Our Highest Common Accomplishment

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He ACCOMPLISHED in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."  (Ephesians 3:8-13)

Our lowest common accomplishment, as miraculous and blessed as it is, is the new birth in Christ. Each in the body of Christ enters this way. We begin again so we may be "crucified with Christ". (Galatians 2:20) and learn how to accord ourselves to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is our reasonable service.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

Ask for Something Good this Christmas

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ASK WHAT YOU DESIRE, AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR YOU. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:1-8)

Ask the Father to show you how to abide in the true vine: His words, His pruning, more and more fruit of that vine! You will not be sorry, for His discipleship brings peace.

Rejoice!

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:1-11)

"Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For the praise if the upright is beautiful. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You."

(Psalm 33:1, 10-12, 22)

So enjoy this season, any season, IN the wisdom of God. He will show you how you are to proceed!

Called To Be Justified

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He CALLED, these He also JUSTIFIED; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, IT PLEASED GOD THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see YOUR CALLING, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE."

(1 Corinthians 1:18-29)

You see then, brethren, that you are justified as you are partaking of His calling: the message of the cross of Christ Jesus.

Let Your Laughter Be Turned

"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, 'The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously'? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' "

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:1-10)

We desire, lust, murder and covet; fight and war, and ask amiss. We must cleanse the hands that reach for anything other than what the Holy Spirit yearns to reveal to us. We must purify the double-minded heart to single-minded faith in Christ. Let the laughter of aimlessness be turned to the joy of the Lord!

No Man Can Tame the Tongue

"For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect (mature) man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things."

"See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and it set on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every king of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. BUT NO MAN CAN TAME THE TONGUE. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. My brethren, these things ought not be so." (James 3:2-10)

Now we see a reason for that spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit: "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."

(1 Corinthians 14:2)

"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself," (1 Corinthians 14:4) He builds himself on the Rock, which is Christ.

But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27) So, no man can tame the tongue but God, by His Spirit to our very tongue! We have to desire it and be willing to do it.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:17,18) No cursing of men: just what our Pilot desires.

Fear Destroys His Message

“So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’?  But YOU HAVE MADE IT a ‘den of thieves.’ "

"And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how THEY MIGHT DESTROY Him, for they FEARED Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching." (Mark 11:15-18)

Clearly the scribes and chief priests feared Him, for He was overturning what they had made. Their response was to destroy Him.

"Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John (the Baptist) had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said to them, 'Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is NOT OFFENDED BECAUSE OF ME." 
(Matthew 11:1-6)

This is the same John who recognized Jesus, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" Again the next day, "Behold the Lamb of God!"(John 1:27-37) What had happened? Even those closest followers of Jesus, when faced with questions regarding their fate, have to decide whether to turn from Him or continue with Him.

Jesus' answer? "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to THIS MOUNTAIN (that blocks or routes away from, rather than toward), 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:22-26)

Fear destroys the working of His message. Faith awakens, reminds and quickens His message in us.

Is this Your Confession of Faith?

Philippians 3:1-21

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all loss things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may KNOW Him and the power of His resurrection, and the FELLOWSHIP of His sufferings, being CONFORMED to His death, if, by any means, I may ATTAIN to the resurrection from the dead."

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Paul understands that he has not yet been perfected nor that he apprehended this apart from that which "Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." But, he knows the way and is sure of the path! He admonishes us to "join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern", because, "many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:... who set their mind on earthly things."

No matter what the carnal mind would suggest, the way to eternal life follows this example!
Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus: the hope of His calling; the cross of Christ; and believe. The Spirit of Christ will show you how to fellowship, conform and attain.

By the Hearing of Faith

"I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or BY THE HEARING OF FAITH? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or BY THE HEARING OF FAITH?---just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.' So then those who of faith are blessed with believing Abraham."

(Galatians 2:20,21-3:1-9)

The Old Testament is loaded with testimony of God's working of miracles for Abraham and the children of Israel. When Jesus Christ came, he preached the word of His Father AND He healed, delivered and produced provision: manifesting God's will to Israel (and others who pressed in to Him) supernaturally. He supplied the Spirit and worked miracles.

