1 Thessalonians: Role Model

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Examples: from two words, first: "strike repeatedly" – properly, a model forged by repetition; second: "pattern"; an example; α. in the technical sense, viz. the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made; in an ethical sense, a dissuasive example, pattern of warning; a stamp or scar becoming a model for warning

As I read this passage, my thoughts went to the term, "role models". There are many people who hold the title of "role model", but what do they model? From what pattern were they molded? And what pattern am I following? 

Does it really matter who we pattern ourselves after? Does it really matter who we consider role models? 

Yes, it really does matter. Whether you are seven or seventy, the people who you want to imitate will mold your thoughts, actions, and attitudes. 

Whether you realize it or not, or want to or not, your actions, attitude, and words demonstrate who your role model is. 
Perhaps it's time to consider what type of role model you are becoming. What actions, attitudes, and thoughts are you stamping on others? 

The people to whom this letter was written, were role models of the Lord Jesus. They were living lives that demonstrated Christ's love and warned others of the truth of sin and the everlasting consequences. 

Who is your role model? What type of role model are you?

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:22, 23

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. 22, 23: Provides Protection

Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Psalm 119:22, 23

Kept: Guard with fidelity, keep, observe, to guard, to protect, obey
Meditates: to ponder  i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter 

What the princes did or said against him did not divert his mind, or take off his thoughts from the word of God, and the ordinances of it; he thought of them, he spoke and discoursed of them; he declared them — he was not afraid nor ashamed to profess his regard unto them. (John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible)

No matter what others say. No matter what others think. No matter what others may do. No matter — God's word is to be obeyed. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:15

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. 15: Provides Contemplation

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Psalm 119:15

Meditate: ponder, study

Precepts: a mandate of God — collectively, for the Law

Contemplate: shew regard to, consider

Ways: of mode of living or of character

Contemplate: to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully (Dictionary.com)

Contemplation: the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation; full or deep consideration; reflection; purpose or intention (Dictionary.com)

Not just random thoughts. But thoughts with intent. Thoughts that will have an impact on my actions, words, and motives. 

Contemplation — thoughtful observation directed specifically to God's mode of living. And this level of contemplation means that I need to know God's Word.

So, what are you thinking about today? What has your attention? What are you contemplating?

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:6

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. 6: Provides Motivation

Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. Psalm 119:6

Then: expressing logical sequence
Not: nay, neither, never, no
Ashamed: be put to confusion, to be disappointed
Look: look intently at, consider, regard, have respect
All: altogether, any manner, every one
Commandments: which was commanded, law, ordinance, precept

The past few days, we've been very motivated as we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. It's amazing how a threat can motivated us into action. We all knew that hurricane season was approaching, but most did nothing about it, until there was a real threat. 

In my life, do I would in crisis mode? Do I wait until I'm in trouble before turning to God? What motivates me into action? 

What should motivate me to obey God's Word, is that it is in fact His Word! If I am obeying His Word, then when I read His Word, it becomes a blessing. However, if I am disobeying God, then reading His Word should be convicting. 

Looking back at the previous verses, there are actions and choices that should be part of my daily life. If I am thinking and acting, in a manner honoring God, then I have no need to be ashamed. 

What motivates you? Do you wait until you are in crisis mode? Or are you creating a daily habit of obeying God? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:5

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. 3–5: Provides Direction

Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Psalm 119:5

O that: my wish is that; O! would that!
Ways: of moral action and character
Directed: in moral sense, be directed aright, faithfulness
To Keep: Keep: take heed to self, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; to protect, be circumspect
Statutes: commandment

Oh, that every part of my life would remain in line with what You require! Psalm 119:5 (VOICE)

What is your wish? What do you dream of? The best wish would be that we live a life pleasing and honoring God. 

As I studied that meaning of the words in Psalm 119:5, the word "Faithfulness" stood out. How I would personally translate Psalm 119:5 "My desire is that I'd be faithful to obey God's Word." 

Faithful. Faithfully obey God. 

Faithful:1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.2. true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.3. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.4. reliable, trusted, or believed.http://www.dictionary.com/browse/faithful?s=t

What good is having directions, if you don't follow them? God clearly states what we are to do and how we are to live. Want true happiness and joy? Then be faithful to the obedience to His Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:4

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. 3–5: Provides Direction

You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Psalm 119:4

You: God 
Commanded: give a charge
Keep: take heed to self, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; to protect, be circumspect
Precepts: a mandate of God; (plural only, collectively, for the Law) -- commandment
Diligently: up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly

Our lives are filled with situations and circumstances that have rules. 

