God’s Goodness

march 11th – Psalm 91:1

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Psalm 91:1

Growing up my brothers had a tree fort in the woods behind our house. It was their secret place where they and their friends could go as a refuge from the world. We too have a secret place. A fortress so secure, no evil can penetrate it. And that’s dwelling in the shadow of the Lord. For He is our perfect security and refuge. His faithfulness is an impenetrable wall and our shield against all enemies. And in His presence alone can we dwell in perfect safety. This beautiful blessing we have from God isn’t  because we are good and deserve it, but because He is. And from that goodness the Lord promises to answer every plea, every call, and every cry. He will never forsake nor abandon us. Nor will He fall short or fail to show up. The Lord loves us so much, He sends His angels to guard and protect us. And because of our love for Him, in times of trouble God will not only rescue us, but set us securely in a high place of honor.

 

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January 16th – Isaiah 6:8

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Isaiah 6:8

Have you ever thought you washed a window to crystal clear perfection only to find it full of streaks when the rays of the sun shined on it? That’s how it is with us. No matter how hard we try, or how clean we think our lives are, they are nothing more than dirty, streaky windows compared to the perfect goodness of God. But because of His boundless love, just like He did for Isaiah, God provides a way for our iniquity to be taken away and our sin forgiven. That way is Jesus Christ. Through His work on the Cross and the shedding of His precious blood the minute we receive Him as our Savior, the Holy Spirit goes to work. First he humbles and convicts us about the filthiness of our lives, then begins transforming, cleansing, and getting us ready for God’s service. No longer unworthy, and like the prophets before us, we can be eagerly obedient to God’s calling. And after our own life changing encounter with the Lord, with a thankful heart we too can say to God, “Here am I. send Me!”

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January 6th – Psalm 36:3

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Psalm 36:3

It’s estimated that around 45% of the world’s population are active on some sort of social media platform. This has caused a rise in the very lucrative business of social media influencing. And one of the greatest influencers out there is Satan. Without restriction or consequences, the Enemy goes about influencing the world to be wicked, rebellious, and hostile to God. He spreads lies about the joy of worldly living and the need to find our worth in followers, likes, and shares. And sadly, many Christians fall victim to his deceit. That’s why it’s so important for us to routinely take stock of our lives to see if we’re living for instant gratification, or eternal gratification. Eternal gratification recognizes that true, lasting joy can only be found in dwelling in the shadow of God’s wings. And instead of following influencers, eternal gratification influences the world by spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ!

 

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January 2nd – Psalm 34:8

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Psalm 34:8

We’ve all heard the expression, the proof is in the pudding. That’s why David doesn’t want us to just take his word that God is good. To be content in just admiring God from afar. Instead David wants us to taste and see for ourselves. To  experience, like him, the peace, love, and security that can be found in the Lord alone. So just what is God’s goodness? David tells us that for all who take refuge in Him, God will care for our every need. Never will we want for any good thing. But instead truly enjoy life and see good days. In His goodness our Father will hear our cries, and save us from our enemies. For He is near to the broken-hearted, comforting our crushed and hurting spirits. And from His great love, God redeems our souls, and condemns the wicked. All who taste of His goodness will see that the Lord is good and know His provision!

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October 27th – Romans 8:16-17

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Romans 8:16-17

God’s Promise – “Jesus is happy to share His inheritance with you.”

We’ve all heard the saying, “you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family.” But God in His goodness gives us the chance to do just that. Because once we choose to receive Jesus as our Savior, we become adopted heirs into God’s family. His beloved children reborn through the blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit who comes to indwell us, testifies before the Lord that we are His. And we receive the great privilege of calling God, “Abba, Father!” Better still, we become joint heirs with Jesus to all the glories of God’s kingdom! Our Father in heaven never intended for us to walk through this life alone. That’s why He created families. And He longs for each of us to join His. To receive His perfect love, comfort, and guidance. God invites us to climb unto His lap, and rest in the arms of a loving Father. The One who gave His only begotten Son to offer adoption papers to the world!

