Still in James 1…
verses 17-18
17 ~ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18 ~ Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
After having just learned that our Lord will not tempt with evil -but He can use those times to work good in our lives and Patience continues her perfect work, maturing us, challenging us to desire Wisdom without wavering in our faith – we are now reminded that anything good in our life is from God.
ANYTHING good:
Are your children relatively healthy? If not, has God given you the grace and strength to learn from their illness?
Do you and your husband share a loving relationship with each other?
Has it been a while since you’ve been in an accident?
Do you have something to eat more than once a day?
Does your home have a sturdy roof which keeps out the elements?
Do you have clothing and shoes? Beds and blankets?
These are all things that none of us deserve… yet, for the most part, I think most people reading this have several, if not all, of them.
And I am reminded of verses in 1 Thessalonians 5:
16 ~ Rejoice evermore.
and 18 ~ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
God has no variableness… He does not change. He gave good before. He gives good today. He will continue giving good with no shadow of turning–can you imagine the shadow that would fall if God turned His back on us? [I’m thinking the study of Revelation would give a glimpse!] Hebrews 13: 8 ~ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
And God begat us {gave us His eternal life} with the Word of Truth [His Word: the Bible]… that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
He wants us to be set-apart [as the first fruits were], consecrated to Himself.
He wants us to WANT to be separated from the evil of this world.
He wants us to desire and learn and grow in Him, to change us from what we were to be more like THE Firstfruit: Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15: 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Just a few thoughts about these verses… I’d love to hear how something in them spoke to you!
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