Patient & Prayerful

Ashland Church of Christ
Nov 10
4 min read

Updated: Nov 16

Guest Speaker: Collin Brennan

November 16, 2025

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Overview

Today marks a beautiful milestone as we prepare to celebrate our Rooted graduates. And even more exciting, Mat Sisti—one of our Rooted grads—will be baptized today! God is moving in big ways, and we praise Him for transformed lives.

This morning we close out our James series. Week by week, James has called us to a faith that isn’t theoretical but lived, a faith that has both feet on the ground. Today, the final theme rises like a steady sunrise over our souls: patience and prayerfulness.

The Psalmist gives us our starting place:

“Trust in the Lord, and do good… Befriend faithfulness…Commit your way to the Lord… Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:3–7

This posture frames everything James says in chapter 5: God sees, God acts, and God responds to the cries of His people.

A Call to Patience (James 5:7–11)

James draws our attention to the farmer, waiting for both early and late rains. Growth takes time. Fruit doesn’t ripen under pressure. So we steady our hearts and choose trust over grumbling. The Judge is near, the Lord is good, and His compassion is not rushed.

A Call to Prayer (James 5:13–18)

In every circumstance, prayer is our first language:

• Suffering? Pray.

• Cheerful? Sing praise.

• Sick? Call the elders and seek healing.

• Struggling with sin? Confess and find restoration.

James reminds us that Elijah, though a prophet, was made of the same flesh and bone as we are. His prayers shook the skies not because he was superhuman but because God is faithful.

A Call to Restoration (James 5:19–20)

The letter ends with a final charge: if someone wanders, go get them. Bring them back. Cover sin with grace. Fight for one another.

Application for Us Today

Practice patience in your trials: Trust God’s timing; guard your heart from grumbling.
Live a life of prayer: In joy and sorrow, private and corporate, let conversation with God be continual.
Restore and encourage others: Be an active part of the spiritual health of the church.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to wait without wavering, pray without ceasing, and love without hesitation. Make us patient. Make us prayerful. Make us faithful. Amen.

Invite a friend, share the link, and join us as we worship together and learn how to walk in the Spirit’s power. 💛

Follow the James series https://www.ashlandilchurchofchrist.com/announcements/tags/james

🌿 Next Sunday at Ashland Church of Christ 🌿

Collin Brennan

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Go Deeper

These Bible reading plans are more than just daily devotionals—they’re invitations to go deeper in your faith. Whether you’re exploring the wisdom of Proverbs, the bold challenge of James, or the redemptive story of Samson, each study is designed to draw you closer to the heart of God.

Take your next step:

Reflect with journal prompts
Talk it out in small group discussions
Pray through the lessons
Apply the truths to your everyday life

Don’t just read the Word—live it. Dive into one of these studies and let God transform your mind, strengthen your walk, and equip you to follow Jesus more faithfully.

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November

Cake mixes
Canned icing
Pudding mixes
Cookie mixes
Jello mixes

Always Need

PB&J
Mac N Cheese
Canned Veggies
Fruits
Cereal

🛒 Help Fill the Shelves — November Food Pantry Drive

Church family, this November we have an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a very real way. Because of the government shutdown, many families in our community are struggling — federal employees are without pay, and SNAP benefits have been temporarily suspended. For some, that means empty cupboards and empty plates.

The food pantry is stepping up to help, but we need your help to meet the increased demand. Please consider giving a little extra this month — canned goods, boxed meals, toiletries, or financial gifts. Every item you bring is a reminder to someone that God sees them, loves them, and provides through His people.