Week 12 - James 5:13-20
MONDAY – 5:13 – Remember God in High and Low
In our lives, God may be the last person we think of to speak to, whether things are going well or terribly. In this verse, James reminds us to talk to God about what’s going on in our lives – whether it’s bad or good. It’s important to keep the communication flowing.
Questions for Thought:
- What is bothering you that you haven’t talked to God about yet?
- What is going well in your life that you haven’t thanked God for yet?
TUESDAY – 5:14-15 – Is Prayer just a Head Game?
Prayer is often thought of as psychological – that it makes us feel better, but it doesn’t really matter. This passage says that, on the contrary, prayer does matter – that it is effective and can lead to forgiven sin, healed bodies and restored souls. But it also says that prayer must be offered in faith – not treating God like a heavenly vending machine, but humbly trusting in God’s purpose. We are to give our requests while submitting to His authority, and leave the results to Him.
Questions for Thought:
- Do you believe in prayer’s power?
- If you do believe it, would your prayer life convince someone of that?
- How could God’s power, through prayer, release you from sin or sickness?
WEDNESDAY – 5:16 – Can you get spiritually sick?
When our bodies show signs or symptoms, of sickness, we make a medical appointment, see a medical professional and are given a diagnosis and some form of treatment for our problem. This verse is not saying that prayer is a “magic wand” for curing any spiritual or physical ailment. It does say that the prayer of a righteous person – someone who has gotten honest with God about their bad side – is powerful and effective.
In Matthew 9, Jesus heals a paralyzed man, but in the process, He asks the people which is more meaningful: to forgive sins, or heal physically. His point was that spiritual sickness is more important than physical – and James reminds us that forgiveness is available from God. Could it be that “clearing the air” with God – by getting honest about your failures - could lead to healing for You?
Question for Thought:
- Are you honest with God about your bad side?
- Application Tip: Ask God to show you blind spots of sin you didn’t even know you had. Admit what you’ve done and ask God to heal your spirit.
THURSDAY – 5:17-18 – God Can Hear Me
It can be easy to believe that, since the universe is so big and we are so small, that we don’t really matter to God. This passage talks about a man named Elijah, and his prayers to God about changing the weather. It reassures us that God, in fact, does hear and respond to prayer – even the prayer of just one person.
If you read a little bit about Elijah, you find out that he was not famous, rich or well-connected. He was just a man God chose to answer, for His glory. When Elijah reversed what he prayed for (please make it rain, please make it stop), God even changed His answer.
Questions for Thought:
1. How do your prayers change your life and the lives around you?
2. If you “prayed earnestly” for something, what would God do?
FRIDAY – 5:19-20 – Gossip or a Guide
We love gossip. It’s on magazines at the store, it flies on the golf course, at the office, the hair salon, and over the phone. We love to see somebody else do badly – because it makes our egos feel good!
This passage gives a reminder to us about what happens when we come alongside and help someone back on the right path. It reminds us that someone who’s brought back is “saved from death”, and that someone who guides a sinner back can help “cover over” a lifestyle of pain and error. Wouldn’t you rather have that legacy than for everyone to know you enjoy spreading their dirt?
Questions for Thought:
1. Who have you gossiped about that you could help instead?
2. Which would you rather be – a gossip or a guide?
