March 10, 2026

You Are Such a Good God

July 23, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

How abundant are the good things
that You have stored up for those who fear You,
that You bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in You.
Psalm 31:19

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Oh, Lord, we are so grateful for Your abundant goodness!  You have purposed and planned to take care of us—and we are so thankful.  You make it so easy to boast of our great God and to share with those around us of Your grace and goodness.  Today may we live our lives in such a way that we are not a hindrance and do not detract from the glory that belongs to You.  May our friends and family…our enemies even…be drawn to You as they cannot help but acknowledge Your blessings, Your goodness, Your benevolence as they see how graciously You care for us.  We love You…we praise You…we glorify You!  And we pray, thanking You for these things, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Psalm 100

July 23, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Enter in through the gates
Enter in here with praise
Come before Him, come bring your song
We are His people, He is our God

For the Lord is good, and His love endures
His love endures
For the Lord is good, and His love endures
His love endures
Forevermore His faithfulness, it has no end
For the Lord is good, and His love endures
His love endures

Enter in to His courts
Enter in with grateful hearts
Come before Him, come bring your song
We are His people, He is our God

Raise your voice, shout for joy all the earth
We sing a new song now
We sing a new song now

It’s Your love
His love endures
His love endures

Forevermore His faithfulness, it has no end
For the Lord is good, and His love endures
His love endures

 Chris Tomlin
written along with Jason Ingram

*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

As the last notes of this anthem play, my heart resounds the joyous statement of this song: His love endures!  (How about you?)

Are we not so very thankful that His love endures?  Without the enduring, faithful, steadfast, unconditional love of our God…where would we be?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

His love which endures forever has made a way for us to have ‘forever’—eternal life—with Him!

And y’know what?  It has absolutely nothing to do with anything we have done or ever could do!  We have trust and confidence in our God because He always brings His Word to pass!  He is the only One Who does not change.  And so, yes, His love endures forever!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights
with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17

God is not man, that He should lie,
or a son of man, that He should change his mind.
Has he said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?
Numbers 23:19

For I the Lord do not change….
Malachi 3:6

  • Whenever you might be tempted to despair, consider this thought: His love endures forever.
  • When you want to give up, remind yourself: His love endures forever.
  • When you think you have had all you can possibly take…lift your head, and shout to the heavens: His love endures forever!

Say it to yourself.  Repeat it.  Sing it.  Memorize it.  Write it down on a sticky note and place it where you—and your loved ones!—will see it (on the bathroom mirror, on the dashboard of your vehicle, on the refrigerator, in a lunchbox): His love endures forever.  Encourage your husband: His loves endures forever.  Teach your children: His love endures forever.  Remind your sweet friends: His love endures forever.

  • No matter the troubles that come your way…His love endures forever.
  • No matter how you feel about those troubles…His love endures forever.
  • No matter whether we choose to believe it (or not)…His love endures forever.
  • No matter what…His love endures forever.

Believers throughout the centuries have sung these words; may we echo their praises.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.”

David, the Levites, and the Israelites  (1 Chronicles 16:34, 41)
Solomon, the musicians, and the singers  (2 Chronicles 5:13; 7:3; 20:21)
The Levites and the re-builders of the Temple  (Ezra 3:11)
David and the other psalmists (Psalm 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1, 6, 29; 136 <twenty-six times!>)
Jeremiah and the children of Israel  (Jeremiah 33:11)

May I encourage you to think back on the many, many, many ways you have experienced God’s enduring love and ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.’

And remember…no matter what:
He loves you today, tomorrow, and always.
His love endures forever!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Fear of the Lord

July 22, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

How great is Your goodness,
which You have stored up for those who fear You,
which You have wrought for those
who take refuge in You…
Psalm 31:19

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

What is it to ‘fear the Lord’?  Fear normally has a negative connotation to it.  We think of someone who may be ‘paralyzed with fear’.  But this is not what the psalmist is speaking of here.

God gave His people rules and laws when they came out of Egypt.  Why?  Because for over 400 years they were not able to think for themselves.  They had lived and functioned in a pagan land filled with idols and artificial gods.  Those who did remember God’s promises had to really protect themselves from the influence of the pagan culture.

When we study the Old Testament teachings about the Hebrew people, we often think, “Why were they so stubborn?”  Couldn’t they see what they are doing by not obeying Moses and Aaron? Why did Aaron build the golden calf when he knew Moses was on the mountain with God?  The reason?—they were human and did not have the same type of relationship with God as Moses had.  As they continued to walk with Moses they did learn more of God’s character, but still chose not to trust Him. We, today, still have similar choices to make.

