“What do you want from me?” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 20, Miracle

This is important for me to know. It is, in fact, critical.

• Jesus is very interested in what I want from him. It is too easy to believe that God doesn’t care. Jesus only does what he sees his Father do. God is in a good mood and so is Jesus.
• I need to be bold, making my needs known to him. Sitting around thinking I don’t need to say anything will get me nowhere. When Jesus is passing by, I must shout out for mercy.
• Persistence is critical. When others want me to shut up, I need to get bolder and louder. I need persistent faith not more faith.
• My needs move Jesus deeply. Jesus listens to me and is moved. Deeply. That is good news.

There is a procession to join. God’s miracles aren’t for me alone. My job is to follow Jesus.

As they were leaving Jericho, a huge crowd followed. Suddenly they came upon two blind men sitting alongside the road. When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!” The crowd tried to hush them up, but they got all the louder, crying, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!”

Jesus stopped and called over, “What do you want from me?”

They said, “Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!”

Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession.

Source: Matthew 20-29-34

Heartfelt experience with Jesus

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“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

God is Good, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Purpose, Romans 8

The Apostle Paul challenges to know a few things.

• God is at work in my life. He is in control. He is in charge. And everything He does for us, as a result of our love for Him, is for our good.
• God is in a great mood. He is always in a great mood. He is good to the core and has my best interests at the core of His heart.
• God has a purpose for me. It is my assignment not to question what is happening but to see God in it. What is His purpose for this circumstance right now? His heart is good. His love is pure. He is in a great mood.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: Romans 8:28

 May we bask in God’s love and receive His purpose for our lives!

What is the main thing about the main thing?

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Love

Here it is. It is the main thing about the main thing.

Our Father is in a good mood. He always has been. He always will be. His love for me is pure. He isn’t keeping a list of all of my sins. He isn’t frustrated with me at all. He is just tickled pink with who I am in Him.

The life He has given me as a gift is amazing. I didn’t do a thing to earn it. Never could. His love isn’t cautious at all. The most famous bible verse (John 3:16) starts with “For God so loved the world …”

Now how amazing is all of this. He so ROCKS!!!

May I know that God is good and in a good mood all the time. May I know He loves me all the time.

 

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, God's Plan, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 12, Obedience

What does it take to be a part of God’s family?

The answer is very straight forward. Jesus doesn’t hold anything back from me. His challenge to me is to do what God wants. Obedience is the core of everything in God’s world.

It is not about my plan. It is all about God’s plan. He has one. Will I obey it? Jesus challenges me to do so.

Now here is some VERY good news. God’s plan is simple and straightforward.

In this day of complicated programs and books, simplicity rocks. The kids even have it on a bracelet. WWJD. “What would Jesus do”?

God’s plan is for me to do what He has in mind for me. All the time. That puts me in the family of God. Good news for sure.

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.  (Matthew 12:50)

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 7

Is this a game to be played like cat-and-mouse or hide-and-seek? When I need something, should I try to bargain with God?

No. Jesus is clear. He demands that I be direct with God.

God is love. If I ask Him something, He will give it to me.

If we seek an answer, He will give it. If I knock, He will open the door. Our parents, while not perfect, have our best interests at heart.

God is God and God is good. His love is perfect. Compared to our parents, how good is God’s love for us minute by minute?

Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? Matthew 7:7-8 MSG

"Let your gentleness be evident to all." ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Gentleness, God is Good, Jesus, Philippians 4

Our Father is near. His way of running things is taking hold. It can’t be missed. His presence is right here. It is undeniable. I can feel him next to me.

I hear his whisper in my ear. His gently pat on my head to comfort me is evidence of his love. God is good and in a good mood. I need to know this in my soul.

We know this. And so, our gentle way should really be evident to everyone we know. Is it?

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

 

“Know that the LORD is God.” ~King David

Tags

Faithful, God is God, God is Good, King David, Love, Psalm, Psalm 100, Thanksgiving, Wise Sayings

God is so good. He is in a good mood all the time.

Jesus, God’s son, loves and never stops loving. He is loyal and faithful to us all.

God is God. There are none others. Not money or credit cards or 401k’s can save us from missing God’s goal for our lives.

Jesus, the Messiah, alone is worthy of our faith and love.

So, let’s shout it out!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

“I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Heaven, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5

Jesus is saving me a seat. It has my name on it. At the great wedding dinner, I have a place all ready for me.

