God is Enough. (James)

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. James 1:9, 10

The phrase “of low degree” means one in humble circumstances; one of lowly rank or employment; one in a condition of dependence or poverty. It stands here particularly opposed to one who is rich; and the apostle doubtless had his eye, in the use of this word, on those who had been poor. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Position doesn't matter. What does matter is one's relationship with Christ and knowing that no matter the situation, God is enough. 

God is enough. 

Is that a true? Is God enough in my life? 

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

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And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. Colossians 2:10 (AMP)

"In Christ they find the satisfaction of every spiritual want" (Peake). There is no other place for Christ. He is first in time and in rank. All rule and authority comes after Christ whether angels, aeons, kings, what not. Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

Satisfaction. Christ is all I need. But is He all I want? Am I satisfied with what Christ has to offer me? Think about that. Christ not only offered Himself as a sacrifice for my sins, He in His grace and mercy offers me His unconditional love, grace, and mercy. Is He enough? 

He should be. I should be content and overwhelmed with Christ Himself. Nothing more and nothing less. 

But that's just in the spiritual aspect, what about the physical? Christ is enough in that too. Or He should be. In light of eternity, what is important? I can't take things with me to Heaven. Anything I have here are earth, is from God. Those are blessings. 

And if SOMETHING, is more important than Christ, that THING has become an idol. Remember the 10 Commandments?

You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me. Exodus 20:3-5 (AMP)

No other gods before or besides Me. "Other gods"—anything or anyone on whom I place more importance than God and His Word. If THINGS, take precedent and are more important that the satisfaction I can find in Christ–then those THINGS are idols. And that's a dangerous precedent to set. 

Satisfaction. Christ alone. In order to be completely satisfied with Christ, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)

Grace Recognized

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Joy: gladness, cheerfulness, calm delight; the awareness (of God's) grace, favor; "grace recognized"

Joy is not based on circumstances or feelings. Rather joy, a product of the Holy Spirit, is based on all that God has to offer—justification, forgiveness, peace, adoption, fellowship with God Almighty, and eternal life with God. The joy is because of the relationship with God. The joy is an outpouring of the love God gives. 

This morning, I awoke with a searing headache and intense back pain. Normally I wake up in pain, but this morning, it was a much higher level. Yet, as I got up and I slowly made my way to the kitchen, my mind switched from the pain to the Castle. Just walking down the hallway toward the kitchen, I had to stop and thank God for this amazing home. In the stillness and quietness of the morning, I looked at the living room. Each time I see that fireplace and the vaulted ceiling, I'm overcome with an overwhelming sense of amazement. God in His gracious goodness, has supplied an amazing home for me and my parents. As I think about Who God is and how He takes care of me — just wow! 

My heart can overflow with joy, not because my life is perfect, or I'm pain free (that won't happen until I am in Heaven!). But rather, my heart can overflow with joy because I know and have a relationship with God Almighty. 

Joy the awareness of God's grace—grace recognized! The more I take time to recognize God's grace the more joy will overflow! 

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: Relationship

O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

Praise: give thanks

Have done: accomplished

Wonderful: marvelous thing, of God's acts of judgment and redemption

Eternal One, You are my God.
I will lift You up and praise Your name.
Because You have made wonders marvelous and beautiful—the most ancient designs holding strong and sure. Isaiah 25:1 (VOICE) 

Lord, you are my God.
I ·honor [exalt] you and praise ·you [ your name],
because you have done ·amazing [wonderful] things.
·You have done what you planned long ago [Your plans were made long ago];
·you have always done what you said you would do [they are faithful and trustworthy]. Isaiah 25:1 (EXB) 

O Lord, You are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (NLV) 

O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God; you do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them, just as you said! Isaiah 25:1 (TLB)

Thanks Living is first having a personal relationship with God— "My God." 

Thanks Living is recognizing that relationship — "I will exalt You, praise (thank) Your name." 

Thanks Living is enjoying the benefits of that relationship — "You have done wonderful things."

Thanks Living is knowing that the relationship is based on everlasting truth — "faithfulness and truth."

Thanks Living is relationship based—a relationship with God— MY God! And when I grasp that solid truth—thanksgiving overflows. 

Impact

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

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This post is the beginning of my study of Ruth.

The book of Ruth begins with background and introduction. The background is there was a famine so Elimelech took his family to Moab, where there was food.

