God has been good to me . . .
“I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.” – Ps. 13:6
God is good . . . yes He is. And this is a phrase we hear much of in recent years. . . “the goodness of God”. How good is our God to us. When I contenplate on His goodness I think of His love, mercy, sacrifice, salvation and coming into my life to give hope, encouragement, pick me up, provide my needs and give me a future.
Over the years God has been good. If I didn’t have the Lord where would I be? Before Christ came into my life there were lots of doubts, fears, apprehensions, questions, and yes grief. But since then the Lord filled me with a hope, peace and rest that no money can buy. He’s healed, retored,
Lord – thank you today for being my healer, provider, helper. You said you’d never leave me. I’ll never be alone. You are good to me. What good thing will happen today because of your goodness? What blessing will come my and my families way today because of your goodness? Thanks for the air I breeth, for the sky so blue, so food, a car, provision, opportunities. Thank you Jesus
Do Not Be Siletn – But Speak
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:9
Do not be silent . . . for I am with you. Paul had a purpose and an assignment to fulfill in Corinth. His Master, Lord and Savior was giving Him direction and guidance as to His heart for the city. Why the need of encouragement? We don’t know. But nonetheless, Jesus himself took it upon Himself to tell Paul, “I am with you and no one is going to attack and harm you” Was Paul battleing fears? Perhaps. But the directive came forth . . . do not be silent – for I am with you.
I am with you
What comforting words. Jesus has said the same thing to us. He said I will never leave you nor forsake you – Hb 13:5. So now we can say confidently, “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?” Or, we can put someone elses name in there that is a challenge to us – “I will not fear, what can _______________ do to me?
I have many people in this city
Jesus knew it, did Paul? That there were many people in the city? Maybe not . . .maybe fear was facing the fears and not seeing what Jesus saw so the Lord was encouraging Paul to see what He was seeing. Do we see what Jesus sees? We could all use this encouragement in our lives since we all face challenges, fears, apprehension and need direction. In this story Paul was given a fresh vision and how to deal with the fear . . . by knowing that the Lord was with him. And as a result he was not to be silent.
Lord today I too can speak up, knowing you are with me. You will never leave me. As I walk with you your promise is to help me . . .and I too want to see what you see for this city . . . Amen
Doing the Right Thing –
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent – Acts. 17:10
God commands, not suggests or recommends, that all men repent, turn, change their minds and come clean regarding who Jesus is and the work of His cross so that men may be saved.
Still today, the message is clear, mankind is commanded to repent! It is amazing to me how we don’t understand this statement – command. Since when does mankind get to set up their own jury, forcus group, debate team, group committee and so forth, and vote on their response to God’s command?
But, for those men and women who yield to God’s command to turn, there is awaiting them the blessing of the God’s kingdom, His love, forgiveness, cleansing, blessing and eternal life. The question is, with God’s promises being so strong and rich, why is it that men do not repent. Well its as Jesus said, men love their sin more then God. And, yet, we’ll have the pay the consequences of self-love, rebellion and so forth.
Today Lord, I desire to yield to your command, not only for salvation, but also for all that you direct me in and away from. I commit my family, my finances, my ministry and my life today . . . to do the right thing in mind, thought, body, speech and life.