James 1:16-18

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

God stands in stark contrast to the dark and uncertain world in which we live.  He is an anchor for our souls and breaths life into our hearts.  We can be assured of these truths and must constantly remind ourselves of them because Satan and his system is constantly trying to deceive us.  These truths are fundamental to remember in our walk with the Lord.  

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD: In contrast to the accusation that God somehow tempts us to do evil, James assures us God is the source of everything good and perfect.  He knows what is best for us and exactly what we need in every circumstance.  There will be times when that which we receive from God does not seem good to us.  His ways are not always easy for us to comprehend but we can be assured that He is right.  He is the Father of lights.  All that exists was spoken into existence by His great power.  He controls the universe and cares for each one of us.  Even when Satan afflicts us or the world in which we live God is able to turn it for our good and His eternal glory.

GOD IS ALWAYS UNCHANGING: God is always the same.  He can never be better than He is and will never become worse.  He is, has been, and always will be absolutely perfect.  He does not change.  His light shines constantly and does not have variations or shadows that are cast by His moving.  The sun is predictable, but seems to be constantly changing.  It never rises or sets at the same time two days in a row.  The shadows created by the sun are in constant flux.  At least that is our perception.  The reality is that the changes we perceive in the sun are because of the movement of the earth in relation to the sun.  The same could be said of our perceptions of God.  Any changes we might perceive in God are, in reality, changes that are taking place in us.

GOD IS SAVING US FOR HIS GLORY: We exist because of His gracious will.  He spoke us into existence along with everything and everyone else that surrounds us.  All of creation exists for His glory and honor.  However, we are considered to be the firstfruits of creation because we were created in His image.  Despite the sin that has infected our hearts and minds, God remains steadfastly committed to rescuing us and restoring us that we might live with Him and for Him as we were created to do.  That is the gift of ultimate perfection and should fill us with hope.

APPLICATION: Recognize God’s goodness in every circumstance we face.  Know that when it seems like God is changing, we are the ones who moved.  Hope in our future glory.

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