When you drive, there are specific rules that must be followed, and if not, there are consequences — up to and including death. Stopping on red, may seem like a silly rule, but it's one that when obeyed protects you from getting t-boned. 

The fact is that we live our lives by rules each day.  Why do we then fight and ignore the simple basic rules that God (who created us) has given us? Why do we think that we know better and can ignore the laws that God designed? He created the laws knowing us and what we would need to protect us from ourselves and on another. 

Yet, so often we ignore God's commands, thinking we know all too well. That is basically, ignoring the meaning of a red light — and driving directly into the path of a car obeying the law of the green light. 

God provides direction, not because He want to rob us of fun. Rather, he provides direction through His commands so that we can enjoy life, and truly be happy! 

Red light. Green light. It really is as simple as that. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:3

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. 3–5: Provides Direction

They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.Psalm 119:3

Do: to do or make—systematically and habitually
No: nay, neither, never, no
Iniquity: violent deeds of injustice
Walk: behave self, of moral and religious life
His ways: course of life, or action, undertakings, in good sense

Habits. We all have them. Some are good and others we need to work on breaking. If we want to be happy and joyful, then we need to make sure we do not have habits that go against God. In no way, never, a flat out NO. Habits that are against God almighty have to be broken! 

But as we all know, bad habits need to be replaced with better ones. How do we do that? First, we must identify the bad habits. Name them. Write them down. When we take the time to actually name and put in writing the bad habits, it makes them very real. We can't ignore them any longer. 

Next, share the list with God. No, I'm not joking here. He already knows all our habits — good and bad. But name them and take with over with God. Ask for forgiveness. Explain why the habit is bad — and goes against our holy God. 

The next step is ask God for the strength, determination and will to change the bad habit. He will give it. But it's up to us to do the work. Accountability helps in this area. Find a trusted friend or two and ask them to pray with you, for you and come along side to encourage you. 

And lastly, replace the bad habit with a God-honoring one. This is the "walk in His ways" part of the verse. Behave yourself! Make your course of life — all actions, thoughts, words — one that shows that you fear a holy and almighty God. 

Say NO to sin and start creating habits that demonstrate that we are children of God Almighty! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:2

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. 1, 2: Provides Joy

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,who seek Him with the whole heart!Psalm 119:2

Blessed: happy, joyful; blessed the perfect in way
Keep: guard with fidelity, keep, observe
Testimonies: always of laws as divine testimonies or solemn charges
Seek Him: seek deity (the true God) in prayer and worship
Whole: (in) all manner, every
Heart: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

What am I passionate about? What motivates me? What will I sacrifice for? 
The answer or answers to those questions will show where my focus is, and what is important to me. For those are things for which I am willing to devote my time, my money, and my mind to — they take forefront in my life. 

Where does God fit in to my life? Do I consider His Word important? Do I observe and guard with fidelity that things which He says? Do I really seek, look for and spend time worshiping Him? Do I love Him with my entire being? Does loving and obeying God consume my thoughts, wills, and desires? 

If I want to be happy, than I must make sure that God is that one I am seeking. My thoughts, actions, attitude should be filtered through God's Word. 

And what does the Lord require of you  — to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

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!

Why would I doubt? (James)

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. James 1:7

For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, or continuation); take note of what came before (James 1:6)

Not: where one is bidden to cease from something already begun, or repeated, or continued

Think: suppose, imagine

Receive: to gain, get, obtain, to get hold of

Anything: some or any object

From: the side or the vicinity of one, or from one's sphere of power, or from one's wealth or store

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights 

Why would I ask something of God, knowing that He has FULL OWNERSHIP of everything, only to doubt that He could supply? (James 1:6- Seasick). Asking in faith, doesn't mean that God will automatically give me everything I ask for— rather it means that I will trust God to supply what's BEST for me. 

And remember what James is discussing here, it's not our "wants" in general. Rather, the emphasis is on WISDOM! We are asking God for wisdom, "the art of USING wisdom", so that we can live a godly life that honors and brings glory to Him. 

God is the only source of true wisdom. And if we want wisdom, all we need to do is ask God believing that we will receive wisdom. But often we become "seasick" as we don't trust God to give us what we asked. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't care for the answer wisdom offers. We'd rather go it on our own—since we know better — (we may think that, but NO, we don't). 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, as we know that we would have to change our attitude, actions, and thoughts. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, for if we USE wisdom, we may have to make lifestyle changes. 

So, if I want to put into practice the art of using wisdom, I need to ask God believing that He will give it to me — knowing that He is fully capable of doing so, as God is the source of wisdom. 

Why would I doubt knowing that I'd receive nothing? Ask in full confidence knowing that God is the source and will give wisdom—and be ready to put that wisdom to good use!

Now and Henceforth

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

May my meditation be sweet to Him;

I will be glad in the Lord.

Psalm 104:33-34 (NKJV)

Sing: to make song while traveling, going about singing

As long as I live: each day I'm living

Sing praise: to celebrate in song and music; give praise, sing forth praises

While I have my being: literally in the continuance of, while I'm living, now and henceforth

Meditation: to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud)

Sweet: the idea of close association, Intermix; to be agreeable -- be pleasant, take pleasure in

Glad: cheer up, brighten up, make joyful, cause to rejoice

Throughout my day, as I go about my daily routine, I am to be singing to the Lord. I am to be celebrating God's goodness. I am to be continually honoring God and praising Him. 

And that begins when my thoughts are agreeable—intermixed with God's. Intermixed...... so much that God's thoughts are so intwined that my thoughts and His thoughts become one in the same. 

And the end result of this.... is that I will then "brighten up" I will be joyful! 

Thanks Living! 

Words Spoken

The news lately has been about a recording made several years ago. The talk was not God-honoring in anyway.

It made me stop and think...... 

First of all, if all I said throughout my lifetime was recorded and played back, would I regret any of my words? 

Secondly, I will have to stand before God and give an account of my words, actions, and thoughts as to whether or not they were pure or trash.

Words can come back to haunt you. That is why God gives us advice—Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23). A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) NKJV

I know that over the years, I have said things that I now regret. Some were said in anger. Some were said with the wrong motive. Some were said to impress. Some were said — no matter the reason—they were not the right words.

I'm thankful for a merciful God, so graciously forgives me of my sin and continues to teach me. I must daily surrender my life - all of it - to God and in doing so, remember Philippians 4:8.

WORDS do have an impact. And so do ACTIONS. Is one worse than the other? By God's standards even our thoughts are heard by Him. So BOTH words and actions matter.

I'm thankful that all the words I have said in the past were not recorded to be played for each of you to hear. And I'm even more thankful for a forgiving God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

Proverbs 12:3-7 Thoughts regulate — what am I thinking?

A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:3-7

Thoughts: device, plan, purpose 

The thoughts of the righteous are right. (vs. 5)

What am I thinking? What am I planning? What is my purpose and passion? 

Thoughts regulate our actions. 

Thoughts regulate our attitude.

Thoughts regulate our appearance. 

Thoughts. What am I thinking? Who fills my thoughts?

God clearly tells us: 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate (think): by reckoning up all the reasons to gather or infer; i. e., a. to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on a thing, with a view to obtaining it

With a view to obtaining it. 

It's not just about thinking random thoughts. It's not about "emptying our minds" of everything. Rather it is about taking account, weighing, thinking on truth, wisdom, pure, honest... God's wisdom! And then as we think, meditate on these things they will then impact our actions, attitude and appearance—as we obtain wisdom! 

Thoughts regulate—because true thinking means obtaining and when  you have something, you then put it to good use! 

Thoughts begin in the heart. If I want my thoughts to be that of a righteous person, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Thoughts regulate — what am I thinking?

Proverbs 6:20-22: Abiding Place

My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. Proverbs 6:20-22

Keep: Guard with fidelity, observe

Command: precept, code of wisdom/law

Forsake: abandon

Law: instruction

Bind: knit together, join

Continually: of going on without interruption

Heart: memory

Tie: to lace fast, bind

Roam: walk about

Lead: guide, instruct

Keep: guard

Speak: to ponder

Proverbs 6:21

Bind them continually upon thine heart,.... Not upon the head or arm, as the words of the law were to be bound, Deuteronomy 6:3; to which there seems to be an allusion; and which may confirm the sense of the words given, that this respects the law of God itself, and the precepts of it, instructed in by parents; but they should be bound upon the heart, and have an abiding place in the understanding, affections, memory, and will; 

and tie them about thy neck; as an ornament, instead of a necklace of pearl, or chains of gold; they should be so far from being thought burdensome and troublesome, that they should be reckoned comely and graceful

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

"Have an abiding place in the understanding, affections, memory, and will." What do I store away in my memory? What do I allow to effect my affections and will? Something will effect your memory, your actions, your thoughts, your motives. What will it be? 

If wisdom and instruction are abiding in my mind, my memory, than all I do, say, and think will be impacted by that is right. If I ignore wisdom and fill my mind with sinful thoughts and selfish ideas, then that will also be reflected in my life. 

Abiding place. Something will take up residence—either wisdom or foolishness. If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then wisdom and and instruction will have an abiding place. 

Proverbs 4:3, 4: Influence

When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Proverbs 4:3, 4

Heart: mind will, heart, from influence of 

Retain: hold, keep, hold firmly

Keep: observe = follow dictates of prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom

Commands: code of wisdom

Live: continue in life, remain alive

Influence. What makes us act, speak, think the way we do. We are all influenced by something or someone. And that influence impacts our life. 

When wisdom influences then the result is positive. However, in order for wisdom to be able to influence, the words, and code of wisdom must be known and held onto firmly. For what we don't know can't influence us. 

Influence. Impact. Predominance. What will control my thoughts, my actions, my attitude, my motives? If I want wisdom to have the greatest influence, then I had better grasp it and hold firmly to wisdom.

The only way for a heart to truly be influenced by wisdom, is of it to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For a heart that respects and fears God, will be ready to hear and be influenced by wisdom.

No Excuses

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.   

Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 (AMP)

The Master or those in authority, also must act in accordance with God's Word and work ethic. For they too are "working to make the Boss look good". 

Looking back to Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, each and every individual has a responsibility to God honoring in all they do. For when each individual is honoring God with their actions, attitude, and words, then God is glorified. 

One thing that is missing from these verses are "excuses". How we conduct ourselves is NOT to be based on how others treat us or what they do or don't do. Rather we conduct ourselves to honor God, no matter what others do or say. No excuses to try to justify our lackadaisical attitude or actions. No excuses to justify our poor performance. No excuses. 

We have a MASTER in Heaven who not sees our actions, knows our thoughts, but also knows the motivation for what we are doing. 

Each and every day I need to evaluate what I'm doing. Is my work up to God's standards? Is my attitude God-pleasing? Am I working for the wages I'll receive here on earth; or am I working toward the Heavenly eternal rewards? And what is my motivation? 

In order to answer each of those questions with the proper response, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. No excuses allowed. Only God-approved attitude and actions. 

Do All

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.   

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 (AMP)

Do all.

As I think about ALL I do each day... from the time I get up until I go to bed... that's a lot of "all". 

First look at "word": that includes talking, emails, twitter, Facebook, texting, any and all communication. Think about that last picture you posted on Facebook, or that last RT on twitter — Do all.

Then look at "deed": actions, behavior, achievement, endeavor, no matter what I'm doing, each and every action —Do all.

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus 

Do it all because he requires and commands it, and with a desire to honor him. His authority should be the warrant; his glory the aim of all our actions and words. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

There is no act, however little, which Christ does not see and touch; there is no affection, talent, energy on which He does not put His hand and say, “That is mine,” and which may not be transformed into a worship as sincere as that of the communion; no step we can take in life over which He does not watch, and which may not be made a step on the road that brings us nearer Him; no time here or hereafter when it will not be a delightful duty to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” J. Macgregor

Wherever we are called to work we must dedicate the labours of our hands or our brain to God, doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus. H. J. W. Buxton

Do All. 

The only way to DO ALL in the name of the Lord and honor Him is with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Practice Must Square With Profession

  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.

Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, Colossians 3:9 (AMP)

Stop lying. Do not have the habit of lying.

Integrity. I continue to be amazed at how our society views lying now. "It's no big deal." Uh, YES it is! Lying is sin. Lying breaks down all trust. Lying, includes those "little white lies" as well as the bold lies. For lying doesn't have a regulation meter. Lying is lying. Not telling the truth is sin—period. 

As Christians (who are now dead to sin), we are to stop lying and we should not be in the habit of lying. We now have even more reason, than just a moral one to stop lying—we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. We also have the responsibility to live godly lives as an example and testimony of what Christ did for us. 

In other words: 

"Practice must square with profession." 
Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

Our words, actions, thoughts, motives, are to all be godly to honor Christ and be a testimony to those around us. 

If I want my "practice to square with my profession", then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Agenda

Heard a few great messages this morning. One got me thinking. 

When Jesus Christ was here on earth, He was often challenged about what He was doing or not doing. The people had preconceived ideas and agendas as to how God would create His kingdom. When Jesus didn't fit their agenda, instead of changing and reevaluating their thoughts and actions, they wanted Jesus to change. 

How many times do I miss what God wants to accomplish in my life and through me... because I have created MY agenda based on my preconceived ideas as to what I think God wants? 

If God starts working in ways that I don't understand or are contrary to what I THINK should be happening, instead of challenging God, I need to change my agenda and ideas to match God's.

A good source for solid Bible teaching: http://www.calvarygreenville.org

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.