Good all the time.

What would it be like to be perfect...all the time? What if we could say, "I am always on time, always right, always fair, always good, and always __________?" Fact is we'll never know the answer to this question because failure and broken expectations litter our lives like flies in a barnyard.

As I sit here this morning, I have lived roughly 2,867 weeks. In those many seven day periods of time I could not name and number all the times I have failed. If I could, that would be something wouldn't it? ((Actually, my initial math computation had me at 34000 weeks old!)) I have never liked math.... Fortunately, we can't compile our entire list of failures and for good reason. Unfortunately, many people live in the shadow of all their failures and the darkness doesn't allow for any hope, any light, or any movement.

I just heard a song on the radio by Chris Tomlin. "Good Good Father" and it is one of those lyrics that remind us of God's goodness. The song reminds us that God is a good father who understands the plight of His children and provides for them. God's nature is one that includes creating, caring, providing, and loving.

When we fail, God picks us up. When we hurt another, God convicts our heart. When we confess, God hears and forgives. When we grieve, God comforts and when we turn away, God remains. These attributes of God are some of many evidences that God is perfect in all ways. The scripture here describes the "Fruits of the Spirit"; those attributes of God that ultimately should appear in the life of every follower of Jesus Christ.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who

belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since

we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25, NIV)

While we strive to be godly, our efforts can come up short but God's nature never does.

Today, if your life is clouded by failures, acknowledge those dark spots in your life, turn and offer these blights to your heavenly Father, and step into the light of the one who said,

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

(Isaiah 43:1b, NIV)