The Greatest Choice

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

Just. Justly. 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. Proverbs 21:3 (AMP)

Doing what is ·right [righteous] and ·fair [just] is more ·important [preferable] to the Lord than sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3 (EXP)

This is a simple concept. Do what is right and acceptable so that you don't have to ask for forgiveness. However, too often we find ourselves making the wrong choice and doing the wrong thing..... and asking God to forgive us. 

This past week a person made a series of wrong choices. Her actions were not that of righteousness or justice. And those choices had deadly consequences. I found the comments posted on the news story interesting. So many spoke of what a great person she was. Some were quick to judge her for her actions. And some were just saddened by it all. A few mentioned the wrong choices she made that led to the consequences of her death. 

Actions do have consequences. What we do not only affect us personally, but others get caught up in those consequences as well. 

The lady mentioned above made wrong choices. I'm not judging, just stating the facts. She broke specific laws, and her actions caused her to lose her life. How many times have I made wrong choices? How many times have I chosen to do what I wanted, rather than what was acceptable to the Lord? 

Doing what is right is more preferable to the Lord than having to ask for forgiveness. Doing what is just is the right choice — 100% of the time. 

The act of doing what is just

is the greatest choice one can make. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:30-32

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)
God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

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

Have chosen: select

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

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

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

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

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

Three specific verbs. Choose. Cling. Run. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:17

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. 17: Provides Life

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully: benefit or requite; to ripen; to render good

With: according to

Servant: bondservant

Live: nourish up, to keep alive

Keep: guard; to protect, attend to, observe

Your Word: advice, thing about which one speaks

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Psalm 119:17 (AMP)

That I may live - The continuance of life was dependent on the favor of God.

And keep thy word - For grace to do this he was equally dependent on God; and he asked that life might be continued, in order that he might honor the word of God by obeying it. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible) 

Too often this is our prayer when we are in difficult circumstances— "Lord save me and I'll live a better life." Yet, once the circumstances is past, we soon forget our problems and our promise. 

This plea of asking favor from God has a specific purpose — that I might live a life in accordance with God's Word. A result of God's goodness and grace is a life that works to protect and carry out all that God requires. 

God's Word does provide life — if one makes a choice to know it and live it. 

MAXIMUM Calm Delight! (James)

Continuing my study in James. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2

Brethren: a fellow-Christian

Count: (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think

All: the highest degree, the maximum

Joy: the cause or occasion of joy, calm delight, gladness

Fall into: so to fall into as to be encompassed by

Divers: variegated, various in character, diverse

Temptations: adversity, affliction, trouble (cf. our trial), sent by God and serving to test or prove one's faith, holiness, character, a putting to proof

Make the determination (rule over/have the power) to choose maximum calm delight when I am encompasses by a wide variety of trouble as God works to prove me faithful! (Rhonda's paraphrase)

Choose MAXIMUM Calm Delight! 

Thanks Living. Is it harder somedays?

Thanks Living.

Is it really harder to give thanks some days than others? Or do we just find it harder because we are focused on the 'bad'. 

This morning, a headache woke me up. That doesn't happen very often, for usually it's the back/leg pain that awakens me. However, on occasion, the headache screams louder than the back pain. That was the case this morning. 

As I got up, it was not a hard choice to reach for the headache medicine instead of the pain medicine. As I think about my agenda today, I did not include this level of headache pain. I know.... that's lack of planning on my part. 

😜

But as I was thinking about Thanks Living, I almost started to write, "somedays it's much harder to be thankful." But then I stopped. Is it really? There are many things that have been constant which I give thanks for on a daily basis. Yet, why would I allow a headache to change my focus to unthankfulness? 

Thanks Living. There are some days where gratitude and thankfulness are not my focus. And that is NOT because of lack of things for which to be thankful. Rather, it's because I CHOOSE not to be thankful. WOW. That's just sad. 

