Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:29

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. 29: Provides Understanding

Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. Psalm 119:29

Remove from me - Take it from me; cause it to depart; let me not be under its influence or power.
The way of lying - Every false, deceitful, hypocritical way. We are not to suppose that the psalmist was addicted to lying, but that he felt he was, like all people, in danger of acting from false views, from wrong motives, or under the influence of delusion and deceit. 
And grant me thy law graciously - The knowledge of thy law; grace to obey thy law. The single word rendered “grant graciously” is a word which implies the idea of mercy or favor. It was not a thing which he claimed as a right; it was that for which he was dependent on the mercy of God.Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

"False News" is the buzz word of the day. But what really is "false news"? Is it news which we disagree? Is it news that shocks us? What is the determining factor that classifies news as false? 

The way of lying seems to be the way of life. People say whatever they want, if it promotes their cause, or justifies their actions. Oh, it doesn't matter if it's not based on facts—as no one check to see if it's true if it sounds good. 

However, God has set the standard. And "False" anything is not just an opinion, it's lying! We need to stop justifying sin and call it what it is. They only way to know the truth is to study the facts—and that begins with God's Word.

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:26, 27

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. 26, 27: Provides Knowledge

I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.

Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. Psalm 119:26, 27

Meditate: commune, declare, muse, pray, speak, talk with, to ponder
Wonderful: to be surpassing or extraordinary

The more I understand who God is and learn of what He commands, I am not only to act in obedience, but I should be in awe of His extraordinary accomplishments. The more I ponder who God is and all He's done, then my heart is prepared to act in obedience to Him.

Learn. Understand. Meditate. Act. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:18

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. 18: Provides Perception

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Open: denude, uncover

See:  look intently at, to regard with pleasure, have respect

Wondrous: to be surpassing, extraordinary 

Law: Torah, precept or statute

How often do I read Scripture, with my eyes covered? Covered by my ideas of what Scripture should mean. Covered by my limited understanding of a holy God. Covered by my selective memory and opinion. Covered by my circumstances. Covered by my sin. 

How often do I read Scripture with a prayer that my eyes would be "denude" so that I can see God's Truth? How often do I read scripture looking intently with respect at what God says? 

How often do I see God's extraordinary, surpassing anything I could image..... truth in Scripture? 

How often, when I do see an extraordinary truth, do I let it impact my life? 

My prayer...... Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Psalm 119:18 My Prayer

Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.Psalm 119:18 NKJV

Open: denude, uncover

See: look intently at, to regard with pleasure, have respect

Wondrous: to be surpassing, extraordinary

Law: Torah, precept or statute

How often do I read Scripture, with my eyes covered? Covered by my ideas of what Scripture should mean. Covered by my limited understanding of a holy God. Covered by my selective memory and opinion. Covered by my circumstances. Covered by my sin.

How often do I read Scripture with a prayer that my eyes would be "denude" so that I can see God's Truth? How often do I read scripture looking intently with respect at what God says?

How often do I see God's extraordinary, surpassing anything I could image..... truth in Scripture?

How often, when I do see the extraordinary truth, do I let it impact my life?

My prayer...... Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Thanks Living: Companionship

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7

Be anxious: to be troubled with cares, distracted, take thought

Nothing: not even one, absolutely not one

Everything: every condition or in every matter, anything whatsoever

Prayer: earnest prayer addressed to God

Supplication: feel pressing need because of lack; hence, to make urgent appeal; to have deep personal need causing one to beseech (make earnest, specific request)

With: association and companionship; the same relations of participation

Thanksgiving: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)

Requests: a thing asked

Make known: be brought to the knowledge of

To: respect, which is the destination of the relation

God: the Creator and owner of all things

And: moreover, even, indeed

Peace: quietness, rest

God: the Creator and owner of all things

Surpasses: superior, superiority, excellency, higher, supreme

All: part(s) of a totality

Understanding: the intellective faculty, the understanding

Will guard: to mount guard as a sentinel; to hem in, protect—keep (with a garrison)

Hearts: the center and seat of spiritual life, "the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors"

Mind: thoughts and purposes; the intellect

Through: as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within)

Christ Jesus: the Anointed One; His human name, as the incarnate, eternal Son of God

Association and Companionship.

With the same earnest compassion as when I make an urgent appeal to God—I am to give thanks to God. The earnest prayer expressing my need is to always be in the companionship of thanksgiving. 

