Psalm - Psalm 9

Psalm 9:9, 10

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Refuge: a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, a secure height, retreat, stronghold

Oppressed: injured, afflicted, distressed, crushed

In times: now, when, long season, so long as

Trouble: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation

Know: acknowledge, acquaintance, be aware

Your name: as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Put their trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Forsaken: forsake, fail, leave, leave destitute, refuse

Seek: usually to follow for pursuit, specifically to worship

The Lord ·defends [ is a refuge for] those who ·suffer [are oppressed/exploited]; ·he defends them [a refuge] in times of ·trouble [distress].  

Those who know ·the Lord [ your name] trust ·him [ you], because ·he [you] will not ·leave [abandon; forsake] those who ·come to him [ seek you]. Psalm 9:9, 10 EXB

Psalm 9 -

A secure retreat that provides hope

and reasons to worship of God Almighty! 

Why would I doubt? (James)

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. James 1:7

For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, or continuation); take note of what came before (James 1:6)

Not: where one is bidden to cease from something already begun, or repeated, or continued

Think: suppose, imagine

Receive: to gain, get, obtain, to get hold of

Anything: some or any object

From: the side or the vicinity of one, or from one's sphere of power, or from one's wealth or store

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights 

Why would I ask something of God, knowing that He has FULL OWNERSHIP of everything, only to doubt that He could supply? (James 1:6- Seasick). Asking in faith, doesn't mean that God will automatically give me everything I ask for— rather it means that I will trust God to supply what's BEST for me. 

And remember what James is discussing here, it's not our "wants" in general. Rather, the emphasis is on WISDOM! We are asking God for wisdom, "the art of USING wisdom", so that we can live a godly life that honors and brings glory to Him. 

God is the only source of true wisdom. And if we want wisdom, all we need to do is ask God believing that we will receive wisdom. But often we become "seasick" as we don't trust God to give us what we asked. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't care for the answer wisdom offers. We'd rather go it on our own—since we know better — (we may think that, but NO, we don't). 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, as we know that we would have to change our attitude, actions, and thoughts. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, for if we USE wisdom, we may have to make lifestyle changes. 

So, if I want to put into practice the art of using wisdom, I need to ask God believing that He will give it to me — knowing that He is fully capable of doing so, as God is the source of wisdom. 

Why would I doubt knowing that I'd receive nothing? Ask in full confidence knowing that God is the source and will give wisdom—and be ready to put that wisdom to good use!

UNSWERVED from the Deliberate Purpose! (James)

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3

Knowing: to come to know, recognize, perceive

Trying: the proving, a testing; by implication, trustworthiness; trial

Faith: belief, trust, confidence

Worketh: to do that from which something results, produce

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)

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/james/1-3.htm

The characteristic of a man UNSWERVED from his deliberate purpose. Focused. Goal oriented. Steadfast. 

There is a purpose to the testings and trials. There is to be a result from all that happens in our lives. We can have maximum calmness (James 1:2) in the midst of the trials, because we RECOGNIZE that God has a very SPECIFIC purpose. 

UNSWERVED from the Deliberate Purpose!

Thanks Living: Fact. Experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! 

Proverbs 7: 1, 2: In My Mind

My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:1, 2

Keep: observe = follow dictates of prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom

Treasure: hide, hoard, "Treasure Up"

Commands: of code of wisdom

Law: instruction

Apple of your eye: the pupil (of the eye), center

I enjoy music. Usually have music playing no matter what I'm doing. And I find that words, smells, events can easily trigger song lyrics to run through my mind. Often I am amazed that I can recall the words. "I didn't know I knew the lyrics to that song." Yet, because I had been listening to the songs many numerous times, I had "treasured up" the lyrics in my mind.

This is what I am SUPPOSED to be doing with God's wisdom and instruction. If I hear it and read it enough, it will be "Treasured Up" in my mind, so that when I find myself in a situation, I can recall God's wisdom. 