As we walk with God and study His Word, we are inviting wisdom and knowledge to come in.  We are saying that we want more than just a casual relationship with God.  We want to become invested in His Will for our lives.  It’s like with your friends—you talk to them and get to know who they are and what their likes and dislikes are.  So when we chose to not to make time for God, we are saying He is not important.

We must strive to cultivate an attitude of respect. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”  The first-century church (shown to us in the Book of Acts) practiced the fear of the Lord.  

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria
had peace and was being built up.
And walking in the fear of the Lord
and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
Acts 9:31

The early Church chose to focus on what was good in their lives and keep up their community by seeking daily to bless others and be God’s best.

We can walk in this way as well.  When we are coming into a state of turmoil, we can choose to walk in God’s goodness by following His Will in our lives.

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Let’s pray:  Father, I come humbly before You, thanking You for Your goodness.  Give me a heart to seek after You and Your Word and be a light to others.  Help me not to become distracted and to remain focused on You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Holy, Holy, Holy

July 22, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Worthy to receive glory
Worthy to receive honor
Worthy to receive all our praise today

Praise Him
Praise Him and lift Him up
Praise Him
Exalt His name forever 

 Alvin Slaughter (along with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir)
written by Joe Wood, John Dykes, Reginald Heber

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

One day we will perfectly, completely, totally, truly exalt and praise and honor and glorify the Great I Am forever and ever…for all eternity!  Oh, isn’t it going to be so AWEsome?!!!?  Then we will be just like the heavenly host who now are around God’s throne.

…and day and night they never stop saying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come.
And whenever the living creatures offer glory and honor and thanksgiving to Him
Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever,
The twenty-four elders fall prostrate before Him Who is sitting on the throne,
and they worship Him Who lives forever and ever;
and they throw down their crowns before the throne, crying out,
Worthy are You, our Lord and God,
to receive the glory and the honor and dominion,
for You created all things;
by Your will they were [brought into being] and were created.
Revelation 4:8-11

But even now we can exalt and praise and honor and glorify Him!!!  We have our Lord’s example…even He did not seek to bring glory to Himself!  Jesus lived His life on this earth to bring glory to His Father.

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing.
My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies Me.
John 8:54

Jesus also taught His followers that they, too, could glorify God.

You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Just like you, I so yearn for my walk in this world to bring attention—to bring glory—to the Great I AM!  My prayer every day is that others will see Jesus in me, and that anything good or righteous I might do will glorify the God that I love.  As His child, everywhere I go He is with me.  But not always do my actions {or my words} prove that I am a child of God.

God will be glorified through our lives in the big, and the small, things as we live and breathe with His character within us.  By His grace we have been enabled to love with His love…to show mercy as He shows mercy…to forgive…to give grace.

These are things that bring Him honor and glorify Him:

  • when a wife chooses to speak words that respect her husband
  • when we sit with our children and grandchildren reading to them out of their little Bible story books teaching them about their heavenly Father
  • when we go on a missions trip to a far-away country (or a nearby town!) and share the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus with young women who have lived with no hope
  • when we take a meal to neighbors who have just added a new baby to their family
  • when we take part in our church’s community-wide VBS program and minister to a little girl who has never heard about Jesus until this week
  • when we are in a long line at the grocery store and ask the mom with a cart overflowing with food AND 3 children to get in line ahead of us
  • when we go sit on the porch to chat (and listen) with an elderly neighbor whose family rarely comes to visit

And so I ask…
today will Almighty God, the Great I AM,
be glorified with you or without you? (And me, too….)

Let’s practice what we will be doing forever…and ever…and ever!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shrimp and Broccoli

July 21, 2015 by

Probably most of us have a favorite Chinese takeout dish…yes?  For me, when done well, it is Shrimp and Broccoli.  Not too spicy but garlic-y…with tender shrimp and broccoli with a bit of crunch (that’s my style).  But often I find a dish like this is just as easy to prepare at home. AND less expensive.

This fits so well into our healthy but oh-so-yummy POV!  It is full of fresh veggies, the shrimp is high protein, and the whole dish has around 300-350 calories!  Here’s the recipe we enjoy…and I would love to hear about your favorite takeout!

