"Mmm... Good toast."
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.James 1.17 NLT
The Quote
Ignacio and Encarnacion share an intimite moment in Encarnacion's quarters over some audibly delicious toast. They both agree that the snack was, "good." See a small clip below:
The Scripture
This passage echoes The Lord Jesus' words about asking and receiving in Luke 11.9-13, where He compares the ultimate heavenly Father to fallen human fathers. In the end, the goodness of God wins out. We ask for His blessings with joy, we place ourselves under His providence with confidence. We can do both these things because we know Him to be good.
I always think of Randy Stonehill's "Father of Lights" when I read this verse.
Notice the context of the verse in James. We have some things listed there that do not invoke happy feelings. In fact, some of these events are downright difficult. So even through trial and tough times, we know that God ultimately wants to improve our station. He does so through the precious blood of Jesus, which ultimately achieves its purpose.
The Application
I know it is Valentine's Day. I think it is important to look at all the little blessings that your loved one gives you and cherish them. Sometimes it's not about the big things, it's about that time you had some toast. Those consistent little acts of love build up over time. They've been granted to you, so don't take them for granted.
That's one way to reconcile these good and perfect gifts that the Father of Lights pours on us. We enjoy the blessings and the trials because we have fellowship with the Father. All we care about is that unbroken fellowship and being conformed into His image.
In other words:
