Tag: God is good

Posted in Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

God is Good …

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It is good to give thanks to the Lord! Scripture says it, and I have personally found it to be true in my life. The writer of this Psalm obviously knew it to be true, for throughout the chapter, he calls his listeners/readers to proclaim God’s goodness. He also continues to reveal the goodness of God throughout the entire Psalm.

 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Ps.107:1

I love that the Psalmist not only calls us to give thanks but also tells us why to give thanks. He calls us to give thanks for two specific reasons that we are wise to remember and daily declare.

  • He is good.
  • His mercies (or loyal love) endure forever.

To know His goodness and mercies is a wonderful thing/feeling, but more than that, it is a catalyst for knowing Him intimately. His goodness and mercy allow us to know Him. They draw our eyes upward. They open our eyes to His love and kindness. They convince us of His faithfulness to never leave or forsake us. They are seen in His grace to save/deliver us from our sins, and in His power to transform us from the inside out. His goodness knows no boundaries – for God is only, always, good.

The gotquestions.org commentary explains it like this: “To say that God is good means that God always acts in accordance to what is right, true, and good. Goodness is part of God’s nature, and He cannot contradict His nature. Holiness and righteousness are part of God’s nature; He cannot do anything that is unholy or unrighteous. God is the standard of all that is good.”

Friends, let’s ask Him to open our eyes to see His goodness and mercy throughout the day, and may we be quick and faithful to give Him thanks, declaring aloud: ‘Thank You, God!’ For You are good and Your mercies endure forever!

The More We Know

What does it mean that God is good?

If you do not know God or would like to know more about Him, I would love to introduce you to Him … simply click on the Know These Truths link below.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Some of My Favorite Things

Philippians 4:4

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Philippians 4:4

After reading my morning verse recently, I found myself journaling these words: “Father, You are good. How long ago did You show me this verse? How many years since I sat at my kitchen table reading and rereading it and the verses that followed? How many times and ways since then have you shown me the truth of those verses?”

Sometime in the early nineties, I sat at the table of our newly built home, enjoying the quiet moments of my baby’s nap time. Sometimes, when she slept, I would rest or clean, but most often, I would spend some alone time with God in His Word. As a newly “revived” believer, I was hungry for the Word and eager to build/rebuild a relationship with God.

Today’s verse brought that table and time to mind, as it was there that I first remember beginning to study Philippians 4:4-7, specifically – Paul’s words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. (I will say it again: Rejoice!) 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – note: while verse eight wasn’t included in my early study, it soon followed and has rescued me from more than one battle.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

God seemed to embed those words in my mind that day. Through the three decades that have followed, He has continued to faithfully ingrain them and use the words to help me through many turbulent days/years of this life/world. These words … have taught me to fix my eyes on God and His will … to ‘rejoice’ even when the days are hard, sad, or downright scary. The words helped me develop a relationship with God, teaching me to spend time in prayer, talking to God, not just at Him. From there, I began learning to trust Him, to fix my thoughts on Him, and to experience the promised peace.

To this day, these words of Paul remind me that God is near, that His return is imminent, and that in and with God, I can have, know, and be filled with peace even in the tumultuous storms of this life! God’s peace is truly a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that gives strength and hope in both the good and challenging seasons; this strength and hope have led me to “re-joy-cing” in God for more than thirty years of my life.

As I read the words again this morning, they were not new to me but they caused my mind to stop and remember God’s goodness so many years ago and every day since to change my life from the inside-out!

“Joy is the flag flying high above the castle of the hear, announcing that the King is in residence there.”