Remember the feeling when someone saves a seat for you at a crowded event. The place is packed but you look over and there they are. They wave and motion you to come over.

Imagine how we we will feel when Jesus does the same thing!!

The music is playing. The room is packed with energy and excitement. I look over and there He is.

Jesus waves to me. He motions me over. He escorts me to my seat. He hugs me and tells me how happy He is to see me.

Oh my. That will be a BIG Whoo Hoo for sure!!!

I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus (John 14:2)

God is great, God and good!

Tags

God is God, God is Good, God is Great, Jesus

God is great – Nothing is impossible for Him. He can and does anything.

Jesus redeems me. Jesus saves me. Jesus heals me. Jesus restores me. I will speak of His great and mighty work.

God is God – He is in control. He has always been and always will be.

This is not a democracy. Democracies are a good form of government but God’s government is not a democracy. God has given all authority to his son Jesus and His way of doing things is what is important. The way He does it in heaven is the way we want it done here on earth.

God is good – He is always good. He is perpetually in a good mood.

Jesus is not upset with me. I am God’s child and He is doing so many good things for me. We are His friends and He will do anything it takes to help us out. We are His bride and His love for us is passionate beyond imagination.

Good news for men with broken hearts

Tags

God is Good, Good News, Heart, Isaiah 61, Jesus

Men are supposed to be strong. And yet, our hearts get broken. There is good news though. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. And, He does.

The condition of a man’s broken hear has never better said than by Hank Williams in his classic, “Men with Broken Hearts”. I have been meditating lately on Isaiah 61 (see below) and Hank’s song came back to mind. Here are the lyrics.

You’ll meet many just like me upon life’s busy street
With shoulders stooped and heads bowed low and eyes that stare in defeat
Or souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts
Where a living death is all that’s left for men with broken hearts

You have no right to be the judge to criticize and condemn
Just think but for the grace of God it would be you instead of him
One careless step, a thoughtless deed and then the misery starts
And to those who weep death comes cheap these men with broken hearts
Oh so humble you should be when they come passing by
For it’s written that the greatest men never get too big to cry
Some lose faith in love and life when sorrow shoots her darts
And with hope all gone they walk alone these men with broken hearts
You’ve never walked in that man’s shoes or saw things through his eyes
Or stood and watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies
Some were paupers some were kings and some were masters of the arts

But in their shame they’re all the same these men with broken hearts
Life sometimes can be so cruel that a heart will pray for death
God why must these living dead know pain with every breath
So help your brother along the road no matter where he starts
For the God that made you made them too these men with broken hearts

So our Father is so very good. Here is His good news:

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.

Source: Isaiah 61:1-7 (MSG)

“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

Tags

God is God, God is Good, Jesus, Nehemiah 12, Thanksgiving

Thanks

It is a great biblical tradition to celebrate with Thanksgiving.

Our God is God and in a good mood. Giving thanks to him is what it is all about.

Once a year? Nah!

Every minute of every day.

When it came time for the dedication of the wall, 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. The singers assembled from all around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites, from Beth Gilgal, from the farms at Geba and Azmaveth—the singers had built villages for themselves all around Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 12:27-29 The Message (MSG)

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.”

Tags

Desire, Fear, God is Good, Jesus, Love, Matthew 25, Obedience, Passion

Jesus told of the man who entrusted three of his servants with thousands of dollars, urging them to handle his affairs well while he was away. When he returned, he listened eagerly to their reports.

The first two fellows went out into the marketplace and doubled their investment. As a result, they were handsomely rewarded.

The third servant was not so fortunate. His gold was taken from him, and he was thrown into “outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” My goodness.

Why? All he did was bury the money under the porch until his master’s return.

Most of us would probably agree with the path he chose-at least the money was safe there. But listen to the man’s reasoning.

Speaking to his master, he said, “I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it” (see Matt. 25:14-30 NLT). He was afraid of the master, whom he saw as a hard man. He didn’t trust his master’s heart.

The issue isn’t capital gains- it’s what we think of God. Are  we saying the same thing: “God, I don’t dare desire because I fear you; I think you are hard-hearted.”

Or do we see our Father as someone who loves us more than anyone else can. Someone who has our best interests at heart.

Even though we may profess at one level a genuine faith in him, at another level are we like the third servant? My obedience is not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness. “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”

The deepest moral issue is always what we, in our heart of hearts, believe about God. And nothing reveals this belief as clearly as what we do with our desire.

