"God of... justice"

    This description of God is found only two times in the Bible, both in the Old Testament: Isaiah 30:18 and Malachi 2:17. In some translations of these texts ‘judgement’ is written in place of ‘justice.’ Let’s take a look at each of these references to see how the description is used and what we can learn from it.

“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18 NKJV)

    In the context of this Isaiah passage we see Israel putting their trust in the Egyptian leader to help them, the same nation that had brutally oppressed their people for 400 years before the exodus (Exodus 1-15). The nation of Israel rebelled against Him so much so that God referred to them as “lying children, children who will not hear the law of the LORD” (Isaiah 30:9).  They told their seers and prophets to not speak the hard truth but to speak smooth words – even deceitful words (consider 2 Timothy 4:3-4) – in the hopes that God would simply go away and leave them be. They preferred foreign oppression to following God’s word and way; they had become so much like the people around them that they were increasingly irked by God’s wholesome commands, boundaries, and standards.

    God did give them over to foreign oppression – Assyrian captivity – and yet even then, the LORD was already telling them that He longed to be gracious to them and be merciful to them and that those who also longed for Him would be blessed (Isaiah 30:18).

 “You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you say, “In what way have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, or “Where is the God of justice?”” (Malachi 2:17 NKJV)

    Here in Malachi, the last prophecy before the 400 years of silence, we find the people of God acting like they were anything but. They have gone after pagan gods and when they, out of obligation, perform their duties before God (sacrifices) they do so half-heartedly at best (see Malachi 1:6-14). Their corruption has permeated even the priests – the ones who were to know and guide the people in God’s law (Malachi 2:7-9) – even they did not regard the holiness of God (consider Leviticus 10:3).

    The people had grown so cavalier and calloused that they disregarded God’s judgement of right and wrong (Isaiah 5:20-21) and declared that everyone is okay in God’s sight because where is God to tell them otherwise? Because a lightning bolt did not strike them for any misstep or wrongdoing they began to grow lax not only about their own service toward God but about God’s standards and rules as a whole, maybe even thinking, ‘the so-called “evil people” around us are not punished, so they must be fine in God’s eyes; what’s the harm of being with them or like them?’

    God’s justice is pure and right. He always ‘rose early’ (well beforehand, Jeremiah 7: 13; 32:33) to tell people that there would be consequences for rejecting Him and there would be reward for diligently seeking Him (Hebrews 11:6). God wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He longs to be gracious to all people, but only those who turn to Him and long for Him will find blessing, that is why He is longsuffering and patient, hoping more will open their eyes, grope for Him, and find Him (Acts 17:26-27).

    God’s justice does not change: If you do what He says, you will be rewarded; if you do not do what He says, there will be consequences (Matthew 7:21-23). He has provided all that we need to know to be pleasing to Him (Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 10:17), to become His child (Galatians 3:26-28), and to walk as Jesus walked (1 Peter 2:21-24, 1 John 2:3-6).

    God is the God of justice. His judgement stands. Don’t think that because God patiently waits for the lost to repent that He is absent – the time He grants us is salvation – it’s an opportunity for all to turn, learn, and submit to Him! He wants to you to cling to Him, waiting for Him in all circumstances, longing for the day that you can see Him face to face (1 John 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:11-13), because He wants to gracious to you! Be assured of His promises, be wholly aware of His justice and judgement, and be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:14-15)!

You can do it! And so can I!!

"God of... glory"

    As our study continues, we are now getting to terms that appear only one to two times in the Bible. This week we will look at the description “God of glory” mentioned once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament.

In a psalm of David, Psalm 29:3-4, and in Stephen’s sermon, Acts 7:2-3

    ‘Glory,’ in this Psalm 29 passage, is the Hebrew word, ‘kabod’ (Strong’s #H3519), meaning abundance, honour, glory, and splendor, and in the Acts 7 verses it is the Greek word ‘doxa’ meaning a good opinion that determines value, its use in reference to God tells us of His infinite worth and value that has always been and will always be.

    Stephen had seen the fruition of God’s plan; separated from Abraham by over 2000 years, Stephen knew from the Scriptures all that God had promised AND fulfilled to Abraham, he knew the history of Israel, the people descended from Abraham (the twelve sons of his own grandson, Jacob/"Israel"). Stephen was living in the time when “all families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3) through Jesus’ coming. Stephen proclaimed Jesus as the Just One, who came to save, but whom the Jewish people rejected, betrayed, and murdered (Acts 7:51-53). Stephen was, with his good opinion of God, desperately trying to remind the Israelites of God’s unsurpassable value; that His word did not, does not fail. The promise given to their esteemed patriarch, Abraham, WAS fulfilled – they could have been blessed, they still CAN be blessed, but like they did with Jesus, they turned on him.       

    As the crowd showed anger at his words, Stephen looked up into heaven and “saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55) and even as he lay dying from the rocks hurled at him, Stephen prayed to God that He would not charge the people with this sin (Acts 7:59-60) – even in his last breaths he wanted the people to know of God’s value in their lives – that He was trustworthy, that His words are trustworthy, that they need to turn to Him and give Him the glory.

“Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.” (Psalm 29:1-4 NKJV)

    David, who lived halfway between Abraham and Stephen, proclaimed God’s glory to all, not only through his psalms, but through his complete trust in God, shown by his words and conduct throughout his lifetime. He, too, had seen the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham (of a land, Canaan, and a name, Israelites), and assured of God’s abilities he looked toward the future when the promised Messiah would come (Psalms 22, 110).  

    This man of the Old Testament, David, and this man of the New Testament, Stephen, proclaimed God to be the God of glory: God, the author and personification of all that is splendourous and honourable; God, whose value and worth is beyond compare.

    Do you see Him, think of Him; speak of Him in this way? Do you value Him? His Word? More than all others, more than all other things? Be confident, like David, in the God of glory and proclaim His goodness and greatness (1 Peter 2:9). Be concerned, like Stephen, and tell others of God’s incomparable value and all that His has supplied for them to know the truth and be forgiven of their sins!

    We serve the God of glory!! Let’s give Him the glory!!

You can do it! So can I!!     

"God of... the earth"

    Used only three times, almost like fence posts placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the Bible, this term describes a consistent, unchanging God, a superior God over all, and a Sovereign God in a place of pre-eminence.

Genesis 24:3 – Isaiah 54:5 – Revelation 11:4

    God of earth means that our God is God of the entirety of earth – every earthly realm – and every inhabitant.

“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, 
the world and those who dwell therein.” 
(Psalm 24:1 NKJV)

    The term “God of the earth” is used only three times, but statements about the earth belonging to God are sprinkled throughout the Bible:

During the ten plagues in Egypt – 

“So Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD; the thunder will cease, and these will be no more hail, that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.” (Exodus 9:29)

When refortifying Israel’s faith and awareness of the Law – 

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed heaven and the highest heavens, belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-14)

When God answers Job – 

“Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” (Job 41:11)

When David described “the King of glory” – 

“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2)

When Asaph wrote about “the Mighty One, God the LORD” – 

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and its fullness.” (Psalm 50:12)

When Paul was teaching the Corinthians he quoted Psalm 24:1 – 

“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake, for “the earth is the LORD’s and its fullness”” (1 Corinthians 10:26, in some translations this quote is repeated in verse 28)

    Step outside, or look out the window, Our God – the God of earth – created all that you can see by His word! He is over and above all that we can see and hear and touch and taste and feel – it’s all His, just as you are His! Let us honour and respect Him for all He has provided to us in this earthly realm, making it possible to seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:24-28), to live and thrive as His child, and to grant us a soul within our earthly bodies that will live on with Him in eternity (1 John 3:1-3)! 

You can do it! So can I!! 

"God of...gods"

    This term describing God is found five times in four passages of the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 10:17, Joshua 22:22, Daniel 2:47, and Daniel 11:36

    Upon first seeing this description one may wonder, ‘Does this give credence to gods?’ but, we know that gods are useless figures sculpted by men’s hands (Psalm 115:3-8, 135:15-18, and Jeremiah 10); this term “God of gods,” instead, openly declares God to be Supreme God over every created thing.  

