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. 

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. 

How do you spell relief?

Sunday Night my Pastor is speaking on 1 Peter 5, "How do you spell relief?" I've been thinking about that. 

Relief: a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

First and foremost when I think about relief, I think physical relief from pain. Since October 2000, the only real relief from pain I've had, was when I was under anesthesia for surgeries and procedures. Pain is now a constant ever-present reality. I have techniques and pain medications to help lower the intensity of the pain, but it never goes away. There is really no relief from the pain. So physically, for me, there is no way to spell relief.

Physical relief may not be a reality for me, however, there is more to me than just pain and the physical aspect. I also have a heart/soul.

R: Relationship with God (is it right?)
There is a physical benefit of having my heart/soul right with God—handling the pain becomes easier. Mind you the pain doesn't become less, rather, I have a peace and calmness in the midst of the pain. And that is an amazing relief! How do I make sure that my heart and soul are right with God? It begins with a relationship with God. And as with all relationships, if I want it to be healthy, then I must spend time talking and listening to God. Yes, it's that simple. I can't expect my relationship with God to deepen, if I don't spend time with Him and in His Word. 

E: Encouragement/Joy
How do I spell relief? Relief also comes from encouragement. Often I am amazed that when I encourage someone else, my heart seems to have wings! It's like my "joy container" overflows! And when your heart is full of joy—it bubbles over into all aspects of my life. It's hard to be down when you are bursting with joy—epecially God's joy!

I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day. Psalm 4:7

L: Live in accordance to God's will

Next, I must take my relationship with God to the next level and apply what He teaches me. For listening and not doing, well it just doesn't make since. Think about your personal relationships. If you ask someone to do the dishes, and they say that they agree the dishes need to be done, but do nothing about it—well, how does that effect your relationship? It puts a strain on it. That happens when I don't do what God asks. There is a strain on the relationship. I become distant from God, because I know full well what He wants me to do, and I should do it out of love and respect for Him. When I do not, it robs me of the joy and peace He provides. 

I: Imperturbation (freedom from mental disquiet, anguish)/ God's peace! 
How do I spell relief? It's not just about the "me" side of the relationship. The greater relief comes from the "God-side" of the relationship. For I'm human. I fail. Yet, God is God! And not only is He gracious and loving and kind and good...... He CARES for me! He knows how many hairs are on my head. I don't know that!! Do you? God knows ALL the details about me. Yep, every single one. At times that can be kinda scary—like when I disobey Him. Yet, at other times—that is the most comforting and reassuring thought ever! 

"This is a marvelous thing, that God thinks upon men, and remembers them continually." John Calvin

E: Execute
Execute often brings two meanings to mind. 1. Kill or assassinate. 2. Accomplish, do, perform. And in oder to spell relief, I must do both. First and foremost, I have to kill the doubts and fears that Satan is so very good at bringing to my attention. If I give those doubts and fears room to grow, they become overwhelming. I've written before how fear creates its own reality. Fear is not a "God-thing". Rather He gives peace. (Fear Creates Its Own Reality)

After I kill the doubts and fears (which by the way is an ongoing process), I then must turn my focus to executing God's will. That means service! I am to be serving God and others. God has given me talents and abilities, and I am to be executing them! I may not be able to do somethings—but there are things I can do. And if I choose NOT to do them—that's just sad. And not only that it's disobedient to God. That will rob me of peace and relief faster than anything. 

F: Friends
How do I spell relief? Friends? Yes. For God-designed friendships are vital to life. God created us to love each other. True friends encourage, support, hold one accountable, produce growth, and provide laughter! God-designed friends are those who make sure when you are in the midst of the down and fearful time, you are directed back to God and His ever-present peace. 

How do I spell relief? 

R: Relationship with God (is it right?)

E: Encouragement/Joy

L: Live in accordance to God's will

I: Imperturbation (freedom from mental disquiet, anguish)/ God's peace! 

E: Execute

F: Friends

Well, that's how I spell relief. How do you spell relief?

Thanks Living: Which State Are You In?

