Bible Reading: James 1:17-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17, NIV
DO YOU KNOW where glass comes from? How about rubber or penicillin? See if you can match each item in the left column with its source in the right column.
| 1. | RUBBER | A. THE SUN |
| 2. | SILK | B. SEA ANIMALS |
| 3. | PENICILLIN | C. SAND, LIME, AND SODA |
| 4. | GLASS | D. SHEEP |
| 5. | MOONLIGHT | E. ELEPHANT TUSKS |
| 6. | SPONGES | F. MOLD |
| 7. | WOOL | G. TREES |
| 8. | WAX | H. CATERPILLAR COCOONS |
| 9. | LEATHER | I. ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, AND MINERAL OILS |
| 10. | IVORY | J. ANIMAL SKINS |
So, how many did you get right? More important, what’s the point? Well, how about this: Can you add one more answer in the column on the right that would be the source for every one of the things in the left-hand column?
If you answered, “God,” congratulations! You’re right. God is the source of all those things on the left. He is also the source of all those items listed on the right. In fact, God is the source of all good-not just good “things,” like roses and kittens and chocolate and laughter. He is the source of everything that is good-like honesty, faithfulness, courage, respect, love, and life. “Good” comes from God because he is good. “Right” comes from God because he is righteous. The definition of what is “moral” comes from God, because he is holy.
REFLECT: Based on today’s reading, what title would you give God? (For example, he is called Jehovah-jireh, which means “my provider.”) Come up with your own name.
Do you ever try to “get” good things by disobeying God? Do you think good can come from doing wrong? Why or why not?
ACT: Cover up the right column of the list above, and quiz your parents to see if they know the source of each item in the left column. Then surprise them by informing them that one answer can be given for all of the items in the left column: God!
PRAY: “Thanks, God, for being the source of all the good things that are mine, including____________.”
(Answers: 1G; 2H; 3F; 4C; 5A; 6B; 7D; 8I; 9J; 10E.)