Thanks Living. I need to remember that "in all things give thanks". I need to remember that Thanks Living is not based upon how I feel, or the circumstances I find myself. Thanks Living is a mindset.... no make that a heartset. Thanks Living is based on the fact that God loves me and each day His mercies are new. Thanks Living is based on the fact that God cares for me and is concerned about all the details in my life. Thanks Living is a CHOICE! 

So, it doesn't matter that my headache level is at screaming mode. It doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters, is that God is still in control and His love for me is unconditional. The only thing that matters is that I choose to be thankful. 

Today, I'm making a choice—I will enjoy a day filled with "Thanks Living!" Will you join me?

Chronological: Promises

Promises. 

What does the word promise mean? One dictionary defines as such: an express assurance on which expectation is to be based.

As we look at the life of Abraham beginning in Genesis 12, we see something that is no unique to Abraham nor the time in which he lived— his actions did not always reflect the belief that God keeps His promises. 

God is always faithful. God is truthful. God keeps His promises. Abraham's actions are often inconsistent with the characteristics of God. 

Genesis 12 begins with a command. "Get out of this place — (go) to another place. That command is followed by the following promises.

I will show you the land. 

I will make you a great nation. 

I will bless you.

I will make your name great—and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those that bless you.

I will curse those that curse you.

Looking at the list of promises, it covers everything. And then we look at Abraham's actions. Sadly, his actions do not convey faith or obedience in God's promises. 

Genesis 12:10-20

Abraham lied. 

Abraham was scared. He thought he'd be killed because his wife Sarai was beautiful and the Egyptians would want her. So, he said Sarai, was is sister not his wife. Due to that lie, the Egyptians were cursed and Abraham and Sarai were  commanded to leave. 

Look at which promises that Abraham forgot at he entered Egypt. Yes, all of them. That's not a good start to Abraham's journey. 

God's Word is full of promises. Do I act as I believe those promises? 

Sadly, too often I am like Abraham, thinking that God doesn't really mean what He says. Or I think that maybe I know better than God. Or that God needs my help. That's just plain wrong thinking—period! That's when I need to stop and remember WHO God is! For when I have a correct thinking and understanding of WHO God is—my actions will then be such that reveal that I do trust God and I want to obey Him. 

Promises. When the promises are made by God Almighty—you can be assured He will keep them! 

Chronological: The Who

Continuing to my Chronological Bible Study. I am stuck on Noah right now.... Genesis 6-8. 

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9

Verse 8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." 

Verse 9—tells us why: Noah walked with God. 

And the result: Verse 22, "Noah did according to all that God commanded him, so he did. Also, Genesis 7:5, "And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him."

Have you ever thought about what would have happened if Noah didn't obey ALL that God had commanded him? What if Noah decided that the dimensions of the ark just weren't right and recalculated them? What if Noah decided not use the pitch on the inside and outside of the ark? 

Yet, even if Noah didn't understand the NEED for all that God commanded, Noah knew WHO was giving the orders! 

That the key in the story of Noah. Not the ark, or all the animals, but the WHO—God Almighty. 

God created the World. (God said)

Man sinned. (he said)

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (He listened to God said)

God is Holy. God is merciful. God is patient. 

The WHO is the key—from the beginning throughout all eternity. 

If you don't have a respect for WHO God is, the result is the vile and sin that was rampant in Noah's day, and we see again in our generation. It's time for us to focus on The WHO—and remember that God is holy. God is just. God is merciful. God is patient—but for how long? 

Do my thoughts, actions, attitudes, words—reflect that I know WHO God is? Does the truth of WHO God is impact my entire life? Are the choices I make each and everyday honoring to God? 

"Did according to all the Lord commanded him." Can that be said of me?

Chronological: Questioning Truth—"He Said"

Questioning Truth— “He Said”

Genesis 3-5

What a contrast from Genesis 2 to Genesis 3. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 9:13-19: Compare

A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverbs 11:13-18

Reread Proverbs 9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+9&version=NKJV)  and compare Wisdom and the foolish woman. 

Wisdom works. Proverbs 9:1, 2. 

Foolish woman sits. Proverbs 9:13. 

