THE GOODNESS OF GOD

Even though we have a best friend or someone who is close to us, this person might not be able to understand the struggles that are happening in our heart.

This situation could become one of the ways used by God to reveal His goodness to us. He is a God who cares for us. The Lord Jesus says that He even knows when a hair of our head falls.

Could we feel and enjoy God’s goodness in the midst of any situation that seems bad? Yes, we can and we have to believe! We have to believe in God’s timing. He is always with us.

Do not follow the lifestyle of the wicked people, for when the problems come, they harden their hearts to the advice and guidance of the Word of God. For the wicked, seeking the Lord is a futile and a nonsensical thing to do. However, the Lord tells us that seeking Him is the right and real thing to do. It makes sense because God also sees real things in this world. When we see the universe that was created by God, our sense acknowledges that God is real.

The Lord shows His goodness to those who really seek Him through prayer. First, He shows spiritual goodness, which means that He will bring them to the "mountain of the Lord" to experience the fullness of the power of His love. After that, He reveals His goodness to them by restoring the soul and giving His blessings.

God is good all the time. Amen

Readings: Psalms 13,14,15

These verses of scripture  stood out to me this morning in my Bible reading Psalms 27:4,5  One thing have I desired of the Lord,that will i seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Vrs5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.   Vrs13. I had fainted,unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Vrs14 Wait on the Lord:be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart:wait,I say on the Lord.   Psalm 31:23 O love the Lord,all ye his saints:for the Lord preserveth the faithful,and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. vrs24. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,all ye that hope in the Lord   If I keep my heart towards his house he will help me

 When we walk with God through dark valleys, we become inseparably connected with Him.
The valley isn't a sign that God has forgotten you
- it's often where He draws closest. The seasons that strip everything else away have a way of revealing what nothing else can: that His presence is enough. Not just enough to survive, but enough to transform the way you walk with Him forever.
No one chooses the dark valley. But those who've walked through it with God will tell you - they came out knowing Him in a way the mountaintop never could have taught them.

The Storms of our lives!

The Disciples were out on the troubled waters. Jesus was asleep in the top of the ship. A great tempest storm arose and begin to push it's heavy winds and rain upon the ship. The storm was so great that it truly frightened the disciples. it scared them enough that they was afraid of loosing their lives.  

They finally went to the Master and awoke him out of his sleep. I have always questioned, Why didn't they go to him first when the storm first started? why did they tarry on waking him up? We as christians often try to take the problem in our own hands. We try to turn to God when its our last option. Even a sinner man will turn to God in turmoil.

We as christian's are in the boat and is sailing on life's troubled seas. We often forget that Jesus is in the boat with us. We often forget that he is one prayer away. We try to solve our problems on our own, when all we have to do is go to the top of the ship and call out to Christ. Jesus is our chief cornerstone. He is the horn of our salvation. He is the everlasting father. He is the king of kings and the Lord of lords. Why do we feel like he can't move in our problems? He is a all knowing and all seeing God. He controls the world in the palm of his hands. When he was born he had one hand on the cradle and one hand on the world. What a mighty God we Serve!

5-Day Devotional: Discerning Truth from Deception

Day 1: The Faithful Wounds of a Friend
Reading: Proverbs 27:5-6; Proverbs 28:23

Devotional: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." True friendship sometimes requires difficult conversations. Those who genuinely love us will speak truth into our lives, even when it stings. The world offers flattery and acceptance without accountability, but godly friends care more about our souls than our comfort. Consider the difference between someone who tells you what you want to hear versus someone who tells you what you need to hear. God places faithful friends in our lives who will challenge us to live righteously, maintain biblical standards, and stay on the narrow path. Their correction may wound temporarily, but it leads to life. Who are the faithful friends speaking truth into your life? Are you receiving their godly counsel with humility?
Reflection: Identify one person who has lovingly corrected you. Thank God for their faithfulness and commit to receiving godly correction with grace.

Day 2: The Serpent's Subtle Strategy
Reading: Genesis 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15

Devotional: Satan rarely appears as a roaring lion to God's people; instead, he transforms himself as an angel of light. In Eden, the serpent didn't attack Eve with obvious evil—he questioned God's word with subtle suggestions. "Has God really said?" he whispered, planting seeds of doubt wrapped in seemingly reasonable conversation. Today, the enemy still uses this strategy, approaching believers with smooth words, false love, and deceptive kindness that leads away from biblical truth. He tells us holiness is legalism, that standards are outdated traditions, and that we can find greater freedom outside God's boundaries. Like Eve, we must recognize that the most dangerous temptations come disguised as wisdom, progress, or love. Stay alert. The enemy's sweetest kisses lead to the deadliest consequences.
Reflection: What "reasonable" compromises have you been tempted to make? Ask God for discernment to recognize deception in whatever form it takes.

Day 3: Betrayed with a Kiss
Reading: Matthew 26:47-50; Luke 22:47-48

Devotional: Judas betrayed the Son of God with a kiss—a symbol of love, respect, and loyalty twisted into an act of ultimate treachery. Jesus asked, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" This painful moment reveals how the enemy works: using gestures of affection to accomplish destruction. Many have left the church, abandoned holiness, and compromised their faith because someone showed them "love" that contradicted biblical truth. They were told they'd find more acceptance, less judgment, and greater freedom elsewhere. But these kisses of false love lead souls away from the only One who truly saves. Jesus knows the pain of betrayal masked as friendship. He understands when others use kindness to lead you astray. Stay close to Him. His genuine love never compromises truth for temporary comfort.
Reflection: Have you experienced betrayal disguised as friendship? Bring that pain to Jesus and ask Him to heal your heart while strengthening your discernment.

Day 4: The Narrow Path and Few Companions
Reading: Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24

Devotional: "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Jesus never promised that following Him would be popular or easy. The enemy whispers that you're missing out, that your standards are too strict, that life would be simpler without such commitment to holiness. But the broad way that appears easier and more welcoming leads to destruction. The narrow path requires sacrifice, discipline, and sometimes standing alone. It means maintaining biblical convictions when others mock them as outdated. It means choosing God's approval over human acceptance. Yes, few find this path—but those who do discover genuine freedom, authentic peace, and eternal life. Don't be deceived by crowds traveling the broad road. Stay faithful to the narrow way, regardless of how many walk beside you.
Reflection: In what areas are you tempted to take the easier, broader path? Recommit today to walking the narrow way that leads to life.

Day 5: Kiss the Son
Reading: Psalm 2:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Devotional: While the enemy offers deceitful kisses that lead to death, God invites us to "kiss the Son"—to show genuine love, loyalty, honor, and devotion to Jesus Christ. This is the kiss of worship, commitment, and wholehearted surrender. When we truly love Jesus, we won't do anything that offends Him. We won't go places that grieve Him, wear things that dishonor Him, or embrace teachings that contradict His Word. Our love for Christ becomes our defense against the enemy's deceptions. Be sober and vigilant, for your adversary prowls around seeking to devour—but he cannot have those who are wrapped in the loving embrace of their Savior. Draw near to Jesus. Let your life be a continual expression of devotion to Him. His genuine love never deceives, never fails, and never leads you astray.
Reflection: How can you "kiss the Son" today through worship, obedience, and devotion? Make a specific commitment to demonstrate your love for Jesus through holy living.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to discern between faithful wounds and deceitful kisses. Protect me from the enemy's subtle strategies and help me embrace truth even when it challenges me. Keep me on the narrow path, surrounded by faithful friends who speak Your Word into my life. Above all, let my life be a continual expression of love and devotion to Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.