Evening reading James 5 thoughts:

So, in the final chapter of James, there are three parts you gotta know about.

First off, James goes off on those rich landowners who were treating the poor Christians like dirt. He tells those fancy folks to start crying and getting all worked up because their doom is coming. He paints a picture of their riches going to waste, their fancy clothes getting eaten by moths, and their gold and silver getting all corroded. James talks as if it’s already happened, which is a typical Bible prophecy. Anyways, those selfish jerks have been hoarding their wealth while others suffer, ripping off their workers, and living it up while others live in poverty. They even messed with the courts to harm the innocent and poor. But guess what? God has seen it all, and their day of reckoning is on the way.

Then James turns to the struggling Christians and tells them to hang tight. He says the day of the Lord that those oppressors fear is actually something they can look forward to. It’s definitely gonna happen, and the Lord is just waiting at the door. James wants them to be patient, just like farmers waiting for their harvest. They should stay strong in their faith, stop complaining about each other, and take a page from the Old Testament prophets and Job, who stayed faithful through tough times. God knows what they’re going through and will reward their loyalty.

Remember when James told believers to see their struggles as “joy” at the start of his letter? Well, he wasn’t saying they should fake happiness, but that they should realize God can bring something good out of any situation. Now, as he wraps things up, James tells them to show their faith by praying no matter what’s going on. Got troubles? Pray. Feeling happy? Sing some praise. Sick or feeling spiritually weak? Get the community involved, call in the elders for prayers and anointing with oil. God will lift you up and forgive your sins.

James wants the Christians to have each other’s backs. They should confess their sins to one another, so they can all pray for each other’s strength and healing. Prayer is a legit powerful and effective tool, and God totally listens and responds. James keeps hammering the point that your actions show what you believe. So, if you believe in the power of prayer, well, go ahead and pray.

Last but not least, James tells the everyone to go out there and rescue those who’ve strayed and fallen into sin. They have a chance to save souls from death.

Biggest verse for me was 5:13-15 power of prayer is great! This has been something lacking in my life but for the last 2 months do it constantly throughout my day. Sometimes in my head, sometimes yelling in my car, and sometimes with my wife and others. It has been a game changer! Like, Just do it! Lol