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. 

Pursuits and Purpose (James)

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James 1:11

Fade away: equivalent to to have a miserable end

Ways: purpose, pursuit, undertaking

What will I be remembered for when I die? When I am no longer around, what will last? All the stuff we accumulate is that —stuff, no real lasting value. And as the old saying goes, "You can't take it with you."

What legacy am I creating now? The pursuits and purposes for earthly gain while can be enjoyable on earth, have no lasting value. Just as a spring flower withers and dies in the heat of the day, pursuits that have no eternal value will also have a miserable end. 

So, are my pursuits and purposes like a flower? Or am I like a tree planted by the waters? 

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

If I want to be like a tree rather than a flower than my pursuits must be following God's Word.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

What is my pursuit? Am I after things that will have a miserable end? Or am I pursuing a life that will prosper by God's standards? 

One-Purpose Mind! (James)

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

Double-minded: wavering, uncertain, doubting; vacillating in opinion or purpose

Unstable: inconstant, restless

Ways: in all his purposes and actions

I don't know. I'm unsure. What should I do? Maybe. Perhaps. Yes, well wait, no. We've all had times when indecision seems to haunt us. Did we make the right choice? Is this really what I should do? 

Indecision and questioning past decisions can be used by Satan to keep us from fully trusting God. In our lives will face many opportunities to make decisions. Some are easy. Some take much thought. Some are life-changing. James 1:5—8 are about the art of using wisdom—the wisdom that God gives. When we make choices based on wisdom from God, then we know for certain, no matter what happens, we made the right choice! 

As I read the definition of the word, "double-minded"-vacillating in opinion or purpose-the idea of an oscillating fan came to mind. Forever turning, never focusing on any one area. Quickly moving back and forth. The oscillating indecisions will create a restlessness and that will affect my actions and my overall purpose. 

The key to having a one-purpose mind and stability in purpose and actions is using the art of wisdom—God's wisdom!

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: The Four "P"s.

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

Give thanks: confess (originally acknowledge)

Among the heathen: in the sense of the masses

Sing praises: to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music
Name: an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority

Will I. 
That's personal. 

Among the masses. 
That's public. 

Give thanks/Sing praises.
That's purpose.

Unto Thee, Thy Name.
That's proper. 

Thanks Living is first personal. I have to do it. 
Thanks Living is to be public. I'm to be thanking and praising God so that others learn about how awesome my God is.
Thanks Living is to be purposeful. I'm to be giving thanks and praising God—no matter my circumstances or situation. Remember God does not change! 
Thanks Living is proper. It's the right thing to do. God is to be thanked and praised, because He is God Almighty! 

Proverbs 3:9, 10: Lionize

Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;

So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9, 10

Honor: make honorable, honor, glorify

Lord: Yahweh, the proper name of the God

Possessions: wealth, sufficiency, what you have/own

Firstfruits: beginning, chief

All: the whole, entire

Increase: product, revenue

Barns: storehouse, supply

Be filled: be full, fill

Plenty: abundance, plenteous, satisfied

Overflow: burst open, break over [limits], increase

New wine: valuable product

Mine. Mine. Mine. 

All too often when the Lord gives us things, we turn into a 3-year-old... Mine! Mine! Mine! When in reality, God wants us to say, "It's yours, Lord, how do you want me to use it?" 

Honor. We hear that word often. Honor. What does it really mean? Honor according to the dictionary means to hold in honor or high respect; revere; to show a courteous regard for; to worship. But what does it MEAN to actually honor someone? 

Honor: Respect: account, adoration, adulation, aggrandizement, attention, celebration, confidence, consideration, credit, dignity, distinction, elevation, esteem, exaltation, faith, fame, fealty, glorification, glory, greatness, high standing, homage, immortalization, laud, lionization, notice, obeisance, popularity, praise, prestige, rank, recognition, renown, reputation, reverence, tribute, trust, worship.

When I first read the list of words describing Honor, the word "lionization" jumped out at me.
(Read that blog post here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2013/04/lionize.html)

Lionize. Lionization: to treat a person as a celebrity; to pursue celebrities or seek their company; to visit or exhibit the objects of interest of.

Lionization of celebrities is done every day. When we hear or see celebrities we like, we pause, we stop what we are doing to listen, we are in awe of them. 
Yet, we too often ignore God, the creator of all. Yes, we ignore God Almighty. 
How do we ignore Him? First and foremost, we ignore His Word and Truth. We choose to live our lives how we want, and ignore what He has commanded. 
And then, because ignore God, we do not give Him our possessions—rather we treat them as our own and use them for only our good. 

Lionize. Honor God Himself. For when I honor God, I will want to use all that He has given me in accordance with His purpose. The only way to be wiling to lionize God with my heart and all I have, is to have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when my heart is right with God, I'll want to use all that I have to lionize Him to the fullest! 

Proverbs 2:10, 11: When

When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, Proverbs 2:10, 11

When: that, in order that

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Enters: associate with, bring for a purpose

Heart: mind with reference to knowledge

Knowledge: in highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Pleasant: delightful, lovely, delight

Soul: intellect and feelings

Discretion:power of devising

Perserve: keep, guard

Understanding: discernment, reasonings

Keep:Guard from dangers

Here is another example of cause/effect. WHEN wisdom Enters = knowledge is accepted, followed by discretion and understanding. 

So often we want to jump to UNDERSTANDING without Wisdom. Yet, Wisdom must be present to fully grasp the knowledge, discretion, and understanding. It's a logical order. 

When—that means that there is a time and that it's not a given, meaning that we can ignore Wisdom. That's sad on our part. Why would we want to ignore something which God want to give me? Why would we want to ignore wisdom so that we can have knowledge,  discretion, and understanding? Why? 

Simply put, because we are arrogant (and that comes from a sinful heart). When we think we know it all and say that we know better than God Almighty—wow. Yet, looking around many are doing just that today. The question is—am I allowing Wisdom to enter my heart? 

WHEN, Wisdom enters there is a specific purpose—it lays the foundation for knowledge,  discretion, and understanding.

Remember is all about the VERBS—so WHEN will I allow wisdom to ENTER? When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when I respect and fear God, my heart is open—for the WHEN—and Wisdom enters! 

Luck

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. 

When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, don’t ·pick the vines a second time [glean what is left]. Leave what is left for foreigners [resident aliens], orphans, and widows. Deuteronomy 24:21 (EXB)

Ruth 2:1-3.

Naomi and Ruth are now in Bethlehem. For food, Ruth goes to the fields to glean behind the workers.   Ruth "just happened" to pick the field belonging to Boaz. However, knowing the rest of the story, we know for certain that this was designed by God. 

We know from Ruth 2:1, that Boaz was wealthy and related to Naomi's husband, Elimelech. Again out of all the fields Ruth could have ended up, she was exactly where God wanted her to be. 

Luck. Just happened. Providence of God. 

Often we attribute circumstance to just luck. However, God Almighty is working and planning to carry out His perfect plan. We often don't realize all that God is doing on our behalf. 

Ruth, knew that she should be out gathering food for her and Namoi. And because God had set a plan for how the widows and orphans were to gather food (Deut 24:21), Ruth could go to the fields and work to supply what they needed. 

It was important too that Boaz followed the laws of God. Boaz was a wealthy man, he knew that leaving grain behind would cost him money. However, he chose to follow God's laws and allow those in need to glean and gather food. 

Looking at my life, I can seem MANY circumstances that at the time, I might not have realized it, but God was working. It's exciting to see God's providential hand working things out in my life. The details He takes care of are so amazing. It's exciting to know that "He's got it all under control." 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I am right where I need to be so that God can continue to lead and guide me. I don't have to depend on LUCK, for I have the One who controls the Universe watching out for me! 

Purpose of Praying

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2. 3 (AMP)

The past two posts were about "What Do I pray?" focusing on Colossians 2:2. 

(What Do I Pray? and What Do I Pray? Part 2) The end of Colossians 2 and verse 3 focus on the purpose of praying.

"that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted" 

A deep knowledge and relationship.