Paul writes the Galatians not to be deceived, but to understand that the Spirit of God in manifestation comes now through faith in Christ, and no other way. If you listen to the crowd of lawyers, who will be glad to say that God doesn't do that any more, you will have no manifestation of God's presence. They don't have it, have explained that absence away, and would be glad for you to join them--excluding you from God's complete, or perfect plan of salvation. Paul writes that 'the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God'-portraying Jesus Christ as crucified!

"By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh if of God" (1 John 4:2) You see that it is commanded that we confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!

Show Them by Your Works

"Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)

"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, 'Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' So they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not REVEALED this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will BUILD My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.' "

"Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. From that time Jesus began to SHOW to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get BEHIND Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.' "

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.' " 
(Matthew 16:13-27)

You will be able to find your testimony, to date, in these words of revelation and correction for righteousness.

Saving Your Soul in Latter Times

"Now the Spirit expressly (or explicitly) says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY TO THEM, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF and to the doctrine. CONTINUE IN THEM, for in doing this you will save both YOURSELF and THOSE WHO HEAR YOU." 
(1 Timothy 4:12-16)

Recognize the fact that Timothy is "a true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), an overseer of the Ephesian church, yet must continue in the doctrine of Christ for his own salvation. I would consider the "latter times" discussed a type and shadow of Christ's temptations noted as He approached the cross. Many people surrounded Him when He was teaching, healing and delivering but at the culmination of His testimony: the cross, just a few.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." 
(Matthew 7:13,14)

There are few who find it because they depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (of man) and doctrines of demons. They give heed because it appears more comfortable, gathering fellows accordingly. "Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ, BY the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope," (1 Timothy 1:1) sends this letter to son Timothy to remind him stand fast lest he fall in the challenges that will make or destroy the testimony of our Lord within him.

God Brings the Charge! Receive His Command

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things? Who shall bring a CHARGE against God's elect? It is God who justifies."(Romans 8:31-33)

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment (CHARGE) is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."
(1 Timothy 1:3-7)


"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (violently arrogant) man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. HOWEVER, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ MIGHT SHOW ALL LONGSUFFERING, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This CHARGE (commandment) I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by themyou may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:12-18)


This is the purpose of the commandment, or God's charge: blasphemy, persecution and violent arrogance against the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ, be refined out of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The salvation for sinners.

Esau: He Found No Place for Repentance

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears." (Hebrews 12:14-17)

Esau was the grandson of Abraham; a son of Isaac and Jacob's brother.

"The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. 'I have loved you,' says the Lord. 'Yet you say, ''' In what way have You loved us?''' 'Was not Esau Jacob's brother?' Says the Lord. 'Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.' "

"Even though Edom (the sons of Esau) has said, 'We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,' thus says the Lord of hosts: 'they may build, but I will throw down; they shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.' Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, '''The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.''' "

(Malachi 1:1-5)

Although raised around the testimony of living for God, Esau made a mockery of it by his embedding himself with other peoples and their gods. Much had been made available to him through his grandfather and father; his brother also a testimony.

"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

(Luke 12:47,48)

Surely, backing up all the way to Genesis, we see that Esau had been afforded every opportunity to walk the walk, but neglected it. Because he did, he was afforded no right to the blessing, no repentance was available to him. It is imperative that we pursue peace and holiness in the Lord, for our own and so others may see.

"See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they DID NOT ESCAPE who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more SHALL WE NOT ESCAPE if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven."

(Hebrews 12:25)

The Will of God for the Lord Jesus, and His Body

"Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You Had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come--in the volume of the book it is written of Me--to do Your will, O God.' Previously saying, 'Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law), then He said, 'Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." 

(Hebrews 10:5-10)

"But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 'For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul."  (Hebrews 10:32-39)

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, THROUGH the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work TO DO HIS WILL, WORKING IN YOU WHAT IS WELL PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you, brethren, BEAR WITH THE WORD OF EXHORTATION, for I have written to you in few words."  (Hebrews 13:20-22)

These bible references to the Hebrews should breath life into the word of faith for you: "If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9,10) Bear (all things) with this word of exhortation!

Take Heed to Yourselves, You His Disciples!

