Tag: GodIsGood

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Be Ready

Dave and I are away this weekend. A few days in the mountains with friends is so special. We rented an Airbnb. The fresh pine air and cool mountain breezes have been so relaxing. Believe it or not, I even took a short nap yesterday afternoon.

From the kitchen window, I saw the neighbor’s firewood supply. It runs the length of his fence and it reminded me of the firewood we had stacked by the door of our walk-out basement in Montana.

When you live in the colder climates it’s never too early to be prepared for a change in weather.

And when you’re a Christian it’s important to be ready for life’s opportunities. 

” Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.” Colossians 4:6 CEV

This was Paul’s instruction to the Christians living in Colossae and it is just as applicable today.

When we live for Christ, there are changes in our way of living that others will notice. Compassion, acts of kindness, forgiveness and peace just to name a few. We need to be ready to answer questions.

“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

“Remind your people to obey the rulers and authorities and not to be rebellious. They must always be ready to do something helpful 2 and not say cruel things or argue. They should be gentle and kind to everyone… 

4 God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy,
and not because of any good things we have done…7 Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.

8 This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:1-8 CEV

There are so many around us who experience a coldness, a harshness more bitter than winter. We should “always be ready to do something helpful”.

Let’s be ready to share the warmth of God’s love.

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Pulled to Safety

I just wanted to share this Psalm with you as a way of following up on yesterday’s blog.

There are so many who feel helpless and without hope because of the situations they are in. They don’t have that rock solid foundation that I was talking about. If you know someone like that – wondering what to do, where to go, how to manage, I pray you will share these Scriptures with them.

God knows, He cares, He’s here with the answer.

“I patiently waited, Lord,
    for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
    full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
    with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song,
    a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
    you, the Lord God.

4 You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
about me in the book,
    where it says,
8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
10 When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

11 You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
    all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
    “Just look at you now!”

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.” Psalm 40 CEV

The Lord IS wonderful, He is great! I will magnify Him for He IS all I need!

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Get Honest

I suspect many of us will identify with Gideon in this morning’s reading. He was a man with all the same tendencies each of us have.

(I hope you have taken time to read Gideon’s story in the book of Judges.)

He was between a rock and a hard place, literally, when the Lord found him. He had a personal encounter with God and it changed his life. He wanted to serve the Lord with every fiber of his being.

He tore down the town’s worship center to a false god, he killed his father’s prize ox, he angered his neighbors, they wanted to kill him and now the surrounding nations had gathered to attack. He called his countrymen to battle but now what?

If you were in Gideon’s place what would you do?

Gideon got honest with God!

“The Lord’s Spirit took control of Gideon, and Gideon blew a trumpet as a signal for the men in the Abiezer clan to follow him. 35 He also sent messengers to the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, telling the men of these tribes to come and join his army. Then they set out toward the enemy camp.

36-37 Gideon prayed to God, “I know that you promised to help me rescue Israel, but I need proof.” Judges 6:34-37 CEV

Lord, I need proof! I can just hear the conversation, because it’s one I have voiced on a number of occasions. “I know you said I would deliver Israel from our enemies Lord, but remember just last week I was in the winepress threshing grain. I’m not an experienced warrior, in fact, I’m not really even a very good farmer. But…you told me to calm down, not to fear so here I am but, I need proof that You are really going with me on this”.

“… And that’s just what happened. Early the next morning, Gideon got up and checked … 39 But Gideon prayed to God again. “Don’t be angry with me,” Gideon said. “Let me try this just one more time, so I’ll really be sure you’ll help me. Only this time, let the skin be dry and the stone floor be wet.” Judges 6:38-39 CEV

And that’s just what happened, again.

The Lord loves an honest heart. He is a loving Father and wants His kids to trust Him. He wants us to be confident in Him and His word. It’s that confidence, (faith and trust), that drives out fear.

The Lord gave His word to Gideon and He wanted Gideon to know that He was going to follow through with His promise.

And that’s how He wants us to be, confident in Him.

” Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.

9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread?…11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

Be honest with our Father; He’s waiting to show us His goodness.

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Stacking Stones

Recently I have been reading through the book of Joshua, again. It’s one of my favorite Old Testament books. I have a book in my small library entitled “Victorious Christian Living” by Alan Redpath. It’s a study in the book of Joshua written in 1953, the year I was born so that somehow seems significant. (There are copies available on Ebay, if you’re interested.)

Well…back to this morning’s blog.

One of the first instructions Joshua received when crossing into the Promised Land was to establish a monument of God’s faithfulness.

“ After all the people had crossed the Jordan River, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 ‘Choose twelve men, one from each tribe. 3 Tell them to look in the river where the priests were standing and get twelve rocks from that place. Carry these rocks with you and put them where you stay tonight.’

