What Is the True Definition Of Good? (A Devotional)

Behold, one came to him and said, ‘Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God.'”
Matthew 19:16-17a, WEB

At first glance, in the verses above it may seem like Jesus is telling the man that He is not God, and therefore, doesn’t deserve to be called good, but in fact the Bible reveals that Jesus is God, so it was appropriate for the man to address Him as “good.” So what did Jesus’ response mean?

An Adventure Story

An Adventure Story

There is no such thing
As a heroic tale
That ends at the start
Without wind or sail

The Hope Of The Season

When someone is good to you, you want to share it with others. When they are kind, patient, understanding and self-sacrificing on your behalf, you want to give back somehow. When someone has extended mercy and forgiveness to you and has pursued you even though you felt you were not worth pursuing, you want to express thanks.

Where Is Your Treasure?

My husband and I flew to Vermont last week to see his mom and stepdad. It made me uneasy, as I am an unenthusiastic flyer. I sometimes wonder if at least part of the reason for this is that my grandfather died in a plane crash, and although it occurred before I was born, I witnessed the hole it left in the hearts of his (my) family.

When Words Became Voice

I remember that soon after I became a Christian I was impressed by the fact that the Jesus I was coming to know was consistent with the Jesus I was reading about in the Bible.

Hold Onto Him Tightly

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates . . . Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.”

(Deuteronomy 11:18-20, 22b, NLT)

Jairus, The Woman, And The Crowd

In the Bible there’s a story about a synagogue leader (Jairus) who seeks Jesus out to ask Him if He will accompany him to his home and heal his daughter who is dying. On the way to Jairus’ house, a messenger arrives to tell them that his daughter has died.

Love Made Me Love

I have found that I need to be careful not to fall into the trap of trying to appear as if I have my life “together” in the hopes of being a better example for God. Since I am human and not without fault, I will never truly have a handle on everything.

“Rabboni!”

My Friend lived a sacrificial life. He defended outcasts and made sure that those who came to Him for help got what they needed. He traveled far distances to let people know that God was near.