God is Good

God is Good – Eight Three

     There is one unmistakeable fact and that is that God is good.  In fact it is His goodness that enables Him to extend grace to mankind even though we do not deserve it.  James says that every good and perfect gift comes from above.  When God looks at the 7.2 billion people on this planet and knows what they say, think and do it is amazing He doesn`t just blow this planet apart.  It is his goodness and love that prevents Him from bringing a Noah kind of judgment.

     Did you know that God waited 1656 years before He destroyed the earth in the flood.  What is even more amazing that out of the multitude of people living during that time He only found Noah with the faith to carry the Ark to completion.  Estimates of the size of the population based on reproduction today would place the number in the billions.  Yet Noah was the only righteous man. 

     God is looking today for a Noah, Daniel or Joseph.  He is looking for a Moses or Deborah.  God in His goodness is looking for someone to stand in the gap for those who will not look for God.  Noah preached for a hundred years to the people of His day.  They thought he was a crazy old man until the first rain drop to fall and by then it was too late.  Do not wait respond to God`s goodness before it is too late. 

     The fact remains.  When Jesus comes back it will be in the twinkling of an eye, a millionth of a second.  You will not have time to think, breathe or utter a word.  In that moment everything will change and this wonderful age of grace and goodness of God will end.  God is good and He will hold out until His timing is perfect.  So respond to the goodness of Lord while there is time. 

Ephesians 1:17-23 – April 12, 2009 – Easter is not just a Bunny.

Intro:  I just read the origin of the Easter Bunny traditions.  Unfortunately, Easter has become just that a celebration of a Bunny and the eggs he brings.  We know that Easter is so much more.  It is the event that changed the course of human history, destiny and eternity.

1.  Easter is the event that settled the battle of the ages.  Sin, hell, the grave and the devil

     Were defeated at Easter.  The question of man’s separation from God was settled at

     Easter.  The broken body, the shed blood, the death, burial and resurrection settled

     Once and for all God’s demands and man’s inability to meet those demands.  God

     Himself dealt with this. 

2.  Easter is the time where we focus on who Jesus is, what He did and why He came.

     It is a time where the Church worldwide focuses on our mission, destiny and future.

     It is a time to help challenge our apathy, partial surrender, inabilities and excuses.

     It is a time to refocus and retool for the next season of God’s will.

3.  So with that in mind this morning there are three questions we need to ask ourselves

     Today.

Did Jesus rise from the dead?

a.  We must be vitally concerned about this question. 

1.  Christian theology is based on this question. 

2.  Our faith rests on this question.  In 1 Cor 15:14, Paul says, “If Christ is not raised from

     The dead, our preaching is useless and so is our faith.”

3.  Jesus veracity and claims rests on this question.  John 2:19-22.  Jesus talk about how

     His body would be raised up in three days.

b.  There is evidence that He did rise from the dead.

1.  The precautions taken by His enemies.  Matt 27:62-65, 28:11-15

2.  The testimony of the women.  Mark 16:1-7

3.  The biblical lists of eyewitnesses.  Matt 28:16-18, Mark 16:9, John 20:19, 26, 21:1 &

     1 Cor 15:6-8

4. The change in the disciple’s attitude from fear to boldness.

5.  The content of New Testament preaching.  Acts 2:32

Is there life after death?

a.  What evidence is there to consider?

1.  Science can only bring as far as the grave.

2.  Philosophy can offer only speculation.

3.  There are many testimonies of those who have had death experiences.  T

    

b.  What Jesus said about life after death. 

1.  To the thief on the cross.  Luke 23:43

2.  To the Jews of His day.  He told them in John 5:25-29, that the dead will hear His

     Voice and will come out of the grave.  Many did when He died.

3.  He told them many would sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of

     Heaven.   Matt 8:11

What does one do to prepare for life after death.

a.  Many attempt to answer this question.

1.  Some advise living an honest upright life.

2.  Some advise joining their religious group.

b.  What did Jesus say?