On Sept 13, 2015 I wrote about #TreasureUp (You can read it here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/09/proverbs-27-treasureup.html) 

God has "treasured up" wisdom—it's available for me, whenever I want it. And one keys to put His wisdom to good use is to "treasure up" wisdom in my heart and mind. If I want to but something into action, I must KNOW it. And in order to KNOW it, I must learn it and retain that knowledge. 

In order to accept and want to learn God's wisdom, I must have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. For when I respect God, I'll want to learn and accept His wisdom and put that wisdom into action. 

What is in my mind for me to remember?

Proverbs 3:5b: Support Yourself

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  Proverbs 3:5

Heart: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

Lean: support oneself

Not: to express with emphasis its negation

Own understanding: faculties, one of the powers of the mind, as memory, reason, or speech.

Yesterday, we looked at the word Trust. Now that we know that God is trustworthy, let's look at the extent to which we are to trust and what other words of wisdom are found in these verses. 

Trust the Lord with all your heart. With all, entirety, your mind, affections, and will. It's one thing to say or think of trusting, it's another to set aside your will and trust in what God is doing! 

Don't try to support yourself on what you remember or think you know. "But I do know what's best!" Oh, really? I have to think back to this past Summer, when God was directing me as I was looking for a place to buy.

(You can read about how God directed me here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html) 

One home which we put an offer on, seemed "perfect" in my mind. It had wood floors, access to a pool, nice location, and the right price. Yes, it only had 2 bedrooms, BUT in my reasoning and understanding it was "perfect". 

God knew that He had something far better in mind. But at that moment, I could only see "this house and pool" and couldn't imaging anything better. Thankfully, God slammed that door shut keeping me from buying that home. For in his Wisdom, He was working on something far better. I had to learn to TRUST God and rely on God's Wisdom, not my own. 

Do not support myself on what I think I know or can reason. It may come as a great surprise, but I do not know it all! That seems unbelievable... right? Of course I do not know it all.... but sadly, too often I act like I do. 

Trust God. Do even try to support yourself. God in His Wisdom will teach and instruct and guide you...... but you need to Trust and rely on Him. Trusting Him begins with having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one respects God, one can fully trust God. 

Proverbs Study Begins

Please join me as I read through the book of Proverbs and learn about gaining wisdom and applying it.

Proverbs 1:1-7

As I read these verses I realized that Proverbs is a book of "VERBS". Meaning the purpose of Proverbs is ACTION, DO, REQUIRE. Verbs.

Proverbs 1:1-6

To Know/perceive; Receive; Give

One must Hear; Increase learning; Attune to Wise Counsel; Understand

Proverbs 1:7

It ALL starts with God.

The FEAR of the LORD is the foundation of knowledge and wisdom.

As I study the book of Proverbs, I've decided to break it down into several categories.

• God
• Know
• Receive
• Hear
• Increase Learning
• Attain Wise Counsel
• Understand

Let's back up and look at the verbs in Proverbs 1:2

Know: A primitive root; (absolute) have knowledge, be wise.

Perceive: to discern (accusative), meaning discern something in particular. In this case, words of understanding. 

Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going. Proverbs 1:2 MSG

There is a purpose to "Knowing" and "Perceiving"—it's to impact one's life. This is a book of VERBS—and that means ACTION! 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the desire to know and perceive wisdom will grow—and then I'll act in accordance with that wisdom. 

Sounds Good, But Is It Truth?

"I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech." Colossians 2:4 (AMP)

"Attractive arguments and beguiling speech." Or arguments that merely sound good. 

Often we hear people present very persuasive argument for what they think is right. The real test is to compare what is said to what God says. Remember He is the Truth. He is the authority. He is God. 

We like to hear speeches that make us feel good. However, if what is said in those speeches is not Truth, than it's as dangerous as poison. For that poison destroys the very foundation on which everything is based—God's Truth.

And often the things we hear, even use Scripture to "prove" the points. That is why Paul prays so earnestly that the believers become "intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God" (Col 2:3). For only in thoroughly knowing God's Word will we be able to discern Truth from lies. 

We must not let Satan make lies that sound good, become foundations on which we build our lives. We must make sure that our foundation on which we base our decisions, our action, our words, be based on the Fear of God Almighty and His Truth. 

If I want to have a solid foundation of TRUTH, it begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG). 

And if I want to continuing living my life in accordance with God's Truth, I must continually be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Grace of God

Something to meditate on today: 'to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it.'

"Which has come to you. Indeed, in the whole world [that Gospel] is bearing fruit and still is growing [a][by its own inherent power], even as it has done among yourselves ever since the day you first heard and came to know and understand the grace of God in truth. [You came to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it.]" Colossians 1:6 (AMP)

How would my life be impacted if I truly came to know the Grace of God... in REALITY... Deeply, clearly and throughly becoming accurately and INTIMATELY acquainted with it! 

That is my prayer today.... I want to know the Grace of God... accurately and be intimately acquainted with it! Wow!

Reverence for God; Psalm 139:1

Permeated with a Deep Sense of Reverence for God

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)

Psalm 139:1 

Lord, you have examined [investigated; searched] me and know all about me. Psalm 139:1 (EXB)

God, the Creator of all, has searched me… examined thoroughly… and knows… is fully and acutely aware of me and all that concerns me.  This is where a deep sense of reverence for God begins. For I must realize that God Almighty has intimate knowledge of all things…. that includes my heart and soul.

That knowledge is both frightening and comforting. Frighten, because God Almighty searched me and knows all that concerns me… and I am a sinner. 

Comforting, because of God’s mercy and grace, my sins are forgiven and He sees me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 61:10). 

If I want to have a deep sense of reverence for God, first my relationship with God must be “In good standing”. I must confess my sin before God. 

I must then follow God’s example, and search and know God Almighty. A deep sense of reverence for God, must start with Who God is. As I learn about Who God is, a deep sense of reverence should overwhelm my heart and soul. 

Growing in the Knowledge

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 100. Here is what I learned.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

Knowledge provides a good foundation. If I “know” that the Lord is God, that creates a firm foundation on which I can rest secure. Since the fact that the Lord is God is truth, that fact allows me to trust all that the Lord says in His Word. He is truth, therefore, He can only speak truth. 

Know ye that the Lord he is God - Acknowledge in every possible way, both in public and private, that Jehovah, the uncreated self-existent, and eternal Being, is Elohim, the God who is in covenant with man, to instruct, redeem, love, and make him finally happy. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Knowledge can be gained in several ways. 1. Study, in this case studying God’s Word. 2. Experience. 3. From other’s who have studied or experienced. 

I went to college and graduated with a BS degree. I have a diploma which states that I studied and passed the requirements to be awarded that diploma. I gained the knowledge necessary to be awarded the degree. 

God doesn’t give diplomas. But I would still like to strive to master what I need to understand and know about God.... so that I can achieve a deeper understanding and appreciation for Who God is and all He does for me. 

To create a positive day, I need to continue in growing in the knowledge that the Lord is God. 

Cry Out to God

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 61. Here is what I learned.

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1 (AMP)

God, hear my cry; ·listen [pay attention] to my prayer. Psalm 61:1 (EXB)

Hear my cry, O God. He was in terrible earnest; he shouted, he lifted up his voice on high. He is not however content with the expression of his need: to give his sorrows vent is not enough for him, he wants actual audience of heaven, and manifold succour as the result. Pharisees may rest in their prayers; true believers are eager for an answer to them: ritualists may be satisfied when they have, "said or sung" their litanies and collects, but living children of God will never rest till their supplications have entered the ears of the Lord God of Sabaoth.

Attend unto my prayer. Give it thy consideration, and such an answer as thy wisdom sees fit. When it comes to crying with us, we need not doubt but that it will come to attending with God. Our heavenly Father is not hardened against the cries of his own children. What a consoling thought it is that the Lord at all times hears his people's cries, and is never forgetful of their prayers; whatever else fails to move him, praying breath is never spent in vain!  The Treasury of David

So often we expect people to know what’s going on in our lives.... but we neglect to tell them! In reality people can’t automatically know what’s happening in our lives if we are silent. 

