As we conclude the book of James and as we finish out this portion in particular, may we be reminded of what we learned. James is possibly the first book written to believers after the Resurrection. As we read it displays like a book of proverbs and is a pastoral book. James is writing to the new "Christian," of how to live and how to stand in our faith.
As we conclude it, I am overwhelmed with the emotions that come through the thread of the book. Our walk is not an easy one- yet it is very deliberate, very purposeful and very rich indeed. Full of the grace and mercy which God so richly bestowed on us.
We are to walk worthy in every trial, in every circumstance seeing it all a joy. Not mard by or set of fire by our tongue; but allowing our mouths to be bearers of fruit- professing the hope that is within us to all who surround us- and that hope is Jesus Christ!
Is any among you...suffering-pray...cheerful-sing praise...sick-ask the elders for prayer. Prayer. Diligent prayer is being taught. In need pray- in joy worship- weary from the spiritual battle- go to the elders of your church and ask for them to pray. Confess sins that are keeping you from Christ. This moreso meaning not every single sin- but we can all probably have that nagging habitual sin that pops to mind- that feels we simply cannot conquer- when we fall, bring it to a sister of the faith and ask them to pray with you. (Or your spouse!)
I am reminded again and again how much I discount the power of prayer. I have been given the ability to communicate with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe...yet often that is my last resort. I try and do or solve or sob or eat chocolate or whatever feels most promising to ease the situation- yet so often I fail to be still before the Lord and pray.
James reminds us of Elijah...basically saying he was an ordinary man (a nature like ours) and his prayers were mighty in deed. "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
We should take heart and hope, even in these incredibly difficult, divisive, toxic, painful, uncertain troubled times that we are able to go to the throne of the Lord, that Jesus Christ goes before us as our mediator to the God of the Universe; and that our prayers are heard.
Friend, as we conclude, make we seek to be more like Jesus, may we turn more often to Jesus and may Jesus be enough.
***Look for blog updates in early November ( a prayer for the nation the first week of November) and then our advent study. Coming right after Thanksgiving.
Worship: Good to me
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