Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8)
In this Christmas Season it is not uncommon to be introduced to tasty treats, such as various candies, cookies, cakes, and of course sumptuous meals. The primary focus of this season is to introduce the world to the greatest gift of all, the gift of Jesus. This invitation to Taste and See of the Lord’s Goodness is provided to both non-believers and believers. It can be experienced in a number of ways.
This past Saturday, the Lighthouse Evangelism Cellslight ministry provided thousands of goodie bags to several HDB blocks in Tampines, Woodlands and Yishun areas. A simple gesture of love through a goodie bag can open doors for needy people to taste and see of the Lord’s expression of love through Lighters. Love is the underlying motivation that makes it work.
I feel the Lord is also speaking to believers in areas where they can Taste and See that the Lord is Good. A few verses have resonated strongly in my Spirit over the past week.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Sometimes we forget that our heavenly Father is one who desires to bestow good gifts to His own (Matthew 7:11). There are times when He gives the privilege of calling and asking for help, especially in time of need. The above verse indicates that God is able to go above and beyond what we could ever ask for. This invitation is not given for prayers of personal ambition but rather to those who are faithful in their walk with God. What are some of the areas where we can Taste of His Goodness?
Provision
Our heavenly Father has no lack. He knows your need and is more than able to meet and exceed it (Psalm 50:10). One of the keys to receiving is giving. This is why outreaches and expressions of love extended towards others open the hands of the Lord to bless the giver. Go ahead! Call unto Him and Taste of His Goodness to supply.
Purpose
Many Christians still struggle with their identity and purpose in life. The world works hard in trying to place its value system on people through the influence of social media. They seek to do this through the platform of education, trends, fashion styles, and social status to name a few. God is the one who has the final Word. What does He say about you? What plans does He have for you? Call on Him and taste of His Goodness as you receive the assurance of your destiny as His precious son or daughter.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Another verse that flows with this theme is the following:
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. (Jeremiah 33:6)
To fully appreciate the blessings seen in these verses it would be good to provide a bit of background. Jeremiah was going through many challenges. In fact, this Word came to him while he was in a prison for the 2nd time (Jeremiah 33:1) and it was a prison that the Lord established and allowed (Jeremiah 33:2). Do you ever feel like this at times? God allowed a period of captivity for Jeremiah; in fact, the Bible says the Lord created it. Yet, God was giving Jeremiah the invitation to now Call upon His Name. Is it possible this offer is now being extended to us? Here are a few other areas where we can Taste and experience of the Lord’s Goodness.
Peace
This season is all about the Coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). We need to experience His Peace in our lives, our nation(s) and especially, our homes. The Peace of God is the ultimate weapon against the enemy (Romans 16:20). Call unto Him and ask Him for His Peace in the needed areas of your life.
Healing
The above Word speaks of God’s health and cure to those who call upon Him. This can be for both physical and spiritual needs. The Lord is our Healer and He delights in being able to touch those who reach out to Him.
This Christmas season provides us with avenues where we can help people to Taste and See of the Lord’s Goodness. It is also God’s invitation to us as believers to call upon Him and Taste of His Goodness as Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah Shalom and Jehovah Rapha.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Tuesday: Genesis 22:14
And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
Wednesday: Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Thursday: 1 Peter 2:3
if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Friday: Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Sunday: Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