God does know what is happening, as He knows everything... even our thoughts are words to God. However, God still wants us to communicate with Him. We need to cry out to God in prayer. 

Why? If God already knows do I have to pray? The best reason, is because it makes us realize that we are dependent upon God! Another reason is that prayer is not just to give God our wish list, rather prayer helps us gain wisdom and change our hearts to be in tune to God’s will and purpose. 

To create a positive day, I cannot remain silent, rather I need to cry out to God, sharing my deepest secrets and accepting His wisdom and love. 

Stay Put

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 91. Here is what I learned.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Psalm 91:1 (AMP)

You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” Psalm 91:1 (EXB)

He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually, Psalm 91:1 (YLT)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High." Note, he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High is not he that conjures up one or two slight and fleeting acts of hope in him, but the man that places in him an assiduous and constant confidence. In this way he establishes for himself in God by that full trust, a home, a dwelling-place, a mansion,... The Hebrew for he that dwelleth, is ישׁן, that is, dwelling in quietude, and resting, enduring and remaining with constancy.  Le Blanc

The truth is that I need to be dwelling in that secret place long before “trouble” comes. How many times have I forgotten God in my daily life to remember Him when trouble appears? 

When I’m sitting down—staying put—in the secret place... during the “good times”, I not only enjoy God’s presence, but I learn more about God and am already safe when troubles come. 

Job, was a man who was dwelling in the secret place BEFORE he lost his family, riches, etc. He had already taken the time to know God BEFORE anything ‘bad’ happened. And since Job knew God was worthy of praise and honor, simply because HE was GOD—Job was confident that no matter what bad things happened, God would remain God! 

Resting, staying put, in the presence of God should be a  constant—during good times, so when the bad times come, I already am safe in secure knowing that God is still God, worthy of praise and honor. 

To create a positive day, I must first stay put in God’s presence, and take the time to get to know God—that will prepare me for whatever may come on any given day. 

One Thing

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 27. Here is what I learned.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (AMP)

I am pleading with the Eternal for this one thing, my soul’s desire: To live with Him all of my days—  in the shadow of His temple, To behold His beauty and ponder His ways in the company of His people. Psalm 27:4 (VOICE)

"One thing." Changes, great changes, and many bereavements there have been in my life. I have been emptied from vessel to vessel. But one thing has never failed - one thing makes me feel that my life has been one; it has calmed my joys, it has soothed my sorrows, it has guided me in difficulty, it has strengthened me in weakness. It is the presence of God - a faithful and loving God. Yes, brethren, the presence of God is not only light, it is unity. It gives unity to the heart that believes it - unity to the life that is conformed to it. It was the presence of God in David's soul that enabled him to say, "One thing have I desired of the Lord;" and in St. Paul's that enabled him to say, "This one thing I do."  George Wagner, in the "Wanderings of the Children of Israel," 1862 

One thing. If I could pick one thing... anything... what would I pick? Would I pick, to be pain free? Would I pick, money? Would I pick, material things... furniture, clothes, etc? Would I pick, friendship? What would I pick? 

Really, the best choice would be to have a deeper relationship with God. For in developing that relationship, my real needs would be make clear and be met by God. 

One thing. Yet, that one thing is the foundation for living a life in accordance to God’s will. One thing. That one thing is the most important choice, for it effects all my choices, my attitude, my perspective, my actions and reactions.... if effects my entire life. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that my “one thing” is that my soul’s desire is to really know and love God Almighty.

Knowledge and Experience!

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 62. Here is what I learned.

With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Psalm 62:7 (AMP)

My salvation and my significance depend ultimately on God; the core of my strength, my shelter, is in the True God. Psalm 62:7 (VOICE)

My help and glory are in God—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— Psalm 62:7 (MSG)

In God is my salvation and my glory. Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honour may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure, marks of an enlightened soul. "The rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God." He multiplies titles, for he would render much honour to the Lord, whom he had tried, and proved to be a faithful God under so many aspects; Ignorance needs but few words, but when experience brings a wealth of knowledge, we need varied expressions to serve as coffers for our treasure. God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe; he is to be praised under both characters. 