1. Believe in Him.  John 3:14-18

2.  Come to God through Him.  John 14:6

3.  Confess and believe.  Rom 10:9-10

Call of the Lord

June 30 – Call on the Lord – Psalm 80:18-19

     We are spending a lot of time in the psalms of Asaph.  Now Asaph was the second most prolific writer of sacred music in Israel.  He talks again about Israel and God’s dealing with it.  Asaph makes a statement that after all that happens they will not turn away from the Lord.  This is his decision and the people.  His cry is that the Lord will revive, awaken, renew and restore them.  The outgrowth of this will be people calling on the name of the Lord.  We know that the Lord’s name is a strong and mighty name.  At his name all opposition runs away. 

     In vs 19, Asaph asks two things of the Lord.  First, to restore them to bring them back to the first state.  Restore them to a place of health, vitality and strength.  Restoration has to do with bringing someone or something back to the original condition.  That should be a cry of our heart daily.  Make your face shine upon us.  The presence of the Lord gives light, health and fruitfulness.  Asaph was renewal, restoration, completeness.  Is that your cry today?  Carman the singer, songwriter states His desire was to be revived.  Let God do that for you today as you praise, worship, read the Bible and pray. 

Proverb of Steel

Never believe a rumor about anyone until you have talk to the person and verified it or not.

Verse Today

2 Timothy 1:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

King of Old

June 22 – King of Old - Psalm 74:12

     This is a psalm of Asaph it is a marskil or a psalm about how God can turn rejection into a victory.  Have you ever felt rejected and in a place of despair?  Asaph explains that we can be in that place and yet God reaches down and pulls us out.  The devil loves to isolate and speak words of fear, despair and loneliness into a life.  To fight that lie we must remember that the Lord will never forsake or leave us.

     Aspah makes a statement so powerful in its thought and purpose.  “But you oh God are my King from of old.”  He reminds his readers that God was in charge a long time ago and He will help today.  He is King of all creation, of water earth and sky.  Heavens are your tabernacle and you reign on earth and on high.  The Lord has brought salvation to the earth.  This is something we must remember.  Our salvation comes from the Lord.  He will rescue us from loneliness, isolation, fear and despair.  Remember that today before you go into your world.

Rumors

It is the weekend and here is your thought.  Never believe a rumor about anyone until you have talk to the person and verified it or not.  Rumor mills are so destructive.  Believe your friend before you believe the rumor.

Proverb of Steel

Beauty is wonderful the first time view but not always when the makeup has not been applied.

Verse Today

Proverbs 28:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

Tell others

June 21 – Tell others – Psalm 73:28

     This is a psalm of Asaph who was one of David`s head musicians.  He speaks of the goodness of Lord to His people.  Asâph`s personal testimony was that He made the decision to stay close to the Lord.  This is a decision we must all make.  Do you want to be near God?  It is like Joshua when he said, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”

     Asaph then continues to tell his readers that he had made the sovereign Lord his refuge.  He recognized God’s sovereignty over his life.  The Lord was his refuge, place or safety and rest.  Lastly, he chose to tell others about the Lord.  We overcome the devil by two things.  The blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.  When we tell others about what Jesus has done for us we weaken satan’s hold on our lives and others.  We share about the freedom we have in Christ.  Remember who the Son sets free, is free indeed.  So today be near to God, make Him your refuge and tell others about Him.   

Thursday Thought

It is Thursday and here is your thought to consider.  Beauty is wonderful the first time view but not always when the makeup has not been applied  True beauty starts from the inside out.  It is found in the Lord and the love He brings.  So be beautiful for the Lord and touch others for His glory.

Verse Today

Those that are wisest in love are those that speak with deeds and not words.

Verse Today

1 John 2:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 I write to you, dear children,
    because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
    because you are strong,
    and the word of God lives in you,
    and you have overcome the evil one.

He will deliver

June 20 – He will deliver – Psalm 72:12-14

     In this Psalm which is actually a psalm written by Solomon.  Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  He wrote proverbs and wise saying as well as psalms.  He relays to his readers three things about God here.  First The Lord will deliver the needy and help those no one can help.  The Lord is the father to the fatherless. 

     Next the lord will take pity on the weak and the needy.  He will save the needy from death.  Death stalks the world everyday looking for someone to destroy. The most vunerable are at peril the most.  The Lord promises to supply every need according to His riches in glory.  When you have a need the Lord will help. One man had no food to feed his family one time and so he prayed and asked the Lord to meet the need within minutes a knock came on the door with someone supplying the need. 

