them. Write them down. When we take the time to actually name and put in writing the bad habits, it makes them very real. We can't ignore them any longer. 

Next, share the list with God. No, I'm not joking here. He already knows all our habits — good and bad. But name them and take with over with God. Ask for forgiveness. Explain why the habit is bad — and goes against our holy God. 

The next step is ask God for the strength, determination and will to change the bad habit. He will give it. But it's up to us to do the work. Accountability helps in this area. Find a trusted friend or two and ask them to pray with you, for you and come along side to encourage you. 

And lastly, replace the bad habit with a God-honoring one. This is the "walk in His ways" part of the verse. Behave yourself! Make your course of life — all actions, thoughts, words — one that shows that you fear a holy and almighty God. 

Say NO to sin and start creating habits that demonstrate that we are children of God Almighty! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:2

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. 1, 2: Provides Joy

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,who seek Him with the whole heart!Psalm 119:2

Blessed: happy, joyful; blessed the perfect in way
Keep: guard with fidelity, keep, observe
Testimonies: always of laws as divine testimonies or solemn charges
Seek Him: seek deity (the true God) in prayer and worship
Whole: (in) all manner, every
Heart: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

What am I passionate about? What motivates me? What will I sacrifice for? 
The answer or answers to those questions will show where my focus is, and what is important to me. For those are things for which I am willing to devote my time, my money, and my mind to — they take forefront in my life. 

Where does God fit in to my life? Do I consider His Word important? Do I observe and guard with fidelity that things which He says? Do I really seek, look for and spend time worshiping Him? Do I love Him with my entire being? Does loving and obeying God consume my thoughts, wills, and desires? 

If I want to be happy, than I must make sure that God is that one I am seeking. My thoughts, actions, attitude should be filtered through God's Word. 

And what does the Lord require of you  — to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:1

This begins the study of Psalm 119. 

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 1, 2: Provides Joy
vs. 3–5: Provides Direction
vs. 6: Provides Motivation
vs. 7, 8: Provides Results

vs. 9: Provides Purity (Sanctification)
vs. 10: Provides Boundaries
vs. 11: Provides Influence
vs. 12: Provides Instruction
vs. 13: Provides Conversation
vs. 14: Provides Treasure
vs. 15: Provides Contemplation
vs. 16: Provides Position

vs. 17: Provides Life
vs. 18-19: Provides Perception
vs. 20: Provides Longing
vs. 21: Provides Judgment
vs. 22, 23: Provides Protection
vs. 24: Provides Wisdom

vs. 25: Provides Revival & Rejuvenation
vs. 26, 27: Provides Knowledge
vs. 28: Provides Encouragement 
vs. 29: Provides Understanding
vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

vs. 33, 34: Provides Application
vs. 35: Provides Guidance
vs. 36, 37: Provides Ambition
vs. 38-40: Provides Purpose

vs. 41, 42: Provides Incentive
vs. 43: Provides Hope
vs. 44, 45: Provides Discipline
vs. 46, 47: Provides Confidence
vs. 48: Provides Communion

vs. 49–51: Provides Strength
vs. 52: Provides Comfort
vs. 53, 54: Provides Harmony
vs. 55, 56: Provides Relevance

vs. 57, 58: Provides Thoughtfulness
vs. 59, 60: Provides Objective
vs. 61: Provides Security
vs. 62: Provides Thanksgiving
vs. 63: Provides Companionship
vs. 64: Provides Substance

vs. 65, 66: Provides Integrity
vs. 67, 68: Provides Obligation
vs. 69, 70: Provides Truth
vs. 72: Provides Value

vs.73–75: Provides Conviction
vs. 76, 77: Provides Pleasure
vs. 78, 79: Provides Commonality
vs. 80: Provides Pride

vs. 81-88: Provides Steadfastness

vs. 89–91: Provides Immortality
vs. 92–95: Provides Existence
vs. 96: Provides Everlastingness