Observe how the Psalmist brands his own initials upon every name which he rejoicingly gives to his God - my expectation, my rock, my salvation, my glory, my strength, my refuge; he is not content to know that the Lord is all these things; he acts faith towards him, and lays claim to him under every character.  

If our experience has not yet enabled us to realize the Lord under any of these consoling titles, we must seek grace that we may yet be partakers of their sweetness. The bees in some way or other penetrate the flowers and collect their juices; it must be hard for them to enter the closed cups and mouthless bags of some of the favorites of the garden, yet the honey-gatherers find or make a passage; and in this they are our instructors, for into each delightful name, character, and office of our covenant God our persevering faith must find an entrance, and from each it must draw delight. The Treasury of David

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

To create a positive day, I start with getting to KNOW God, then enjoy the experiences of God working in my life. When I have both the knowledge and experience, my life is filled with gratitude. 

Promise-keeping God!

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 111. Here is what I learned.

He has sent salvation to his people. He has ordered that his promise should continue forever. His name is holy and terrifying. Psalm 111:9 (GW)

He ·sets his people free [sent redemption to his people]. He ·made his agreement everlasting [commanded his covenant/treaty forever]. ·He [His name] is holy and ·wonderful [awesome]. Psalm 111:9 (EXB)

He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Psalm 111:9 (NLT)

"He hath commanded his covenant for ever." His divine decree has made the covenant of his grace a settled and eternal institution: redemption by blood proves that the covenant cannot be altered, for it ratifies and establishes it beyond all recall. This, too, is reason for the loudest praise. Redemption is a fit theme for the heartiest music, and when it is seen to be connected with gracious engagements from which the Lord's truth cannot swerve, it becomes a subject fitted to arouse the soul to an ecstasy of gratitude. The Treasury of David

Ever have someone promise you something, only to learn that they did not have the ability to fulfill that promise? It’s not only disappointing, but it causes distrust. 

However, God is able to not only promise an everlasting covenant with us, He is able to fulfill that promise. Because God, Himself, is eternal, everlasting, only He can promise an everlasting covenant. God also has a “proven record” on keeping His promises! He is trustworthy! 

So, when God promises me eternal life with Him, I know that He can and will keep that promise. And all He requires of me is to believe in Him. 

God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16 (GW)

No guessing. No wondering. A solid promise from an eternal everlasting, promise-keeping God! 

To create a positive day, I only have to take God at His Word, for He is the promise-keeping God!

I Know Best! Really?

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The seventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 47. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He chooseth our inheritance for us, The glory of Jacob whom he loved. Selah Psalm 47:4 (ASV)

He shall choose our inheritance for us,.... Either a portion in this life; God knows what is best for his people, and therefore they should leave it with him, who can make a better choice for them than for themselves: an Heathen (c) once gave this advice, "give thyself wholly to the will and disposal of the celestial ones; for they who are used to give good things easily can also choose the fittest.'' Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

I know best! And certainly, I know better than God—really??? Well, no. But so often, sadly, that’s my attitude. I think I know what’s best for me. However, I am usually wrong. There are circumstances that are not in my control. There are people involved who are not in my control. There are so many factors in life, that I know nothing about, nor can I control them! So it’s best that I allow God to choose what is best for me. 

But what if He chooses something I don’t like! You mean, like pain? YES! I don’t like pain, I don’t like it one bit! However, knowing that God chose this journey for me, I may not “like it”, I may not “understand it”, I can take comfort in knowing it was “God designed”. 

God designed. God has a plan, a pattern, which He is using to create something unique and that will best be able to show forth His glory.  The God who created the magnificent heavens, the beautiful sunrises, who covers the earth with snow to make amazing ‘winter wonderlands’, is very capable of creating a life for me. When I stop to think of all the absolutely amazing breath-taking things God has created..... I think I can trust Him to choose an inheritance—a God designed life for me. 