Wisdom offers food she has prepared. Provers 9:4, 5

Foolish woman gives stolen food. Proverbs 9:17

Wisdom offers instruction, learning, life! Proverbs 9:9-11

Foolish woman offers death. Proverbs 9:18

When you look at the comparison, why would anyone chose to follow the foolish woman? Simply put, wisdom offers a FEAST, the foolish wisdom garbage. Wisdom offers abundance of riches and life; the foolish woman misery and death. 

It's clear to see the difference and when given the choice, we say we'd of course choose wisdom! We want to very best, not the leftovers and misery. BUT, in reality what do we choose? 

The enticement and flattering words of the foolish woman draws us in. We want to see if what she offers is 'really that bad'. It sounds good, looks good, and I can do it in secret so none will know. 

But first off, we know. That secret begins to eat away at us. Ww have to live with the knowledge that we sinned. Secondly, God knows. Nothing done in secret remains secret. The consequences of the sin effect our hearts, mind, and lives. And then soon effects our relationship with those around us. 

Read Proverbs 9 again. Compare what is offered, then consider the choice you will make. And remember it's not a one time choice. It's a daily, 24/7 choice. Choosing wisdom and enjoying the benefits she offers begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Before each action/reaction, thought or word, THINK and evaluate whether you are choosing  wisdom or the foolish woman. If you are hesitant on making your choice, re-read Proverbs 9 and compare what the two have to offer. 

Proverbs 3:31-35: There is a choice to be made.

Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. Proverbs 3:31-35

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness withregard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Oppressor: one who is or promotes violence and wrong

Choose: man's choice

None: all, the whole

Ways: of moral action and character

Perverse: to turn aside, depart, devious, crooked

Abomination: something disgusting; ethical sense to God and His people

Counsel: circle of familiar friends

Upright: straightforward, just, well-pleased, righteous

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment

Just: just, righteous, in conduct and character

Scorns: open or unqualified contempt; disdain

Grace: favor, acceptance

Humble: lowly

Wise: ethically and religiously

Inherit: have or get as a possession

Glory: honor, dignity of position

Shame: personal dishonor, disgrace

Legacy: lift up, exalt, promotion

Fools: stupid fellow

There is a choice to be made.

Choose one who is and/or promoted violence. Choose be in the company of the devious and those who are disgusting (to God). Choose to dwell with those who are guilty crime and deserve punishment. Choose those who are contempt. Choose to leave a legacy be known for being a fool. 

There is a choice to be made.

Choose to be among the circle of the just and well-pleased before God. Choose to live in a home filled with righteous conduct and character. Choose to live in humility before God. Choose to be wise ethically and religiously and enjoy the possession of honor. 

There is a choice to be made. And to make the right choice, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

What choice will you make today? 

Proverbs 3:7, 8: Do Be. Will Be.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:7, 8

Do be: exist, abide, remain, continue

Not: to express with emphasis its negation (NO!!)

Wise: shrewd, crafty, cunning

Your own eyes: think best, of mental and spiritual faculties

Fear: reverence, honor

Depart: turn aside, out of one's course

Evil: ethical evil

Will be: fall out, come to pass, become, result

Health: healing

Flesh: body

Strength: drink (figurative for refreshment)

Bones: as representing entire person = one's whole being, including physical and moral

Do Be. Will Be. 

Often we see people out shopping, and we stop and say to ourselves, "Did that person even look in a mirror before they left the house?" We see one thing, and that person saw another. 

We don't always see ourselves honestly. We see ourselves in the way we want to be, not what we actually are. We tend to put ourselves the best light possible. Who wants to admit that we aren't wise, and good, and..... the list goes on. 

Yet, trying to be wise based on our own cunning crafty ways is just plain foolishness. Do Be. The fact is that we will BE, exist in someway. The question is how will be "Do Be"? Will be "Do Be" based on our own shrewd and cunning ways to get what we want and try to survive? Or will be "Do Be" based on the fear of God and His sovereign and holy wisdom? 

Do Be. We will exist. That's a fact. The choice clear—oneself or God.