Where the is a pressing need, anxiety becomes overwhelming, for we become consumed with the pressing need. However, when that need is shared with God along with thanksgiving to God, then God's peace becomes supreme diminishing the anxiety. 

Requests should always be in the companionship of thanksgiving. For when thoughts are directed from the urgent pressing need to thanking God for who He is, then things are put back into their proper perspective. And when one can see the situation from God's perspective, then peace overwhelms the anxiety. 

Companionship. 

God wants to hear our urgent pressing needs! But we must always make sure that we keep the companionship intact—request/thanksgiving. Thanks Living is truly understanding (and practicing) the companionship of crying out and thanksgiving. 

Proverbs 8:1-3: Wisdom is SHOUTING! Are you listening?

Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:

Proverbs 8:1-3

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Understanding: intelligence; by implication, discretion, reason, skillfulness

Takes her stand: station oneself for definite purpose

At the highest peak, where the travelers can see her

Cries out: verb give a ringing cry

She is at the entrance to the city, where everyone must pass by. She is making herself known. She is available. 

Wisdom is out in the open where everyone can see and have access and she is SHOUTING—HEY, LISTEN UP! 

Wisdom is SHOUTING—trying to get our attention! Perhaps today, wisdom would be using Twitter, Facebook, TV, Aps to SHOUT her message. 

No matter how loud Wisdom shouts, too often we drown out the advice with our sounds of ignorance and foolishness. Too often we turn to the "doctors" on TV, or advice from strangers with their 140 character limit on Twitter. We'd rather hear what sounds good, rather than the truth that wisdom has to offer. 

Wisdom is SHOUTING, trying to get our attention! She is easily accessible. Yet, we continue to ignore her. 

To have ears ready to hear and give my attention to wisdom, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And having a reverence for God, will not only give me a desire to hear wisdom, listen to the advice wisdom gives. 

Wisdom is SHOUTING! Are you listening?

Proverbs 7:6-27: "Nothing good happens after midnight."

You can read Proverbs 7:6-27 here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7%3A6-27&version=NKJV

Devoid: lacking, has less of, failing, in want of, in need of

Understanding: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

"Nothing good happens after midnight." In this passage there is a young man, who is out wandering the streets late at night. He has no wisdom, for is he did, he would not be out wandering the streets. He is an easy target for trouble. 

He is void, empty of understanding. He is were he should not be. And what does he find? Temptation. 

Too often temptation finds us when we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, even if we are exactly where we are to be, doing what we are to be doing.... Satan still temps us. What should we do when we find ourselves being tempted to sin? Is there a way out? Is it really possible to "pass by the harlot, and ignore the temptation." 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God isfaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Pastor Nathan Osborne, III shared what to do when temptation comes.

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

• 1. Pray out loud. (Draw near, submit to God.) Talk to God. Tell Him what is happening. Tell Him you are being tempted and need His help. Cry out to God! 

• 2. Quote Scripture out loud. (Resist the devil.) Any Scripture. God's Word. (This is one reason why memorizing Bible verses is important!)

• 3. Change your position. (Devil will flee.) Leave the room. Turn off the computer, phone, tablet, TV, music, etc. Get up and MOVE. Get away from the area of temptation! 

Too often we place ourselves in the position to be tempted. We go searching for something to replace wisdom. We listen to the flattering words and smooth talking. We justify in our minds that we deserve to feel good. We have earned it. We have freedom to enjoy. 

Sadly, we learn too late that after giving into temptation we are still empty, and left searching for something to fill the void. The smooth talking just doesn't sound to good anymore, for we have learned the truth—no matter how good it sounds, it is sin. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." And nothing good happens when we ignore wisdom and go searching for something else. A heart is permeated with a deep sense reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), is the strongest foundation for resisting temptation. That's where the desire to submit to God and resist the devil begins. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." Yet, even in the darkness of temptation, God is still there and willing to help you resist the temptation. 

Proverbs 7:4, 5: Inner Circle

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. Proverbs 7: 4, 5

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Sister: figurative of intimate connection

Understanding: the object of knowledge

Nearest kin: intimate friend

Keep: preserve, protect

Immoral: A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, stranger, profane

Seductress: something strange, i.e. unexpected calamity -- strange; harlot

Fatters: smooth talker

Words: speech

Who is in my inner circle? Who do I allow into my thoughts? Who do I spend time with getting to know? Whose company do I enjoy? Who do I allow to give me advice? 

