A Positive Report

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! 

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This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts. Colossians 4:8 (AMP)

The results of sharing a positive news report is comfort, cheer and encouragement! It's always great to hear a "positive report" on someone. Paul wanted the Colossians to know how he was doing. So he sent a message with Tychicus. 

As I read this verse, I had to stop and think of the conversations I have with others. Are my words comforting? Do I cause cheer? Do my words encourage others? Are my conversations positive? Or are my words divisive? Do my words cause strife? Do my words cause discord? Am I sharing only the negative? 

Words are powerful. The words I share can create an atmosphere of peace or war. Remember Colossians 4:6? Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with the grace of God. 

Paul could have complained to the people of Colossians. He had suffered much because of sharing the gospel of God. Paul wanted to share how well he was doing—and that is because Paul had a positive attitude of what God was doing. We know from other writings of Paul, that Paul knew how to be content no matter his situation. He sang praises from prison. Paul knew that God was greater than any situation he found himself—therefore, Paul could be positive! 

So Paul shared how he was doing, and used a trustworthy messenger to share a positive report to encourage others. 

If I want to my conversations to be positive, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For no matter my situation, I know that God is in control. Therefore, I can focus on the positive and encourage others by sharing God's amazing love.

Something to be Reckoned With!

Status of My Relationship

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 Lord’s voice ·makes the lightning flash [strikes with flashes of lightning]. Psalm 29:7 (EXB)

The psalmist here sets forth God's dominion in the kingdom of nature. In the thunder, and lightning, and storm, we may see and hear his glory. Let our hearts be thereby filled with great, and high, and honourable thoughts of God, in the holy adoring of whom, the power of godliness so much consists. O Lord our God, thou art very great! The power of the lightning equals the terror of the thunder. The fear caused by these effects of the Divine power, should remind us of the mighty power of God, of man's weakness, and of the defenceless and desperate condition of the wicked in the day of judgment.  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Respect. Honor. Fear. Awe. Terror. The power of God can evoke many emotions. 

If my soul is right with God, then the power of God produces honor, respect, awe, and yes, even comfort. Knowing that God is all-powerful, that means nothing is out of His control. 

If, however, I have sin in my heart, the power of God produces fear and terror. A Holy, all-powerful God, becomes Judge. Sin is an abomination to God. I’m very grateful that God provided a way of forgiveness and I have restored fellowship with God. 

The power of God is real. The status of my relationship with God determines if His display of power creates awe, respect and honor, or fear and terror. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure the status of my relationship with God is good standing, according to His standard. 

Powerful and Steadfast Unmovable Source

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.

How long will you set upon a man that you may slay him, all of you, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? Psalm 62:3 (AMP)

How much longer will all of you attack someone who is no stronger than a broken-down fence? Psalm 62:3 (GNT)

How long will you attack a man? How long will all of you strive to crush your prey when he’s like a leaning fence or a wall on the verge of collapse? Psalm 62:3 (VOICE)

A bowing wall. A wall, when ill built, bulges out in the centre, presenting the appearance of nearly twice its actual breadth; but, as it is hollow within, it soon falls to ruins. The wicked, in like manner, are dilated with pride, and assume, in their consultations, a most formidable appearance; but David predicts that they would be brought to unexpected and utter destruction, like a wall badly constructed, and hollow in the interior, which falls with a sudden crash, and is broken by its own weight into a thousand pieces. John Calvin 

Comparing Psalm 62:3 to Psalm 62:2 there is a HUGE difference between the strength and steadfastness of God vs the frailty and weakness of man. 

He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:2 (AMP)

With this difference so great, why do I continually want to trust, or get the praise of man? Why would I want to lean upon a wall, ready to collapse? 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that my trust is in God, the powerful and steadfast unmovable source of truth and love. 

Ordinary, Everyday Blessings

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 138. Here is what I learned.

Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord and joyfully celebrate His mighty acts, for great is the glory of the Lord. Psalm 138:5 (AMP)

They will sing about ·what the Lord has done [the way of the Lord],  because the Lord’s glory [his manifest presence] is great. Psalm 138:5 (EXB)

What does it take for me to notice God’s presence? Do I only acknowledge God when He’s doing mighty and powerful things? Or do I notice Him on a daily basis, when He’s doing “everyday” things? 

It’s easy to notice God when He does the unexpected and sends “big” blessings. But do I notice when He sends the “routine” blessings, such as a sunrise? Each and every day the sun rises. I can’t control it, but God does. Some mornings the sunrise is spectacular and I stop and notice, and may even take a picture or two. But do I stop and praise God, for the “ordinary” sunrises? Do I stop and realize that God continues to keep His promises—each and every day? 

