This is one of those verses that's so oft-quoted that we sometimes forget why it's so oft-quoted. It's a great answer to worry and fear, something many of us deal with daily. 

There are times when affliction seems anything but light and anything but momentary. Nevertheless, today's Good Word tells us that in the big scheme of things, when we've passed away and are resting in heaven, we'll look back on our earthly trials and troubles with this perspective — it was light, it lasted just a moment...

Today's Good Word is a timely reminder that God's word in scripture is unchanging. In a world where values and morals make tectonic shifts with each passing year, the only solid rock we can cling to is Jesus and God as revealed in scripture.

Today's Good Word reminds us of how right and refreshing it is to come clean. God already knows everything about us — what we do, what we think, and all the reasons why. He asks us to confess our sins, not because He doesn't already know about those sins, but because He wants us to know about them — recognize them and repent. 

We live in a society that prizes free, independent choice above almost all other things. This impulse to be in charge of our own lives, to choose what we feel is best for us, to ultimately do what we want ... it's powerful. 

We here at the Gospel Blog are still thinking about Independence Day, and Romans 6:22 helps us better understand the concept of spiritual freedom.

In exchange for freedom from sin — and its eternal consequences — we become servants of God. The fruit (or reward) of our service? Holiness through Christ's cleansing blood and everlasting life in heaven.

We hope you've enjoyed this past week of GMBA Camp posts! A huge thank you to Sister Linda Scolaro for bringing the spirit of the gathering to the Gospel Blog. 

Today, we leave you with the camp theme scripture, Matthew 18:11-14:

It's easy to feel defeated and victimized. Whether life has dealt you some hard hits lately, or you feel like you're always getting the short end of the stick, know this:

Why? 

Why????

WHY?!?!?!?!?!

Most of us have questioned God at some point. I bet the odds are good that most of us question God every day! 

Today's Good Word reminds us of the role of a good father. How many of you ever heard a parent say to a child, "Because I love you, I'm taking this away," or "...I'm not letting you run into the street," or "...I'm not letting you act like this"? 

There are few things that symbolize the word "permanent" better than the earth, the ancient planet we inhabit, the firm ground upon which we stand. It's stationary, fixed, and not going anywhere ... right?

Summertime is family time for many of us, with family vacations, reunions, weddings, and other events on the calendar. We thank God for the natural and spiritual families He's provided for us to enjoy and lean on for support.

It's very fashionable to take the wisdom of the ages and toss it out the window. Conventional truths that have been preserved and passed down from generation to generation used to command respect, but now, many people laugh at those truths and call them outdated.

We hope that today's Good Word inspires you to look around you at the marvelous things that the Lord has done — in nature, in the hearts of His creation, in working the plan of salvation.

Today's Good Word reminds us of a past article by Sister Linda Scolaro that defines the word "buckler," which is a small shield used in combination with a sword in battle. It's interesting that this verse in Psalms 18 references the word of the Lord, which is famously compared to a sword in Ephesians 6.