Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:33-34

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. 33, 34: Provides Application

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:33-34

Teach. Keep. Give. Keep. Observe. 

Teach: a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot)
Keep: guard with fidelity, observe
Give: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand -- attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern
Observe: A primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc. be circumspect 

O Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes, and I will keep them always. Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly. Psalm 119:33, 34 (VOICE)

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end.Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; and observe it with all my heart. Psalm 119:33, 34 (AMP)

A teachable heart and the ability to learn — and apply what is learned. When we study God's Word, we should be learning and with that learning comes the responsibility to act on what we learn. 

A teachable heart and ability to learn. Oh, that would be my prayer each day as I study God's Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:26, 27

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. 26, 27: Provides Knowledge

I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.

Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. Psalm 119:26, 27

Meditate: commune, declare, muse, pray, speak, talk with, to ponder
Wonderful: to be surpassing or extraordinary

The more I understand who God is and learn of what He commands, I am not only to act in obedience, but I should be in awe of His extraordinary accomplishments. The more I ponder who God is and all He's done, then my heart is prepared to act in obedience to Him.

Learn. Understand. Meditate. Act. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:17

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. 17: Provides Life

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully: benefit or requite; to ripen; to render good

With: according to

Servant: bondservant

Live: nourish up, to keep alive

Keep: guard; to protect, attend to, observe

Your Word: advice, thing about which one speaks

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Psalm 119:17 (AMP)

That I may live - The continuance of life was dependent on the favor of God.

And keep thy word - For grace to do this he was equally dependent on God; and he asked that life might be continued, in order that he might honor the word of God by obeying it. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible) 

Too often this is our prayer when we are in difficult circumstances— "Lord save me and I'll live a better life." Yet, once the circumstances is past, we soon forget our problems and our promise. 

This plea of asking favor from God has a specific purpose — that I might live a life in accordance with God's Word. A result of God's goodness and grace is a life that works to protect and carry out all that God requires. 

God's Word does provide life — if one makes a choice to know it and live it. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:15

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. 15: Provides Contemplation

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Psalm 119:15

Meditate: ponder, study

Precepts: a mandate of God — collectively, for the Law

Contemplate: shew regard to, consider

Ways: of mode of living or of character

Contemplate: to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully (Dictionary.com)

Contemplation: the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation; full or deep consideration; reflection; purpose or intention (Dictionary.com)

Not just random thoughts. But thoughts with intent. Thoughts that will have an impact on my actions, words, and motives. 

Contemplation — thoughtful observation directed specifically to God's mode of living. And this level of contemplation means that I need to know God's Word.

So, what are you thinking about today? What has your attention? What are you contemplating?

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:14

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. 14: Provides Treasure

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:14

Rejoiced: Cheerful, be glad

In the way: a course of life or mode of action

Your Testimonies: the code of law

As much as: according to

All: every one

Riches: wealth; by implication—enough 

What makes me happy? What is it the puts a smile on my face? What value to I put on things? What is worth a lot to me? 

The things that we enjoy and that we value highly, we make sure it fits our schedule. We will rearrange our schedules so that we can attend an event. We really do make time for what matters to us. 

Do I value God and His Word more than wealth? Does obeying God make me happy? The answer to both those questions should be "YES!" — and it should be evident in my actions, attitude, thoughts, and words. 

Be happy! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:13

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. 13: Provides Conversation

With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. Psalm 119:13

With my lips: language, speech

Have declared: recount something, to score with a mark as a tally or record

All: the whole, any and every

Judgments: after the manner, custom, fashion — rightful due

Of Your mouth: according as after, speech

What do I talk about? Lately we've heard much talk about Hurricanes. How strong will they be? What path will they take? No one really knows until it actually arrives. But our conversations and actions were filled with Hurricane preparedness and "what ifs". 

What do I talk about? No matter the topic, my conversation should reflect what I believe about God. The particular words I choose, my intent, and emotion of how those were are spoken, should reflect God and His mercy and grace. 

But in order for me to have God's Word impact my conversation, I must know God's Word. 