In Proverbs 7:4, 5 there are two choices. Wisdom and the Flatterer. Wisdom gives sound honest advice. The Flatterer simply says what we want to hear, and offers wrong and misleading advice. 

Who is in my inner circle? Wisdom and understanding should be! However, since we all like to hear good things, the easy way out, and things that make us feel good—too often we exchange Wisdom for the Flatterer. 

Remember, Proverbs is all about the VERBS. If I want wisdom to remain in my inner circle, so that wisdom can help me make the right decisions in life, and bring the joys that God has planned—I must remember the VERBS. I must not only "say" but "DO". I can't just say, "Wisdom you are in my inner circle." And then ignore the advice, wise counsel and instruction wisdom gives me. 

Who is in my inner circle? Who am I listening to? Who is giving me advice? 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, then I will not only "say", but I will allow Wisdom to be in my inner circle. 

Who is in your inner circle? Who are you listening to? Who is giving you advice? 

Proverbs 4:5-7: All-out Effort

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. and in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:5-7

Get: by implication to own -- attain 

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Understanding: the faculty (an ability, natural or acquired, for a particular kind of action)

Do not forget: cause to forget, to be oblivious of

Turn away: to bend away (including moral deflection)

Forsake: be remote, absent, depart

Perserve: keep, watch, guard, protect

Love: beloved like, friend, to have affection for

Keep: guard from dangers, preserve

Principal: absolute chief, the first, in place, time, order or rank

Understanding: discernment

As I read these verses, I couldn't help but picture a football game. The intense desire of the teams to "get the ball" to "get the touchdown". Offense and Defense want that ball — and all the effort is directed to getting it! Offense has the ball, and what they do with it, is key if they want to keep it and score. Defense is in an all-out effort to get that ball either by causing a fumble, interception, or taking over on downs. All-out effort is put forth in "getting". 

Do I put forth the same effort in getting Wisdom? Do I get an all-out effort to get the treasure of Wisdom? 

And once I get wisdom, what do I do with it? Do I use it, or do I hide in the locker room? Having wisdom is one thing, but using the understanding of wisdom is a different level of play. It's using wisdom to direct my life. Wisdom should be a good friend, whom I want to have beside me throughout life. No matter what comes, wisdom will be there to direct and guard me.

Wisdom should be the first and foremost thing which I desire and strive to get, and it should have first place in my life. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and that begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31MSG). 

All-out effort. First and foremost. Get Wisdom. It will change your life! 

Proverbs 3: 19, 20: Wisdom, Understanding, and the Power of God!

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3: 19, 20

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

Wisdom: ethical and religious: of God, as a divine attribute or energy

Founded: establish

Earth: land, water

Understanding: the act of discernment

Established: set up, fashion, fixed

Heavens: sky

Knowledge: perception, skill

Depths: deep, of subterranean waters

Broken up: rent open

Clouds: sky

Drop down: trickle, drip

Dew: night-mist

The things that can be done with wisdom and understanding..... and the power of God! A few days ago the world stopped to view the Super Moon. I continue to be awe as God displays His power and wonderful aspects of creation. Near the Castle,  is a road that has a beautiful display of flowers. Each time I approach that specific intersection, I thank God that He chose to create in living color. 

The Lord BY wisdom founded the earth. He knew exactly what was needed in order for His creation, including man, to survive and enjoy life on Earth. He provides rivers and lakes and vast oceans, and also the nightly dew to nurrish the Earth. 

The sky this morning was just a magnificent mix of cloud types and shades of pinks and blues. Beautiful craftsmanship on display as the sun rose creating a spectacular sunrise. And each morning the sunrise is a bit different but still each is beautiful. Wisdom, Understanding, and the power of God = spectacular results! 

Wisdom and understanding and the power of God—that same that was used to Create the World,  is available to each of us! Now that is awe-inspiring! Think about it. 

In order to fully take advantage of the wisdom, understanding the power of God, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And when I have a fear and respect of God, then my heart and mind is open to the wisdom, understanding and power God wants to provide. 

Wisdom, Understanding, and the power of God = spectacular results!

Proverbs 3:13: Finds

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; Proverbs 3:13

Happy: how happy! -- blessed

Finds: to attain to; to find thing sought

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Gains: bring out, elicit, obtain

Understanding: the object of knowledge

Searching for something and when you find it that wonderful feeling of success! Even more exhilarating that finding that thing, is finding wisdom and putting the wisdom into practice. 

Finds, to attain to to find the thing sought. Before you can find something, first you must decide what you are after. Then you have to be willing to seek it. And once you find it, take possession of it. 

I like to know why. I like to know how things work. I like to learn. The key to wisdom is the desire to know and learn and be willing to search for wisdom. And the great thing about that... is that we know the source of wisdom so that narrows down our search area. We can go directly to God Himself who is the Creator of all—the very source of wisdom. 

We know where to look—God. The next is having that desire to look. The motivation to find, attain wisdom and understanding. That begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

And as we gain wisdom, we must put into practice the knowledge and understanding. Live our lives in accordance to what we learn. 

And the end result is true happiness that is not base on how we feel, but rather based on the wisdom and knowledge of Almighty God. 

Finds. What is that thing which you are seeking? If you are looking for true happiness, then begin seeking wisdom. 

Proverbs 2:10, 11: When

When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, Proverbs 2:10, 11

When: that, in order that

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Enters: associate with, bring for a purpose

Heart: mind with reference to knowledge

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

Pleasant: delightful, lovely, delight

Soul: intellect and feelings

Discretion:power of devising

Perserve: keep, guard

Understanding: discernment, reasonings

Keep:Guard from dangers

Here is another example of cause/effect. WHEN wisdom Enters = knowledge is accepted, followed by discretion and understanding. 

So often we want to jump to UNDERSTANDING without Wisdom. Yet, Wisdom must be present to fully grasp the knowledge, discretion, and understanding. It's a logical order. 

When—that means that there is a time and that it's not a given, meaning that we can ignore Wisdom. That's sad on our part. Why would we want to ignore something which God want to give me? Why would we want to ignore wisdom so that we can have knowledge,  discretion, and understanding? Why? 

Simply put, because we are arrogant (and that comes from a sinful heart). When we think we know it all and say that we know better than God Almighty—wow. Yet, looking around many are doing just that today. The question is—am I allowing Wisdom to enter my heart? 

WHEN, Wisdom enters there is a specific purpose—it lays the foundation for knowledge,  discretion, and understanding.

Remember is all about the VERBS—so WHEN will I allow wisdom to ENTER? When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when I respect and fear God, my heart is open—for the WHEN—and Wisdom enters! 

Proverbs 2:6: Go to the Source

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

Gives: give personally, deliver, bestow upon, grant a request

Wisdom: ethical and religious, of God, as a divine attribute or energy

Knowledge: knowledge possessed by God

Understanding: discernment, the faculty

The source of wisdom is the Lord—Yahweh, God Almighty. He GIVES—wow, think about that for a moment. God Almighty, the Creator of all, who is omniscient—gives us personally, grants us, Wisdom! There is no better source! 

FROM God come knowledge and understanding. God not only gives wisdom, but also gives knowledge and the understanding (discernment) for applying it to life. 

As I read this verse, I get stuck on the verb, GIVES. God personally will give me wisdom. He wants to give it to me. He wants me to know Him and His will. He wants me to know what's best for me. GIVES. No bartering. No pay-back. No loaning. God GIVES. 

Once I accept God's wisdom, then I'll want the knowledge and discernment that God also provides. God gives the complete package! 

If I truly want wisdom, than I must begin at the true source of wisdom—God. For the best place to get wisdom is from the source! And if I am going to accept God's wisdom, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), in order to accept it and apply it. 

Do you want wisdom? Then go to the Source! He will give it to you! 

Proverbs 1:5: Hear, Increase and Attain.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV)

The VERBS in Proverbs 1:5 are Hear, Increase and Attain. 

Hear: hear with attention, interest, listen to

Increase: add strength = grow stronger; be joined, added to

Attain: acquire, procure, get

A WISE man (wise, ethically and religiously) — as a wise learner in school of wisdom hears and increases in learning.

So in order to be WISE, I must hear with attention and interest. Not let the information go in one ear and out the other. PAY ATTENTION to what is being taught. 

I must increase, add and grow, in learning (as personal acquirement; concrete, what is received). PERSONAL acquirement. I have to receive it and make it mine. Concrete it becomes solid, and that provides a good foundation to build upon. 

Man of understanding — be intelligent, discreet, discerning (Proverbs 1:2). In order to be intelligent I must ATTAIN—get, acquire wise counsel. Wise Counsel: "Originally of rope-pulling, i.e. steering, directing a ship." With wise counsel direction is given and you are steered in the right path. 