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October 1st – Psalm 90:2

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Psalm 90:2

God’s Promise – I am the everlasting God

How would you answer if someone asked, “Who is God?” Most of us would describe Him as our Heavenly Father, Savior, and Friend. And while all of that is wonderfully true, there is so much more to the Creator and Ruler of all things. The eternal “Alpha and Omega,” (Rev. 1:8) God is without beginning or end. He is the one and only Supreme Being, perfect in judgement, wisdom, and righteousness. And He alone is worthy of our worship, praise, and reverence. His promises are true, His goodness knows no bounds. And from that goodness springs forth an unmerited, unconditional, and unending love that God offers freely and joyfully to all who would accept His gift. A gift of eternal joy, peace, and fellowship. And a gift no enemy can ever steal or destroy. What awesome comfort it is to know that our Father is from everlasting to everlasting. And has called us to live an everlasting life with Him!

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July 3rd – 1 Peter 1:8

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1 Peter 1:8

I can remember as a little girl singing in Sunday school, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart…” I love that song! Even now I can’t hear it without singing along. Because I do have joy in my heart. Joy over the love and fellowship I have with Jesus. Drawing from His unending love, Christ came in the flesh to save you and to save me. And the privilege of having a relationship with my Savior overflows me with gladness! Unlike Peter, I have yet to meet my Lord. But even if  I have not yet been physically touched by Him, I have been touched by His love, mercy, goodness, and care. John tells us that blessed are we who believe without seeing. (John 20:29) But I think the greatest blessing of all, is the inexpressible, glorious joy of knowing how much we are loved by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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July 1st – James 1:1-2

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James 1:1-2

I’m a morning person. I love the freshness of each new day and the promise it holds. That being said, I learned long ago that nothing sucks the joy out of the morning quicker than waking up and immediately turning on the television, or getting on the internet. Filled with stories of disasters, tragedies, and divisiveness, far from feeling encouraged or empowered, I feel joyless. So instead I try to start my day with goodness. A goodness that carries me through any trial. That means going to God first. For God is good. And not because He does good, but because He is good. The Lord is the constant and unshakable source of every good thing in our lives. Ruler and Creator of heaven and earth, there is no darkness in Him to be found. And in a world that grows darker by the day, keeping our focus on God and His goodness, allows us to experience joy despite an Enemy who seeks to steal it.

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February 20th – Psalm 145:18

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Psalm 145:18

Psalm 145 known as David’s Psalm of praise, celebrates the greatness, goodness, and grace of God. Our God who satisfies “the desires of every living thing”. Who is “faithful in all He does” and “near to all who call on Him in truth.” But what does it mean to to call on God in truth? It means coming before the Lord in complete and open honesty. Pouring out all of our hopes, fears, troubles, and sins. Holding nothing back from the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. To lay all we are and have, the good and the bad at His feet. And trusting in His guidance, healing, forgiveness, and great love. For when we hold nothing back in complete vulnerability, it is then we experience the fullness of God and a closer walk with our Heavenly Father.

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November 25th – 1 Chronicles 16:34

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1 Chronicles 16:34

As we celebrate this thanksgiving day, I pray that as the autumn leaves shower the land with their beauty, the Lord will shower you with His love, blessings, and goodness. Wishing you all a very happy holiday!

Lord, give me a thankful heart,
one that is appreciative
one that to all Your blessings
is attuned and sensitive.

Let it be a heart,
that sings its daily praise
let it be my heartfelt gratitude
that to You I earnestly raise.

Let me have a heart,
truly thankful for all things
no matter what in my life
You should choose to bring

Let my heart flow with,
the rivers of Your peace
so my appreciation to You
I may continually release.

Lord, give me a thankful heart,
one that is steadily hopeful
let it be the heart of one . . .
who is truly, forever grateful! ….Deborah Ann Belka

 

 

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