CONSIDER THE SOURCE

Good morning everyone.

 

Here is today's Bible lesson:

 

CONSIDER THE SOURCE

READ:
James 1:12-18

Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and comes down
from the Father of lights. -James 1:17

I love cinnamon.  I love cinnamon rolls, cinnamon graham crackers, cinnamon candies, cinnamon toast, cinnamon apples, and cinnamon pretzels.  Cinnamon is one of those spices that makes other things taste better.  However, it never crossed my mind to think about where cinnamon comes from.  Then, on a recent trip to Sri Lanka, I learned that 90 percent of all the cinnamon in the world comes from that island nation located in the Indian Ocean.  For all of the cinnamon I've enjoyed over the years, I never stopped to consider its source.

Sadly, my walk with Christ is sometimes like that.  God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, five children, and grandchildren who are more fun than a barrel of monkeys.  In the midst of my enjoyment of them, however, I sometimes fail to consider the source of those blessings-what the hymnwriter called the "fount of every blessing."  James put it like this  "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" (1"17).

How ungrateful we would be to enjoy the rich blessings of life without thanking the Father who is the source of all of creation. -Bill Crowder

Dear Lord, from whom all blessings flow,
Most precious gifts dost Thou bestow;
So truly faithful may I be
As Thou art gracious unto me. -Roworth
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Gratitude is a God-honoring attitude.

INSIGHT
When we succumb to temptation and stumble (or willfully enter) ino sin, we are often quick to blame Satan ("the devil made me do it") or even blame God.  James 1 makes it clear that we can make no such excuses (v.13).  So then, where does this temptation to sin come from?  It is born in our fallen nature that responds to our worst inclinations.  In verse 14, James says we are enticed as a result of being "drawn away" by our own desires.  If we are to live lives that are meaningful and pleasing to Christ, we must start by recognizing that we are our own worst enemies and must depend on Christ if we are to do good.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity  Peace