Archives for 2025

Book of James

Chapter 5

“ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (5:8)

A Warning to the Rich

James 5 serves as a powerful reminder that true riches come not from material wealth but from a life lived in righteousness, patience, prayer, and care for others. It underscores that, regardless of our circumstances, we should turn to prayer, trust in the power of confession and forgiveness, and help restore those who have lost their way.

Warning to the Rich (James 5:1-6)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

James issues a stern warning to rich people who have misused their wealth and exploited others. Their wealth will rot and become a testimony against them on the Judgment Day.

Patience in Suffering (James 5:7-11)

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

James encourages believers to be patient in their sufferings, just as a farmer waits for his crop to yield. He draws examples from the prophets and Job, who showed perseverance in their trials.

The Power of Truthful Speech (James 5:12)

12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

James advises against swearing oaths but encourages straightforward honesty, letting yes be yes and no be no.

The Power of Prayer (James 5:13-18)

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

James underscores the importance of prayer in various situations, whether one is in trouble, happy, or sick. He emphasizes that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, using Elijah’s prayer that affected the weather as an example.

Restoring the Erring One (James 5:19-20)

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

James concludes by urging believers to turn those who have strayed from the truth back to the right path. Whoever does so will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins.

James 5 serves as the concluding chapter of the Epistle of James in the New Testament, providing counsel on handling wealth, suffering, prayer, sickness, and sin. It brings in rich imagery and examples to underline the importance of living a righteous life, stressing the power of patience, prayer, and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

Warning to the Rich

James 5:1-6 warns the wealthy about the dangers of hoarding wealth and exploiting others. Come now, you rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you (James 5:1). This serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly riches and the importance of using wealth responsibly.

Patience in Suffering

Verses 7-11 encourage believers to be patient in the face of suffering, using the example of farmers waiting for their crops and the perseverance of Job. Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming (James 5:7). Patience is a virtue that reflects our trust in God’s timing.

The Power of Prayer

James 5:13-18 emphasizes the importance of prayer in all circumstances, whether in suffering, joy, or sickness. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail (James 5:16). Prayer is a powerful tool for healing and restoration.

Restoration of Sinners

The chapter concludes with a call to restore those who have wandered from the truth. Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins (James 5:20). This highlights the importance of community and accountability in the Christian faith.

Practical Applications

Evaluate your attitude towards wealth and possessions. Are you using them to honor God and help others?

Practice patience in your daily life, trusting in God’s perfect timing and plan for you.

Make prayer a central part of your life, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation.

Be proactive in reaching out to those who have strayed from the faith, offering love and support to guide them back to the truth.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of James

Chapter 5

“ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (5:8)

A Warning to the Rich

James 5 serves as a powerful reminder that true riches come not from material wealth but from a life lived in righteousness, patience, prayer, and care for others. It underscores that, regardless of our circumstances, we should turn to prayer, trust in the power of confession and forgiveness, and help restore those who have lost their way.

Patience in Suffering (James 5:7-11)

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

James encourages believers to be patient in their sufferings, just as a farmer waits for his crop to yield. He draws examples from the prophets and Job, who showed perseverance in their trials.

The Power of Truthful Speech (James 5:12)

12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

James advises against swearing oaths but encourages straightforward honesty, letting yes be yes and no be no.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of James

Chapter 5

“ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (5:8)

A Warning to the Rich

James 5 serves as a powerful reminder that true riches come not from material wealth but from a life lived in righteousness, patience, prayer, and care for others. It underscores that, regardless of our circumstances, we should turn to prayer, trust in the power of confession and forgiveness, and help restore those who have lost their way.

Warning to the Rich (James 5:1-6)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

James issues a stern warning to rich people who have misused their wealth and exploited others. Their wealth will rot and become a testimony against them on the Judgment Day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of James

Chapter 4

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (4:7)

A Warning against Pride

James 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God in overcoming internal conflict and worldliness. It calls believers to recognize their own imperfections, to refrain from judging others, and to approach life with a healthy understanding of its uncertainty. Through James’ teachings, we are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God, acknowledging His authority and expressing humility in all aspects of our lives.

The Presumption about Life’s Uncertainty (Verses 13-17)

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

James concludes the chapter by cautioning against arrogant presumptions about the future. Instead, he advises recognizing that life is uncertain and that all plans should be made acknowledging God’s will.

James 4 provides valuable insight into the pitfalls of worldliness and self-centered desires that often lead to conflicts. This chapter expounds on the dangers of aligning with the world, the importance of humbling oneself before God, the sin of judging others, and the presumption about the uncertainty of life. It calls Christians towards a lifestyle of humble obedience and reverence towards God, while rejecting worldly ways. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/james/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Book of James

Chapter 4

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (4:7)

A Warning against Pride

James 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God in overcoming internal conflict and worldliness. It calls believers to recognize their own imperfections, to refrain from judging others, and to approach life with a healthy understanding of its uncertainty. Through James’ teachings, we are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God, acknowledging His authority and expressing humility in all aspects of our lives.

Submission to God (Verses 7-10)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

In these verses, James provides a remedy to the issues previously outlined. He urges believers to submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, and purify their hearts. He also calls for mourning and weeping over sins, leading to a humility that results in exaltation by God.

The Sin of Judging Others (Verses 11-12)

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

James advises against speaking evil against or judging one’s brothers and sisters, emphasizing that judgement should be left to God – the Lawgiver and Judge. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/james/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Book of James

Chapter 4

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (4:7)

A Warning against Pride

James 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God in overcoming internal conflict and worldliness. It calls believers to recognize their own imperfections, to refrain from judging others, and to approach life with a healthy understanding of its uncertainty. Through James’ teachings, we are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God, acknowledging His authority and expressing humility in all aspects of our lives.

