Category: Goodness of God

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Godly Character

It’s very important to me that we have a true view of the Father’s character.

Growing up when preachers on television and in the movies were characterized for preaching hell, fire and brimstone, and one of the popular songs of the day was “God’s Gonna Get You For That”, a cloud was cast on God’s character.

God’s goodness is something I marvel at, almost on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul wrote:

“God has been kind to you. He has been very patient, waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of his kindness. Maybe you don’t understand that God is kind to you so that you will decide to change your lives.” Romans 2:4 ERV

And James writes this: “ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

I didn’t realize until just now that James 1:17 is an ALWAYS verse.

Probably everyone reading this has heard at least one teaching on the fruit of the Spirit. These are the character traits that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives once we are born again. I see them as being part of our spiritual DNA. (Divine Nature Attributes)

When we’re born naturally we have inherited traits like blue eyes, dark hair, olive complexion, left-hand dominance. Well, when we receive new life from the heavenly Father we inherit His traits and characteristics.

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s life displays all of these. Jesus’ earthly life was an example to us on how to act like the Father. His life was selfless, kind, good and loving.

I heard a wonderful teaching on the goodness of God. Goodness is one of God’s attributes. He is always good! He can’t be anything but good; He is, and everything He does is, motivated by love. His love is never tainted with selfishness or envy so everything He does is good.

Don’t attribute the bad things that happen in your life to God. When you do you are misguided in your thinking. The enemy, the one responsible for the destruction in this world, takes pride in getting you to mistrust God and to lose your confidence in His goodness.

Remember these words from the Apostle Paul: “Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ERV

Let’s keep our thinking on the Father and His character and we will see true and lasting fruit grow in our lives.

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Refreshed – The Good Part

You all know how much I love to sit in the morning quiet and spend time with the Father. This morning is no different than the others. But I am finding such a refreshing for my soul.

We had a wonderful 4th weekend. It was filled with friends. We laughed, we talked, we ate, we had some business to take care of, and we just enjoyed the contact with family.

As I came to my morning quiet time today, I am finding the Father here to restore my soul. I’m feeling refreshed, encouraged and energized!

“Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing. 2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water, 3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.” Psalm 23:1-3 CJB Complete Jewish Bible.

I feel so blessed to know that the Father knows what I need when I need it!

He loved spending time with His friends and ministering to the needs of those who followed Him. Jesus also knew the importance of pulling away and spending time with the Father. It was in those times that He was refreshed.

I think that’s why He told Martha that she was “cumbered about with much serving”. Jesus made himself a servant to all so He knew the responsibility of meeting the needs of others. And like Mary, He knew when it was time to “Choose the good part” and listen to the Father.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

It seems all too often we get caught up doing too many things and we get upset and anxious, we lose our joy. BUT GOD, wants us to focus on the “one thing” that will restore our soul and bring us peace. He wants us to follow Him to green pastures and feed on His word.

Thank you Father for restoring and refreshing. Thank you for friends and family who fill my home with so much love. Thank you for reminding me to choose the good part!

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Sweet Fruit

Yesterday we talked about resting – waiting on the Lord to renew us. He likes to do that, remember what King David wrote? “He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores me soul.”

When we rest in Him, He also restores our joy. We laughed so hard our sides ached. It’s good to laugh – joy is a sweet fruit and it’s healthy.

“A glad heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NLV

Do you want to enjoy life?

That was a question King David presented in Psalm 34.

“Who is the man who has a desire for life, and wants to live long so that he may see good things? 13 Keep your tongue from sin and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and follow it.15 The eyes of the Lord are on those who do what is right and good. His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:13-14 NLV

As I read that over again this morning, the thought came “Lord that’s a pretty big request. Can this really be possible?” The Lord reminded me of what we have been given by the Holy Spirit.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Once we are receive God’s forgiveness, we become new in Christ and He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. With the Holy Spirit comes this fruit which is the very character of God. We will naturally bear fruit, as naturally as an apple tree bears apples, we will produce the character of Christ. It’s in our God-given DNA!

The verse in Psalms 34 tells us to stop doing evil – many times the word evil brings thoughts of something sinister or diabolic but really it just means bad, not good. The Apostle Paul refers to it as selfish.

God wants His goodness to be displayed in our lives, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do that very thing. Jesus went about doing “good” and His life is an example for us.

As we follow Him, our lives will produce sweet fruit and a bountiful harvest.

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The Way of Escape

Some years back I had an interesting experience while I was getting off the freeway and waiting in the turn lane of the off ramp. It stuck with me and this morning it was fresh in my mind.

I was with a friend and her daughter. We noticed a small field mouse in the intersection. How it got there I have no idea, but it was right smack in the center, definitely in a life-or-death situation. He would scamper one way only to be turned back and run another direction. Back and forth he went avoiding catastrophe with every turn.

Finally, he had zigged and zagged enough that a clear escape opened in front of him and he ran for the shoulder of the road and was safely hidden in the tall grass at the road side. He was safe!

“Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13  You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 CEV

The little mouse was in danger, his enemies were trying to crush him, hope was almost gone and then the way of escape came into view.

“ I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

How many times have you been able to relate to the plight of the little mouse? Running one way then turning back in fear. Choosing another path and needing to change course? God has a path and a plan; He is the one who will rescue us! We need to call out to Him in prayer.

“Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my call for help and answer my prayer. Show me how good and loyal you are. 2 Don’t judge me, your servant. No one alive could be judged innocent by your standards. 3 My enemies are chasing me. They have crushed me into the dirt. They are pushing me into the dark grave, like people who died long ago. 4 I am ready to give up. I am losing my courage.

5 But I remember what happened long ago. I am thinking about all you have done. I am talking about what you made with your hands! 6 I lift my hands in prayer to you. I am waiting for your help, like a dry land waiting for rain. Selah

7 Hurry and answer me, Lord! I have lost my courage. Don’t turn away from me. Don’t let me die and become like the people lying in the grave. 8 Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands!

9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies. 10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground.

11 Lord, let me live so that people will praise your name. Show me how good you are and save me from my trouble. 12 Show me your love and defeat my enemies. Destroy those who are trying to kill me because I am your servant.” Psalm 143 ERV

When we trust the Lord, He will bring us to a place of safety. He provides a way of escape. His plan for us is filled with hope and gives us a good future.

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The Place Where I Worship

You know Dave and I took the weekend away and went to the Grand Canyon. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a glorious place, filled with beauty and a testimony to the Lord.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power.” Psalm 19:1-2 ERV

God has given us so much that tells of His grandeur and His mighty power. The waves rush to the shore, waterfalls cascade over the rockface, sunrises and sunsets, pillowing clouds filling the sky, meadows of wild flowers in bloom – they all tell of God’s goodness and grace.

“The Lord said: Heaven is my throne; the earth is my footstool.” Isaiah 66:1 CEV

The other night I was reminded of a song that is near and dear to my heart. It was written in the 1940’s by Red Foley, who lived in Hollywood and wrote songs for the early cowboy movies. This one has been recorded by Roy Rogers and the Sons of Pioneers. It was the theme song for us when we went to ranches holding weekend long gatherings for cowboys. This song filled my heart as I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon, breathless while observing the beauty.

“Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord
Where the trees of the forest are like pipes of an organ
And the breeze plays an amen choir.

All the stars are the candles and they light up the mountains
Mountains are altars of God
Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Where the sun warms the peaceful sod.

In your heart take a good look if you follow the Good Book
You surely find your reward
Oh the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord.”

There is so much going on in the world that fights to take our eyes off the Lord. We need to say with the Psalmist:

“One day in your temple is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather serve in your house, than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All-Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:10-12 CEV

Draw into the Lord’s presence, worship Him in the places around you and let His peace fill your heart!

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Kindness & Peace

Two things we can always use more of is kindness and peace.

It would mean a great deal if people treated us nicer, right? And I think we can get a hardy amen to having less drama in our lives. What can we do to see that we are being used to bring those two elements into the lives of those around us?

“This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

Well, we can begin by praying for God to bless those we know with kindness and peace. And then we can follow through with being kind to those around us.

Kind to the other drivers on the roads, to the sales clerks and waiters. To receptionists and executives. To the person sitting at the next desk or our biggest competitor. To our kids and our spouses.

Paul said just a few verses later in the Book of Romans that

“You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

It’s God’s goodness that brings people to Him. When we emulate God’s character we are being used to bring others to Christ. We must never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

Today I’m praying that God’s goodness and peace will overflow in your lives!

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Living Water

Years ago, we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry. The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle.

One afternoon the dogs put us on alert and when we looked out our windows, this is what we saw. A cow moose and her twins had wandered into our yard in search of water. Our sprinklers were running, and they provided the much-needed water. After they drank their fill, they rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first, she was very cautious, looking about after every sip and then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.

Are you thirsty for God? Thirsty enough to “search” outside your comfort zone? To be willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and to find the answers you need in God’s word?

God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. Ruth left all and followed after Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child that put her in the line of descendants of Christ. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to seek Jesus and His word.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2

When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He gives us so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

Jesus ministered to a multitude at the temple during the Festival of Tents. The religious leaders were so bothered by His teaching that they sent the temple police to arrest Him.

” On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38  Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

God has been misrepresented for years. Everything from “God’s going to get you for that” or that He will send lightning bolts from heaven, you better watch out.

God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him we will find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19.

Someone needs to know today that God isn’t mad at you!

He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide. Seek for Him like that momma moose sought out the life-giving water – you will find all you need in Him.

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In Complete Control

Today is Palm Sunday. Jesus is making His entrance into Jerusalem and there is so much going on behind the scenes, but Jesus is in complete control.

“He said to them, “Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey with her colt. Untie them both, and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell them, ‘The Master needs them. He will send them back soon.’” Matthew 21:2-3 ERV

In Jesus’ latest teachings He had angered the religious leaders. They were plotting to have him killed. In fact, at one point they had picked up stones to stone Him and He simply walked away from the crowd in the confusion.

He had told His disciples that he was going to be beaten, tried and crucified. Remember that from my blog a few days back. And now they were headed back to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover and as he knew, to His death.

“The followers went and did what Jesus told them to do. 7 They brought the mother donkey and the young donkey to him. They covered the donkeys with their coats, and Jesus sat on them. 8 On the way to Jerusalem, many people spread their coats on the road for Jesus. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Some of the people were walking ahead of Jesus. Others were walking behind him. They all shouted,

“Praise to the Son of David!  ‘Welcome! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Matthew 21:6-9 ERV

If you’ve been around horses or donkeys at all you know this could be a recipe for disaster. Being horse-back in the middle of a crowd, shouting, throwing branches on the ground in front of you, could spook even the gentlest of horses. And for it to be a mare with a young colt by herself, this was sure to unnerve horse and rider.

But Jesus…yes, He was the one who calm the sea and the wind with His words. He was the one who always preached “Don’t be troubled, don’t be afraid, peace be still”.

So, in this situation, He stayed in control and at peace. This ride into Jerusalem had been predicted hundreds of years ago.

“People of Zion, rejoice! People of Jerusalem, shout with joy! Look, your king is coming to you! He is the good king who won the victory, but he is humble. He is riding on a donkey, on a young donkey born from a work animal.” Zechariah 9:9 ERV

Jesus knew every prophecy needed to be fulfilled. This was part of the plan and He was in control.

It may seem like a small detail to you and I, but what it tells me is that whatever God has planned for me I can be at peace, knowing that He is in control and will work out everything for my good.

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

When we let the Father direct and control our lives He will be peace in the midst of chaos.

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Glorious Day!

Yesterday my thoughts stayed focused on God’s Best. Having God’s best for all of my family, friends and those of you who are faithful readers each day.

God always does His best; anything less and He wouldn’t be God. From the beginning of time, He’s shown His best to the world. He said, “light be” and it has never quit shining. He created the animals and separated the dry ground from the waters and those things still remain.

He said, “let’s make mankind in our image” and He did. We are living proof for his creative abilities. We are unique individuals created to show His likeness and love.

“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is. 3 He is pure, and everyone who has this hope in him keeps themselves pure like Christ.” I John 3:1-3 ERV

Sin came into the world to separate us from the love of God. Satan wanted our worship and allegiance. He wanted to steal our hearts and devotion. God introduced mercy and grace so that we could continue to have relationship with Him.

“But God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace that people received from God was much greater. Many received God’s gift of life by the grace of this other man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15 ERV

Our relationship with the Father isn’t based on our efforts; we can’t earn it, but we can receive it as a gift. The gift of life!

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

And this gift of grace is available to everyone, not just a few.

“Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:2 ERV

This truly is God’s best for us!

I came out to the living room this morning, not ready to be about my morning routine. I wanted to lay quietly on the couch just a little bit longer, wrapped in the peace of the moment. Then my heart began to sing an old hymn.

“One Day When Heaven Was Filled With His Praises
One Day When Sin Was As Black As Could Be
Jesus Came Forth To Be Born Of A Virgin
Dwelt Among Men, My Example Is He

(Chorus)Living, He Loved Me
Dying, He Saved Me
Buried, He Carried My Sins Far Away
Rising, He Justified Freely Forever
One Day He’s Coming
Oh Glorious Day, Oh Glorious Day

One Day They Led Him Up Calvary’s Mountain
One Day They Nailed Him To Die On A Tree
Suffering Anguish, Despised And Rejected
Bearing Our Sins, My Redeemer Is He

(Chorus)

One Day The Grave Could Conceal Him No Longer
One Day The Stone Rolled Away From The Door
Then He Arose, Over Death He Had Conquered
Now Is Ascended, My Lord Evermore

(Chorus)

One Day The Trumpet Will Sound For His Coming
One Day The Skies With His Glories Will Shine
Wonderful Day, My Beloved One Bringing
My Savior Jesus Is Mine”

One day – some day – a glorious day, we will see Him face to face but until then we will be examples of His love and grace on the earth!

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More Sunrises

More of my friends see the sunset than they do the sunrise. Not everyone is an early riser and that’s ok, but I love starting my day by seeing the sunrise.

It is a constant reminder of the goodness of God. No words are needed as the sun begins to appear above the horizon. I particularly love the way it casts a golden glow on the mountains to the west of our home.

I can hear the Lord saying, “Welcome to this beautiful day I have planned for you”.

I think this morning’s Psalm was written for me, and the millions like me, who enjoy the majesty of the God’s glory in the morning.

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. 2 Day and night they keep on telling about God. 3-4 Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it 5 and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! 6 The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat.

7-8 God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. 9 God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. 10 They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them.

12 But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime.

14 May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19 TLB

Let the words of this Psalm be our morning prayer. Trust God’s word to be our instruction, protection, and joy keeping us from wrong doing.

Lord, let my words be pleasing to you!

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