Brighten Up!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11 

Rejoice: to brighten up, cheer up

Put their trust: to flee for protection, refuge

Shout for joy: to give a ringing cry

Defend: to entwine as a screen, hedge in

Love: friend, have affection for

Joyful: to jump for joy, triumph

Trust = cause to brighten up, rejoice

Defend (protection) = reason to shoutout for joy

Love = jump for joy

No matter the circumstances. No matter the politics. No matter the chaos that surrounds you. No matter..... 

Trust in God. God provides a safe place of protection. God is worthy and deserving of our love. 

And in return, we have many reasons to brighten up, and shout for joy, and literally jump for joy! 

I like that meaning, "to brighten up". We all know people who when they walk into a room, bring a feeling of dread. When they walk in, the life is sucked out of the place. 

Just think, if each of us instead, brighten upped the room! When we walk into a place, we bring the joy of the Lord with us. We make others want to jump for joy because of God's goodness! 

There are some people who it's fun to be around. They are encouraging, uplifting and well, joyful. After you have been with those people, and leave, you have a spring in your step. The joy they had spilled over and spread to you! 

To Brighten Up!

Be joyful. Share joy. Brighten up! 

Always Accessible

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 is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men. Psalm 11:4 (AMP)

But the Eternal has not moved; He remains in His holy temple. He sits squarely on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, examining us within and without, exploring every fiber of our beings. Psalm 11:4 (VOICE)

But the Lord is still in his holy temple; he still rules from heaven. He closely watches everything that happens here on earth. Psalm 11:4 (TLB)

The Lord is in his holy temple - Hebrew, "Jehovah is in the temple of his holiness." That is, he is in heaven, regarded as his temple or dwelling-place. This is the answer of the psalmist to the suggestions of his advisers that he should flee from danger. The answer is, in substance, that he had nothing to fear; that he had a protector in heaven; and that he might appeal to Him for defense. The idea is, that God, the protector of the righteous, is always in the heavens; that his throne is always accessible; and that to it the persecuted may come, and may always be safe.

The Lord's throne is in heaven - God is a king, ruling the universe. As such, the seat of his power or dominion is represented as in heaven, where he administers his government. That throne is fixed, and the affairs of his universe will be administered with justice. The righteous, therefore, may hope in his protection, and need not flee when the wicked assail them. The idea here is that of unwavering confidence in God as sitting upon the throne of the universe, and administering its affairs with justice and truth. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

“The idea is, that God, the protector of the righteous, is always in the heavens; that his throne is always accessible; and that to it the persecuted may come, and may always be safe.” 

That sentence is an awesome ponder morsel for today! WOW!

To create a positive day, it’s all about remembering that God is always in the heavens, He’s always accessible and no matter what happens, I’ll be safe! 

Snuggle under the Shadow

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 57. Here is what I learned.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. Psalm 57:1 (AMP)

Mercy. May Your mercy come to me, O God, for my soul is safe within You, the guardian of my life. I will seek protection in the shade of Your wings until the destruction has passed. Psalm 57:1 (VOICE)

Be good to me, God—and now!  I’ve run to you for dear life. I’m hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. Psalm 57:1 (MSG)

Max, my parakeet, reminds me often of the safety God provides. Sometimes, Max is content to set on his cage, as long as he can see me. If I leave the room, Max comes flying looking for me. Sometimes, Max wants to sit on my shoulder and  often falls asleep there.  Other times, Max snuggles close to my hear hiding under my hair. The closeness of Max depends on several things. First, if he’s scared, such as during a thunderstorm (he doesn’t like loud noises). Second, if I’ve been gone, and he’s been left alone for any length of time. And lastly, simply because Max wants to be close to me. 

I know that God is a safe refuge when I’m scared or troubled... but how often do I just want to be near God to be near Him? Thankfully, I can “snuggle under the shadow of God’s wings” just to enjoy God’s love and care. 

To create a positive day, I need to snuggle under the shadow of God’s wings and enjoy His amazing love.

Rest Contented

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 8. Here is what I learned.

I am already in the soft embrace of the Eternal, so why do you beckon me to leave, saying, “Fly like a bird to the mountains. Psalm 11:1 (VOICE)

I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now? Psalm 11:1 (MSG)

I ·trust in the Lord for protection [find refuge in the Lord]. So why do you say to me, “·Fly [Flee] like a bird to your mountain. Psalm 11:1 (EXB)

Safety. Embrace. Happy. 

Yesterday, Max, my parakeet, accompanied me to my Doctor’s appointment. Throughout the office visit, Max sat on my shoulder talking and chatting. The Staff and Doctor went in and out of the door, and Max stayed contented on my shoulder. Why would he fly away, knowing that he was safe and secure on my shoulder? 

Throughout the office visit, Max talked and chatted. His favorite word was “happy”. My Doctored enjoyed Max’s visit, which was evident by her laughter. 

Max was so content and felt at ease on my shoulder, so much so, that he settled down and cleaned his feathers, walked around on my shoulder and chatted happily. Max’s actions displayed his contentment and security. 

I can think of no better place to be than in the arms of God. But there is a difference of being in the arms of God and fighting to be released, to resting and being content in the arms of God. 

Resting contented in the arms of God. I have to say that the past few months, I’ve been doing some fighting to get out of God’s soft embrace. Oh, I didn’t want to leave His embrace, but I was not content on where He “had placed me”. More pain, having to take more medications, struggling with the ‘whys’ of it all.... but thankfully, God didn’t let me break free of His embrace. Resting contented in the arms of God, knowing full well that He knows what He is doing and He has a well designed plan. I’m to simply rest and accept God’s hug. 

To create a positive day, I need to stop struggling and rest contented in the safe and secure arms of God. 

Just Because!

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 61. Here is what I learned.

Let me ·live [sojourn] in your ·Holy Tent [tent; the sanctuary] forever. Let me find ·safety [refuge] in the shelter of your wings [an image of compassion, or perhaps referring to the cherubim whose wings cover the Ark of the Covenant]. ·Selah [Interlude] Psalm 61:4 (EXB)

Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude Psalm 61:4 (NLT)

I will dwell in Your tabernacle forever; let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 61:4 (AMP)

When Max, my parakeet, gets scared he likes to be either of two places, in the corner of his night cage, or on my shoulder snuggles close to my ear. I’ve also learned that Max likes to be on my shoulder when simply wants to be near me. Knowing that I am a “safe refuge” when Max is scared, he also enjoys being near me “just because.”

Knowing that God provides a safe and secure place when I as scared, gives me assurance that I can enjoy His company, “just because”. 

Just because. There are people in my life with whom I enjoy spending time, due to the fact that I feel safe with them, and we have a great time. Often it doesn’t have to be any “reason” to get together.... rather “just because”. 

Just because. I know that I can go to God for compassion, safety, and refuge. But the great truth is, that I can go to God... just because! I don’t have to have any reason, or need. I can enjoy God’s refuge and presence... just because 

To create a positive day, I only have to find refuge and shelter in the presence of God.... and know that I don’t need any other reason... except.. Just Because! 

Take Refuge

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.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. Psalm 91:4 (GW)

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. Psalm 91:4 (VOICE)

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you ·can hide [will find refuge]. His ·truth [faithfulness] will be your shield and ·protection [buckler; a small shield]. Psalm 91:4 (EXB)

The word rendered "buckler" is derived from the verb "to surround," and is given to the defensive armor here referred to, because it "surrounds," and thus "protects" a person. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Max, my parakeet, has taught me many things over the years. One thing, I’ve noticed that there are times he wants to sit on my shoulder and snuggle as close as he can to my neck, and hide under my hair. Sometimes, it’s when something scares him, such as a thunderstorm or the hawk. Sometimes, when people who he doesn’t know visit. Sometime, he just wants to snuggle to snuggle. 

Psalm 91:4 describes God’s love and protection for us. 

Sometimes we want a refuge because of a storm. Sometimes we want a refuge because of the unknown. Sometimes we want a refuge because we simply want security. Sometimes we want a refuge because we want to feel loved. 

And God is there surrounding us with His steadfast and loving arms... whatever the reason we need His protection. 

To create a positive day, I only need to take refuge under the wings of the Almighty God and rest in His protection and love. 

On Guard Duty!

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.

For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. Psalm 91:11 (AMP)

He has ·put his angels in charge of [commanded his angels/messengers concerning] you to ·watch over [keep; guard] ·you wherever you go [all your ways]. Psalm 91:11 (EXB)

Guard: keep, preserve, protect.

Guard: protector Synonyms: bouncer, chaperon, chaperone, defender, escort, guardian, lookout, sentinel, sentry,  shield, ward, watch, watchperson, escort, superintend, supervise, tend, keeper, watchdog.

The Ministry of Angels as employed by God.

1. Official: "he shall give," etc.

2. Personal: "over thee."

3. Constant, "in all thy ways."

The Treasury of David

We have the safeguard of the empire; not only the protection of the King, from which the wicked as outlaws are secluded; but also the keeping of angels, to whom he hath given a charge over us, to keep us in all his ways. So nearly we participate of his divine things, that we have his own guard royal to attend us.  Thomas Adams. 