2015-07-13 19.37.35

Shrimp and Broccoli

ingredients:

1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/8 (or more) teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 large head broccoli crowns, cut into florets
1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
1 medium sweet onion, cut into wedges
big handful fresh sugar snaps or snow pea pods, optional
handful of baby carrots, optional
1 tablespoon minced  ginger (I use jarred)
toppings: 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, 1/4 cup sliced green onions
directions:
  • in a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, and broth; set aside
  • season the shrimp with 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning; set aside
  • prep all veggies: cut onion into small wedges, carrots in half length-wise, pea pods in half if necessary
  • steam broccoli for 5 minutes; remove from steamer and set aside
  • heat 1/2  tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • add the shrimp and cook, turning once, ’til just pink and slightly browned (4 minutes  or so); remove from pan, set aside
  • add another tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan, along with the carrots and onion; stir fry for 5 minutes or so allowing to brown just a bit
  • toss in the sugar snaps and garlic, and stir gently for 1-2 minutes
  • toss in the steamed broccoli
  • give a quick stir to the sauce mixture and pour into the pan; stir thoroughly but gently to coat all the veggies
  • add in the cooked shrimp while continuing to stir ’til the sauce is thickened (another minute or so)
  • remove from heat; scatter the optional toppings across the entire dish
  • serve with cooked quinoa or rice

    ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥

    God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

    ♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , ,

Using Blessings To Share God

July 21, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

How great is the goodness
You have stored up for those who fear You?
You lavish it on those who come to You for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
Psalm 31:19

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

God blesses those who love Him and live according to His Word.  This is a known fact.  We as believers have seen this happen over and over.  And what do God’s blessings look like to the world?  Hopefully, they are seeds planted and beacons that draw them towards God.  I say hopefully because we can be blessed and yet fail to give credit where credit is due—to God.

When I first got saved I always thought it was odd that people would say “God willing…” or “Glory to God!”  I had this mentality that not everything had to be “Glory to God!” or that God was willing.  I used to view these statements as zealous or at least unnecessary.  I get it now, though.  Given, when talking to an unbeliever, I feel some explanation would be helpful; but we need to give God credit where credit is due.

Psalm 31:19 says “…blessing them before the watching world…”.  I like that!  God blesses us before the eyes of the watching world.  He is using us to draw attention to Himself so that others will be saved.  God reaches and searches and hunts down. Truly, I cannot see how any one person might be able to say that they did not know of the Almighty God.  In this world of evil He has done so much.  So, let the world watch!  Let them watch and let them see!  But don’t forget to point them upward.  Use your blessings as the opportunity to point someone to God.

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Lord, help us to use our blessings to point others to You…whether through our finances, our time, or our treasures.  May all that You have given us be used for Your glory.  Help us to not live self-centered lives, but people-centered lives.  Let us be open to all opportunities that You may send our way.  Give us the courage to speak up and out about anything You may place on our hearts.  May we change the world one heart at a time with You, for Your glory, and with Your provision.  Thank You, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

God’s Goodness

July 20, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

How great is Your goodness,
which You have stored up for those who fear You,
which You bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in You.
Psalm 31:19

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10).  There are so many blessings and so much goodness that follows the true children of God—the ones who really fear Him and do His Will always.

Let me just show you a few verses in the Bible that show the goodness of God.

• Psalm 25:8  Good and upright is the Lord therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.
• Psalm 33:5   The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.
• Psalm 34:8   Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
• Psalm 119:68   You are good and what You do is good, teach me your decrees.
• Psalm 145:7  They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
• Matthew 19:17  “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

The above Scriptures speak to us in many ways, showing us the ways of the goodness of the Lord.  David asked, “What is man that God should be mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4).  It is by His grace and His lovingkindness to put in store all this goodness just for us.  The beneficiaries of His goodness are you and I—as long as we do His will and walk in His statutes.  God created us in His own image and own likeliness.  We need to be like our Father for us to enjoy the fruits of the land.  God’s goodness is immeasurable. The grace of God takes us to that level where we are able to receive this goodness.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Let us pray: Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Your holy name.  King of glory, I worship You.  May Your goodness continue to shower on us.  May we experience the abundance of Your goodness in due time.  Give us the heart to fear You, Lord, and to do Your commandments.  We need You each and every day in our lives.  Holy Spirit, help us in our prayers.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

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Your Grace Finds Me

July 20, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

It’s there in the newborn cry
There in the light of every sunrise
There in the shadows of this life
Your great grace
It’s there on the mountaintop
There in the everyday and the mundane
There in the sorrow and the dancing
Your great grace
Oh, such grace

From the creation to the Cross
There from the Cross into eternity
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

It’s there on a wedding day
There in the weeping by the graveside
There in the very breath we breathe
Your great grace
The same for the rich and poor
The same for the saint and for the sinner
Enough for this whole wide world
Your great grace
Oh, such grace

There in the darkest night of the soul
There in the sweetest songs of victory
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me
Your great grace
Oh, such grace
Your great grace
Oh, such grace

So I’m breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

 Matt Redman
written along with Jonas Myrin

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

“And the most beautiful thing about the grace of God is
that it always finds us where we are.”
Matt Redman

I have an acronym that I use to define God’s grace:

  • G – God’s
  • R – riches
  • A – at
  • C – Christ’s
  • E – expense

Most Bible dictionaries define God’s grace as His ‘unmerited favor and undeserved mercy’.  But recently I saw a post about grace that completely captured my attention.  It said that grace is like water—it always flows down to the lowest point.  Wow!  So simple but completely true.  As Psalm 145:9 says, “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.”  No matter how high we are or how far we fall—from the peak to the pit—God’s grace will always find us.  From creation to eternity, God’s great grace is available to us.  (Doesn’t that just make you smile?)

