Psalm 107:1 says, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Because God is exceedingly good, His mercy endureth forever. For without God’s goodness there would be no mercy. His mercy is a vital part of His goodness. We are to be thankful for His goodness, but we can’t appreciate His goodness if we take for granted His mercy and grace. To take something…
We’ve heard it said time and again. God is love, and a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell. But exactly how loving is the God of creation, the God of our universe, the God of all living? According to John 3:16, God loved us so much “…that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God loves us tremendously. …
Life is full of uncertainties and unplanned detours. How do we know which path to take or which decision is the right one when faced with dozens of alternatives while dealing with disobedient children or family disputes or job challenges or financial decisions or legal complications or marital disagreements or educational alternatives or medical problems…the list is endless. You can consult a professional – a child psychologist or a counselor…
One of God’s greatest attributes is love. Anyone who knows anything about God knows that He loves us. But God is not flat; He’s three dimensional. He’s not one-sided. He has many qualities and characteristics, just like we do. Or should I say that we are three-dimensional and have many characteristics like God, because we were made in His image; not the other way around. Because God is holy, His…
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” I Corinthians 3:16-17 God is holy. God is forgiving. God is good. God is merciful. God is love. And it’s only through His power that we are able…
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24 Putting on the new man sounds easy, like putting on your shoes or clothes. The concept is easy. It simply means that you make a decision to live differently from now on by following “after God” in a way that displays His “righteousness and true holiness.” Unfortunately, because of your old flesh,…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12 We have heard that grace is the unmerited favor of God. But what exactly does that mean? A merit is “something that entitles one to reward or gratitude.” That means you’ve earned it. You cannot earn…
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 The word grace means unearned favor. Therefore, to be saved by the grace of God means that salvation is given to you free and clear. You can’t earn it; nor do you deserve it. But there is one thing you must…
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” II Corinthians 7:1 KJV What promises is Paul referring to? Let’s look at the last three verses from the previous chapter (II Corinthians 6:16-18). God promises to dwell in us, to walk in us, to be our God, and to make us His people. “I…
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV All good things come from God. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” The Lord provides His…