Jesus made the sacrifice so that I can be free.

Tags

Freedom, God is Good, Jesus, Messiah, Sacrifice

Love of Jesus

Jesus is our Messiah and he poured out his blood for us. Jesus sacrificed his perfect and mature life for me. Jesus literally poured out his blood for me.

Jesus did it so that I can be free. Before Jesus, I was bound to missing God’s goal for my life and on a course headed to punishment. It was all my doing.

Now I am free for that life I had before. And I am not just a little free but extravagantly and abundantly free.

Jesus thought of everything. Jesus has provided me everything. Jesus has let me in on God’s plan that God has invested so much in providing to me. God has so much pleasure in making it happen for us.

God has a long-range plan for how he is going to bring everything together. God’s plan starts with his son Jesus, the Messiah. God is the big picture and knows how it will all come together. God is in a very good mood.

 

 

"I made you. I don’t make mistakes." ~~God

Tags

Courage, Creation, God is Good, Jesus, Love

I am God’s creation. He made me.

Jesus loves me. Everything that happens in my life works out for good.

Courage is the order of the day.

I made you. I don’t make mistakes.” ~~God

Of course we have problems. Are we counting our problems or our blessings? It makes a difference. God is in a good mood.

Tags

Blessings, God is Good, Jesus, Problems

Problems

Of course we have problems. Are we counting our problems or our blessings?

It makes a difference.

God is in a good mood. I must get that in my heart.

Jesus challenges me to “fear not”. I can count on Jesus.

I am reminded that God doesn’t take naps

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Nap

Power Nap

On days I am not working, sometimes I feel like taking a nap. So … I do.

It feels great. It is a treat to be able to do it.

I am reminded that God, however, is always working for us. He doesn’t take naps. He doesn’t even know how to snore.

And that is a good word to believe in for sure.

“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

Tags

Faith, God is Good, Hebrews 11, Jesus

Bold Faith

There are some things that just aren’t possible with us. We can’t please God without faith.

With faith, nothing is impossible.

One aspect of faith that can be overlooked is that God cares enough to respond if we seek Him. If I believe that He cares, I know that God will respond.

It is interesting that it is not just believing God exists. God exists AND he cares. God is in a good mood. A critical part of faith is believing that fact.

May I know how much our heavenly Father cares for me.

May I focus on believing that in my heart and soul.

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 MSG (The Message)

What matters? There are a lot of things that don’t really matter at the end of the day.

Tags

God is God, God is Good, God is Great, Jesus, Messiah, What Matters

What matters?

There are a lot of things that don’t really matter at the end of the day. Who won the baseball game is interesting but not essential.

There are three things I know. Those haven’t changed and are more important now more than ever.

1. God is God. He is in control, not our government or anyone in our government. We are citizens of His Kingdom. Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God. Jesus is in charge.
2. God is great. Nothing is impossible with Him. God has it all planned out. God will make it happen.
3. God is good. He has some really great stuff in store for us.

May I focus on what is important.

The details are important. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God be ours. God is good all the time.

Tags

Benefits, Gift, God is Good, Good News, Jesus

God’s Gift

We are all on a mission given to us by the Messiah Jesus Himself. I am not exempt. God has a goal for me. I must focus on what it is today.

It has all been planned by God. The details are His and not mine.

Jesus has our steps lined out. We must be faithful to His way.

It is good news. No detail has been left out.

May all the gifts and benefits that come from God be ours. God is good all the time. 

God knows exactly how much you can handle. Trust your struggle. God is in a good mood.

Tags

God is God, God is Good, God is Great, Jesus, Trust

I am God

God knows exactly how much I can handle. God is God and God is Great. God will see me through to the end. There is no doubt about it. It is all about God and has nothing to do with me.

I need to trust my struggle. Jesus struggled. Jesus cried out to God. Jesus trusted God and trusted God would see him through to the end. Jesus promised us that in the world we would have trouble.

God is in a good mood. God is my heavenly Father and loves us. God has nothing but good in mind for me.

“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, King David, Psalm 94, Wise Sayings

I get scared. I am upset. I get beside myself and loose it.

It happens. It is not pleasant.

I feel like I won’t make it. What has happened to me?

But wait. Hold it a minute.

God is on my side. God’s love takes hold of me. That is all I need.

In times of trouble, Jesus shows up and cheers me up. He has been through it all and shows me the way to victory. The peace of Jesus overwhelms me.

