Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

 More things about our relationship with the Father:

 

            Every good thing comes from above:

 

James 1:17

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

 

            Have you ever received anything that was intrinsically good? How about a perfect gift? Then it must be from above. Our Father gave it to us. Of course we’re not talking about some physical present we got for Christmas. It says that with Him there is not variation or shifting shadow. He doesn’t give good things today and not so good ones tomorrow. He never changes, so the type of gifts that He gives will never change either. We can expect only the good things to come from Him.

 

If you could hear God speak, I believe this is what He would say:

            "I would not ever give you something bad. I only give what is good and good for you. You would not do otherwise to your children, would you? Then why do you think that I would be any different. I have many treasures to give you, but you cannot receive them at this time. When I return, I will have many surprises for you. What I have for you now is beyond your dreams; so much more will I have for you when I return.”

 

            21. Every good thing that is in my life comes from God. His desire for me is only good.

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure

 He is at work in us:

        

            To will and to work for His good pleasure:

 

Philippians 2:13

13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

 

            Do you have a desire to do things for God? Do you put forth a lot of effort to find and do things for Him? That desire to work for His good pleasure was put there by Him when you were born again. It is not something that arises naturally inside mankind. Sure, we’re grateful He saved us, but let’s not go overboard. He not only gives you the desire to work for Him, He gives you the ability to get the job done. He is doing the work. That way we can’t brag … either of desiring to do His will or of having actually done it. He gets all the glory.

 

If you could hear God speak, I believe this is what He would say:

            "It is not up to you to live the Christian life; it is up to My Spirit. He will live My life in you as you allow Him to. He will give you the desire to obey My Word and to do My will. I will not leave you defenseless. I will give you more than enough to do what I have told you to do. As you trust in Me, I will show you the way to do what I have commanded you to do.”

 

            20. God is at work in me to give me the will to do His good pleasure. He also works in me to perform that will.

We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him

 Keeps the one born of God:

 

1 John 5:18

18 We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

 

            This word keeps doesn’t mean that God keeps us vs. throws us back like a too small fish. It means that He keeps watch over us and protects us. Because we are under the shadow of His wings, the enemy cannot touch us. To get to us he has to come through God, and God won’t let him harm us. However, if we get out from under God’s wings, then we are in harm’s way. It is then possible for the enemy to attack us. Now, this does not mean that anyone who is being attacked is sinning. That’s the same thing they believed in the Old Testament, “Master, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” It simply means that we are asking for trouble when we leave God’s protective side.

 

If you could hear God speak, I believe this is what He would say:

            "My children whom I love with a love unfailing … do not fear what may come upon you; for I will keep watch over you to protect you. You are My child, and I want only the best for you. You are like your Father … for your Father watches over His Word to perform it, and so should you. You are My child, and your desire is to follow after Me. You need not fear the enemy or His devices; for I will keep you from His power and influence. You are Mine and you shall live you life unto Me in righteousness. You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 

            19. I am born of God, therefore, He keeps me safe from all harm.

And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil

 His ears attend to our prayers:

 

1 Peter 3:12

12 “… And His ears attend to their prayer,

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

 

            He is listening attentively when we pray towards Him. He hears us and then comes to our aid. It also says in Psalm 34:15 that His ears are open to our cry. So, whenever bad things come upon us, we can lift our voices to Him, and He will hear do whatever is necessary to help us.

 

If you could hear God speak, I believe this is what He would say:

            "My children, when you call upon Me, I will hear and will come to your aid. Do not think that I am too busy or do not care about you smallest need. For everything that concerns you is important to Me. For I love you with a love eternal and all encompassing. I will never turn away form your cry as long as you seek after Me. I will also face those who come against you. I will not let them come upon you unawares. If you listen to My voice, you will know the plans of the enemy. My plans for you are only good, and not ill.”

 

            18. His ears are always open to hear my prayers. He listens, and He responds.