What impacts my conversation? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:12

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. 12: Provides Instruction

Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:12

Blessed: (bless) to kneel as an act of adoration

Lord: A variation of Yhovah (used after 'Adonay, and pronounced by Jews as 'elohiym, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound, since they elsewhere pronounce Yhovah as 'Adonay) -- God

Teach: diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skillful

Statutes: commandment, decreed, law

What better way to show honor to God, than to learn about Him and learn His Word. We often say we love God, but how to we show God we love Him? Out of a heart of devotion and love of God, our actions should show a true desire to honor Him. 

Teach me. In order to be taught, one must be willing to learn. That means we have to approach God without an agenda of our own. We have to go to God with open minds and hearts to listen and hear, and then put into action what His Word says. 

Teach me, O God — for I am ready and willing to learn. 

Extraordinarily Exceedingly - Hebrews

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2:1-4 (NKJV)

must give: what must happen, i.e. what is absolutely necessary; it behooves, is right and proper; ought

more earnest: "extraordinarily, exceedingly" (J. Thayer); beyond expectation; further than the upper limit, going past what is anticipated

heed: to give full attention; to set a course and keep to it.

heard: to hear (listen), learn

drift away:  spiritually adrift – "sinning by slipping away" (from God's anchor); means to "lapse" into spiritual defeat, describing how we slowly move away from our moorings in Christ.

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/

Just meditating on the meaning of Hebrews 2:1 this morning. The importance of not only hearing and learning God's Word, but applying it to my life. 

It is absolutely necessary that I go above and beyond just hearing God's Word — I must give it full attention, determining to apply it and live it daily. If I don't learn God's Word then it will be easy to be swayed by Satan and the temptations of sin. If I don't know God's Word, I will not have the ability to discern between God's Word and false teachings. 

Extraordinarily exceedingly set a course to follow God — and stay on course! 

My thoughts as I read Hebrews 2:1-4 this morning in preparation for this morning's message. 

To hear the Message of Pastor Osborne, visit http://www.faithbaptistwh.org and look under the Media tab. 

Proverbs 12:1, 2 Longing to Learn

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. Proverbs 12:1, 2

Loves: an appetite 

Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction

Knowledge: discernment, understanding, wisdom

Hates: enemy, detest

Correction: reproof, chiding, chastisement

Stupid: brutish person, foolish, dull-hearted, unreceptive

Good: agreeable; makes the heart glad

Obtains: to secure

Favor: delight, desire, good pleasure

Wicked: lewdness, mischievous device, thought

Condemn: declare wrong, as guilty, in ethical and religious relations

This word, "appetite" is back! (See the post for Proverbs 11:23, Dec 3, 2015.) 

Appetite. I really could go for a good brownie with nuts right now! That sounds so good. However, this verse isn't talking about an appetite for food. Rather, it's talking about instruction and wisdom. 

An appetite for instruction, correction, discernment and understanding? Yes. An appetite, a longing, a desire for learning wisdom. 

We our appetite is strong enough, we will go out of our way to get that meal or treat we are craving. Our appetite for wisdom should be that strong. We should crave wisdom and instruction. We should wake up each day with a longing to learn! 

That longing to learn then will translate into our conduct — and our lives will radiate goodness. And that secures delight with God. Now, doing good and learning wisdom, DO NOT erase sin, nor is that how we get into Heaven. Doing good is not enough to forgive our sins. God is Holy and our sin must be paid for—in full. And doing good is not enough. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins—in full. When you place your trust in Christ and accept Him as Lord an Savior, then and only then will you be able to enter Heaven. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13)

Doing good and learning wisdom, simply is our way of honoring and respecting God. When God is recognized as LORD—than a longing to learn and live a life agreeable to His will and wisdom is the result. 

Longing to learn begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Am I longing to learn wisdom? Is my conduct a reflection of that appetite? 

Proverbs 8:4, 5: Am I willing to listen and learn?

“To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart." Proverbs 8:4, 5

Simple: needing, "open minded", deceive, flatter

Understand: consider, diligent, discern

Fools: confidence in bad sense, silly, 

Heart: mind

Wisdom is directing her attention to those who disregard wisdom and sound advice. She wants the foolish to hear and quit ignoring the advice given. 

I bought a bread mix and decided to try my parent's bread machine. I hooked it up and carefully read the instructions. I put in the ingredients and turned the machine on and waited. And waited. And waited. However, when I went to check the machine.... NOTHING had happened. Frustrating. 

I am not an expert on Bread Machines. This is the first time I've used one. But I THOUGHT I had read the directions carefully. Yet, the machine didn't work. 

