James (W10D3) Cheater, Cheater

Week 10. Wednesday: Cheater, Cheater

PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.

READ: James 5

4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words

1. Begin by underlining nouns with a single line, double underline verbs, and circle descriptive words.

2. Make a list of the keys words/phrases and think about what they mean.

Snapshot: Imagine this. An extremely wealthy landowner hires someone to mow their fields. They agree to pay them a certain wage at the end of each day. The worker is dependent on the money each day to feed his family. But the rich boss becomes so wrapped up in enjoying his life he completely forgets to pay his employee. Can you imagine getting so wrapped up in what you have that you cheat people around you? This is the 2nd warning issued to the church about the love of money. We would all like to say that we would not. However, at times the drive to get what we want causes us to completely ignore the needs of others to the point we take advantage of people closest to us. The more discontent you become the more tempted you become to put money ahead of people.

APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?

What are some ways you have cheated others? Is it possible to cheat others without realizing you are doing it?

Read Matthew 7:12. How does this verse help you think more about treating others fairly?

Challenge: Begin to take note of the times you become discontent. When it happens instead of looking to get more stuff what if you asked, “What is something I could do for someone else?”

PRAY: Ask God to reveal to you areas where a focus on yourself has caused you to miss the needs of others or even caused you to cheat others for your own gain.