     The Lord will rescue people from oppression and violence.  His people are precious in His sight.  The Exodus was all about freedom from oppression. Mankind craves freedom and God supplies it through Jesus Christ.

Actions

It is the middle of the week and here is a thought to ponder. Those that are wisest in love are those that speak with deeds and not words. People will tell what kind of faith you have by what you do. So speak of God love and encouragement every moment in every action you.

Proverb of Steel

Never waste a moment for God has given you each day to use for His glory.  

Verse Today

Matthew 24:35 New International Version (NIV)

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Next generation

June 19 – Next generation – Psalm 71:18

     The Psalmist is now reflecting on their life.  They know that one day they will be old and gray.  They ask the Lord not to forsake them.  When our strength is ebbing and failing we can still rely on the Lord.  One thing we learn from the Bible is that age is not a factor in serving the Lord.  Moses was called at 80, Abraham was commissioned at 75, Sarah bore a son at 90, Caleb told Hebron at 85 and Haggai began his ministry at 90.   So never think that for a moment you will retire. Refire yes but retire no.

     The cry of the psalmist was that he could change the next generation.  He wanted to be a teacher and mentor for the next generation.  That was John`s point of view when he wrote his books.  The psalmists desire was to declare the Lord`s power to those that were coming up.  Today become renewed, restore and refired.  Say Lord, `Give me your power, authority, anointing, and enablement today.` Then receive it and change your world and the next generation. 

Tuesday Thought

It is Tuesday and here is your thought for today. Never waste a moment for God has given you each day to use for His glory. Be a blessing and a wonder for God. You can change your world when you use each moment wisely.

Proverb of Steel

Vision dies when we fail to implement what God shows us in our lives. *

Verse Today

Psalm 150:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.

God has forsaken them

June 18 – God has forsaken them – Psalm 71:11-12

     The psalmist relays the lies of the enemy.  The enemy would love us to believe that God has forsaken us.  We are all alone.  That is one of the biggest lies of the enemy.  He loves to isolate people and get them to believe that they are alone.  This is absolute trash.  The Lord told us in Matt 28:20 that He will never leave or forsake us.  The lie is that we can be pursued, seized and no one will rescue us.  God is our fortress, refuge rescuer and help.  He will never forsake us. 

     The cry of the psalmist in this moment was, “Lord do not be very far from me.”  Is that your cry today?  Lord hurry, come quickly and rescue me.  Remember as you go through out this day that the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord.  Psalm 37:23.  You are not alone.  The mighty God has got your back.  The psalmist knew this and you need to repeat that to yourself today.  Say it loud and clear.  I am not alone.  The angels are camping around me today.  Believe and settle this matter in your heart today.

Vison

It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Vision dies when we fail to implement what God shows us in our lives. So put into action what God tells you and live your vision and destiny for His glory.

Orverb of Steel

True vision is seeing what God sees and implementing that sight into our lives.  

Verse Today

Psalm 147:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.

Sure Salvation

June 15 – Sure Salvation – Psalm 69:13

     This psalm was written by David and reminds us that even when we feel like we are in a pit or hopeless situation God is with us.  In this psalm we are reminded of three truths.  First, when we pray God will give us His favor in His time.  Favor is a blessing or honor bestowed on someone not worthy.  It is also grace. God is the God of the perfect timing.  He knows exactly when to bring divine intervention.  Our part is to trust Him.

     The next truth revealed here is the Lord’s great love.  God’s love is love with no strings attached.  Love that comes to release, heal, restore and forgive.  David had experienced time and time again and you can too.  Lastly, the Lord will answer with His sure salvation.  God’s promises are rock solid.  His salvation is sure. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.  Salvation is a free gift and all who trust in the Lord will have a sure and solid salvation.

True Vison

It is the weekend and here is a powerful thought. True vision is seeing what God sees and implementing that sight into our lives. In this way we are touching and changing our world. It is more than talk it is action and love.

Proverb of Steel

Vision is where people see and do the impossible.  

Verse Today

Psalm 50:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me,
    and to the blameless[a] I will show my salvation.”

