Monday, April 4, 2022

Orange Moon Monday, April 4, 2022 "Good"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…


"Good"

    

    As referenced in Saturday's message, the truth that "God is good" must guide every contemplation we have of Him.  We begin and proceed from this fount that flows from the Biblical revelation that affirms perfect character as the source of every Divine thought, attitude, word, deed, and relating to His creation.  "Thou art good and doest good" (Psalm 119:68).

    This truth greatly challenges our understanding because only of God can it be said that "His way is perfect" (II Samuel 22:31).  We have no other frame of reference for such a standard.  In fact, when pondering Divine goodness, we may be tempted to compare God's character with that which we have seen in people.  While it is true that goodness in fellow human beings reflects the Lord's  nature and way, we must remember that it is only a reflection.  Only in God Himself can goodness be found in pristine, infinite, and eternal perfection.  Indeed, He alone is good in His sublime essence.  All others who manifest genuine nobility and sincerity of character serve as the lamps of His light, as empowered by His inspiration, leading, and enabling.  "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" (Proverbs 20:27).  Thus, to ponder that "God is good" must occupy a singular place in our hearts and minds whereby we maintain keen awareness that we consider realities found only in Him.  "Thou only art holy" (Revelation 15:4).

   In practical terms, this means that we embrace the truth of Divine goodness as both a doctrinal understanding of mind, and as a personal conviction of heart.  The former establishes Truth in us.  The latter empowers a step by step walk in the reality whereby we can trust and submit to God in all things because we have confidence in the perfection of His character and way.  Job, so tempted to doubt the Lord's goodness by the extremity of His trials, nevertheless affirmed, "Thou He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).  While Job had much to learn about God in the dark night through which he passed, he did know deeply within that the Lord is good.  Moreover, God knew that His servant knew this, which led to His allowing Satan to severely challenge Job (Job 1:8; 2:3).

    May the Lord know this about us.  "He knoweth them that trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).  Yes, may the truth of His goodness become so established in our hearts and minds that come what may, we affirm, "The Lord is good!"  He is, and as we frequently affirm in these messages, He will not betray our confidence.  Because no one has ever trusted the God and Father of our Lord Jesus and been disappointed for doing so.  And no one ever will…

"He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded."
(I Peter 2:6)
"O taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in Him." 
(Psalm 34:8)

Weekly Memory Verse
    O taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. 
(Psalm 34:8)

   

 


    

 

   





 





































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