Now that is some good news.

Who stood up for me against the wicked?
    Who took my side against evil workers?
If God hadn’t been there for me,
    I never would have made it.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”
    your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
    you calmed me down and cheered me up.

Source: Psalm 94:18-19 MSG – Who stood up for me against the wicked? – Bible Gateway

“Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, Psalm 16, Wise, Wise Sayings, Word of God

God’s Word

God’s good word to us is constant. There are no ups and downs with his love. The message of Jesus is clear and on target.

If I hear conflicting messages, it isn’t God. On that I can be sure.

I will stick with God’s good word. I can’t let go. I won’t let go.

The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.

Source: Psalm 16:8 MSG – The wise counsel GOD gives when I’m – Bible Gateway

“So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk.” ~Jesus

Tags

Bully, God is Good, Jesus, Luke 12, Religious

Bully

The religious bullies want to intimidate us into silence. Nothing would please them more.

Jesus challenges us to speak up about who is in charge and what our mission is as a result of that.

God will take care of us. We don’t need to worry. I am very valuable to God. Jesus wants me to succeed.

Luke 12:6-7 The Message (MSG)

I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.

What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.

Source: Luke 12:6-7 MSG – “What’s the price of two or three – Bible Gateway

 

“God delights in his people!” ~King David

Tags

Delight, God is Good, Good News, Jesus, Love, Psalm 149

Good news of God

We have amazing news. This is not trivial. This is beyond good. This is great.

God is in a good mood. God delights in us.

God is not embarrassed by who we are. God doesn’t want to hide when he sees us coming.

God wants to dress us up and parade us around.

God delights in us.

Psalm 149:1-4 The Message (MSG)

Hallelujah!
Sing to God a brand-new song,
    praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
    Zion’s children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
    strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because God delights in his people,
    festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!

Source: Psalm 149:4 MSG – Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new – Bible Gateway

“I’m sticking with God” ~Jeremiah

Tags

Faithfulness, God is Good, Jesus, Lamentations 3, Love

I am sticking with God!!

I could trust myself, my friends, my family. Nothing wrong with that. That is what we should do.

Beyond that though, I am sticking with God. That is the way of His world. And so, I say it over and over. Great is His faithfulness.

How wonderful is God’s love. He shows it over and over. He has promised to bring an answer. To show me the way. God sent Jesus. Jesus is the way to God. There is no other.

God’s love is new every morning.

But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. —Lamentations 3

“Be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 8, Share, Transparent

Miser

I have heard a lot. God is good and tells me His secrets.

Are we keeping them to ourselves or giving them away? His generosity is well known. Are we sharing it?

We hear a lot about transparency. God is always transparent with us. God is clear. Jesus shows us the challenge.

The more of His goodness we give away the more we get. It just keeps coming back to us over and over again.

May we not shove the light under a bed. May we set it out so everyone can see.

No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.

Luke 8:16-18

Who am I in the Messiah Jesus?

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Messiah

Need to get a quick charge with a stunning overview of who you are in Jesus?

God is in a good mood!

Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God?

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Patience, Prayer, Tired, Wait

Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God. I know that may sound like heresy but it is true. It’s OK though. My Father understands. God sent his Holy Spirit to help me. The Holy Spirit is right along side of me giving me His great energy. He is most powerful.

Sometimes I don’t know what to pray for. I don’t even know how to pray.

It really doesn’t matter. Again, His Spirit does the praying for me. How cool is that? My Father knows me much better than I know myself. His Spirit keeps me right in front of God.

There are a lot of details to my life. It is no big deal for my Father.

God loves me and makes sure that every detail of my life is worked into something good. No, something excellent. That’s just His way.

Always in a great mood. Always giving me good news. Always giving me more than I can think of to ask Him for. After all, He is my heavenly Father.

 

 

“No one’s ever so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 2, Apostle Paul, Apostle Paul Sayings, God is Good, Jesus, Love

Love of God

I think I know it all. I am very confident about what the future holds for me. But can I really out imagine God? Do I really know what Jesus has in mind for me?

No, I can’t out imagine the creator of the universe. I can’t out imagine the inventor of love. I can’t out imagine the author of faithfulness.

God loves us and we can’t imagine what He has in store for us. So let’s just fasten our seat belts and enjoy the ride. God is in an amazing mood and has stunning things in store for us.

That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.