“Inasmuch as there is none like you, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might), who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine… they are all the work of skillful men, but the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King, at His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.” (Jeremiah 10:6-8,9b-10 NKJV)

    While gods are useless, we still have the capability of setting them up in our lives: seeking after wealth, careers, status, our houses/cars, collections, hobbies, children, boyfriend/husband, even our own self. These can all be elevated in our hearts/minds to the point of coming in between us and God and our service to Him. Why devote all your time and trust in what is temporary when you can develop your trust in and allegiance to the everlasting God of gods?

    God is the Supreme God, the very Creator of the heavens and earth! He was and is and will be. He is worthy of your time and devotion! Take an honest look at your heart and realign your priorities so that there are not any obstacles between you and the God of heaven – He is worthy of our every effort and every sacrifice!!

You can do it! So can I!!   

"God of... Peace"

    The description of God we are looking at this week is one that is only used in the New Testament: God of peace.

peace is the Greek word, eirene (Strong’s #G1515), means to join together into a whole, wholeness.

‘God of peace’ means that the Lord is the author and promoter of wholeness.

    Used six times* in the N.T. this description of God may, at first glance, seem insignificant and simply a term Paul (and the Hebrew writer) liked to use, but if we take a closer look at each usage I think we will discover something of significant value.

*Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, and “Lord of peace” found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, which I decided to include in this study, as it is used only once.

    This is what I have learned from these verses:

When will our God of peace act?   

• When we need to withdraw from disorderly (idle, undisciplined, unruly) brethren who do not walk as the apostles gave example/instruction (context of 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Matthew 18:15-20)
• When we note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine and need to turn away from (avoid) them (context of Romans 16:20)
• When we obey the command to “be of one mind and live in peace” and humbly hear correction, learn to acknowledge our sins, and seek God with repentant hearts (context of 2 Corinthians 13:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• When we give our anxieties to God, ask for His help, train our minds to focus on thankfulness and whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy, and follow Paul’s example and instruction (as he followed Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:3-6, context of Philippians 4:9)
• When we need to do our part and also patiently help those who are unruly, fainthearted, and weak (context of 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 12:1-2; 9-21)
• God has done, and continues to do, His part and He wants to bless us when we do our part in humble, submissive obedience (context of Hebrews 13:20, John 3:14-21)

What will our God of peace do?

• He will give you peace always and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16, Philippians 4:6-7)
• He will crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20)
• He will be with you (1 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9)
• He will sanctify you completely; our whole spirit soul, and body preserved blameless at Jesus’ coming (set you apart, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
• He will make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:20-21)

    We serve a God who is whole and wants us to be whole in Him. When we do what He asks we can be at peace with Him and in following His instructions we can, as much as depends on us, live in peace with our brethren and our neighbours. God has provided all we need to do this! Let’s be of one mind, follow His commands, and learn to live in the wholesome peace He grants us.

You can do it! So can I!! 

"God of... My Salvation"

    Continuing in our “God of…” study, I would like you to consider our God described as “God of my salvation,” although this term sometimes includes “our,” “your,” and “his” in place of “my.” This description only appears in the Old Testament and while “my salvation,” in reference to God, first appears on the Bible pages in Exodus 15:2, the first appearance of this particular description, “God of my salvation,” does not show up until Psalm 18:46 (Note: ‘God of our salvation’ is found before this, in 1 Chronicles 16:35). “God of ___ salvation” is found 11 times in the Scriptures.

    Looking at each reference we find people either declaring the glory of the God of salvation (Psalm 18:46-49, 65:5), making known the hope one has in Him (Psalm 24:5, Habakkuk 3:18), or calling out to Him for rescue from both physical troubles (1 Chronicles 16:34-35, 88:1, 27:9, Micah 7:7) and spiritual (Psalm 25:4-5, 51:14).

    Salvation in all these verses simply means physical rescue from external evils, with the benefit of then being able to continue in our service toward Him. Read and think on 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4.

    We serve the God who rescues and saves! God created us that we may seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-17), He redeemed us with the blood of Jesus that we may be saved from our sins (John 3:16-21, I John 4:10), and so that we would joy in the God of our salvation, telling others of His greatness (1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 34:1-3)!

    Do not be like those to whom Isaiah spoke, who had forgotten the God of their salvation, who planted foreign seeds in their gardens (took worldly wisdom/ideas into their heart and put them into practice), whose efforts came to a “heap of ruins” (Isaiah 17:10-11). Do not turn from salvation to something so unworthy and ruinous, appreciate the salvation you have from God, both physical and spiritual! Appreciate it and praise Him for it! Call Him ‘the God of your salvation’ to remind yourself of your once forlorn state and of the blessed help you received – and continue to receive – from our Creator.    

    Do you trust in God as your salvation? Do you run to Him for help and comfort in your physical troubles (mental/emotional upset, health concerns) and in your spiritual needs, confessing your sins to Him (1 John 1:8-9)? Look to Him and lean on Him! Trust Him to rescue you (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Peter 2:9), He is the God of our salvation!

You can do it! So can I!! 

"God of... Heaven"

    The second most used term referring to God is found 17 times in the Old Testament and only twice in the New. It’s probably the first fact we learn about God in childhood: “God lives up in heaven;” we sang songs about being careful with what we do and say because “the Father up above is looking down in love,” and that simple fact is as complicated as this term for God gets.

God (Strong’s #H430) – elohim – means divine being

heaven (Strong’s #H8064, Hebrew/O.T.) – shamayin – means the abode of God

  (Strong’s #G3772, Greek/N.T.) – ouranos – means the highest heaven, the dwelling place of God

    You may be thinking, ‘I already knew all this, what more is there to say on the subject?’ Well, I have found through my own personal studies that anytime a term/phrase is mentioned more than once in the Bible each usage is enveloped in a little bit more information so that when we look at each one we learn a bit more and end up with a rather complete picture when we are done!

Side study: Try this for yourself in studying, for example, the phrase “the fear of the LORD” (throughout the Bible) or in studying the passages that mention Joseph of Arimathea (in the New Testament gospels).

    What can we learn from the 18 references to the “God of heaven” in the Bible? Here’s what I have summarized:

We should…

          …seek Him (Daniel 2:17-18, also consider Acts 17:26-27)

…pray to Him (Ezra 6:10, Nehemiah 1:4-5; 2:4, Daniel 2:17-18, also consider 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

…obey His commands (Ezra 1:2, 7:23, also consider 1 John 2:3-6)

…offer sacrifices to Him (Ezra 6:9-10, also consider Romans 12:1-2)

…trust Him (Nehemiah 2:20, Daniel 2:44, also consider Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

…give Him the glory and praise Him (Nehemiah 1:5, Daniel 2:37, Revelation 11:13, also consider Psalm 103:1-5)

…thank Him and bless Him (Psalm 136:26, Daniel 2:17-23, also consider 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 1:3)

…confess our faith in Him (Jonah 1:9, also consider Matthew 10:32)

…do good for those who fear Him (Ezra 7:21, also consider Galatians 6:9-10)

…not be like those who blaspheme Him because of their pains and troubles and refuse to repent of their evil deeds (Revelation 16:11, also consider what we should do: trust in His help Psalm 34, be faithful to Him, Romans 12:12, and repent of our wrongdoings, 1 John 1:9, 2 Peter 3:9)

 

    From its first mention in Genesis 24:6 to its last in the book of Revelation, our study of the “God of heaven” is a good reminder to us that He is not simply ‘a being up in the sky’ – He is the very God of heaven! The One to whom we can run to at any time (Hebrews 4:16) and who we can always count on! Let’s follow the Bible examples we have taken note of in this study and seek the God of heaven, pray to Him, obey Him, offer ourselves to Him in daily service, trust Him, praise and magnify Him, give Him all the glory with hearts full of thankfulness for all He has done for us! Let us confess our faith in Him, in word and conduct, be a benefit to those who fear Him, seek His solace when we are suffering, and His forgiveness when we sin!    

You can do it! So can I!!   

