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!

UNSWERVED from the Deliberate Purpose! (James)

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3

Knowing: to come to know, recognize, perceive

Trying: the proving, a testing; by implication, trustworthiness; trial

Faith: belief, trust, confidence

Worketh: to do that from which something results, produce

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)

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/james/1-3.htm

The characteristic of a man UNSWERVED from his deliberate purpose. Focused. Goal oriented. Steadfast. 

There is a purpose to the testings and trials. There is to be a result from all that happens in our lives. We can have maximum calmness (James 1:2) in the midst of the trials, because we RECOGNIZE that God has a very SPECIFIC purpose. 

UNSWERVED from the Deliberate Purpose!

Walk Worthy

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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

Gentleness: power with reserve

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)

Walk: to regulate one's life, to conduct oneself

Worthy: suitable because recognized as fitting; having worth that "matches" actual value

Calling: used of God inviting all people to receive His gift of salvation – with all His blessings that go with it

Were called: invited

Lowliness: humility

Gentleness: meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness

Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs; embraces steadfastness and staying-power; long-tempered (as compared to short-tempered)

Bearing with: "still bearing up," even after going through the needed sequence (course of action)

Love: which centers in moral preference

Endeavoring: to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself)

Keep: properly, maintain, preserve

Unity: oneness, equivalent to unanimity, agreement

Bond: a bond (close union); a close (inner) identity which produces close harmony between members joined closely together

Peace: wholeness, harmony

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

Walk worthy. 

Those two words pack a powerful punch. 

Am I living my life that I am recognized as one who has accepted God's gift of salvation? There is no question as to how that is to look. We are told in Ephesians 4, and Galatians 5:22, 23. 

Today's focus is gentleness. A meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Just because I have the strength, power, I need to reign it in, and respond with reserve. Handle situations and people carefully. 

Walk worthy.

Blessings Celebration - 16 years.

As I was reflecting on the past 16 years..... Wow. There were disappointments, frustrations, discouragements, and pain (lots of that), BUT..... there were also amazing experiences, overwhelming blessings, great encouragement, and still pain. 

However, as bad as the pain gets, the joy never diminishes. The joy is always there supplied by God! 

As I read through the Psalms, I love how David tells God how bad things are.... then David changes his focus to how good God is and who God is, and the characteristics of God. 

In reality bad things happen, and we can acknowledge them when they do happen. But we can't stop there. We need to remember to turn our focus back to God and in doing so, will open our hearts to God's amazing joy! 

16 years. Looking forward to all that God has planned for this next year and what wonderful blessings I'll celebrate on October 25, 2017. 

Thanks Living! Making sure that I don't lose focus of who God is and all that He is doing in my life.

Thinking Affects everything - truth!

Thinking Affects everything. 

I've been studying that fact the past few weeks. Yesterday, I had a good reminder that "Thinking affects everything." is a true statement. 

If I begin the day, with a positive outlook, the day goes much better. I am better equipped to handle situations that arise. 

If I begin the day, with a negative outlook, the day continues to be overwhelming, nothing goes right, and when situations arise, I handle them the wrong way, and the day ends up with a pity party with me feeling miserable. 

Thinking affects everything. 

There are some things that are out of my control. However, I can control my thoughts—and those control my attitude. 

So, what kind of day do I want to have:

1. A positive and enjoyable day.

2. One filled with resentment, frustration, and overall misery. 

I can't control the circumstances, but I can control my thoughts, attitudes, and actions. And if I find myself in the need of an attitude adjustment—the quickest way it to refocus on God's Word and truth, either by reading the Bible, or listening to music (filled with truth). 

Thinking affects everything. 

I will choose to think on......

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

How do you spell relief? Part 2

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

Casting:  to throw away, throw off

Anxiety: to be drawn in different directions, disquietude, encumbrance

Cares: to be of interest to

One thing I like about this verse, is that God knows that we will be anxious, we do have worries. God understands that. But going beyond that God wants us to know that He can handle all those worries and distractions. 

In my kitchen is a container we use for trash/garbage. The garbage container is emptied often and the bag is loaded into the larger container in the garage. On Thursday, it's placed out at the curb, and the truck comes and empties the container. I do not want the garbage in my home for various reasons. One—it's garbage. It's useless. The other, it smells bad if left too long.  I have NO problem THROWING AWAY the garbage. I don't go into the garage and dig through it to being it back inside. I don't run after the truck to get my garbage back. 