Source: Apostle Paul   (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message)

What is God up to? When you’re down to nothing God’s up to Something!

Tags

God is Good, Jesus

Here is a truth I need to remember.

When there’s NOTHING left I can do about a situation I need to remember this. 

 

When you’re down to nothing God’s up to Something!

God is good all the time

 

God is in a good mood. I don’t know what God is up to many days. I do know that he is up to something good.

I can count on that.

“Why is everyone hungry for more?” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, King David, Psalm 4, Wise Sayings

Today I choose joy

Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to change our minds (repent). Do we need more or do we have more than enough? It is an essential question. I know there are days I want more even though I already have more than enough.

Why is everyone hungry for more? We don’t see everything that our loving Father has already given us. We don’t see what his goal and plans are for our future. We need to change our minds. We need to do it now.

Today I choose joy. I will have more joy in this ordinary day than I need.

 

Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day.

Psalm 4:6-7

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 11

Holy Spirit

When we talk with God, Jesus the Messiah challenges us to be direct. God already knows what we need. God loves us. God cares for us. God will give us what we need.

One of the more important things that Jesus knows we need is the Holy Spirit. We need the power to have faith and be courageous. How often do I ask for the Holy Spirit in my prayers? Not enough I am afraid.

God is in a good mood. May we be direct and ask for what we need.

Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?” Luke 11:10-13

” 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

Tags

God is God, God is Good, Hope, Jeremiah 29, Promise

God’s plan

Our God is great God who cares for us. God is good all the time. God has a plan for us. God will not abandon us. God wants to give us the future we have hoped for.

Our job is to follow Jesus, the Messiah and focus on what he wants us to do. The rest is up to God. God knows what he is doing. We don’t know. That is a huge difference.

This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:10-11

Source: Jeremiah 29:11 MSG – This is GOD’s Word on the subject: – Bible Gateway

"Neither he (the Son) nor the Father shuts anyone out." ~~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Good News, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5

Radical Sayings of Jesus

Jesus demands radical obedience from us but also brings good news. No one is shut out from God.

All are welcome.

Jesus doesn’t shut anyone out. God doesn’t do it either.

No one is shut out, ever.

“Neither he (the Son) nor the Father shuts anyone out.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:23)

“God believes in you even if you don’t believe in Him.” ~Tourist to Russian athiest

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Athiest, Crystal Cathedral, God is Good, Jesus, Robert Schuller, Russia

God Help

One of my favorite stories is told in a book called “Believe in the God who Believes in You.” Robert Schuller tells about spending the week with a guide in Russia. The lady was an atheist. Bob prayed “What can I say to her?” Here’s what he said happened:

“My words came out without a forethought… I said “I have good news for you.” “Well?” She looked at me; she waited.

“God loves you,” I said. “even if you don’t believe it. And God believes in you even if you don’t believe in Him.”

Wow! That’s so powerful. Even when we don’t believe in Him. Even when we don’t know about Him. Even if we are being just plain stubborn… God believes in us. God sent his son Jesus for us even if we don’t believe in his saving power.

It’s just a fact. Because our God is Good.

“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David

Tags

Best, God is Good, Jesus, King David, Wise Sayings

God is good all the time

God has a goal for us. God wants us to spend time with him. God wants us to keep company with him and his son Jesus the Messiah.

God knows that spending time with him is the best thing to do. God is in a good mood and wants to share that with us. He can’t share it is we don’t keep company with him.

Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.

Source: Psalm 37:4 MSG – Get insurance with GOD and do a good – Bible Gateway

“Go and do likewise.” ~Jesus

Tags

Expert, God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Mercy

Mercy

There are experts galore. No lack of those who “officially” know all the rules and regulations. When Jesus asked the question, He got an answer from an expert.

So … what is it that God desires from us? Who showed love to his neighbor? The one who showed mercy.

That is what we should do. That is what I should do. This is how we love our neighbors. Have mercy. Be merciful. Show mercy in every way!!!

Simple.

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37

I have a choice. Will I be sad or will I be glad?

Tags

Glad, God is Good, Joy, Sad

Today I choose joy

God challenges us to see what He is doing. It is a choice. If I look around I can see plenty of evidence to depress me.

But that is not all. God is in a good mood. He is faithful. A miracle is waiting to happen. Jesus is in charge and has a plan that he is bringing to pass. The sick are being healed. The brokenhearted are being made whole.

I have a choice. Will I be sad or will I be glad?

