Patience in Suffering (James 5:7-12 ESV)7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be ju...  Read More

Sometimes we say things like, “I don’t know what tomorrow may bring.” The problem is that we don’t often keep this in mind as we go about our day. We fill our schedules with plans and appointments, we make checklists, and we live by our calendars. Come into my office and you’ll find loads of Post-It Notes with things to do. If you saw my phone, you’d see that our family shares at least 2-3 Google ...  Read More

With a title like this, you might think that we’re unpacking Tolstoy’s novel, but that’s not actually the case. As we turn our attention to James 4:1-12, there is little doubt that it feels like we could camp within this text for the next couple of weeks. That’s because it can feel like verses 1-3, 4-6, or 7-10, or 11-12 are all separate and different from each other, with different themes. But if...  Read More

Over the years I have met people with wealth who have seen it as a privilege and responsibility. People have used it to give back to God and to bless others. They live with an eye toward eternity. At the same time, I have met people for whom it is a vehicle to indulge in their own selfish pursuits and to hoard it for themselves. They live with an eye for the here and now.In James 5:1-6, it is appa...  Read More

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17Many of us are familiar with the story of King Solomon, who in 1 Kings 3 was told by God that he could ask for anything he wanted, and he would receive it. Instead of asking for a long life, riches, popularity, or power like many o...  Read More

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though...  Read More