James 5

The rich are warned not to trust their riches to support them in the day when God brings them to judgment. Riches are not capable of purchasing favor with God. Those who suffer now should patiently bear under such trials; God is the Supreme Judge and will make a correct evaluation at the last reckoning. Prayer is stressed as vital to the life of the believer. Great things are accomplished through the avenue of prayer.

James 4

Controversy arises when folks seek their own well-being instead of the well-being of others. When these conflicting interests collide, disputes, battles and wars result. God, however, is pleased to show grace to those who put others first - the humble. All of life should be lived with God's plans in mind.

James 3

The one who follows Jesus will find one problematic element in his life that keeps him from being as effective and productive as he would like to be: his tongue. The tongue, such a small anatomical member, can be used for great help and tremendous disaster. The one who carefully keeps a guard on his words will prove to be wise indeed.

James 2

Following Jesus means evaluating people as He does. God shows no partiality; in fact, He chooses the ones that others would see as meaningless and expendable to be the ones in whom He most magnificently displays His glory. We follow His example when we show the same love we give ourselves to our neighbor. Truly, just saying we follow Jesus is not enough; there must be actions that bear out our verbal acknowledgment. Verbal assent is good, as far as it goes, and it is that much more impacting when displayed through transformed actions of service and love.

James 1

James, the first book of the New Testament to be written, addresses an issue that has been ever present in the church - testing and trials. James writes to be thankful for such afflictions, as they present opportunity for character to be developed. God will generously provide wisdom to those who ask for assistance in times of testing so that the follower of Christ can be stable in turbulent times. Those who endure temptations are promised rewards for their labors. James quickly reminds his readers that God is not the creator of temptation. Every gift He gives is good and perfect due to the simple fact that He is the Originator of the gift. Our response is to be obedient to His commands and directions, allowing the Holy Spirit to change us into the likeness of Jesus, the Christ who died for us.

Hebrews 13

The fact that Jesus is superior must have implications on the way one lives presently. His superiority motivates unifying love, hospitality, purity in relationships, contentment and boldness. The superiority of Jesus as King prompts those who follow Him to pray for their earthly leaders in a way that might not seem possible otherwise. Jesus' superiority grounds one's belief in Truth and protects them from being mislead by error. Prayer is a vital part of the life affected by Jesus, for it is through His power that His followers find strength for their daily lives.

Hebrews 12

With so many examples set for us, we also should live in a way that demonstrates our faith in Jesus as superior to all others. He endured far more than any other will or can endure, and as God's children some discipline is expected as it eventually yields the rewards of a great inheritance. Those who follow Jesus with their lives must do so carefully, to experience life the way God intends it to be experienced. This is accomplished out of a reverent heart attitude; God removes all other baser motivations and purifies them with His holiness.