James 1:17
Help is On the Way
“Help is on the way.” It’s all I could think to say as I grabbed my purse and headed to my car. My friend needed to hear those words. She needed to know that help was on the way…the kind of tangible help that is needed when we’re at our wit’s end and we don’t know how much more we can take. And so, God wants us to know that He is our help. Psalm 46:1 assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Could you use some help from God today? Perhaps you need wisdom about a decision. James 1:5 says ask God for it. He is your help.
Could you use something “good” in your life? If so, James 1:17 reminds us that every “good” thing is from above. God is your help.
Are you anxious and long for peace? God is your help. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that you can pray and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
You may be in a situation where you are despairing. Psalm 43:5 tells us once again that God is our help. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Yes, God is our help. Unlike my friend who had to wait for me to arrive in order to help her, we can experience the Lord’s present help no matter our situation if we would only call on Him.
Lord, I praise You, my present HELP and lifter of my countenance.
Would you like to experience more grace and peace? Check out Debbie’s 1 Peter Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos” by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.
The Source of Illumination
Our nation and world are going through what some call dark times. In the midst of these trying times, what can believers do? We can shine brightly with the love, hope, and truth of our Lord, whom James 1:17 describes as the Father of Lights.
The prince of darkness, Satan, wants us to stumble in the darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
Commentator, Charles Ryrie, explains this reference to the Lord means “God is the source of all light—physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual—and He does not change.”1
Rather than physically, intellectually, morally or spiritually stumble, we can pray with our heart, mind, soul, and spirit. We can walk through our day in the light of the Father of Lights. We can spread His light to others. Will we?
FATHER OF LIGHTS, illumine my heart, mind, soul, and spirit with Your Light so I walk as a child of Light and spread Your Light to others.
Want to learn more about living a victorious Christian life? Watch Debbie’s teaching on Acts 28 : The 7 Characteristics of People Who Are More than Conquerors.
1 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update (Chicago: Moody Press, 2008).
The Source of Illumination
Our nation and the world are going through what some would call a physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually difficult time. What should we do in times like this? Shed God’s light, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Charles Ryrie comments on this verse, saying, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually, we can pray with all our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits and walk day by day shedding the illumination of the FATHER OF LIGHTS.
Father of Lights, illumine our hearts, minds, souls, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.
The Source of Illumination
Our nation and the world are going through what some would call a physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually difficult time. What should we do in times like this? Shed God’s light, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Charles Ryrie comments on this verse, saying, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually, we can pray with all our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits and walk day by day shedding the illumination of the FATHER OF LIGHTS.
Father of Lights, illumine our hearts, minds, souls, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.
Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion Bible study coming soon.
Light in the Darkness
Our nation and world are going through a difficult and what some would call a dark time physically, emotionally, and financially. What should we do in times like this? Turn to God, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in fear. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie notes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble in fear, walk by the FATHER OF LIGHTS’ illumination one day at a time.
Father of Lights, illumine our spirit with the Light of Your Spirit so we live as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.
Light in the Darkness
Are you going through a dark time physically, emotionally, or spiritually? It can happen to even the most dedicated follower of Christ. What should we do in the midst of trials, temptations, and despair? Turn to God, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness would love nothing more than for us to stumble and fall in the darkness. But James points to our hope. “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.” Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie notes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumbling in the shifting shadows of our culture’s ever-increasing darkness, believers can walk by the FATHER OF LIGHTS’ moral, physical, intellectual, and spiritual illumination.
Father of Lights, illumine our spirit with the Light of Your Spirit so we live as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.
Dear friends, God connected us through our 365 Days of Praise, Beyond Ourselves podcasts, Bible studies, and conferences. Now, we have 3 new venues for spreading God’s Word and Love: “Something to Think About” Instagram stories, UpLIFT radio, and a Prayer Wall. We’re excited to invite you to join us in what God is doing through your generous donation of any amount.
GIFT IT FORWARD – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”
Instagram stories are reaching people in innovative ways. We’re dedicated to using it as a platform for Christ. “Something to Think About” are 60 second videos that invite people to think about Biblical truth as it relates to their daily life.
GIFT IT FORWARD – UpLIFT RADIO
People listen to the radio in their cars and homes. Our new 60 second UpLIFT Radio spots being developed are designed to encourage and inspire listeners with Biblical truth and God’s love. With your gift, we’ll be able to expand our reach to new listeners.
GIFT IT FORWARD – PRAYER WALL
If there was ever a time people need prayer, it’s now. But not everyone is plugged into a prayer group or has someone they can call for prayer. Our new Prayer Wall that we want to add to our website will allow people to post a prayer and know that someone is praying for them.
Thank YOU for Helping us reach others
*Charles Ryrie, the Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition, New American Standard Bible 1995 Update, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, page 1969.
Praise to FATHER OF LIGHTS
“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.”
Are you going through a dark time physically, emotionally, or spiritually? It can happen to even the most dedicated follower of Christ. What are we to do during dark trials, temptations, and despair? Remember the truth: God is the FATHER OF LIGHTS. Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie writes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* If we need a change, then we do well to look to the FATHER OF LIGHTS and follow His advice on moral, physical, intellectual, and spiritual matters. That’s where we’ll regain the light we desperately need.
Lord, we praise You, Father of Lights! Fill us with the Light of Your Presence.
*Charles Ryrie, the Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition, New American Standard Bible 1995 Update, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, page 1969.