Sunday, September 20
Money
Speaker: Brian Fulton
“Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.” - James 1:9-11 (NLT)
Devotional
When James writes about the rich he almost certainly is referring to the Jerusalem elite. These would be the Sadducees and chief priests who live in indulgence and whose attitude toward God and His law is pragmatic. These elites had no room for a messiah who would take up the cause of the poor and cleanse the house of prayer. To them, Jesus was a threat that had to be eliminated, but you can’t eliminate what God resurrects. The resurrection proves that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. In the face of wickedness, the church is called to speak out against individual and systemic injustice that scorns and oppresses the poor.
Discussion
Most Americans are rich by worldly standards. How can we know when we’re guilty of living in luxury?
How can we know when we cross the line from prudent savings for the future versus ungodly hoarding?
Share or write down how your mind and body react when you read James 5:1-6.
Prayer
Spend a few minutes in silence reflecting on James’s words to the rich. Don’t assume too quickly that you are not a part of the rich category that James is referring to.
After, pray in response to all that has been shared thus far (asking, confession, praise to God for the way he opposes the strong in this world, etc.).
Practice
Daily Prayer Guide
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love heavenly things; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.