James 1:17 [NLT] Big Idea — Every good thing we have comes from God’s hand. God is the origin of all good things. James 1:17a (NLT) Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. God Provides All Our Living Essentials. (James 1:17b) God Provides All Our Physical Needs. (Psalm 24:1) God Provides All Our Intellectual Wisdom. (Proverbs 2:60) God Provides For Every Spiritual Need. (Ephesians 1:3) Everything good in our lives is a reflection of God’s good , not our good circumstances. James 1:17b (NLT) He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. God’s giving of anything good is called “ ”. Romans 8:32 (NLT) Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? “Gratitude follows grace like thunder follows lightning.” ~ Karl Barth What Now? Remain more alert to God’s hand in every blessing. Face your troubles with gospel-fueled gratitude. “The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our gratitude is kindled. But we have to get near enough to it for its sparks to fall on us.” ~ John Stott Let your heartfelt gratitude move you to action. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. If you slow down enough to inspect your life right now for God’s generous provision, what are you most grateful for? a. (Ex: Our living essentials, our physical needs, our intellectual wisdom, our every spiritual need) 2. What are some specific challenges you are facing and how can you view them through the lens of gospel-fueled gratitude? 3. Can you think of any tangible actions you might take in response to God’s provision & blessings to you? 4. Take a minute to study this quote. What strikes you about it? “The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our gratitude is kindled. But we have to get near enough to it for its sparks to fall on us.” ~ John Stott