But not just random knowledge, rather a intimately acquainted knowledge and relationship with God, His plan and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Paul is praying specifically that the Colossians would know Truth not just to have head knowledge, but rather to purposefully become intimately aquatinted with God and His amazing grace and mercy. What a great prayer to first personally pray, and then pray for others. 

If I truly want to become intimately aquatinted with God, it begins when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Specific Purpose

"In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]"

Colossians 1:25 (AMP)

A minister in accordance with the divine stewardship. 

A servant appointed by God. Col 1:25 (VOICE)

"Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan." Colossians 1:1 (MSG).

In accordance with divine stewardship.

God's plan with a specific purpose. 

I went to college with the idea that I was going to teach on a "mission field". I "proudly" told God that I'd go ANYWHERE He wanted me to go—as a missionary. 

During my Senior year, God finally got though my thick-skull and worked in my heart. I then was willing to submit to God and "Be ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, God wanted." 

There's a big difference in submitting to God's will with pre-concieved ideas and ideals, and submitting to God 100% allowing Him to decide what is best.

Looking back over the past 29 years (since college graduation), I can honestly say that I would not have personally chosen all the special assignments God designed for me. But I can say, that through each assignment, God has been faithful and has taught me much about Himself and His amazing love. 

Divine stewardship. 

I have a responsibility to share God's grace and mercy. I also have a responsibility to make sure that each and every day, I am obeying my "divine orders" and living in accordance with His Word. 

In order to carry out my special assignment from God, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Praying Specifically

For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. Colossians 1:9-10 (AMP)

For this reason (verse 7; they showed Spirit-Love).. we have not ceased to pray and make special request for you. 

Prayer. It is vital to pray one for another. And one thing I like about verses 9 and 10 is that Paul lists specifics of what they were praying. 

Knowlege, wisdom, comprehensive insight to the ways and purposes of God, understanding and discernment of spiritual things, 

AND the WHYS of what he was praying (vs 10): 

they they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Lord, a life pleasing to God, and DESIRING to continue to please God in ALL things, being "fruit producers" and growing in the knowledge of God. 

I need to be praying for others, specifically. And from my experience, not just that they'd get well, or heal, or have an easier time of things. Rather, that God would use the situation they are in, to help them grow spiritually, and gain a deeper insight into who God is and allow that knowledge to impact their lives for God's glory! 

Being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)... starts with talking with Him... first about myself, and then about others.

A Penny for Your Thoughts

Yesterday, while doing laundry, I found a shiny new penny in the dryer. I think this was God's way of saying, "A penny for your thoughts". 

I'm a planner.... I like everything in line, all my 't's" crossed, "i's" dotted, etc. I am learning, especially these past 13 years, that I can plan all I want, but God has His own plan and He likes to add twists and turns, just to make sure I'm FOLLOWING Him, and I don't take over the LEAD. 

I posted my poem, "What a day brings forth", the other day. A good reminder that God has a specific plan and purpose and will accomplish it all in HIS time. 

I talk with God often... yet at times, I find myself, "telling God" how I think things should happen. I know... like I know best!?? 

The shiny new penny was a reminder that I'm to share my thoughts, my desires, my concerns with God... but then I need to LISTEN and allow God to share His thoughts and plans with me. I need to take a step back and give God time to accomplish His plan. 

"A penny for your thoughts".... yes, I'll continue to share my thoughts with God... I only need to remember to allow God to share His thoughts with me too.

While Waiting

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 43. Here is what I learned.

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5 (AMP)

Why ·am I so sad [are you downcast, my soul]? Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]? I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him, my ·Savior [Victor] and my God. Psalm 43:5 (EXB)

"Hope in God," or "wait for God." There is need of patience, but there is ground for hope. The Lord cannot but avenge his own elect. The heavenly Father will not stand by and see his children trampled on for ever; as surely as the sun is in the heavens, light must arise for the people of God, though for awhile they may walk in darkness. Why, then, should we not be encouraged, and lift up our head with comfortable hope? "For I shall yet praise him." Times of complaint will soon end, and seasons of praise will begin. Come, my heart, look out of the window, borrow the telescopic glass, forecast a little, and sweeten thy chamber with sprigs of the sweet herb of hope. "Who is the health of my countenance, and my God." My God will clear the furrows from my brow, and the tear marks from my cheek; therefore will I lift up my head and smile in the face of the storm. The Psalm has a blessed ending, such as we would fain imitate when death puts an end to our mortal existence. Treasury of David

Wait (v)
1. to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens
2. (of things) to be available or in readiness.
3. to remain neglected for a time.
4. to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed.
5. to look forward to eagerly.

