James 5:13 instructs, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” Rather than wallowing in self-pity when we suffer, we should immediately bring our pain to God in prayer. Just as the Psalmist cried out to God from “the belly of Sheol” (Ps 30:3), so God wants us to cast…
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Wealth itself is not evil, but loving it is dangerous. Paul instructs the rich not to be arrogant or find hope in riches but set their hope fully on God. Those blessed with wealth are to use it for good works and generosity, thus storing up…
Scripture: James 5:4 Exploiting workers to enrich yourself provokes the judgment of God. Withholding wages may seem trivial but has serious consequences. As stewards, we must deal justly with those we employ. God hears their cries and cares for the vulnerable. We glorify him when we imitate his compassion and…
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 Earthly riches do not last, but heavenly treasures are eternal. As Christians, our focus should not be accumulating perishable wealth but investing in the kingdom of God. This means generously giving to others in need and supporting gospel-advancing work. Such giving stores up eternal reward. Reflection:
Humble submission involves actively acknowledging God’s sovereignty in our decision-making. As we make plans, it’s essential to bring them before the Lord, recognizing that His will may differ from ours. This submission leads to a profound trust that even when our plans falter, God’s purpose prevails. Reflection Questions:
Trusting God with the unknown requires acknowledging that His plans supersede ours. Even when our best-laid plans fall apart, God is working all things together for our good. This trust allows us to find peace in the midst of uncertainties, knowing that His love and purpose prevail. Reflection Questions:
In James 4:15, we are encouraged to introduce humility into our plans by saying, “If the Lord wills.” This small phrase has significant implications, reminding us that God is the ultimate determiner of our paths. Embracing the “if the Lord wills” mindset shifts our focus from self-reliance to humble dependence…
James compares our lives to a mist, fleeting and transient. This analogy challenges our tendency to boast in our achievements, reminding us of our limited time on earth. As you reflect on the brevity of life, consider how you can live with a deeper sense of purpose and reliance on…
In the pursuit of our ambitions and aspirations, it’s easy to forget the fragility of our plans. The story of Colman Mockler serves as a stark reminder that despite meticulous planning and apparent success, life can take unexpected turns. James urges us to recognize the inherent uncertainty in our lives…
If we exalt ourselves, we will be humbled. But if we humble ourselves before God and one another, it is God who will exalt us. That is exactly the opposite of what the world says. The world says exalt yourself and you will be exalted. But the truth is that…