Will Be. The Result is also clear. Fearing God has a greater result as it will result in healing refreshment to the body and soul. When the soul is at peace with God, then one's whole being is refreshed—pure peace from God Himself. 

If I want to enjoy the end result of refreshment from God, then my heart must first be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Act 9:31 MSG). And as my heart is set to fear God, my "Do Be" will be in accordance with God and the end result will be peaceful refreshment.

Proverbs 2:21-22: Opposites

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. Proverbs 2:21-22

These two verses are about contrast. Upright vs Wicked and Blameless vs Unfaithful. 

Upright: that which is right, pleasing in the eyes of, agreeable to God

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment; guilty of hostility to God

Blameless: wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity: of God's way

Unfaithful: act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully

Agreeable to God vs Hostile to God. Integrity vs Deceit. Opposites. And each is a choice as to the Verbs and modifiers you choose. 

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you... Proverbs 2:1. Receive and Treasure God's words of wisdom....

Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths. Proverbs 2:14, 15 Rejoice in doing evil, delight in perversion.....

Contrast. Opposites. Choices. Actions and Results. Cause and Effect. 

Which group to you fall under? Upright or wicked? Blameless or Unfaithful. Remember you are to using your own personal standard to decide. The standard is set by God. 

When one fears God and has a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31) then the choice will be to listen to Wisdom and act in accordance with God's Word. 

Proverbs 2:16-20: Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives

To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words,

Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.

For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead;

None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life—

So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. Proverbs 2:16-20

Wisdom continues to DELIVER us from those who would lead us astray. 

Deliver: rescue, recover

Immoral: strange woman, harlot

Seductress: outlandish, stranger

Flatters: be smooth, slippery, lie, forge, fabricate

Forsakes: be remote, absent, depart

Companion: friend, intimate

Youth: early life

Forgets: omits

Covenant: alliance of marriage

God: Yahweh is God in truth

House: abode

Leads: cause to dwindle, to sink

Death: state of death or place of death

Paths: entrenchment

Dead:  powerless ones

Go to: of taking part in; associating

Return: of revival from death

Regain: reach, attain to

Paths: path of life, in righteousness & enjoyment of God

Righteousness: as welfare and happiness; spiritual blessedness

So: purpose, intentWalk: go, come, accompany

Way: of moral action and character

Goodness: pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity

Keep: observe, celebrate obligations

Paths: of mode of living, or of character

Righteousness: in conduct and character, ethically

As Wisdom continues to deliver us from the wrong paths and decisions, I love that Wisdom doesn't just send us on our way to figure it out for ourselves. Rather, there is a purpose and intent given so that we know our goal—to accompany Wisdom and enjoy happiness as we celebrate our obligations, our promises to God. There is a strong contrast between the one who forsakes Wisdom and the one who chooses Wisdom. And that contrast is evident in their character and their conduct. 

Verbs are actions leading to an end result.

Adverbs express manner, place, frequency, level of certainty. Answering: how, in what way, when, where, and to what extent.

Adjective: a describing word, qualifying a noun, providing more information about the object signified.

Proverbs is providing not only the VERBS (action to be done) but also gives Adverbs and Adjectives, so that there is a clear distinction and understanding of the consequences of the action. 

The decision is which adverbs and adjectives will you choose? "Wisdom" or "Other"

When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), the the choice is easier to recognize and carry out. Verbs require action. Adverbs and Adjectives modify and clarify. 

Proverbs 1:28-33: Hate or Hear?

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.

Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:28-33 (NKJV)

Once we find ourselves in the midst of trouble, we then realize the mistake we made, and cry out for help. This is the position Wisdom is referring to regarding those who have ignored her warning. 

Wisdom has given many opportunities to avoid trouble and the consequences of choosing sin, but each was ignored. There comes a point, where Wisdom says, "Sorry, you have no more chances." 

Proverbs 1:29

Because: the end of

Knowledge: in the highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Fear: fear of God, reverence, piety

Lord: of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Notice the two verbs in this verse: HATED and CHOOSE. 