~Unknown

Loving Heavenly Father, my strength and hope are from You and through Christ in me. Your grace and power fill me with the confident JOY to keep going when hope seems far away and sorrows weigh me down. When I am weak, You are strong! So in my sorrow for this world and despite my concerns – please continue to help me KEEP my eyes and thoughts fixed on You – and let the flag of JOY fly high above the castle of my heart – where You rule and reign – announcing to all that You – my God and King – are in residence here!💜 – And to borrow from today’s devotion from “Our Daily Verse,” “May my life be a testament to the unshakable joy found in a relationship with You. Let this joy be my strength, a light to others, and a reflection of Your constant grace in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Posted in Bible study

GOD’S WORD, OUR COMFORT…

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by Jen Thorn | LGG Post of Jun 28, 2015 |

Welcome to week 3 of our Psalm 119 study!

What do you run to for comfort?

For me it is people.  If I am sad or scared or worried or discouraged I go to my husband or friends.

But people are not the only source of comfort, right? Some seek comfort in their money, retail therapy, food, work, or sleep. Others try to escape through fiction books or movies. And sadly, some pick really dangerous ways of coping by using  drugs and alcohol.

There is nothing wrong with seeking comfort from others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us that we are to encourage each other. It is also fine to watch a funny movie to make us laugh when we are feeling a bit down. But we can’t rely on earthly things to bring real lasting comfort.

Once the friends leave or the movie is over we are right back in the midst of our suffering. Earthly things can only comfort us in part, but the Psalmist tells us that there is a place we can go to find real lasting comfort.

Each eight verse section in Psalm 119 has a theme, and today Psalm 119:49-56 deals with God’s word as our comforter. Verse 50, in particular, is a key verse for us:

This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.

If we accept them by faith then these words become personal. These words are not from some God, but from our God. They are words to us from our Father and from our Redeemer. We belong to him, and he cares for us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction ~ 2 Cor. 1:3-4

God’s word can give us peace while we are in the midst of a wild storm. It can bring comfort while we are afraid, tired, and worn out. We can have hope that he will see us through to the other side.

Romans 15 tells us that “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

The best comfort we find in Scripture is that Christ died for us.  It puts everything else into perspective. We have something far better waiting for us. These hard times – while they are difficult – will only last for awhile.

God’s word has the ability to give us life in the midst of any circumstance… life that is made up of hope, joy, praise and strength.

Looking To Jesus,

jen-sig
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

WHEN FEAR GRIPS US…

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119

This week’s response to : Psalm 119:25-48

Today’s post is shared from the LGG archives / written by Angela Perritt | as posted Jul 2, 2015 

“Mama… I can’t sleep. I’m so afraid. So afraid something bad is going to happen to all of us,” she says with tears streaming down her beautiful face.

Fear.

This sweet girl of mine has recently been struggling with a crippling fear that something bad is going to happen to her family. And like all of us with fears, it’s been keeping her up at night.

I walk her back to her room, tuck her in bed, and lay down next to her. With foreheads pressed in, I pray over her as I stroke her hair, quote Scripture, and recite God’s promise to never leave or forsake us. I remind her that this type of fear is not of God.

And so we talk about God – how powerful He is, how much He loves us, and how very GOOD He is.

God is good all the time.

Despite the nightly news reports… God is good.

Despite the diagnosis… God is good.

Despite the pain and heartbreak in this life… God is good.

The two of us cling a little closer to Jesus those nights as I pray my heart out over my girl – fighting this unseen battle as powerfully as any mama can – in the name above all names…

Jesus.

Eventually after prayers, kisses on the forehead, and a back rubbed, she drifts off to sleep. Peaceful and no longer battling fear, my girl knows that she is loved. She has been reminded that God loves her and will never leave her, and she rests in that truth.

God is good.

When bad things happen in our lives, we must remember this truth. “You are good and what you do is good…”– Psalm 119:68

Sweet friends, this world is not our home. We have to stop wishing that it is and start looking forward to the one that is to come.

We are not home yet, but let’s not give in to the fears in this life. Our God is good and what He does is good, in spite of what people say.

Yes, we live in an evil, evil world….and I am heartbroken over what I see. But we must remember that we are here for a purpose. YOU are here for a purpose, so let us NOT lose hope!

∼ May we fight back the fears that keep us up at night with God’s Word and His truth.

∼ May we use these battles for good, allowing them to make us cling even closer to Jesus as we press our foreheads in next to Him and cry “Abba, Father.”

∼ May we fall more in love with Him and His Word, truly treasuring it like pieces of silver and gold (Psalm 119:72).

God has the power to bring good from what Satan plans for evil.

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Psalm 119:71

Charles Quote

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the amazing work YOU are doing in our lives. Thank you for the hope that is found in YOU! Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us. Thank you that you have equipped us for every good work You have planned for our lives. Help us to see you. Open our eyes to your presence and help us to be women whose faith is deepened and stronger due to affliction. Help us to treasure You as our King…..more than any precious stone. And help us to fall more and more in love with You each day. Thank you for your love, and thank you that you are good.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

May we all cling a little closer to Jesus…

Angela- Love God Greatly

Love God Greatly!

Posted in Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

You are Good

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Originally posted July 16, 2015

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 NLT

Father, You are Good – To define it is sometimes difficult – because it is simply and yet profoundly who You are – GOOD! Teach me to know Your goodness – to see it, and hear it, and sense it, and to walk in it, and share it all of my days. For you desire it in me and by Your Spirit have equipped me for it.

Even as I asked this of You – to teach me to know Your Goodness – I lay down my pen and begin to read from my “One Thousand Gifts” devotional and you meet me there on the page revealing Your goodness in Your intimacy with me – for there on the page I read: “Augustine had asked two questions of the world: ‘If there is no God, why is there so much good? If there is a God, why is there so much evil?'” … I continue to read and line upon line alludes to Your goodness. I asked and You begin to answer – and even Your beginning – it is Good. “All this good makes me grateful, and my own heart needs this – A filling of His great-fullness. Gratefulness is always to someone and when I am grateful, isn’t it always evidence of God? – A filling of awe of His goodness.” I turned the page and there it was – the ultimate expression – just what I began this prayer with – Your answer to me – “There are things that need no words. HIS LOVE clearly manifest in the everywhere problem of GOOD.”

WOW God! and I echo the prayer she pens at the bottom of the page – “… in a world that faces the very real problem of evil, may I face it everywhere today – the very real proof of good.” And Father, may I – in seeing it and hearing it and sensing it – may I then be given words that are fitting to proclaim it! Your goodness begs to be proclaimed!

As I drove to work You continued to answer by opening my senses to the the bulging river, green trees, the fresh air, the donkey and the kid (goat) – I love seeing them – it’s the simple things that make me smile. And again, my soul echoes – You are Good!

(quotes from “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp)

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

We Will Remember

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Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – YET how quickly they forgot what he had done!

Psalm 106:1, 13a

Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 1 Chronicles 16:34 and so many other passages call us to “give thanks to the LORD.” The passages site various reasons like His faithfulness, His goodness, His steadfast love and more. The problem is when we fail to be impressed with the Lord’s character and acts of kindness and when we fail to notice His miraculous works. There is great danger in forgetting to acknowledge Him with praise and thanksgiving. For look at the example of the Israelites in today’s passage who failed to be impressed with the works of God’s hand and then quickly forgot what He had done. May we never find ourselves in this place – but rather daily find time and reasons to sing His praises and give HIm thanks – even for the littlest of blessings or fingerprints –

Your turn

What is that impresses You about God? – Make sure to journal it or write it out somewhere or even tell someone – and don’t forget to give thanks to Him to whom the praise/thanks is due. We must be intentional about this discipline in our life – not being so captivate by the day or the moment or the person but fully captivated by God alone – and intent on remembering the works of His hands. 💜

We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
You’re our creator, our life sustainer
Deliverer, our comfort, our joy
Throughout the ages You’ve been our shelter
Our peace in the midst of the storm
With signs and wonders You’ve shown Your power
With precious blood You showed us Your grace
You’ve been our helper, our liberator
The giver of life with no end
We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
When we walk through life’s darkest valleys
We will look back at all You have done
And we will shout, our God is good
And He is the faithful One … Hear the entire song at
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AcUA7x9CVgs&feature=shared

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

I Bless Your Name

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Today’s Prayer Prompt: Psalm 103:1-5

Father, You are Good! You forgive all my iniquities. You bring healing to my mind, my body, and my soul. You have redeemed my life from the pit. Father – You crown me with Your faithful love and compassion. You satisfy me with good things and I am renewed like the eagle who soars on the wind. My soul blesses You LORD – All that is within me blesses Your Holy Name!