I find the definition of “wait” interesting. Remain in active until something expected happens. Yet, it also means look forward to eagerly. and in the middle.... remain neglected for a time. 

Yet, each aspect of the definition describes and “end” to the wait. It’s not an eternity.... although sometimes the wait can seem like that. 

Often as I’m in waiting mode, my focus changes from God and what He is doing to what can I do to hurry things along! I’m not a good waiter, as I’ve said before. But I’m trying to not waste the waiting time. One of the definitions for wait, says to remain inactive. As I read that I thought two things: 1) what a waste of time, I can get so much done! 2) Be Still and know that I am God. 

How many times during the waiting times, am I trying to hurry God along, or figure things out on my own, or get so busy doing things so I lose focus on the “waiting on God and being still getting to know God”? 

To create a positive day, I need to remember that while waiting, I need to be still and get to know my God better! 

The Noisy Storm

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 92. Here is what I learned.

My eye looks upon those who lie in wait for me; my ears hear the evildoers that rise up against me. Psalm 92:11 (AMP)

When ·I [my eyes] looked, I saw my enemies; I heard the cries of those who ·are against me [rose against me with evil; [he sees and hears the defeat of his enemies]. Psalm 92:11 (EXB)

Where is my focus? Where am I looking? To what am I listening? What I focus on will have a direct impact on my thoughts, actions, attitude. Am I focusing on my enemies and what is happening to them and what they are trying to do to me? Am I listening to their banter and allowing what I hear to impact my faith and trust in God? 

As I read this verse I thought of Peter when the Lord invited him to walk on the water. Peter did fine...until he took his eyes off the Lord and listened to the storm. 

Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then ·command [tell] me to come to you on the water.”Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter left the boat and walked on the water ·to [and came toward] Jesus.  But when Peter saw the wind, he became ·afraid [terrified] and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30 (EXB)

Just because there are those who would like to see me fail and have me doubt God, doesn’t mean I have to listen to them—let alone allow them to change my focus to from God to the noisy storm. Focus. Where am I directing my focus? Do I allow the noisy storm raging around me to distract me from God and His purpose? 

To create a positive day I must not be distracted by the noisy storm that my enemies create, rather, I need to remain focused on God and what He is doing! 

No Regrets!

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.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. Psalm 91:16 (AMP)

I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you. Psalm 91:16 (GW)

"With long life will I satisfy him." The man described in this Psalm fills out the measure of his days, and whether he dies young or old he is quite satisfied with life, and is content to leave it. He shall rise from life's banquet as a man who has had enough, and would not have more even if he could. "And shew him my salvation." The full sight of divine grace shall be his closing vision. He shall look from Amana and Lebanon. Not with destruction before him black as night, but with salvation bright as noonday smiling upon him he shall enter into his rest. Treasury of David

I read an article the other day about interviews of regrets people had as they knew they had a short time to live. The top 5 regrets are:

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself,

not the life others expected of me.

(Bronnie Ware, The Guardian February 1, 2012)

I find it interesting that no-one said that they’d would have loved God more, or served Him more. The regrets listed were all about “me, myself, and I”. Rather than a focus on what matters in light of eternity!

Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. So I run—but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box—but not as if I were just shadow boxing. Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GW).

A truly satisfied life is one that has an eternal purpose—and that is living a life loving and obeying God. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure I live my life so that I have no regrets—according to God’s standards! 

