Psalm - Psalm 14

Psalm 14:1The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.

Corrupt: ruin, morally

Abominable: to loathe, ethically, detest

Works: in the sense of effecting; an exploit,  an opportunity -- act(-ion)

None: to be nothing or not exist

Does: accomplish

Good: moral good, good deed (graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness)

A wicked and foolish man truly believes there is no God. They are vile, their sinfulness nauseating to their Creator; their actions are soiled and repulsive; every deed is depraved; not one of them does good. Psalm 14:1 (VOICE)

I've been reading and re-reading this Psalm, especially verse one, for several days. As I read it, I couldn't help but think of the state of our Nation today. The riots, the lawlessness, the lack of a common moral compass - it's unfathomable to believe the simple lack of respect for one another in just the last few months. 

But I also couldn't help but think of how some Christians are acting as well. Some of their attitudes and actions are such that it leads one to think that they too say there is "no God". 

God is the standard by which we must base right and wrong. Just look at the 10 commandments. Simple straightforward rules/laws which prevent chaos and abominable works. 

There is no God. The truth is there is. And one day we each will stand before Him - either as Savior or Judge. 

Proverbs 11:12-15 A Faithful Spirit

He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure. Proverbs 11:12-15

Faithful Spirit. 

Faithful: faithful in spirit (disposition); confirmed, established, sure; to trust or believe, to be quiet

Spirit: being, the will, mind, especially of moral character

What peace, to oneself and to others, a Faithful Spirit provides! The Faithful Spirit knows when to speak and what to say. A Faithful Spirit provides safety to himself and others. 

A Faithful Spirit. 

Today is Thanksgiving. As family and friends get together across the country, there will be many augments and sadly, mean things said. All because wisdom was not invited to be part of the gathering. 

A person full of wisdom, has a Faithful Spirit and brings peace to the gathering. And wisdom begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

I wish you each a Happy Thanksgiving! And may each of you have a Faithful Spirit. 

Want vs Right

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! 

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This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I would have chosen to keep him with me, in order that he might minister to my needs in your stead during my imprisonment for the Gospel’s sake.

But it has been my wish to do nothing about it without first consulting you and getting your consent, in order that your benevolence might not seem to be the result of compulsion or of pressure but might be voluntary [on your part]. Philemon 1:13, 14 (AMP)

What I want vs what I know is right. 

In today's society it's all about what I WANT, rather than what is the right or moral thing to do. We want instant gratification and what feels good at this particular moment. We don't care about consequences or how it may effect others. We only care about ourselves in the here and now. 

Paul could have chosen not to write a letter to Philemon about Onesimus. However, Paul knew that Onesimus returning to Philemon was the right and honest, and more importantly the Christ-like thing to do. 

How often do I do want, what feels good, rather than what I know to be the right thing? How often do I consider the consequences or long-term effects of my actions? 

It's not about what feels good, what I want, or what serves my purpose right now. It's all about—or suppose to be about—doing what is the good, honest and Christ-like thing—doing the RIGHT thing. 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll know what is the right thing, the Christ-like thing to do in each and every circumstance. 

Not Succumb to the Lower Standards

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.

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (NIV)

When the foundations [a stable society] collapse, what can ·good [righteous] people do?” Psalm 11:3 (EXB)

If the foundations be destroyed - These are still to be regarded as the words of the psalmist's advisers; or as an argument why he should make his escape. The word "foundations," here, refers to those things on which society rests, or by which social order is sustained - the great principles of truth and righteousness that uphold society, as the foundations on which an edifice rests uphold the building. The reference is to a destruction of those things in a community, when truth is no longer respected; when justice is no longer practiced; when fraud and violence have taken the place of honesty and honor; when error prevails; when a character for integrity and virtue affords no longer any security. This is supposed to be the case in the circumstances referred to in the psalm, when there was no respect paid to truth and justice, and when the righteous, therefore, could find no security. It is under these circumstances the advice is given Psalm 11:1, that the righteous should seek safety in flight. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The other day I was watching football on TV. I enjoy watching the games, however, I do not enjoy the commercials for the TV shows and movies. Why don’t I like seeing the ads for new shows? Because each new show and movie is simply violence, lying, cheating, stealing, etc. Hollywood seems to think that the further from morals, such as truth, integrity, respect, the shows become the more we like them. There is some truth in that, for those lack morals, do enjoy watching those shows. 

The more we watch shows missing the principles of truth, honesty, respect the more we become desensitized to the violence, gore and lack of morals. The more death we watch on TV or in movies, it desensitized us to what death really is. 

As society as a whole moves farther away from God and His standards, the more the righteous need to get closer to God. Just because “everyone” is doing it (ignoring God and His standards) does not make it right or acceptable. 

To create a positive day, I need to focus my attention on God’s standards and not succumb to the lower standards the World tries to promote as good. 

My Ultimate Hero

 

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 30. Here is what I learned.

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. Psalm 30:1 (AMP)

I will ·praise [exalt] you, Lord, because you ·rescued me [brought me up]. You did not let my enemies ·laugh at [rejoice over] me. Psalm 30:1 (EXB)

"I will exalt thee, for thou hast exalted me." I would render according to the benefit received. The Psalmist's praise was reasonable. He had a reason to give for the praise that was in his heart. He had been drawn up like a prisoner from a dungeon, like Joseph out of the pit, and therefore he loved his deliverer. Grace has uplifted us from the pit of hell, from the ditch of sin, from the Slough of Despond, from the bed of sickness, from the bondage of doubts and fears: have we no song to offer for all this? How high has our Lord lifted us? Lifted us up into the children's place, to be adopted into the family; lifted us up into union with Christ, "to sit together with him in heavenly places." Lift high the name of our God, for he has lifted us above the stars.  The Treasury of David

I’ve been thinking lately about the people our society chooses as “heroes”. The character of a person should be a factor in whether or not a person is worthy of our praise and honor. Yet, our society ignores the moral character and idolizes anyone who they determine should be turned into a celebrity. 

I should be honoring and praising God, for He is worthy of praise, and honor. He is pure, right, just, and holy. I will extol, honor.... celebrate God—because is is truly worthy!

To create a positive day, I need to make sure that my ultimate Hero is God himself, and that I spend time praising Him!