We all struggle…just with different things at different times.  I have a temper.  I despise confrontations.  I battle with insecurity and my pride is easily wounded.  I have a hard time making friends and a harder time keeping them.  I don’t do relationships well.  I’m sure each of you has a similar laundry list of struggles.  But Hebrews 13:9 NLT reminds us “Your strength comes from God’s grace…”.  And Joshua 1:5 AMP states, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”  That’s why the bridge of this song is my favorite part.

“So I’m breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be”

When my temper is ready to flare…when harsh, hurtful words are on the tip of my tongue…when I wonder why I am not enough, not good enough—I can breathe in His grace and breathe out His praise.  My focus shifts to Him and I hopefully avoid doing something I truly would have regretted.  Hiding in His favor and mercy, forever I’ll be.

God’s great grace.  His amazing grace rests richly upon each of us.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   * 

Abba, thank You so much for the amazing gift of grace that always finds me wherever I am, be it sunlight or shadows.  Thank You for the strength I find in Your grace.  Allow me to see Your grace in everyday life…to notice it, appreciate it and praise You for such great grace.  In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen—so be it.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

You Have Been So Good

July 19, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!
Psalm 31:19

You have been so good
You have been so good to me
In my faithless hour
You’ve been my Strength
You are my Tower
From the enemy
You have been so good
So good to me

Your hand is always faithful
Your mercy never ends
And when I feel unable
Your grace is there again

You chose me in my weakness
And all my sins forgave
I’ve nothing to repay You
So all that I can say

Lenny LeBlanc
singer/songwriter

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Here’s My Heart, Lord

July 19, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Speak what is true

‘Cause I am found, I am Yours
I am loved, I’m made pure
I have life, I can breathe
I am healed, I am free

‘Cause You are strong, You are sure
You are life, You endure
You are good, always true
You are light breaking through

Here’s my life, Lord
Here’s my life, Lord
Here’s my life, Lord
Speak what is true

You are more than enough
You are here, You are love
You are hope, You are grace
You’re all I have, You’re everything

David Crowder Band
written by Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Louis Giglio

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

This song says the same verses over and over again…as if the writer knows that I am a slow learner.  Today, as I was putting the last of the dishes away, I turned on my playlist and this is what played.  Oh, how I love when God reminds me in subtle yet profound ways that I need to surrender it all to Him.

See, lately, I have allowed my brain to be hijacked with worry.  The enemy knows that if we are preoccupied with other things that we will not be quiet enough to hear our Lord speak to us.  So I’m confessing that I need a time out.

Proverbs 23:26 says,”My son {daughter}, give Me your heart and let your eyes keep to My ways.” So when we are frustrated and we let the things of this world control us, we are not completely giving Him our whole heart.  I’m not saying that we aren’t saved or that we don’t love Him; I am saying that we are seeking other things above Him.  The worry over finances…the rifts in your marriage…the bitterness and resentment you’re holding onto against that one friend….  These are all symptoms of a bigger issue—we are putting Him after _____ (you fill in the blank).

At our small group study that I lead, we were asked a question that I would love for you think about and answer to yourself:

“What keeps you up at night?”

If your answer is anything but ‘God ‘, then it is time for a change.
And if you don’t know the answer…ask God.

Psalm 26:2 says, “Test me O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”  What I do know is this: It’s time to seek Him first and all the other problems will just fade.  Repeat the words with me: “Here’s my heart Lord, speak what is true. Here’s my life Lord, speak what is true.”  And then really let the words sink in…”I am found, I am loved, I’m made pure, I am healed“!

Oh friend, He is so good.  He is so patient with us when we are slow learners.  He proves Himself over and over, and yet we still wake up with that elephant on our chest.  He never gets tired of loving you.  He never stops working in your life.  If you are reading this today, I pray that this speaks to you right where you are…know that God will meet you there.

  *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Pray with me: Dear God, You are so awesome and so full of love.  You are so patient with us when we doubt.  Thank You for Your healing hand and for Your constant provision.  Thank You that no matter how many times we fall down, You never tire of picking us up and putting our feet on a firm place.  Lord, with You, we will not be shaken no matter what comes our way.  I pray that we will seek You above it all.  We love You.  We praise You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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