Full effect being complete and inferior to none. (James)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4

Let:  comprise, involve, possessed with

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)

Perfect: brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness

Work: an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opposed to that which is less than work

Entire: complete in all its parts, in no part lacking or unsound

Wanting: to lag, be inferior

Nothing: none, not

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/james/1-4.htm

Be possessed with steadfastness, constancy, and endurance so that I'll know the full effect being complete and inferior to none. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

There is a progression in these verses, with a purpose! But it's not a "once and I'm done", idea. It's a constant and ongoing process. It ALL begins with choosing the MAXIMUM Calm Delight!

Thanks Living: Solid Foundation—Faithful

Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

Know: have knowledge, make to be known, be learned, perceive, understand, have understanding

Faithful: verified, confirmed, establish, stedfast, sure

Keeps: properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to

Mercy: favor, good deed, kindly, loving-kindness, merciful kindness

Perceive, have understanding, that God, my God is first and foremost GOD! And He is a faithful God! He keeps His promises. Faithful and true. 

Thanks Living begins with having an understanding that God is God and that He is faithful. Knowing that God is the constant and remains faithful, is the solid foundation on which our faith is based. Knowing that God is faithful gives us the assurance that He will accomplish all that He has promised. So, in the midst of trouble, we can know that God is steadfast and sure—and that creates a heart of thanksgiving. 

Thanks Living is not based on gifts received, or a feeling. Rather, it's based on the solid foundation of God Himself—the faithful and true God! 

Trust: Accomplish His Plan

Trust

As I continue on my desire to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I thought I'd study "Trust" throughout the Bible. What is trust? In whom do I place my trust? Who is trustworthy? Am I trustworthy? What are the results of trusting God? How do you continue to trust God with things don't go as I planned? 

I'm looking forward to learning about Trust, hope you will enjoy reading what I learn as I study God's Word. 

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And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Genesis 15:6

The command to go to the land which the Lord would show him, accompanied with the promise to make of him a great nation, had awakened in him a certain expectation; which, however, waited for some performance to ripen it into faith. But waiting in a state of suspense is not faith, but doubt; and faith after performance is not faith, but sight. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

What was there now, then, to call forth Abram‘s faith more than at the first promise? There was the reiteration of the promise. There was the withholding of the performance, leaving room for the exercise of pure faith. There was time to train the mind to this unaccustomed idea and determination. And, lastly, there was the sublime assurance conveyed in the sentence, “I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward,” transcending all the limits of time and place, comprehending alike the present and the eternal, the earthly and the heavenly. This, coupled with all the recorded and unrecorded dealings of the Lord, leads him to conceive the nobler feeling of faith in the Promiser, antecedent to any part of the execution, any unfolding of the plan, or any removal of the obvious difficulty.

Thus, faith springs solely from the seed of promise. And from that moment there stands up and grows within the breast of man the right frame of mind toward the God of mercy - the germ of a mutual good understanding between God and man which will spread its roots and branches through the whole soul, to the exclusion of every noxious plant, and blossom forth unto the blessed fruit of all holy feelings and doings.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Abram trusted in the Lord even when it seemed impossible, because God had fulfilled other promises. Although Abram couldn't understand or even begin to see how God would accomplish His promise, Abram trusted. 

Abram trusted in God. And God saw that Abram was willing to trust God to make the seemingly impossible happen. When we place our trust in God and WAIT on Him to accomplish HIS plan in HIS time, we have a peace and joy that overflows when God acts. However, when we try to do things on our own, then we cause trouble for ourselves and others! Consequence of trust in God lead to promises fulfilled and joy! Consequence of trust in oneself or others, often leads to misery and heartache. 

If I want to learn to trust God and wait on Him to accomplish His plan for me and through me, then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep reverence and respect for God, will I be willing to wait on Him and TRUST that He will, in His time and in accordance with His will, accomplish His plan. 

Steadfastness

For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. Colossians 2:5 (AMP)

Steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 

Steadfastness: unwavering, adherence, faithfulness, determination, fortitude, moral fiber, resolve, tenacity

As I studied this verse, I couldn't have explained the truth better than John Gill's did here: 

and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ;

either in the grace of faith, and the exercise of it on Christ, in opposition to doubtings and unbelief; whereby God is honoured, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy; Satan is resisted and overcome; and the hearts of others, particularly ministers of the Gospel, are comforted: or in the doctrine of faith respecting Christ, in which they stood fast; notwithstanding there was a majority against it, the wise and learned, the rich and mighty, did not receive it; and though it was opposed by false teachers, persecuted by profane men, and loaded with reproach and obloquy; and also in the profession of it, which they held without wavering: now to see a set of Christians, a church of Christ walking together in Gospel order, steady in their faith on Christ, abiding by the doctrine of faith, and maintaining an honourable profession, how beautiful and delightful is it! John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

What a great testimony... steadfastness of your faith, whereby God is honored, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy. 

And that is only possible, when hearts are permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG). 

Powerful and Steadfast Unmovable Source

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 62. Here is what I learned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tried and True

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.