Hear. Increase. Attain. Each of these verbs are specific to growing in wisdom. I must first be willing to HEAR—with interest—and then INCREASE learning—receive it make it mine to build a strong foundation—and then I'll be willing to  ATTAIN wise counsel—following the direction of godly advice. 

Yet none of those actions will be possible if my heart is not permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For unless my heart is soft and pliable I will not be willing to hear, increase, or attain. 

What Do I Pray? Part 2

[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 (AMP)

"that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding" (AMP)

"rich in their ·understanding [ assurance of understanding]" (EXB)

There is a progression in this prayer that Paul has for the Colossians. First, that they be comforted and encouraged as they are knit together in the God's love. Once that foundation is laid, then each person can then come to a clear insightful understanding accompanied with blessings of understanding of the Gospel. 

Clear insight. Abounding wealth and blessings—not based on things but rather based on a solid foundation of understanding the saving grace of God. 

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to withstand the storms of everyday life.

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to have discernment of Truth.

• Only with a solid foundation is it possible to enjoy fellowship and friendship with God. 

What a great prayer to pray for others, that they will may have abounding wealth and blessing of assurance of the saving grace of God! Wow! 

And understanding of conviction starts with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

My Hope

To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory. Colossians 1:27 (AMP)

Christ is my hope. Not just for after I die, but rather my every day hope. A hope that should be very clearly manifested in my life. 

Manifested: readily perceived by the eye or the understanding; evident; obvious; apparent; plain. 

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (AMP)

[For] If you ·use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want [ live according to the flesh], you will ·die spiritually [ die]. But if you ·use the Spirit’s help to [ by the Spirit] ·stop doing the wrong things you do with [put to death the deeds of] your body, you will ·have true life [ live]. Romans 8:13 (EXB)

Christ within me not only do I have Hope, but the power to live a godly life. But living a godly life manifesting the hope of Christ, is only possible if I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Intimate Understanding

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 ninth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 100. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. Psalm 100:3 (GNT)

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3 (AMP)

Realize that the Lord alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care. Psalm 100:3 (GW)

Know: comprehend, consider, discern, discover, perceive, have respect, understand, be aware.

Know ye what God is in himself, and what he is to you. Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Know God. How do I get to know God almighty? One place to begin is Proverbs 6:16-19., it tells me what the Lord hates. He hates these things because they are against His very nature, His character, who He is. 

There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate: • A proud look, • a lying tongue, • hands that kill innocent people, • a mind that thinks up wicked plans, • feet that hurry off to do evil, • a witness who tells one lie after another, • and someone who stirs up trouble among friends.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (GNT)

Knowing God means that I not only learn who He is, but act on that knowledge. The more I get to know God, the richer my life will be. For as I get to know God, that knowledge (should) will change my heart, my mind, my attitude, and my actions. “Knowledge has power.” But more than that knowledge produces an intimate understanding of an Almighty God. 

Getting to know God, understanding who He is, creates a deeper love and respect for Him, and that intimate understanding of who God is creates a positive day!

Incomprehensible

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 4. Here is what I learned.

Tremble and do not sin. Think about this on your bed and remain quiet. Selah Psalm 4:4 (GW)

Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds. Psalm 4:4 (GNT)

Be angry [or stand in awe] and sin not; commune with your own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 4:4 (AMP)

Tremble: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fret, provoke, quake, rage, shake, trouble, be wroth.

Not: nay, neither, never, no, nor, not, nothing, rather than.

Sin: always against God, absolute; to miss, trespass.

Think: meditate, commune, consider, declare, desire.

Heart: inner man, mind, will, understanding.

Be still: be silent, cease, hold peace, quiet self.

Bed: place of lying, couch; act of lying, reclining. 

Selah: pause.

Why is it when something happens we immediate get angry and blame God? Perhaps if we had a right perspective on what God is doing, or better yet had a proper understanding of Who God is, our reaction would not be that of blaming God or going against God. 

In our finite minds who are we to think we can fully understand God and what His plan is? We are not that mighty or smart! When we don’t understand God’s actions or what we may deem as lack of action, it’s time to step back and pause. Take time to meditate and consider Who God is. It’s time to be silent. Time to be still and stop trying to figure out what God is doing. God doesn’t need our approval for His actions. 