Even if He Sends Rain

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 8. Here is what I learned.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Psalm 8:3 (NIV)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Psalm 8:3 (MSG)

Woke up this morning to rain. Not the best weather for enjoying a Race. But as I read Psalm 8, I was reminded that I can’t control the weather—only God can do that! So, I figured God can still create an enjoyable day for me.... even in the rain.  Little did I realize what an awesome gift God was giving me.... BECAUSE of the rain! 

I arrived at Chicagoland Speedway, and it was raining. No thunder or lightening, just rain. I relaxed in the car until the rain let up then went to explore. I was able to talk with an old friend, who was working at the track as a volunteer!  That was really nice. 

Was able to enjoy some of the Chapel Service and get an autograph from Michael McDowell at the K-Love booth.  The rain continued off and on, mostly just a few drops now and then. Nothing heavy. 

I was given an Infield Pass, and was able to join the Air Force at the Infield Stage for the Swearing in Ceremony. As we waited for the Ceremony... the rain started again. And that rain, made the NASCAR people to change the order of events. They decided to introduce the Drivers, BEFORE the Swearing In Ceremony. So, I was able to enjoy the Driver Introductions, from the bottom of the Stage! I couldn’t get any closer! That was a great treat.... and all possible, because of a little rain. 

Today, I was reminded again, that God does things with specific purposes. Today, He used rain to add to my blessings. And I have to say that getting wet, was worth it. 

To create a positive day, I must remember that God is ultimately in control, and even if He sends rain, He has a very good reason! 

His Decisions can be Trusted

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 33. Here is what I learned.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect. Psalm 33:10 (AMP)

The Lord ·upsets [frustrates] the ·plans [counsels] of nations; he ·ruins [foils] ·all their plans [the plans of the peoples]. Psalm 33:10 (EXB)

The cause of God is never in danger: infernal craft is outwitted by infinite wisdom, and Satanic malice held in check by boundless power. The Treasury of David

I’m a planner. I like to think through every aspect before I make a decision. However, I’ve learned that no matter how much I plan... there are always unknowns, or changes in circumstances for which I cannot take into account as I plan. 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor? Romans 11:33-34 (AMP)

When God changes my plans, I need to remember that although I may not understand why, His decisions are to be trusted! 

To create a positive day, I need to accept God’s plans, knowing that because of God’s wisdom His decisions can be trusted. 

Down Time

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 121. Here is what I learned.

The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:6 (AMP)

The sun will not hurt you during the day, nor the moon during the night. Psalm 121:6 (GNT)

"The sun shall not smite thee by day," etc. A promise made with allusion unto, and application of that care which God had over his people, when he brought them out of Egypt through the wilderness, when he guarded them from the heat of the sun by a cloud by day, and from the cold and moistness of the night and moon by a pillar of fire by night. David Dickson

Whether the sun is shining or the moon is out, God’s protection doesn’t stop. God doesn’t quit working when the sun goes down—there’s no “down time” for God. Rather God provides true 24/7 protection. 

As I read Psalm 121:6, I thought how can the moon hurt me? But then I read this: 

"Nor the moon by night." In the cloudless skies of the East, where the moon shines with such exceeding clearness, its effects upon the human frame have been found most injurious. The inhabitants of these countries are most careful in taking precautionary measures before exposing themselves to its influence. Sleeping much in the open air, they are careful to cover well their heads and faces. It has been proved beyond a doubt that the moon smites as well as the sun, causing blindness for a time, and even distortion of the features. C. W., in "The Biblical Treasury"

24/7 protection from God. God cares for His people in ways that we don’t understand or comprehend. No matter what happens, God is fully aware and allows only what will accomplish His purpose. 

To create a positive day, it is about knowing that God’s protection is 24/7 without any “down time”

On a Whim

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.