(Luke 17:1-6)

"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES. if your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, '''I repent,''' you shall forgive him.' "

"And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.' So the Lord said, 'If you have faith as a mustard seed, you CAN SAY TO THIS MULBERRY TREE, '''Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,''' and it would obey you.' " (My opinion: the mulberry tree represents sin unresolved and unforgiveness unresolved in His disciples hearts, which includes us, today.)

As you speak His words to this mulberry tree, you will notice when one sins against you, you will be able to rebuke him as Jesus would; if he repents, you will be able to forgive him as Jesus would; and when one sins against you seven times in a day and returns that many times, repenting, you will be able to forgive him. Right away you can begin this, overcoming over time. As you are committed in the saying of it, confessing His words, the Holy Spirit quickens you to walk in this just as Jesus did. You are now open to transformation in Him. When you fall in various trials, let Him show you how to rise up!

As These Abound, Ask of Him!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, BECAUSE WE KNOW that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death IN OURSELVES, that WE SHOULD NOT TRUST IN OURSELVES but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through the many."

(2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

I would say that many of us have found ourselves burdened this way, to one degree or another;
having partaken of the sufferings of this life OUTSIDE Christ, then receiving consolation in Christ. Suffering IN Christ is the feeling within indicative of "the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain". (Hebrews 12:27)

Having recognized the joy and peace in every revelation of His way, we recognize the burden as we are drawn closer. No flesh will glory in His presence! He plans to remove it from us!

The apostle John writes: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

(1 John 5:14,15)

When you are burdened, weak, maybe in despair, ask of Him; not for what you think but for what He knows is necessary! If you will, the burden will give way to life!

You Do Not Have (Yet) Because You Do Not Ask

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, NEITHER CAN YOU, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."

(John 15:1-8)

"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. YET YOU DO NOT HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses!" (James 4:1-4)

Ask for the Father's pruning so that you may bear the fruit of the true vine, Jesus Christ, glorifying the Father in discipleship with His Son. It cuts out the fruitlessness of your pleasures, that He will not honor, so that you may have that which endures: the fruit of righteousness in Christ Jesus. This is the way to cease striving for that which does not fulfill. God adds every good and perfect thing to you!

Take Pleasure to be a Pleasant Offering

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I TAKE PLEASURE in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you."
(2 Corinthians 13:4)

"But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like launderers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then the OFFERING of Judah and Jerusalem will be PLEASANT to the Lord, as in the days of old, as in former years." (Malachi 3:2-4)

There is no question those things Paul has agreed to take pleasure in will make one weak. The body of Christ becomes weak to be strong. We disqualify ourselves when, instead of being crucified in weakness and learning to take pleasure in the Lord in those instances, we voice our displeasure. He is faithful to provide strength when we agree to take pleasure, boasting in Him. We become a pleasant offering to God, by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Bridle Your Tongue to the Word of Faith

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not BRIDLE HIS TONGUE but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." (James 1:19-26)

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth BY THE WORD OF TRUTH, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."

(James 1:16-18)

"But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way,....."

(Romans 10:6)

"But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

(Romans 10:8-10)

Bridle your tongue to the perfect law of liberty (Romans 10:9,10), continuing in it so this confession is made unto salvation. It is enough! Nothing says it like those words (His words). The wrath of man, or sin in action, is brought to nothing by the word of faith, believing, in action.

In The Likeness

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:14,15)

"Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 'If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.' " (Luke 14:25-27)

"For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God." (Romans 2:28,29)

Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet committed no sin. Jesus requires disciples to bear their cross and follow Him. Do you see the crosses with believers upon them dotting the globe? He came in the likeness of sinful flesh. We bear, in the likeness of His cross, for circumcision of the heart.

Passover Fulfilled; Confession Made

"When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' ". (Luke 22:14-16)

"Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Peace to you.' But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.' When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, 'Have you any food here?' So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in there presence. Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." 
(Luke 24:36-45)

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus has come IN THE FLESH is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus has come IN THE FLESH is not of God. And this is the spirit of Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." (1 John 4:1-3)

Is it your understanding that simply THINKING that Jesus has come in the flesh will honor Him, or please God? Or, must this confession be made in those who think?