“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you will always do so.” ~~C.S.Lewis

Tags

C. S. Lewis, God is Good, Hope, Jesus, Love, Messiah

What can go wrong? Our fear is that anything and everything will go wrong. That is an enemy whispering in our ear. It isn’t true.

We serve a loving savior, Jesus, the Messiah and our Master. The plans He has for us are good ones. May we focus on what He is doing and not listen to the enemy whispering in our ear.

“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you will always do so.” ~~C.S.Lewis

“Master, I knew that you are a hard man.” ~A man to God

Tags

God is Good, Heart, Jesus, Master, Matthew 25, Messiah

One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a good mood he is in. The story of the bags of gold that Jesus told is on the same theme. I have heard a lot about using the talents God has given us as the message here. And it is. But part of it, maybe much of it, is about the heart we have for God and how we see Him.

Of the three men in this story, only one starts his conversation with God with an indictment of who God is. His first sentence revealed his heart. He believed at his core that God is a hard, stubborn, and stiff necked. WOW!!!

Now think about all the messages you have heard about God. Which fall in the “God is good” category and which fall into the “God is mean” category. What does God think about that?

Well, my oh my, did God get angry with him? His answer was blistering. Oh my goodness, he ticked Him off big time. This is not the kind of answer I want to get from my Father. I want the “well done” answer. I do not want the “you wicked and lazy” man answer. I want the “he has a heart after God” answer. I want Him to put His arm around me.

May I take what God gives me, have a heart that knows He is good and use what He gives me well.

Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man.” Matthew 25:24

Here is the context from The Message bible.

“The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’

“The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.

"The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing." ~~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John, John 5, Love, Messiah

As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of billions and that is the love that our heavenly Father has for His son Jesus, the Messiah. And that is the kind of love He also has for us.

Jesus is included in everything God has in mind for us. When Jesus speaks, he knows what He is saying. His Father has told Him everything. We can trust it. God is good and in a good mood. God wants the best for us. Nothing else will satisfy God.

“The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” ~~Jesus (John 5:19-20 The Message)

“His father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” ~Jesus

Tags

Compassion, God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 15

God is incredible good.

God is looking for me. He feels compassion for me. His heart pounds when He sees me.

God runs to greet me. He gives me a bear hug of an embrace. He kisses me. He wants to do this every day. He wants to do it every time he sees me. He is looking for me now.

This story from Jesus is not a story about the prodigal son. This is a story about our loving Father. God loves us no matter what. His heart goes out to us. He has compassion for us. He is in a good mood, every day, all the time.

May I know, in my heart, our Father’s compassion.

His father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

“May everything good from God our Father be yours!” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul, Apostle Paul Sayings, Colossians 1, God is Good, Jesus

God is good. There is no doubt about it. The Apostle Paul starts out his message to the Colossians with a blessing. May every good thing be ours.

Is that what God has in mind for us? Yes it is. Is that our blessing to others? Yes, it should be.

May everything good from God our Father be yours! (Colossians 1:2 The Message)

“Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.” ~King David

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God is Good, God's Goal, Jesus, King David Sayings, Love, Psalm 138

God is good all the time!

God has started something in us. It is an amazing work. We serve a God who loves us and has great plans for us. God is good, all the time. God loves us every second of every day. God’s love is never ending.

God’s goal for us is that we trust him and believe in the good works he has in store for us.

Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”

Angels listen as I sing my thanks.

I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!”

Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name,

most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.

When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”

They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great the glory of God!”

And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil.

With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me.

Finish what you started in me, God.

Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.

via Psalm 138 MSG – A David Psalm Thank you! Everything in – Bible Gateway.

We love God but still don’t have a clear idea what He has in mind for us.

Tags

God is Good, God's Plan, Jesus, Messiah, Mind

God is good all the time

We love God but still don’t have a clear idea what He has in mind for us. What God has in mind is stunning. God is in such a good mood, all the time. Jesus paid the price for us to be in right standing with God. What an amazing God we serve.

We will be shocked by what God has in mind for us. That is good news indeed.

“Love always looks for the best.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians, God is Good, Jesus, Love

God is good all the time

God is love. God is always looking for the best in us. He doesn’t see our foibles and quirks.

God is not keeping a list of all of our failings. He sees us as fully redeemed sons and daughters. God is good and because of that chooses to love us. God could choose not to look for the best. That is not His nature. That is not who God is.

How many times do we have the image of a God who is like us or people we know? Critical. Judgemental. Harsh.

God is not like that at all.

May I love like my Father and always look for the best.

Love always looks for the best. 1 Corinthians 13

"Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." ~~Jesus

Tags

Generous, God is Good, Gracious, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5

Our heavenly Father is in a good mood. He always is and never waivers from that feeling. No ups and downs with Him. Always excited to see us. Loves us even when we ignore Him.

Jesus challenges us to know that in our soul. Why?

Many of us have an image of fathers, maybe even our own, that doesn’t match that.

Jesus is God’s Son. He knows the Father. We can rely on what He says. He says that GOD is generous and gracious. Always in a good mood. So, it is true.

“Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“Good people last—they can’t be moved; the wicked are here today, gone tomorrow.” ~~King Solomon

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Evil, God is Good, Jesus, Proverbs 10, Wicked, Wise Sayings

God is good all the time!

Jesus came to give us an abundant life. And true to God’s word, we have it in Jesus. God is good all  the time.

Not so with evil people who reject God. Their life is without meaning.

“Good people last—they can’t be moved; the wicked are here today, gone tomorrow.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:30)

"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

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Bill Johnson, God is Good, Jesus, Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord

Jesus challenges us to understand why God does what He does. It is one thing to understand what God does. Rejoicing in that is great. It is more important to understand the heart of God and why God does certain things.

God is in a good mood, all the time. God intends great things for us, all the time. Jesus wants us to know God.

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

Today is a day to stay calm. No need to freak out. Who’s got you? God’s got you, that’s who!

Tags

Calm, Fist Bump, God is Good, Peace

Fist Bump

Today is a day to stay calm.

No need to freak out.

Who’s got you? God’s got you, that’s who!

God is in a good mood.

Stay calm.

Fist bump my friends.

"A man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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God is Good, Martin Luther King Jr., Pride

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Stand up and be proud. God is with us and God is in a good mood.

Be blessed.

A man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent. ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"You know both God and how he works." ~~Jesus

Tags

Anxiety, God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 6

Jesus challenges us to not worry and live for what God wants to accomplish today. God takes care of the flowers and the birds. We see that and know that. And yet we get focused on the wrong things.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—Jesus wants us to know that God will attend to us, take pride in us, do his best for us.

God is the loving Father who has our best in mind all the time.

Do we know God is in a good mood?

If so, we know how God works. We need to understand in our heart the very nature of God. Once we get that, we will always know how He works.

May I know both God and how God works.

“You know both God and how he works.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:33 The Message)

I can feel it in my soul. I can feel it head to toe. Let us bless the holy name of God.

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Blessings, God is Good, Jesus

God’s Blessings

I can feel it in my soul. Can you?

I can feel it head to toe. Can you?

Let us bless the holy name of God.

God is good. God is good all the time. God will be good tomorrow and every day after. Can you feel in your soul how good God is?

You know God is going to bless you.

Can you feel it in your soul?

May we remember all the blessings of God.

 

Love Life .. Be free .. Honor God .. Be happy .. Don’t let your life be burdened by negativity.

Tags

God is God, God is Good, Jesus

Love

Love Life. God has given us an abundant life. Jesus wants us to love it.

Be free. God has given us freedom. Jesus wants us live a life of freedom from worry and anxiety.

Honor God. God is God. Jesus wants us to live a disciplined life devoted to God.

BE HAPPY! God is in a good mood today. Jesus wants us to be more than happy.

Don’t let yourself be burdened by negativity. God will take care of us. Jesus wants us to not be afraid. Jesus challenges us to fear not.

Faith is speaking to me. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.

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God is Good, Prayer

Bold Faith

Faith is speaking to me. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.

God doesn’t give me more to do than He has power to enable me to accomplish.

May I listen and know that God is in a good mood.

May my faith be bold.

“God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, Good News, Jesus, Psalm 103, Victim

God is good all the time

There is something horribly wrong with a “victim mentality”. It is a complete and total mistrust of God. God is in control.

God is in a good mood. He loves us and wants the best for us. God makes everything come out right. Not a few things. Not things occasionally. He is the God of making everything RIGHT.

How easy it is though to not trust God and wallow in our misery. Too easy some days. I can see clearly what He isn’t doing in my life. I am happy however when I focus on what God is doing.

So … God makes everything come out right. That is that and that is all there is to it.