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee." Not one guardian angel, as some fondly dream, but all the angels are here alluded to. They are the bodyguard of the princes of the blood imperial of heaven, and they have received commission from their Lord and ours to watch carefully over all the interests of the faithful. When men have a charge they become doubly careful, and therefore the angels are represented as bidden by God himself to see to it that the elect are secured. It is down in the marching orders of the hosts of heaven that they take special note of the people who dwell in God. It is not to be wondered at that the servants are bidden to be careful of the comfort of their Master's guests; and we may be quite sure that when they are specially charged by the Lord himself they will carefully discharge the duty imposed upon them. "To keep thee in all thy ways." To be a body-guard, a garrison to the body, soul, and spirit of the saint. The limit of this protection "in all thy ways" is yet no limit to the heart which is right with God. It is not the way of the believer to go out of his way. He keeps in the way, and then the angels keep him. The protection here promised is exceeding broad as to place, for it refers to all our ways, and what do we wish for more? How angels thus keep us we cannot tell. Whether they repel demons, counteract spiritual plots, or even ward off the subtler physical forces of disease, we do not know. Perhaps we shall one day stand amazed at the multiplied services which the unseen bands have rendered to us. The Treasury of David

As I have surgery today, what an awesome comfort to know that I have God’s angels standing guard! WOW! What an amazing thought. Not only is God on watch (Psalm 121), and God is noticing me (Psalm 33), but God has give His angels charge over me—they are on guard duty!

To create a positive day, I only need to be doing what God wants me to do... and rest in the fact that God’s angels will be on guard duty!

Fear Eraser

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 Twentieth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 27. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)

The Lord is my lightening, and mine health; whom shall I dread? The Lord is defender of my life; for whom shall I tremble [for whom shall I quake]? Psalm 27:1 (WYC)

Light: as source enlightenment & prosperity; light & salvation; from the word meaning “God Himself-He is Light”.

Salvation: deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare.

Fear: be afraid of. 

Is the defense: a place or means of safety, protection, stronghold, from the word meaning to take or seek refuge.

Dread: be in dread, trembling fear, be in the state of fear, dread. 

FACT: God, of deity Yahweh, is the absolute light; the very source of life and light. In contrast to darkness. Physical darkness, or “being in the dark”, not knowing can create fear. I need to recognize that God is Light, Himself, and therefore, there is nothing to fear. God is in control.  

FACT: Because God is in control and my source of life and light, is there anyone of whom I should be afraid? God is the ALMIGHTY. No one compares to Him. Therefore, there isn’t anyone I need to be afraid of, or fear.

FACT: Yahweh is the not only provides a place of security, but a means of safety and protection. I need to understand that when I  am afraid I can find security and rest in God. 

FACT: Fear is real. Fear is powerful. Being so afraid that one trembles, or dreads something so much it causes physical reactions, is a reality. 

FACT: If I truly believe that God is the very source of light and life, that He is in control, that He is the Almighty God, then there is no one, or thing, of which I need to be afraid. I have a safe place to go and find peace. 

To create a positive day, I need to remember that circumstances, people, things, do not have the power that God has. God is my security. God is my safe haven. God is my “fear eraser”.

Certainty in Uncertain World

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 Eighth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 90. Here's what Treasure I found today. 

Psalm 90, written by Moses, and is similar to the Song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-21. Most commentators believe that Psalm 90 was written when the Israelites were released from Egypt. 

I found much comfort in Psalm 90:1. Taking a deeper look into this verse, this is what I learned.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

Lord: Adonay, spoken as a display of reverence

You: You and You alone

Have been/throughout all generations: displays the eternality of God. He was, He is, He always will be. Also shows that God never left His people. He was always present. 

Our dwelling place: the abode of His people. The dwelling place, habitation. A refuge. 

Think of the contrast of wandering the wilderness after leaving Egypt, to having a safe, secure place to rest. That’s what Moses is praying in Psalm 90. Just as Moses knew that God was the one constant unchanging factor in His life, I too can have that same relationship.  No matter what is happening in the World, my neighborhood, or my life, I have a God who is my dwelling place. A safe haven. A resting place. A place of security. 

Where am I dwelling? Am trying to create a safe dwelling place via the money I have in the bank? Am I trying to create a security to a good future, by making sure I have all the latest gadgets? If that is where I’m dwelling, than I am building a false security—a dwelling place built out of straws, so to speak—feeble and frail. 

God, You and You alone, are where I find ultimate rest and security. You’ve been around since BEFORE the Earth I live on was created-by You. You will be around LONG after the Earth disappears. Only in You can I have true security and true rest and safety. 

If I want to create a positive day, I cannot focus on the uncertainties of life. I need to remember that God is in control. He loves me. If I find myself fearful of what MAY happen, then I need to change my focus. To create a positive day as I live in this World, I need to remember that God is my refuge, my shelter, my sanctuary. He is a constant that never changes. God is my certainty in an uncertain world, and that is why I can create a positive day.