November 18th, 2023
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
The New Testament writer is teaching us in this passage to gain a proper perspective on the good things of our life. He says, “These things are of God.” He is the One who deserves praise. This is so true!
I consider this to be a life-changing truth in God’s word. This may be a humbling principle to accept, but it is true indeed! Think about it! When you look at something in your life and say, “That’s good” well, that’s of God. In fact, James says the good things in life are all of God. “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:16-17a).
Do remember, in the context, James tells us too that evil does not come from God “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone (with evil)” (James 1:13). You put these two statements together and James is saying: The bad things in life are not of God, but the good things in life are all of God.
When you look at the good things of your life, you need to remember that it did not get there on its own—it had help. God is the provider of every good thing—the producer of every blessing. If you have been blessed, then God should be praised!
It is amazing how we tend to blame God for the bad things in our life and fail to thank Him for the good things of our life. When it comes to the good and perfect things in our life—He deserves the honor and praise!
I think this idea is transformative if we begin to comprehend that: Life is a gift! Everything you have and everything you are is a gift from God. Please understand, you are responsible for doing something with your life. The Bible calls it the stewardship of life. You are responsible to make good choices and seek to do right things. But whatever positive things you do in life are but the realization of the life God designed for you. You use the tools provided for you, with the energy available to you, in the purposes laid out for you, with the intelligence and wisdom granted to you, by the grace afforded you, to do the work assigned to you. Know this: All of creation that you enjoy and experience is yours by a gift wrapped in love and presented to you from the Creator of the universe. Nothing could be so manifestly obvious and yet routinely overlooked.
So, as we approach this season we call Thanksgiving, let us be mindful of these things and Let God be praised!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
The New Testament writer is teaching us in this passage to gain a proper perspective on the good things of our life. He says, “These things are of God.” He is the One who deserves praise. This is so true!
I consider this to be a life-changing truth in God’s word. This may be a humbling principle to accept, but it is true indeed! Think about it! When you look at something in your life and say, “That’s good” well, that’s of God. In fact, James says the good things in life are all of God. “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:16-17a).
Do remember, in the context, James tells us too that evil does not come from God “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone (with evil)” (James 1:13). You put these two statements together and James is saying: The bad things in life are not of God, but the good things in life are all of God.
When you look at the good things of your life, you need to remember that it did not get there on its own—it had help. God is the provider of every good thing—the producer of every blessing. If you have been blessed, then God should be praised!
It is amazing how we tend to blame God for the bad things in our life and fail to thank Him for the good things of our life. When it comes to the good and perfect things in our life—He deserves the honor and praise!
I think this idea is transformative if we begin to comprehend that: Life is a gift! Everything you have and everything you are is a gift from God. Please understand, you are responsible for doing something with your life. The Bible calls it the stewardship of life. You are responsible to make good choices and seek to do right things. But whatever positive things you do in life are but the realization of the life God designed for you. You use the tools provided for you, with the energy available to you, in the purposes laid out for you, with the intelligence and wisdom granted to you, by the grace afforded you, to do the work assigned to you. Know this: All of creation that you enjoy and experience is yours by a gift wrapped in love and presented to you from the Creator of the universe. Nothing could be so manifestly obvious and yet routinely overlooked.
So, as we approach this season we call Thanksgiving, let us be mindful of these things and Let God be praised!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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