Tag: GodIsGood

Posted on

God’s Garden

When I was a child, I heard my dad say on a number of occasions, “knee high by the 4th of July”. He was talking about the corn they raised in Iowa on the farm. Years later, Dave and I worked eight summers in Iowa, and the corn would be shoulder high by the 4th of July. There was just something about that black Iowa soil, the humidity and the summer sun.

Not only did the cornfields produce an amazing bounty but the family gardens were abundant with all the vegetables you could possibly desire.

These are the images that came to mind when I was reading in I Corinthians this morning.

” I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow. 7 What matters isn’t those who planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow. 8 The one who plants is just as important as the one who waters. And each one will be paid for what they do. 9 Apollos and I work together for God, and you are God’s garden and God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:6-9 CEV

Paul and Apollos had both been teaching the Christians in Corinth about the ways and words of the Lord. Paul didn’t want there to be any division in their midst by considering one teacher more important than the other.

Boy, that happens so much today. I go to this church and we believe this way. You go to another church – and so there is division. That shouldn’t be so. It’s God who makes us grow.

And here’s what He wants to see growing in our lives.

“ 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.” Galatians 5:22-23 ERV

“ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 ERV

“ You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

We are God’s garden. Some plant the seed of God’s word in our hearts, others water it by their teaching and their prayers, but it is God who causes it to grow and produce a harvest. A harvest of grace, knowledge, love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, and understanding.

Those beautiful gardens that I referred to earlier had to be weeded and protected from varmints that wanted to nibble away at the crop. We need to do the same with the seeds that have been planted in our lives.

The harvest that comes isn’t just for our benefit; it will also feed and strengthen those around us so that they can benefit from God’s goodness.

Grow strong and tall and give thanks to the Father for His increase in your life!

Posted on

Let Everyone Praise

Been going through some pretty tough stuff lately? Me too, in fact yesterday I forgot to stay under the shadow of His wings. I got caught up in my own emotions. But Dave and two dear friends reminded me that I can always trust the Lord and that He is always available to hear my prayers. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Dave, Danna and Heather.

Did you see last night’s sunset? What about this morning’s sunrise; the smile on a child’s face or the tiny, delicate fingers of your sleeping baby’s hands?

Maybe it was the blue, gentle ripples on the lake’s surface; the green of the forest trees; a hawk soaring on the breeze or a prairie flower in all its beauty?

Perhaps you saw love in the eyes of your spouse; did you hear joy in the words “you can go home tomorrow” or “it’s benign, nothing to worry about”?

Whatever it was or whatever it is, do you hear and see the love that the Lord has placed all around you? He did this just for you!

He wanted you to be aware that He cares about you and His love is measureless, unconditional and free to all. He doesn’t want you wrapped up in worry and fear that you can’t control.

We are to praise Him for His greatness. Sometimes we praise with hearts flooded with joy and sometimes with tear-stained cheeks but still we praise!

“Shout praises to the Lord! Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens. 2 All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.

3 Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. 4 Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise. 5 Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command. 6 He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done.

7 All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal,
all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord!

11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord! 13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord.  Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. 14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 148 CEV

Everything in heaven, on the earth and under the earth are called to praise. Why? Because the things God has created and provided tell of His goodness.

Enjoy what the Lord has done for you today and tell him thank you. I’m going back to rest under the shadow of His wings and will praise Him that His mercies are new every morning.

Posted on

Not Taken Lightly

This morning I seemed to be stumped on what to share. But as I sat quietly and began to pray I found that all my prayers involved safety.

Safety in travels, safety from natural disasters, safety during medical procedures, safety in daily routine, safety for soldiers, first responders and all in harms way. Safety during fun family activities.

Safety!

And then I read again God’s word and His promise of safety. God’s promises are not something that we take lightly; they are powerful, life-changing, and eternal.

”Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “⌞You are⌟ my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

3 He is the one who will rescue you from hunters’ traps and from deadly plagues. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor.

5 You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, 6 plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. 7 They will not come near you, even though a thousand may fall dead beside you or ten thousand at your right side.

8 You only have to look with your eyes to see the punishment of wicked people.

9 You, O Lord, are my refuge!

You have made the Most High your home. 10 No harm will come to you. No sickness will come near your house. 11 He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock.
13 You will step on lions and cobras. You will trample young lions and snakes.

14 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name.
15 When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble.
I will save you and honor you. 16 I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you.” Psalm 91 GW

Thanking God for our nation and those who purchased our freedom and those who protect us each day from harm. Praising God for His protection and love.

Posted on

Goodness & Mercy Follow

When God leads and we follow, good follows too! Those who are trusting God can’t help but see God’s goodness. It’s just like His love – it’s who He is. God’s command to Joshua on the eve of leading the Israelites into the Promise Land was this:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:8-9 KJV

God promised Joshua if he meditated on and obeyed the Word of God his way would be prosperous and he would have good success. Good success as opposed to bad success. Less you think I am just mincing words here let’s look at Joshua’s battles in taking the Promise Land.

First battle in was Jericho – a walled city – the whole city was destroyed and not one of Joshua’s people were injured or killed. Then they went to Ai – one of Joshua’s people had stolen things from Jericho, which God specifically prohibited and when they went out in battle 36 men were killed. Not good. Joshua went to the Lord and asked what happened. God explained the disobedience and Joshua took action against Achan and his family and when they went to fight against Ai again, they won with no casualties – good success! We can follow all through the book of Joshua and find that each battle where they were obedient to the Lord they had “good success”.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians that in Christ we will ALWAYS triumph. The Prophet Isaiah reminded the Israelites that “no weapon formed against thee will prosper” and John, the beloved disciple, said “greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world”.

Good success! Joseph was sold by his brothers to slave traders; he served in Potiphar’s house and then was accused falsely of sexual impropriety and was sent to prison. From prison he was called to Pharoah’s throne room and became the second in command to all of Egypt. When his brothers came to Egypt asking for food during the famine, Joseph said this:

“’Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. 21 So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.’ And so Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and this made them feel better.” Genesis 50:19-21 ERV

What you thought for evil, God meant for good!

Joseph experienced every segment of his life’s journey looking for God’s good and so those experiences kept him from being bitter and cruel.

Trust in the Lord, be obedient to his Word and then you will be prosperous and goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.

Posted on

Good Thoughts

The Apostle Paul said this: “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.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:7-9 CEV

Think on good things. Keep pure thoughts and peace will be the by-product.

“It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. 17 The wicked will lose all
of their power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. 18 Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. 19 They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce…

21 An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving. 22 Everyone the Lord blesses will receive the land; everyone the Lord curses will be destroyed. 23 If you do what the Lord wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. 24 The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall. 25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food. 26 They gladly give and lend, and their children turn out good.” Psalm 37:16-26 CEV

These thoughts, good thoughts, came flooding in this morning when I read this one verse, “Be wise! Remember this and think about the kindness of the Lord.” Psalm 107:43 CEV

Make it a great day – think on these things. The Lord is kind!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress