Is God Good, Or, Does He Have Evil Intent?
Whether we realize it yet or not, many of us who are authentic believers, have the erroneous idea that God is somehow against us. Could this be so?
TO PONDER:
Question #1: If in fact you do not think God is for you (in your favor), but rather against you, how do you think you’ve been able to protect yourself from Him for all these years?
Question #2: If God didn’t have goodwill toward us, then why would He have created us in His very image and for His very pleasure? (Read Genesis 1:24-31; Rev. 4:11.) We are His only creatures who have this superior and yet fearful distinction in relation to the rest of His creation (Psalms 139:14).
Question #3: Why would God have gone to such great lengths to redeem you out of your sin into His glorious kingdom if He didn’t love you? Consider Romans 8:31-32: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be FOR US, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
THE GOD OF GOODNESS
Do you desire to know God and His nature deeper?
It could certainly be stated that the very first attribute of God, if there were an order, would have to be His goodness. The initial attribute that the sinner encounters is God’s goodness. Have you ever pondered deeply the fact that He chose to create you, and if He hadn’t of, you wouldn’t even exist (be a consciously and eternally existent soul)?
“Thou art GOOD, and DOEST GOOD; teach me thy statutes.” Psalms 119:68
“The earth is full of the GOODNESS of the LORD.” Psalms 33:5
“The GOODNESS of God endureth continually.” Psalms 52:1
“Behold therefore the GOODNESS and severity of God…” (Romans 11:22). One of the two divine attributes we are instructed to “behold” here, is His “goodness.” The English word “goodness” comes from the Greek word CHRESTOTES which means gentleness, goodness, kindness. The word “Good” in the NT denotes virtue or righteousness in the sense of what is upright; goodwill as expressed in the kindness of heart or act; easy. CHRESTOTES signifies not merely goodness as a quality, rather it is goodness in action, goodness expressing itself in deeds.
REDEMPTION GOODNESS: The life of Jesus was the price that the Father paid to manifest to us His forgiveness: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19
Obviously the cross of Christ was the ultimate expression of divine goodness expressed to mankind. It was the great exchange, where God took man’s place in paying the ultimate price to judge sin once and for all…“It is finished” (John 19:30). At the cross, mercy and goodness triumphed over judgment (James 2:13; Rom. 2:4; Heb. 2:9; 4:16; 10:17; Jn 3:16…Tit. 3:3).
In fact, the apostles John and Paul wrote to inform us that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us is how we understand how much He loves us:
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…” 1 John 3:16
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
“But God commendeth (displayed, exhibited) his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
When we deserved His wrath, it was God’s goodness which led us to repentance. Check this out:
“Or despiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Romans 2:4
We Are Called to Experience His Love
“O taste (experience) and see that the LORD is good…” Psalms 34:8
Our heavenly Father looks on us with joy and designs pleasure for us now and forever. “Taste” means experience. As the objects of His love, we are to experience His goodness. Whenever we are fearful, hurting, downhearted, or just empty in our hearts, we should remember that in the presence of the Savior is fullness, wholeness, goodness and joy: “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11).
Remember, one of the words used to describe God’s goodness is easy. God is not uptight as some humans are. To this, someone might reply; “But wait a minute! The Bible says that God’s wrath and anger are kindled against sin!” Yes they are kindled against the rebellious (Romans 1:18-20), but not against those whom He has redeemed from sin and forgiven and has made His very own. This goodness is reserved for and abounds toward those who are presently living in the Spirit, not after the flesh (Romans 8:1). For the born-again Christian, the power, penalty, and punishment of sin is completely canceled. We are safe from His wrath through Christ’s sinless blood (Romans 5:9). God is good.
CHOSEN, PREDESTINATED TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world… in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will…Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.” Ephesians 1:4-5,9
GOD’S THOUGHTS TOWARD YOU – LET THIS BE SETTLED FOREVER: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, THOUGHTS OF PEACE, and NOT of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 (A good verse to memorize.)
Is it possible that one could think upon the unfathomable vastness of divine goodness without the Fatherly heart of God being revealed? I think not. He is our Savior, Caretaker, Comforter, LORD, Friend and Redeemer. Our heavenly Father is not postured/bent upon hurting His own “special people,” rather His desire is the total reconciliation, restoration and healing of each of those created in His image (Deut. 7:6; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9, etc.). God’s disposition toward His creation, namely those redeemed and made in His image, is one of warmth and benevolence, not harm (Jer. 29:11; Rev. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 7:7-11). He is our “Abba Father” which is equivalent to “Daddy” (Romans 8:15).
