“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16 AMPC)

God’s redemptive solution to the fall at the Garden of Eden was nothing less than His Best.  He gave His only Beloved and Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to secure our eternal salvation and redemption by the power of His suffering, death and resurrection at the cross.  Be reminded that the word “salvation” is an all-inclusive word.  Jesus did not only take care of our eternity which should have been wonderful and miraculous in itself but he also took care of our temporary making sure that by His grace and by His power that lives within us, we can experience God kind of GOOD LIFE. It includes healing and wholeness, deliverance from danger and destruction, restoration, rescue, protection and preservation in this life.

God’s best, the Darling of heaven Jesus Christ, was given and sent down to earth, so you and I can partake of a heaven-on-earth life.  It is a “no eye has seen, nor ear heard” kind of life.

“That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent his Spirit to tell us, and his Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Have you ever thought of one thing that you believed and prayed for and the Lord our God surpassed your expectation that left your jaw hanging in awe?  Hmmm … I have.  In fact, I have a journal of wonderful encounters that shoot adrenalin into my soul when I feel discouraged or when I seemingly find myself at a dead end.  His manifested goodness in my life that is founded on the truth of His written promises always infuses me with joy that gives me strength.  And I’m sure they do the same to you.

God’s goodness has no limits.  It is beyond comprehension. It is beyond finding out.  It cannot be measured nor obstructed.  Think of what is best for you and God’s goodness is way beyond what you could ever dare think, dream or imagine. 

The budget of our faith is God’s ability.  When we believe, ALL things are possible with God.  When thoughts of opposition come, we are to be quick to say to ourselves, “Fear NOT! ONLY believe!  The only limitation we have is found between our ears.  Are we thinking what He is thinking?  His Word says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you.”  (Romans 12:2 TLB)

At the onset of this year, I got myself a new digital piano (Roland FP-90) by faith.  The story of getting a new one is in itself divinely orchestrated. 

When it got delivered to my house, my heart was filled with wonder.  I was so amazed by the Lord our God’s goodness and grace.  He indeed gave me the desire of my heart.

But a couple of days after, I found out that something was wrong with the power switch.  I reported it immediately and did a few troubleshooting steps as directed by the technical team, yet it was not solved.  I waited then for a scheduled check up and when the technician came, he found nothing wrong with the unit.  And so it was cleared.  

The following day, I again noticed the same problem.  The same way, I reported it back again.  But this time, the Lord opened my eyes to see what was wrong with it. I wouldn’t have thought about it had it not been revealed to me, so I took a video of it and sent it to the technician.  He once again came with a new power supply in hand.  Yet again, nothing was changed.

The unit that I got was the last piece of that particular model since the new upgraded one was about to be released.  The very reason why I opted for the previous model was because the price was lower J.  Hmmmm … yes, me and my limited thinking hahaha!  I patiently yet excitedly waited for feedback as to what’s next.  Hmmmm  … “What’s next, Papa?”

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”  (Romans 8:15 MSG)

Finally, a little over a month later, I got an update.  They couldn’t figure out what’s wrong with it since it was their first time to encounter such problem.

Then, a decision was made ….. they gave me the upgraded model unit Roland FP-90X.  Glory to God!

His grace made me patiently wait with a grateful heart.  His unmerited favor made me see how He looks after us and how He gives us what is best for us.

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

Every time I glance at the brand and model number of my new digital piano Roland FP-90X, I always see X as the Cross that represents how much we are loved by Him that causes His unmerited favor to fall upon us.  Did I believe for the upgraded model?  No!  But it was my secret desire J.  No one else knew but Him.  How can we hide from the One Who knows us more than we know ourselves?  And then, He surprises us BIG TIME!

 “If He did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over on our account, then don’t you think that He will graciously give us all things with Him?” (Romans 8:32 The Voice)

The Lord our God gave us His Best so you and I will have and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows.  God’s Best is for our best.

May his land be blessed by the Eternal
with the BEST sky has to offer—abundant rains—
and with the dew and the waters that lie below the ground.
May it be blessed with the BEST the sun can produce
and the BEST crops of each month,
With the BEST that grows on the ancient mountains
and the everlasting hills,
With the BEST the land has to offer
 when it’s filled with good things,
 And most of all may it be blessed
 with the favor of the One who appeared in the burning bush.” 

(Deuteronomy 33:13-16 The Voice)

Divine wonderful encounters like these always make our roots grow deeper into the knowledge of His goodness that make us steady and strong in Him. 

Our faith comes by resting.  It does not come by striving.  It is born out of our relationship with Him.  It comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  We live because He speaks.  Man indeed shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

A tree is known by its fruit.  When apples, mangoes and lemons are seen hanging, you can argue all you want, but apples only come from apple trees, mangoes only from mango trees and lemons from lemon trees.

“For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush.”  (Luke 6:44 AMPC)

In the same way, our changed lives caused by the incomprehensible, supernatural and intimate encounter with His presence can never be denied.  No amount of opposition can stand against such.  

No wonder Jesus said, “NO ONE is able to snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:29)

These amazing encounters happen because of our intimate relationship with Jesus through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  It is our love relationship with Him that makes us choose to stay close to Him.  Jesus said, “My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 The Voice)   When we KNOW His voice and respond, how can we follow someone else’s voice whom we do not know? 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Best that we may have the Best life forever.  Thank You, Jesus, for withholding nothing from us, not even Your very own life, for the JOY that was set before You, seeing us, Your beloveds, living up close and personal with You intimately.  Be my Lord and my Savior in every moment of my life.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for unveiling my eyes to the truth of God’s best for me.  Your Best was given for my best. Thank You for empowering me to live the best life that I could ever dare think, dream or imagine. I acknowledge that it is not by might nor by power, but by You, O Holy Spirit.  Amen!