God’s Goodness

In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness. (Hos 3:5b NLT)

To be in awe of something means to be afraid, tremble, or to be so alarmed—even to the point of shaking in fear. Everything God does is good, but His goodness can be overpowering, particularly when it is clearly unearned.

God’s goodness is on display every minute of every day, but clearly, in the last days God will be performing such amazing miracles that the vast majority of people will not be able to ignore it any longer. The Lord will make sure that His acts will be center stage before the nations.

The Lord is called the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), and peace provides the tranquil environment needed for healing of all illnesses—mental, physical, and relational. Healing is only one of God’s many good gifts to mankind.

Consider these truths from the Word of God:

God’s goodness gives us hope (Ps 27:13)
God’s goodness prevails continually (Ps 52:1)
His goodness leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4)
We are told to consider (meditate upon) God’s goodness (Rom 11:22a)
God takes pleasure in His goodness (2 Thes 1:11)

The first usage of the word “good” in the Bible (Gen 1:3-4) establishes the fact that God is origin of everything that is good. When God moves, speaks, or acts, something GOOD is always produced.

The goodness of God contains no darkness or evil of any kind. (Ps 5:4; 1 John 1:5 AMP)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (Jas 1:17)

It’s time to reflect upon and rejoice in the goodness of the living God, whom we serve.

Drive Out All Fear

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Ps 34:4)

To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear . . . (Lk 1:74)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 Joh 4:18)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Rom 8:15)

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Heb 2:14-15)

Fear does not come from God; it comes from hell. Fear involves bondage and torment. Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly. (Joh 10:10) He has delivered us from all fear through His salvation.

The Scriptures tell us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but rather He gave us the Holy Spirit—who testifies to us that God is our Father! Allow yourself to have an encounter with the powerful, never-ending, love of God, the Father! Search out and meditate upon the many Bible verses that discuss God’s love for us. God bless you.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:5) God’s perfect love for each one of us actually drives out fear (1 Joh 4:18) so meditating upon and coming to an understanding of God’s unchanging love for you is crucial to living a good and abundant life.

Work is God’s Gift

This statement may shock you or surprise you: Work is a gift from God!

And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. (Eccl 5:19 NLT)

Our work is a blessing to us because through it, we receive finances, satisfaction, and fulfillment. We use our skills and talents to carry out our work, and we should actually enjoy making use of these talents.

The Bible shows us many, many passages that demonstrate that God, Himself, works. Here are a few of those passages:

All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider His doing. (Ps 64:9)

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. (Ps 66:5)

I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. (Ps 77:12)

In life, as we pursue an education, it is for the purpose of building skills, becoming trained, and uncovering our gifts and talents. The more skilled and talented that we become, the more that we gain self-esteem, as well as a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In this way, we are happy to acknowledge that we have contributed something good to the world.

When we work to a high level of skill and excellence, we bring glory to God and honor to His name. When we work with a sense of joy and eagerness to discover solutions, we improve the environment of our workplaces. In cooperating with and respecting our co-workers, we quietly acknowledge that we’re all made in God’s image.

In such ways, we can contribute the love of God to those with whom we work, and thereby find favor in God’s eyes.

Pursue What is Good

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (15) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (1 Thes 5:14-15)

Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34:14)

Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isa 1:17)

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)

Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. (1 Pet 3:11)

These passages from God’s Word remind us that we’re advised to chase, track, or hunt “good.” What do you think that God means by that? We understand the concept of chasing or pursuing something, but what exactly does God really mean by saying that we should hunt what is good?

I believe that God is saying that we should seek what is inherently or innately good. We should seek to do good for other people; and desire what is best for ourselves, our families, and our friends. The Bible says that we should ALWAYS pursue what is good. This indicates a level of energy and consistency that most of us do not undertake.

Connecting with this truth effectively so that we actually exemplify loving one another is an outworking of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.” (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; 22:39; Rom 13:8) Remember, too, that God blesses our obedience.

He also blesses us when we look for and are thankful for all of the good that actually exists in our lives on a moment-by-moment, ongoing, and daily basis. He wants us to see (recognize) the good, to recognize Him in it, and to glorify Him for it.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Ps 27:13)

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Ps 34:8)

In others words, He doesn’t wants us to be fault-finders, criticizers and complainers; but rather, He desires a people filled with love, peace, and a thankful heart!

What About Prosperity?

Did you realize that the Bible has a lot to say about prosperity? Do you understand that God intends for His people to prosper? Here are a handful of Scriptures on the topic:

Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. (Ps 25:12-13)

Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces. (Ps 122:7)

His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. ³ Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. (Ps 112:2-3)

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. (Pro 13:22)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)

These precious promises from God’s Word are a gift to each and every believer. Trust God to bless you and to bless all of the work of your hands. (Deut 16:15) The Lord will cause you to increase and to be blessed. (Deut 28:4; Isa 51:2)

Our Father God is the only One who has the power to bless you and to cause you to prosper. Trust Him for these blessings, and take Him at His Word. You’ll be thankful that you did!

Other passages about prosperity to check out:

Deut 8:18; 28:1-2, 8; 33:19; Eccl 5:9, 19; Job 36:11; Ps 65:11; 68:6; Pro 8:21; 10:4, 61, 22; 11:25; 22:4; 24:3-4; Isa 48:17; 55:2-3; 60:5, 11; 61:6; Jer 31:14; 33:9; 2 Cor 9:8; Eph 1:18-19; and Phil 4:19.