“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you…” Deuteronomy 7:6-8
HIS GOODNESS ACTUALLY PURSUES THOSE WHO ALLOW HIM TO BE THEIR SHEPHERD: “Surely GOODNESS and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6
HIS GREAT AFFECTION FOR HIS PEOPLE: “…as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 62:5
GOD CELEBRATES OVER HIS PEOPLE: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
A PITFALL TO AVOID: When a person neglects seeking to know the full counsel of God revealed in His inspired words, the Holy Bible, he will forfeit knowing the wholeness of God’s nature. The person who neglects the study of the Saviour will inevitably concoct in his mind the image of a false god. He will thereby break God’s commandments by erecting in his mind the “graven image” of a god who does not exist (Exodus 20:2-3).
Tip: Jesus said; “Search the scriptures…for they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39.) A fresh reading of Ephesians Chapter 1 will rejuvenate and establish within your heart the “good pleasure” and the “goodness” God has occasioned and predestined His children to enjoy both now and forever. It would be profitable to get this in your heart by reading it every morning for at least one week (two weeks recommended).
THE REASON WE WERE CREATED: “Thou art worthy, O Lord…for thou hast created all things, and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
“…trust…in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17
UNCHANGING GOODNESS TOWARD HIS OWN: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17
WHO IS GOD GOOD TO?
1. All men, even sinners – Matt. 5:44-48; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Ez. 33:11; God looks/waits for sinners to repent; when they do He welcomes them home – Luke 15. When the people of Nineveh turned to God, Jonah was mad, but God was glad (Jonah 3:10).
2. The Almighty is especially good to His own. The LORD has not dealt with us according to our sins. Consider Ezra 9:13: “God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this.” Also see Psalms 103:10.
“If thou, Lord , shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, who he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Psalms 107:2
We should exude goodness toward sinners as God does – even when and as we declare His judgment to come upon every unrepentant soul. “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good”(Matthew 5:45). This same goodness that we have received from God we are to display to our neighbors, both saved and unsaved. Galatians 6:10 says: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
BECAUSE HE IS GOOD, HE DESIRES TO FORGIVE: “For thou, Lord, art GOOD, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5
Might this be a good moment to bow our hearts and give Him thanks for the enormity of His goodness?
It continues to occur to me by the quickening of the Holy Spirit to be alwayssss giving God thanks for who He is and for how He loves us, and for His innumerable blessings to us in Christ (James 1:17). Our hearts droop when we don’t celebrate His goodness. God is so good!
The Goodness of God Reserved for the Chosen – Those who Choose Him, His Plan
God has set up an eternal plan.
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Ephesians 1:10
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
God’s Goodness in Evangelism
“The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”
WHERE will people find goodness in this fallen world…. other than by way of the witnesses of how good our God is?! WHERE else shall they turn except to Him who “is love” (1 John 4:8,16).
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, You have been so very good to us, to me. While You foreknew of me living in sin, as your enemy, You exhibited Your love by sending Your only begotten Son to die for me. I love You LORD Jesus. Please pour Your holy love into and through my life. I surrender all, right this moment. I want to be full of You and not me. Please do it Jesus. Have Your way in me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Memory Verses: Ps. 86:5, 15; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 2:4; 11:22
Is God Guilty of the Horrible things that Happen on His Earth? [podcast]
Abiding
The Eternal Danger of Trusting Mere Men [podcast]

Idol Shepherds Abounding!
The LORD is Holy and will not share His glory with any other.
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
Your favorite pastor, evangelist or teacher among men is “at his best state … altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:5). God be thanked for the life of every true servant elder and yet they are mere men. God did not send His only begotten Son to die and be buried and raised again to make you a good church member or fan of a mere man who is supposed to be a servant leader. Jesus came to take away our sins, make us new creatures so we could know Him and His Father – and serve them and not man (John 1:29; 17:3; 1 Corinthians 7:23). We are each called to “know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). Let’s read the whole verse: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10).
RAVI ZACHARIAS is just another pawn of Satan whom gullible dupes clung to, they hung to his every word. He rarely even mentioned the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith – the holiness of God, the precious blood of Jesus, the crucified life, repentance, etc.. Why did they cling to him, a mere man? They were unrepentant and therefore weren’t choosing to truly worship, seek the face of, love and obey Christ. The vacuum left by their idolatry facilitated their delusion. Then Ravi died in sin. When you love the LORD, truly, you love and devour HIS Word, daily. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? MY HOPE IS IN THEE.” Psalms 39:4-7
When O When will we truly repent and genuinely follow JESUS, pouring over and hanging on HIS every Word – from Genesis to Revelation? Isn’t that why He gave us HIS Word, the Bible? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” 20:31
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
The ministries of mere men are not an end in themselves.