His precepts will continue year in and year out, performed by His people with honesty and truth. Psalm 111:8 (VOICE)

They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:8 (AMP)

They will ·continue [endure; be unshakeable] forever. They were made ·true [faithful] and ·right [virtuous; with integrity]. Psalm 111:8 (EXB)

They can never fail; for God's power supports his works, and his providence preserves the record of what he has done. Adam Clarke 

His doings were not the demand of an occasion, they were in unison with a great and extensive purpose, with respect to the people of Israel and the Messiah. Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law of his mouth, till all be fulfilled.  W. Wilson 

"They stand last for ever and ever." That is to say, his purposes, commands, and courses of action. The Lord is not swayed by transient motives, or moved by the circumstances of the hour; immutable principles rule in the courts of Jehovah, and he pursues his eternal purposes without the shadow of a turning. Our works are too often as wood, hay, and stubble, but his doings are as gold, silver, and precious stones. We take up a purpose for a while and then exchange it for another, but he is of one mind, and none can turn him' he acts in eternity and for eternity, and hence what he works abides for ever. Much of this lasting character arises out of the fact which is next mentioned, namely, that they "are done in truth and uprightness." Nothing stands but that which is upright. Falsehood soon vanishes, for it is a mere show, but truth has salt in it which preserves it from decay. God always acts according to the glorious principles of truth and integrity, and hence there is no need of alteration or revocation; his works will endure to the end of time. The Treasury of David

Ever do or say something on a whim? Without any thought or plan? Sometimes that can be fun to be spontaneous. However, doing something without much thought can also have dire consequences. 

Thankfully, God does not act on a whim, or what may feel good at the moment. Rather His actions are based on solid truth of His plan and purpose.  God does not act on a whim to please us or to make our lives more comfortable, rather His actions are sure and steadfast taking into account the past and future. 

No matter what God is doing, I know with assurance that it’s not on a whim, but that He is acting to accomplish His perfect will... and that truth creates a  positive day! 

Update: Today, I went to an art display and lunch with some friends. I thought it was an just an outing "on a whim". But God had something greater in mind. While there I met the Chaplain and we started talking. After a while, he asked if I'd come and talk with the residents—sharing that there is hope and joy in the midst of pain.

Today, God once again demonstrated that He does have a plan and purpose for my pain—and that God doesn't do anything on a whim.

My 2 Cents!

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.

Since the most recent back surgery, I’ve been dealing with a new pain in the back. My doctors are working on finding the cause and how to treat it. Until then, I am in waiting mode. This morning, I woke up and began to give God my 2 cents on how He could alleviate the pain, or at least make it a bit more comfortable for me. Then I read Psalm 100:5. 

Because the Eternal is good, His loyal love and mercy will never end, and His truth will last throughout all generations. Psalm 100:5 (VOICE)

The Lord is good. His ·love [loyalty] is forever, and his ·loyalty [faithfulness] ·goes on and on [for all generations]. Psalm 100:5 (EXB)

"His mercy is everlasting." God is not mere justice, stern and cold; he has bowels of compassion, and wills not the sinner's death. Towards his own people mercy is still more conspicuously displayed; it has been theirs from all eternity, and shall be theirs world without end. Everlasting mercy is a glorious theme for sacred song. "And his truth endureth to all generations." No fickle being is he, promising and forgetting. He has entered into covenant with his people, and he will never revoke it, nor alter the thing that has gone out of his lips. As our fathers found him faithful, so will our sons, and their seed for ever. A changeable God would be a terror to the righteous, they would have no sure anchorage, and amid a changing world they would be driven to and fro in perpetual fear of shipwreck. It were well if the truth of divine faithfulness were more fully remembered by some theologians; it would overturn their belief in the final fall of believers, and teach them a more consolatory system. Our heart leaps for Joy as we bow before One who has never broken his word or changed his purpose. The Treasury of David 

"Our heart leaps for Joy as we bow before One who has never broken his word or changed his purpose." The Treasury of David 

I often try to tell God what He should be doing, like He really needs my 2¢! He not only knows the past, but if fully aware of the future. He has a specific purpose for me, and really does not need my advice on how to accomplish His purpose.  But I still want to give my 2 cents. 

Later this morning, I went upstairs to put the laundry in the washer, and opened the dryers to air them out. I found 2¢ in one of the dyers. I laughed. I think it was God telling me, "Thanks for your advise... but honestly Rhonda, you can keep your 2 cents."

To create a positive day, I need to step back and let God work, and remember, that He does not need my 2 Cents!