Good as God is

“You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst”

Nehemiah 9:20

What does it mean to be good? Does it mean to look out for others? Does it mean to give to your local food bank? Or does it mean to be good to self and family?

The reality of it all is that in the terms of man there are a variety of definitions for good. We see “good” as merely being an adjective and not a state of being. We utilize the word “good” to describe a situation or condition, when we should be utilizing the word as the title of a state of being.

When we say a person is good, it should not be in reference to their acts, but in reference to what they are. I know this may be difficult to differentiate, but it is essential in understanding the “goodness” of God.

God is not good because of what He does, but because of who He is! When we begin to understand this fact then we begin to understand the true Spirit of God.

Notice Nehemiah stated that God gave His good Spirit and this Spirit was to instruct. Again, today, we see that God has given His good Spirit and this Spirit is to instruct. What is He to instruct us in? Simply, He is to teach us how to be good, not as an adjective, but as a being.

Now take notice to the second portion of this scripture. A quick examination here will show how the Holy Spirit instructs. He instructs us through manna (bread) and water. Have we not learned that Christ is the bread of life and His spirit is like living water?

It is important for us to accept that in our natural state we are not good. But when we accept Christ and receive His Holy Spirit we can be. As we take in more and more of his Word (manna) and drink in more of His Spirit (water) then we can be transformed into something more than what we once were.

As we grow from not good (I hesitate to say bad) to good we understand the source in which we are tapped into. As man we can only use the word “good” to describe something, we fail to hold the capability to actually be good. However, with Christ we can become good not because of who we are, but because of who He is. Keep that in mind this week as you draw closer and closer to being good.

Beyond Doubt

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:6

Doubt. It is a pretty ugly word isn’t it? It is often taught in churches that we are to never doubt when we have faith. We are taught that doubt is the antithesis of faith and therefore we must avoid it at all costs. To this point I can only say that I DOUBT that is truly the case.

James teaches us that we are to have no doubt. He teaches that if we do doubt then we are simply like an undulating wave of indecision that lacks the strength to be decisive. We will walk this earth doubting our abilities causing us to go any which way the wind blows. To this point I can agree.

So now I have fully confused you. Good! I would hate to have you think you know me to well.

All joking aside, what I am getting to does hold water, even if it is wavy. Doubt is a complicated matter and we must understand the role it plays in our lives in order to understand what doubt we should avoid.

I believe that many of you will find that you have struggled with doubt many times in your life. I know I certainly have. Let us begin with the idea that doubt is not the problem, but what we doubt can be.

First we must never doubt God. God is faithful. God is on time. God is our Father. God is many things, but He is not to be doubted. Most of all God is not man.

I find that most of my doubt does not revolve around God but around me. I doubt that I have the ability. I doubt that I am good enough. I doubt that it is possible. This doubt is not always wrong and at times can be used for good.

When I feel that doubt rising in me it becomes an alarm. It signals my need to turn to God that much more and search His Word for guidance. In doing so I do not doubt Him, but I doubt myself. By taking this doubt and embracing it I am actually becoming closer to God. You can do the same.

When James teaches that we are to ask in faith he is speaking to this exact matter. When we doubt ourselves, essentially recognizing our own shortcomings, we should look to God out of faith in His power. You see in this manner we do not doubt in God. We do not become waves blown by the wind, but instead we come stalwarts focused on the steadiness of our Lord.

Today I challenge you to acknowledge and embrace your doubt as a way to latch on to Christ that much more. Use your shortcomings for good. After all when we are weak He is strong.

Eternally Forgiven Life

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

Romans 8:1

So who is your biggest enemy? What is your biggest obstacle in life? No doubt many of us will respond with a triumphant “Satan” or claim that “temptation” is what they struggle with most, but what if you just admit that your biggest downfall at times is you.

Take a moment and reflect on your perception of your own ability. We will often find that we are most critical of our own actions and misgivings. It is like we understand the principle of forgiveness when it comes to family and friends, but check forgiveness at the door to self-reflection.

Stop it!

Stop forgiving others while you condemn yourself!

The above-mentioned scripture states that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Are you in Christ? If the answer is no, then we need to have a different conversation, but if it yes, then you need to renew your mind.

A renewing of the mind is essential as we move forward in our God appointed lives. First and foremost you must remember it is not all about you. If it were then life would not be very exciting, now would it? It must first be all about God and your relationship with Him.

All good things come to those who trust in the Lord. This saying holds true each and every day of your life. In fact you have probably heard, read, or said those very words yourself. Well today I challenge you to start living them.

I feel like I need to tell you to go sit in front of a mirror, smile, and say “I am good enough, people like me, and praise God because yes I can do anything.” But that would be corny and slight similar to a television skit. Instead just live out your life trusting that God chose you and forgave you.

When I am in my pulpit and say “Salvation, not condemnation” I am speaking to all people, not just the ones outside of the four walls. It is time. Time to stand up and stop being your own worst enemy. The devil is already trying to tear you down; stop giving him a hand.

I will end with this. God loves you. He knew you in your mother’s womb. He knows the hairs on you head. He knows you better than you know yourself. And He chose you anyway. Stop condemning what God has forgiven and start walking in his precious gift, eternally forgiven life.