The Giver of Good Things
James 1:17 has a lot to tell us about God. First off, James tells us that God is the one who gives good and perfect gifts. This is because God is the creator of the universe. He is the one who formed everything and everyone. Everything starts with God, so all good gifts and blessings in life come from God.
In addition to that, it is God who gives us salvation, which is the greatest gift. He freely offers us eternal life by believing in Jesus as the One who saves us. God not only gives perfect gifts, but He also is the perfect Gift.
The next thing we learn about God in this verse, is that God reigns from heaven, but has also come down from heaven to us. God rules and reigns from His throne in Heaven, as Psalm 103:19 says. But we also see in John 6:38 that Jesus came down from Heaven and took on flesh. He is the perfect gift that has come down from heaven.
Lastly, we learn from this verse that God is unchanging. Humans are constantly changing. We are always growing, learning, and forming new opinions. God is not like that. He doesn’t need to grow or learn. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and His character never changes.
The same God who loves us and gives us grace today will do the same tomorrow. He is good, all the time.
So take some time today to thank God for who He is and what He has done for you. Thank Him for the gifts and blessings He has given you. Thank Him for the free gift of salvation.
The Greater Light
From the gentle morning sun rays that break through your window to the headlights that guide you on your way home at night, light is a constant presence.
Yet, there is a greater Light than any physical light we know…
In Isaiah 60:1, the prophet speaks of this greater Light. And his words are more than pretty poetry and a prophecy; they are a call to action, an encouragement for God's people to find hope—Light, in the midst of darkness (Isaiah 59:9-10):
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
Isaiah 60:1
This Light is a beacon of hope, the picture of salvation and spiritual awakening. This Light is the true Light, the Messiah—Jesus Christ. He is the light God’s people needed then (Isaiah 59:9-10), and He is the light our hearts desperately need today.
In a world that sometimes can feel like it’s drowning in darkness—disasters, wars, injustice, and suffering—Isaiah's message is an invitation to embrace God’s true Light of ...