Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. ~ James 1:17.
Sometimes, the gifts we receive may not seem good; like Paul‘s thorn in his flesh. As we see in 2 Corinthians12:1-10 Paul found a blessing in this gift. The thorn in his flesh was given to him to keep him humble and not prideful. He asked the Lord Three times to take this from him, so you know it was difficult to have. In the Greek it shows that Paul asked for it to be removed in three separate occasions not all at once. And God‘s response was my grace is sufficient for you. God would use this thorn or stake in his flesh to keep him from being prideful; therefore, this painful gift was a blessing ~ a good gift given for a perfect reason and purpose.
The verse goes on to say ―and comes down from the Father of lights. Comes down is a present participle; meaning it keeps on coming down. God does not give occasionally; he gives constantly. Even when we don‘t see His gifts, He is sending them.
My friend, we should never question God‘s love or doubt His goodness when difficulties come or temptations appear.
If King David had remembered the goodness of the Lord, he would not have taken Bathsheba and committed those terrible sins. David took the bait that Satan provided.
Joseph on the other hand knew the goodness of God in the midst of all his trials and he fled the temptations of Pharaoh‘s wife. (Gen 39:8-9)
We have a choice, to flee temptation or to succumb to it. God‘s gifts are always better than Satan‘s bargains. So the next time you are tempted, meditate on the goodness of God in your life. Never toy around with the devil‘s bait, it will snare you every time.
Welcome to Empowered Bible Studies
Bible study is essential to our Christian walk. As we study God's Word, our personal relationship with God grows deeper and deeper. It empowers us to live for the Lord in every aspect of our lives. This is what has inspired me to do an online Bible study.
Many years ago my husband introduced me to a commentary on the book of Colossians and I was so blessed as the Scripture came to life before my very eyes. Since that day we have developed an extensive library and enjoy studying God's Word.
I have prepared some Bible studies that I would like to share with you. My prayer is that they will bless you as much as they have blessed me in preparing them. I pray your life is touched and that it would inspire you to live every moment of every day for Christ.
Please click on the link to the left under 'Empowered Bible Studies' for the Bible Study you would like to view.
Many years ago my husband introduced me to a commentary on the book of Colossians and I was so blessed as the Scripture came to life before my very eyes. Since that day we have developed an extensive library and enjoy studying God's Word.
I have prepared some Bible studies that I would like to share with you. My prayer is that they will bless you as much as they have blessed me in preparing them. I pray your life is touched and that it would inspire you to live every moment of every day for Christ.
Please click on the link to the left under 'Empowered Bible Studies' for the Bible Study you would like to view.
Daily Devotions:
You may receive our Daily Devotions via email - look for the 'Subscribe to Blog' on the Left hand side.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment