Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:30-32

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. 30-32: Provides Goals

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.Psalm 119:30-32

Have chosen: select

Cling: cleave to, figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, to impinge

Will run:  to run for whatever reason, especially to rush

Three specific verbs. Three specific actions. Three specific goals. 

Make a choice. Stick with that choice. Continue to follow that choice. 

Will my actions and goals be determined by my desires, the desires the media (social/news) portrays, or will they be based on the solid Word of God? 

Three specific verbs. Choose. Cling. Run. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:16

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. 16: Provides Position

I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16

Delight: to look upon with complacency (a feeling of quiet pleasure or security)

Statutes: something prescribed; phrases of obedience

Forget: to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Not: ignorant, worthless

Word: spoken, advice, commandment, communication, reason, request, speech

A few weeks ago, a Catagory 2 Hurricane came through my area. The wind and rain were intense and it was pitch black as the electricity had gone out. As the storm raged, I felt such peace. And it wasn't because of the safety of the Castle.

The peace and safety weren't because I knew what would happen as the storm continued to slowly pass by. I felt peace and safe because I knew that no matter what happened, my God was ultimately in control. If the trees that were cracking and breaking outside landed on the Castle, then God would take care of the fixing of it all. If the roof shingles blew off, then once again, God would take care of the repairs. How? I had no idea. But I did know that God controls the wind. I do know that God cares for me. I do know that no matter what happened, God would remain faithful to who He is! God is never-changing and faithful. 

When I place my security in God's Word and I remember who God is and all that He says, it is then that I live in the position of safety and peace. 

Chronological: Questioning Truth—"He Said"

Questioning Truth— “He Said”

Genesis 3-5

What a contrast from Genesis 2 to Genesis 3. 

In Genesis 2 God Almighty is speaking with authority and power. Then in Genesis 3 creation speaks and immediately begins to question God and Truth. 

Genesis 3: 1 “And he said… Has God indeed said?” 

Genesis 3: 4 A blatant lie is stated. “You shall not surely die.” 

When you start to question what God says, don’t try to answer it on your own. Rather, go back to the source! Go back to Scripture. What did God REALLY say? 

We know the consequences of blatantly disregarding Truth and disobeying God’s word. Adam and Eve were ashamed before God, there was separation from God. Their relationship changed. 

Genesis 3:8-9 God still wanted a relationship with mankind, but now sin had to be dealt with—for God is holy. 

Adam and Eve and to live with the consequences of their disobedience to God. For questioning Truth started a pattern—that had deadly consequences. 

Cain the firstborn worked in the fields. Where as, his younger brother Abel was a shepherd. Both knew that they had to give an offering to the Lord, however, one did it truthfully, the other did not. Rather than seeking the truth of why the sacrifice was rejected by God, Cain chose to follow his own voice and killed his brother. 

Once again there are consequences to sin. Abel was dead. Cain was sent to wonder about and his livelihood would no longer support him. Genesis 4:13.

Look at the decedents of Cain. Genesis 4:16-24. The sin of Cain had long-term effects as his great, great, great, great, great grandson was prideful in his murdering and he knew what happened to Cain and it was of no consequence in Lamech mind. He said— Genesis 4:23, 24. 

In contrast, Genesis 4:36—“Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord.”

Genesis 5 is the genealogy of Adam. Several times throughout the Bible, we read genealogies. Why is a list of names important? Because when God says something—it is trustworthy. The genealogies throughout Scripture show us the line in which the Lord Jesus Christ would be born. God in His mercy and grace, was planning a way of redemption. 

Genesis 5 begins with Adam and ends with Noah and his 3 sons. Look in the middle of this genealogy at Genesis 5:24. A testimony to one who listened to “God said” rather than “he said”. “Enoch walked with God” That was the relationship that Adam had in the garden before sin entered the picture. The relationship Enoch had with God was possible, because Enoch believed and listened to the truth of God’s Word. He obeyed God.