Anxiety is like garbage to the soul. It causes confusion. It disrupts peace. And if left too long, it creates a stench as it festers and robs us of joy. 

There is no need to store anxiety. There is no need to let it fester. There is no need. Yet, too often we have a storage room full of it. 

How do we really throw away the anxiety? How do we empty the storage room of worry? 

Look again at the definition of anxiety. "To be drawn in different directions." The first way to throw away anxiety is refocus your heart and mind on God. Don't allow Satan to distract you with the "What ifs", or the "Why me?" or "What will I do?" or any other distraction Satan tries. Refocus!

How do you really refocus? A good place to start is: 

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 

One truth that fits all those categories is.... "He cares about you!"

You are of great interest to God! Think about that for a moment. The God who created the entire UNIVERSE—is interested in YOU! He knows all about you. He knows your past, your present, and your future. He knows what makes you tick — He should, He created you! 

Anxiety—the chaos of being pulled in all directions. A place of unrest. A place of confusion. A place of worry. A place of darkness and despair. 

Peace— a stillness that God provides. It wells up in the heart and mind, as you focus on God and the truth that HE loves YOU! It's a deep intense peace that calms and comforts, no matter the circumstances around you. 

How do you spell relief? 

Relief: a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

True relief—

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.
1 Peter 5:7 (VOICE)

Relief

R: Refocus

E: Empty the Garbage! 

L: Leave the garbage at the curb - don't allow it back in

I:  Individualize—God cares about ME! 

E: Embrace God's love 

F: Focus on and enjoy God's peace 

How do you spell relief? 

To read "How do you spell relief? part 1, click here.

A Cheerful Christmas!

I will be glad and rejoice in You I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!
Psalm 9:2

Crowds, complaints, long check out lines,
You better watch out, you better not cry,
The chaos makes our tune all wrong.
Time to change our focus and sing God’s song!

Family, friends, neighbors, kids too 
Complaints, frustrations, expectations
No matter who or what, be unwavering—
Let your speech to God be favoring!

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and Friend
Oh the joy — when we comprehend!
-Rhonda Sawtelle

A Crazy (about Christ) Christmas

A Crazy (about Christ) Christmas

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

Santa, reindeer, elves, and stockings,

Trees, wreaths, ribbons, and bows

These all overwhelm us in December

But it should be Christ, that we remember. 

Parties, concerts, and gifts to buy

There’s a crazy chaos this time of year.

But let’s be crazy about & magnify our Savior,

Let’s exalt Christ in our words and behavior.

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and Friend

To Thee our sounds of praise ascend!

-Rhonda Sawtelle

Proverbs 8:10, 11: Focus and Desire

Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 8:10, 11

Receive: take, seize

Instruction: discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction

Not: a command

Knowledge: discernment, understanding, wisdom

Choice: absolute chosen; to be chosen

Wisdom: ethical and religious; it is of inestimable worth

Desire: longing

Compared: comparable, suitable, equal

We are obsessed with money. Don't believe it? Then take a look at how much is spent on lotteries. We all would love to see that BIG Million Dollar check arrive at our front door. We all dream of having more money and all the things we'd do if we had it. 

But greater value than any amount of money or jewels or gold is Wisdom. Yet, we don't often put forth the effort into seizing wisdom as we do money. And that leads to the question, "Why not?" 

Why don't we value wisdom? Why don't we need to importance and need for wisdom? Why, when it is available, don't we seize wisdom? Why? 

It begins with our focus and desire. When something is important to us, we make the effort to get it. Soon people will start camping outside of stores to be among the first to get that one particular toy or electronic device. Many will hit the stores at Midnight just to get those things they want. No matter how tired they are, or the weather, or how crowed the stores are—nothing will prevent them from their desire. They will seize the opportunity to seize that item. 

Focus and desire—for things is strong and will motivate us to make any sacrifice necessary to seize what we want. Where exactly is the focus and desire for wisdom? From my observation, it is clearly lacking in our society as a whole. 

Focus and desire begins in the heart. And a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will have a strong focus and desire to seize wisdom! 

