God is Good: He's Better Than You Think

It was January 7, 2007. That was the first time I met Bill Johnson. Not surprising to anyone was that he spoke on the Goodness of God then. This message of God's goodness is not something that he whipped up as a good idea. It is something that he has been living through for many, many years. I remember how impacted I was then and how overwhelmed I am now. You would think that a book like this would be a no-brainer. The problem is that we have all gone through the trials and afflictions of life. We don't understand the deep effect that has on us and to our belief systems. If yo have ever done any counseling, you discover real quick that many people blame God for a lot of their troubles. This makes it difficult for them, thinking they have to convince the Father to be kind to them. This book exposes how far we have strayed from the truth in the thought of Whom God is. He revealed Himself to Moses as Goodness. Jesus said only the Father is Good. The Father is a lot better than we think, so we should change the way we think is not a tag line. It has been Bill's challenge to himself in every situation, and now it is ours. You will be challenged in this book. Not with hard concepts, but with the simplicity in Christ. I don't know of anything that might be a the root of so much conflict as the thought that God is a Good God. You would think that His people would certainly know Him already. I love the book because it is not about a God who is willing to sacrifice His other characteristics for Goodness. God is a completely Good as He is completely Just, Righteous, Longsuffering, and Holy. Bill teaches about God's goodness without sacrificing our responsibility to live a Godly life. If you will grasp what is in this book, I believe you will say like the Psalmist: Psa. 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. So go ahead, read this great book and be exposed to the Greatness of Good God. I dare you to stay the same when you are done. I not, but I haven't been since January 2007. That is the power of God's Goodness to those who believe.

I'm in a men's Bible study that has been following the video teachings for this book and I've been reading on my own to supplement the teaching. I don't know how I grew up a Christian believer not fully understanding how good God really is. I feel like much of the western church fails to truly grasp God's goodness and if that is you, then this book is for you. Bill points to Scripture that demonstrates an aspect of God's goodness and then goes on to explain that scripture. He also draws from a wealth of personal experience and observation of God's goodness. Always have hope - our GOD IS GOOD and He IS better than you think.

I liked the fact that God explicitly told Bill Johnson to write a book about His goodness. This book and others have really solidified in my mind the fact that God is always Good! It is an attribute of Him that I cling to if things are not going the way I expected. Holding onto the truth that God is a good Father and that He will work out everything for good, is what gets me into a place of joy and hope again. I love how Bill Johnson highlights how Jesus is our model. Jesus loved and served well, He healed the sick, raised the dead, did signs and miracles, and He and He alone is our standard. Not our own failures. He was sinless and died in our stead. Jesus is the only way to our Father who in His goodness wanted us to be His children. God is Good: He's Better Than You Think is a book that I would like to recommended to one and all. Read it as many times as necessary to get the revelation that God, the Father of Jesus Christ, is a Good God.

This well-written book is an encouraging reminder of the eternal and limitless goodness of God. I appreciated the biblical references and personal applications included. I highly recommend this read.

One of the things I have felt strongly about is that in the days we live in, there will be an intensified war over the subject of the goodness of God. Those outside the church will question his goodness outright, while many within the body of Christ will question God's goodness in subtle ways. Many Christians have hit deep disappoints, so messages that help point us back to the divine goodness of our Father is incredibly important. This book has many nuggets that cause me to underline them and ponder them over and over. Bill has great perspectives that make you think and rethink. I wish at times that Bill Johnson would dig into some of the more difficult Scriptures that people get confused with, like the book of Job, but it's clear that dissecting those subjects in a deep manner is not what forms his unique identity and calling. In addition, his simplicity on how he sees things can be very refreshing. I am learning more and more that knowledge can just puff us up if its not connected to heart experience. In addition, our desire for depth in theology can remove a child like faith that embraces mystery but pursues more relentlessly. I appreciate Bill's focus to trust no matter what and keep his eyes fixed on God's goodness. It is an example for all of us. This book will challenge those who do not think healing is for today or those who have given up on growing in healing. It is certainly a challenge to live a life that believes in the miraculous. But it must have a premise that lives in the eternal goodness of our Father. Here are some thoughts that I highlighted and am pondering: Saying God allowed a terrible thing to happen is pretty much the same as saying He caused it. "It's not the belief in His goodness that threatens us. It's our definition of this goodness that has brought much debate and sometimes conflict and turmoil into the family of God." (p. 32) "Creating doctrines of no miracles today not only contradicts His Word, it is a sneaky way to avoid responsibility." (p. 32) His brief teaching on Ephesians 3:20-21 is insightful on the power of our prayers and the impact of our imagination in relating to God. "We will know our mind is renewed when the impossible looks logical." (p. 38) I was challenged when he addressed how the church pushes most great promises in Scripture to the millennium, removing us from experiencing great manifestations of the kingdom right now. "God's people are to be known for their hope." (p. 98) "The one with the most hope will always have the most influence." (p. 99) Speaking to today's culture, he says, "unsanctified mercy has taken the place of true mercy." (p. 107) The church experiencing many parallels that Israel faced in the dessert was very spot on. One of the best quotes I pull from this book is one that resonates with my heart to see God restore our relationship capacity in the church: "It's a Father's kingdom. In other words, all conversation about kingdom is about family. And once we've left the subject of family, we've left the subject of kingdom." (p. 164) More insights: "It's a theological crime to change the intent and message of the Scriptures in order to make me feel comfortable with my ministry experience." (p. 170) "What we don't know is sometimes as important as what we do know." (p. 187) Bill Johnson mentions his father getting cancer and passing away, a story that brings me to tears every time I read or hear it. How Bill and the rest of his family responded to that sickness and loss is an incredible testimony of engaging God's goodness in the midst of it being challenged in what you see. I've been challenged to my core regarding the goodness of God, in many situations and trials that have come in my life. Some challenges have gripped me so deep I wasn't sure I could make it. But leaning deeply into the simplicity that God is good and the devil is bad, has anchored me to a deeper trust. I don't blame Him or claim Him in regard to the storms in my life, but I look to use everything that happens in my life for God's glory. I appreciate that Bill is living a life that dwells in God's goodness, takes responsibility to spread that goodness, while undoing the works of the devil all around the world.

Having read the few reviews, I grabbed the free Kindle version knowing this was only a "sample" to promote the full book that releases in October. Even though it was about 7 pages it was still excellent full of encouragement to know and obey the Word and the way Jesus lived. As Johnson outlines we are often deceived by well-meaning orators who expound what they consider to be truth but in fact when compared to Jesus and His Word is in fact deception. The enemy loves to deceive us. God is good. Yes, He is and if you haven't read any or only a little of Johnson's works grab this teaser (it's free on Kindle) and sample his encouraging teaching. I'm looking forward to reading the full book when it releases in October. We need more of this message - God is indeed Good.

There is a complete study to this book with videos. The study was so fantastic, I bought the books and gave them as gifts. My daughter loved it! Bill helps readers understand the nature of God’s goodness which is good all the time. If its not good, it’s not God. Bad stuff results when the devil’s been allowed to get in. That’s my simplified explanation! The concepts Bill presents are really revolutionary. Reading this book I realized I open the door to the devil when I choose rebellion (have my own way). Its helped me become more accountable for my choices. And, making God choices, I’m experiencing God’s wonderful goodness more in my life.

All I can say right now is WOW! Getting to hear and know about the Goodness of God is a lost message in the Body of Christ, and we need to hear more messages like this today. The Author, Bill Johnson, gives you a glimpse of God's Goodness in his book, "A Feature Message on Getting Back to the Goodness of God," is an eye-opener to the world. Writing this review, I can't really say this book is good or bad because the book is the prelude to the book. It's the first part, a teaser getting you ready for what's to come. This is a "Must Read" book for those who desire to get back to the reality of Goodness of God. Now the only thing this book is waiting for you - get ready for the revelation of His Nature, Fruit, and the Spirit of God to be displayed in the Body of Christ, as well as to the world. My Leaving Thoughts: ... Jesus said, "No one is good - except God alone. NEED I Say More!

I just enjoy Bill Johnson's teaching so much. The love he speaks and less law is so what the world needs to hear more off. I bought this book just before Christmas and went on a 10day beach holiday with my friend. I finished this book in the first 5days and decided to give it to her Dad as a Christmas present. He was overjoyed. I highly recommend this book. You would not want to put it down.

Great book filled with truth and revelation. It gives a whole new perspective on how good our God really is! A must read.

You are just as big as your belief about God. God is Good, is the beginning of knowing Him. He is the object of our adoration. Get to know Him better by meeting Him through the pages of this book filed with Scripture and Truth.

God is good!!!!! This little book began to change my mind about God's goodness! I am very ancious to read the complete book God is good!

Bill Johnson spricht ein Problem an, dessen sich viele nicht bewusst sind: Den Zweifel an Gottes Güte. Klar, dass man die Liebe Gottes nicht über den Verstand erfahren kann - aber zumindest kann man einsehen, dass Zweifel daran diametral dem entgegen steht, wie sich Gott im AT und NT vorstellt. Ausserdem weckt er eine Sehnsucht nach mehr von Gott, einen wachsenden geistlichen Hunger. Wissen, woher man kommt, wohin man geht und wie es um einen steht, ist unabdingbar für ein fröhliches Christenleben, das begeistert und andere ansteckt.