Escape

June 14 – Escape – Psalm 68:19-20

     David was thanking the Lord in these verses for the fact that the Lord was daily taking care of his burdens and needs.  God has promised to supply every need according to His riches in glory.  This is something to thank the Lord for.  Jesus proved this when he had Peter go and catch a fish to pay the temple tax.  Provision sometimes comes in unusual ways but it does come.

     David then reminds us that we serve a God who saves.  A modern day chorus reminds that our God is mighty to save and how true that is.  He is the sovereign God who helps us escape death.  Pastor Ken Bunting use to say, “that we have escape from death unto life.”  Death has lost its sting through Jesus Christ.  Great promises for us to think about today.

Vision

It is Thursday and here is your thought to ponder. Vision is where people see and do the impossible. Be one of those people where God uses you to do the impossible in your world.

Proverb of Steel

Motives are always suspects because they are filtered through our experiences, background, upbringing and sinful nature.  God knows the real story so before you do anything filter your motives 

Verse Today

2 Corinthians 1:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Settled

June 13 – Settled – Psalm 68:9-10

     The psalms are full of so many great promises.  Remember the promises are yes and amen to those who trust in the Lord.  Today you learn that the Lord gives abundant showers.  He rains His blessings on His people.   He refreshes the weary with an inheritance.  Jesus promised that all who come to Him who are weary and burdened will be refreshed and their burdens lifted. 

     The people of God are encouraged to settle into the bounty of the Lord.  The Lord will provide for the poor.  God promises to supply every need.  He promised abundance when we choose to allow our soul to prosper and be in good health.  When you look at Abraham, Isaac and Jacob they all prospered in the Lord.  In fact, Isaac prospered 100 fold in a time of famine.  So today trust the Lord and see Him add all the things you need from His riches in glory.

Motives

It is the middle of the week and here is your thought. Motives are always suspects because they are filtered through our experiences, background, upbringing and sinful nature. God knows the real story so before you do anything filter your motives. So do all things to please Him.

Verse Today

Proverbs 20:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
    but one who has insight draws them out.

Father to the Fatherless

June 12 – Father to the Fatherless – Psalm 68:5-6

     In this Psalm of David we are reminded of the Lord`s care and keeping.  The Lord is the Father to the fatherless.  He cares for the widows and the orphans.  He is the voice of the voiceless.  He cares for the weak and defenseless.  This is part of what He does in His holy dwelling.  In today’s world the church is His holy dwelling and so we must take this as part of our mandate.  In Matt 25, it states that we will be judge on what we do in this area. 

     He sets the lonely into families.  What a great promise.  He leads the prisoner forth with singing because He sets the captive free.  Are you captive today?  The Lord will set you free.  Then there is a warning to the rebellious and that is that they will live in a sun scorched land.  So today choose the Lord and life in abundance and not in famine.

Tuesday Thought

It is Tuesday and here is your thought for today.  Love as if this could be your last moment on this earth because it could.    So tell your family and friends how much you love them while you can and live with no regrets.

Children

It is the beginning of the week and here is a thought to ponder.  Children measure success not in you give them but in what way you give yourself to them.  So today give yourself to your family and be the blessing at home first then go into your world and be a blessing to it.

Bright Future

Obadiah – How to Overcome the Past for a Bright Future. Obadiah 17

Intro;  Today, I am going to look at some very powerful lessons from Obadiah.  This is one of my most practical messages yet.

Background

-  Shortest book of O.T. 

-  Obadiah was a prophet to Israel, Edom and the nations.

-  Book centers on the feud between Israel, and Edom. 

But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.

1.  Edom was an ancient enemy of Israel.  The inhabitants of Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies.  The first lesson we learn here is very practical.

     Never let the past or the offences of it determine you’re present or future.  Talk

     About Middle East.

2.  Never take up the offences of others even if they seem noble, righteous or

     Honourable.  You could be poisoned, manipulated, or be lied too. 

3.  Dwelling on old offences will create new ones.  Hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness

     Color everything we do, say, perceive, see, hear and think.  Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies but they also made new offences.  They rejoiced

     In Israel’s destruction, they also participated in it which created new hatred and

     Animosity.  Unforgiveness, hatred and hurt is an endless cycle.  The only thing that

     Breaks it is true forgiveness.  Choosing to love, accept and forgive. 

