Scripture

James says every good gift, every perfect gift comes down from above from the Father.  Moses charges us to serve the Lord with Joyfulness and gladness of heart because of the abundance of all things.  James says to set our hopes on God – who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Thankful

How often do we just stop and consider, with a heart of thanksgiving, the amazing gifts of God.  He has packed our world full of joy.

CS Lewis says:   “Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy.  These pure and spontaneous pleasures are patches of “God-light” in the woods of our experience”

This week I experienced “God-light”

  • as I drove over the pass – in awe again at the beauty and wonder of his creation.
  • As I walked in the early morning in Seattle into Specialties and order fresh coffee and an amazing blueberry cream-cheese croissant.
  • I would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing Thai dinner I was served packed with flavors and spice
  • As I arrived home my 7 year old Andrew called me on the phone – “Dad – where are you? Can I see your car yet? I’m going to my friend’s house but I want to see you so I’m not going yet.”  Delight in my children – delight in my wife’s kiss – the delight of home and its comfort.

It truly is His Breath in our lungs and every breath gives us a chance again to see the gracious, generous, and beautiful hand of God towards us if we have eyes to see.

But there is more….

Jonathan Edwards says:  “Fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any, or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean.”

If we gaze up the beams of light of earthly joys – we will see radiating in dazzling brilliance – the one in whom all our longings are satisfied – the one for whom our souls crave – Our glorious Savior, our friend, our God – Jesus Christ.   In Him we stand Holy and Blameless before the Father.  In Him we have been adopted as Sons.  In Him we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of our sins.   He has lavished grace upon us.  He has chosen us in His love.  He has granted us an inheritance – Imperishable, Undefiled and Unfading.   He is our inheritance – He is the light from which all other joys come.

The Psalmist says: “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  And  “You are the fountain of life. In your light we see light”

When we see Him – we give not out of repayment or duty but because he has become our joy and light.

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