We Have Enough Because JESUS IS ENOUGH!
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
(The Letter of James 1: 17-18 NASB)
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”
- Have we ever reacted badly to a situation, giving free reign to our emotions in that moment?
- Have we ever retorted to another, without thinking, allowing certain hurtful words to slip from our mouths?
- Would it be so impossible for us to recall each day that we are COMPLETELY NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST JESUS ONCE WE BELIEVED IN JESUS and ONCE WE RECEIVED GOD’S AMAZING GRACE?
- Would it be inconsiderate for us (the children of God) to refrain from lifting our praise to “the Father of lights” from whom “every perfect gift is [given to us] from above,”?
These are vital questions needed today.
This week, we are entering the week of Thanksgiving, a time when we will gather around family tables to offer thanks for the gifts we have received. In years past, I have invited students and friends and family to our table. Sometimes, the ‘table’ becomes several ‘tables’ spilling out into our garage. In fact, one season, my husband set up all the dinner tables inside the garage. We decorated each table with a cloth, added some candles and greenery, and then set the tables with the necessary place-settings.
Since we are creatures of habit and since we would naturally sit next to someone we already know quite well, I made table-tents and positioned them on every plate. As my students, friends and family arrived, they needed to look for their Sharpie-printed table-tent where their name had been positioned. When we sit next to new people, different people, the conversations change.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving this year, I find myself in a time of reminiscence, about the good gifts the Father provides.
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, . . .”
Consider some of the gifts we are most thankful for this year.
- Evening sunsets.
- Holding hands around the table as we bow our heads to pray.
- Nightly productions of children who are performing songs and cheers.
- Hugs given and received from those we love.
- Peace that settles over us as we pray.
- The overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit felt during worship.
Also consider from whom these gifts come.
The Word of Truth, the Bible is clear—from WHOM—these good & perfect gifts come.
“coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
We Have Enough Because JESUS IS ENOUGH!
“In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.” (The Letter of James 1: 18 NASB)
Therefore, as we step forward into this day—THANKFUL TO GOD FOR HIS GOOD GIFTS—may we refrain from:
- Giving free reign to our emotions in our daily moments.
- Retorting to others, without thinking, allowing certain hurtful words to slip from our mouths.
- Recalling today that we are COMPLETELY NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST JESUS! &
- Lifting our praise to “the Father of lights” from whom “every perfect gift is [given to us] from above.”
Despite the life-struggles, uncomfortable situations, and unpleasant circumstances we are called to walk through during our lives—
We Have Enough Because JESUS IS ENOUGH!
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
(The Psalms 107: 1-2 NASB)
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary”