BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS GOODNESS
REV. EKOW ESHUN.
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 14:16-17 (NKJV)
”In generations past He permitted all the nations to walk in their own ways; Yet He did not neglect to leave some witness of Himself, for He did you good and [showed you] kindness and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with nourishment and happiness.”
Oh that you and I would praise the Lord for his goodness and wonderful works towards us. Today’s verse is really assuring. Why? It’s because of the truths in the verses and even more particularly how it reveals our Father’s amazing goodness. Blessed be the Lord for his grace and mercy. Even though people, communities and nations walked in their own evil and ungodly ways, God has been and is still merciful.
How do we know this? Today’s verse makes it clear; ”He did not neglect to leave some witness or evidence of himself amongst us.” Hallelujah! What did he do? What was the evidence of his love, goodness and mercy?
Firstly, He did us good. Secondly He showed us kindness by giving us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons. Thirdly, He satisfied our hearts with food and gladness. Whilst we as individuals and communities and nations did our own thing, not serving God and being selfish, he still showed us His goodness and kindness by blessing our work and efforts so that he could satisfy us with enough to eat and make us glad.
All this God did when we were wayward. Think about it. How much do you think he wants to do for you and I, now that we are saved and are so eager to serve him better? I have drawn one conclusion; before I look forward to my next miracle, I need to be very thankful and grateful to the Father now for what He has already done for me, especially when I was not my best for him many times.
In truth, all of us have had our difficult moments and times when we were not the best God expects and yet, his mercy never ceased in our lives.
What shall we say to these things? Thank him for your life; for divine protection, for food and gladness, for forgiveness and for divine guidance in decision making times and for every good thing in your life. He deserves your praise for His goodness.
PRAYER
I bless you Father for your lovingkindness and tender mercies. Your amazing love and grace have made me a better person. Even when I didn’t know you and serve you, your mercies made a difference in my life. Thank you for my salvation, for divine health and for the multitude of your mercies in Jesus’ name, Amen.
FURTHER READING (NKJV)
PSALM 103:1-5,8
[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 forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
[4]Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
[5]Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
[8]The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.