The Prayer of Faith

 James 5:  13-20:  

"The Prayer of Faith"

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

The title of our last blog entry of the summer is so perfect.  "The Prayer of Faith"  To appeal with assurance to our Savior.  It is a great conclusion to James' challenging and comforting book.  I hope you will be as encouraged as I am through the last verses we will review this summer. 

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

This might be one of my favorite groups of scripture in James.  It warms my heart and soul to know that in each season there is an appropriate response.   Responses that remind once again, that our God answers prayer and is faithful.  We are the body.  We are the church.  We should pray for each other in times of trouble, sing together for joy in times of praise and thanksgiving, and fervently pray for each other when we are sick.  We should do all of these things with gratitude as shared in Colossians 3:16: "¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."  

I found the references to characteristics of the person presenting the prayer in verses 15 and 16 intriguing.  Verse 15 says that "Prayer offered in faith will make a sick person well- the Lord will raise them up!"  And in verse 16 ... "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed," and lastly, "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  Hopelessness is not an option for a follower of Christ.  When one confesses their sins, and has faith in Christ as their personal savior, their prayers are not only heard, but answered.  Just as it is written in John 9:31, "³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will." Our reassurance is solidified in Psalm 50:15,"15 call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." 

¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Verses 17 and 18 remind us that we, mere mortals, have access to the power of God.  If we pray earnestly, or seriously, our prayers will be answered.  God can and will do miraculous things as exhibited in Elijah's situation.  Can you imagine it not raining for three and 1/2 years?  Well, all of you in Texas may be thinking it is possible after these drought filled couple of years, but really- never a drop?  And then when the request was presented, a rain shower poured down from heaved that produced a harvest.  Believe God when He says He answers prayer.  And when you forget His faithfulness, open his Word and read account after account of His provision and answered prayers.  I can reflect over my short life and see many Elijah moments and in my minuscule life those times seemed as important as a 3 year drought.  Do you have a story of His provision for you?

¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Verse 19 is sometimes hard to live out.  When you see a brother or sister in Christ choosing the wrong path, it is often hard to go and confront them.  We consider that we may come across as being hypocritical or that we will be received with contempt.  This practice is so important as evidenced in the scriptures devoted to the task of keeping each other in communion with Christ.  Galatians 6:1 gives us guidance in how to hold another accountable..."6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."  As does Matthew 18:15 "15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."  And finally, 1 Peter 4:8, "⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."  As addressed in the above scriptures,  the meeting with a brother or sister in need of redirecting should be first and foremost be handled with true motivation from the Holy Spirit. It should also be done with caution, to protect oneself from temptation.  Lastly, it should occur in a private setting with the purpose being to restore the brother or sister in a gentle, loving way.  In doing so, if the brother or sister turns back to Christ they will be saved "from death."

Verse 19 reminds me of someone special in my life that has "found the truth."   And if she wanders from it- please direct her back!!  Just last week something breath taking happened at our house.  Our eldest daughter reserved her spot in Heaven.  :-)  I was out running errands and received a text from my husband that our daughter just accepted Christ as her Savior.  When I arrived home I received all of the beautiful details from my sweet husband.  Our eldest was peppering him with questions about good and evil.  Salvation and eternity.  My husband was impressed with her deep questions and answered them.  Before he could tuck her in for the night she said that she wanted to ask Jesus to live in her heart forever and for Jesus to forgive her for her sins.  Then she asked my husband to step out into the hall because she wanted some privacy with Jesus while she confessed and asked Him to save her... ;-)  He came back in after she called and talked with her more about her newly solidified salvation.  I can't think of a moment more precious in her beautiful life than this moment of deliverance.  As parents, we were beyond excited.  We know that this is the first step in her journey with Christ.   Today we had the opportunity to celebrate her salvation by baking a white cake to symbolize her purity (so appropriate for a girl who's name means purity already- she is fulfilling her God given destiny).  We invited one of her friends over to play and help us bake.  Unbeknownst to us- her little friend had asked Jesus in her heart this summer as well!  What a sweet time of celebration we had today.  It gives a new meaning to the phrase "best friends forever."  

Girls, this summer has been so quick, but very purposeful.  God has used this season to create in me more self discipline and has poured into me more knowledge in His truth.  Self discipline and biblical knowledge are two things that I strongly desired and prayed for in the Spring.  God delivers... :-)  I am so grateful that many of you have read, studied, and prayed.  God speaks to those who listen and seek Him.  Thank you for your obedience in doing so...  Thank you also for encouraging me and cheering me on when I have felt stumped, slowed, or empty.  God has filled my vessel and it is overflowing.  His blessings are immense- I am so humbled and grateful.  

To those of you that are local:  I invite you to join us at Soul Sisters at Valley Creek church this fall.  You can find more information about this bible study that reaches all ages and backgrounds of women from various denominations at http://valleycreek.org/ministries/women-soul-sisters/.  The first meeting will be the second week in September.  Looking forward to connecting with many of you then!

Until next summer...many blessings to you!