4 So Joshua chose one man from each tribe. Then he called the twelve men together. 5 He said to them, ‘Go out into the river where the Holy Box of the Lord your God is. Each of you must find one rock. There will be one rock for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Carry that rock on your shoulder. 6 These rocks will be a sign for you. In the future, your children will ask you, ‘What do these rocks mean?’ 7 You will tell them that the Lord stopped the water from flowing in the Jordan River. When the Holy Box of the Lord’s Agreement crossed the river, the water stopped flowing. These rocks will help the Israelites remember this forever.’” Joshua 4:1-7 ERV

These rocks will help Israel remember forever.

Do you have a stack of stones, whether physical or mental, that you have stacked to remember forever marvelous things that God has done in your life. Times of rescue? Circumstances miraculously changing for your protection and good? Places you have moved or jobs you have taken that you knew were the Lord’s provision?

There are a number of times in my life that I have stacked some stones. The time when God’s promise to never leave me or abandon me became an indelible truth. Then again, in my deepest heart break when the Lord’s promise to heal my broken heart and give me peace that bypassed my understanding became my firm foundation. I could go on for hours telling you of the times I stopped to stack the stones.

“21 Then Joshua told the Israelites, ‘In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these rocks mean?’ 22 Tell them, ‘These rocks help us remember the way the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry land.’” Joshua 4:21-22 ERV

I think it’s no coincidence that Jesus left a “stone of remembrance” of His own.

“Suddenly an angel of the Lord came from the sky, and there was a huge earthquake. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on top of the stone.” Matthew 28:2 ERV

That stone had been set in place to keep Jesus in but once it was rolled away it could be used as a monument to the power of His resurrection!

May I encourage you to take some time and stack some stones today. With each stone, thank the Lord for His promises and His provision.

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What’s in a Word

When I was in school English was my favorite class. Learning about parts of speech and the diagramming of sentences was fun!

I know – I was a nerd. I still love words and I’m convinced God does too, especially adjectives. Let’s make today’s blog a Valentine of adjectives to express how we feel about our Lord and what we see in Him.

“The Lord is truthful; he can be trusted. 5 He loves justice and fairness, and he is kind to everyone everywhere on earth.” Psalm 33:4-5 CEV

“We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us. 21 You make our hearts glad
because we trust you, the only God. 22 Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.” Psalm 33:20-22 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy! Fearsome and glorious! Miracle worker! Exodus 15:11 CEV

“You are Lord God All-Powerful! No one is as loving and faithful as you are.” Psalm 89:8 CEV

“ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 NKJV

Majestic, holy, glorious, miracle worker, all-powerful, loving, faithful, just, truthful, fair, kind, gracious, loving, wonderful!

“Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them;
For You are God, gracious and merciful. 32 “Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy:” Nehemiah 9:31-32 NKJV

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. ” Psalm 136:1 NLV

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

I think you get the point. God is all these things and so much more. Each day we are bombarded with so many negative and destructive thoughts. We need to make a conscience effort to think on what’s good. Nothing, absolutely nothing is more praiseworthy than our heavenly Father.

“ You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

Make your list of positive adjectives and start the day by thanking the Father for who He is!

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What Is Love?

The answer is God!!

Dave and I had a wonderful weekend away. We stayed at an historic ranch that is now a guest ranch. The air was crisp in the mornings, the adobe casita was beautifully furnished and the grounds were serene.

We talked of many things.

Life in the desert and in the mountains, our children and their children. Our great grandbabies. Our life and love through more than 50 years. A cup of steaming hot coffee, a plate full of rolled tacos with guacamole. Friends gathered on the deck/patio of our home for good bbq; yes, and the planning of more adventures in the days to come.

I asked the Lord, “Father, all of these images that I see can be described but how do I describe Your love? These are the things that mean love to me.” For the most part, I’m pretty good with words but when I try to describe God’s love I am seriously at a disadvantage. However, this morning I heard the answer to my question and it was “You just did!”

You see, every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father and with Him there is no variable or shadow of turning. Which basically means – every good thing that we enjoy comes as an outward expression of God’s love; that’s the way He’s always been and that’s the way He’ll always be! When I’m thinking on these things that I can describe, I’m describing the Father’s love. In every circumstance and situation that I live, I can sense the love of God and know that He is there because God is LOVE!

“ And now in these last days, God has spoken to us again through his Son. He made the whole world through his Son. And he has chosen his Son to have all things. 3 The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:2-3

Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to bring God’s love to each and everyone of us. He brought the message that God isn’t mad at us and that God desires to have relationship with us – not some experience that is staunch and unfeeling or condemning and angry – but a real, where-the-rubber-meets-the-road, everyday, I’m always here type of relationship.

I’m not saying that everything will be perfect in our lives because our lives aren’t perfect! But I do know that in the imperfect, trying, challenging, frustrating, ugly times of our lives that God is always there and He doesn’t abandon us! He’s always there to offer comfort, help, to bring wisdom, peace and joy even in the midst of our storms. God is love!

What words can I use to describe God’s love?! This love can’t really be described but it can be experienced. I will leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul:

“I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Now that’s love!

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The Note

I got up this morning thinking about what I needed to do today. The item at the top of my list is write thank-you’s.

Acknowledgement and appreciation is important. Without them we could develop an attitude of entitlement and selfishness. As a child, Mom made sure that we wrote our grandparents and other family members when they gave us a gift. Christmas, birthdays, graduations, etc. never passed without her nudging of “did you write your thank-yous”.

For as long as I can remember I have verbalized my gratitude when someone does something they don’t have to and assist me or make my job easier but saying “Thank you. I really appreciate that.” Those are not empty words, they are not cliche. They are a heartfelt expression of gratitude.

Why am I telling you this? Glad you asked.

I realized this morning that I do this very thing everyday when I write in my journal. Nearly every day the first two words I write are “thank You”… That’s probably the reason I spend so much time in the Psalms. David and the other writers continually expressed their thanks to the Lord.

“Praise the name of the Lord! He is kind and good.” Psalm 135:3 CEV

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1 CEV

“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Gratitude removes worry and brings peace. Thankfulness puts our eyes on the blessing and the One who gave it to us and not on our own limitations.

Just yesterday I was reading about the miracle of the ten lepers who asked Jesus to heal them. It’s an interesting story of thankfulness.

“As he was going into a village, ten men with leprosy came toward him. They stood at a distance 13 and shouted, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’

14  Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ On their way they were healed. 15 When one of them discovered that he was healed, he came back, shouting praises to God. 16 He bowed down at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” Luke 17:13-16 CEV

Ten men were cleansed, only one came back to thank Jesus for what He had done. Look at Jesus’ reaction:

“17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:17-19 AKJV

There’s a difference between being cleansed and being made whole. Cleansed or healed means the leprosy was gone. The dead and rotting flesh was healed but the man who returned with the grateful heart was made whole. This word indicates that missing body parts had been restored – instead of stubby fingers, whole fingers replaced them. Instead of a nose partially there, a “whole”ness came.

A miracle for sure. Healing and wholeness!

Write a note – say thank you – give glory to God and let the healing power of God’s love flow, unlimited power and peace!

Thank you for reading each morning, I really appreciate it.

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Mighty God

These words are transforming, life-changing and exciting! These words are to be lived – they are not just words on a page.

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

They are words that I have heard every Christmas for as long as I can remember. They are words, not just for the Christmas season, but they are our hope for every day of our lives.

Each “royal” title for Christ deserves to be examined and meditated on; this morning I’ll share just a few thoughts on “the mighty God”.

The mighty God – THE mighty God – the MIGHTY God – the mighty GOD – THE MIGHTY GOD – no matter where you put the emphasis, it means that HE is greater than I am. He is mighty.

From the beginning, God’s plan was to be involved in the daily lives of His creation. He wanted fellowship with the people He created. He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He spoke with Noah, Abraham, Samuel, David, Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Joseph and then He came personally to dwell with mankind and reveal His nature – His heart – His plan.

The MIGHTY God made an old couple able to bear a child; shut the mouth of hungry lions, brought victory after victory in battle, fed the Israelites with bread from heaven, raised the dead, healed the sick, open the eyes of the blind, walked on water, defeated Satan and death to rise triumphantly from the grave.

The mighty GOD came to live among us, to experience what we experience and to give us the victory. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”I John 4:4

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

There is NO situation or circumstance in our life today that “the mighty God” can’t handle. When we give it over to Him, we experience His presence and His peace.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

All our worries, cares and frustrations need to be given over to our “Mighty God”. He promises to carry the load; to give us His peace, mercy and kind help in our time of need. He promises to never abandon us or leave us without help. He promises to be our help in times of trouble.

He is Mighty God and He is our constant friend and guide.

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Think On His Goodness

Choose to let yesterday go! Those are the words that filled my morning mediation. I choose to let yesterday go and live today in God’s goodness.

Yesterday after work I began preparation of the recipes I am making for Thanksgiving dinner. I had a recipe card before me. It was probably written 50 years ago. My handwriting but my mother’s recipe.

I assembled the ingredients on the cupboard and then concentrated on the exact ingredients, measuring correctly, not guessing as I sometimes do. You see, this time I’m taking it to share with friends, and I wanted it to be good, not just ok.

That was what I thought of as the Lord prompted me to let yesterday go and live today in His goodness.

I’m to use the same concentration that I did in getting each ingredient of the recipe measured correctly. I needed to measure His goodness, His love and not let anything else contaminate the recipe.

“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NLV

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NKJV

“ For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His loving-kindness lasts forever.” Psalm 106:1 NLV

The recipe for a life focused on God’s goodness is one void of anger, frustration, and strife. Those ingredients sour and taint the pleasing flavor of the life God intends us to have.

Make today one where you savor the goodness of God!

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