Do you have a strong focus and desire for wisdom?

Purpose of Praying

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2. 3 (AMP)

The past two posts were about "What Do I pray?" focusing on Colossians 2:2. 

(What Do I Pray? and What Do I Pray? Part 2) The end of Colossians 2 and verse 3 focus on the purpose of praying.

"that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted" 

A deep knowledge and relationship.

But not just random knowledge, rather a intimately acquainted knowledge and relationship with God, His plan and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Paul is praying specifically that the Colossians would know Truth not just to have head knowledge, but rather to purposefully become intimately aquatinted with God and His amazing grace and mercy. What a great prayer to first personally pray, and then pray for others. 

If I truly want to become intimately aquatinted with God, it begins when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Looking for Wisdom?

"They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God." Acts 9:31 (MSG)

He has redeemed His people, guaranteeing His covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring. Reverence for the Eternal is the first step toward wisdom. All those who worship Him have a good understanding. His praise will echo through eternity! Ps 111:9, 10 (VOICE)

He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant to be forever; holy is His name, inspiring awe, reverence, and godly fear. The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever. Ps 111:9, 10 (AMP)

Looking for wisdom? It all begins with a deep sense of reverence for God! For as a deep sense of reverence for God is developed, the focus is on God and then God can reveal His will and plan for your life.

Today's going to be a 10!

Each morning, I decide how much of my pain medication I'm going to take. Some days I take less, and there are some days I take the full amount allowed. Today was an almost all day... it's a 10 ml day. As I was cleaning out the measuring spoon, I laughed... "Today's a 10!" 

When we think of the number "10", we usually associate that with being great, top-notch, the best of the best. Yet, taking more of the medications, means a higher than normal pain day. So, what if the pain is high today.... can't the day still be a "10"? 

I think it goes back to perspective. I can focus on the pain being so bad that I need "10", or I can focus on the idea that no matter my pain, today will be a "10". It can still be a top-notch day even if my pain is high. 

In order for me to make this day a "10", I need to make sure my focus is not on "poor me", "why me" or even the pain itself. I need to focus on the wonderful things God is doing around me and through me. 

For example, as I was looking outside my sliding door this morning, I saw the moon. Just a sliver was lit, but I could see the faded outline of the entire moon. God used that image to remind me that pain is just a very small sliver of me, and that God has much more in store for me and my life than just the small sliver of pain. I see only a very small aspect of my life. I have no idea all that God has planned, or what He will do through me. 

A gentleman as church a few weeks ago, said this to me. "You are a blessing to so many. You have no idea the ones that you've reached by your example of what God is doing in your life." I thanked him for that perspective. For I only see the small sliver and often forget the "full-moon" of my life. 

So, today will be a "10 day".... the best of the best, a top-notch day.... if I remember to keep my focus on God and what He is doing, rather than me and my pain. 

To create a positive 10-day, I need to remember that God is in control and He is greater than my pain. His plan, although I don't always understand, is one that is the best of the best to bring glory to Him. 

Out of focus?

As I'm watching the sun rise this morning, I've noticed something. If the colors are paler and more subtle, my camera has a hard time focusing on the distant clouds. If the colors are "flashy" and bold,  then the camera has no trouble focusing. 

That made me think. How often do I lose my focus on what God is doing, when He's working in subtle and gentle ways? Do I only notice His "flashy and bold" actions? The later ones are what I see most often, for they "get my attention."  I need to open my eyes and focus on all that God is doing, especially if He’s working in the subtle and gentle ways. 

"Open my eyes to see the ·miracles [wonders] in your ·teachings [instructions; law]." Psalm 119:18 (EXB)

“Heart-Joy”

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (AMP)

The Eternal’s directions are correct, giving satisfaction to the heart. God’s commandments are clear, lending clarity to the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (VOICE)

The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (MSG)

"The statutes of the Lord are right." His precepts and decrees are founded in righteousness, and are such as are right or fitted to the right reason of man. As a physician gives the right medicine, and a counsellor the right advice, so does the Book of God. "Rejoicing the heart." Mark the progress; he who was converted was next made wise and is now made happy; that truth which makes the heart right then gives joy to the right heart. Free-grace brings heart-joy. Earthborn mirth dwells on the lip, and flushes the bodily powers; but heavenly delights satisfy the inner nature, and fill the mental faculties to the brim. There is no cordial of comfort like that which is poured from the bottle of Scripture. Treasury of David

This time of year, Christmas, we hear a lot about joy and happiness. If we get that perfect gift, we’ll be so happy. If we get everything on our wish list, we’ll be ecstatic. If we just can get that one item, or find it on sale so we can buy it ourselves, we’ll be filled with joy! Oh, until that item breaks, or we learn after Christmas a new, and improved model is now available.., or we realize that the gift wasn’t all it was advertised to be.... then our joy is gone. 

