Meet these two.

Goodness and mercy are on a mission. They are looking to bring joy to your life. Thank You Jesus!

Psalms chapter 23.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

There is nothing more comforting than to know God is with us always and we get to live with Him in the world He created. He even gives us goodness and mercy to follow us all the days of our lives. Todays devotions referenced Charles Spurgeon who called them "The twin guardian angels" who follow believers closely in both the dreary days of winter and the bright days of summer. He says, "Goodness supplies our needs and mercy blots out our sins."

   God is almighty and all powerful. He is the creator of all things including us. In John chapter 8 Jesus makes a bold statement saying; "You are all slaves of sin, every one of you. And slaves do not have rights, but the Son has every right there is! So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free."

   Life with God is totally different than life without Him. Without Him you are not guided to walk along the paths of right living. It is hard to find peace when there is so much going on around you. And when troubles come, God wants to be there for you. He wants you to live in His house, He wants to protect you and provide for you. 

   What a gift goodness and mercy are. Psalms chapter 146 is about Praising God. It's about knowing that you are God's child living in His world. John chapter 1 verses 1-5; "Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is Himself God. He created everything there is---nothing exists that He didn't make. Eternal life is in Him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness---and the darkness can never extinguish it." 

   Once you meet God you will come to know His goodness and His wonderful mercy. Jesus is God's goodness, and through Jesus we can come to know His mercies. Everyday we get to experience the beauty of God's creations. 

   We also experience our own emotions. Some are sad and some are happy. For example, you can't help interacting with others, chores need to be done and we need a job to support ourselves. It's just another day, you look forward to your vacation plans, or maybe a wedding or a child being born. It is in those moments of breaking up our schedule that we laugh and enjoy others.  

   With God you don't have to wait for time to just go by. You get to enjoy His presence in your life now and forever. He is not a concert you attended or the party you went to, He is more than a memory. He is with you all the time, blessing you with Jesus and a life that is more than you ever thought it could be. 

   In 2 Timothy chapter 4, Paul says in verses 16 and 17, "The first time I was brought before the judge no one was here to help me. Everyone had run away. I hope that they will not be blamed for it. But the Lord stood with me and gave me the opportunity to boldly preach a whole sermon for all the world to hear. And He saved me from being thrown to the lions. Yes, and the Lord will always deliver me from all evil and will bring me into His heavenly kingdom. To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen."  

   Sometimes we say and do things that offend those closest to us. Sometimes we blurt out things without thinking about the consequences of our words. Then we find ourselves alone without friends or family and all because of our own selfish ways. It would be even worse if God was to abandon us, leaving us totally vulnerable to our own thoughts and confusion. 

   In Deuteronomy chapter 8 we find God telling the people to obey His commandments and if they do, they will not only live, but that they will also multiply and receive the wonderful promises of God. He asks them to never forget how He has cared for and loved them. He asks them to never forget His blessings and to always be thankful to Him for everything. He does warn them to be careful. To be aware that in all their plenty they do not forget the Lord their God and begin to disobey Him. Watch out that they do not become proud and forget all that He has done for them and all that He gives to them daily.

   The gift of Jesus makes you a better person and gives you an opportunity to tell God how thankful you are to Him. You get to sing and laugh and live in joy, but always be on your best behaviour. It is so easy to speak words that offend. Thank God for forgiveness, for Jesus and salvation, then thank Him for His goodness and mercy. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for Your wonderful love and forgiveness. There is nothing better than the words of Psalms chapter 23 verse 6. "Surly goodness and mercy will be with me (insert your name here) all the days of my life and I (insert your name here) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  😊

         

Philippians chapter 2 verses 5- 8.

Your attitude should be the kind that was shown by Jesus Christ, who, though He was God, did not demand and cling to His rights as God, but laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal's death on a cross.  

Jeremiah chapter 33 verse 11.

Praise the Lord! For He is good and His mercy endures forever! For I will make this land happier and more prosperous than it has ever been before. 

Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11.

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.     

Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6.

You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely look for Him.