Verse of the Day 11/17

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 18-20, James 2   Good morning, Yesterday, we considered James 1:17 and the statement in that verse that with God "there is no shadow of turning".  It tells us that God is faithful and doesn't change. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.   NKJV That verse stayed on my mind throughout the day and I woke up last night thinking about another aspect of it, "every good and pefect gift".   Christmas music is already playing on some radio stations, stores have their Christmas displays, and advertisements will be encouaging us to look for "the perfect gift".   How would you describe a "perfect gift"?  I'll give a few thoughts and you can ad others. The verse starts out with the first qualification it is good for  the person.  It is something that they need, it will benefit them.  It should be something that will last, it should be enduring (you've heard diamonds are forever, that's not what I'm talking about here).  It quite possibly be something we could not afford ourselves or at least wouldn't pay for ourselves.  It should be something that you will treasure, something you'll hold on to, something that will help you in times of trouble.   These gifts often come in packages that don't reveal or give a clue to what is inside, they remain hidden until the right time.   There are few gifts that meet all of these qualities and perhaps additional qualities that you've added.   Tears came to my eyes as I considered these gifts (the tears have returned).  Two such gifts came to mind.   One is my son Jeff (no disrespect Jean,  Laurie and Jason) who was given back to us after nearly losing him.  After the accident a Christian friend, seeing the outcome and the prognosis told me "you've just received a life sentence".  It's a matter of perception.   Time has gone on to show that Jeff is one of the perfect gifts.  He thanks us often for "this wonderful life".  I can't think of another human being that I know that loves more, trusts more, is more joyful, humble (even though we joke about it), and has taught us more about all these things.  He teaches some of these qualities to just about everyone that gets to know him.  He's a "special needs" child, but whose special needs am I talking about?   The second one is the gift of salvation in the gift of Jesus Christ.  What God did in John 3:16, sending His Son, coming down to our level, to our "special needs", lifting us up to an abundant life that begins here but has no ending.   The verse I'll quote today for the verse of the day is from 2 Corinthians 9 in a passage which speaks of "grace abounding".    2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!   NKJV Is their a special needs child or person in your life?  Why not get to know them better?  Be counter cultural..  Encourage them learn from them, praise God for them.    I'll let you think about what "special needs" are.   In Christ, Mike 2 Cor 9:8-10:1 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."  10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,  14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! NKJV