Without a Doubt
Posted by Karah
Pause
Read over the lyrics of the first verse of the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Thank God that there is “no shadow of turning with Him.” Thank the unchanging God for His constancy in your life.
Read James 1:16-18 in your Bible. Then, consider verses 17-18 below. As you read, underline any words or phrases that point to God’s generosity or goodness.
“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. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the first fruits of His creatures.”
—James 1:17–18
Unlike the light of the sun, which can be blocked by clouds or the rotation of the earth, God does not change. Because He is unchanging, He is also always unchangingly good and generous.
Every good gift comes from God, therefore, we must acknowledge the greatest gift He gives us, “new birth” or salvation. How is God changing you, making you different from before you knew Christ?
The message of truth is the gospel. We only become new through the truth of the gospel, which is constant and unchanging, something you can stake your life on.
Respond
• Have you experienced a new birth in Christ? If you are not a Christian, carefully consider the gospel, “the message of truth.”
• If you are a Christian, what trials are you trying to handle on your own, refusing to trust them to an unchanging, generous, good God? Give it to Him today. Below, jot down one way you’ll acknowledge you’re trusting Him in this situation.
Behind the Story
The Book of James was written to Jewish Christians who had been scattered by persecution. It was written to encourage believers, challenging them to endure trials and exhibit consistent Christian character through it all.
The Point
God will not act outside of His character. Because He is unchanging, you can trust—even in times of great trial, confusion, or doubt—that He is good and generous.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions