Goodness

January 7th – Psalm 41:12

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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.

January 7th – Psalm 41:12 Read More »

August 20th – Micah 6:8

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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.

August 20th – Micah 6:8 Read More »

Focused On His Goodness – James 1

1 Comment / Bible Study /

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.

…

Focused On His Goodness – James 1Read More »

Focused On His Goodness – James 1 Read More »

April 30th – Ephesians 1:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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.

April 30th – Ephesians 1:18 Read More »

April 29th – Psalm 136

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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!

April 29th – Psalm 136 Read More »

August 3rd – Psalm 34:8

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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.”

August 3rd – Psalm 34:8 Read More »

April 17th – Romans 12:21

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 12:21

When it comes to overcoming evil with goodness, we need look no further than Jesus. Ridiculed, tortured, and crucified, the Lord experienced the worst kind of betrayal. Yet what was His response? Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) The grace and love our Savior showed His enemies, and shows to us daily, is a great example for all. When we are wronged, hurt, and let down, we can choose to be like the world and retaliate, or we can follow the actions of our Savior. So leave the retaliation to God, and pray that God would both protect our hearts and change theirs.

April 17th – Romans 12:21 Read More »