Let's take a look at the people involved:

Elimelech - means "That is, God is my king"; the Dad

Naomi - means "Beautiful", the Mom (Mother-in-law)

Mahlon - means "Infirmity', son 1

Chilion - means "Finished", son 2

Orpah - means "fawn", a Moabitess, the wife of Chilion 

Ruth - means "friend", a Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon

We learn in Ruth 1:3, that Elimelech dies and leaves Naomi a widow raising two sons. We then learn that the sons marry Moabite women in Ruth 1:4. Then in Ruth 1:5, both Mahlon and Chilion die. 

Now we have three widows and Naomi hears that God is once again blessing the land of Israel and wants to return home. She tells her daughter-in-laws for them to return to their families, as she will go back home. Oprah, finally agrees and returns to her family. Ruth, however, decides to stay with Naomi and "Your people shall be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:7-16)

So Naomi and Ruth set out to return to Bethlehem, to the home of Naomi (Ruth 1:19). 

I wonder what Naomi and Ruth talked about on that journey. Years before Naomi left Bethlehem to travel to Moab. Did Naomi share how she felt when traveling to a strange place? Did Naomi talk about home and the people and places she missed? Did Naomi talk more about God and the love for His people, the Israelites? 

From what we read, Ruth saw something in Naomi during the time in Moab, that made Ruth wiling to leave a place she knew well and give up the idols and family and travel to an unknown—where she would be an "outsider". 

I can't help but think of the testimony and influence Naomi must have had in Ruth's life. It must have been a powerful impact for Ruth to want to follow Naomi and create a new life in a foreign land. 

Makes me think of the impact I have in the lives of those around me. Am I showing God in a "good light" so that others will want to have the relationship with God that I have? 

If I do want to have a good impact in the lives of others, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

My Very Heart

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 Philemon.   

I am sending him back to you in his own person, [and it is like sending] my very heart. Philemon 1:12 (AMP)

"My very heart"

As I read this verse, I took a moment to think about what would make Onesimus, a servant who was unprofitable to one, become so dear to Paul. 

First and foremost, Onesimus trusted in Christ after he left Philemon. So now Onesimus was a changed man. As a believer in Christ, Onesimus' actions reflected his new relationship with Christ. 

Secondly, I think that Onesimus was learning and growing under Paul's teaching. For learning how to "put on" the godly characteristics from Colossians 3, Onesimus then was reflecting Christ in his actions and attitude. 

And lastly, Onesimus had become and encourager and blessing to Paul. 

"My very heart"

A relationship based on the bond of Jesus Christ between two Christians. That is second only to a personal relationship to Christ. 

First and foremost, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), so that my relationship with Christ can have an impact in my relationship with others—so that the bond is deep—"my very heart". 

In Living Action

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.    

Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in the Lord. Colossians 4:7 (AMP)

As I read this verse, I thought of the word, "trust." Paul knew of Tychicus' relationship with Christ, and how Tychicus conducted himself. Therefore, Paul knew he could trust Tychicus to deliver a message to the Colossians. 

Paul could trust Tychicus because he was FAITHFUL. In other words, Tychicus was a great example of Colossians 3—in living action. Tychicus "put on" all that Paul described. Tychicus relationships with others was godly. Paul could trust Tychicus because he proved himself to be dependable.

Ephesians 6:21

Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things. Tychicus accompanied the apostle in his travels. Paul calls him "a beloved brother": he was a "brother", because he was a partaker of the same grace, was of the same family and household of God, and was a "beloved" one: he was beloved of God and Christ. Paul also styles Tychicus "faithful minister in the Lord"; he was a "minister" in things pertaining to the Lord. And a greater character Tychicus could not well have; and therefore it need not be doubted but that he would faithfully relate all things concerning the apostle, and what he said might be depended on as truth. 

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Tychicus is Colossians 3 in living action. His relationship with Christ, was evident throughout his life. 

Is my live Colossians 3 in living action? Am I faithful first of all to Christ, and then to others? Am I dependable? 

My heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), if I want to be able to be Colossians 3 in living action.

Speech that Reflects God Almighty

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.    

Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. Colossians 4:6 (AMP)

Let your speech: Your conversation.

