James 5:1-20
The rich men that James is speaking of here have not pleased God with the excess they have. They have obtained riches in dishonest and evil ways. I question myself this morning, am I doing with my money/treasures what God would want me to be doing? Am I furthering His Kingdom? Or storing up for myself? Why do I spend sooo much time focusing on things that don’t have anything to do with God? Shouldn’t I be spending as much time as I can on things that are ETERNAL? The world sees it differently. The world tells me (in it’s own deceiving way) that I should focus on riches (corrupted riches), and clothing (moth-eaten garments), gold and silver (corroded gold and silver). Matthew 6:19-34 also talks about this, I would encourage you to read those verses. Wow, makes
me think…. All of this will be gone (as yesterday’s verse reminded me – our lives are but a vapor). Not to bring up another song… but I am reminded of a Meredith Andrews song that says “all of this will disappear, we are strangers here”.
Then James says that we need to be patient – Just yesterday we were talking about being patient, and waiting on God. I need to be still and wait for Him. Instead of strengthening my bank account, I need to strengthen my heart (V.8). Matthew 6:20-21 – “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Another thing that jumped out at me was V.16. “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. That is powerful! James reminds us of Elijah – he prayed for no rain, and it didn’t rain for 3 ½ YEARS! And then he prayed again, and it rained! AMAZING!
There is so much to learn from this chapter that I didn't talk about, but maybe God spoke to you in another way. I am strongly convicted this morning, and I ask myself this… Am I being a good steward? Where is my treasure? Where is my heart? Am I waiting on God?
Then James says that we need to be patient – Just yesterday we were talking about being patient, and waiting on God. I need to be still and wait for Him. Instead of strengthening my bank account, I need to strengthen my heart (V.8). Matthew 6:20-21 – “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Another thing that jumped out at me was V.16. “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. That is powerful! James reminds us of Elijah – he prayed for no rain, and it didn’t rain for 3 ½ YEARS! And then he prayed again, and it rained! AMAZING!
There is so much to learn from this chapter that I didn't talk about, but maybe God spoke to you in another way. I am strongly convicted this morning, and I ask myself this… Am I being a good steward? Where is my treasure? Where is my heart? Am I waiting on God?
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