“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.” – Mark 11:11-14
LIGHT FOR NOW: In your walk of faith, you can’t be effective and efficient outside the knowledge of your realities in Christ.
The Apostle James’ words in James 1:17 was opening up in our last study; “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”. Having worked on the words “good”, “gift”, “perfect gift”, let’s now pay attention to the word “above”; “…is from above”. The word “above” was used in these texts: Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 1:3; John 3:3; John 19:11; James 3:15 and John 3:17. From the way it was used in the above texts of the New Testament books of the bible, the word “above” will also mean from the beginning, describing a new beginning. “…and cometh down…” The word, “cometh down” refers to a descent; it also implies a distance. “…from the father of lights…” The word “Father” was translated from a word that means source.
1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”. The word “at all” was translated from a word that means nothing, never. It is an absolute statement. “…with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning…” The word “variableness” was translated from a word which means a mutation. “…shadow of turning…” The word “shadow” describes sunset, dim light, and faint images. The word “turning” means to turn a revolution. Thus, James is clearly explaining God’s character and also his giving; it does not change. He is consistent, furthermore that which he has given does not change. It is eternal. All God has given is in Christ. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Know who you are in Christ.
CONFESSION: I am complete in Christ, lacking nothing, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
QUOTE: What God has done in Christ is eternal.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: ROMANS CHAPTER 6; EVENING: HEBREWS CHAPTER 5
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 