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Continue: give constant attention to a thing

Vigilant: to be watchful in, employ the most punctilious care in a thing

In, With: of the state or condition in which anything is done or anyone exists, acts

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

The state in which anything is done, or anyone exists or acts.

We all are in some State.

No, I don't mean one of the United States, I mean the STATE—

State: the condition of a person or thing, as with respect to circumstances or attributes; particular condition of mind or feeling

We all are in some State—how we respond to what is happening to us and around us, our thoughts and actions/reactions to life. 

We are to be giving constant attention to prayer—our need and desire to communicate with God—and be most punctilious in actively thanking God. 

We are to be in a constant state of thanking God! When Thanks Living is where we take up residence, our perspective on life changes. We see how God is working in aspects of our lives. We see God's blessings where before we only saw questions or disappointments. And when we are in the state of Thanks Living, joy begins to overwhelm us as we trust God. 

Which State are you in? Are you in the state of Thanks Living? 

Knowledge Upon Knowledge

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect [knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. Colossians 3:10 (AMP)

Renewed, knowledge upon knowledge, ever in the process of being, continually progressing, in a state of growth and development, it is a continual refreshment.

Often I'm amazed that people think that once you place your faith in Jesus Christ, you should instantly know everything about God and His Word. It doesn't happen instantly. 

Think of it this way, you wouldn't teach a kindergartener calculus or physics, they don't even know how to count or read. But as they learn a skill and facts, then you can teach them more difficult things. Knowledge builds on knowledge. Learning is a continual process. 

The same applies to spiritual knowledge and learning about God Almighty. Knowledge upon knowledge, a continual refreshment of learning about Who God is, what He did/does, and how He wants me to live. 

The second part of this verse is the goal of growing in knowledge—the image of Him Who created it; God almighty. Now, that does not mean that I can become God with enough knowledge. Rather that I'll act in accordance with Him. The more I learn, the more I act on that knowledge the more my life will be a reflection of God. 

Having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), is only possible when I commit to a continual refreshment of knowledge upon knowledge!

Never the Right Choice

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.  

So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). Colossians 3:5 (AMP)

Let not your dead nature be effectual in you any more, but let your living nature be effectual. Now the strength of nature is known by the desires. Therefore let the affections of the world die in you, and let the contrary desires which are spiritual, live. Geneva Study Bible

I'm thankful that God included verses such as this in the Bible. It explains that believers (those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ) are still sinners. However, they are sinners with the indwelling Holy Spirit—Who can empower them to KILL the sinful desires. 

Sin is sin. God is holy. Those are two opposites. No matter how glamorous or what excuses I want to use—sin remains sin, period. Sin is never the right choice. And saying that "that's just how I am" or "God made me this way", or whatever other excuse I want to use, does NOT change the fact that it is still sin. 

If I choose sin over obeying God, that sin has become an idol. For anything I give more power, attention to, or support to other than God — is an idol. I have gone from worshiping and honoring God to saying that sin is more important and deserves my attention. 

Stop and think about that for a moment. Each time I sin, I am telling God — "Sorry, but you are not important in my life anymore. You've been replaced." If I truly have even a slight understanding of the holiness and Almighty God—the idea of choosing sin over God should scare me! 

Kill: to put to death, to treat as dead. If something is dead, it no longer has power, control, or a presence in my life. Then why am I even considering the idea of sin? Because I am a sinner. But thankfully, God is gracious and forgiving, and paid the sacrifice for my sin. 

Sin is never the right choice and if I want to kill the desire to sin, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Live a Life Alive

  If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

_______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

 

For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (AMP) 

You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. Colossians 3:3 (TLB)

died: definite event 

hidden: locked together with; cannot be separated

And if we are dead to the earth, and have renounced it as our happiness, it is absurd for us to set our affections upon it, and seek it. We should be like a dead thing to it, unmoved and unaffected towards it. Our true life lies in the other world: You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

New perspective on things. I should not be seeking happiness or joy from things that .... well, are sin. Satan tries his best to make sin enjoyable and fun. But the problem is that—it's all short lived. There is no satisfaction. There is no joy. There is no contentment. 

