Prayer
God, I’m facing a long day. I’m struggling in my heart and just need peace. I need confidence. Everything feels overwhelming. Is it true that you can speak to me through your word? Will you prove that to me today? Will you open my eyes as I read and show me that you’re there? That you’re with me today?
Scripture
James 1:16-18 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Reactions
What jumps off the page as you read this passage?
What is James saying, in your own words?
Digging below the surface
Make a list of the things James writes about God here. Think through them. Are any of them new to you?
Read verses 13-18 straight through (yesterday’s and today’s passages). Compare and contrast what the verses say God DOESN’T do with what he DOES.
Making it stick
If we really believed that God is generous and giving and that he never changes, would our daily lives look any different?
How is our thankfulness today?
Behind the Scene Notes
“Firstfruits” is an expression from the Old Testament. In the law, God asked the Jews to bring him the first part of their harvest (hence “first-fruit”) as an offering. They were to acknowledge God’s gifts before they kept any of the harvest for themselves. Deuteronomy 26 explains that God provided for the people because he treasured them and he wanted them to remember his love.
In this passage, James is reminding the Jews of God’s history of generosity. Through Christ (“the message of truth”), God brings us into his family. We are a new creation – the first part of God’s new creation. One day he will create a new heaven and earth for those who love him. The Jews James wrote to were witnessing the beginning of God’s new creation –the very first believers in Christ. One day all of us will witness the rest of his new creation, coming straight from his loving, generous heart.
Notes
God is not a God who tempts people. He’s a God who gives good gifts! He’s a God who never changes. I’m convicted when I read this. So often I live like God must be stingy with his grace for me and with the fruit his Spirit can produce in me. But he willingly made me his daughter through the word of truth. He gives and gives and gives. He never says, “Come on, get some endurance going here. Be perfect. Don’t sin,” without helping me. And he never gets tired of helping me! It’s so good to be his.
God, you saved me, just because you love me! You have created a new heart in me. I still struggle with temptation and sin but I understand that you’re not the one tempting me. Lord, will you remind me that you give me good gifts? Will you help me to be thankful? Thank you for never changing, and for being so good. Guide my steps today. Help me to have victory over sin and discouragement. Amen.