4.  Obadiah says on Mt Zion will come deliverance.  God keeps the books, Obadiah is

     Saying. A valuable lesson to remember is that the way we react to hurt and offences

     Determine the consequences of our reactions and actions.  Paul says what we sow

     It what we reap. 

5.  This statement is a promise to Israel and a warning to Edom.  God fights for Israel and

     Against its enemies.

6. Obadiah warns Edom that God providentially cares for the Jews and there is a certainty

    Of judgment for those who persecute them. 

It will be holy.

1.  Obadiah talked about the rule of God,  He also talked about how Israel was a

     Showcase or example to the nations.  Israel was a nation that was suppose to show

     God’s mercy, goodness, love, justice was all about.  That is why God was so angry

     With Israel, they forgot they were chosen and the mission they had. 

2.  The church has that same mandate. We are to show the world what covenant means.

     We show the world God by our actions, words and attitudes.  What is the mandate?

      Of the church.

1.  To love God with everything we have and to love our neighbours (Great

     Commandment). Part 1

2.  To show all Jesus by the way we love one another. (Great commandment, Part 2)

3.  Go into all world and preach the gospel.  Matt 28:19  (Great Commission)

4.  Feed hungry, cloth strangers, visit sick and those in prison and give thirsty a drink.

    Matt 25:35-36

5.  Practice pure religion.  Take care of widows, orphans and keep yourself unpolluted

     By the world.  James 1:27

6.  Practice daily devotions of prayer and reading of the word.  Weekly attendance at

     Worship services.  Heb 10:25

7.  Be a reproducing believer.  Matt 28:19.

And the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.

1.  Obadiah reminds Israel that the Lord will bring vindication and enjoyment again to

      His people.  Obadiah talks about the Day of the Lord where the remnant of Israel

      Will help in salvation and rulership over the nations. 

2.  Israel is the Lord’s arm.  Today the church is God’s arm of blessing.  Today in His

     Name if you need salvation, healing deliverance, restoration, strength, encouragement,

     Power, freedom or prayer for anything.

Proverb of Steel

A person may be a great success in the work world but a dismal failure at home

Verse Today

Psalm 28:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

Rejoice

June 8 – Rejoice – Psalm 64:10 

     In this verse the psalmist encourages you to do three things.  First, as a righteous person you are to rejoice in the Lord.  The Lord has made you righteous.  You are right with Him and with people.  That was Jesus’ testimony.  Next, you are to take refuge in the Lord.  The Lord is your place of rest, security, hope and protection.  He will keep you and make you rise above anything that you face today.

     Thirdly, you are to join with all the upright in praising the Lord.  Praising the Lord is thanking Him for what He has done.  It releases an anointing that breaks any bondage.  Moses was used by the Lord to free the people of Israel.   Every plaque was designed to break a bondage in Egypt.  Today let the Lord break your bonds and make you free to be righteous, take refuge and praise Him.

At Home

It is the weekend and here is your thought to ponder.  A person may be a great success in the work world but a dismal failure at home.  Remember what you do at home is more important.  So today be the blessing here first than work on your vocation or career.

Proverb of Steel

Never measure your success in what you have but in what you give away.  *

Verse Todaty

Matthew 21:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

The Night Watches

June 7 – The Night Watches – Psalm 63:6-7

     This Psalm was written when David was in the desert of Judah.  He was seeking the Lord and it was middle of the night.  On His bed he was thinking of the Lord.  He was not able to sleep and he was thinking about his life and the challenges he was facing.  Often in the middle of the night when we are thinking about things God speaks the plainest.  One quote went like this, “When you are not able to sleep let God speak.  He will often make his will plain when you have nothing to distract you.”  In our modern day of devices and phones it is easy to lose ourselves in the nonsense of this world.  God will not be rushed or distracted.  You have to seek Him before He will be found.  Turn off your phone and pray.  It is when you do you will find God to be your help and your protection.  As David said, under His wings you will be safe and secure.

Thursday Thought

It is Thursday and here is your thought for today.  Never measure your success in what you have but in what you give away.  Give love, acceptance and forgiveness.  Give your time, talents and resources.  Gove yourself and you will touch others for the Lord.

Proverb of Steel

Man measures success in what they see.  God measures success in what people do not see

Verse Today

Psalm 16:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 16

A miktam[a] of David.

1 Keep me safe, my God,
    for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”