Where as the joy and happiness that is pure from God, is everlasting. It's a hope that endures. 

I have a choice, live a life as a dead person—trying to find fulfillment in short-term sin, or live my life alive in Christ and enjoy all that God has to offer. 

How do I make the choice to live a life alive in Christ? 

Develop this spiritual life in practice.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Choose each day, each hour, to make choices that are God-honoring. The Bible isn't just a book to read. It's a book which teaches how to live a God-honoring life—so that I can develop a spiritual life and live it—in practice (do it)! 

In order to make the choice to live a life alive—I must permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Residence

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Colossians 1:13 (AMP)

As I read this verse, the first thought that stood out was the The Father delivered or rescued us (me). Now, as much as I like to "do it myself", when it comes to Salvation it CANNOT be done by ones self, no matter who you are. God in His grace and mercy is the only One who can rescue us from the dominion of darkness; sin. 

The next things that stood out, was that God didn't just rescue me, but PUT me or transported me to His Kingdom! God completely changed my situation! 

And this isn't just "any Kingdom". This is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son. A Kingdom in which Jesus Christ as complete royal power, kingship, and dominion.

So, am I living like I am part of God's Kingdom? Or am I still wanting to wallow around in the darkness and despair? Sadly, there are days I choose sin over God's amazing love. Thankfully, God forgives. 

Only when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), will I live as a residence of God's Kingdom. 

“Blast the News”

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 150. Here is what I learned.

Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Psalm 150: 3 (AMP)

Praise Him with the blast of trumpets high into the heavens, and praise Him with harps and lyres. Psalm 150:3 (VOICE)

Does God hear my praise? Do those around me, hear my praise to God? Or do I praise God silently and very quietly? 

Each and every day I should be blasting on the trumpet—praise to God for who He is! I should be shouting it for all to hear—most importantly for God to hear! Oh, God can hear the quietest whispers, for even my thoughts are words to God.... but why whisper God’s great goodness—that is “blast worthy news!” 

Praise God in prayer is the first way to “blast the news”. The second way to “blast the news” is to tell others about who God is, and what He’s done. And lastly, I need to be living my life in accordance with God’s Word, as a way to “blast the news”. 

How many times have it missed the opportunity to “blast the news” of God’s greatness because I didn’t take the time to notice God? How many times have I missed the opportunity to “blast the news” of God’s greatness to others, because I was more concerned with what they’d say? How many times have I missed the opportunity to “blast the news” of God’s greatness simply because I was too busy? 

To create a positive day I need to “blast the news” of God’s greatness, first to Him, then to those around me. 

Now and on the Day I Die

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 146. Here is what I learned.

·When people die [Their spirit goes out], they ·are buried [return to the ground]. ·Then all of [On that day] their plans ·come to an end [perish]. Psalm 146:4 (EXB)

When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end. Psalm 146:4 (GW)

As soon as their breath leaves them, they return to the earth; on that day, all of them perish—their dreams, their plans, and their memories. Psalm 146:4 (VOICE)

Last night a NASCAR driver was killed in a Sprint Car dirt track race. Only 37 years old. Sad. But it’s a reminder that death can happen at anytime. It’s often unexpected and not in our plans. 

At the time of death our plans, dreams, etc, won’t matter. What does matter is our relationship with God. He doesn’t look at “how good we’ve been”, or “all the good things we’ve done”, because no matter how “good” we think we are, compared to a Holy God we are just sinners. 

But thankfully, God provided a way for us to have our sins forgiven. 

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 (AMP)

I know that when I die, I will enter Heaven, because I’ve placed my faith in God and accepted His gift of salvation. That’s an assurance that is comforting. 

As I live my life, I need to keep in mind, my plans and activities will come to an end. I need to sure that I’m involved in “eternal work”, work that will last, things that matter to God. “Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal.  Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don’t destroy and thieves don’t break in and steal.  Your heart will be where your treasure is. Matthew 6:19-21 (GW)

My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (GW)

Knowing that I’m saved for all eternity, and doing God’s work, will create a positive day.. now and on the day I die. 

Each and Every Day!

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 90. Here is what I learned.

·Teach us [Make us know] ·how short our lives really are [to count our days] so that we ·may be wise [gain a wise heart]. Psalm 90:12 (EXB)

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

If you knew you were going to die in 1 week, how would you spend that last week? That is the meaning of this verse. None of us know when we are going to die. Some will die young, some old. The length of time we are alive doesn’t really matter.....but how we spend each and every day...... that is what really matters.

"To number our days." Number we our days by our daily prayers - number we them by our daily obedience and daily acts of love - number we them by the memories that they bring of holy men who have entered into their Saviour's peace, and by the hopes which are woven with them of glory and of grace won for us!  Plain Commentary 

Men are led by reflections upon the brevity of time to give their earnest attention to eternal things; they become humble as they look into the grave which is so soon to be their bed, their passions cool in the presence of mortality, and they yield themselves up to the dictates of unerring wisdom; but this is only the case when the Lord himself is the teacher; he alone can teach to real and lasting profit. Thus Moses prayed that the dispensations of justice might be sanctified in mercy. "The law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ," when the Lord himself speaks by the law. It is most meet that the heart which will so soon cease to beat should while it moves be regulated by wisdom's hand. A short life should be wisely spent. We have not enough time at our disposal to justify us in misspending a single quarter of an hour. Neither are we sure of enough of life to justify us in procrastinating for a moment. If we were wise in heart we should see this, but mere head wisdom will not guide us aright. The Treasury of David

Knowing that our lives are short, even if we live to be 90 years old, that is still a brief time in light of eternity. 

Since I have placed my faith in Jesus Christ, I know for a fact that I will be spending eternity with Him. And throughout eternity I’ll be worshiping and praising God. But I shouldn’t wait until I “get to Heaven” to start honoring God! It should start here and now. 

Life on Earth is short, and I should spend each day honoring God for that is what really counts in light of eternity. To create a positive day, is not about making me feel good, rather it is honoring God each and every day! 

Many Reasons to Rejoice!

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 thirty-first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 126. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we ·are very glad [rejoice]. Psalm 126:3 (EXB)

We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. Psalm 126:3 (VOICE)

Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful. Psalm 126:3 (YLT)

Psalm 126:3 is a great verse for today, Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. For God has done GREAT things for us and we have many reasons to rejoice!

Christ himself suffered for sins ·once [or once for all; [only his suffering has the power to redeem others]. ·He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty [the righteous for the unrighteous] to bring you to God. ·His body was killed [He was put to death in the flesh/body], but he was made alive in the ·spirit [or Spirit; at his resurrection in a glorified body]. 1 Peter 3:18 (EXB) 

[For] The love of Christ ·controls [compels; drives] us, because we ·know [are convinced; have concluded] that One died for all, so all have died [we died spiritually with Christ, the penalty for our sins]. Christ died for all so that those who live would ·not continue to [no longer] live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised from the dead.

[So; As a result] From ·this time [now] on we do not think of anyone ·as the world does [or from a merely human perspective; [according to the flesh]. [Although] In the past we thought of Christ ·as the world thinks [or as nothing more than a man; according to the flesh], but we no longer think of him in that way. If anyone belongs to Christ, ·there is a new creation [the new creation has arrived; or that person has become a new creation]. The old things have gone; [look; behold] ·everything is made new [the new has come]! All this is from God, who through Christ ·made peace between us and [reconciled us to] himself, and gave us the ·work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him [ministry/service of reconciliation]. 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 (EXB)

Christ suffered and endured the death on the cross as payment for my sin (and your sin). Only a holy, sacrifice would pay the penalty for sin in full, and Jesus Christ paid our debt. But because God has power over sin and death, Jesus Christ now lives and I too can enjoy eternal life! 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. John 3:16-18 (GNT)

To create a positive day, I need to remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ paid on my behalf, and enjoy the benefits of God’s gift of salvation! It’s Resurrection Sunday—the Lord has done GREAT things for us, and we have many reasons to rejoice!