Todat we read James 5. James has been calling sinners to repentance, and here he exhorts the entire congregation to do the same. No aspect of our lives is private, only between “me and God.” We hide behind facades of perfection, but sin and its consequences pervade every aspect of our lives. Left on our own, we would perish. But our Lord has given us a community of fellow saints to hear our confession, pray for our needs, and restore us when we err. We hear His Gospel from them. God continuously sends into our lives those who pray for us, sing praise with us, and speak God’s words of forgiveness to us. As His people, healed in body and soul, we may approach His throne of grace with confidence. • I place my life into Your hands, Lord. Save me, heal me, and use my voice to praise You, to pray for my brothers and sisters, and to speak Your forgiving Word. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10791-10792). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10791-10792). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read James 4. Like James’s first readers, we strive to be self-sufficient and to develop detailed plans for our lives. Planning can be good stewardship, but not if our plans crowd out the things God would have us do. James reminds us to seek what “the Lord wills.” This simple statement is a confession of faith and shows confidence in the Lord’s care for us. Time and again, He has shown His fatherly, divine goodness and mercy toward us. He has given us life by His Son, Jesus Christ. Now, freed from seeking our own needs, we serve others. • Thank You, Lord, for the gift of each day. Help me to see each one as guided by Your care and lived for Your glory. Through me, bless my family, my co-workers and neighbors, and all the world. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10786-10787). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read James 3. There are only two ways to live: by the “wisdom” of the world or by God’s wisdom. James condemns the worldly pattern of selfishness, deception, hurtful words, and other evil behaviors. Christians, too, struggle with such sins and are even tempted to present themselves as holier than others. How different is the wisdom of God! He has purified us in Christ and freed us from the stain of the world. We now walk in the works He has prepared for us to do. • O Lord, purify me so that my words may uplift, strengthen, bring peace where there is strife, and bring sincerity where there is falsehood. Use my lips to speak Your glory, to tell of Your wonderful deeds, and to proclaim Your salvation. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10783). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read James 2. James discusses a false understanding of faith: mere knowledge that has no application or effect on the one who has it. This faulty understanding is just as wrong as the opposite error: focusing on actions alone apart from faith in Christ. True faith and its response of true good works cannot be separated. Works naturally follow faith. God has given us a great gift—through Christ Jesus, He has forgiven us and declared us righteous and holy. He now blesses us by calling us to serve Him in the lives of those around us. A living faith leads us to gladly share with others what we have freely received in Christ. • By Your Spirit, grant me true faith, Lord, that Your name might be glorified through me. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10780). (Function). Kindle Edition.