As parents, we want to give good things to our children. We also want them to have fun. However, while they are growing and develop bad habits and we have to correct them. No one wants their kids to grow up acting up so hopefully we teach them while they are young that they cannot behave certain ways. The earliest time in our kids lives that is known as the “terrible two’s”, we really have to curb their tempers and not give them only what they want. They have to learn what “no” means and that they are not allowed to misbehave for their parents or anyone else. Sometimes, they really love to act up in public. That is really tough on parents. I had kids many years ago and now I often watch two of our grandchildren. God also does not want bad things to happen to us, He only wants good for us. His mind does not change. He will chasten us if it means it is for our good!
17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth[a] so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.
James 1:17-18 (HCSB)
He is Generous
He wants good for us just like us parents want for our kids! In fact, He IS our Father! As parents, we get excited when we find something that our children like and we give it to them!
There is No Variation
The slightest change can cause variation. When we are creating something, such as a piece of artwork or furniture, if we even move a brush or change the color or style any way, we are creating a variation of what we intended originally for something to look a certain way. Sometimes the change is good, other times it is not good. With God, He doesn’t change! His mind is made up!
No Shadow Exists Even From Turning
In the paragraph above, when I wrote about variation, any slight change can make a difference. When we see a shadow, it exists because of light. A small movement can change the way that the shadow looks. It can be shorter or longer, wider or thinner. Either way, because of the light and the object, we see a shadow. With God, there is no variation and no shadow because He is NOT changing. He is not turning in any direction.
His Own Choice
Because of HIS CHOICE, He gave us new life, from a new life when we accepted His truth, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to redeem us from our sin. He now considers us as the firstfruits! We are first pick, from all that He created. No one else has this position unless they are His children. When they do accept Him as their Lord and Savior and He is now their heavenly Father, they are part of His firstfruits. They are one of His many children. Be thankful to Him, that His mind does not change about you!
Right now, I am on a trip with my sister, seeing our very special cousin in Pennsylvania! As we travel and the days get colder, we see more change in the color of the leaves. It is beautiful to see and we enjoy seeing change like this. Change in other ways is often difficult to adjust to. I’m so glad that my God never changes! “My God is still the same,” is a beautiful song by Sanctus Real. The chorus states:
When did He break His promise?
When did His kindness fail?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power?
When did His mercy change?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same, yeah
My God is still the same
From Sanctus Real, My God Is Still The Same
In a world where so many things are changing, I’m certainly glad to be anchored to The Constant. I’m thankful that He doesn’t change!
Amen, this is so true!!! God is the only one that we can constantly rely on. People, even the best and closest, will disappoint us, but He has us in the palm of His hand!!!
I always enjoy your Heartshare, Rebecca.
Funny story; Anita says she never really understood “original sin” until we were recruited to help babysit the 3month to four-year-olds for a missions group in Turkey so the missionary parents could have a blessed time without worrying about their children.
Babysitting the eight children, she would see the first child playing peacefully . . . until the second child came in and picked up a toy. SUDDENLY THAT was THE toy the first child wanted! Then Anita realized we ARE born in sin‼️ 😂
Yes, we can certainly see the sin nature with young ones when they want something that isn’t theirs or that they want to do something they were told not to do or have! It is interesting watching them! They KNOW too when they are doing wrong! Thank you!
Glory to God. He’s remains same yesterday, today and forever.
I love how you thourely take the time to break things down for others. You are a quality, solid, writer who helps people understand the truth. Well done❤
It helps me understand also. I hope to later, expand this devotion. I was thinking last night after I published, that there are lots of other verses throughout the Bible that support these truths, that God does not change! I hope that you have a great day! God bless! What is your ministry like?
I posted again yesterday and will soon post another! Sorry it is taking so long!
I love the leaves in the fall also. Only He can make trees losing their leaves a beautiful thing. I too love the fact that He does not change. You made the shadow scripture very clear. I see it clearer than before. Be safe!
I posted again and have another one almost ready! Thank you for your patience! It has been a very busy time lately!
I think you are doing great.