Goodness ~ Lent 2010

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Romans 14:17 NLT

The slogan on the Land O Lakes Half and Half reads, "where simple goodness begins." According to the dictionary, goodness is "the state or quality of being good, moral excellence, virtue, kindness, generosity, the best part of anything, strength, a euphemism for God." Bible.org says, "The goodness of God is a foundational truth that shapes our perspective toward God and His dealings with us in this life. The goodness of God is a fact to which the Bible often testifies. It is a fact which every Christian should believe and embrace." If there is any goodness in us, it must come from God; goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. God is where goodness begins!

Our sacrifice of praise ~
How is God's goodness manifested through us as we strive to live a life of goodness to honor God? ~dho

Ash Wednesday ~ Lent 2010

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And don’t forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Hebrews 13:15-16 NLT

"So many of us limit our praying because we are not reckless in our confidence in God. In the eyes of those who do not know God, it is madness to trust Him, but when we pray in the Holy Spirit we begin to realize the resources of God, that He is our perfect heavenly Father, and we are His children."
~from If You Will Ask by Oswald Chambers

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Will we sacrifice our anxieties and be reckless in our confidence in God? ~ dho

Shrove Tuesday!

You have shown me the way of life, and You will fill me with the joy of Your presence. Acts 2:28 NLT


"Shrove Tuesday" or Fat Tuesday is the last day before the Lenten begins. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the day believers begin a spiritual pilgrimage of remembrance to the cross, take another opportunity to contemplate the holy sacrifice of Jesus.

How will we honor this immeasurable gift of salvation? ~dho

Glory!

A friend gave me a "thought for everyday" calendar at the beginning of this year. While most every thought gives me reason to pause and ponder, I want to share one from last week. Many times circumstances "cross our path" giving us reason to question, to doubt, to fear. This daily thought reminds me that God gives us purpose and His promises never fail ~ even when circumstances intersect our ordinary days ~ while we must place our trust in God who knows infinitely more than me.

It is a glorious thing to know that your father God makes no mistakes in directing or permitting that which crosses the path of your life. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. It is our glory to trust Him, no matter what.
~ Joni Eareckson Tada ~

consider these words from Job:
[Job answered GOD]:
"I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset Your plans.
You asked, "Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing My purposes?"
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
Job 42:1-4 The Message

~dho

Hope's Promises

excerpt from my book, Kindled Soul, Holy Fire

Keep me safe O God,
for in you I take refuge.
I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from You I have no good thing." . . . LORD, you
have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalm 16:1-2, 5-6 NIV

When the road seems long, we can always find refuge in God. He is our shelter in the storm and our anchor in the raging sea. Often we define ourselves by our circumstances, rather than by our relationship with God. The blessings that come our way can be overlooked when our focus shifts from God to the world. Despite experiences of difficulty and disappointment, God's goodness prevails.

John Newton, a slave trader who became a pastor, penned the words to one of Christianity's most famous hymns, "Amazing Grace." One verse is seldom found in today's hymnals:

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.

With God's promises of goodness and His Word, we have hope in all circumstances. He protects and provides in all the ways we need. The Message translates Psalm 16:2 this way: "Without You, nothing makes sense." Even when the world creates chaos in our lives, God can always take our hearts to pleasant places. With Christ, we have a delightful inheritance.

Adonai:

You are Goodness in all times. Every good and perfect gift comes from You. The world shouts for our attention, distracts and demeans us, but You lift us up, give us hope, shield our hearts, and protect our future.

You take us to the high places of blessing (Eph. 1:3), confirming our inheritance. You are our Shield and Portion. You are Everlasting Life. Without You, nothing makes sense. Amen. ~dho

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Another Chance

The best part about a new year is that starting over is an option! While our intentions are often worthy, our actions can fall short.

God says: the words that come out of My mouth [will] not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life (Isaiah 55:11-12, MSG).

A new year is before us with opportunities too many to count or even know. God has a purpose and plan for everyone of His children and desires to see us succeed. Our reward is joy and a whole and complete life! God rewards us with everlasting joy and peace, with everlasting life!

Have a GREAT new beginning! ~dho