Bring Forth Good

Week 17 Day 2

1 Samuel 30-31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

 

Matthew 12:35

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

 

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Jesus made it very clear:  stored good = brings good things; stored evil = brings evil things.

Therefore, we ought to be storing “good” inside [foremost, Christ our salvation and the ultimate good] and it is only then we can bring out good things [true good; not pseudo-good based on plain good works without the foundation of the ultimate good, Jesus Christ]. 

The more we store “evil” the more we bring evil out.

What causes people to bring out evil?  Matthew 12:34b “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” – meaning, it’s been stored  and built inside. 

What good can we store up and build up inside? (1) Possess the ultimate good, Jesus Christ, and simple steps such as (2) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” [Philippians 4:8]

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I possess Christ – therefore, I ought to be bringing out ultimate good.  Continue to work within me the good that Jesus has brought in my life that I may also bring that out to others.  I know it will not be fully attained until I reach heaven, but with the best of my ability, I will do anything that will bring forth the good – whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.  That’s the highest call.

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Lord, I can’t do this at all without You.  May you help me grab hold to Your empowerment that will enable me to bring forth good to others and to the world around me.  Please help me to do what is right always and that you continually renew my mind that all I will do is only for what pleases and lifts your name up.  Guide me Lord.  In Jesus’ name, amen.