In our culture, we love the word "natural." Put that on any packaged good, and go with some type of green color scheme, and people like me will buy it. (Sister Michelle here.)

We want things "created by nature" not humans, and we Christians often equate that with "created by God." So, natural is good.

Originally, it was good. Remember all the things that God called "good" while He was creating the world? He even called humans "very good." So…what happened? Today's Good word says that the natural man is an enemy to God. How did "natural" all of a sudden become sinful?

Today's Good Word makes us ask the question, "What's your foundation made of?"

This verse tell us that the foundation of life should be the rock of Christ — His salvation and grace, His Word, His commandments, His example.

Today's Good Word reminds us of how Christ should be central to our lives.

When we get together with others, do we talk about the Lord? Does He come into play during casual discussions — or even when we're grappling with weightier matters? Or does His name never quite make it out of our mouth?

What are we rejoicing over most in life? Is it Jesus, or something else? Are we experiencing deep joy, or are we satisfied with passing happiness?

Today is our final Good Word Friday from the book of James. In chapter four, James gives us an important key to spiritual growth and maturity. In order to grow in God, we must submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil. 

Today's Good Word is from the third chapter of James, and it describes God's holy wisdom.

We sometimes think that in order to be wise we have to also become somewhat jaded and hardened to life's dark side. But this verse reminds us that God's wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, submissive, merciful, and fruitful. It's a budding branch, not a withered vine. 

Today, we're continuing with our scriptures from the book of James. This one basically tells us that if we keep almost the whole law, except one little part of it, then we're guilty of it all. 

That doesn't seem fair, does it?

In the coming weeks on Good Word Friday, we're going to feature four scriptures from each of the books of James. Today, we plucked this one from the first chapter, and it reminds us of the consequences that come with being double minded.

What does it mean to be double minded? Merriam-Webster says that it means "wavering in mind, undecided, vacillating." 

Today's Good Word is another great memory verse from the book of Proverbs! (Not a bad one for that unruly and rambunctious Sunday school class, huh? Kidding!)

This verse makes a great word picture. First, it introduces the subject of the simile: a person who has no rule over his own spirit. What does that mean?

Today's Good Word from the book of Proverbs supports charitable giving to the poor. (It makes a great memory verse!)

As Christians, we have a responsibility to see to the needs of the poor in our communities and around the world. Some branches of the church have clothing and food giveaways for locals in need. Many of you out there support the good work of shelters, food banks, and international relief organizations.  

Today's Good Word from Proverbs tells us that the Lord's name is a strong tower where we can run and be safe. 

That sounds great. But what does it really mean?

Today's Good Word is another pearl of wisdom from Proverbs. 

What is wealth gotten by vanity?

Well, as followers of Christ, we believe that we earn a living by doing honest work. If we try to obtain wealth by any other means, then that's probably vanity. Any kind of get-rich-quick scheme constitutes vanity, as well as any type of dishonest work.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to focus our Good Word Fridays on the book of Proverbs. If you want words to live by, then Proverbs is a great place to go looking. 

So, we're starting with a simple verse from the first chapter. Have you noticed that the phrase "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge/wisdom" is repeated again and again in Proverbs? Must be important to keep showing up like that.

What do these words mean?

Today's Good Word is one of the most famous and quoted verses in the Bible. At GMBA Camp, one of the days was devoted to discovering what true strength is.

"I shouldn't be OK, but I'm OK."

Have you ever heard someone who is going through a trial say this? Maybe they're facing a scary health issue, a job loss, financial crisis, or family troubles. The circumstances aren't good, yet the person isn't totally dejected and downtrodden. 

The person is probably experiencing the peace of God that passes understanding. 

For those of you who are traveling to sunny California this weekend for GMBA Campout, chances are pretty good that you're rejoicing in the Lord right now — in anticipation of spending one whole glorious week thinking about spiritual things, praising God, learning more about scripture, and singing your heart out.