"Then He said to them, 'Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached IN HIS NAME to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.’ “ (Luke 24:46-48) Necessary for the Christ! Necessary for the Christian, the body of Christ, by the Promise of the Father upon and within.

The Days of Vengeance

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath UPON THIS PEOPLE. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captives into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near."
(Luke 21:20-28)

"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare ON ALL THOSE WHO DWELL on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

(Luke 21:34-36)

Jesus recognized "a certain poor widow" for she, out of her poverty put in the offering to God all the livelihood she had. (Luke 21:1-4) Pray the Lord that He show you how to become the offering!

“Let Us Walk by the Same Rule”

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; AND IF IN ANYTHING you think otherwise, God will reveal even THIS to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, LET US WALK BY THE SAME RULE, LET US BE OF THE SAME MIND." What rule? 

(Philippians 3:12-16)

"Brethren, JOIN IN following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." What pattern? (Philippians 3:17)

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. YET INDEED I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is THROUGH faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)

Other than Paul's "zeal" for persecution of the church, which of the things listed that he considered rubbish would be thought badly of? Yet as he followed the "rule" or "pattern", all those things he was "confident" in were removed for that which is vital: Christ. The rule/pattern removes those confidences in the flesh. Yet indeed we should understand and walk accordingly. If, in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you!

“Come, for All Things are Now Ready”

"Then He said to him, 'A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, '''Come, for all things are now ready.''' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, '''I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask that you have me excused.''' And another said, '''I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.'''

Still another said, '''I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.''' So that servant came and reported these things to the his master: Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, '''Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.''' And the servant said, '''Master, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.''' Then the master said to the servant, '''Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.''' ' "
(Luke 14:16-24)

Notice that each of those who made excuses had something more important to them than that great supper. I think you could say that they were devoted to other things than what was needful. Or were they 'asking to be excused' because they had an idea what those (all) things would entail? Jesus gave, at His last supper, words for His disciples to hold fast to: to eat the bread and drink the cup, worthily.

"Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 'If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it---lest, after he had laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:25-33)

You see how hard it was for that master to fill his house for that great supper! Many recognize the cost and ask, or decide, to be excused. How narrow is the gate? Only He, Jesus Christ, by the Father's Holy Spirit can show you through the word of faith!! The word of faith in Christ Jesus will empower to 'meet him who comes against' with twice as many, or more.

Leaven That Makes the Vessel for Honor

When we consider 'leaven', we remember that Jesus taught His disciples to 'Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.' (Luke 12:1)

"And again He said, 'To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.' "(Luke 13:20,21)

leaven- an element that produces an altering or transforming influence; to permeate with an altering or transforming element
(2 of 5 from WCD)

So, the process of leavening can be for good or bad, depending upon what 'element' we are permeated with. We see that the woman in the parable hides leaven in meal until all the meal is leavened- permeated with that good element.

"And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, 'Lord, are there few who are saved?' And He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door; and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where are you from,' then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.' "
(Luke 13:22-27)

So we strive to be leavened, or built, with that element which sanctifies completely (wholly), faith in Jesus Christ, believing in Him. We desire to be wholly, or completely built in Him.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may you whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24)

Ask, Seek and Knock for Bread, Day by Day

"And He said to them, 'Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, '''Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'''; and he will answer from within and say, ''' Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'''? I SAY TO YOU, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him ALL HE NEEDS."

"So I say to you, ask, and it (bread) will be given to you; seek, and you will find (bread); knock, and it (bread) will be opened to you. For whoever asks receives, and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" 

(Luke 11:5-15)

"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so He who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven---not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." 

(John 6:57,58)

So we see that the Holy Spirit is the entity that brings those good things, the bread, to the Church. Ask, seek and knock, day by day (Luke 11:3) for His bread. You will receive what He knows you need to hear!

The Mystery

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let Him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.' " (Matthew 16:24-27)

"When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, 'Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will SAVE it.' "(Mark 8:34,35) "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this sinful and adulterous generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."(Mark 8:38)

"Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will SAVE it.' "(Luke 9:23,24)

“But Jesus answered them, saying, 'The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.' " (John 12:23-26)

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ACCORDING TO THE ETERNAL PURPOSE WHICH HE ACCOMPLISHED IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:8-12)

Paul writes that "God, by revelation, made known to me (him) the mystery, by which, when you read, you may understand my (his) knowledge in the mystery of Christ." (Ephesians 3:3,4)

Paul understands the mystery because he was good ground for the seed of His words: a hearer and a doer! It is a mystery how one loses his life, for Christ's sake, to save it. But the Father will show you if you are willing to ask. 

“Master, Master, We Are Perishing!“

(Luke 8:22-25)

"Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.' And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!"

"Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' "

"And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, 'Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!' "

The centurion gave example, Jesus confirming, that great faith understands that Jesus Christ speaks by the authority (Luke 7:8-10) of God, the Father. He knew, if Jesus Christ speaks a word, it will be done. Jesus asking His disciples about their faith qualifies their doublemindedness. In jeopardy they did not perish, physically. What Jesus did, rebuking the winds and water, gave them the opportunity to relinquish the confidence of their experiences so confidence in Him, His words, could become complete. He does the same for us today. With "no variation or shadow of turning He brings us forth by His own will, by the word of truth". Jesus Christ speaks just the same today!

"Master, Master, we are perishing!" Yes, YOU are!

Bear Them Witness

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I BEAR THEM WITNESS that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

(Romans 10:1-3)

Paul was "concerning the law, a Pharisee", "concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" (Philippians 3:5,6). He understood what he was saying! Those of us who were born into the Gentile nations were never under the law for righteousness. The Gentile "law" is the wisdom of the world. Yet Paul was "made the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)" (2 Corinthians 5:21). He had been "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20) and "preached Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:23). He bore them witness, having been made (becoming) the righteousness of God in Him.

Are you called to a different gospel than Paul? So, bear them witness around you. Refine your search for wisdom, either Jew or Gentile, and bring the mountain of your pride down, and out into the plain!

This Mountain Shall Become a Plain

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts. 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel YOU SHALL BECOME A PLAIN! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" ' "(Zechariah 4:6,7)

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL BROUGHT LOW; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.' The voice said, 'Cry out!' " (Isaiah 40:3-6)

"Then the hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, 'Arise, GO OUT INTO THE PLAIN and there I shall talk with you.' So I arose and WENT OUT INTO THE PLAIN, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there,.." (Ezekiel 3:22,23)

"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree (see v.14) dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.' So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to THIS MOUNTAIN, '''Be removed and be cast into the sea,''' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be DONE (THIS MOUNTAIN BECOMES A PLAIN), he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.' "(Mark 11:20-24)

This "mountain" is your confidence in your might and power to accomplish what the Lord commands rather than confidently trusting in Him with shouts, from deep within, of  ‘Grace, grace to it!' Say to your confidence, that exalts itself above the knowledge of God; that trusts in your might and power:  'Be removed (in the name of Jesus Christ) and be cast into the sea!', and keep saying it. This mountain shall become a plain!

An Acceptable Offering, Sanctified by the Holy Spirit

“Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the OFFERING of the Gentiles might be ACCEPTABLE, SANCTIFIED by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:14-16)

"We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore LET US GO FORTH TO HIM, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore BY HIM let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:12-15)

"But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:8-10)

If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (His death on the cross) and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead  (He did not raise himself), you will be saved. If Jesus had not taught His disciples that those who come after Him must "deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24), then His charge to them/us could mean less than that. But, with His words to them, our service becomes clear!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (or rational) service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1,2)

The Word of Wisdom

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works ALL in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the WORD OF WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks WISDOM, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:1-8)

I would say that we should consider that the word of wisdom through the Spirit shows the believer how to proceed in that which the word of knowledge has revealed; the obedient action of faith. James reports that God does not give wisdom to those who doubt after having had the opportunity to receive this knowledge. Here, repentance is required to again consider the word of knowledge.

"For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, AND BEARS HERBS USEFUL for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned."(Hebrews 6:7,8)  So, the word of wisdom shows the believer how to proceed so that we may bear useful fruit, receiving blessing from God!

The Word of Knowledge

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb (mute, silent) idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are differences of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." 

