“For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17
Dear Ones:
One of the great characteristics of a nation or individual who refuses to believe in God, one who rejects the truth of Him, is thanklessness towards God. The reason for this is very evident. They do not believe that He is the Creator, and the provider of all things that are good. When a believer, or Christian, sits down at the table to partake of his food, most often he gives thanks to God. Why? Everything concerning our existence, even the bread on the table, is because HE has created all, and provides all. Man may plant the seed, and cultivate the land in view of a harvest, but ultimately, the bread on the table is because God was previous in providing all needful for the meal. Thus, a thankful heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in God, recognizing that all that we have and are is from our Creator.
Why then do we go to places of worship to praise God, and give Him thanks? It is because He again has provided GREATLY, and perfectly, this time, for the salvation of our souls. He is the GIVER of every good and perfect gift, especially as it pertains to His Son, the greatest gift of all. This is why we give thanks to God for Jesus Christ. We had NOTHING to do with the predetermined giving of Christ as our sacrifice for sin, and Him as our present LIFE, with power to overcome all our enemies. The believer who is most thankful is that one who realizes most profoundly that ALL that is good IS of God, in Christ.
What then is the measure of God’s giving today, and our consequent receiving of the gift(s)? We know that in the giving of His Son, there is no limit to what the Lord desires to give, for with Him, He has given us all. How much then of Christ, are we willing to receive? Are our mouths open WIDE to receive? Are we asking, expecting to receive? Jesus tells us in Mark’s gospel: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (11:24) Are we asking with right motives? Moses asked to SEE the glory of God. God gave it to him. James instructs us to ASK for wisdom, and believe God to give it. Do we believe this? The Lord says, “I WILL instruct you and teach you in the way in which you shall go.” (Ps. 32:8) Do we believe it, and give thanks for it? What about forgiveness? Do we truly believe that God is able to “…forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness?” (1 Jn. 1:9) Christ is waiting to be wanted, waiting to give of His fullness by the Spirit. But can we receive it, and in what measure? There is but one answer to this, and it has to do with where we are looking: “…looking unto Jesus, the Author, and Finisher (Perfecter) of faith…” (Heb. 12:2) It is as we gaze upon the Lord Jesus in worship of Him, that faith is born, and our capacity to believe Him increases. Then we shall be enabled to receive of His fullness, today, for His glory and honor.
Dear Father, enable us to open our mouths WIDE for Thee to fill them. Fill us, O God, with Thy LIFE, the knowledge of Thy ways, and the fruits of a life lived in fellowship with Thee. We thank Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad