Stop Making Excuses

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

False Reality-I’m in Control

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

The princes and nobles of the peoples are gathered together, a [united] people for the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. Psalm 47:9 (AMP)

The ·leaders [princes] of the ·nations [or armies] ·meet [gather together] with the ·people [or army] of the God of Abraham, because the ·leaders [shields; military leaders] of the earth belong to God. He is ·supreme [highly exalted]. Psalm 47:9 (EXB)

The shields of the earth are God's, is understood by many as spoken of princes. I admit that this metaphor is of frequent occurrence in Scripture, nor does this sense seem to be unsuitable to the scope of the passage...Yet the sense will be more simple if we explain the words thus: That, as it is God alone who defends and preserves the world, the high and supreme majesty which is sufficient for so exalted and difficult a work as the preservation of the world, is justly looked upon with admiration. The sacred writer expressly uses the word shields in the plural number, for, considering the various and almost innumerable dangers which unceasingly threaten every part of the world, the providence of God must necessarily interpose in many ways, and make use, as it were, of many bucklers. John Calvin

“That, as it is God alone who defends and preserves the world....” Oh, and so often I think I control it! I’m sure you’ve felt that way to.... “I’m in control of my world, my life....”. A good reminder that I’m NOT in control, is taking a look at the weather. I can’t make it rain, or stop it from raining. I can’t make it snow in Chicago in mid-June. Nor can I make it 80° in mid-February. As much as I like to say that I’m in control..... I am not. And in reality that is a comforting thought. 

I’m not in control. Rather God, who was, is and is forever, is in control. The only One who knows the future. God is in control... period. Not man, no matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are. 

To create a positive day, I need to give up my false reality that I’m in control, and acknowledge that God is not only in control, but very capable of being in control!

Words and Music

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises in a skillful psalm and with understanding. Psalm 47:7 (AMP)

For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with a well written song. Psalm 47:7 (NLV)

He’s Lord over earth, so sing your best songs to God. Psalm 47:7 (MSG)

Let your hearts and heads go with your voices. Understand what you sing; and feel what you understand; and let the song be what will give instruction in righteousness to them that hear it. Sing wisely  Anglo-Saxon. Multitudes sing foolishly. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible 

Sound doctrine praises God. Even under the economy of types and ceremonies, it is clear that the Lord had regard to the spirituality of worship, and would be praised thoughtfully, intelligently, and with deep appreciation of the reason for song, It is to be feared from the slovenly way in which some make a noise in singing, that they fancy any sound will do. On the other hand, from the great attention paid by some to the mere music, we feel sadly sure that the sense has no effect upon them. The Treasury of David

Often tunes get stuck in my head. The other day I woke up with “Jingle Bells” on my mind... guess I was thinking of Christmas in July. Just because a tune is catchy or has words that sound good, doesn’t mean that it is a good song. 

When I sing praises to God, I need to first make sure that the words and meanings are doctrinally correct. Secondly, I need to make sure that the words are honor God, and not me or mankind. And lastly, I need to make sure that as I sing the song, I’m not bring attention to myself, rather should be giving glory to God. 

To create a positive day, the words and music of my songs need to be true praise and worship to God. 

Spontaneous Clapping!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! Psalm 47:1 (MSG)

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

Show your happiness, all peoples! Call out to God with the voice of joy! Psalm 47:1 (NLV)

"O clap your hands." The most natural and most enthusiastic tokens of exultation are to be used in view of the victories of the Lord, and his universal reign. Our joy in God may be demonstrative, and yet he will not censure it. The Treasury of David 

Wherefore they are called upon to declare their joy and gladness by "clapping their hands"; which is a gesture expressive of exultation and joy. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

"O clap your hands, in token of your own joy and satisfaction in what God has done for you, of your approbation, nay, your admiration, of what God has done in general, and of your indignation against all the enemies of God's glory, Job 27:23. Clap your hands, as men transported with pleasure, that cannot contain themselves; shout unto God, not to make him hear (his ear is not heavy), but to make all about you hear, and take notice how much you are affected and filled with the works of God. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Clap your hands. A simple gesture that acknowledges a job well done, that you liked something, you appreciated something. Clap your hands. It’s not a forced response rather it’s automatic. Clap your hands. It’s a response from the heart, emotions, an overwhelming sense of joy, happiness. 

When was the last time I clapped my hands for God? When was the last time I clapped my hands to acknowledge what God has done and is doing in my life? When was the last time I was so overcome with joy simply knowing God that I clapped my hands in response?

To create a positive day, I need to allow the joy of simply knowing God to overwhelm me to the point that I break out in spontaneous clapping! 

