As we start another new year, we take time to read and think about the book of James. It is always good to read books in scripture and understand what we are being taught through their themes as well as in the detail of each verse. Over the next three weeks we will be exploring this letter written by Jesus’ brother.
Each reading is taken from the YouVersion Bible App reading plan. You can download the app here and follow a short devotion attached to each reading. https://www.bible.com/
- What does this passage teach me about God’s character and nature?
- What does this passage teach me about humanity and myself?
- What is God revealing about his presence and work in my life right now?
| Monday | James 4:1-6 |
| Tuesday | James 4: 7-12 |
| Wednesday | James 4: 13-17 |
| Thursday | James 5: 1-6 |
| Friday | James 5:7-9 |
| Saturday | James 5:10-12 |
| Sunday | James 5: 13-20 |
Let’s Pray
As we look at world in which the old certainties are being shaken to the very core, once dependable allies can no longer be depended on, nations that once sought to uphold the principles of international law and democracy now act alone and outside the law.
The old institutions we once looked to for comfort and support don’t seem to be able to help as they once did. A health service once the envy of the world now struggling to care for even the most vulnerable in society. A church once thought to be a pillar of compassion and defender of the poor now under police investigation.
Could it be that we have been placing our hope and our confidence in the wrong place. Have we sought to find peace in strong military alliances, only for that hope to be shattered. Have we placed our hope in a church instead of the one who is the head of the church? Have we been turning to manmade gods instead of God?
Psalm 115 reminds us that the gods we make for ourselves are mute, deaf and silent. The psalmist calls us to put our trust not in gods, not in nations, not in institutions, not even in the church but in the Lord, because it is only him who can bless us, he alone is God.
Take time this week to reflect on how God alone is worthy of our trust and seek to lean on him through whatever this week may bring.