Good News or new goods?
In the UK, the average person (whoever he is) spent nearly £400 on Christmas presents last year and I don’t suppose it’s that much different here in Ireland (even if the Celtic Tiger has gone walk about).
At a time when we ought to be hearing the Good News, mankind seems hell-bent (an appropriate expression?) on acquiring ever more New Goods!
So what is this Good News? Well, first of all God has made a way for us to be ‘right’ with Him. This means we no longer have to look forward to an eternal, conscious death, but can know that we will be with our loving Father for all eternity in glory!
He did this by coming to earth in the person of Jesus to show us the way: "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
If it stopped there, you might think that would be Good News enough, but Jesus said: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn 10:9). Not only are we saved from a lost eternity, but we are set free (we can go in and out) and our needs provided for (we will find pasture).
God in His mercy, love, compassion and inexhaustible goodness has promised us so many blessings once we are adopted as His sons and daughters.
Here are just a few to hang onto when you feel hopeless, tired, unloved, unable to continue, lost, inadequate, disheartened, unworthy, fearful, alone, in fact whenever you need lifting up -
“What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Lk 18:27)
“but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isa 40:31)
“ I have loved you with an everlasting love” … (Jer 31:3)
“My grace is sufficient for you” … (2Co 12:9)
… “He will make straight your paths.” (Pr 3:6)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Php 4:13)
…“we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Ga 6:9)
…“God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph 4:32)
… “God will supply every need of yours” … (Php 4:19)
… “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” … (2Ti 1:7)
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you” … (Ps 55:22)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” … (Jas 1:5)
… “’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’“ (Heb 13:5)
Good News indeed! What (more) do you want for Christmas?
