What is the motivation for people going and shopping during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? Could it be a spirit of generosity to give good gifts as reasonable prices? On the days after celebrating all that we are thankful for on Thanksgiving, could it be the overflow of gratitude pouring out the desire to give good gifts to those who matter most? Do you realize where that comes from? Our creator who gave His one and only Son, Jesus, that we celebrate the birth of during Christmas, is generous and every good and perfect gift comes from Him!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].
James 1:17 AMP
Firstly, let’s be the dads who look to God as our example of how we are to meet the needs of our wives and kids! Secondly, let’s be the dads who realize that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it and as such every good thing given and every perfect gift comes from God. Therefore, let’s make sure to remember who God is as the Father of lights the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens, in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning for He is perfect and never changes.
How can we apply today’s verse of the day to stepping up and being the dads our wives and kids need us to be? What can we do to make sure we live up to the calling so that God receives the praise, honor, and glory?
Applications of James 1:17 towards being the dads God created and called us to be for the sake of our wives, kids, and world in connections to giving gifts:
- Gratitude in Giving:
- Recognize and express gratitude for the blessings and gifts you have received from God.
- Generosity as a Reflection of God’s Nature:
- Understand that your generosity towards your family is a reflection of God’s generosity towards humanity. Let your giving be motivated by a desire to imitate God’s character.
- Stewardship of Resources:
- Recognize that you are a steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. Use your financial resources wisely and in ways that align with God’s values.
- Prioritizing Meaningful Gifts:
- Focus on giving gifts that hold meaning and contribute positively to the well-being of your family. Consider their needs and desires.
- Consistency in Love and Care:
- Understand that being a good father involves consistent love, care, and support. Gifts are one expression of love, but daily actions and attitudes matter just as much.
- Teaching Values Through Gifts:
- Use the opportunity of gift-giving to teach your children important values, such as gratitude, humility, and the joy of giving.
- Modeling Godly Behavior:
- Demonstrate the qualities of God in your actions. Model integrity, honesty, and selflessness in your interactions with your family.
- Balancing Material and Spiritual Gifts:
- Recognize that gifts extend beyond material possessions. Provide spiritual guidance, emotional support, and encouragement as gifts to your family.
- Quality Time Over Material Gifts:
- Prioritize spending quality time with your family over solely relying on material gifts. Your presence and attention are invaluable.
- Giving in Times of Need:
- Be attentive to the needs of your family, and be willing to sacrificially give during times of struggle or difficulty. Your support can be a powerful expression of God’s love.
Remember the source of every good gift:
In summary, the application of James 1:17 involves recognizing the source of all good gifts, aligning your actions with God’s character, and using the act of giving as an opportunity to reflect God’s love and values within your family. It’s about being intentional, thoughtful, and consistent in your role as a father.