True joy has its foundation in God, Himself. And since God does not change, He cannot be improved upon, for He is perfect in every way—the joy He provides is everlasting. God’s joy is available, I only have to read the Scriptures and love God, and obey Him. “Heart-joy”. That is joy that springs up inside and bubbles out. It’s a joy that is from God so there is a never-ending supply. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my focus and desire for joy is not based on earthly treasures, but is a true and honest, “Heart-Joy” direct from God! 

“I” Needs to Get Out of the Way!

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 will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? Psalm 121:1 (AMP)

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:8 (AMP)

As I read Psalm 121 this morning, I noticed that the Psalm begins with “I” yet the focus soon changes to “The Lord”. The Lord is the source of light, strength, safety..... He is the source for everything that I need. 

So often I get stuck on the “I”, thinking that I can do it alone. Yet, when I try, I fall short, and miss so many of the wonderful blessings God has for me. “I” gets me in lots of trouble. 

As I continue to reflect on the past 13 years since my back injury.... all I can say is "Wow, what a great and awesome God I have!"  Although I'd like the pain to be GONE! I have to agree with Paul…. 

"…... I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (MSG) 

There are days when I don't see my pain as a gift… but when I stop and consider all the opportunities for me to share His great love, because of my pain, and I stop and realize that my pain is small in comparison to all Jesus Christ suffered for me—then I can say…. that God's grace and strength is all I need. My prayers is that "I just let Christ take over!" each and every day.

To create a positive day, “I” needs to get out of the way and allow “Christ to take over!” 

Stop Acting like a Brat

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 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly. Psalm 13:6 (TLB)

I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers. Psalm 13:6 (MSG)

So full of answered prayers..... yet, how often do I focus on the unanswered prayers—or unanswered in my mind? A parent does not give a child everything they ask for, nor do they respond immediately to each request. For a parent knows that a child will ask for things that are not in the best interest of the child. 

The same is true with my Heavenly Father. He knows what I need, and when I need it. God also knows that I will ask for things that are not the best for me. Therefore, God’s blessings are in accordance with His purpose, will and most importantly are given in love. 

On the days that I don’t feel like singing—I know exactly why the song doesn’t come. It’s because I’m pouting and focusing on the unanswered requests, and the blessings that I think I should have. In other words, I’m acting like a brat! Ungrateful for the amazing blessings that God has provided, I’d rather focus on what I didn’t get. Yes, that is acting like an ungrateful spoiled brat! 

To create a positive day, I need stop acting like a brat and change my focus on the fact that God in His love will bless me with only those blessings that are the best for me, and are in accordance with His will and purpose. 

The Noisy Storm

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 92. Here is what I learned.

My eye looks upon those who lie in wait for me; my ears hear the evildoers that rise up against me. Psalm 92:11 (AMP)

When ·I [my eyes] looked, I saw my enemies; I heard the cries of those who ·are against me [rose against me with evil; [he sees and hears the defeat of his enemies]. Psalm 92:11 (EXB)

Where is my focus? Where am I looking? To what am I listening? What I focus on will have a direct impact on my thoughts, actions, attitude. Am I focusing on my enemies and what is happening to them and what they are trying to do to me? Am I listening to their banter and allowing what I hear to impact my faith and trust in God? 

As I read this verse I thought of Peter when the Lord invited him to walk on the water. Peter did fine...until he took his eyes off the Lord and listened to the storm. 

Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then ·command [tell] me to come to you on the water.”Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter left the boat and walked on the water ·to [and came toward] Jesus.  But when Peter saw the wind, he became ·afraid [terrified] and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30 (EXB)

Just because there are those who would like to see me fail and have me doubt God, doesn’t mean I have to listen to them—let alone allow them to change my focus to from God to the noisy storm. Focus. Where am I directing my focus? Do I allow the noisy storm raging around me to distract me from God and His purpose? 

