James 5:1-6; Psalm 144

James 5:1-6
James continues his warnings in chapter 5. The particular warning is against placing our confidence in riches. In reality, riches and material possessions are worthless in light of eternity. We all know we "can't take it with us," but sometimes our actions don't match this knowledge. Of course, we all have material needs in this life, and God surely knows that, but we must not place our faith in them. It's possible that our economy could collapse, our country could be overtaken by enemies, or any number of so-called calamities could occur. This is not to scare or alarm us, but rather to remember that our faith must be in God alone.

The warning that we see here in the first verses of James 5 seems to be particularly to those people who have gained their riches by cheating or otherwise taking advantage of others. vv. 4-6  God always seems to be on the side of the helpless and downtrodden. It will not escape God's notice if we hoard money or exploit others. Rather, we should receive what God gives us with humility and thanksgiving, and we should be generous toward others.

Psalm 144
One way to look at Psalm 144 is to see it as a way to prepare for spiritual warfare.

• Let God train and equip you for the spiritual challenges you face. v. 1 We may not always recognize God's working in our lives especially when the lessons are hard. But we must remain faithful in prayer, studying His word, and serving along side other believers. In everything, we need an attitude of submission to God's working in our lives.
• Remember that we are helpless without the Lord. vv. 3-4 Sometimes we get an inflated view of our own importance. Here is what David says about that, "O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow."
• Let God fight the battle. vv. 5-8
• Praise the Lord when victory comes. vv. 9  "I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp."
• Thank the Lord for His blessings on your life and pray for your needs. vv. 10-15

                           Safety vv. 10-11
                           Family members v 12
                           Material needs vv. 13-14

"Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord." v. 15