(1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the KNOWLEDGE of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may KNOW what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." (Ephesians 1:15-21)

On occasion in charismatic ministries we hear that God had given an individual "a" word of knowledge. I do not contend with those activites. Although rarely do we hear that God had given "the" word of knowledge. "The" versus "a" has a 'specifying or particularizing effect as opposed to the indefinite or generalizing force' (WCD). The word of knowledge through the Holy Spirit awakens to His calling that we might practice righteousness in Him. It refines the Way to us so we may become complete in Him.

In It the Righteousness of God is Revealed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For IN IT the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.' "(Romans 1:16,17)

This week the calendar reminds us of Christ's last days: His discussion of communion for those who would follow, not betray, Him; His scourging and His crucifixion; His resurrection! So, after the calendar ceases to speak, what will the worshippers do?

..."if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made into salvation." (Romans 10:9,10)

confess- to reveal by circumstances (WCD)

In order to believe in YOUR heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you should believe in YOUR heart His death on the cross. "I have been crucified with Christ", Paul preaches; "it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me". IN THIS TRUTH the righteousness of God is revealed: not just over a four day span but daily throughout the year!

Your House is Left to You

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me again until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' " (Luke 13:34,35)

"For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." (2 Peter 2:20-22)

desolate - depopulate; to forsake or abandon (WCD)

There is the abomination of desolation, where the man of sin sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Satan's fate is sealed. None of those who follow him, purposefully or ignorantly, can possibly know what destruction awaits. If they did, they would not. But, your house is left to you! Allow God to dwell richly in His temple through the holy commandment, by the way of righteousness.

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 

(Revelation 19:10) Holy men of God live to bring this requirement to the churches. You will see Him, again and again, when you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

No Turning Back: Steadfast in the Faith

"We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."

"But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to hear from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you no being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain--- if indeed it was in vain?" (Galatians 2:15-21, 3:1-4)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is NO VARIATION NOR SHADOW OF TURNING. Of His own will He brought us forth BY the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
(James 1:17,18)

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and CONTINUES in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he DOES." (James 1:25)

Christ died in vain for the Jew whose righteousness remains in the law, and for the Gentile who lives according to the wisdom of the world. Both philosophies set aside the grace of God, which preaches Christ crucified.

Our Ministry of Righteousness

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handing the word of God deceitfully, but BY 

MANIFESTATION OF THE TRUTH commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel (Christ's gospel in them) is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 3:18-4:5)

"For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)

"always carrying about the in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." (2 Corinthians 4:10,11)

"And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what was written, 'I believed and therefore I spoke,' we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you." (2 Corinthians 4:13,14)

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:20,21)

I think so many would be helped, in Christ or outside, with the understanding and embrace of these words inspired by God. Understanding our calling brings comfort.

"And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation." (2 Corinthians 1:7)

Maintain These Good Works (Titus 2:11-3:15)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."


"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, SHOWING all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward men appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, striving about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned."


"When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. And let our people also learn to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."


We affirm by confession to maintain the good works which were accomplished by God our Savior, according to His mercy; according to the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He pours out abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; according to justification by His grace for the hope of eternal life. We accord ourselves with His accomplishment, through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Bringing to Age of Laborers (Philemon)

Paul writes a letter to Philemon, Apphia and Archippus. He thanks his God, making mention of these always in his prayers, having heard of their love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints.

Praying, Paul says, "that the sharing of your faith may BECOME effective by the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of every good thing which is in you (us) in Christ Jesus." (v.6)

Paul commends these for what they have already have done by what they understand, helping those of the church which is in their house. Refraining from the boldness of commanding, Paul appeals to them to receive one, Onesimus, whom he has begotten in his chains. He sends him back qualifying that he would bring to them "my own heart". Onesimus had been a slave, but now a beloved brother of Paul's and would be to them "in the Lord".

Paul informs that they should receive Onesimus as they would him. He concludes the letter with "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

(aged- brought to maturity or mellowness (1 of 6 in WCD))

I would say that Paul was getting ready to build upon their "love and faith" by witnessing to them what it means to be brought to maturity in Christ Jesus; to have, in their spirit, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Onesimus, who had been unprofitable to them became profitable to Paul regarding this witness. If they would receive him, they would recognize this grace which had made Onesimus a beloved brother to Paul.

