00:00Day 10, God's Choice, The Poor and Rich in Faith
00:07When I reflect on this passage, I'm reminded of the annual service mission trips that left
00:13a permanent mark on my heart. I always went ready to serve with open hands, whether assisting
00:19in vacation Bible school, distributing school supplies, or simply laughing, talking, and
00:25encouraging the women in the community. Yet, time after time, it was the very people we
00:31went to serve who poured joy back into me. By the world's standards they had so little,
00:36but their worship, gratitude, and sense of community overflowed with true richness.
00:42It always amazed me. How can communities with so few material resources be among the happiest
00:48places I've ever seen? The answer lies in what James is teaching us.
00:53God honors those who are poor in the eyes of the world, because their faith is not dependent
00:59on wealth or status. Their joy is not tied to possessions but to the presence of God and
01:06the strength of their community. They remind us that true riches are not in bank accounts
01:11but in belief, not in possessions but in perseverance, not in status but in surrender to God.
01:18James warns the church against showing favoritism to the wealthy while dishonoring
01:23the poor. It's a call to examine our hearts. Do we overlook those whom God himself has chosen
01:30to be rich in faith? Or do we, even unintentionally, give greater honor to those with influence,
01:37money, or status? Reflection. Do I recognize and value riches in faith
01:43more than material wealth? Who in my life has shown me what it means to be rich in faith despite
01:49having little? Application. This week, find one way to honor or uplift someone who is
01:56economically disadvantaged. It might be through advocacy, generosity, or simply by showing them
02:02the dignity and respect they deserve as beloved by God. Prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing
02:10the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of your kingdom. Forgive me when I value wealth, influence,
02:17or status above the treasure of faith. Open my eyes to see people as you see them. Help me honor those
02:24who are overlooked and learn from their faith, joy, and resilience. In Jesus' name, Amen.
02:30Amen.
