One of the joys in my life is reading Scripture every day with my oldest brother. I know that I have shared this before, but this year we are reading the book of James. Yes. We reading a chapter a day and start over every few days.
The book of James is one of the most difficult and one of the most important books of the Bible. It gives us ways to apply our faith and reminds us that without applying our faith that we are empty, and in reality our faith is useless and empty. An old song I remember says it pretty well; it says “faith without works is as useless as a screen door on a submarine”. If you don’t get that, give it some time.
Today we read James 5. A couple of verses are the normal ones that stick out, but there is another that needed me to spend a few more minutes. Oh, this is so good.
James 5:15-18 CSB
The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. 17 Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.
I have read and think about and even share verse 16 many times. But the next two verses not so much. It is Elijah. You can go study him and why he prayed for no rain. He was a prophet and a great man. But his prayers are like yours and mine. He prayed. We pray.
Watch and pray. Jesus said that to His disciples. We should pray and watch what God does because He still answers prayers as He works. That is what verses 17 and 18 are saying. Believe God. Keep on praying.
Just apply what God says. Another verse in my reading makes this even more applicable to us. Think…
Jeremiah 15:16 CSB
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, Lord God of Armies.
As James reminds us, apply Scripture. Jeremiah said eat it. And God makes these word be delightful to us and give us joy. Oh my. I want that.
So, keep on praying. Keep on applying Scripture. Strengthen your hearts!
James 5:8 CSB
You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
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