Our small town is known for being progressive. The desire to encourage the up-and-coming, to prepare for the future, is most commendable.
Since coming to Blenheim, thirty-five years ago, I have seen many profitable new business ventures. Blenheim gives people a chance – a chance to grow, to try, and to succeed.
While constantly cautioned that what we see as good may actually be a scam, small towns have an advantage. We see people long-term, and get to know them. Relationships are the fabric of our connectedness.
Word of the goodness of others, their integrity and service, gets around. The wisdom of, “Earn the right to be heard”, is equal to, “Earn the right to be trusted.”
A transient told me, “I can’t find a job.” I replied, “That’s right. You do not live here; people do not see you nor are you known. They are hesitant to trust.”
Volunteering, being a helper, or serving others is noticed. Starting small, and gaining experience with good mentors makes for good references. Our community is our valued asset.
Let me ask, “Do you SEE God’s goodness?” Every single day we witness it:
- seeing His wisdom and power in His creation of earth and sky
- seeing His provision of sun and rain, making things grow
- seeing His image in us: creativity, rationality, relationships, leadership
- seeing Him sustaining our lives _the next breath and heartbeat, the provision of “our daily bread” Indeed, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24, 25
Let me ask, “Have you HEARD of God’s goodness?” The bible tells of His concern regarding the suffering our sin causes us. Jesus came on a rescue mission.
Jesus left home, took on a human nature, and “made His dwelling among us. We have SEEN His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
He bore the death penalty for our sins on the cross. His life was given for our life. His resurrection from death and the grave proves the Father accepts Jesus as a Substitute for us. This is GOOD NEWS!
Jesus is trustworthy. By living in community with us we have SEEN and HEARD of the Father’s goodness thru the life of His Son. He earned the right to be trusted.
All God’s goodness has been revealed, “so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
The goodness of God invites us and leads us to turn from our sin. In taking Jesus as our Substitute we accept the only Saviour God has provided. By Jesus we may have the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.
“Lord, help us to truly SEE your goodness. You are worthy of our trust, our faith, in you.” Indeed, God IS good _all the time!
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris