James 5

This week we will finish James, read an ENTIRE BOOK in one day, and begin our study of Hebrews. Your assignments for the week are: Monday - James 5, Tuesday - Philemon, Wednesday - Hebrews 1, Thursday - Hebrews 2, and Friday - Hebrews 3.

Chapter 5 of James' letter begins with a scathing indictment of the rich. Many of us may read that thinking, "Yeah James! You tell those rich people!" Friends, let me let you in on a little secret. If you are logging on to read these words, there is a better than average chance you are rich in the eyes of the rest of the world. If you have Internet and computer access and leisure time that allows you to sit and read (oh yes, and if you can read!), you are likely in the top 10 or 15% of the wealthiest people in the world. I can hear the whining now, and if you don't want to believe that it's ok with me. But did you know almost 65% of the worlds people are illiterate? 50% are malnourished? 75%+ live in substandard housing? 33% do not have access to safe water?

I am thinking of having all of my shirts silk screened with the words "FREE PRAYER _ JUST ASK". I have found that if I am at all willing I come across people every day that desire prayer! We have great power and authority as James points out, "Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16.

We are wealthy and blessed and powerful in the things of God! How will you carry that Good News today?