Verse of the Day 3/11

Verse of the Day 3/11

James 1:17

English Standard Version

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.

As I was having my devotions this morning, the sun came up, streaming through the windows that face our back porch which faces east.  The sunshine, the trees blossomng and the birds singing were all a reminder of spring coming just a few days away.  The hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" came to mind with the words "summer and winter, springtime and harvest" came to mind.  Normally, when I sing that hymn I think of Lamentations 3:22-23:

Lamentations 3:22-23

English Standard Version

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

But with the coming of spring, the sun rises almost directly east and sets almost directly west, casting long shadows if your are walking either direction around sunset (which I wojld like to do).  That is where today's verse comes in, both with the song and with today's verse.  "There is no shadow of turning with thee".  The longer the shadow the more you can see any variation in movement.  Someone would see a slight change of direction or movement by the shadow than you would by watching the person.  So when we read or sing "there is no shadow of turning" it means He does not veer off course. He won't turn and walk away from us, going back to Lamentations mention of God's steadfast love never ceasing, His mercies never ending being renewed every morning.

If you have the chance to take a walik in the son over the next few days at sunrise or sunset.  Notice the shadows and think about theese verses, perhaps sing the hymn out loud or in your mind.  Praise the Lord for His steadfast love, His greatest gift and for the sunshine and shadows.

1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
   • Refrain:
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Morning by morning new mercies I see:
     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
     Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

James 1:12-17

English Standard Version

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

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.