Promises for the Battle
Goodness
Speech #5—Justifying Speech
The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Good people out of their good treasure bring forth what is good; and evil people out of their evil treasure bring forth what is evil. … By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. Matthew 12:34–37 When we … Continue reading
Prayer #4— Good Answers
If you then, being deficient, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? Luke 11:13 No human parent loves perfectly. Sadly, we do not always value our children as we should. We are not always able or eager to … Continue reading
Contentment #3— Proportional Contentment
There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. So to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 Discontent … Continue reading
Goodness #8—Praising Goodness
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wonderful works. Everyone shall speak of the power of your awesome acts; and I will tell of your greatness. They shall bubble over with the memory of your abundant goodness and shall sing joyfully of your righteousness. Psalm 145:5–7 Eternal Father, I … Continue reading
Goodness #7—Long-lasting Good
The Eternal is good. His extravagant kindness is everlasting, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 Our patience runs out. Our loyalty decays. Our generosity withers. Our mercy delays. Our devotion dies down. Our compassion goes flat. Our graciousness dwindles. Our lives are like that. … God’s is not! From eternity to eternity, God … Continue reading
Goodness #6—Good Discipline
It is for discipline that we endure; God deals with us as with children; what child is there whom a father does not discipline? … They disciplined us for the day, as seemed best to them, but God does so for our good, that we may receive a share of his holiness. Hebrews 12:7–10 Surgical … Continue reading
Goodness #5—Giver of Good
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Luke 11:13 While it’s possible for us to give good gifts in spite of the evil in us, God gives good gifts because of the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Goodness and Holiness
In the midst of this series on goodness I thought it might be helpful to indicate the connections between God’s goodness and other qualities we associate with him. The following paragraphs, from some correspondence with a friend, provide some insights into these relationships that have been helpful to me: You asked if I would clarify the concept … Continue reading
Goodness #4—Empowered Good
In order that you be worthy of your calling, we pray that God would fill every intention to do good, indeed every work of faith, with power so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified. 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 God is so concerned that we do good (that is, do what will create … Continue reading
Goodness #3—Conforming Good
God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he chose, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Romans 8:28–29 God’s voice booms out of Heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 