They are called to simply teach God’s Word itself – and to get you into God’s Word daily for yourself.
Notice how the apostle Paul reveals how the disciples at Thessalonica “received the word of God.”
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when YE RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“Ye received the word of God – Ye received the doctrine of God, not as any thing fabricated by man, but as coming immediately from God himself, we being only his messengers to declare what he had previously revealed to us. And ye have had the fullest proof that ye have not believed in vain; for that doctrine, under the power and influence of the Holy Ghost, has worked most powerfully in you, filling you with light, life, and holiness.” Adam Clarke
They were “taught of God”, not men (1 Thessalonians 4:9).
The ministries of the servants of God are merely designed to get you to discern ….. and to get into God’s Word FOR YOURSELF – to study to show your own self approved unto God! (Acts 17:10-11)
” And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:10-11
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
YOU do it.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The lazy, those who don’t truly love the LORD are being eliminated as goats. This all comes on the heels of their refusal to seek God…. and study His own Word.
No, instead the idolaters of mere men will read and listen to endless messages by mere men, their favorite preachers, mere men. They then bond with those mere men, there is an unnatural soul-tie created.
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
“Isaiah 2:19-22 People will seek for shelter wherever they can hide. It will be clear then that fleeting man is unworthy of trust. Only the Lord is worthy of the undivided confidence of His people.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Cease ye – Never admire or place your trust in man. Breath – Whose breath is quickly stopped and taken away. Wherein – What excellency is in him, considered in himself, and without dependence on God?” John Wesley
“Cease ye from man – Trust neither in him, nor in the gods that he has invented. Neither he, nor they, can either save or destroy.” Adam Clarke
The church world is full of wolves in sheep’s clothing. The list of “idol shepherd(s)“ is long…. Here is but a sampling:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
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Articles
4,500 JESUS Tracts have been Hand-Delivered !

These JESUS tracts in Spanish have been handed out person to person with the love of God and the Word of God spoken to the recipients in Spanish!
You have integrally participated in this mission by your prayers and support. We are not finished yet saints.
Saints, you are the ones who make this possible – by your prayers and support. There is no support from any church, ministry, or corporate support. Individual disciples support this work.
FYI: I also help support this work financially in a limited fashion and yet there’s kingdom opportunity for more saints to participate. There are less than 10 saints monthly who support this work financially. God be praised for their participation in our LORD’s Great Commission work (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). Jesus is coming and remember, Jesus says “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62).
God be praised that nearly 4,500 JESUS tracts in Spanish have been distributed in Mexico thus far – with a personal touch, a speaking of the Word of God in Spanish to the recipients.
This week I am going to be speaking with a local printer to get another 1,500 printed or 2,500, depending on what resources come in.
The following words of our LORD are specifically spoken to and the grand opportunity and responsibility of the saints in the earth now in this last hour before Christ’s return.
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14
Reprinting the JESUS tract is at hand. New supply needed. A grand kingdom opportunity is before each of us in this mission.
“Glory hallelujah! God is sure blessing you and the ministry for your faithfulness to Him! And we who pray and support rejoice with you for His Word going out among the beautiful people of Mexico! And we know His Word will not return void but will accomplish that which He set it out to do. Isaiah 55:11.” Tom and Karen Cochran
In general the prices are higher where I am now. $300 should take care of 1,500 copies of the JESUS tract.
Feel free to participate clicking on the Support button on here on safeguardyoursoul.com Takes seconds to contribute.
See the Mission Mexico category for many more pics, videos, and testimonies.
Abiding
“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]

Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith and He requires our personal participation both initially and ongoing, as we “endure to the end”, abiding in Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15, etc.).
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” John 6:66-67
WHERE O WHERE are we going to go if we depart from Jesus? …. does He, the eternal God and Creator of all things not hold the future of every living soul in His holy hand?
FB Meyer on John 6:60-71
“THE SIFTING OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS
Christ’s pathetic question-Will ye also go away?-elicited from Peter a reply which proved that the inner meaning of His words had already broken upon their souls. ‘Thy words give us and nourish within us the eternal life.'”
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” John 6:66-67
There are many today, who like the 5,000 who departed from Christ, leave when they hear the cross message – the divine command to be crucified with Christ. Jesus asks us today: “Will you allow He who authored your faith to finish it?”
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness”? Romans 6:1-16
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:3-10
The Gospel, the Resurrection of Christ
1 Corinthians 15
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
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