Enoch walked with God. What a great testimony in the midst of others who are choosing to follow the ‘he said’ rather than what God said. 

Read Genesis 3-5 and take note of who people were listing to—God or Satan. God said. He said. 

In your life, are you listening to “God said” or “he said”? In our world today, the ‘he said’ is louder as people have ignored God and His truth for generations. However, God’s Word can still be heard—if you choose to hear it and obey it. 

What legacy will you leave—one who listened to the “he said” like Cain and Lamech? Or a legacy of one who listened to “God said” like Enoch? 

God said. He said. You have a choice to make. 

Chronological: The Beginning "God Said"

Today, I started a new Bible study. I'm going to be studying the Bible chronologically, starting in Genesis. 

The Beginning "God Said"

Genesis 1-2

As I read these two chapters, two word stood out. "God said." In those two words, we learn a lot about God. 

First, when God speaks there is Reason. He speaks to accomplish something. 

When God speaks there is Result. His Words produce something. They have a desired effect. 

When God speaks there is Reaction. There is a response. 

Reason.

Genesis 1:1 

In the beginning, God created. 

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. Psalm 148:5

God created—for Himself. He the Almighty created everything with beauty, interaction, perfection—and He deserves our praise and honor. 

Result.

And it was so. And it was good.

Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 25, 31.

There is a chronological sense to Creation. God created in an orderly fashion so that the needs of each next day's creation would have its needs met. There is order and planning. A specific reason for each specific act of Creation. It was not haphazard, with out any planning.

Reaction.

What God says—happens. His speech produces exactly what He wants. He speech is powerful, because He is God! He is the creator of all. He is the sustainer of all. God says it—it's reality! 

Psalm 104

From Genesis 1-2, what do we learn about God? 

• He is the Creator of all.
• There is authority and power in His speech.
• He is mighty.
• He is worthy of praise.
• He cares about mankind. 
• He supplies all the needs of Creation. 
• He is orderly and does nothing haphazardly. 

God said. 

How should those two words and the truth of Genesis 1-2 impact my life? 

1. I have confidence in knowing that God's word is powerful.

2. Knowing that God has authority, and His words have power— I should obey what He says.

What else has God Said, that deserves my attention? 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 

God said. 

Two words with a mighty powerful result–that should impact my life as I realize the power and authority of God Almighty. 

Will I allow those two words to impact my thoughts, motives, actions, and words today? 

Proverbs 3:5b: Support Yourself

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  Proverbs 3:5

Heart: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

Lean: support oneself

Not: to express with emphasis its negation

Own understanding: faculties, one of the powers of the mind, as memory, reason, or speech.

Yesterday, we looked at the word Trust. Now that we know that God is trustworthy, let's look at the extent to which we are to trust and what other words of wisdom are found in these verses. 

Trust the Lord with all your heart. With all, entirety, your mind, affections, and will. It's one thing to say or think of trusting, it's another to set aside your will and trust in what God is doing! 

Don't try to support yourself on what you remember or think you know. "But I do know what's best!" Oh, really? I have to think back to this past Summer, when God was directing me as I was looking for a place to buy.

(You can read about how God directed me here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html) 

One home which we put an offer on, seemed "perfect" in my mind. It had wood floors, access to a pool, nice location, and the right price. Yes, it only had 2 bedrooms, BUT in my reasoning and understanding it was "perfect". 

God knew that He had something far better in mind. But at that moment, I could only see "this house and pool" and couldn't imaging anything better. Thankfully, God slammed that door shut keeping me from buying that home. For in his Wisdom, He was working on something far better. I had to learn to TRUST God and rely on God's Wisdom, not my own. 

Do not support myself on what I think I know or can reason. It may come as a great surprise, but I do not know it all! That seems unbelievable... right? Of course I do not know it all.... but sadly, too often I act like I do. 

Trust God. Do even try to support yourself. God in His Wisdom will teach and instruct and guide you...... but you need to Trust and rely on Him. Trusting Him begins with having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one respects God, one can fully trust God. 