Wisdom tells me two things. 1. I didn't hook the machine up right. 2. The machine is broken. 

Wisdom also tells me that before I throw the machine out, I need to check to see if I assembled the machine wrong. That is the first place to check, since I this is a new endeavor for me. I can't blame the machine, if I did something wrong. 

The same is true in other aspects of my life. Before making decisions I need to check with Wisdom. I need to know the instructions of how to proceed. And if things don't go how I think they should, I need to check back with Wisdom to see if I did something wrong. If not, then I need to continue learning from Wisdom so that I can respond appropriately and learn from the situation. 

Wisdom is wanting to teach me. Wisdom is available and ready to teach. The key is, "Am I willing to listen and learn?" The foolish one says, "No thanks, I'll do this without instruction and see where it leads me." 

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 

A deep sense of reverence for God will open my heart and ears to what Wisdom has to say. And it will also create a desire to put that Wisdom into practice.  Am I willing to listen and learn? Or will be foolish and ignore sound advice?

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 3:13: Finds

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; Proverbs 3:13

Happy: how happy! -- blessed

Finds: to attain to; to find thing sought

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Gains: bring out, elicit, obtain

Understanding: the object of knowledge

Searching for something and when you find it that wonderful feeling of success! Even more exhilarating that finding that thing, is finding wisdom and putting the wisdom into practice. 

Finds, to attain to to find the thing sought. Before you can find something, first you must decide what you are after. Then you have to be willing to seek it. And once you find it, take possession of it. 

I like to know why. I like to know how things work. I like to learn. The key to wisdom is the desire to know and learn and be willing to search for wisdom. And the great thing about that... is that we know the source of wisdom so that narrows down our search area. We can go directly to God Himself who is the Creator of all—the very source of wisdom. 

We know where to look—God. The next is having that desire to look. The motivation to find, attain wisdom and understanding. That begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

And as we gain wisdom, we must put into practice the knowledge and understanding. Live our lives in accordance to what we learn. 

And the end result is true happiness that is not base on how we feel, but rather based on the wisdom and knowledge of Almighty God. 

Finds. What is that thing which you are seeking? If you are looking for true happiness, then begin seeking wisdom. 

Positive Names

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

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Ruth.

Ruth 1:20-22 Naomi and Ruth reach Bethlehem, Naomi's home. As the people greet them, they are excited that Naomi is back home. However, Naomi says, "Do not call me Naomi, rather call me Mara for the Lord has dealt bitterly with me." The name Mara means bitter. 

I have always liked to learn the meaning of names. My name means strong and powerful. That can be good or bad. Being strong in some areas is a virtue, but being strong-will and stubborn—is not a good thing. I all too often have a "do it myself" mentality. Yes, that of a 2-year-old. I want to do it myself, my way—and sometimes God lets me so that I'll learn that I do not know best. Other times, He in His graciousness stops me quickly, reminding me to allow Him to have control. 

God gave me a great object lesson. My computer has been crashing. And I did all the recommended things to fix it, but it still keeps crashing. Yesterday it crashed and no matter what I did, the computer would NOT turn on. This morning, I tried again. Nothing. I read Ruth and thought about names. 

As much as I am "powerful", I lacked the power to fix my computer. It was/is totally out of my control. 

After reading Ruth and thinking through the meaning of names, I tried again—the computer turned on! It then crashed again. But then once again, it came back on. I have NO control over the computer and do not know what is wrong with it. I have NO POWER over getting it to work—Powerless.

As I thought of Naomi and her changing her name to Mara, as a statement of how she viewed her life, I wonder what name I would pick to represent how God has and is dealing with me. 

First off, I'd say a very positive name would be "Blessed". For God has and is blessing me abundantly. 

"Rookie" comes to mind, as I have much to learn in trusting God and giving Him complete control. Thankful, that God continues to train and teach me. 

I think I'm going to continue thinking of names that represent how God has and is dealing with me. But no matter what name I choose, I know that the greatest is "Child of God", for that depicts my relationship with Him. I am His Princess! And that is an amazing name—a Princess of the King of kings! 

If I want to continue to have "positive names", then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

“Fun-Good”

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 (NIV) 

I sing to the Lord because he has ·taken care of [been good to] me. Psalm 13:6 (EXB)

Been Good: A primitive root; to treat a person (well), i.e. Benefit; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean -- bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, + serve, mean, yield. 

