Do I consider tests and challenges to be a gift from God?
I am tested. I am challenged. That is normal for someone who is a learner (disciple) of Jesus. The challenges …
Tag Archives: God is Good
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of the Messiah Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
I have received the very mercy of God. Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature …
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” ~Jesus
It is way too easy to let my heart to be troubled. Most days are a challenge. Some are not. …
“I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe, ready to sing, ready to raise a tune.” ~King David
King David is being chased by Saul. He is hiding in a cave. He is in a very tough spot. …
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” ~Author of Hebrews
God is loyal. God is faithful. That is just who God is. It is His very nature. When God says …
“God, you did everything you promised, and I’m thanking you with all my heart.” ~King David
God is very faithful and loyal. God does everything He promises. I can count on that. My job is to …
“He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear that we are to help the poor. We are to give to them directly. I am not …
“They brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.” ~Apostle Matthew
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is in the healing business. …
“No one is good — except God alone” ~Jesus
God gives us wonderful gifts, just like any father would do. If I ask for bread, will God give me …
“To the degree that you share the sufferings of the Messiah, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” ~Apostle Peter
Literally, Peter wrote, “Be constantly rejoicing!” In fact, he mentioned joy in one form or another four times in these …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a whole lot of joy in knowing Jesus. God is good and always in a good mood. So …
“I am the good shepherd.” ~Jesus
It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but …
Does God show His goodness in keeping His promises?
God is good in that I can count on His word. God is faithful. God will keep His promises. God …
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s I think? Maybe …
“Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.” ~Apostle John
The surprises along the way are God’s surprises. He is never caught off guard or unprepared. He calls me to …
“My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My agreement of peace will not be shaken.” ~God through Isaiah
Somehow, we have this image of God, from the Old Testament, as an angry old man. Grumpy to the core. …
“He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” ~King David
It is not about me. Of course I get down. I start crying the blues. I’m throwing a big pity …
Why Doesn’t God Answer Some Prayers for Healing?
Why doesn’t God answer all prayers for healing? Does His seeming silence call His goodness or existence into question? Sean …
“What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right?” ~Jesus
God cares about me. This is practical talk from Jesus. If God cares for canaries, how much does He care …
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away.
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away. Later …
Is God good in his gifts to us?
God gives us wonderful gifts, just like any father would do. If I ask for bread, will God give me …
“And in His name the Gentiles, all the nations of the world will hope with confidence.” ~Apostle Matthew
Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” I have been guilty of thinking that. It …
“If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” ~Jesus
God is good. God alone is good. God only has good things in mind for me. Jesus wants me to …
Do I mistakenly think God won’t see what I am doing and come down hard on me?
It is a distraction game. It is classic but I see it happening. I do it sometimes as well. I …
Surprise – Should disciples of Jesus be surprised with suffering?
The surprises along the way are God’s surprises. He is never caught off guard or unprepared. He calls me to …
“God is great — everything works together for good for his servant.” ~King David
I have something to shout about. I have family and friends that want the best for me. They really do. …
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Master forgave you, so also should you.” ~Apostle Paul
True love is forgiving: God loves me so He forgives me for missing His goal (aka sin) for my life. …
“I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.” ~King David
King David knows what it is like to be in some tough places. He spent much of his life in …
“When the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us.” ~Apostle Paul
God showed His infinite kindness to me. God sent His Son Jesus to die for me. Surely I can, by …
“Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to perform a miracle in my life. There are many competing voices telling me it won’t happen. Who …
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.” ~Jesus
King David knew that our Master (Lord) is our shepherd. We all love Psalm 23. Jesus is the good shepherd. …
God is Good — How is it shown?
Ultimately, God’s goodness is seen in His plan to redeem me from missing His goal (aka sin). The gospel is …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to change your mind?” ~Apostle Paul
I should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Naturally, in and of myself, I am not. God’s kindness is …
“Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.” ~Isaiah about Jesus
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
“The world is against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions.” ~Jesus
Jesus stands firm against evil. Jesus challenges me to do the same. As God’s child, I walk according to this …
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want to please God, my heavenly Father. That is my heart’s desire. It takes sacrifice on my part. It …
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.” ~Apostle Paul
God is good — We see it in his work of creation I have good news. God is God and perfect. …
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I wrong to hope? Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I …
“Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.” ~King Solomon
God acts from the highest, purest motives. God expects me to do the same. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks …
I Wait and I Wait. The Longer This Waiting Goes On, the Deeper the Ache.
Over the years I have been fortunate to develop some really good friends in my journey with Jesus. I thank God …
God is Good — We see it in His Work of Creation!
All God’s perfect qualities are made freely available to all for the benefit of the whole world. God is good. …
“Breakfast is ready.” ~Jesus
This is the third time Jesus appears to the disciples. They’ve been out fishing all night. They’ve been working. They …
God is good — God demonstrates His goodness in His actions!
God not only is good but more importantly, God does good. God acts on His goodness and demonstrates it to …
“Peace be with you!” ~Jesus
Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just …
God is Good – Would that explain why God is in a good mood and does good? God is good y’all!
All God’s perfect qualities are made freely available to all for the benefit of the whole world. God is good. …
“There is no need to dismiss them.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows that nothing is impossible with God. It is in his heart, he believes it, he thinks about it …
“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to hear his message of good news (aka the gospel). Jesus does everything he can to create …
“When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead.” ~Apostle Paul
Being a part of the world of Thanks-Living means we know about trouble ahead but are thankful none the less. …
“By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” ~~Jesus
Jesus intends for us to have great relationships with people in our world. That is His goal for us. Jesus …
“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon
Justice is a tricky thing. For many it is befuddling and confusing. They are seeking justice here in our country. …
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” ~Jesus
Here we go. Fasten the seat belts. Jesus nails it here. He always asks the right questions. I’ve got nowhere …
“What do you want from me?” ~Jesus
This is important for me to know. It is, in fact, critical. Jesus is very interested in what I want …
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” ~Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul challenges to know a few things. God is at work in my life Jesus, the Messiah, is …
What is the main thing about the main thing?
Here it is. It is the main thing about the main thing. Our Father is in a good mood. He …
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus
What does it take to be a part of God’s family? The answer is very straight forward. Jesus doesn’t hold …
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus
Is this a game to be played like cat-and-mouse or hide-and-seek? When I need something, should I try to bargain …
"Let your gentleness be evident to all." ~~Apostle Paul
Our Father is near. His way of running things is taking hold. It can’t be missed. His presence is right …
“Know that the LORD is God.” ~King David
God is so good. He is in a good mood all the time. Jesus, God’s son, loves and never stops …
“I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus
Jesus is saving me a seat. It has my name on it. At the great wedding dinner, I have a …
God is great, God and good!
God is great – Nothing is impossible for Him. He can and does anything. Jesus redeems me. Jesus saves me. …
Good news for men with broken hearts
Men are supposed to be strong. And yet, our hearts get broken. There is good news though. Jesus came to …
“They tracked down and brought in the Levites from all their homes in Jerusalem to carry out the dedication exuberantly: thanksgiving hymns, songs, cymbals, harps, and lutes.” ~Nehemiah
It is a great biblical tradition to celebrate with Thanksgiving. Our God is God and in a good mood. Giving …
Is my obedience not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness? “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”
Jesus told of the man who entrusted three of his servants with thousands of dollars, urging them to handle his …
Jesus made the sacrifice so that I can be free.
Jesus is our Messiah and he poured out his blood for us. Jesus sacrificed his perfect and mature life for …
"I made you. I don’t make mistakes." ~~God
I am God’s creation. He made me. Jesus loves me. Everything that happens in my life works out for good. Courage …
Of course we have problems. Are we counting our problems or our blessings? It makes a difference. God is in a good mood.
Of course we have problems. Are we counting our problems or our blessings? It makes a difference. God is in …
I am reminded that God doesn’t take naps
On days I am not working, sometimes I feel like taking a nap. So … I do. It feels great. …
“Anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” ~Author of Hebrews
There are some things that just aren’t possible with us. We can’t please God without faith. With faith, nothing is …
What matters? There are a lot of things that don’t really matter at the end of the day.
