Whether it was high school, college or in my adult years, every so often I met someone who I instantly connected with. These encounters occurred on missions’ trips and retreats. Following an ice breaker, an initial conversation began which helped me discover that this person was like finding a long-lost brother and sister. David Barnes sings about a similar topic, but Barnes gives the credit to God for his wife and daughter.
Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:17.
The earthly brother of Jesus also points in the correct direction when you receive an unexpected gift. According to first century historians, James believed his brother was a mere carpenter until Jesus died on a cross and rose from His grave three days later. This is the context and inspiration behind the passage above. Whether in the form of a new job, place to live or presence of a new friend, God is the giver of all gifts on earth. May you come to this conclusion in 2023.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 