Category Archives: James

¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

James 5:17-18

The prayer of the righteous avails much. The example of Elijah is given to prove this point.

This great prophet was a human being who faltered and failed. And yet, God heard and answered his prayers. Elijah prayed one prayer to stop the rain and another to restart the showers. Even though He was like us, in both instances, God still heard and responded to the prophet.  

Pray, child of God. Believe, pray, and trust the Lord. The prayers of God’s people are effectual and powerful. Pray!

Tony French

¹² Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

James 5:12

Keep is simple. That advice, though well-worn, has stood the test of time. James implores us to say to avoid grandiose pronouncements and stick to plain speech.

The faithful gospel requires an understandable explanation. Christ lived for us, died for us, and was raised from the dead for us is what people need to know. Let us allow others to engage in fooling arguments and swearing oaths. Let’s keep it simple.

Let your yes be yes and your no be no, Child of God!

Tony French

¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:10

The Apostle’s command in verse 10 is simple and powerful—persevere. The people of God should persevere and not give up in their trek toward Heaven. The road will be long and the path will be hard. Nevertheless, the true Christian will continue with the Lord.

Job experienced the best and worst that life had to offer. Yet, he is commended in this verse for his patience through it all. This fruit of the Spirit is truly needed by Christians in our day. Be patient, dear Christian. It will be worth every mile and heartache when we see Jesus.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful.  Rely on His mercy each day, Child of God. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up!

Tony French

⁹ Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 

James 5:9

Do not complain child of God. Why? Let’s think about some reasons to be joyful today.

**God is on the throne

**The Lord has promised to provide (Philippians 4:19)

**Jesus has not changed (Hebrews 13:8)

**Jesus is always with us (Hebrews 13:5)

**Christian, your name is written in the book of life (Luke 10:20)

Let us rejoice and not complain!

Tony French

⁴ Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies. ⁵ You have lived for pleasure on the earth and lived luxuriously; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned and put to death the righteous person; he offers you no resistance.

James 5:4-6

God condemns those who oppress the poor. The workers were being deprived of their wages and James calls them to account in these verses. The Apostles message declares that the employer should treat the employees fairly and justly. Failure to do so brought disgrace on the gospel of Christ.

Pleasure and luxury are never to be the ultimate goal of the Believer. It is true that God may bless someone with wealth. However, the Christian with means should realize that they have been entrusted with wealthy in order to advance the Kingdom of God. The Believer should not be concerned primarily with their own kingdom. Instead, may all of God’s people focus on bringing people to Jesus no matter their station in this life.

Tony French