HIGH FIVE! (I am so happy… she said “I am going to church”)
James 5:7–12 is a powerful exhortation to patience, perseverance, and integrity in the face of suffering. It speaks directly to those who are enduring hardship—not with a shallow call to “just hang in there,” but with a deep, faith-rooted encouragement to wait on the Lord with steadfast hearts.
🌾 Key Themes and Significance
1. Patience Like a Farmer (vv. 7–8)
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…”
- Image of the farmer: Just as a farmer waits for rain and harvest, believers are called to wait for the Lord’s return with hope and trust.
- Spiritual lesson: Growth takes time. The “early and late rains” symbolize God’s perfect timing—something you, Kevin, have been reflecting on in your own journey of trust and restoration.
2. Guarding Our Hearts and Words (v. 9)
“Do not grumble against one another… the Judge is standing at the door.”
- Warning against bitterness: In seasons of stress, it’s easy to turn on each other. James reminds us that God sees our hearts and hears our words.
- Call to unity: This verse encourages grace and patience not just with circumstances, but with people.
3. The Prophets and Job as Examples (vv. 10–11)
“You have heard of the steadfastness of Job…”
- Prophets: They spoke truth and suffered for it. Yet they remained faithful.
- Job: A symbol of endurance through unimaginable loss. His story ends with restoration, showing that God is “compassionate and merciful.”
- This is a reminder that suffering is not the end of the story—God’s purpose is redemptive.
4. Integrity in Speech (v. 12)
“Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no…”
- Simplicity and honesty: James echoes Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:37), urging believers to speak truthfully without needing oaths or embellishment.
- Spiritual maturity: Integrity in speech reflects a heart aligned with God’s character.
💬 Why This Matters Today
- For anyone enduring trials—whether personal, relational, or spiritual—this passage offers a framework of hope.
- It reminds us that God sees, God cares, and God will act—but in His time.
- It also challenges us to respond with grace, speak with integrity, and stand firm in faith.
Would you like to reflect on how this passage might tie into your Toastmasters speech or your personal growth journey? It has rich connections to your themes of resilience, trust, and divine timing
NO… Can you give me an idea of how much plane tickets to Taiwan would cost?…
Flights to Taiwan from the U.S. can vary quite a bit depending on your departure city, travel dates, and whether you’re booking round-trip or one-way. Here’s a general idea of current prices:
✈️ Estimated Flight Costs to Taiwan (2025)
| Departure City | Destination (Taiwan) | Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Taipei (TPE) | Round-trip | $687–$743 | Nonstop and 1-stop options available |
| Seattle (SEA) | Taipei (TPE) | Round-trip | $581–$675 | 1-stop and nonstop options |
| New York (JFK) | Taipei (TPE) | Round-trip | ~$692 | Popular route, varies by season |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Kaohsiung (KHH) | Round-trip | ~$709 | 1-stop flights |
| One-way (various) | Taipei (TPE) | One-way | $317–$408 | Cheapest from West Coast |
🧳 Tips for Booking
- Best time to book: Prices tend to be lower if you book 2–3 months in advance.
- Cheapest months: September and November often have better deals.
- Airlines to watch: China Airlines, EVA Air, Asiana, and Delta frequently offer competitive fares.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
DO-N-GOOD.COM 