I find that sometimes, my definition of “good” might not be the same as God’s definition. When I think of “good”, I think if joy, happy, exciting, ease, excellent, super... etc. I like it when all things go as I plan and are filled with fun! 

However, God in His wisdom, knows that sometimes “good” requires some hard, unpleasant things at least from my perspective. 

If life were always “good” by my definition, I’d always be having fun! I wouldn’t want to work to grow and learn. Remember your elementary days? Recess was the highlight of the day! Running around, swinging, playing kickball, etc. Who wanted to go back inside and study History, or English, or Math? Yet, those times of study were “good” in that it was needed to grow in knowledge and wisdom. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that I’m seeing defining “good” as God does, and not just expecting “fun-good” all the time.  

Attend Class

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 19. Here is what I learned.

Each day pours out more of their sayings; each night, more to hear and more to learn. Psalm 19:2 (VOICE)

Day after day they ·tell the story [bubble/pour forth speech]; night after night they ·tell it again [declare knowledge]. Psalm 19:2 (EXB)

Day unto day - One day to another; or, each successive day. The day that is passing away proclaims the lesson which it had to convey from the movements of the heavens, about God; and thus the knowledge of God is accumulating as the time moves on. Each day has its own lesson in regard to the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of God, and that lesson is conveyed from one day to another. There is a perpetual testimony thus given to the wisdom and power of the Great Creator.

Uttereth speech - The word here rendered uttereth means properly to pour forth; to pour forth copiously as a fountain. Compare Proverbs 18:4; Proverbs 1:23; Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 15:28. Hence, the word means to utter; to declare. The word "speech" means properly "a word;" and then, "a lesson;" or "that which speech conveys." The idea is, that the successive days thus impart instruction, or convey lessons about God. The day does this by the returning light, and by the steady and sublime movement of the sun in the heavens, and by all the disclosures which are made by the light of the sun in his journeyings.

And night unto night showeth knowledge - Knowledge respecting God. Each successive night does this. It is done by the stars in their courses; in their order; their numbers; their ranks; their changes of position; their rising and their setting. There are as many lessons conveyed to man about the greatness and majesty of God by the silent movements of each night as there are by the light of the successive days - just as there may be as many lessons conveyed to the soul about God in the dark night of affliction and adversity, as there are when the sun of prosperity shines upon us. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I’m thankful that not only is there so much to learn about God and how He works, but that He is a great teacher. God knows that I learn best with visual, or hands-on experiences. And God provides many lessons showing and allowing me to experience His truths. 

As I lie in bed each night, I enjoy reviewing what God taught me and how He demonstrated His love to me that day. I continue to be amazed at how creative God is in teaching me. 

To create a positive day, I need to “attend class” and be open to what God wants to teach me each and every day. 

Teachable with Follow Through

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.

Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path because I have enemies who spy on me. Psalm 27:11 (GW)

Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you’re on. Psalm 27:11 (MSG)

Lord, teach me your ways, and guide me ·to do what is right [on a straight/right path] because ·I have [of my] enemies. Psalm 27:11 (EXB)

"Teach me thy way, O Lord." He does not pray to be indulged with his own way, but to be informed as to the path in which the righteous Jehovah would have him walk. This prayer evinces an humble sense of personal ignorance, great teachableness of spirit, and cheerful obedience of heart.

"Lead me in a plain path." Help is here sought as well as direction; we not only need a map of the way, but a guide to assist us in the journey. The Treasury of David

Teachable. If I ask God to teach me, I need to be teachable. That means that I need to be open to what God wants to teach me, and I need to be wiling to learn. No preconceived ideas. No “I know it all” attitude. No ignoring the lessons. And most of all, no “I’ve learned that before”! Because if God is teaching me... again, I must not have really learned it the first time. 

Then once I learn what God is teaching, I need to follow through. I need to learn the path God wants me to walk, and once I learn it, I must be willing to walk it. Knowing the way and not following through, won’t get me very far. 

How often have I known what God wants me to do... and I remain standing still. If I’m not walking the path God has prepared, I’m not only guilty of disobedience, but I’ll miss out on the blessings God has along the path.

Teachable with follow through—only both those actions will create a positive day!

