Recently, I’ve had to intervene in several blowups between my two sons. The result of such events inevitably leads to their losing the privilege of spending time with friends, loss of their allowances, and more. They’re learning that the failure to work out their differences peaceably can be costly. Thankfully, I’ve also had opportunities to lavish generosity on both boys, to surprise them with a gift they would never have expected. I’m trying to teach them that both my correction and my generosity are gifts from me to them. Both emerge from my love toward them and for them.
James says something similar about God’s way with us. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17). In other words, if it’s good, then it comes from God. While James tells us that everything God gives is good and generous, I believe he’s saying something even more profound. With these words, he reveals that every kind of generosity we could ever encounter (every beautiful sunset, act of friendship, encounter with grace, or loving correction) can be traced back to God.
For James, then, the question isn’t whether we’ll encounter God, but whether or not we’ll recognize Him whenever we receive the many gifts that pass through His loving hands to us. This is one of the reasons James encourages us not to “be misled” (James 1:16), because God is the source of every good gift; and this gift-giving One can be trusted to always operate with generosity toward us—His “prized possession” (James 1:18). He “never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17). Every kind of gift comes from God—the gifts that we easily embrace as well as the gifts that we struggle to recognize at first glance.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 11:33-54
More:
Read 2 Cor. 9:10-15.What do we learn about God’s generosity from the farmer and the bread?
Next:
Where have you encountered generosity recently, and how can you trace it back to God? When have you received a gift from God that didn’t initially come to you as a gift?
Gary Shultz on August 4, 2016 at 6:01 am
Winn, all good things do come from God, He has generally blessed the earth, He seems to have blessed nations that are respectful to Him and He certainly blesses individuals who are His…. This is somewhat personal, as I get stuck reflecting on how we raised are two sons. It all started with a study of the span of activity between the “Triumphal Entry” and the “Crucifixion”. The belief and behavior Christ challenged, no castigated the Pharisees about. How much time was spent on behavior how much was spent on belief. It was rekindled the other week with Tim G. talking about his son. We don’t get do overs, but it has certainly caused a much different approach to the behavior – belief balance. Thank God He is merciful with us and still works out our failures for good. Yes, most of the time the best gifts are the uh-huh deals, like Gehazi when his eyes were opened, the gift was there he just could not see it immediately. Thanks Winn and enjoy the blessings.
gagirllive on August 4, 2016 at 8:14 am
I like how you’ve brought out the deeper meaning of this passage, Winn. It’s so true that we often see those “good and perfect” gifts as those things that make us happy and comfortable. It takes a deeper walk of faith to come to the realization that pain, loss, and heartache can be gifts too. Sometimes God disguises His very best gifts. Sometimes it’s not what He allows but what He denies that turn out to be good and perfect gifts.These types of gifts have been hard for me to recognize at first glance. Admittedly, it usually takes me far more than a glance to see it, and quite honestly, I don’t even want to accept them as gifts. I have to remember that, just as you are showing your sons, the same hand that brings sunshine and flowers also brings storms. It all flows from a heart of love that is always after my good and His glory. Remembering that is the only way I can make peace with those unrecognizable gifts. Like Chris Tomlin’s song says, God’s a “good, good Father”…perfect in ALL of His ways. Sounds like you’re a pretty good papa too, Winn. 🙂 Thanks for this today. Grace and peace to everyone.
sandy229 on August 4, 2016 at 10:13 am
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased and that I’m never a-lone
Chorus
You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are
It’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by You, it’s who I am
It’s who I am, it’s who I am
Tag
Oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh. Oh
Verse 2
I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You can provide
‘Cause you know just what we need before we, we say a word
Bridge
You are perfect in all of your ways, perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us
End
You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are,
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
sandy229 on August 4, 2016 at 10:17 am
I thought I knew all the Chris Tomlin songs, but I haven’t heard this one, so I looked it up to get the words and listened to this song. I have to say I really like it. Thanks GAgirl for sharing!!
gagirllive on August 4, 2016 at 10:21 am
Yes, it’s one of his newest songs, Sandy…and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine. A nice little lyric to sing throughout the day to remind myself of the truth of those words. Thanks for posting the lyrics!
crossman61 on August 4, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Yes I thought I knew all of Chris Tomlins songs also . He is my favorite !! Thanks
gagirllive on August 4, 2016 at 11:53 am
Another song that speaks powerfully to today’s discussion is “Blessings” by Laura Story. Beautiful lyrics. Check it out, friends!
godlove on August 4, 2016 at 12:50 pm
It’s very true, like gagirllive said, that the “declined” gifts are always more difficult to recognise than the given gifts. Even without giving it much thought, I can remember quite a few proverbial “blessings in disguise” which I have received. After initially feeling letdown by my predicament, I later realised that God in His infinite wisdom was doing something even greater than what I had previously wished for. Like Matthew 7:11 says, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” It might not necessarily be good just for us in that instant but rather good for the glory of His Name if you can see things from the wider perspective. Reason why we must always trust in our God, having faith that regardless of circumstances He is a loving God who always gives us good gifts… even if they don’t always look “good” at first. Thank you, Winn. Blessings to all.
crossman61 on August 4, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Thank you Winn a very good example with your sons . You must be a good Dad . Knowing when to give , and to discipline . I like what gagirlive says too , recognizing a Blessing in disguise !!! The Greatest Gift I can think of that is a Blessing in Disguise is Our Savior Jesus Christ . To the unbeliever this would be too hard to comprehend . It really doesn’t look like a Gift , for the price He had to pay for us . I don’t believe anyone can top that Gift !! Thank You Jesus !! Gary
BearPair on August 5, 2016 at 1:41 am
Winn, I like the fact that you are teaching your boys how to recognize the source, rather than urging them to go search out the source. So many think they must go “on a pilgrimage” (you supply the definition of the word) to find God, when all the time He is right there beside us, filling our world with evidence of His goodness & love. Great devotional Winn–THANKS!