God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. Psalm 103

 

"If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith." ~~Oswald Chambers

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Faith, God is Good, Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers

Is our faith contingent on how we feel right now?

What we are experiencing right now may shake our faith. We need to know, in our heart, that God is in a good mood and will see us through to the end. That is God’s promise to us.

If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith. ~~Oswald Chambers

Thursday Inspiration 7.17.14

Tags

God is Good

Well said. God is in a good mood.

Jesscbnyc

I love this verse because it seems to be written and spoken in a soft soothing voice. I think sometimes it can be hard to remember that this is how God speaks to us. Slow to anger, gently, caring.

I pray that when we read His word and talk to Him in our day that we remember this is how sweetly our Father speaks to us.

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"Give her something to eat." ~~Jesus

Tags

Food, God is Good, Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5, Resurrection

Hungry Girl

The events of the day had been stunning. A 12 year old had just been raised from the dead. At Jesus command, she got up from the dead and walked around. Everyone was beside themselves. She was 12. She had died. Now she was alive. God is great. Nothing is impossible with Him.

What is Jesus first concern after He has raised her from the dead? She is hungry. Get her some food.

Jesus knows what is important and when it is important. He never ignores what we need and when we need it.

That is just the way God is. God is good and in a good mood. He knows when we are hungry and will give us something to eat.

 But when he had sent them all out, he took the child’s father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child’s room. He clasped the girl’s hand and said, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up.” At that, she was up and walking around! This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy. He gave them strict orders that no one was to know what had taken place in that room. Then he said, “Give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:40-43 The Message)

"If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."~~Jesus

Tags

Generosity, God is Good, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 4, Water

Generosity of God. He is in a good mood.

Jesus knows first hand the generosity of God. Everything starts from God caring and His generosity. Jesus knows that God is a loving Father.

When we ask for a drink of water, he reminds us (challenges us) to focus on what is important. Water will only quench our thirst for a brief period of time.

Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (living water) who empowers us for all of eternity. We have that now.

May I drink from the living water of Jesus and realize the power of His Holy Spirit. May I realize that now.

“If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.”~~Jesus (John 4:10)

God knows how ….

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God is Good, Priority, Purification, Strength

God knows. God cares.

God knows how to do surgery. He can bring about internal purification. I can trust Him. He is good, all the time.

Is God first in my life?

Is He second in my life?

Is He third?

He wants to be my only priority. He wants to the one and only.

Not only does God know how but God cares. He loves us and paid for our redemption with the blood of His only Son.

I need more of that and only that. I can pay that price. He gives me strength.

“That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

God is Good, Good, Love, Romans 8

Romans 8:28 All things work for the good

Am I sure? Do I know it for a fact? God’s enabling Spirit is in us and lets us know that God is good and He loves us. Every detail is being worked into something good. That is just the way it is. God is in a good mood.

No detail is too small for God. He is committed to working out every little thing for our good. He doesn’t miss a thing. We may not understand it but we do need to believe He is in a good mood and isn’t out to punish us.

That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28

May I be sure of God’s love and the details He is working out for me.

“Today you will join me in paradise.” ~~Jesus on the cross

Tags

Crucifixion, God is Good, Good Friday, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Luke 23, Paradise

Three men  had been condemned.  Three men were hanging on crosses facing an agonizing deaths. One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed Jesus: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”  But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”

“Today you will join me in paradise.” ~~Jesus on the cross Luke 23:43

The criminal seemed to think this would be sometime in the future. Jesus was clear it would happen that day. Jesus has become victorious. He is King in God’s Kingdom. We have died and have life with him. 

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’” ~~Billy Graham

Tags

Billy Graham, Crucifixion, God is Good, Good Friday, Quote

 

 

God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’  ~~Billy Graham

You will Fall in Love with this Child — Guaranteed!

Tags

Compassion International, God is Good, Jesus

Judah’s funny, full of life, joyful and silly. And you are going to fall in love with him — guaranteed!

 

 

 

“Your love, God, fills the earth!” ~~King David

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Love, Promise, Psalm 119

Jesus said, “Everyone who asks (begs) receives …” Sometimes it takes a lot for us to ask. We think we don’t need help. We can do it our self. Help not needed. We will ask if we don’t have something we want or if we can’t do it our self.

God has promised so much.  His love fills the entire earth. There is no end to it. God is good.

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out— but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me. I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning! I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel. Psalm 119:57-64

May I humble myself and ask.

May I beg for His help.