Perfect Gifts From Above

Every temptation presents to us the lie, even as Satan lied to Adam and Eve when he tempted them to eat of the forbidden fruit. Every temptation, no matter in what form it comes, presents the lie, telling us that committing this or that deed is good for us, while actually every sin calls for God's awful wrath.

Bear that in mind then when James 1:17 teaches us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Every temptation denies the truth. Every temptation says that every good gift is here on this earth, and that we do not need anything from our heavenly Father. Through every temptation Satan says to us that this or that is good, and that we must not listen to God. Every temptation says that God is not the Father of lights but of darkness. In fact, Satan through temptations even tells us that God is not our Father, and really has no right to tell us what we may do and may not do. He told Adam and Eve that.

Satan teaches us that God errs when He denies us the right to eat and do what He calls sin. He told Eve that they would not die, but be lifted up to become gods, and have the right to decide what they wanted.

Let us, therefore, be warned! Let us hold on to the truth that good and perfect gifts come only from God; that the way of living is to live in His service; and that disagreeing with God is not only folly, but calls for His awful wrath upon us.

If you want proof that every good and perfect gift comes from God, go to the cross of Christ. That cross brings us what is truly good. That indeed is God's good and perfect gift.

Satan will deny that. But do not listen to him. Every evil and imperfect gift come from him. Look up to God, and see His Son now at His right hand preparing the way for everlasting heavenly goodness for us.

Read: Psalm 135

Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:

II Kings 8 
II Kings 9:1-13 
Acts 16:16-40 
Psalm 143:1-12 
Proverbs 17:26

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Quote for Reflection:
"The lack of modesty in dress is an issue that has faced the human race since the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. Nor will the issue disappear until we go to be with God in glory." – Beacon Lights (6/04)