GIFTS FROM GOD

“Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change³⁸⁸³ like shifting shadows.

He chose¹⁰¹⁴ to give us birth through the word of truth,

that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

James 1:16-18

3883 – parallagē-  transmutation (of phase or orbit), i.e. (fig.) fickleness: - variableness.

1014 – bŏulŏmai – to “will,” i.e. (refl.) be willing: - be disposed, 

minded, intend, list, (be, of own) will (-ing).

Blessings in my garden - banana peppers

Father, you are never-changing, steady and in command.

Every blessing in my life came down from Your hand.

You chose to draw me to You  through the word of truth,

That I might have eternal life and ever be with You.

Since You have adopted me to be among your daughters,

I now, through grace, have access to Your springs of living waters.

Help those springs flow through me, spill out and overflow

That I might have the privilege of helping others know

 The marvelous grace You’ve extended to each one

Who, by faith, receives the gift You provided through Your Son.

Temptation

Purslane Attracting Bee

“Blessed is the man who perseveres⁵²⁷⁸ under trial, because when he has stood the test,

 he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

 When tempted,³⁹⁸⁵ no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Do not be deceived, my dear brothers”

James 1:12-16

5278 – hupŏmĕnŏ – to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; fig. to undergo, i.e. bear (trials) have fortitude, persevere: - abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind.

3985 – pĕirazō – to test (obj.), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: - assay, examine, go about, prove, temp (-er), try.

Only through Your power, Lord, can I not be dragged away.

I pray Your Spirit within me will give me strength to stay

On the path of righteousness, the straight and narrow way.

When desires draw me in like a flower draws a bee,

Help me, Lord, to turn around and from temptation flee;

For I long to receive a crown life, to lay as a gift before Thee.

Fading Flowers

Daylilies fading after summer bloom.

“The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

But the one who is rich should take pride²⁷⁴⁴ in his low position,

because he will pass away like a wild flower.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant;

its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.

In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”

James 1:9-11

2744 – kauchaŏmai – to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense): - (make)boast, glory, joy, rejoice.

Father, keep me from taking pride in material gain or glory;

for all possessions will fade away, as will my earthly story.

Help me to remember that this life is a mist or a fading flower,

But I will someday dwell with You through your grace and power.

Keep my eyes on the pure joy of knowing Christ, my Lord.

Please help me focus on Your will and seek it in Your word.