Scripture: James 5

Key points to ponder: 1) Those who are living in luxury by oppressing the poor will have to give an account at some point for their actions (vv. 1-6). 2) James is encouraging patience by being willing to delay gratification. 3) James is encouraging us to seek out help when we are either spiritually sick or physically sick (vv. 13-16). We are to confess our sins to one another. 4) James challenges us to see those Christians who are going wayward and to care enough to go seek them out and to bring them back. 

Challenging terms: Job (v. 11), is a man in the Old Testament and is who the book of Job is about. We confess our sins to other people as an act of humility, as a gesture to ask for help in being accountable, and to be assured by our brothers and sisters that in spite of our sins we indeed are forgiven through the cross. 

Questions: Which physical or spiritual ailment are you keeping to yourself rather than confiding in someone you trust so that you can receive prayer? What is stopping you?

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of Christian community. Thank you that we can sing and rejoice together, and thank you that we can hold each other up when we are struggling. 

Consider praying for God to give you boldness and humility to be honest about your weaknesses as well as to invite others in to pray for you.