vs. 97–100: Provides Intelligence
vs. 101, 102: Provides Perimeters
vs. 103: Provides Refreshment
vs. 104: Provides Discernment

vs. 105: Provides Light
vs. 106: Provides Righteousness
vs. 107–112 Provides Determination

vs. 113: Provides Unity
vs. 114: Provides Refuge
vs. 115: Provides Perception
vs. 116–118: Provides Support
vs. 119–120: Provides Admiration

vs. 121–125: Provides Comprehension
vs. 126–128: Provides Perspective

vs. 129: Provides Miracles
vs. 130: Provides Enlightenment
vs. 131: Provides Desire
vs. 132–134: Provides Compassion
vs. 135, 136: Provides Response

vs. 137–139: Provides Trustworthiness
vs. 140–142: Provides Dependability
vs. 143, 144: Provides Significance

vs. 145–148: Provides Reason
vs. 149–152: Provides Patronage

vs. 153–160: Provides Justice

vs. 161–164: Provides Devotion
vs. 165: Provides Peace
vs. 166–168: Provides Allegiance

vs. 169: Provides Insight
vs. 170–172: Provides Appreciation
vs. 173–176: Provides Help

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,

who walk in the law of the Lord!

Psalm 119:1

Blessed: happy, joyful; blessed the perfect in way
Undefiled: sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity
Way: of moral action and character, duty, good sense
Walk: behave self
Law:  codes of law, precept or statute
Lord: God

Want true happiness? Then conduct oneself "within the boundaries and limits of it, according to its direction, as it is a rule of walk and conversation in the hands of Christ the Lawgiver." (John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible)

Is it really that simple? Yes. But don't mistake happiness for an easy life free from stress, pain, or heartache. Happiness is not based on circumstances, rather it is based on knowing that you are obeying God and conducting yourself in accordance with His word. 

God provides joy—to receive it, make sure your character is one of integrity and your actions are blameless in the eyes of God. 

Full effect being complete and inferior to none. (James)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4

Let:  comprise, involve, possessed with

Patience: steadfastness, constancy, endurance (the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings)

Perfect: brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness

Work: an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opposed to that which is less than work

Entire: complete in all its parts, in no part lacking or unsound

Wanting: to lag, be inferior

Nothing: none, not

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/james/1-4.htm

Be possessed with steadfastness, constancy, and endurance so that I'll know the full effect being complete and inferior to none. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

There is a progression in these verses, with a purpose! But it's not a "once and I'm done", idea. It's a constant and ongoing process. It ALL begins with choosing the MAXIMUM Calm Delight!

MAXIMUM Calm Delight! (James)

Continuing my study in James. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2

Brethren: a fellow-Christian

Count: (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think

All: the highest degree, the maximum

Joy: the cause or occasion of joy, calm delight, gladness

Fall into: so to fall into as to be encompassed by

Divers: variegated, various in character, diverse

Temptations: adversity, affliction, trouble (cf. our trial), sent by God and serving to test or prove one's faith, holiness, character, a putting to proof

Make the determination (rule over/have the power) to choose maximum calm delight when I am encompasses by a wide variety of trouble as God works to prove me faithful! (Rhonda's paraphrase)

Choose MAXIMUM Calm Delight! 

Over-spilling Joy

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

This was from my Study of Colossians. 

"[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,Colossians 1:11 (AMP)

This verses continues to list of topics covered in their prayers. It's comforting to know that it is a fact that we each face troubles. But greater than the troubles is the strength and endurance that God gives... that comes with and produces joy. 

I like how verse 11 reads in The Message: "We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy."

Strength that endures the unendurable AND spills over into JOY. I wonder what would happen if I accepted God's strength to endure the unendurable.... and allow it to spill over with JOY! 

What a great prayer to pray for someone, knowing that it's possible!

God supplied-strength results in not just enduring and muddling through a situation, but rather enduring it being overwhelmed with joy!

And that God supplied-strength and over-spilling joy, begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

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

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?