“Stand in awe, and sin not.” If ye be angry, and if ye think ye have cause to be angry; do not let your disaffection carry you to acts of rebellion against both God and your king. Consider the subject deeply before you attempt to act. Do nothing rashly; do not justify one evil act by another: sleep on the business; converse with your open heart upon your bed; consult your pillow. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

It’s time to have a healthy fear of God. Time to consider that God has a specific purpose and plan that is far greater than we can comprehend. In stead of blaming God, it’s time to spend time getting to know God, and trust Him. 

To create a positive day, I don’t need to understand what God is doing, rather I need to trust God and allow Him to work... even if it is incomprehensible to me.  

F = W = GU = D = PxEE

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 111. Here is what I learned.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God’s guiding principles. His praise continues forever. Psalm 111:10 (GW)

Fear: reverence, inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe, put in fearful reverence.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Beginning: chiefest, the first, in place, time, order or rank, forefront.

Wisdom: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.

Good: to be pleasing, be (do) better, beautiful, best, better.

Understanding: prudence, insight, good sense, discretion, knowledge, wisdom, wise.

Have all (is shown): to complete -- (make) perfect, in all manner.

Do (follow): accomplish, exercise, commit, observe, be occupied, yield,

Praise: adoration, thanksgiving.

Endures (continues): abide, dwell, establish,  be employed, remain.

Forever: perpetuity, eternity, everlasting, old, perpetually.

F = W = GU = D = PxEE

There are several parts to this equation: 

F: Fear. This an action required of me. I am to be in awe and put in fear of God Almighty.

W: Wisdom. Fear of God equals wisdom, to be wise.

GU: Good Understanding. The best insight wisdom (based upon the fear of God).

D: Doing. The wisdom and understanding produces action.

PxEE: Praise Endures Eternity: The action produced by the wisdom and understanding is praise, adoration which endures for all eternity. 

Action ultimately produces eternal action! My responsibility is to FEAR God Almighty. That fear of God will result in wisdom and understanding of His will and since I fear God, I’ll want to DO His will and thus will worship Him with my praise and adoration for all eternity. 

Actions speak louder than words. I can say that I fear God. But if I’m not living my life in accordance to God’s Word, am I really fearing God Almighty? If my actions aren’t reflecting my fear of God, than I need to stop and go back to the beginning—fearing God. That begins with knowing Who God is. When I realize Who God is, that should produce a fear of God. For although God is love, He is also holy, just, supreme, righteous, merciful, all-powerful, all-knowing, absolute truth, and faithful... and the list continues.

Fearing God is the first step to wisdom and understanding, and that first step leads to doing God’s will, and that leads to praising God. The equation to creating a positive day is: F = W = GU = D = PxEE!

God Hears

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 Second of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 4. Here's what Treasure I found today. 

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness. You have freed me from my troubles. Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! Psalm 4:1 (God’s Word)

Answer me when I call, O my God Who is right and good! You have made a way for me when I needed help. Be kind to me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (New Life Version)

It’s a treasure to know that I can call upon God... who is righteous.

God of my righteousness - Whatever pardon, peace, holiness, or truth I possess, has come entirely from thyself. Thou art the God of my salvation, as thou art the God of my life. (Clark’s Commentary)

God is the deliverer from troubles. When feeling confined and need a way to escape, God will provide that way. And this is not based upon me or what I have done, rather based upon God’s righteousness.

At times, I don’t “feel” like I’ve been “delivered”.. what then? I think it goes to a change of attitude and understanding. Remember, this is about GOD and WHO HE IS. It’s about His plan and what He wants to accomplish. 

This makes me think of Joseph. He was put into a pit, sold into slavery by his brothers, endured false imprisonment for at LEAST 2 years... but all the while... God was with Him. God’s plan for Joseph was about providing for His people. 

Jacob’s sons [The patriarchs] became jealous of Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and ·saved [rescued; delivered] him from all his ·troubles [afflictions]. God gave Joseph ·wisdom to gain the favor of [favor and wisdom before] Pharaoh, king of Egypt. The king made him governor of Egypt and put him in charge of ·all the people in his palace [his whole household]. Acts 7:9-10 (EXB)

The truth is that God, because of His grace and mercy, does hear my prayer for help. He is kind to me and will answer my prayer.....but in His ultimate loving way. And that truth is why, no matter my circumstance, I can enjoy a positive day!