Esther is the only book of the Bible which never mentions The Lord. But He was obviously part of the story, and like many stories, God has things to teach us through it. The introduction to the book of Esther is letting us know that the king was very rich!
James finishes as abruptly as it started. No wasting of words or cordial greetings, just an urgency to tell us to do what Jesus is calling us to do. Remember that James was not speaking to pastors of established churches. He was writing to all of us who are believers.
The power of prayer is bigger than many of us realise or believe. There are two keys to success in the life of Elijah, he was a righteous man who prayed earnestly. The first reason that he was known as righteous was because he lived in communion with Father God.
If a pastor told you that an illness you suffered from was linked to sin how would you react? Most people feel judged, and accused, and yet Jesus healed many by simply forgiving their sins. Sin is an evil element in our lives, and it really can cause serious illness.
Please note that this verse does not say go to the doctor. The first thing we should do with sickness is pray. Too often in the body of Christ it is the last thing we do. We think the elders are too busy, or the sickness is not serious enough.
Many would consider it childish to be learning Bible verses as an adult, but it is the only way to fight the enemy. Knowing Bible verses is one thing, but speaking them out loud is quite another. Jesus quoted scripture when he was tempted by Satan, and so must we.
We must recognise who the enemy is. It is not a member of your family, neither is it your boss, your neighbour nor your pastor or your priest. Those people who bother you are being used by demons to frustrate believers. James tells us to resist satan and he will flee.
We pray and if we do not see immediate answers we think the Lord has forgotten us, or is refusing us. But no. He is teaching us perseverance. He is also waiting for us to be ready for the exciting things He has prepared for us in the future.
As one who is learning very slowly to let the Lord make plans for me, I can tell you that life is much more exciting than it was when I made my own plans. His plans are bigger, better, and a hundred percent more sure of being accomplished than ours.
There is no point in wearing the belt of truth and knowing that Jesus is Lord, if we do not walk in peace. We cannot expect the enemy to run from us if we are not carrying the shield of faith which will resist the fiery darts he throws us.
EN 
FR