Everywhereness

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

God has risen with a shout of joy; the Lord has risen ·as the trumpets sounded [with the sound of the ram’s horn]. Psalm 47:5 (EXB)

God goes up to his throne. There are shouts of joy and the blast of trumpets, as the Lord goes up. Psalm 47:5 (GNT)

The Lord with the sound of a trumpet - Yahweh, accompanied with the notes of victory. All this is designed to denote triumph, and to show that the victory was to be traced solely to God. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

In short, the import of the Psalmist's language is, When the trumpets sounded among the Jews, according to the appointment of the Law, that was not a mere empty sound which vanished away in the air; for God, who intended the ark of the covenant to be a pledge and token of his presence, truly presided in that assembly. From this the prophet draws an argument for enforcing on the faithful the duty of singing praises to God He argues, that by engaging in this exercise they will not be acting blindly or at random, as the superstitious, who, having no certainty in their false systems of religion, lament and howl in vain before their idols. He shows that the faithful have just ground for celebrating with their mouths and with a cheerful heart the praises of God; since they certainly know that he is as present with them, as if he had visibly established his royal throne among them. Calvin's Commentary

God is present.  

Present: being, companionship, company, existence, habitation, inhabitance, latency, occupation, omnipresence, potentiality, residence, subsistence, ubiety, ubiquity, whereabouts, closeness, vicinity, immediate circle, nearness.

Ubiquity: all-presence, everywhereness.

I like that word, “everywhereness”. That describes God. He is everywhere—but very close by! The fact that God Almighty is present, should impact my life in several ways. 1. I can take great comfort knowing that God is near. 2. My actions, attitude, and what I articulate should reflect that God is present. 3. Peace should overwhelm me, knowing that God is near and in control. I am not alone. 

To create a positive day, is very doable, if I only remember the “everywhereness” of God!

Say, “No to Sin”

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned.

God rules the nations. He sits upon his holy throne. Psalm 47:8 (GW)

God is King over the nations. God sits on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8 (EXB)

God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness - He is a holy God; he proclaims holiness. His laws are holy, he requires holiness, and his genuine people are all holy. The throne of his holiness is the heaven of heavens; also the temple at Jerusalem; and, lastly, the hearts of the faithful. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Holy: blessed, chaste, clean, consecrated, dedicated, devoted, devout, divine, faithful, faultless, glorified, god-fearing, godlike, godly, good, hallowed, humble, immaculate, innocent, just, messianic, moral, perfect, pietistic, pious, prayerful, pure, revered, reverent, righteous, sainted, saintlike, saintly, sanctified, spiritual, spotless, sublime, uncorrupt, undefiled, untainted, unworldly, upright, venerable, venerated, virtuous.

Evil: depraved, immoral, irreligious, irreverent, sacrilegious, sinful, unholy, unsacred, vile, wicked.

Holy. Evil.  Pure. Vile. Sanctified. Sinful.

There is a huge contrast between God and man. God is pure, without sin. Sin is vile to Him. And sin is not what I say it is, rather what sin is, is based on a Holy God. 

I can never live a sin-free life. For I am a sinner. However, because of God’s love and mercy, He provided a way of forgiveness for my sin—the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is through Him that I have eternal life and my sins are forgiven. 

Do that give me a “free ticket” to sin? No! For if I truly love God, I will not, and do not want to live a life of sin. Paul states it with way: 

·So [What then shall we say?] ·do you think we should [shall we] continue sinning so that ·God will give us even more grace [grace may increase/abound]? 2 ·No [Absolutely not; May it never be]! We died to ·our old sinful lives [sin], so how can we continue living ·with [or in] sin? Romans 6:1, 2 (EXB)

To create a positive day, I need to acknowledge that God is holy, and that because of His love and mercy, I am forgiven of my sins.... but remember that I am to say “no to sin” because I love a holy God.

I Know Best! Really?

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 seventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 47. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He chooseth our inheritance for us, The glory of Jacob whom he loved. Selah Psalm 47:4 (ASV)

He shall choose our inheritance for us,.... Either a portion in this life; God knows what is best for his people, and therefore they should leave it with him, who can make a better choice for them than for themselves: an Heathen (c) once gave this advice, "give thyself wholly to the will and disposal of the celestial ones; for they who are used to give good things easily can also choose the fittest.'' Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

I know best! And certainly, I know better than God—really??? Well, no. But so often, sadly, that’s my attitude. I think I know what’s best for me. However, I am usually wrong. There are circumstances that are not in my control. There are people involved who are not in my control. There are so many factors in life, that I know nothing about, nor can I control them! So it’s best that I allow God to choose what is best for me. 

