Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

James starts this chapter by speaking out against the “Misuse of Riches”. Now, it is quite easy for most of us to check out here as most of us do not see ourselves as “Rich”. What a subjective term, rich. The average annual income in the US is about $76,000 a year. The average annual income is Sudan is $760 a year. What one would consider average in one country would be considered wealthy in another. I figured out a long time ago how relative that term, rich, is. Someone always has more. But wealth is not the issue here. Many of God’s chosen in the Bible were extremely wealthy. Many Christians today are extremely wealthy. Not the issue. The warning here is twofold. One, how did you earn this wealth? On the backs of others? Through shady dealings? Two, what did you do with it? Expend on pleasure? Use it all for your enjoyment? The Message version says, “You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment”. Not exactly the epitaph I am shooting for.

James then touches on a subject that we have all struggled with. “God, when are you going to do something about this low life that did this to me?” “God, when are you going to bankrupt that guy that pulled a fast one?” Create your own - “God, when?” We all have them. In 2 verses 8-9, James uses the term, patient, three times. And not just be patient because that alone usually serves us well, but be patient, for the Lord is coming. Isaiah 41:10-11 reminds us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.” Strong words from a Strong God. Be patient and trust that His judgment will come. His ways are not our ways. He is perfect, we are not.

James ends this letter with a very encouraging thought regarding our prayer life. He reminds us that even though Elijah was just a natural man like us, his prayers were unbelievably powerful. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much”. He kept it from raining for 3 ½ years. (I thought I saw him around town this summer.) I don’t know about you, but the list of my friends with serious health issues grows each week. When I pray for them each morning, I really want to intercede for them as I ask God to heal them. I know He can, and I want to make sure I am doing all I can, as their friend, to ask. How cool would it be to find out in Heaven one day that your prayer caused a friend to be healed? Now that would look good for an epitaph.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Do you consider yourself rich? Does God?

• Do you pray expectantly? Pray with the mindset that God is able.

Family Devo: James 5

By: Jana Whittington

The book of James offers valuable lessons about the importance of patience and prayer. Patience means waiting calmly and not getting frustrated when things don't happen right away.  

In James 5 verse 7, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains." How is a farmer's patience similar to the patience James talks about here? James wants us to remember that just like farmers wait for their crops to grow, we sometimes need to be patient in our lives too. God has great plans for us, and we need to trust His timing. 

In verse 8, it says, "You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." What does this mean? This verse encourages believers to be patient and devoted in their faith, especially in times of difficulty or waiting for the return of the Lord. "Establish your hearts" means to strengthen and solidify your commitment to your faith and trust in God in the face of challenges. It's a call to remain faithful knowing that God's promises will be fulfilled. 

James also talks about the power of prayer. Prayer is talking to God, and He loves to hear from us! When we're happy or sad, we can talk to God, and He listens. James tells us that when we're sick or going through hard times, we should ask for help from other believers and pray together. Prayer is like a superpower God shares with us because it can make a big difference in our lives and the lives of others. Another important thing James mentions is confessing our sins to one another. Confession means admitting when we've done something wrong. It's essential to be honest with ourselves and others, and when we confess, we can find forgiveness and healing. Remember, God loves us no matter what and forgives us when we're truly sorry. 

So, as you go about your day, remember the lessons from James 5. Be patient in tough times, pray to God with all your heart, and don't be afraid to confess your mistakes. God is always there for you, loving you, and helping you grow into the amazing person He created you to be. Keep being kind, patient, and full of love just like Jesus taught us. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom and encouragement we find in James 5. Help us be patient, establish our hearts, and become stronger believers as we trust Your unique plan for each of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.