Goodness

October 5th – Deuteronomy 8:7-10

Deuteronomy 8:7-10

The words of Moses to the Israelites, offer timeless wisdom that we can apply to our lives today. They serve as a reminder to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and humility in the midst of abundance. Just as God’s people were to remember that their prosperity came from Him alone, we too should acknowledge that everything good in our lives comes from the gracious hand of our Creator. That’s why we are encouraged to be mindful of the source of our abundance. And to never take God’s provision for granted. For He doesn’t just meet our physical needs, but also lavishes us with His goodness and favor. These verses call us to recognize that God’s abundance is not a result of our own efforts but a gracious gift from a loving Creator. One who delights in blessing His children. And in a world that glorifies materialism and focus on oneself, God calls us to use the blessings He gives to honor Him and bless others as abundantly as He blesses us.

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September 30th – Psalm 145:4

Psalm 145:4

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

One of the problems this younger generation faces, is that most of them have never been taught about God. Who He is, His love for them, and the life saving grace He offers. By sharing our experiences of God’s goodness, love, and mighty works, we not only provide a foundation of faith but also inspire young people to seek a relationship with Him. A relationship that equips them with the spiritual wisdom and understanding necessary to navigate life’s challenges. When we bear witness to God’s work in our own lives and share His word with others, we become instruments of His love and redemption. This act of sharing not only strengthens our own faith but also has the potential to lead the lost to a saving relationship with God. In a world often marked by uncertainty and despair, the message of God’s steadfast love and salvation offers hope, comfort, and purpose. Thats why it’s our responsibility and privilege to proclaim His name, sharing the good news of His grace with a generation in need of His light.

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July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

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May 3rd – Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11

Throughout the Bible God explicitly forbids seeking physics, mediums, astrologists, and fortune tellers of all sorts. (Duet. 18:10-12, Lev. 19:31, 20:6, 2 Kings 23:24) But today the business of witchcraft is a multi billion dollar one. Because everyone has questions needing answers and a future needing to be told. Even Christians fall prey to the sin of trusting others who tell you what you want to hear, instead of trusting God. The Israelites learned the hard way all that glitters isn’t gold. They desperately wanted to believe the false prophets and mediums in Babylon. Those who promised the people would soon be back in their own land. But God was very clear. Only He controls the future. And only He can can guarantee one of hope, goodness, love, and prosperity. How could there be a more wonderful future! And because of God’s unending grace and mercy, to get it all we need do is confess Jesus as Lord and receive His gift of pardon.

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January 7th – Psalm 41:12

Psalm 41:12

There is a quote that warns, “not everyone you fight is your enemy. And not everyone who helps you is your friend.” Throughout our lives we will experience hurt, betrayal, and disappointment at the hands of others. And in those moments we have a choice to make. Will that pain make us better or bitter? Better is using the hurt to grow closer to the Lord, and softening our hearts to the pain and needs of others. But bitter takes glee in retribution and seeing others misfortune. And it turns a blind eye to the suffering of another because its focus is only on self pity. We all fall short and sin daily against God. Yet from His wonderful love, He extends to us His unmerited grace and mercy. And He calls us to show that same grace and mercy. To repay evil with kindness, curses with blessings, and mistreatment with prayer. (Luke 6:27-28) And most importantly of all, if we see a need to meet that need. The way God meets all of ours.

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August 20th – Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8

Many Christians get caught up in the idea that God needs our religious rites, eloquent prayers, or false piety. In truth what God seeks is our goodness, mercy, and humility. The Lord takes injustice pretty seriously. So when He commands us to act justly it means we are to exhibit high moral characters that not only speak, but take action against the wrongs of the world. To love mercy contains the Hebrew word hesed, which means loving-kindness. God expects us to be vessels in which His mercy, love, and kindness flow through to a hurting world. And walking humbly, is all about having a heart of gratitude and thankfulness for all God does, is, and blesses us with each day. Because apart from His love and mercy, we are nothing and have nothing. And I don’t know about you, but knowing our God who doesn’t need anything, yet gives us everything, is pretty humbling indeed.

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Focused On His Goodness – James 1

When each day brings with it new stories of violence, atrocities, and horrors, it’s getting harder to find the good in the world. I often find myself crying out, “Why God? Why did you allow this to happen?” During the time of James, the scattered Jewish Christians shared these same feelings. Tired of the injustice, poverty, and corruption of Rome, they were angry at God for the evil of the world.

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April 30th – Ephesians 1:18

Ephesians 1:18

Throughout the Bible we’re told that God is Light. And from that Light stems goodness, love, and mercy. There are no greater gifts than salvation, and an eternity spent at the Lord’s side. Gifts that God sacrificed His own Son to provide. And gifts that He offers freely to all. That’s why Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts illuminate with the light of God’s hope. The hope of the riches of our inheritance through Jesus Christ. For it is through Christ in which we have become adopted heirs into the kingdom of God. Sons and daughters who no longer walk in darkness but in God’s glorious light. And it also this hope that should be a driving force in our lives. For until that glorious day when we are called home, we should be living a life that glorifies our Lord, reflecting His love in a hurting and dark world.

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April 29th – Psalm 136

Psalm 136

What I love most about this Psalm is that twenty six times in twenty six verses, we are told God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. Lovingkindness is showing someone mercy, goodness, and love. Everlasting is something which endures forever, with no beginning and no end. Can there be a more perfect way of describing God and His feelings for us? He is faithful and good. And even though we fail Him daily, the Lord will never fail us. Just as He cared, provided for, and protected Israel until they reached the promised land, so God will do for us. So give thanks to the God in heaven, Lord of lords, King of kings, and Creator of all! Exalt Him, the Miracle Maker, for His indescribable and unmerited love. Because to God alone goes the glory! And only He is worthy of all praise!

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August 3rd – Psalm 34:8

Psalm 34:8

My son has always been a finicky eater. And getting him to try anything new is a challenge. So in encouraging him to take at least take one bite I say the familiar phrase, “Try it you might like it.” And more often than not, he finds himself enjoying the goodness of what he’s tasting. David knew firsthand the goodness of the Lord. In all of his trials, David took refuge in God. He tasted God’s protection, love, forgiveness, and blessing. And he wants the same for us. But David doesn’t want us to take his word for it. Instead he wants to taste for ourselves how good God is. To experience the peace, love, and security that can be found in Him alone. To rejoice in all circumstances because God is our refuge. So try God. You might like Him! And as Matthew Henry says, “Let God’s goodness be rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel.”

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