The Goodness of God

A long time ago I went to a Louisville Cardinals basketball game and I struck up a conversation with a
man sitting next to me. Of course the conversation was about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the
Bible. This man was in his late 40’s maybe early 50’s and he was very negative and if I had to choose a
word to describe him it would be dour. He was a Christian and that is what was causing the problem.
How could being a Christian cause anyone to be negative, dour and down on life in general? Well, he
told me his story. As a young man he had become a Christian, Romans 10:9,10, and had wanted to
become a minister. However, somewhere along life’s journey he ventured away from doing what he
wanted to do for a more secular life. Ever since that time he felt guilty and ashamed that he didn’t
follow through on his commitment. This is what caused this poor man to suffer so. No matter what I said
to him nothing would change his mind.
Many Christians in the world today are in the same boat as this man. It may not be the exact same
reason. It may be that they did something in their past that they think God will not forgive them for. Or,
it may be because of thoughts that linger in their minds. Things that they know or think they know that
are contrary to God’s will for their lives.
I WANT TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT! GOD LOVES YOU! GOD WANTS THE BEST FOR YOU! Yes, He
wants you to be the best you can be for Him, but, not living up to your full potential does not separate
you from the love of God!
Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What will separate us from the love of God? Will not living up to your potential? NO! What about our
past? NO! The Apostle Paul, the one who received the revelation of the great mystery and who spread
the Word of God throughout all Asia Minor in two years and three months, before he was born again,
put Christians in prison and caused them to die. But, it didn’t matter because when you are born again
each day is a new day. Each day is a day you can live for and with God Almighty.
I am going to give you some scripture verses that will change your life IF and that IF is a BIG “IF” you
choose to believe the Bible is the revealed word and will of God and not hold on to your old way of
thinking.
Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death.
Christ in you is the new birth, you in Christ is your walk. It is you changing what you have been feeding
your mind from what the World says to what the Word says and walking on it. Does this say “only if you
are under forty years old?” Does it say “only if you are tall, short, fat, skinny, pretty or not so pretty?”NO, a thousand times no. The only and when I say only I mean ONLY prerequisite is that you choose to
walk.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
All it takes is YOU choosing, much like a journey it starts with one step followed by another! So
what if we fall down, so what if we make a mistake. Don’t you think God knows your heart?
If you fall down get back up, dust yourself off and start again. If you screw up then ask God’s
forgiveness and get back to walking.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
Do you know what it means to “confess your sins?” It means to say you’re sorry. “God I am sorry for
____________ and I thank you for forgiveness and cleansing me from all unrighteousness.”
I was going to put Psalm 103:12 here, but, Psalm 103 holds so much for you that I put the whole thing
in!
Psalm 103:1-22 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender
mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear(reverence and
respect) him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear (respect and
reverence) him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening
unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
So, now, take a deep breath, let it out, relax and smile knowing that God loves you and He wants
the best for you! No more guilt. Just peace through our lord Jesus Christ.
Just remember that it is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance. (Romans 2:4)