“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).
The above pictures were taken within 24 hours of each other. It was truly spring in the first picture and looked like winter in the second. Both are a gift of beauty from the Creator. I am reminded of God’s promise that as long as the earth endures there will be seedtime and harvest. One season will always change to the next. Though the month of March is transitional and sometimes jumps back to winter or ahead to summer-like weather, we can count on the fact that summer follows spring.
James says that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. God is the perfect light and the giver of light. He not only gives us the light of the sun, moon, and stars, but he also gives us spiritual light. He is the author of the word of truth that James talks about in verse 18. It is through the light of his Word that we can experience the new birth.
These verses from James have rolled around in my brain for a few days and this morning I woke with the words of an old hymn in my mind.
“When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.”
(Trust and Obey, Sammis and Towner)
Somehow, these words seem related to what James said. When we walk with God according to His Word He will shed the light of His glory on us. We’ll see more clearly, the way God wants us to see. We’ll see people around us who need His light. We’ll see the gifts he gives and we’ll know His Presence with us. It is the light of the sun that gives life and it is the light of the Son that gives life to those who will receive it.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Shine brightly this week and don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour!
Many many thanks! Loved the “spring” photos. You’ve always had a good eye with your camera!
Standing is the Light is the minute to minute goal. The Light is warm, comforting, strengthening, directing…wonderful!
Thanks much for this post.
I love the concept of being able to see others more clearly the more we walk in the light. Thanks for this encouraging message Diane.
*Diana not Diane. Sorry. 😉