Be alway with grace: It should be such as religion is fitted to produce; such as to show that the grace of God is in our hearts. It means that our conversation should be such as to show that we are governed by the principles of religion, and that there is unfeigned piety in the heart. So as to show that the soul is under the influence of love to the Redeemer.

Seasoned with salt: That our conversation should be seasoned with piety or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ salt in our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable. 

That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man: Be imbued with the spirit of piety, that you may not utter any thing that would be rash and foolish, but be prepared to answer anyone who may question you about your religion in a way that will show that you understand its nature, and that will tend to edification. If he addresses you in a haughty, insolent, and overbearing manner, you will be able to repress the risings of your temper, and to answer him with gentleness and kindness.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Speech. Conversation. And yes, this includes Facebook, Twitter, texting, emails, and other forms of communication. 

When we communicate it should be through the filter of God's grace. Each word we speak (write), should be such that it reflects God Almighty. 

That does not mean that we can't talk about Sports, or the weather, or other topics. Rather when we are speaking about ANY and ALL topics, our conversation is one that will still honor God. We must make sure that we are speaking THE truth—not embellishing, or gossiping, or slandering .... the list can continue. 

Speech that reflects God Almighty. When certain people are present, our speech is altered. For example, most people won't swear in the presence of a Clergyman or Priest. If we wouldn't say something in the presence of a human, then why would be think it ok to say it at all? For God Almighty is ALWAYS present! 

Is my speech reflecting my relationship with God Almighty? Are the things I'm "liking" and reposting on Facebook and Twitter reflecting God's grace? Am I speaking the truth? Am I gossiping? 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of God's reverence (Acts 9:31 MSG), will my speech reflect God Almighty. 

Behave Wisely

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.    

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (AMP)

Walk in wisdom: That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Buying up each (literally, the) opportunity: The opportunity is the fit time for each step of a well-conducted walk, the precise juncture of circumstances which must be seized at once or it is gone. 

The Pulpit Commentaries

As Christians we are to act differently than those who do not believe in God. For our standard of conduct is based on a holy God. We are to be "different". People of integrity. People of honesty. People who show respect. Our actions, words, attitudes should reflect our relationship with God. 

Colossians 3 begins with the "putting on" of characteristics, then discusses relationships with those in our families and work. Being a "Christian" is not to be in "name only". The truth of God's Word is to impact each and every area of our life. We are not to be "Sunday Christians", where we dress up nicely to attend church, and then the rest of the week "live like the devil". 

God's Word is to have an impact in each aspect of our life. Our relationships, our work, and our dealings with others with whom we come in contact. 

People are watching. What do they see? Do they see someone who is behaving wisely because of a personal relationship with God Almighty? 

The solid basis for behaving wisely is a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep sense of reverence for Holy God, will I behave wisely.

Personal Ultimate Relationship

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.   

Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 3:24 (AMP)

Ye shall receive: to get back, to recover.
The full recompense: Given back in return.
Ye serve the Lord Christ: As his slaves and gladly so, keep on serving.
Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

Verse 24 is a continuation of the relationship between Servant and Master in verse 23. Fulfilling responsibilities cheerfully and to the very best of ones ability because the work is being done for God. 

In turn, because the Servants referred to in this verse are Christians, they know that they have an eternal inheritance awaiting them. They may not get paid their just due while working on earth, but none-the-less, they are to continue serving and be the BEST servants because of whom they belong to—God, Himself. 

The truth of this verse is also applicable to all believers. No matter what we do, or for who on earth we do it for, we are to go our utmost best — not for the earthy reward, but because we have a great reward — given to us by grace — eternal salvation! 

How does this impact me on a daily basis? Colossians 3:18-24 have been dealing with relationships. Each individual we come in contact with, we have a responsibility to treat with respect and love. And that is because of all that we have "put on" (Colossians 3:10-17). 

Our relationship should be different, because we have the ultimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Our lives should be different than the unbelievers around us. That does not mean that we walk around with our noses in the air—we are not 'better' than they are—we are sinners BUT, we've been saved by grace! And our relationship with Christ, should impact all we do, say,  and think. 

They only way for me to have relationships with others that is godly, is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). My personal ultimate relationship with God starts with knowing Him, and then changing my thoughts, words, and actions to be in accordance with Him and His Word. 

Relationships

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.   

Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter orresentful toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.]

Colossians 3:18-21 (AMP)

These verses move from how we conduct ourselves in general and with other believers (Colossians 3:1-17) to a more personal setting — relationships in the home. 

Wives, Husbands, Children. 

In today's "feminist" society, verse 18 is frowned upon. But the verse has to be taken into context with verse 19 as well. A husband who loves his wife with the godly love that is based on Christ's love, treats his wife well. And in turn a wife with that same love will allow the husband to be the head of the home and support him. It's all based on the previous verses. This doesn't just happen by magic, no it's all based on "putting on" the character traits listed before. 

Verse 20 address the last relationship of the family—Children. Once again, as the wife and husband demonstrate godly love toward one another and allow Christ to be the leader of the home, children then learn how to obey out of love and respect. 

And the motivation is not for a sticker, or prize, rather simply because it is pleasing to the Lord. And that should be the ultimate motivation for each of us in all we do—because it is pleasing to the Lord. 

Verse 21 again focuses on the Father, the head of the home. The father is to teach and train the child in the things of God and encourage the child as they learn and grow. The "Father/Husband" is an important and vital role in the home. And the other way a Father/Husband can fulfill his responsibility is by having "put on" each item listed in Colossians 3:1-17. 

Even if you are not a wife/husband, you can see from these verses that if we "put on" godly characteristics and if pleasing God is our motivation for living a godly life,  then it will affect each and every area of our lives and our relationships. 

In order to live a life that is pleasing to God—that affects each relationship, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG).

Major on the Minors

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. 

_______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath.

Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:15-17 (AMP)

Major on the Minors. 

So often believers start quarrels by majoring on the minors. Paul is talking here to Jewish believers and Gentile believers. There was a difference in their up bring. The Jews followed the strict rules given in the Old Testament. The Gentiles were believers after Christ died and are under grace. The Jews who accepted Christ as Messiah, now are under grace too. But the traditions of keeping the laws were hard to break. 

Paul is reminding the believers that there was a time for all the laws of the Old Testament. It set the Jews apart as God's chosen people. Now, because of God's sacrifice of His Son, grace and mercy are available to all. 

Major on the Minors. I too find myself majoring on the minors. Does it matter is they _________ (fill in the blank)? So often is does not really matter. 

What does matter is the relationship with Almighty God! And living a life in accordance with His Word. The MAJOR that we should focus on is avoid the things that God calls SIN, and living a life honor God. When the focus is on God and that I belong to Him, the minors take care of themselves. 

Major on the Minors? Or Major on the Important? If I want to focus and major on the important, that can only happen when I'm permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Mistake.

"We are not called to be perfectly awesome. We are called to be imperfectly faithful, because we have been perfectly loved, liberated, and highly esteemed by the Most High." Scott Sauls 

(http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/04/when-you-feel-you-are-not-enough/)

I was helping a friend with a project this week. And after the project was printed... I found a mistake. Not a small mistake.. a glaring one. 

I have “perfectionist” tendencies. So when I make a mistake—I hate it! I tend to fret over it, even when I can’t change it. Humbling for sure. 

I’ve been studying about God’s grace and mercy. So this fits in well. God because of His grace and mercy forgives us of our sin, but we continue to fret over it and don’t forgive ourselves. We hold it against ourselves and allow it to hinder us from moving forward in our relationship with Christ, or serving Him.

If we truly acknowledge God’s grace and mercy, we then can live in freeness of His love and forgiveness. God’s grace and mercy is all encompassing! When I hold on to the past, I’m telling God that He cannot forgive those sins. WOW. That is NOT Truth! God has forgiven our sins… ALL OF THEM! Praise God!

God’s grace and mercy—

overwhelmingly awesome!

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship cont 4

As I study on being Permeated with Deep Sense of Reverence for God Holiness—Relationship... 

[For; Because] It is written in the Scriptures: “You must be holy, because I am holy [Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:7].” 1 Peter 1:16 (EXB)

My relationship with God Almighty should be creating a deep desire to be holy—because God is holy. 

"Holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. It must be in all affairs, in every condition, and towards all people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to which we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way." Matthew Henry

This is not about others and what they say is right or wrong. This is about my relationship with God and living my life in accordance with His will. God is holy. That fact cannot be disputed in anyway. 

If I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I must have that desire to be holy.... because God is holy. That desire only comes, when I submit to God and His will. My prayer is that desire will burn in me—each and every day.