All His accomplishments are truth and justice; all His instructions are certain. Psalm 111:7 (VOICE)

In all he does he is faithful and just; all his commands are dependable. Psalm 111:7 (GNT)

·Everything he does is [The deeds of his hands are] ·good [faithful; true] and ·fair [just]; all his ·orders [precepts] ·can be trusted [are faithful/true/reliable]. Psalm 111:7 (EXB)

Dependable. I’m so thankful that God is dependable and that all His commands are dependable.

Reliable, responsible, always there, carrying the load, certain, constant, faithful, good as one's word, loyal, rocklike, secure, stable, staunch, steadfast, steady, sturdy, sure, to be counted on, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, unfailing. 

No matter how you say it... God is trustworthy. He Himself if trustworthy, and He only speaks truth. Tried-and true. 

Knowing that there is Someone you can always count on to keep their word, provides an assurance that is indisputable. God doesn’t say things to “make us feel good”. Nor does He say things because it’s what WE want to hear. Rather God only speaks truth. 

Often, we place are faith in people, then we are disappointed with they don’t follow through or when they don’t live up to our expectations. But although people have good intentions and don’t always mean to break their promises, people are not always dependable. 

Whereas, God keeps all His promises. He is truth, and can only speak truth. He is trustworthy. He can be counted on. He is steadfast. He is tried and true! 

To create a positive day, I only need to place my faith in God and His Word—for He is tried and true and so is His Word!

Take Refuge

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.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. Psalm 91:4 (GW)

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. Psalm 91:4 (VOICE)

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you ·can hide [will find refuge]. His ·truth [faithfulness] will be your shield and ·protection [buckler; a small shield]. Psalm 91:4 (EXB)

The word rendered "buckler" is derived from the verb "to surround," and is given to the defensive armor here referred to, because it "surrounds," and thus "protects" a person. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Max, my parakeet, has taught me many things over the years. One thing, I’ve noticed that there are times he wants to sit on my shoulder and snuggle as close as he can to my neck, and hide under my hair. Sometimes, it’s when something scares him, such as a thunderstorm or the hawk. Sometimes, when people who he doesn’t know visit. Sometime, he just wants to snuggle to snuggle. 

Psalm 91:4 describes God’s love and protection for us. 

Sometimes we want a refuge because of a storm. Sometimes we want a refuge because of the unknown. Sometimes we want a refuge because we simply want security. Sometimes we want a refuge because we want to feel loved. 

And God is there surrounding us with His steadfast and loving arms... whatever the reason we need His protection. 

To create a positive day, I only need to take refuge under the wings of the Almighty God and rest in His protection and love. 

Standing Tall!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The twenty-seventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 121. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; Psalm 121:3 (NIV)

He will not let ·you be defeated [your feet be moved/slip]. He who ·guards [watches] you never sleeps. Psalm 121:3 (EXB)

He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Psalm 121:3 (MSG)

Not: nay, neither, never, no, nor, not, nothing.

Be moved: a shaking; tottering, wavering.

On February 25, 2013 my Ponder Morsel was “Mighty God One.” God is my sure foundation–Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong. If I’m standing on that sure foundation, I will not be shaken!  When standing on God’s foundation, that is sure and steadfast, I can remain “standing tall”. 

There is an old gospel song, “Standing on the Promises”. 

When I’m “standing on the promises” I will not be shaken, no matter what is happening around me. Satan can be creating earthquakes of fear, doubt, and disappointments, but if I remain standing on God’s rock-solid foundation—I won’t even shake! I will remain standing tall. 

I use crutches due to nerve damage in my left leg. The left leg doesn’t always support me. One thing I’ve learned about winter, is that crutches are not very reliable on ice. My sure footing, no matter how careful I am, disappears on a sheet of ice. Sometimes I fall down, other times, I catch myself and often twist my back... yes ouch. On a sheet of ice, I don’t remain standing tall, my footing is shaken, and I find myself tottering, and even falling. 

Each day, I have a choice on where I’ll stand; on God’s rock-solid foundation, or on the slippery slopes Satan provides... including fear, doubt, and disappointments. I’d much rather my feet be on the rock-solid foundation so that I’m not shaken! I want to be standing tall. 

To create a positive day, I must be trusting God and remain on His rock-solid foundation, so that I will not be shaken, but rather I’ll be standing tall! 

Mighty God One!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The twenty-fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 62. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He is my rock and my ·salvation [victory]. He is my ·defender [fortress]; I will not be ·defeated [shaken]. Psalm 62:6 (EXB)

He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life. Psalm 62:6 (MSG)

Rock: rock, cliff, mighty God one, strength, strong.

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong. Is that where I’ve placed my faith and trust? Or am I relying on a small pebble? Not sure about you, but my feet are too big to have a sure footing on a pebble. And a pebble may even crush beneath my weight. 

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong. My name means “strong, powerful one”. And at times, I think I am invincible. I often have this “I can do anything—myself” attitude. However, I’m learning that although I can do some things.... I am not invincible. 

Unlike me, God’s name is a very true and accurate description of Him. He is the solid cliff under my feet. He is might God one! He is my sure foundation. 

Mighty God One!

(by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

“I can do it myself” that attitude is really wrong.

Going it on my own, is not a wise choice at all—

And without God, I am just heading for a fall.

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

Trust in Him, should be easy, but I’m so headstrong.

But God is a sure foundation, waiting for me to stand,

And when I fall, He’ll make sure on my feet I’ll land. 

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

No matter my failures, doubts, and all I’ve done wrong.

God is patiently waiting—steadfast and true.

And no matter what I do, He simply says, “Trust me, I love you.”

Rock, cliff, mighty God one. Solid, sure, and strong.

A firm foundation, rock-solid my whole lifelong.

Rock-solid, steadfast, mighty God one, unshakable!

God is faithful and true and that is unmistakable.

When I’m relying on a firm foundation, rock-solid, faithful and true, my day is filled with positive blessings from Mighty God One!

A Rock-Solid Guarantee!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The eleventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 117. Here's what Treasure I found today.

His mercy toward us is powerful. The Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Psalm 117:2 (GW)

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Psalm 117:2 (NIV)

Faithfulness: establish, steadfast, reliability, sureness, stability, continuance, right, sure, true, truth.

As I heal from my latest back procedure, and as I think about how to move forward, there is one factor that I wish I could change—the fact that there are no guarantees in medicine. Before each procedure/surgery I have had to sign many forms. On one form there is a statement that I have to initial, to make sure I read it and understand it: “No guarantees have been given.”

No guarantees. No assurance that the procedure or surgery will work, or that it won’t make me worse. No guarantees that this procedure will be the “cure all” I’m seeking. No guarantees—period. 

As I read Psalm 117 this morning, the word that was flashing like a neon sign, was “faithfulness”. The steadfastness of God endures forever. That is a guarantee. 

What does the guarantee of God’s faithfulness include? So much!

• God’s faithfulness is the foundation for His promises. He can make and keep all His promises, because He is faithful.
• God’s faithfulness is the foundation of His love. He can love with an unconditional everlasting love, because He is faithful.
• God’s faithfulness is the foundation of His grace. He provided a way of salvation and everlasting life, because He is faithful.
• God’s faithfulness is the foundation of His mercy. His mercies are new every morning..... there is an never-ending supply, because He is faithful. 

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-24(MSG)

No guarantees. That means that the person or product is not sure of an outcome. No idea if it will work. How long it will last. If it will cause additional problems. No guarantees. 

Yet, God has a guarantee—His faithfulness assures it! His way of salvation will work. His love, mercy, and grace is everlasting. God’s guarantee comes with many additional benefits! A rock-solid guarantee.

The Lord’s faithfulness endures forever—that is one guarantee that makes for a very positive day!

Look Beyond the Steadfast Mountain

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.

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? Psalm 121:1 (NLT)

Look up: be content, to lift, carry.

Mountains: to loom up hillside, massive mountain, unmovable hill.

Where: how, what, which way.

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

Come: abide, associate with, bring near.

Often when in trouble, pain, or fearful, we look to the strongest and most steadfast person or object we can find. That’s what Psalm 121:1 is describing. 

I contently focus my attention to the looming strength and power of the unmovable mountain. Where is the one who will help me staying and abiding? 

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:2 (NLT)

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

From: accompanying, part of

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Made: accomplish, fulfill, furnish.

Heavens: highest, horizon, sky.

Earth: land, countryside, world. 

God Himself is help, 

and consider the help He can provide 

considering He created and sustains

the far-reaching expanse of Heaven

and the World itself.

Looking to the things God created for help is futile. No matter how strong and powerful the person or object may be... God created it; therefore, God is the all-powerful One who is the true source of help. 

I must not put my hope in things around me or people, or the government for those will all fail. My hope and help is God Himself. I must contently focus my attention to God Almighty for He and He alone can give me the help I need.  

To create a positive day, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain of earth, and focus my attention on God the only true source of help and hope. 

Personal Note: Thought I'd share an example of just how detailed God is at meeting my needs. Today's Ponder Morsel was so "on point" for me today. "Look beyond the steadfast mountain" Yesterday, the online news headlines were all about how Social Security Disability will run out before the next 4 years. (I'm on SS Disability due to a back injury that has resulted in permanent nerve/muscle damage in my lower back and left leg.) When I first read the reports yesterday, my head said, "My God shall supply all my needs", but since I continued to think about the "what ifs", I knew that I hadn't really given it over to God.
This morning as I read and studied Psalm 121 the truths surely hit home. Why was I looking to a mountain (government) to take care of me? God has USED it to provide so far—but as He has proven time and time again—God is NOT LIMITED by ANYTHING! God has resources and ways of meeting my needs that are BEYOND my comprehension.
So, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain, and look to the true source of my help and hope—God Almighty Himself. Even today the example of supplying the TRUTH that I needed today to turn my focus back to HIM, show's a way God supplies all my needs! God is so good! Rhonda