30 Day Challenge, Day 4
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
FACT:
Did you know the Washington Monument is the world’s tallest stone structure, standing more than 555 feet tall and took more than 30 years to build? Did you know within the cornerstone rests a Holy Bible presented by the National Bible Society? Did you know that one of the inscriptions on the capstone is Laus Deo, which is Latin and translated, "Praise be to God?" These words inscribed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world are not insignificant. They reflect the mood of our nation’s founders. While the Washington Monument was built to commemorate the father of our nation, George Washington, the capstone is directed to the Father of Nations to declare that the God of the Bible had blessed America! Every good thing comes from Him.
Even though the Washington Monument wasn’t built to commemorate God, the builders knew the man they celebrated was from God. All of George Washington’s accomplishments, every facet of his personality, the drive and passion he had for the country derived itself from one thing. They knew it came from his love of God the Father. The leadership we’ve seen, the freedom we’ve experienced as a nation, and the success of the American Dream, has been made a reality because of God. It’s the same for us in our lives. Our jobs, our families, peace of our homes, they are all gifts that come from our Heavenly Father. So as you celebrate the things of your life, challenge yourself to do it through an appreciation of knowing it comes from above.
The Father of Nations, the God of the Bible, wants to bless you, too. How do you view Him? Do you know Him as a judge waiting to pronounce a sentence on you? Is He some distant being that is too busy for humanity; too busy for you? The God of the Bible is our Heavenly Father. As you can see from the scripture, He is the Father of Lights. There is no darkness in this God. There is no variation or shadow of turning in Him for you. There is no malice in this God for you. There is only love for and acceptance of you. There is only His intense desire to bless you like He has blessed our nation. It's time for you to really know God as your Father. Challenge the inaccurate images you may have of our Heavenly Father, because He loves you and wants to bless you.
Action steps
- Read - Re-read James 1:17.
- Think - Think about the light of God, your Heavenly Father, and His goodness.
- Write - Journal about having a meaningful relationship with your Father. Have you been viewing Him as a judge, or as a Father Who has nothing but love for you?
- Pray - Ask God to help you see Him as your Heavenly Father, loving you and accepting you completely.
- Take away - Examine how you interact with God. Do you feel like you are going to the principal's office all the time? Or do you feel like He is really for you, even when you miss it? Look past your faults and embrace your Heavenly Father and His love for you.
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God … and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”