But what if He chooses something I don’t like! You mean, like pain? YES! I don’t like pain, I don’t like it one bit! However, knowing that God chose this journey for me, I may not “like it”, I may not “understand it”, I can take comfort in knowing it was “God designed”. 

God designed. God has a plan, a pattern, which He is using to create something unique and that will best be able to show forth His glory.  The God who created the magnificent heavens, the beautiful sunrises, who covers the earth with snow to make amazing ‘winter wonderlands’, is very capable of creating a life for me. When I stop to think of all the absolutely amazing breath-taking things God has created..... I think I can trust Him to choose an inheritance—a God designed life for me. 

Although at times I may not fully understand what God is doing, I can rest assured that He has chosen a specific God-designed plan for me. And when I’m willing to give up my “I know best” attitude and accept God’s choice, that makes for a very positive God-designed day! 

Impact.

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 seventh of each month, I'm studying Psalm 47. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted. Psalm 47:9 (NIV)

The ·leaders [princes] of the ·nations [or armies] ·meet [gather together] with the ·people [or army] of the God of Abraham, because the ·leaders [shields; military leaders] of the earth belong to God. He is ·supreme [highly exalted]. Psalm 47:9 (EXB)

Highly: diligently, especially, exceedingly, far, fast, good, greatly, louder and louder, muchness, force, abundance.

Exalted: arise up, cause to ascend up.

He is greatly exalted - That is, one who can thus subdue nations, and lead along captive princes and warriors, "must" be a Being greatly exalted; a Being that has dominion over the nations of the earth. This completes the imagery in the psalm, and gives occasion for the shouts and the joys of triumph. God had shown that he was a great King over the earth. Princes and armies were subdued to his will. They were led along as captives, and were gathered together to the people of God, as if to acknowledge their own inferiority; and in this solemn manner the nations thus subdued owned Yahweh to be the true God. In a higher sense this will be true when all the earth shall be subdued by the power of truth, and when kings, and princes, and people everywhere shall come and acknowledge God, reigning through the Messiah, to be the King of all nations. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

God is Supreme.

Rhonda Sawtelle 

God is supreme.

Then why do I doubt Him?

God is supreme.

Then why do I ignore His guidance?

God is supreme. 

Then why do I try to do it alone?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I trust Him?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I give Him the respect He deserves?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I allow Him to have full control in my life?

God is supreme.

Then why don’t I obey Him?

God is supreme.

He knows that I doubt,

yet continues to support me with His love until my doubts subside.

God is supreme.

He knows I ignore His guidance,

yet continues to teach me that His way is the best.

God is supreme.

He knows I’ll try to do it alone,

yet He patiently waits right there beside me to take the lead. 

God is supreme.

He knows that I don’t trust Him,

yet continues to teach me and demonstrate His trustworthiness.

God is supreme.

He knows I don’t show Him proper respect,

yet that doesn’t not mean He’s not worthy!

God is supreme.

He knows I don’t give Him full control,

yet He is waits patiently for me to let go. 

God is supreme.

He knows I fall short on obedience,

yet He is there to correct me and instruct me. 

God is supreme. He is to be highly exalted. 

I need to not only KNOW that God is supreme. but, that truth should effect my actions, attitude, and words. To create a positive day, it is not just KNOWING truth, rather it is allowing the truth to have an IMPACT in my life.

The “12th Man”

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 47. Here is what I learned. 

I enjoy watching football. And the past few weeks, there have been many college bowl games and now the NFL playoffs have started. One phrase often heard during a game is “The 12th Man”. 

There are only 11 players on the field, so who is this “12th Man”? It’s the FANS! When the fans are yelling and screaming and making LOTS of noise, it makes it harder for the “other team” to hear calls and it energizes the fans’ team. The responsibility of “12th Man” is to raise a shout, give a blast! 

That is exactly what Psalm 47 is all about! We are to raise a shout, give a blast—shout at the top of our lungs about our AWESOME and GREAT God!  

God is worthy of profound reverence or adoration. 

For the LORD Most High is awesome.

He is the great King of all the earth.

Psalm 47:2  (NLV)

As God’s “12th Man”, am I shouting about His greatness at the top of my lungs? Am I sharing the awesomeness of God with others? I guess the real question is, Am I ashamed of my God? Or am I going to let others know about Him and His ultimate greatness? 

If I want to create a positive day, then I need to make sure I’m being the “12th Man” for God. For sharing about Him and His awesomeness, makes me reflect and think about Him. The more I’m thinking about God, the more positive the day!