Speaking Evil of the Way Leaves You Behind

"And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' So they said to him, 'We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said to them, 'Into what then were you baptized?' So they said, 'Into John's baptism.' Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they SHOULD BELIEVE on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.' When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.

"And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three 

months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the 

kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not

believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." (Acts 19:1-10)

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' " (John 14:1-6)

"See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom (also, 
by which) the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 
(Galatians 6:11-14)

“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16) The baptism of repentance turns you to Him. The baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus brings the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Him, so you may boast in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Walk accordingly and you will have peace and recognize His mercy.

Understanding the Mystery of Christ: According Yourself with God's Purpose

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ACCORDING TO the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence THROUGH faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory." (Ephesians 3:8-13)

As you know, the second word in the paragraph, me, is Paul. He revealed the mystery through his testimony: clearly portraying among the churches Jesus Christ crucified. Paul desires that the church testify in the same way: according oneself through faith in Christ.

according to- consistent with( WCD)

through- from the first to the final stage of; from beginning to end; to completion( WCD)

Paul refers to himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God"; not just IN God's will but BY God's will, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord! Prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are readied BY His will. These offices of ministry are for "the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all (according to and through) come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, MAY GROW UP IN ALL THINGS INTO HIM who is the head - Christ- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:12-16)

His Seed Remains

 "Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed REMAINS in him; and He cannot sin, because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:6-9)

"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mark 4:3-9)

Those in whom the seed remains had the opportunity to stand with those by the wayside, wondering and considering; they had the opportunity to wither when tribulation or persecution arose for the word's sake; they had the opportunity to be choked by worldly concerns and desires. Rather, in these, His seed was reinforced by the "breath of the Almighty (that) gives him understanding" (Job 32:8). They are birthed and made of God!

Wayside, stony, thorny ground are hearts that still receive the seed of destructive doctrines of Satan and men. Those doctrines work to deter/remove His seed from the heart of man.

Wisdom: How to Proceed in Faith

"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad:

Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, WHO GIVES TO ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, and it will be given to him. But let him ask IN FAITH, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For LET NOT THAT MAN SUPPOSE THAT HE WILL RECEIVE ANYTHING from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:1-8)

Liberally and without reproach or nothing more. What makes the difference in what we receive in order to proceed? Asking in faith, single-mindedly!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good TESTIMONY." (Hebrews 11:1,2)

" 'Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.' And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, 'Write: '''Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!''' ' And he said to me, 'These are the true sayings of God.' And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'See that 

you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren 
WHO HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS.' " 
(Revelation 19:7-10)

Let These Pray and Sing

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let HIM pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let HIM sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let THEM pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will lift him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:13-16)

Notice that James did not direct those who were suffering or cheerful to call for the elders of the church. They were/are the elders of the church.

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12,13)

"Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit." (James 5:17,18)

Elijah had to understand that his prayer would cause great difficulty for those of that land. They would suffer from the drought. Those circumstances also would give those the opportunity to turn to God. The prayer of Elijah gave those the opportunity to repent toward and trust God, THEN heaven gave rain, and the earth produced fruit.

Hearing and Confessing

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:19-25)

"But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, 'Do not say in your heart, '''Who will ascend into heaven?'''(that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, '''Who will descend into the abyss?'''(that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:6-10)

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(Romans 10:17)

Part of doing the word, after having heard, is to confess it. Confessing the Lord Jesus, in obedience to the word, awakens, reminds, and quickens those who are willing to persevere in His calling. He is our hope and His life our confession: from the new birth through to our bearing our cross, following Him. The word of faith in Christ Jesus!

What Faith Is Now

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."

"By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks."

"By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, 'and was not found, because God had taken him'; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God."

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with Godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:1-7)

Certainly, faith is an empowering understanding which turns us to God. The chapter is filled with testimony of those received it.

"And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did 

not receive the promise, God having provided something BETTER for us, that they should not be made PERFECT apart from us. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those mentioned in Chapter 11), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 11:39-12:2)

A good testimony becomes better ("perfect") in the name of Jesus Christ; through faith in Him, believing. Those who seek Him will receive every empowering understanding.