"God of... Hosts"

    I would like to take some time now to better understand God, so our faith can flourish, by looking at bible verses that declare/describe God to be the “God of” something. What that something is, or rather what those somethings are, as there are many, is what this study will help you come to know. I hope it will draw attention to aspects of God that you may not have known or focused on and also refresh your heart’s appreciation for the ones you may already be familiar with.

    Let’s begin with “God of hosts” as it is the most used “God of…” phrase in the Bible, appearing 40 times in the Old Testament, 9 of which are found in Amos. It is often written as “LORD God of hosts,” “Lord GOD of hosts,” a few times as “the LORD, the God of hosts,” and twice as “O God of hosts” (in Psalm 80:7, 14).  

Side notes: The term “LORD of hosts” is used 245 times in the Old Testament, but we will limit our study to only the mentions of “God of…” in the Bible. Also, both “God of hosts” and “LORD of hosts” are phrases only found in the Old Testament.

    God declared Himself to be “the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts” (Amos 5:27), so what exactly does it mean? Who are the “hosts”?

    Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance/Hebrew Dictionary shows “hosts” (in every instance we are looking at) to be the Hebrew word: tseba’ah (H6635) This word, tseba’ah, is from the primitive word ‘tsaba’ (H6633*) and means ‘a mass of persons (or figurative things), especially regularly organized for war (an army); by implication a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically hardship, worship): - appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare).’

*tsaba (H6633) to mass (an army or servants) assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait upon, war

    This term draws our attention to God’s power and authority. He is able to do what He has said. He has a host at His command and servants ready and waiting to obey His command. He is almighty and He will accomplish all that He has declared!

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” (Psalm 89:7-8 NKJV)

    We can see the term “God of hosts” and leave it at that, just a term, but let your mind dwell on that for a moment. Considering it is like looking up into the night sky. You look up and see maybe a handful of stars at first, but then as you continue to look and your eyes adjust, more stars seem to come out of nowhere, tiny points of light suddenly fill what was moments ago simply a canopy of darkness and your mind fills with wonder as more and more stars continue to come into view.  

    Grab your Bible and turn to 2 Kings 6:14-17 where the King of Syria was making war against Israel. The prophet, Elisha, had a servant who was quite anxious about the enemy’s army surrounding them and so Elisha prayed that the LORD might open the young man’s eyes to the truth of the matter, then told him, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who with them” (v16). What did he see when the LORD opened his eyes? “…behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v17).

    This is our God, the very God we serve. He is the LORD God of hosts! ‘With God you are the majority’ is not a platitude, but the plain truth. He is the God of hosts. You can trust that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)! We have no need to fear any person, for with our God, the God of hosts, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-37, be sure to read this reference – it is SO good!)!!

    God is able. He is the God of hosts, a description of ultimate power, ability, and capability – vast, untold resources and might – this is the God you serve! Do you trust Him? Are your eyes opening to His magnitude? Pray that they might be so that you can confidently put on His armour each day and stand strong in Him and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10-18), knowing without doubt that the very God of hosts surrounds you!

You can do it! So can I!! 

"The Purpose of Your Good Deeds" - Sermon

    This week, to finish off our lesson series on good works I've attached a sermon link and I really hope you will make time to listen to it, with an open bible and an open heart!

    The sermon is titled, "The Purpose of Your Good Deeds," it is presented by Andy Cantrell and was part of a Youth Series at Embry Hills church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia.

    The things I would like you to focus on while you listen:

1. Good works are not about magnifying you, they are to magnify God! (Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:8-10)
2. As Christians, your behaviours/actions/words directly influence what the others perceive about God (Matthew 5:13-16)
3. You cannot be lukewarm! (Revelation 3:15)
4. You are the lens by which the world sees God - do you increase His greatness (make Him look magnificent) or do you decrease/minimize His greatness?

    God's reputation is on the line! You represent Him to the world!

    Throughout this week, if the Lord wills, take time to read and study the book of Titus! Ask God to help you "maintain good works," open your eyes and heart to the opportunities that are all around you. Be a beautiful representative of God!!

"...these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." (Titus 3:8 NKJV)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Link to listen to sermon "The Purpose of Your Good Deeds":

https://embryhills.com/listen-study/all-sermons/2010/05/01/purpose-of-your-good-deeds 

Why Do We Do Good Works?

