All Good things come from heaven above

 Amen. That is a beautiful and foundational truth echoed throughout Scripture. The phrase "all good things come from heaven above" captures the essence of God's character as the ultimate source of every good gift in our lives.

This concept is most clearly stated in the book of James:

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 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." - James 1:16-17 (ESV)

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us two crucial things about God and His gifts:

1. The Source of All Good: Anything and everything that is truly good, wholesome, beneficial, and perfect has its origin in God. He is not merely a distributor of good things; He is their Creator and Fountainhead.

2. The Nature of the Giver: God is described as the "Father of lights." This means He is the Creator of the heavenly lights (sun, moon, stars) and the source of all spiritual light (truth, wisdom, holiness). Unlike these celestial bodies that change, cast shadows, and eclipse, God is constant. His goodness, generosity, and love for us never change. He is eternally reliable.

What Are These "Good Things"?

The "good things" from God encompass both the physical and spiritual blessings of life.

Physical & Common Blessings:

· Life itself: "For in him we live and move and have our being..." (Acts 17:28)

· Creation: "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it..." (Psalm 24:1)

· Daily Provision: "He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:25)

· Talents and Abilities: "...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)

Spiritual & Saving Blessings:

· Salvation: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8)

· The Holy Spirit: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)

· Wisdom and Peace: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)

· Eternal Life: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

A Poem: "All Good Things"

Here is a poem of praise for our generous God.

"All Good Things"

The morning sun, the evening rain, The easing of a weary pain. The breath that fills my lungs with air, The knowledge that You hear my prayer.

The love that holds a family fast, A joy that's built forever to last. The skill within the artist's hand, The fruit that grows upon the land.

A word of truth, a timely word, The sweetest song ever heard. The peace that stills the inner war, An open,unexpected door.

The mercy that I don't deserve, The strength that helps me keep my nerve. The hope that shines beyond the grave, The power and the will to save.

All goodness, seen and yet unseen, The real and the yet-to-be, Flows down from Heaven's open throne, From the Father of lights,and His Son alone.

There is no shadow in His turn, No change that makes His favor spurn. He is the same,now and forever, The Giver of every good endeavor.

So for each gift, both great and small, I give You thanks,O Lord of all. For every good and perfect thing, My heart will rise and gladly sing.

All good things come from heaven above, A testament of Father's love. So let my life a thanks express, For Your unending faithfulness.

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,

Thank you. You are the source of every good thing in my life. Forgive me for the times I have taken Your blessings for granted or credited chance or my own effort for what has come from Your hand.

Thank you for the common grace of food, shelter, and life. Thank you for the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who guides and comforts me.

Help me to recognize Your goodness in both the extraordinary and the simple everyday moments. May my heart be constantly filled with gratitude, and may my life be a reflection of Your generous love to others.

In the name of Jesus, the ultimate Good Gift, Amen.