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James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes From God.

James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 (NLT) Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

INTRODUCTION

The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour's life and death and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings, - all are enlisted in behalf of man's redemption.  SC 21

In vain are men's dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race. "Every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17) is from God. There is no true excellence of character apart from Him. And the only way to God is Christ. He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6. SC 21

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Perfect Gift
   When Cynthia Cohn, a marketing professor at the New York Institute of Technology, was a girl, she received what she thought was a loving gift from her father. As she unwrapped the box, which contained another wrapped box, which contained yet another wrapped box, and on and on, her anticipation grew. However, the last box she opened was empty - and she was crushed. It was April Fool's Day, and her dad was just trying to be funny.
   Her experience that day motivated Cynthia to do consumer research on gift-giving when she was older. She learned that Giving The Perfect Gift Is About Truly Knowing The Recipient. The Gift Isn't About The Giver; It Is About The Recipient And What He Or She Would Enjoy. That's Why There Is No Better Gift-Giver In The Universe Than God, Your Creator, Who Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself. Today's Bible promise affirms the Lord's goodness in providing you with gifts - free and generous presents that surprise you and that are even better than what you could think up yourself.
   Unlike the fickle or selfish nature of people who easily change their minds about giving gifts, God's nature to give never changes. There is "no variation or shadow of turning" in His gracious character. We might give when were in the mood; God is always in the mood to give. And what He gives is always "good" and "perfect" Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (emphasis added).
   Would you like to receive a perfect gift that will last forever? You have a good Father who is extending the best to you.
   My Father in heaven, I open my hands and heart to receive the good gifts You send me every day. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

   I'm a gift giver by nature. I love finding little treats to give my three boys and my husband, Scott. Even getting their favorite bag of chips lets them know that I love them and I'm thinking of them. I also enjoy finding presents for my sisters and my mom. We have the same taste when it comes to books, magazines, chocolate, and candles. Their looks of delight bring me delight.
   Lately, I've been involved in a new kind of gift giving. I joined a community partnership that throws baby showers for expectant and new mothers who are refugees. New moms deserve some treats, and these ladies need a little extra love and care because many are far from extended family.
   I remember my days of early motherhood so vividly. Waiting to deliver. The joy of giving birth. The crazy sleepless nights of feeding and caring for an infant.
   Even though I'm not a new mom, Jesus likes giving me treats and extra love and care. Not because I deserve them, but because He loves me. He doesn't just throw me a one-time-only shower; He showers me with grace and new mercies every day. He delivers endless forgiveness and restoration of body, mind, and spirit. He delights in delighting me with His goodness. Jesus always gives the perfect gift at just the right time. Susanna Foth Aughtmon
   Faith Step: Surprise a friend with a favorite treat today. As you find delight in that moment, remember how much Jesus delights in giving you gifts. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING THOUGHT

   God had provided for His people a sanctuary of awful grandeur, befitting the mighty truths committed to their trust. To those faithful exiles the mountains were an emblem of the immutable righteousness of Jehovah. They pointed their children to the heights towering above them in unchanging majesty, and spoke to them of Him with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning, whose word is as enduring as the everlasting hills. God had set fast the mountains and girded them with strength; no arm but that of Infinite Power could move them out of their place. In like manner He had established His law, the foundation of His government in heaven and upon earth. The arm of man might reach his fellow men and destroy their lives; but that arm could as readily uproot the mountains from their foundations, and hurl them into the sea, as it could change one precept of the law of Jehovah, or blot out one of His promises to those who do His will. In their fidelity to His law, God's servants should be as firm as the unchanging hills.
   The mountains that girded their lowly valleys were a constant witness to God's creative power, and a never-failing assurance of His protecting care. Those pilgrims learned to love the silent symbols of Jehovah's presence. They indulged no repining because of the hardships of their lot; they were never lonely amid the mountain solitudes. They thanked God that He had provided for them an asylum from the wrath and cruelty of men. They rejoiced in their freedom to worship before Him. Often when pursued by their enemies, the strength of the hills proved a sure defense. From many a lofty cliff they chanted the praise of God, and the armies of Rome could not silence their songs of thanksgiving. {GC 66}

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes From God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230427-1031.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20071122-1012.html

Matthew 7:7-11 - In Prayer We Ask, Seek and Knock To Receive, Find and Open.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210218-1053.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/