Monday, September 16, 2013
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning ...
MEET THE CHILD OF GOD: BROUGHT INTO SPIRITUAL LIFE BY THE FATHER OF LIGHTS
How would someone describe God based on what they know of you? An unfair question? Not necessarily. It's true that people can tell a certain amount about our earthly fathers by the way we look or act. The same could be said about us and our heavenly Father ... at least it should be said.
Here is the nature of our Father: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17). He is the Father of lights, not of darkness. He brings life and goodness to people. In fact, if you have something good going in your life right now, or at any time, it is due to God.
When there is a disaster or evil running amok in the world, people are very quick to blame God, but how rarely is do they give Him credit for His works of goodness. In general terms He provides more than enough food to sustain a planet of more than six billion people. That means enough sunlight and warmth and rain -- not too much and not too little. If He would withdraw His providential hand for a moment, we couldn't survive.
He is not fickle and vindictive. He doesn't change His mind about how He feels toward us or his goal of getting us to heaven. We dare not apply sinful human characteristics to our perfect God. We are short-sighted and might change our opinion with the wind. Not God. He doesn't vary in His love.
Specifically, He sought you out and made you His child. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures (James 1:18). The Lord was very deliberate in adopting you into His family. He chose you before time began and then worked it out so that during your time on this earth you would come into contact with His word of truth. He brought the news of Jesus not only into your ears, but also into your hearts. Only believers have the privilege of calling God "Father." You are His spiritual creation, not just a physical one.
