" GOOD, GOODNESS "

Alright now, here we are into week number one of the New Year. New year's day is very special to me, the dawning of a new year opens up so many possibilities. Always the chance to fix wrongs and to grow in the things of the Lord. This week we will be looking into " Good, Goodness." God works in " All Things " - not just isolated incidents - for our good. Now before you get ahead of yourself, this does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our Fallen World, but GOD IS ABLE TO TURN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE AROUND FOR OUR LONG-RANGE GOOD. Please hear and understand that God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose. For this reason I always Pray for God's Perfect Will. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are according to his purpose. Now those who are " Called " are those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to Receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mindset on life. They trust in God, not life's treasures; they look for their security in heaven, not on earth; THEY LEARN TO ACCEPT, NOT RESENT, pain and persecution God is with them. MY LAST THOUGHT: Goodness alone won't bring Eternal Life, but this is a reminder to all of us who are believers. Now, Jesus teaches about those who Build Houses on Rock and Sand. Listen to these verses: (21) Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, 'Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. (22) Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, 'Lord, did not we prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles? (23) And then I will declare to them, 'I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' Now, Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with him. On " That Day " (The day of judgment), only our relationship with Christ - our acceptance of him as Savior and our obedience to him - will matter. Many people think that if they are " Good " people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with Eternal Life. In reality, faith in Christ is what will count at the judgment. Until Next Time... Jim,