Blog | Harvest Community Church, Mesa Arizona

Wrapped up our Pivotal Series yesterday with a great morning. I hope that you have all enjoyed the time we have spent in the book of James. Yesterday we spent our time talking about how our faith gets played out in our words. Instead of my normal Monday morning rants I thought I would post some extra Bible passages I came across in my study James 3. Enjoy…

Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21)

There is one whose rash words are like swords thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Prov.12:18)

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and defiles a person. (Matt.15:18)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that give grace to those who hear. (Eph. 4:29)

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. (Matt. 12:36)

Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Prov. 16:24)

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (Col. 3:8)

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Prov. 21:23)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (Rom. 12:14)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov. 15:1)

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Prov.29:20)

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Prov. 18:13)

These verses are a sobering reminder of the power that sits in the tongue.  Ponder them this week and consider speaking life into someone this week by inviting them to join you this week at Harvest.  See you Sunday.

There is power in Prayer.

James has been taking us on a journey of faith and what living real faith looks like. Part of living our faith in Jesus is believing in the power of prayer. In this short 5 verse section of chapter 5, James gives us some instruction of prayer as a believer. First he shares with us three times we should pray.

1. Pray in troubled times “Is any of you suffering? Then he must pray” (v. 13)

2. Pray in Happiness “Is anyone cheerful? Then he must pray” (v. 13)

3. Pray in Sickness “Is anyone among you sick?” (v. 14)

Three examples of when we should be praying as believers. Part praying as believers is coming before our Almighty God and offering that prayer in faith. James tells that when we offer our prayers up in faith we get results.

“and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.”

I know that verse may be hard to swallow for some. Perhaps you have a loved on who is sick, or maybe you are hurting and you have committed everything you have to prayer and coming before God full of faith. And yet nothing seems to be changing, they’re still sick and you are still hurting. All I can say is this, God has a plan. He is faithful to those who believe and have faith. We may not understand now but everything will be used to further His Kingdom and bring Him glory. James does give us hope in our prayers. He reminds us that “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (v. 16)

There is power in Prayer!

Please share with us when you have see or experience the power of prayer! God is amazing and does amazing things, share your story!