Every Good and Perfect Gift

James 1:17-18

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

When we confessed with our mouths that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and believed in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we were adopted by the Father of lights. This was done of His own will, our heavenly Father drew us to Himself to be partakers of His good and perfect gifts, every one of them. The Word of Truth, placed in our mouths and planted in our hearts, gave us access to the first gift immediately: the indwelling of His Holy Spirit as our personal leader, guide, and mentor. Following the promptings of the Holy Spirit helps us to immediately grow in the likeness of His beloved Son and to lay hold of our inheritance. Thank you, Abba!

See also Freely Given To Us; In Him That Is True; Receiving Our Inheritance

Related Scriptures: Romans 10:4-13; John 6:37-51: John 15:26-27; Romans 8:1-39

Discern Both Good and Evil

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In the midst of gross darkness, there is Light from the Lord Jesus. He is the Light of the world in the believer, yet in order to perceive light we must fully receive His Word and bear witness to the Light within us. Maturity in Christ begins by exercising the senses of discernment, and continues as one is increasingly able to perceive the fullness of the Light of Jesus Christ within.

See also The Candle of the LORD; Have the Light of Life; What Is the Chaff to the Wheat?

Related Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-5; John 1:1-18; 1John 2:1-11; Malachi 3:1-18

The Whole Duty of Man

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Character is built one moment at a time. It takes place in the heart and soul, and Jesus Christ is the foundation of all. Faith in God is the beginning of life, and works combined with faith make life come alive.

See also The Word Shall Judge; Fire Shut Up In My Bones; Walking With God Through the Blood

Related Scriptures: Psalm 66:16-20; 2Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 11:22-26; James 2:14-26; John 10:9-11

Discern Both Good and Evil

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

       In the midst of gross darkness, there is Light from the Lord Jesus. He is the Light in the believer, and by His Spirit we are the light of the world. Maturity in Christ begins by distinguishing between good and evil, and to always choose the good and refuse the evil. With an eye that is always focused on the Light, we must reject the grey area mentality that has lulled so many to sleep.

       Believers in many nations of the world are facing imprisonment, torture, and death, yet they are standing as bold witnesses in the midst of deep darkness. Let us all remember that it was God who blessed the United States. He has given this nation much to be thankful for, and He requires much in return.

See also The Candle of the LORD

Related Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-5; Luke 11:33-36; John 1:1-18; Malachi 3:1-18

Discern Both Good and Evil

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In the midst of gross darkness, there is Light from the Lord Jesus. He is the Light of the world in the believer, yet in order to perceive light we must fully receive His Word and bear witness to the Light within us. Maturity in Christ begins by exercising the senses of discernment, and continues as one is increasingly able to perceive the fullness of the Light of Jesus Christ within.

See also The Candle of the LORD

Related Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-5; John 1:1-18; 1John 2:1-11; Malachi 3:1-18