I bless You LORD – my Father and my God – my Creator, Healer, and Sustainer of life and I do not – no, I will not forget ALL these benefits. They are unmerited favors – gifts from Your grace, poured out from Jesus, Your Son and my Savior+. Yes, oh yes! You are good and all that is within me blesses Your Holy Name!

Me-From the Inside Out🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

You’re Beautiful to Me

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based on today’s Scripture reading – 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Father, You are good! You are Holy and glorious to behold – whether in Your creation, Your works, or Your Word – 💜 – O Lord, You are beautiful to me! May the light of Your Presence and the counsel of Your Word daily transform me – more and more – into the image of Your Son – by the power of Your Spirit in me 💙 So that I reflect Jesus to the world around me – Amen+

But do you know there are some scriptural beauty treatments? Peter said that true beauty comes from “the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). Solomon said, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful” (Proverbs 15:13, NIV). Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “A man’s wisdom makes his face shine.”

As we absorb God’s light, we’ll reflect Jesus to the world around us. We must constantly behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. People will notice how different we are. Take a look in the mirror. Is your face reflecting Christ?
 
Character in a saint means the disposition of Jesus Christ persistently manifested.
Oswald Chambers

Commentary by David Jeremiah, as posted on Turning Point – May 15, 2023

Hope you enjoy this beautiful song that came to mind as I was writing the above prayer – May it lead you into deeper worship of Him – who is worthy of our adoration 💗

This song does not belong to me, but is shared from a link found on Youtube

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

Christ Our Example

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Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 / SOAP: Philippians 2:3-5

Understanding Humility

In any given dictionary you will find humility defined something like this … “a modest or low view of one’s own importance, humbleness, the state of being humble.” Most of these definitions are followed by a sentence structured around the word in the hope of making the definition clear. However, there is no clearer illustration of humility than what we are reading in Philippians today, specifically verses 3-8. What I love about Paul – is he doesn’t simply instruct the believers to let their actions be motivated by or in humility but he includes the perfect illustration in the person and actions of Christ.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interest of others as well. you should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had., who though He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:3-8

Christ-like Humility

To this day I still remember the first day that I read this passage with any real knowledge or understanding and it still makes the same aww-inspiring impact on me when I read it today. What a beautiful perspective it puts on the love and actions of Jesus Christ on our behalf. From the humble cradle in the animal stall to the garden prayer, and the nails, thorns, and cross Christ was the ‘poster-child’ for humility – and we are called to have that same attitude. His attitude was one that”

  • wasn’t motivated by selfish ambition or vanity but –
  • was – steeped in humility and therefore –
  • even though He was God in the flesh He didn’t demand to be treated like God – but instead
  • He emptied Himself of His rightful authority and took on the form of a servant
    • by looking like other men
    • by sharing in human nature and –
    • humbling Himself and becoming obedient to death on the cross

Putting Away

Thus – if we are going to have the same attitude as Christ, we must practice humility – namely, by putting away any selfish ambitions or vanity. We must treat one another better than we treat ourself. we must be truly concerned about others – for only then is there any hope for our attitude to mirror the servant heart of Christ.

Response to God’s Word

Father, I ask again today for an attitude like that of Christ – a servant’s heart, an obedient spirit that puts Your will above my own or anyone else’s. I know this is Your will for me and for all of Your children. In Jesus’ name and power – and in accordance with Your will – I pray, Amen!

Love God Greatly

Be sure and check-out Wednesday’s blog post from the Love God Greatly team –