Jesus, the Root, Destined to Reign

These various passages of Scripture referring to Jesus as a “root,” “root of Jesse,” and “root of David” are all referring to one Person: Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Rev 5:5)

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. (Isa 11:1)

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” (Isa 11:10)

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. (Isa 53:2)

And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” (Rom 15:12)

These various designations signify that Jesus is a descendant of both Jesse (David’s father), and of King David.

Jesus is also a member of the tribe of Judah, which is why He is referred to as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Judah means “praise,” and it is also the tribe out of which Kings were born. The Bible reveals Jesus’ bloodline dating back to Jacob, of the House of David.

In Romans 5, the Bible clearly states that “the root of Jesse” who rises up to reign over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope. We acknowledge that we have a Covenant-keeping God who is committed to drawing all people to Himself through Christ and His cross! (John 12:32) The Lord is drawing all people—not only Jews, but Gentiles as well—to Himself.

The Lord is reconciling all people to Himself through His cross! (Col.1:15-20) The Father God will unite all people under Christ’s loving authority when the eras have reached their fulfillment! (Eph. 1:9-11) Hallelujah!

From Enemy to Ally

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Cor 2:14 NIV)

The author of this passage (the apostle, Paul) speaks of “triumphal procession” because the Romans would routinely hold such events to demonstrate their victory over an enemy and to lead their captive enemies to their deaths. The enemies who were not executed were sold into slavery.

In the passage above, Paul says that we are led as “captives” in Christ’s triumphal procession but that the Lord uses US to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere! This is an image of a pleasant fragrance or perfume being released!

How is that possible? Because when Christ captures or subdues a person, He reigns in our lives as a benevolent and loving King. Yes, we are in submission to our divine Captor, but it is a submission and yieldedness born out of love and willingness on our part.

In the kingdom of King Jesus, His conquered enemies are transformed into His beloved and cherished allies—even so far as to becoming His beloved children. He shares His blessings, kindnesses, and gifts with all of those whom He lovingly pursues and conquers! He also shares with each one of us His eternal victory.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57 NKJV, emphasis added)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 Joh 5:4)

Glory to God most High!

Humility & Glory

The Lord has destined each one of us for great things, among which is the joy of serving the Lord and being in relationship with Him. But sometimes, we struggle with our self-image; and we all need to know how to deal with this issue victoriously.

Just remember this: Thinking less of yourself is not humility! Thinking of yourself less frequently is humility. Believe in who God made you to be. Be imitators of God like the beloved children that you ARE! (Eph 5:1)

God has put His own glory within each one of us! (Isa 60:19-21; Rom 8:18; Col 1:27; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Pet 5:10) He wants to display His glory through us, so that we may bring Him glory, honor, and praise. However, we must yield to Him in order to allow Him to fulfill His good plans for us. If we will cooperate with the Lord, and obey His Word, we’ll be changed into a brand new person. Which makes sense, because God makes all things new. (Rev 21:5)

The Lord wants us to be fully alive—not to be a cheap imitation of someone else. God created each one of us to live as a unique and irreplaceable individual in His family.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:6-7)

Stir up your gifts, and learn to enjoy the fact that God has created you as a matchless and dazzling individual! Don’t be fearful because fear has bondage and torment attached to it. (Rom 8:15) Reject those things outright. They do not come from God. God has made you FREE indeed! (Joh 8:36) God has blessed you and poured out His supernatural favor upon you.

You have God’s permission and encouragement to soar and to far surpass your former self for Jesus’ glory! All glory to God most high!

Chosen and Precious

Do you know that not only are you chosen by God, but that you are also precious to Him? This passage of Scripture has much to teach us, but for today, I want to concentrate on how dearly loved and cherished each one of us is by God.

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 2:3-5, emphasis added)

A portion of the New International Version of this passage reads, “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him . . .” (1 Pet 2:4, emphasis added)

The word precious means costly; priceless; exquisite; favorite; honored; and treasured. These are the feelings that we humans feel for our very own children. Yet God is telling us that He feels this way about each and every one of us! Why else would He send His one and only Son to become our Savior and Redeemer?

Here are several verses of the Bible that echo the idea that God deeply loves each one of us:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (Joh 3:16, underscoring added)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 Joh 4:11, underscoring added)

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (Joh 15:9, underscoring added)

Each and every one of us may have been rejected by people at one time or another in our lives. Some of us have lived with a sense of rejection hanging over us due to past life experiences which were evil. But in Christ, we need to remember that we were personally selected by Him to receive His gift of salvation so that He might help us to come to know His perfect, unending and unconditional LOVE. He never forgets about us; He has written us upon the palms of His hands. Each one of us is treasured and honored by our loving God.

In Isaiah 49:15d-16a the Lord says: Yet I will not forget you. ¹⁶See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. . .

Love was God’s reason for salvation and for all of the attendant blessings and scriptural promises that are bestowed upon us. I believe that the apostle Paul echoes the heart of God when he says:

You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men . . . (2 Cor 3:2 NASB)

We, individually, are indelibly written on the tablet of God’s heart never to be erased. The Lord moves heaven and earth to bless us; to save, deliver, heal, and protect us; and to grow us in wisdom and spiritual maturity. Entrust yourself to the incomparable love of God from this moment forward, O beloved child of the King of Kings!

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You are the Deciding Vote! In your life, you can make decisions that will help you and bless you.

Month: November 2018