Every Good Thing

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17 NASB

Satan entered human history as a liar and deceiver, “more crafty” than any other creature, deceiving Eve, convincing her that she and Adam could not trust God. Here was Satan, the “father of lies,” telling perhaps the biggest lie of all, claiming that God Himself was a liar.

Sadly, they believed his lies, and became convinced that God was withholding blessings from them. That the only way to experience maximum pleasures and rewards was to ignore God and follow Satan (Genesis 3:1-7).

They had a choice: To trust God or believe Satan’s deception. How interesting that their eyes were “opened” only after they decided to believe Satan. Once they disobeyed, they could see how they had been deceived. Why they should have trusted God, and were wrong to doubt Him.

In this first deception, Satan proved what Jesus later would say about him. That “there is no truth in him.” That “he is a liar and the father of lies.” He also is a murderer, seeking to kill anything God creates (John 8:44). Seeking to deceive us into rejecting God’s plans and designs, and accepting his alternative view of history and personal conduct.

Satan still acts the same way, with each of us, with craftiness and deception. Urging us to doubt God. Trying to convince us that He is withholding blessings from us. That we are missing out by doing things God’s way.

How easy it can be to believe these lies. How important it is that we remember the words of James, that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.” To know that with God there is no deception. And that everything worthwhile comes from Him.

Make sure that you aren’t being deceived. Trust God. He desires to bless you with all things. If you obey Him, you won’t miss out.

Prayer: Father, help me to be on guard against Satan’s deceptions. I place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.