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?

A Holy Way of Life

  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.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12 (AMP) 

Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (VOICE)

There is an old saying, "Clothes make the man." That means that people will judge others by the clothes you wear. We all react differently when we see people wearing different types and styles of clothes. A business suit not only makes a man stand taller, but it also brings respect. Compared to the sloppy baggy saggy pants which display an attitude of carelessness and brings disrespect. 

Paul isn't talking about the physical clothes we wear. Rather, he is talking about our behavior. The way we act is often more important as the physical clothes we wear. 

Clothe yourselves with a holy way of life. How exactly to I clothe myself with a holy way of life? It begins with realizing WHO I am—a chosen one of God. That is the basis for the entire way of life. Secondly, as a Child of God, I am to behave like one. And lastly, it's not about "me", rather it is about reflecting Who God is. 

PUT ON

bowels of mercies: it denotes inward pity and compassion to distressed, the most tender regard to persons in misery, and such compassion as is free from all hypocrisy and deceit, and therefore is expressed by "bowels"; and what is very large, and reaches to multitudes of objects, and is displayed and exerted various ways, and therefore signified by "mercies".

kindness: which is this inward, tender, unfeigned, and abundant mercy put into act and exercise; this is doing good to all men

humbleness of mind; looking upon themselves as the chief of sinners, in esteeming others better than themselves; in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God; in doing works of mercy and righteousness without boasting of them, or depending on them; be ye clothed with humility

meekness: which shows itself in not envying the gifts and graces, the usefulness and happiness of others, but rejoicing therein; in quietly submitting to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of This ornament of a meek and quiet, spirit is in the sight of God of great price.

longsuffering: whereby a person patiently bears the evil words and actions of others, and is not easily provoked to wrath by them, but puts up with injuries, and sits down contented with the ill usage he meets with.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

A holy way of life is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).