MORNING MANNA            1-15-21

We live in a world made up of very different people, and in some cases the difference is dramatic. While some have billions, others rummage through garbage every day trying to find something to eat. While some are fit as a fiddle, others are bed fast and in terrible pain. However, all people have some things in common. For one thing, we all shall die. But there is something else that puts us all on level ground. None of us have anything that we did not receive. None of us entered this world with anything, and all we gain is the result of God’s goodness. As James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

That being the case there is no justification for pride in any of us. As William MacDonald said, “The constant realization that we have nothing that we did not receive delivers us from boasting and self-congratulation and leads us to give God the glory for anything good that we are or have done.” That is well said.

We need to live every moment with the understanding that every breath we take, every penny we possess, and every opportunity we have is a gift from God. We don’t deserve anything and without God we could not acquire anything. To Him we owe everything. It is the grace of God that bestows every blessing that we enjoy. Due to that, our attitude should be as that which is demanded in Jer. 9:23-24 “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” The only thing of which we should boast is the grace of God which gives us what we need rather than what we deserve. God is good! – HDS