James 5

Today we read the last chapter of James. Tomorrow we will summarize what we have read, since it has taken me a little longer to read this than it should have.

Chapter 5 starts with an admonishment to use our riches wisely. Don't just store them up, because you can't take them with you. And don't just spend your wealth on yourself. Realize it is a gift from God to be used for the betterment of everyone. Don't let wealth harden your heart. Many of you may say, "No trouble here, I'm not wealthy." Does your family have a TV, computer, Internet, and car? Then compared to the world, you are wealthy. Use it wisely.

Finally, we have some more good advice:
- be patient. Especially when it comes to waiting for the Lord to return. I know there have been times when I just want the Lord to come & get us out of this messy world. Take a deep breath & wait. God does everything in His own perfect timing.
- Do not make promises. Simply let your yes be yes & your no by no.
- Are you:

• suffering? Pray.


• Happy? Sing.


• Sick? Have someone in authority pray over you. (Our prayer chain or altar ministry)

- Prayer is a powerful thing. Use it!

- Your church family is a powerful thing. Get involved with them!

In regard to reading the Scripture & prayer. We so often know what is good for us & why it is good for us. We can make resolutions. We can even come up with a plan for succeeding at our resolution. But we so often fail because we allow this plan to be option. If we don't feel like it, or something gets in the way, we push our plan to the side & never succeed. We just stay in the same place, unhappy & troubled. Don't allow your plans to be optional! Make them a requirement & hold yourself to it. A little bit of discipline will go a long way in making your life something worth while.