All tagged Goodness

Of God, Fathers, and Saving the Souls of our Children

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, God our Father

What do good fathers give their children of themselves that lasts for a lifetime, and what does our Heavenly Father give us that is more valuable than His love, and grace, which lasts an eternity? Discipline is a way of training someone, or one’s self, to adhere to certain rules, or manner of behavior. It also includes punishment as a form of correction. Fathers owe their children more than just food and a place to sleep, they must teach them how to live well in their life, and world... how to be honorable, and who God is.

Dishonoring God by the careless Words we Speak

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Speaking, Righteous

How well are we at bridling our tongues? We might control whether we tell lies, or slander someone, but have we gained control over speaking foul words, profanity, or God forbid, taking the Lord’s name in vain? We know these words, so they have already tainted us to some degree, and we hear them spoken daily in common conversation, so we are tempted to use them ourselves. Since this is one way that a Christian is perceived by those around him, let’s  ask ourselves... “Have I dirtied, and stained my cloak of righteousness with the filthy words I speak?”

Temptation... A Sweet Smell, but with a Bitter Taste, and a lasting Stain

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Temptation, Cleansing

Are you dealing with temptation in your life right now? Is there a fragrance that wafts around you like a vapor and whose scent lures you towards something sinful? Perhaps it is an attraction to someone other than your spouse, or to a person who is already married. Maybe you are hungry, and are being drawn to steal a meal, or thirsty and want to grab another’s flask. Whatever it is, and temptations abound, do you linger in these thoughts, or do you pray for freedom and release from them? Do you ask God for an escape?

Praying for the Glory of God in the face of Calamity

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, God’s Glory

All that we do every day should be done for the glory of God. When we are set upon by our enemies, and we call upon God for help, it shouldn’t be to satisfy our own selfish reasons but to free us so that we might better do His will. We should summon His aid so that He can demonstrate His might, and His love for us before all the world. Our testimony regarding deliverance, provision, and His love, should always be given to glorify our Heavenly Father alone. 

Withheld Wages, Fraud, and the Coming of the Christ Child

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Goodness, Giving

In this the time of Advent when we wait expectantly for the coming of Christ, we also are in the final days of the financial year for many businesses. In faith we praise God for the birth of His Son, but as workers, and businessmen we are determining the financial success of our store, farm, or business. On the one hand is great joy and anticipation, but on the other is a temptation to increase our earnings, possibly by nefarious means... in the one hand we hold the lamb of God, but with the other we often stroke the head of our selfishness, and greed.

How Do We Love Thee, Our Precious Lord?

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Loving God, Loving Our Neighbor

How good do we think God is? How faithful is He to His Word, and how complete is His love for us? As Christians we have the utmost faith in these virtues of God because we see their evidence revealed to us through Jesus Christ. He gave the very life of His Son Jesus in exchange for our redemption,His goodness is revealed to us by His Holy Spirit, and He showers us in a cleansing downpour of mercy, and grace

The Plans of Life; Are they Our Dreams or God’s Reality?

Richard Forbes
Christian, God’s Will, Daily Devotion, God’s Plan

Who plans your life? Are you busy laying out the future details regarding where you are going, what you will accomplish, or the places you will rest and take sustenance? If these plans are being made by anyone other than God then you will lead an unfulfilled life indeed. His plan, and His will are more than an aside... they are the sole road through life which will lead us to a joyous eternity with Him.

Jesus, our Champion in Intercession

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Intercession of Jesus

Have you given yourself to Jesus so that he might intercede for you in all that you do? Have you become His, just as much as you have become God’s? To be a child of God through Jesus Christ is more than giving yourself over physically, or mentally, but to also do so spiritually as well... our spirit becomes His, and He then goes to the Father in prayer for us in our entirety... not just when we ask directly for His intercession but in everything that makes up our lives.

Perfection in Discipline; Lessons in Our Suffering

Richard Forbes
Suffering, Goodness, Christian, Daily Devotion, Discipline, Grace, God

Are you in the midst of some trauma in your life? Are you looking to God and asking “Why Lord? Aren’t I your child?” Of course the answer to this question is that He loves you too much not to discipline, or teach, you. The storms in the life of a Christian are meant to teach and perfect us, but they sure feel like pure punishment don’t they? Yet, amidst the hardships and discipline, never lose sight of the fact that you are indeed a child of God.