    Sometimes it may feel that you are throwing your pearls in the pig pen when you do good works for less than appreciative people, but it is then that you must remember for whom we do these good works. We do them to show our faith, our love, and our appreciation to God for His faithfulness, love, and blessings!

"And whatever you do, do it heartily,

as to the Lord and not to men."

(Colossians 3:23 NKJV) 

    We do good works, not for glory and praise (Matthew 6:1-4) but to reflect God's light into the world. We, through our kindnesses and mercies, show people God, who may not have seen Him any other way. Good works can open doors and open hearts. God's light can shine in places that need His light, simply because of our kindness and care, and in turn He will be glorified!

    We do good works because we have abundance from God. He has blessed us with so many provisions to enable us to share and care for others (2 Corinthians 9:8)

    Consider 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any troubles, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted."

God ALWAYS exemplifies the good He wants us to do in the world!

Read this verse again and fill in the blank with "love/loved":

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all _______, who ________ us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to _______ those who are in any troubles, with the _______ with which we ourselves are _________.

Read again using "blessings/bless/blessed"
Read again using "help/helped"
Read again using "encouragement/encouraged"

    Do you get the picture?

    God exemplifies it, so we know what to do and how to do it, and He supplies what we need to accomplish it, so we have no excuse not to do it!

    Doing good works should be who you are. A Christian should be different from the world. Their mind should be constantly renewed in their purpose of proving to the world "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

• You have received love from God --> love others (1 John 4:11) 
• You have received comfort from God --> comfort others (2 Corinthians 9:8)
• You have received blessings from God --> be a blessing to others (Hebrews 13:16) 
• You have been upheld by God --> uphold others (Isaiah 41:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• You have been forgiven by God --> forgive others (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:13)

    What else can you add to this list?

    Don't give up on doing good! When we do good, we reflect God's light in to the world, that He may be glorified! Renew your mind daily by remembering from whom all blessings come and determine to show the world that God has provided a better way!

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap 
if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, 
especially to those who of the household of faith." 
(Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

New Theme: Good Works

    Did you know that we were "created in Christ Jesus for good works"? God prepared them, so "we should walk in them" (Ephesians 5:10)!

    What are these good works that God has prepared?

    Let's look at some verses that outline some good works that we, as women, should walk in:

"The older women likewise*, that they be reverent 

in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, 

teachers of good things - that they admonish the 

young women to love their husbands, to love their 

children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, 

obedient to their own husbands, that the word of 

God may not be blasphemed." 

(Titus 3:3-5 NKJV)

*"likewise": indicates that the things listed before (in verse 2) also apply to the older women: be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

    Applying all of these to who we are and what we do will bring glory to God and that is what good works are supposed to result in.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

so that they may see your good works and 

give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

(Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

    In Ephesians 2:9, we read that salvation is a gift from God, it is "not of works, lest anyone should boast." All of our efforts in doing good are for one purpose only - to bring glory to God! That through them we may be "to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:6,12,14).

    When you shine your light before others, through good works and kindnesses, you are showing God's more perfect way to others! (Romans 12:1) Consider James 2:14-17 where it states that if a brother is in need and we simply say to him, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," and we have done nothing to warm or fill him then our faith, without these works, is dead. God wants us to "not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16)

    We all have differing abilities. We must use our abilities to do what WE are able to do! Please read Romans 12:3-8. Pray for opportunities to use your abilities and your abundance to benefit others and bring glory to God.

    Encourage the young wife. Embrace the young mother. Cheer on your sister. Fortify your husband. If you can create things useful to others, do so to fill the need! If you can help someone monetarily to help them through a hard time or help them achieve a goal (university, college, upgrading their skills), then do it happily!

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, 

that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, 

may have an abundance for every good work." 

(2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV)

    God provides so that we can share - we have no excuse and every reason to obey!

    Magnify God today by eagerly walking in the good works He has prepared for us to walk in! Let your behaviour and your kindness be to the praise of HIS GLORY!!

You can do it! So can I!!