Stop Making Excuses

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 47. Here is what I learned.

O clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy! Psalm 47:1 (AMP)

Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with ·joy [jubilant shouts/cries/sound]. Psalm 47:1 (EXB)

Clap your hands, all of you; raise your voices joyfully and loudly. Give honor for the True God of the universe; Psalm 47:1 (VOICE)

Why? Why should I clap my hands? What reason do I have to clap my hands? Why? Why? Why should I shout to God? Why should I raise my voice joyfully? Why? 

As toddler likes asking “Why?” we too like asking that question. However, just as a toddler isn’t really interested in the answer to his/her question, we aren’t either. We simply would rather ask, “Why?” than to do what is asked of us. For in asking, we are saying that we “know better” or that we have a better reason why something should NOT be done.

Yet, Psalm 47 give us the reason for shouting—to give honor to God. The shouting isn’t about us, or the reasons why. Rather the shouting is to be about God—Who He is, His majesty, The Almighty. 

To create a positive day, I need to stop asking ‘why’, and making excuses, and just give God the honor and praise of which He is worthy.  

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! 

Should be Automatic

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 the Lord., Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord. Psalm 150 (NIV)

This is my weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. As during any great time, it’s easy to praise the Lord. When there’s excitement, joy, fun, etc. praise is almost automatic. 

Right now, you might say that I’m on the mountain top. I’m enjoying spending time at the Track and all the extra blessings that God continues to provide each day. Oh, yes, my pain level is high, but I’m enjoying the experience of meeting people and seeing the cars on the track. 

The foundation of praising God, however, is not to be based on if I’m having a good time, or enjoying the situation I find myself. For when the excitement of this race experience fads, and the pain continues, God is still worthy of praise. I’m not to praise God only in exchange for “good times” or “gifts”. Rather, I’m to praise God because of Who He is. 

It’s very easy to praise God when I’m having fun. But it’s more important to praise God no matter my situation or circumstance. Praising God should be automatic each and every day. 

To create a positive day, it must include praise to God, simply because of Who He is, and that praise should be automatic out of a heart of thankfulness and awe. 

Triumphant Shouts

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 126. Here is what I learned.

Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful songs. Then the nations said, “The Lord has done spectacular things for them.” Psalm 126:2 (GW)

Then we were filled with laughter, and we sang happy songs. Then the other nations said, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 (NCV)

Then: since, at that time, therefore -- beginning, at that time,

Mouths: words, wishes.

Filled: be full of, overflow, fullness.

Laughter: rejoice, make merry, celebrate.

Tongues: organ of singing, speech.

Joyful: cry, gladness, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, singing, triumph, to give a ringing cry.

Nations: the masses, heathen, people.

Said: be or make prominent, boast.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Hath done: accomplish, bestow, furnish.

Great: exceed, excellent, makes it grow; magnify.

For (with): accompanying, by reason of. 

Them: those, another.

There are two responses in Psalm 126:2. The first is a response of those that love God—triumphant shouts!  The second is the response of those that don’t love God—they saw, and boasted, of the goodness of God toward His people.

You can learn about about a person by their actions and reactions. When a person is so excited and happy that joy ‘gushes’ out of them, it makes you smile too. Their happiness is infectious.

Psalm 126:2 adds another dimension to the joy, not only did it produce a loud triumphant shout, but those around knew the reason for the joy and singing—all the blessings God had provided for His people.

So, I’m not just to be “happy”. I’m to be OVERJOYED and SHOUT ........ um shout about what? That I’m just happy? No. I’m to shout triumphantly about the goodness of God.  My joyful shouting and singing is due to the fact that God has/is taking care of me. He has done great and marvelous things and will continue to do great and marvelous things. 

To create a positive day, my triumphant shouts need to include the reason for (and source of) my joy — God’s mighty exceedingly abundant goodness.