By: Doug Beyer, Atherton Resident since 2010
James 1:16-17
Do not be deceived, my dear friends! Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.
Questions for reflection:
- What good and perfect gifts has God given me?
- What am I depending on God to do for me today?
Thought for today:
The writer of this passage understands how easily we like to take credit for the good things in life that come our way, and complain about the bad. Since our track record for deceiving ourselves about these things is consistently abysmal; he wants to remind us that God is utterly in control. God is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his being, perfections, purposes and promises. (See Psalm 102:25-27 and Malachi 3:6.) We of course change and every part of creation changes, but God does not. He gives, as Jesus said in Matthew 7:9-11, like a loving Father. We don’t always view his gifts this way. But He is unchanging in his resolve to provide exactly what we really need the most. This gives us 1) a sense of personal security knowing God is always loving, patient, gentle and gracious; 2) a sense of confidence, knowing that his promises and truths are trustworthy; 3) a sense of peace, believing that we are never alone or deserted in this fearful world. This is the day the Lord has made. You have reason to rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24). He who made everything and owns all He made is no fickle Santa Claus, but a generous and dependable Giver of gifts. Accept with gratitude what he offers you today.
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