Scripture:
James 1:16-18 ESV
[16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Observation:
I’m just going to be honest. I struggled on whether or not I was even going to write a SOAP this morning. The enemy is very crafty. In fact, over and over in the New and Old Testament, we see the words do not be decived. So we know that’s a big part of his game plan. We see those words in these verses. James wants his readers to know that deception and dishonesty are a part of the world. However, he gives us a way to determine whether or not we are being decived. If it’s good, it did not come from deception or lies… if it’s good, it came from GOD. HE gives us nothing dishonest or that is going to hurt us. The enemy is very crafty. But James tells us GOD does not shift or change. HE is the same today as HE was yesterday, and HE will be the same tomorrow as well. HE chose to bring us forth by HIS word. We are HIS first fruits. I find it interesting that James goes into some of my favorite verses just after these. Telling us every man should be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to become angry. Because the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of GOD. Honestly, that’s great advice
Application:
It’s easy to be decived and / or let your emotions lead you. To be honest, I struggle with it from time to time. We can see something and perceive it one way, and it will not even be the truth. What we know is that this GOD will not lie to us. HE will reveal the truth, and if it’s good, it comes from HIM, and if it’s not well, it comes from the enemy. It’s a pretty simple concept. The key is that you can stay out of our emotions long enough for HIM to bring it to light. I’m just going to be honest it’s not easy. Our emotions can mislead us, and they change so rapidly. This is what I know you can trust. GOD HE will not lie. I remember a few years ago, 8 to be exact. I was being lied to, and I knew it. So I prayed a simple prayer and went on a fast. I kid you not the truth was revealed the problem was I wasn’t ready to see it and my reaction to it was not good. A lot of time has passed, and a lot of things have changed in my life from that time. I believe I’m a little more prepared for truth now. But honestly, who knows. What I do know is that GOD loves me. At times, it may feel like HE is the only one I know HE is not. HE will reveal truth if you ask. But make sure you are ready to receive it. Do not be deceived if it’s GOD it’s good.
Prayer:
Father, you know our hearts, and we trust that you have us right where you want us. We do not want to be decived, and we know the enemy is very crafty. How he whispers those little lies in our ears and makes things that are not, look as though they are. We trust that you will bring your goodness to light, and we are asking you to do so. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen