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
Here is what is good and fitting: to eat, to drink and to enjoy yourself in all your labor in which you toil under the sun during the few years of your life which God has given you; for this is your portion. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Some days when frustration is at its height, when our … Continue reading
As children we learned the prayer: “God is great and God is good.” As adults we would be wise not to forget this fundamental truth, especially in a time when goodness is difficult to perceive in the world around us. When Moses asked to see the glory of God, God promised to let all his … Continue reading
To everyone who has shall more be given. So he shall have an abundance. But from the one who does not have, even what he has shall be taken away. Matthew 25:29 While the weeds grow in the field among the wheat; while the wicked seem to prosper more than the righteous; while the rain … Continue reading
I myself have become persuaded about you, my brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness, in that you have been filled with all knowledge so you are able to admonish one another. Romans 15:14 Imagine that! We who follow Jesus in the obedience of faith are full of goodness. Not just any goodness, … Continue reading
Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” reflects his understanding that the command to “love your neighbor” occurred as the positive contrast to the commands not to bear a grudge or take vengeance against those in our community who were seriously annoying, those close to us who were opposing or undermining our efforts to contribute to … Continue reading
Fix your hopes totally on the grace which will be yours when Jesus Christ reappears. As obedient children, do not conform yourselves to what you desired when you were ignorant, but, like the Holy One who called you, you be holy in all your behavior. 1 Peter 1:14–15 Almighty God, who was revealed through the … Continue reading
Consider the activity of God: For who can straighten what he has bent? In good times be good, but in bad times consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds. Ecclesiastes 7:13–14 We know a ‘good’ pen when we write with one. … Continue reading