The later is a result of the first. When one hates knowledge (including obedience) that leads to the choices; in this case—not to fear God.

In Proverbs 1:30-32, Wisdom continues to describe how the sinners ended up where they are and the consequences. 

BUT— there is hope!

Listens: hears, hear with attention, interest

Dwell: settle down to abide

Safely: quietness and security

Secure: be at ease or at peace, rest securely

Fear: terrifying, dread

Evil: misery, distress

So, the choice is HATE or HEAR. The consequences of both actions are clearly explained. 

Hate Wisdom = fear, chaos, trouble, destruction

Hear Wisdom = a secure and safe place without terrifying fear or distress. 

Sadly, often it seems easier and more enticing to choose Hate. But, when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will easily Hear Wisdom and want to obey. 

Which verb will you choose: HATE or HEAR? 

Live a Life Alive

  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.

 

For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (AMP) 

You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. Colossians 3:3 (TLB)

died: definite event 

hidden: locked together with; cannot be separated

And if we are dead to the earth, and have renounced it as our happiness, it is absurd for us to set our affections upon it, and seek it. We should be like a dead thing to it, unmoved and unaffected towards it. Our true life lies in the other world: You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

New perspective on things. I should not be seeking happiness or joy from things that .... well, are sin. Satan tries his best to make sin enjoyable and fun. But the problem is that—it's all short lived. There is no satisfaction. There is no joy. There is no contentment. 

Where as the joy and happiness that is pure from God, is everlasting. It's a hope that endures. 

I have a choice, live a life as a dead person—trying to find fulfillment in short-term sin, or live my life alive in Christ and enjoy all that God has to offer. 

How do I make the choice to live a life alive in Christ? 

Develop this spiritual life in practice.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Choose each day, each hour, to make choices that are God-honoring. The Bible isn't just a book to read. It's a book which teaches how to live a God-honoring life—so that I can develop a spiritual life and live it—in practice (do it)! 

In order to make the choice to live a life alive—I must 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. 

A Lingering Stench

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 11. Here is what I learned.

For the Lord is [rigidly] righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face, or He beholds the upright. Psalm 11:7 (AMP)

God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye. Psalm 11:7 (MSG)

That God may give grace without glory is intelligible; but to admit a man to communion with him in glory without grace, is not intelligible. It is not agreeable to God's holiness to make any inhabitant of heaven, and converse freely with him in a way of intimate love, without such a qualification of grace: "The righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright; he looks upon him with a smiling eye, and therefore he cannot favourably look upon an unrighteous person; so that this necessity is not founded only in the command of God that we should be renewed, but in the very nature of the thing, because God, in regard of his holiness, cannot converse with an impure creature. God must change his nature, or the sinner's nature must be changed. There can be no friendly communion between two of different natures without the change of one of them into the likeness of the other. Wolves and sheep, darkness and light, can never agree. God cannot love a sinner as a sinner, because he hates impurity by a necessity of nature as well as a choice of will. It is as impossible for him to love it as to cease to be holy. Stephen Charnock

I was watching the skunks play outside last night. They are cute little things. Scampering around playing tag with each other. They made me laugh. However a short time later, my apartment was filled with the stench of skunk! Something had scared the little guys and they sprayed.. it was so strong it stung my eyes. At that point and time, I did not think the skunks were so cute. 

As God watches me go about my day do I please Him? Does enjoy watching what I’m doing? Or does His smile turn to disgust as I choose sin? Every action, every thought, every word, every attitude is a choice. I have the choice to choose righteousness or I have the choice to choose sin. 

Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful and a forgiving God. The stench of sin can only be removed by accepting His forgiveness. 

To create a positive day, I need to choose God’s righteousness so that I can look Him straight in the eye-for the only other option is choosing sin—which simply produces a lingering stench.