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22 (AMP)

God deserves praise and honor and celebration for the “big things” He does, but He also deserves praise and honor and celebration for the “ordinary, everyday” blessings. For without God those ordinary, everyday blessings would cease. 

To create a positive day, I need to celebrate what God is doing — the big blessings and the ordinary, everyday blessings. 

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.

The Pantry is Full, the Storage Unit is Full, & the Trucks are Waiting to Unload

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 117. Here is what I learned.

For His mercy and loving-kindness are great toward us, and the truth and faithfulness of the Lord endure forever. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Psalm 117:2 (AMP) 

Because ·the Lord loves us very much [great is his loyalty/love toward us], and his ·truth [faithfulness] is everlasting. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:2 (EXB)

The word “great” means so much! It’s means “strong, powerful, but with blessing”; it is not only great in bulk or number; but it is powerful.

Often I wonder what it would be like to have an unending supply of stuff in my home. The refrigerator would always be filled with yummy food, the pantry would have enough boxes, cans, and spices that I’d be able to cook any recipe without having to substitute. The linen closet would be full of all the cleaning supplies, soaps, shampoos, etc; again so that everything I’d need would be right at my fingertips. 

Yet, although that is wishful thinking to have an unending supply of stuff.... it’s not so when it comes to God’s mercy and loving-kindness. Not only is God’s mercy and love powerful enough to forgive my sin, and it’s so abundant there is a unending supply.

Seems like some days I need more of God’s mercy and love than others. And some days it seems like I’ve needed so much I’ve “used up” His supply... but the truth is that’s impossible. For no matter how much mercy and love I need, there is always more, and God is always ready to give it to me. 

So, not only is God’s mercy and loving-kindness unending, it’s always available for me to accept. Not only is the pantry is full, but the storage unit is full, and then there are trucks just waiting to unload. When I realize how great God’s love and mercy is and that there is literally an unending supply... WOW! How can I not stop and praise God? 

Just knowing that the pantry is full, and the storage unit is full, and the trucks are waiting to unload......that is just a small amount of the unending and powerful mercy and love my God wants to give me. 

To create a positive day, I only need to open the pantry door and see it overflowing with God’s mercy and loving-kindness. 

Body Guard

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 16. Here is what I learned. 

Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have found refuge, and in You do I put my trust and hide myself. Psalm 16:1 (Amplified)

Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to you. Psalm 16:1 (MSG)

The word for “protect” conveys that of a “body guard”. The job description of a body guard: The primary responsibility of bodyguards is assessing security threats and providing the necessary security measures. 

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7710/Bodyguard.html#ixzz2GvD6j0yY

God is the ultimate ‘body guard’ because of Who He is. The Word for “God” is “El” which means Mighty, Strong, Powerful.

Who better could provide protection and keep me safe, than the Almighty Powerful God? There is no one else who could even come close. 

Because of WHO God is, the Almighty Powerful God, I know that I am safe in Him. Nothing can separate me from the Love of God. 

The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.[a] We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces  or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. Romans 8:37-39 (GW)

God is my body guard, and because of Who He is, I can rest and relax knowing that I am safe in Him. That fact creates a very positive day! 

Powerless or Powerful?

On the way home from my chiropractor I saw a bumper sticker... it read: POWERLESS I thought how depressing to be powerless. Am I powerless? Where does power originate?

Am I powerless over my pain? My initial response was "yes". But then I had to change it to "no". I have a lot of power over my pain. I can allow my pain to be in control, or I can take control. Although there are some activities I can't do because of the pain, there are many I can do. I focus on the "cans" rather than the "can nots". 

Powerless. As I continued thinking, I realized that being Powerless can apply to any area of life.

I have a choice if—

I'll be defeated and powerless 

or if I'll be strong and take control. 

Some like to blame their problems on what happened in their childhood. I don't agree. Yes, various situations do shape our lives, but as we grow, we have the power to make new choices and go in new directions. We have the power to change what characteristics and habits we don't like. We are not powerless to make choices. 

There is only ONE thing which I am truly powerless to do on my own. That is save me from my sins. However, thanks to God's gift of Jesus Christ, that is an area I don't have to remain powerless. Jesus Christ died on the cross for all our sins. The only requirement to receive forgiveness is to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died for each of us and now lives again. It's that simple. 

For God so loved the world

that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him

shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name given under heaven

by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Powerless. No, I don't see myself as powerless at all. I think it is a matter of choice. God gives strength to His people. His mercies are new each morning. So, no I'm not powerless. Rather I am very powerful. Mostly, because I have a know-so Hope that God has forgiven me of my sins, and that I'll spend eternity in Heaven praising Him.

God loves me!

And that is a wonderful

and powerful gift. 

Each day, we make choices. And each choice has a consequence. Those consequences can be good or bad. Creating a positive day is about making good choices. And when you make good choices, that makes you POWERFUL!