Shattered or Gently Molded

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 29. Here is what I learned.

The Eternal’s voice shatters the cedars; His power splinters the great cedars of Lebanon. Psalm 29:5 (VOICE)

The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. Psalm 29:5 (NLT)

Facts about the Cedars of Lebanon: “Cedrus libani” is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 130 ft tall, with a trunk up to 8 ft 2 in in diameter. The Cedar of Lebanon was important to various ancient civilizations. The trees were used by the Phoenicians for building commercial and military ships, as well as houses, palaces, and temples. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah used the Lebanon Cedar as a metaphor for the pride of the world (Isaiah 2:13). Foreign rulers from both near and far would order the wood for religious and civil constructs, the most famous of which are King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem and David's and Solomon's Palaces. Because of its significance the word Cedar is mentioned 75 times (Cedar 51 times, Cedars 24 times) in the Bible.  

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_Cedar)

"The Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon." - What a shame is it then that our hard hearts break not, yield not, though thunder-struck with the dreadful menaces of God's mouth! John Trapp

"The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars." "Black from the stroke above, the smouldering pine Stands a sad shatter'd trunk."

Noble trees fall prostrate beneath the mysterious bolt, or stand in desolation as momentoes of its power. Lebanon itself is not secure, high as it stands, and ancient as are its venerable woods: "Yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon." The greatest and most venerable of trees or men, may not reckon upon immunity when the Lord is abroad in his wrath. The gospel of Jesus has a like dominion over the most inaccessible of mortals; and when the Lord sends the word, it breaks hearts far stouter than the cedars. The Treasury of David

My name “Rhonda” means “strong and powerful”. Often I think I’m the strongest and most powerful being.. I’m super-woman! However, I have to say that I’m thankful that God is stronger and more powerful than I am. He only needs to speak and He can shatter the mighty cedars. 

When necessary, I’m thankful that God can break through my stubbornness and get my attention. But it’s much more pleasant a learning experience when I’m soft and pliable in His hands. 

To create a positive day, I can be shattered by God or I can choose to listen to Him and be molded into His image gently.

Intimate Understanding

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 ninth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 100. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. Psalm 100:3 (GNT)

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3 (AMP)

Realize that the Lord alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care. Psalm 100:3 (GW)

Know: comprehend, consider, discern, discover, perceive, have respect, understand, be aware.

Know ye what God is in himself, and what he is to you. Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Know God. How do I get to know God almighty? One place to begin is Proverbs 6:16-19., it tells me what the Lord hates. He hates these things because they are against His very nature, His character, who He is. 

There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate: • A proud look, • a lying tongue, • hands that kill innocent people, • a mind that thinks up wicked plans, • feet that hurry off to do evil, • a witness who tells one lie after another, • and someone who stirs up trouble among friends.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (GNT)

Knowing God means that I not only learn who He is, but act on that knowledge. The more I get to know God, the richer my life will be. For as I get to know God, that knowledge (should) will change my heart, my mind, my attitude, and my actions. “Knowledge has power.” But more than that knowledge produces an intimate understanding of an Almighty God. 

Getting to know God, understanding who He is, creates a deeper love and respect for Him, and that intimate understanding of who God is creates a positive 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. 

Ponder Every Morsel!

"I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you."

Ps 119:15 (MSG)

One thing about living with chronic pain is not sleeping well. I've learned not to be bothered by not sleeping, rather I have enjoyed "Treasure Hunting"! When I go "Treasure Hunting", I read through the Psalms looking for great treasures which I can think on throughout the day. 

As I was thinking about my "Treasure Hunting" I wondered what God could teach me from the Psalms throughout 2013. I picked 31 Psalms and will focus on a Psalm each day, repeating the same Psalms each month.

I created a book to keep track of what God teaches me. I call it my "I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you." Ps 119:15 (MSG) Book. 

Here is the page for the FIRST of each Month:

I'm excited to see what God will teach me as I focus on His Word. Looking forward to a year filled with God's blessings and care. I have no idea what God has planned for me in 2013, but I know that whatever it is, He will be there with me. My prayer for 2013 is that I get to know my God better and grow in His knowledge and grace. 

Creating a positive day is not about me and what makes me happy, rather it's about living a life that brings honor and glory to God. In order for me to do that, I must continue to learn about Him.