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness; Relationship cont 3

As I continue my study on being permeated with deep sense of reverence for God, focusing right now on God's Holiness; Relationship, I'm reading "The Knowledge of the Holy" by T.W. Tozer. 

"A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology, but to practical Christian living as well." 

Knowing ABOUT God and KNOWING God are two different things. Knowing facts, doesn't always impact ones life. But KNOWING God Himself, that relationship —should have a great impact in my life! 

How I think, act, my attitude— should reflect my relationship with God. When it does not..... than I have a problem! And most often that problem is when I forget WHO God is—and decide to act based on—me, myself, and I. 

Sin is not a relative changing thing. Just because our society now accepts something does not make it OK. God is the standard, because as a Holy God is the the only One who is worthy of such. 

One phrase that has stuck with me throughout the years, is "God allowed it because of the hardening of their hearts." Wow. I don't want God to "allow" something in my life because I've hardened my heart to Him. 

I want to remain soft and pliable so that He can teach me—then and only then, will I be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God.

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship cont.

Continuing my study of "Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship" 

The past few days I've been reading Genesis 3 concerning the Fall of Man. 

It's amazing that a Holy God continued to want to walk and have a relationship with His creation... even after knowing that they sinned. God is holy, and God's love is also, great. 

There were consequences for Adam and Eve's sin.... long lasting consequences. But although a HOLY God—He still loves. 

That doesn't mean that I can sin and expect God to just "overlook" my sin. No, God is still a HOLY God. 

I'm just thankful that He is also a God of love, who has created a way for me to have a relationship with Him.... all because of His loving sacrifice of His Son. 

God is Holy. Sin has consequences. Thankful that I can have a relationship with God Almighty, not because of my own righteousness—rather because of His great love and righteousness. 

"For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship

This year for my "new year's resolution", I gave a "gift to God". I chose to work on being "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God" (Acts 9:31, MSG). 

I thought a good place to begin was "getting to know God". I've been studying His Holiness. I'm looking at three things, Relationship, Communication, and Destination. 

First, I've been studying my relationship with God as it relates to His Holiness. Because God is holy, the ONLY way for be to enter into His presence is through the forgiveness of my sin. My relationship with God is hindered by sin and the remedy for that is due ONLY because God is holy. He alone could provide a holy, perfect sacrifice, His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for my sin.

And although my sin has been forgiven, as Paul says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Romans 6:1. NO! If I want to develop a deeper relationship with God, then I have to examine my life through the filter of HIS HOLINESS. God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 5:16).

If I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I must truly learn and understand God's Holiness and how it impacts my relationship with Him.

Reverence for God; Psalm 139:1

Permeated with a Deep Sense of Reverence for God

Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully. (Acts 9:31 MSG)

Psalm 139:1 

Lord, you have examined [investigated; searched] me and know all about me. Psalm 139:1 (EXB)

God, the Creator of all, has searched me… examined thoroughly… and knows… is fully and acutely aware of me and all that concerns me.  This is where a deep sense of reverence for God begins. For I must realize that God Almighty has intimate knowledge of all things…. that includes my heart and soul.

That knowledge is both frightening and comforting. Frighten, because God Almighty searched me and knows all that concerns me… and I am a sinner. 

Comforting, because of God’s mercy and grace, my sins are forgiven and He sees me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 61:10). 

If I want to have a deep sense of reverence for God, first my relationship with God must be “In good standing”. I must confess my sin before God. 

I must then follow God’s example, and search and know God Almighty. A deep sense of reverence for God, must start with Who God is. As I learn about Who God is, a deep sense of reverence should overwhelm my heart and soul. 

Priority One

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 27. Here is what I learned.

You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word]. Psalm 27:8 (AMP)

The prodding of my heart leads me to chase after You. I am seeking You, Eternal One—don’t retreat from me. Psalm 27:8 (VOICE)

Necessity. Indispensable. An imperative requirement or need for something. Absolutely necessary. Essential. 

Is God’s Word a vital necessity for me?  Is studying, and applying God’s Word an imperative requirement for me? Does my heart ache for the Truth of God?

I need to make God “Priority One” in my life. For only when I make God “Priority One” will I have the privilege of getting to know Him, and work on building a deeper more meaningful relationship with my great God. 

Necessity. Indispensable. If I really want to create a positive day, God must be “Priority One”!