Finishing James!

James 5:13-20

"Whether we lose or win, we give God the glory."- quote from Facing the Giants- a "must see" movie for all those who desire to run the race, fight the good fight, and make it to the end of life honoring God.

James tells us that whether we are suffering or cheerful, we are to pray and sing. Regardless of our condition, God is ALWAYS in control.

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This was a short devotion as Dad is still sick. But read the passage as it is very inspiring. And pray for dad!

Are You Patient?

James 5:7-11

James begins by writing about the time between planting and harvesting the crops as an illustration of patience. This reminded me of Frog and Toad. Didn't one of them watch the seeds, wanting it to grow, and pull it out? (or was that another storybook?)

Then he goes on to say that we are not to grumble, not to judge others, and not to speak evil of anyone. There is a Judge standing at the door, and He doesn't need our help.

In verse 12, James is repeating what Jesus taught in Mt. 5:33-37. People were too quick to validate their words with contrived oaths. James says to speak simply. Just do what you say you will do . Stick by it. And don't swear by it.

In the middle of this passage, James reminds us that God is compassionate and merciful. He has a reason for making us wait, not only for His coming, but on other things in our lives too. So we must be patient!

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Only one entry this week as Dad was stuck in Tennessee during the storm.

PS- Would you agree that the habit of judging others breeds cynicism? And I think that cynicism is a trap. We get caught in a vicious cycle of it and can't get out.

How Should We Handle Our Money?

James 5:1-6

James is addressing believers who were cheating their laborers. They were hoarding their money instead of using it to advance God's kingdom.

Why does God give us money? What is it for? Firstly, money is to provide for our family's needs. Then secondly, we honor God if we give money to further His kingdom. (I suppose you could reorder those two, depending on your feelings about tithing. So one is to tithe, two is for the family, and three is to give some more to God.) Yes, we also have many "wants" , but realize that the majority of fallen people on this earth never get to see or have that category of money. So if you do, count it a privilege.

James calls people murderers who cheat other people out of money.

Lastly, Dad said, that if the Lord blesses us financially, it is so that we can use money for His purposes.

Who Is Boss?

James 4:13-17

Who is in charge of your life- you or God?

In v. 16 , James warns us to not " boast in your arrogance". Here is a choice- to be puffed up in your pride versus to walk in a spirit of humility, humbly planning our steps through life, knowing that God is in control of tomorrow, not me. Planning is good, but it may not work out.

Do you preface your plans with "Lord willing"? (v.15) Ask God to guide you in the plans you make, knowing He already has it all figured out and be willing to change course. What may look like a bad change at the time, may in hindsight appear as a better plan.

In v. 17, James says that it is sin to not choose to do a good thing. We should look for good deeds to do today!

Judging Others

James 4:11-12

James is speaking here of judging fellow christians. In Matt. 7:1-2, Jesus said to not judge. We are not the judge of other people, God is the judge. It is God's business to change people, not our business.

Dad said that James means the whole Bible when he refers to "the law", not just the Old Testament. But gossipping about someone certainly could be breaking the ninth commandment to not bear false witness.

We have no right to judge someone else because we are not their master. God is their master. So don't judge people either verbally or in your heart.

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Beth said yesterday that she wishes that she could go to college. When I asked her why, she responded "because then I would have lots of things to do." I tried to encourage her to enjoy her freedom and her childhood and not wish it away!!!