What matters? There are a lot of things that don’t really matter at the end of the day. Who won …
The details are important. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God be ours. God is good all the time.
We are all on a mission given to us by the Messiah Jesus Himself. I am not exempt. God has …
God knows exactly how much you can handle. Trust your struggle. God is in a good mood.
God knows exactly how much I can handle. God is God and God is Great. God will see me through to …
“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.” ~King David
I get scared. I am upset. I get beside myself and loose it. It happens. It is not pleasant. I …
“Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.” ~King David
God’s good word to us is constant. There are no ups and downs with his love. The message of Jesus …
“So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk.” ~Jesus
The religious bullies want to intimidate us into silence. Nothing would please them more. Jesus challenges us to speak up …
“God delights in his people!” ~King David
We have amazing news. This is not trivial. This is beyond good. This is great. God is in a good …
“I’m sticking with God” ~Jeremiah
I am sticking with God!! I could trust myself, my friends, my family. Nothing wrong with that. That is what …
“Be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear.” ~Jesus
I have heard a lot. God is good and tells me His secrets. Are we keeping them to ourselves or giving them …
Who am I in the Messiah Jesus?
Need to get a quick charge with a stunning overview of who you are in Jesus? God is in a …
Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God?
Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God. I know that may sound like heresy but it is true. It’s …
“No one’s ever so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.” ~Apostle Paul
I think I know it all. I am very confident about what the future holds for me. But can I really out imagine God? …
What is God up to? When you’re down to nothing God’s up to Something!
Here is a truth I need to remember. When there’s NOTHING left I can do about a situation I need to remember …
“Why is everyone hungry for more?” ~King David
Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to change our minds (repent). Do we need more or do we have more than …
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus
When we talk with God, Jesus the Messiah challenges us to be direct. God already knows what we need. God …
“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” ~God
Our God is great God who cares for us. God is good all the time. God has a plan for …
"Neither he (the Son) nor the Father shuts anyone out." ~~Jesus
Jesus demands radical obedience from us but also brings good news. No one is shut out from God. All are …
“God believes in you even if you don’t believe in Him.” ~Tourist to Russian athiest
One of my favorite stories is told in a book called “Believe in the God who Believes in You.” Robert …
“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David
God has a goal for us. God wants us to spend time with him. God wants us to keep company …
“Go and do likewise.” ~Jesus
There are experts galore. No lack of those who “officially” know all the rules and regulations. When Jesus asked the …
I have a choice. Will I be sad or will I be glad?
God challenges us to see what He is doing. It is a choice. If I look around I can see …
“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you will always do so.” ~~C.S.Lewis
What can go wrong? Our fear is that anything and everything will go wrong. That is an enemy whispering in …
“Master, I knew that you are a hard man.” ~A man to God
One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a …
"The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing." ~~Jesus
As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of …
“His father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” ~Jesus
God is incredible good. God is looking for me. He feels compassion for me. His heart pounds when He sees me. …
“May everything good from God our Father be yours!” ~Apostle Paul
God is good. There is no doubt about it. The Apostle Paul starts out his message to the Colossians with …
“Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.” ~King David
God has started something in us. It is an amazing work. We serve a God who loves us and has …
We love God but still don’t have a clear idea what He has in mind for us.
We love God but still don’t have a clear idea what He has in mind for us. What God has …
“Love always looks for the best.” ~Apostle Paul
God is love. God is always looking for the best in us. He doesn’t see our foibles and quirks. God is …
"Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." ~~Jesus
Our heavenly Father is in a good mood. He always is and never waivers from that feeling. No ups and …
“Good people last—they can’t be moved; the wicked are here today, gone tomorrow.” ~~King Solomon
Jesus came to give us an abundant life. And true to God’s word, we have it in Jesus. God is …
"If we rejoice in the acts of God without discovering His ways, we’ll question who He is when He doesn’t do what we’ve asked." ~~Bill Johnson
Jesus challenges us to understand why God does what He does. It is one thing to understand what God does. …