Although at times I may not fully understand what God is doing, I can rest assured that He has chosen a specific God-designed plan for me. And when I’m willing to give up my “I know best” attitude and accept God’s choice, that makes for a very positive God-designed day! 

Exercise that Knowledge

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 67. Here's what Treasure I found today.

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. Psalm 67:2 (NLT)

So the world will ·learn [know] your ways, and all nations ·will learn that you can save [your salvation/victory]. Psalm 67:2 (EXB)

Your way: a course of life or mode of action, journey, manner.

Known: observation, care, recognition, acknowledge, acquainted with, advise, be aware.

God’s course of life, mode of action, manner....what is God doing, and what does He want me to do? Can one really know what God wants? The answer is “yes”. Oh, we may not know some things, or specific details, or what will happen... before it happens. But there is PLENTY that we do know! 

Just take the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:2-17

1. I am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shall not kill/murder.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery.
8. Thou shall not steal.
9. Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor).

The ten commandments, modes of action that God has specifically stated—we are very aware of them! The list is very simple. Yet, as simple as that list is..... how many times do I fail at exercising on that knowledge? 

Seeing “knowing” what God course of life, mode of action is..... is one thing. Notice that the word, “way” means mode of action. Knowing should produce action. I need to be “exercising” God’s way daily. As I exercise what I do know, God will reveal His will and way to me so that I can continue on the journey He has planned for me. 

So often I want to know what God’s will is for me tomorrow or next week. But I don’t want to do God’s will today. My focus can’t be on the future if I’m not willing to obey and do what God wants today. 

To create a positive day, I must learn God’s will for the ‘here and now’ and exercise (act on) that knowledge, and let God take care of the tomorrows. 

My God is Personal!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The First of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 67. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The earth has yielded its harvest [in evidence of God’s approval]; God, even our own God, will bless us. Psalm 67:6 (AMP)

As I read Psalm 67 this morning, verse 6 caught my attention, especially the phrase, “God, even our own God.” I had to stop and think about that. God, Elohim, meaning very great and mighty, is “mine”. That means that I have a personal relationship with Him!

Not only does God KNOW me, I can know Him. It’s an amazing thought—that my God is personal! 

Just looking at a (partial) list of the names of God I’m glad I know Him! 

• El Chaiyai: Living God, God of my life (Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 42:2)
• El De’ot: The God of knowledge (1 Samuel 2:3)
• El Echad: The one God (Malachi 2:10)
• El Emet: The God of Truth (Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16)
• El Gibbor: The strong and mighty God (Jeremiah 32:17, 18; Isaiah 10:21)
• El Haggadol: The great God (Deuteronomy 10:17; Nehemiah 8:6)
• El Kakkodosh (Elohim Kedoshim, El Kadosh): The Holy God (Joshua 24:19; 1 Samuel 6:20)
• El Hanne’eman: The faithful God (Deuteronomy 7:9)
• El Sh’maya: The God of the Heavens (Nehemiah 1:4-5; Psalm 136:26)
• El Kedem: Eternal God (Deuteronomy 33:27)
• El Mauzi: God of my Strength (Psalm 43:2)
• El Mishpat: God of justice (Isaiah 20:18; Malachi 2:17)
• El Olam: The God of everlasting time; the everlasting God (Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 26:4)
• El Rechem: The merciful God ((Deuteronomy 4:31; Nehemiah 9:31)
• El Rah’ee: The God who sees me (Genesis 16:13)
• El Sali: God of my strength, God my rock (2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 42:9; Psalm 43:2)
• El Selichot: God of forgiveness (Nehemiah 9:17)
• El Tehilati: God of my praise (Psalm 109:1)
• El T’sadik: The righteous God (Isaiah 45:21)
• El Zur: God our rock (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 26:4)
• El Yishi: God of my salvation (Psalm 25:5)

To create a positive day, all I have to do is remember Who God is, and that He knows me, and I can know Him—God, even our own God—my God is personal!