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Good morning friends, I hope you had a great weekend.
Today is Monday May 20 and we’re reading the final chapter of James’ letter to the first generation of Christians across the Roman Empire.
From the earliest days there have been wealthy people and poor people and those in between, in every society of the world.
Jesus spoke quite a bit about money. James begins his 5th chapter writing about some of the dangers of wealth misused, wealth mismanaged; and wealth gained through injustice or taking advantage of others.
It’s important we not conclude God is opposed to wealth, He’s not! One of the great miracles of the global church is how God has provided for the financial needs of His people all around the world for centuries.
As with so many things, the key regarding wealth is attitudes of the heart. May I ask… what have you learned about wealth from God’s perspective? What did you learn as a child as you watched your parents and other adults manage finances? What about the churches you’ve been part of in your life, what did you learn from how those churches handled money?
Deuteronomy 8 and Matthew 6 are two great chapters in which God makes it clear that He understands how the world functions economically. Food, clothing, shelter, transportation…just about everything in life requires finances. In every generation God cautions His people to see financial resources as ultimately coming from Him, for the care of our daily needs and the accomplishment of His purposes in our world.
Do you really believe everything you have God has blessed you with… and He will hold you accountable for how you steward His resources? Do you understand the value God places on generosity and wise stewardship? May I ask, what fiscal legacy are you building? How have your attitudes towards and reputation regarding money pointed people who know you, to God?
James closes his little letter with a call to understand the privilege and power of Prayer. Prayer…the act of communicating with God has been a part of every religious system from the beginning. Where-ever you go in the world… religious & spiritual people seek to communicate with what or who they worship.
For Christians, direct access to and conversation with Almighty God is a treasure, which Jesus earned for us by His death & resurrection. Consider this: in any language known to mankind; from anyplace where human beings are found; at anytime day or night. . .God is available to us through what we call prayer… because of Jesus!
I wonder what some of your favorite Scripture promises are about the reality and wonder of prayer. How about Philippians 4:4-8 or Hebrews 4:14-16 & 10:19-23? Or maybe the Psalms? I wonder what great experiences, even miracles you’ve had with God in prayer? James ends his letter with one more powerful challenge…“the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16).
In our 150 day journey together I hope you and I experience great growth in our prayer life. . .I invite us to begin today. Before you read the chapter pray, asking the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart to what He wants to say to you. If something strikes you as you read, stop and ask God what He wants to teach you, how He wants to change you. When finished reading, pray, asking God to help you live His truth.
OK friends… it’s Monday, first day of a busy week… let’s step into this week with a Godly perspective on money & wealth, and a deep respect for the privilege and power of prayer…and whatever else Jesus wants to show you in James 5!
It’s a privilege to be on the journey with you. . .
Pastor Doug Anderson 262.441.8785
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)
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