One Thing

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.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (AMP)

I am pleading with the Eternal for this one thing, my soul’s desire: To live with Him all of my days—  in the shadow of His temple, To behold His beauty and ponder His ways in the company of His people. Psalm 27:4 (VOICE)

"One thing." Changes, great changes, and many bereavements there have been in my life. I have been emptied from vessel to vessel. But one thing has never failed - one thing makes me feel that my life has been one; it has calmed my joys, it has soothed my sorrows, it has guided me in difficulty, it has strengthened me in weakness. It is the presence of God - a faithful and loving God. Yes, brethren, the presence of God is not only light, it is unity. It gives unity to the heart that believes it - unity to the life that is conformed to it. It was the presence of God in David's soul that enabled him to say, "One thing have I desired of the Lord;" and in St. Paul's that enabled him to say, "This one thing I do."  George Wagner, in the "Wanderings of the Children of Israel," 1862 

One thing. If I could pick one thing... anything... what would I pick? Would I pick, to be pain free? Would I pick, money? Would I pick, material things... furniture, clothes, etc? Would I pick, friendship? What would I pick? 

Really, the best choice would be to have a deeper relationship with God. For in developing that relationship, my real needs would be make clear and be met by God. 

One thing. Yet, that one thing is the foundation for living a life in accordance to God’s will. One thing. That one thing is the most important choice, for it effects all my choices, my attitude, my perspective, my actions and reactions.... if effects my entire life. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that my “one thing” is that my soul’s desire is to really know and love God Almighty.

What type of person will I be?

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 11 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 1. Here is what I learned.

Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners,  or join the company of mockers. Psalm 1:1 (GW)

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. Psalm 1:1 (AMP)

The person. The man. An ordinary individual. Someone just like you and me. 

There’s a lot of truth in the words—the person, or the man. First, that the truth of the Psalm, applies to all of us. Second, it removes the distinction that you must be some super-person, or a “saint’ or other high position. And lastly, it gives us hope that positive choices can be made—by each of us. 

The person. The man. Just your every day ordinary person. The choice of whom to follow is up to each of us. Peer pressure can’t make us decide. Oh, we can let it influence us, but the actual choice is ours to make. Each of us makes choices and we alone are responsible for those choices. 

The person. The man. Me. 

So often, we read or hear about a person who has a great attitude, or does something spectacular, and we think, ”that person is really special. I could never be like them.” I once sense that is true, we aren’t to be like “that other person”. We are to be the person God wants us to be. But on the other hand, we each have the ability to make choices—follow and obey God, or ignore God. It’s simple really... and any person can do it. 

To create a positive day, I need to ask myself, “What type of person will I be?” I need to make personal choices to follow and obey God. 

Like-Minded

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 11. Here is what I learned.

The Lord ·does what is right [is righteous], and he loves ·justice [righteousness], so ·honest people [the upright/virtuous] will see his face. Psalm 11:7 (EXB)

The Eternal is right in all His ways; He cherishes all that is upright. Those who do what is right in His eyes will see His face. Psalm 11:7 (VOICE)

For righteous [is] Jehovah, Righteousness He hath loved, The upright doth His countenance see!' Psalm 11:7 (YLT)

For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness - This would be more correctly rendered, "For Jehovah is righteous; he loves righteousness." The idea is, that God is himself righteous, and, consequently, he loves those who are righteous. He may be confided in, therefore, by the righteous as their friend, and being under his protection they have nothing to fear. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

If you look at my twitter account, you can see some of my interests. I have followers and follow racing fans; Military and First Responders and Organizations and companies helping our Heroes;  football teams and players, and fans of football; and Christian organizations, bloggers. Those are people/organizations that are “like-minded”. 

As I read Psalm 11:7 this morning, I had to stop and consider the concept that God is Himself righteous and He loves those who are righteous. Now, on my own, I can nor could I ever reach God’s righteousness. But because of His grace and mercy, I am made righteous.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[a] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death. Philippians 3:8-10 (NLT)

I can’t reach righteousness on my own, but I can choose righteousness. If I love God, I want to be like-minded and love what He loves, I need to make sure that each and every day, I’m making the choice to obey God. If God had a twitter account, would He want to “follow” me? Because He is righteous, He loves those who are righteous. 

To create a positive day, I need to be “like-minded” with God, and choose righteousness.