In Him,

M

Patience in Suffering

James 5:7-12

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.   The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.   All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

This week's verses focus on God's faithfulness and our need for patient, perseverance.  James 5:7-12 has strengthened my faith and reminded me of God's abundant power and mercy.  Let's dive in...

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Verse 7 calls us to be even tempered with our "brothers and sisters" (other believers) until the Lord comes back.  The example given is a farmer that is patient for his land to yield its crop.  He prays for God to bless his efforts when he harvests the crops in the autumn.  He prays for rain in the spring to bring nourishment to his bounty.  To reap the reward for his labor.  Just as it is written in Joel 2:23, "23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before."  The Lord is faithful- be patient.

In verse 8 James warns us to be patient and not waiver in our faith because His presence is imminent.  Likewise it is shared in Luke 21:19, "19 Stand firm, and you will win life."  In verse 9 James says not to quarrel with one another because there will be consequences for our sinful behavior.  That time is near.

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Verses 10 and 11 remind of us of the testimony of the prophets, namely Job.  If you have not read the book of Job I encourage you to do so...Satan comes to the Lord and challenges that Job will not be a loyal servant.  God agrees to test Job, contending that he is loyal.  Satan takes everything away from Job- hundreds of livestock, 10 children, servants, etc.  He was very wealthy.  Job worships the Lord.  Then Satan strickens him with sores all over his body and fever.  He is miserable and naked.  Everything has been stripped from him.  In his misery he gives God all glory and honor.  God comes to his aid and blesses him.  God gives him way more than he had before (Job 42:10-12).  He gives him 10 more children, thousands of livestock, and 140 years of full life.  Job was patient.  He suffered greatly.  He preserved and was blessed.  The Lord was full of mercy to him who called upon His name as the Almighty. 

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
In the last verse we are called to, above all, not "swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else."  We are not to say things like "I swear on my life that this is true," etc.  Because after all, who are we to have control over our own life or anything else?  We have no right to swear- to claim that we are more powerful than the Living God.  God is sovereign.  Mathew 5:34-37 puts it this way, "34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."  If we act like we are in a sense god, we will be condemned for it.

I am looking forward to studying James 5:13-20 with you all next week.  I can't believe it will be the last entry of the summer!  This summer has flown by! 

Blessings,

M

Warning to Rich Oppressors

James 5:  1-6

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

This segment of scripture gives a warning to the rich.  It is a stern warning to those whose wealth is based in greed and selfishness.  1 Timothy 6:9 further describes this mentality, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."  The above verses do not say that being wealthy in and of itself is bad- it is the paradigm in which you see your wealth, or the condition of your wealth and ultimately the heart, that can be sinful. 

Verse 2 speaks to the result of greed and selfishness.  The materials the "rich people" hoard are rotting and disintegrating because their wealth is sitting in its stingy shelter.  This rotting pile exemplifies the idolatry of self and focus of materialism from its owner.   The decay is evidence that everything on Earth is temporary and will eventually be destroyed.  Mathew 6:19-21 confirms this idea- "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Where do your treasure and heart reside?

In verse 3 James indicates that the "rich people" have gathered and stored their wealth in their "last days."  What do you think he meant by their "last days"?  Do any of us know when our last days will be?  As far as I am aware, my last days are any day after today.  Their treasures were stored for good- intended to be stockpiled until they expired.  At which point they may have been completely worthless to those in need because they would have been so damaged from idleness. 

Verse 4 shows that the "rich people" have been so self seeking that they did not even pay workers the money owed to them for their labor.  The "cries of the harvesters" brings a clear mental picture to me...  The laborers in the fields working day and night with sweat on their brow.  Then at the time of harvest- the time they should reap their reward for their labor, they receive nothing.  Not because the money was not available to be paid to them, but because the land owner is so self indulgent that he would rather withhold compensation than pay the people that harvested his fields.  Jeremiah 22:13 and many other verses in the Bible discuss the consequence of not paying people for their work. 13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor."  The consequence of this behavior is great.   The money in the land owner's pocket is not his to keep anyway, it belongs to God.  

Verse 5 sums it up..."you have fattened yourself for the day of slaughter."  What do you think James means by "the day of slaughter."  Judgement day...the day in which all people will sit before the Lord Almighty- fat and full of gluttony.  Just like a fattened cow- at which point it would be ready for slaughter and to be devoured.  Verse 6 states "You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you."  You have been so selfish and have taken advantage of the people who have not even acted against you...

The stockpile of wealth described in these verses is a testament of how the wealth these people had was not used to bring Glory to God.  If you believe that everything comes from God, including your wealth, it should be easy to use it in and for His name.  Generosity should be the point to the accumulation of wealth so that the money can be circulated to various needs.  Much can flow through the storehouses to help those in need.  As the wealth comes in and goes back out it will be in good condition- not rotted or corroded because of lack of use.  It's condition will be a testament of generosity, not of greed.

Blessings,

M

2 Entries for the Price of One

Hey Girls:
2 Entries for the price of one next week!  Looking forward to sharing the great stuff that God has for us with you...

Hope you all are having a great week!

M