James - Faith endures awaiting Christ's Return

James 5 v 1-6 is a warning to the rich and I believe its because when you have plenty, or financial security, you rely on that and not on Christ!

James 5 v 7-12:
Vs 7:  Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain


Vs 8:  You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Because of our faith in Christ, we are to be patient while waiting for His return.

• We are not to grumble against one another (vs 9)
• Look at the prophets as examples of enduring whilst waiting in faith (vs 10)
• Count ourselves blessed when we have endured, pushed through (vs 11).  The bible uses Job here as an example of endurance and how it all turns out for Job in the end.

Vs 12 tells us that our 'yes' should be our 'yes' and our 'no' should be our 'no'.  Basically, be people of integrity.  If you live like this, you will become known as trustworthy, someone people can trust with their hurts and concerns.  Someone with integrity!

So, for me, this slice of scripture tells me that if I have faith in Christ, I will patiently endure what life throws at me, knowing Christ will return, and to live with integrity while, well... living!

I hope this is an encouragement to you to exercise your faith by being patient and living with integrity.  Not easy, but God is our strength.

God bless
Tracy

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