To create a positive day I must not be distracted by the noisy storm that my enemies create, rather, I need to remain focused on God and what He is doing! 

No Regrets!

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.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. Psalm 91:16 (AMP)

I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you. Psalm 91:16 (GW)

"With long life will I satisfy him." The man described in this Psalm fills out the measure of his days, and whether he dies young or old he is quite satisfied with life, and is content to leave it. He shall rise from life's banquet as a man who has had enough, and would not have more even if he could. "And shew him my salvation." The full sight of divine grace shall be his closing vision. He shall look from Amana and Lebanon. Not with destruction before him black as night, but with salvation bright as noonday smiling upon him he shall enter into his rest. Treasury of David

I read an article the other day about interviews of regrets people had as they knew they had a short time to live. The top 5 regrets are:

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself,

not the life others expected of me.

(Bronnie Ware, The Guardian February 1, 2012)

I find it interesting that no-one said that they’d would have loved God more, or served Him more. The regrets listed were all about “me, myself, and I”. Rather than a focus on what matters in light of eternity!

Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. So I run—but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box—but not as if I were just shadow boxing. Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GW).

A truly satisfied life is one that has an eternal purpose—and that is living a life loving and obeying God. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure I live my life so that I have no regrets—according to God’s standards! 

Out of the Pits and Back on Track

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.

That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. Psalm 27:3 (MSG)

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. Psalm 27:3 (NIV)

There’s a old commercial.. “Calgon. Take me away!” The concept was a Mom who is overwhelmed by caring for her family, escapes all the chaos, by taking a bath with calgon soap. 

There are times when I’m overwhelmed, by what’s happening in our Nation, my pain, or just life in general—paying bills, taking care of the home, car, etc. I feel that chaos has taken control and I just want to escape. 

The best place to not just escape, but get a new perspective and be refreshed, is in the house, or presence of God. God first provides peace and calmness. Then once my spirit is calm and at peace, I can then make sense out of the chaos that had so overwhelmed me. 

I think of my 2 different experiences at Chicagoland Speedway, 2012 and 2013. My perspective in 2012 was from the pits. I saw only a small portion of the track, and my main focus was on just one team. Where as in 2013, I perspective was from a higher view point, and I was able to see the entire track and know what was happening, as a whole. Both perspectives offered a good time, and both were exciting. 

In life, so often I get focused on just one problem or one difficulty, I don’t see the bigger picture. I lose sight of what God is doing. I get so focused on the problem, that literally become “stuck in the pits” unable to get moving again. But, if I take the time to enter God presence and spend time with Him, He reminds me that there is still a long race ahead, and that if I just trust Him, He’ll make sense out of the chaos. He will get me out of the “pits and back racing again”. 

To create a positive day, I need to change my perspective and allow God to get me out of the pits and back on track.... moving forward to finish the race! 

My Thoughts will Determine My Actions

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 15. Here is what I learned.

He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:2 (AMP)

Here is the answer: The one who lives with integrity, does what is right, and speaks honestly with truth from the heart. Psalm 15:2 (VOICE)

With our heart. That is, to the speaking of truth, it is necessary our words agree with our mind and thoughts about the thing. We must speak as we think, and our tongues must be faithful interpreters of our mind: otherwise we lie, not speaking as we think. So what is truth in itself may be spoken by a man, and yet he be a liar; namely, if he does not think as he speaks.

With the thing as it is in itself. Though we think a thing to be so, which is not so, we lie, when we affirm it; because it is not as we say, though we really think it is so. Benjamin Bennet's "Christian Oratory," 1728

What I THINK is what I act on. What are my thoughts based on? Are my thoughts simply about making me feel good? Do my thoughts focus on me? What am I thinking about?

First and foremost, I’m to get my thoughts in alignment with God. God is the absolute and He sets the standards. Then I have a responsibility to make sure what I think on is...  “right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.” (Philippians 4:8, GW)

To create a positive day, I have to make the choice to fill my mind with God’s Word, then keep my thoughts on the right track—for my thoughts will determine my actions.