“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”
Luke 6:26
In our social media-driven age, the temptation to seek likes, follows, and constant affirmation is stronger than ever. But Jesus warns us about the danger of living for the applause of others. When we compromise our beliefs or water down the truth to gain approval, we risk becoming like the false prophets of old who told people what they wanted to hear rather than God’s truth.
This doesn’t mean we should intentionally be offensive or difficult. As Paul advises, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). However, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo.
Let us consider a few thoughts about the goodness of God from the Scriptures.
**God’s goodness is the displayed in His mercy.
Isaiah 60:10 “The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you.
**God’s goodness is granted unto those who seek Him in righteousness.
Psalm 5:12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
**God’s goodness will lead us to repentance and relationship with God through Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
**God’s goodness calls people to salvation.
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
One aspect of Christianity that separates it from virtually all other faith systems is the way God bestows His grace on us. Someone once described biblical grace as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Such a description is applicable indeed. We receive the best that God has through the sacrifice of Christ.
Jesus paid the debt so that we could be free. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that we could reconciled to God. Jesus endured the horrors of separation so that we would never be separated from God. God’s grace is amazing indeed!
I pray that you will be encouraged from the Scriptures with these thoughts about God’s amazing grace.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Romans 3:24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them. 9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9
Solomon now moves to a general discussion of generosity and wealth in these final verses of chapter 5. Once again, he notes the oppression of the poor and the corruption of the justice system of his day. And once again, these observations are extremely applicable in our day.
Corruption, greed, and mistreatment of others are rampant in our society. Daily media regularly showcases instances of oppression. Things surely haven’t changed much.
Our task as Christians is to fight injustice wherever we can. Let us not excuse it but root it out when we have the chance. As the prophet Amos stated in chapter 5:24, But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.
We, as Christians are commanded to glorify God. All throughout the Scriptures, we see the command to give glory and honor to God occurring again and again.
The word glorify translates a word with several variations of meaning. One meaning is this—“to adorn with glory.” As God’s people, we are to give God glory, honor, and praise. We have the wonderful task of adorning God with glory in our character, our conversation, and our conduct.
May we be reminded to glorify God as we live out this day.
Psalm 86:12 I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.
Haggai 1:8 “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Luke 2:20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Romans 15:6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
Psalm 145:7-9
Character Traits of God. Let us meditate on His………….
So David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let’s flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go quickly, or he will hurry and overtake us, and bring disaster on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”
2 Samuel 15:14
David, the powerful warrior and king, was betrayed by son and was forced to flee for his life. His life was spiraling out of control. David’s fall was speedy and sudden.
What do we do when our lives are falling apart? After all, it happens. Let me suggest four steps we can take to start our own personal comeback.
Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. Acts 27:29
This Scripture (Acts 27) contains the account of Paul’s shipwreck at the end of the book of Acts. Paul had warned the captain that travel was unsafe earlier in the trip. Nonetheless, the captain insisted on further sailing despite the treacherous conditions. Eventually, the storm overcame the ship and they were forced to abandon the vessel and swim for shore. Everyone made it to safety and the shipwreck resulted in no loss of life. You can read the entire account chapter 27 for further details.
What has always struck me about this scripture are the concluding words of verse number 29. Luke wrote they “wished for daybreak.” Other translations recount the words as they “prayed for daylight.” These words describe quite well the situations we sometimes face. We may not experience a literal shipwreck. However, this phrase perfectly illustrates how we feel when life is difficult. We simply long for the light when life is at its darkest point.
Many of you can relate to this language. You have wondered if the darkness will ever lift and if the metaphorical sun will ever be visible again. You feel as if your life is sinking and there is no hope. What is a Believer to do?
It sounds trite, but, KEEP BELIEVING. There is no magic formula to overcoming trials in life. There will be seasons when you simply must hold on and keep going. In those difficult hours, keep praying, keep asking, and keep the faith. Keep on traveling even when you don’t feel like it. Go forward even when it looks as if there is no hope. Forge ahead knowing that tears and trials do not last forever.
I know that “keep believing” is simplistic counsel when one is facing the complicated, gargantuan difficulties that this life offers. There will be seasons when this attitude is the only thing that will carry you through. Make a decision and make a choice to keep going and not surrender to fear, doubt, and bitterness. When you escape the darkness you will be glad you did not give up.
Stay in the fight, dear Christians. Better days are on the way. Jesus is coming again! Be encouraged even in your darkest hour. I’m praying for you.
Serving Jesus should be a burning desire within the life of a Christian. We are called, commissioned, and sent to serve Christ through serving others. This post will deal with concrete reasons we can and should serve Jesus every day. Why should we serve?
*He loves us. Christ loves us, therefore, we ought to serve Him. His love was manifested to us when were at our worst. Shouldn’t we be willing to give Him our best?
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:8-11
*We should also minister to others because it is worth the cost. Service is never easy. We would much rather be served than serve our fellow humans. In the end, attending to the needs of others will cost us. However, it also gives us blessing, strength, and joy knowing that when we love others we are following in Christ’s footsteps. Serving Jesus is always worth the effort.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
*Finally, let us serve out of our growing love for Christ. Giving ourselves to others is an expression of our love for God. Let us serve Him because we love Him.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. Psalm 103:21
And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. 1 John 4:21
Dear Believer, commit to serving Jesus this week. After all, it’s the least that we can do!
mrtonyfrench 