Conflicts and Disputes (Verses 1-3)

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

James begins by diagnosing the cause of disputes among Christians – uncontrolled desires that battle within. These desires lead to fighting and quarreling, as they are focused on fulfilling selfish wants rather than godly needs. He further criticizes their wrong motives when they pray, pointing out that their prayers aren’t answered because they ask with selfish intentions.

Worldliness and Enmity with God (Verses 4-6)

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?       6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James warns against friendship with the world, stating that it makes one an enemy of God. He quotes a proverb about God’s Spirit yearning jealously over us, and reminds that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Submission to God (Verses 7-10)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

In these verses, James provides a remedy to the issues previously outlined. He urges believers to submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, and purify their hearts. He also calls for mourning and weeping over sins, leading to a humility that results in exaltation by God.

The Sin of Judging Others (Verses 11-12)

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

James advises against speaking evil against or judging one’s brothers and sisters, emphasizing that judgement should be left to God – the Lawgiver and Judge.

The Presumption about Life’s Uncertainty (Verses 13-17)

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

James concludes the chapter by cautioning against arrogant presumptions about the future. Instead, he advises recognizing that life is uncertain and that all plans should be made acknowledging God’s will.

James 4 provides valuable insight into the pitfalls of worldliness and self-centered desires that often lead to conflicts. This chapter expounds on the dangers of aligning with the world, the importance of humbling oneself before God, the sin of judging others, and the presumption about the uncertainty of life. It calls Christians towards a lifestyle of humble obedience and reverence towards God, while rejecting worldly ways. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/james/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of James

Chapter 4

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (4:7)

A Warning against Pride

James 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God in overcoming internal conflict and worldliness. It calls believers to recognize their own imperfections, to refrain from judging others, and to approach life with a healthy understanding of its uncertainty. Through James’ teachings, we are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God, acknowledging His authority and expressing humility in all aspects of our lives.

Worldliness and Enmity with God (Verses 4-6)

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?       6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James warns against friendship with the world, stating that it makes one an enemy of God. He quotes a proverb about God’s Spirit yearning jealously over us, and reminds that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/james/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Book of James

Chapter 4

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (4:7)

A Warning against Pride

James 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God in overcoming internal conflict and worldliness. It calls believers to recognize their own imperfections, to refrain from judging others, and to approach life with a healthy understanding of its uncertainty. Through James’ teachings, we are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God, acknowledging His authority and expressing humility in all aspects of our lives.

Conflicts and Disputes (Verses 1-3)

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

James begins by diagnosing the cause of disputes among Christians – uncontrolled desires that battle within. These desires lead to fighting and quarreling, as they are focused on fulfilling selfish wants rather than godly needs. He further criticizes their wrong motives when they pray, pointing out that their prayers aren’t answered because they ask with selfish intentions.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Pithy Puritan gems on the Scriptures

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 
The Word of God is:
  a counselor to instruct you,
  a comforter to console you in your troubles,
  a light to guide you in the right path,
  a staff to support you in your trials, and
  a sword to defend you against all your enemies.

 The Scripture is the only standard by which we must measure each thought, word, and action!
  If anything agrees with it, then it is right.
      If anything disagrees with it, then it is wrong.

 William Tyndale:
God’s Word is the food of the soul. As the body is fed by food–so the soul is nourished by the Word.

 John Bunyan:
This book will keep you from sin–or sin will keep you from this book!

 Jeremiah Burroughs:
Every time you read the Word, you must remember that God is speaking to you!

 Thomas Watson:
All the wondrous privileges and promises of the saints, are found in the Word.

 Thomas Shepard:
The Scripture is the only safe and infallible guide to eternal life!

 John Flavel:
The Bible is a love letter, which God has sent to us.
Prayer is a love letter, which we send to Him.

 Thomas Brooks:
The Scriptures are the golden key that unlocks paradise to us!

 William Gurnall:
Scripture is the field in which Christ, the pearl of great price, is hidden!

 John Flavel:
A man without Scripture, is like a ship without a compass.

 Thomas Watson:
The Scripture is the steady anchor that holds us fast in the stormy sea of life, and the sure compass that guides us through the uncertain waters of this world.

 The Scripture is a spiritual magnifying glass, in which we behold:
  God’s infinite wisdom,
    His impeccable holiness,
      His wondrous goodness,
        and His unfathomable glory!

Grace Gems!

A treasury of ageless sovereign grace devotional writings!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of James

Chapter 3

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (3:8)

Taming the Tongue

James 3 provides an invaluable lesson on the power of the tongue and the significance of divine wisdom. It calls for introspection on how we use our words and challenges us to live a life that reflects true wisdom from above. It reaffirms that a peaceful, humble life, lived in sincere wisdom, yields righteousness. Our words and actions must align to reflect the divine wisdom that can only come from God.

True Wisdom and Understanding (James 3:13-18)

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James then moves on to discuss true wisdom and understanding, challenging his readers to show their wisdom by their good life and deeds done in humility. He contrasts the earthly wisdom, which is unspiritual and demonic, with the wisdom from above, characterized by being pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. He ends by stating that peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3, a vital part of the New Testament, provides profound teachings about the power of the tongue and the importance of divine wisdom. In his unique style, James addresses Christian believers and specifically teachers, highlighting the immense responsibility they carry due to the influence of their words. He further delves into the difference between heavenly and earthly wisdom, emphasizing how the former leads to peace and righteousness.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com